Upon glimpsing the phoenix on Benjamin's hand, a flicker of surprise flashed in Dragon Doctrine's eyes. But it was momentary, and soon the creature regained its composure. Even though it had suffered significantly from the celestial event, the Dragon Doctrine was still brimming with confidence about easily vanquishing the human before it. But before it could revel in its superiority, the phoenix in Benjamin's hand transformed into a beam of light, shooting straight at the approaching whirlwind. As it did so, an ear-piercing cry resonated. BOOM! BOOM! Immediately, the phoenix and the whirlwind collided, resulting in an explosive clash. Yet, the whirlwind couldn't withstand the phoenix's fiery might and was swiftly dispersed. The phoenix, in all its blazing glory, shot towards the Dragon Doctrine. Witnessing this scene, disbelief clouded Dragon Doctrine’s eyes, and its roar was filled with sheer indignation. "How can this be?" it thundered. Yet, barely moments after its outcry of
Despite having consumed it, an insatiable craving lingered in his mouth. With slight hesitation, Benjamin once again reached for another fruit, surrendering to its delicious call.Thus, in a state of trance, three Thousand-Year Fruits met their end. The once turbulent spiritual energy inside Benjamin began to simmer down. Upon consuming the fourth, it appeared to have halted entirely, with Benjamin's body showing no signs of reaction.Suddenly, Benjamin's movements ceased, and an electric jolt surged from within him. An immense force erupted, causing the very air around him to quake with intensity.After what seemed like an eternity, Benjamin stood up, feeling an augmented vitality, easily multiple times stronger than before. He felt so powerful that a mere punch might have the strength to vanquish a formidable beast.Of course, this might have been an illusion, a side effect of consuming such a potent fruit. Even so, his newfound strength hadn't yet transcended his current level, lea
In this fleeting moment, a storm brewed within the heart of Dragon Doctrine, filled with seething fury. By day, he had been robbed of a bounty of spiritual fruits by none other than Benjamin. And as night embraced the world, this very human dared to bring forth a horde of Crimson Devil Confinement Technique to launch an assault against him.Would that he were not injured, he would've dearly loved to strike down this deceitful human with one blow."Hold on a moment, Dragon Doctrine." Benjamin began, his voice laced with playful chiding: "It's a misunderstanding, really. I've been oppressed by these Crimson Devils. I merely hoped to seek your unparalleled power for aid to fend them off. If you’re unwilling, then I shall take my leave."Having spoken, it seemed Benjamin intended to truly depart from this battleground. Panic surged through Dragon Doctrine. For upon their appearance, these menacing entities locked their eyes solely on him. Particularly the Crimson Devil Confinement Techniq
Nevertheless, the crux of the matter was that, at this juncture, Benjamin found himself unable to casually wield Phoenix. Even after harnessing the power of the Thousand-Year Fruit, significantly amplifying his prowess, Phoenix remained an energy he had derived from a mysterious stone during his previous sojourn with the Washingtons.Up to this point, Phoenix hadn't formally consented to Benjamin's unbridled use. Every time he unleashed it, the energy stored within him was profoundly drained.Consequently, he would only resort to using Phoenix in dire situations; he was loath to do so whimsically.Now, facing several guards employing the Crimson Devil Confinement Technique and the onslaught of its collective might, Benjamin's countenance darkened, hinting at his growing unease."Dragon Doctrine elder, allow me to come to your aid!"Just then, with a swiftness that belied the gravity of the situation, Benjamin’s figure darted, charging toward Dragon Doctrine’s position.Seeing this, Dr
"Benjamin, are you unscathed?" As the last of the Crimson Devil Confinement Technique's body fell to the ground, concern washed over Ancel's pallid face, his gaze darting towards Benjamin.Beside him, Caroline appeared equally weary, but she bore her exhaustion with a grace that made it far less evident than Ancel's.Heaving a sigh of relief, a soldier remarked: "Finally, these monsters have been eradicated. Truly, I feel as if the life has been drained from me."The sight of the final Crimson Devil Confinement Technique dispatched left the soldiers visibly drained, some collapsing to the ground, their faces etched with deep fatigue and a touch of despair."What do you think you're doing? On your feet, all of you!" Ancel's voice cut through the still air, sharp and demanding: "Clean this mess and then, and only then, may you rest. Lest the scent of fresh blood draws more of those abominations to us."His reprimand struck a chord, and the soldiers exchanged uneasy glances. Though they
Feeling Benjamin's scrutinizing gaze, a shiver of unease ran down Dragon Doctrine's spine. But it quickly regained composure, its nostrils flaring in evident anger."Human, my patience has limits. If you won't depart..."Before it could finish, Benjamin's figure vanished, only to reappear in a burst of motion. A dark shadow then lunged from above, aiming straight at him.Boom!Benjamin rolled away, his heart pounding as he realized the looming shadow of Crimson Devil Confinement Technique King was hovering mere inches from where he had stood.Sizzle...A blood-red beam shot from the creature's eyes, scorching the earth where Benjamin had fallen. The land around it withered instantaneously, and even the soil began to disintegrate.Witnessing this, Ancel's face paled, while Benjamin's eyes betrayed a hint of awe. He hadn't anticipated that Dragon Doctrine would ally with the Crimson Devil Confinement Technique King to attack him."Hmph, human, you dared to deceive me. Today, I'll grind
At that very moment, Ancel, Caroline, and a few others converged, ceaselessly striking at the roots with relentless fervor. Yet, these roots seemed innumerable. Moreover, their fortitude was not to be underestimated.Ordinary attacks seemed futile against their defenses. Yet, channeling their inner energy against these roots, both Ancel and Caroline found themselves expending significant effort.Thus, after what seemed like an eternity in battle, the duo's complexion began to pale noticeably. Even Venn was panting heavily, sweat and blood marking his visage.Witnessing this, a crease of worry formed on Benjamin's brow. He had managed to sever dozens of these roots, yet they emerged as if from an inexhaustible source, re-sprouting and assailing him once more.Undoubtedly, these roots targeted Benjamin in significantly larger numbers compared to the others. Yet, with his unmatched prowess, they fell as swiftly as they rose."Hmm, it appears only unique tactics will rid us of this Spirit
Caroline and Ancel exchanged silent, yet profound glances upon hearing Benjamin’s words. Whatever silent accord they might have reached remained veiled, but seeing their bickering cease, Benjamin signaled Venn to halt the troops.Of course, they couldn't rest just anywhere. Under Benjamin’s guidance, the unit retreated slightly, finding an open, level patch of land. Once settled, Benjamin summoned both Ancel and Caroline, seeking counsel.Upon hearing Benjamin's strategy, a cloud of disapproval darkened Ancel's brow.Spotting this, Caroline interjected: "Benjamin, this is perilous. Perhaps I should accompany you while the captain leads the troops back. What say you?""Nay!" Both Ancel and Benjamin chorused. A moment of shared confusion ensued as their eyes met."Cough, Captain, Caroline, my decision is final. Both of you remain and ensure our soldiers’ safety. I shall venture into the relics. This place holds no promises of safety, so be ever vigilant. Should peril arise, send a distr