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
Benjamin, unbeknownst to him, was oblivious to the demonic prince's frenzy over the armor. He held in his hand a command token, under which lay a somewhat tragic corpse. However, a familiar energy emanated from the token, causing his brows to furrow deeply, for a voice resounded urgently within his mind."Chirp chirp!"Deep in thought, Benjamin was roused by Alan's voice. The creature, now the size of a sparrow, perched gracefully upon his shoulder.Recognizing the intention behind the creature's head rubbing against him, a tender smile graced Benjamin's lips: "You did wonderfully." he praised."Chirp chirp!"In response, Alan regurgitated an ancient ring which landed deftly in Benjamin's palm. As it touched his skin, the ring transformed into a golden glow, wrapping around his finger. It was the space ring Benjamin had discovered in the Dragon Palace. Although the spirit inside was dormant, its basic functions remained accessible.Earlier, Benjamin had entrusted this ring to Alan to
Instantly, his face became grave. Only now did he discern the fading form of Alan, with even the flames upon it having waned by more than half. Yet, what was most alarming was the emanating ominous aura from the Demon God's heart, causing Benjamin to jolt and hurriedly shout,"Elder!""Hm?!"Hearing Benjamin's call, an ethereal figure suddenly appeared outside the central region of the altar. Its gaze locked onto the sealed space above the altar."Ha ha ha, foolish humans, my true form is almost here. Once it arrives, I'll reduce the both of you to mere ashes!"Sensing the familiar aura steadily nearing the altar, the Demon God's heart laughed triumphantly.However, a languid voice suddenly intervened,"Quiet!"Following which, an overpowering force, emanating from Benjamin, suddenly descended, shattering the very core of the heart."AHH!"A scream echoed from within. Simultaneously, an ethereal figure, eyes filled with disbelief, turned towards the altar."What is this force?!"Feeli
Boom!Boom!Several blows in succession, and Benjamin had lost track of time. But at this moment, cracks began to appear on the wall before him. They spread and widened until finally, with a full-force punch, the wall collapsed. A vast space revealed itself, stretching out before his eyes.Here, Benjamin beheld a huge sacrificial altar, filling almost the entire space. Above the altar hung a heart. Though he could not ascertain from what creature it was taken, its appearance allowed him to sense an incredibly evil energy, pervading the entire space.Moreover, this evil energy made his mind reel slightly. Were it not for his strong will, Benjamin feared he would have been bewitched by the heart.Instantly, his face marked with caution, he retreated a few steps."This is truly bizarre? How could such an altar appear here?"But just then, stepping back some twenty meters, a sound of great astonishment suddenly came from behind him.Startled, Benjamin quickly turned to see the people who
A few minutes later, a middle-aged man with blonde hair and glasses, holding a laptop, arrived looking somewhat harried and sleep-deprived. He looked toward Red, placed his hand over his chest, and rapidly spoke.“Prince Red, why have you summoned me here? My research is on the brink of completion, needing only one final step. If there's nothing urgent, I would like to return and continue with my work.”After speaking, the middle-aged man seemed incredibly impatient, ready to turn and leave.Seeing this, Red felt slightly annoyed but did not show anger. Instead, his face bore a placating expression, and he hastily replied.“Mr. Steven, I genuinely have a very important matter that requires your assistance. Agat and Orange are in trouble in New Braum, and I want you to go there and bring them back. What do you think?”Red's attitude was extremely humble, a stark contrast to his earlier arrogance and pride.However, Steven seemed not to care, his eyes sweeping the control room in a glan
However, Steven seemed uninterested, his eyes sweeping the control room before he spoke, a little annoyed.“Your Highness Red, such a trivial matter, and you call me here? If you feel overly bored, I can help you with some training time. Within the next twenty-four hours, I assure you that the time spent will not be wasted at all!”Hearing this, Red's eyes showed a hint of fear.Although the man was just a human, his strength was not particularly great. However, Steven's status in the kingdom was very special. He was a scholar, and his creativity was terrifying.Hundreds of years ago, when the kingdom of Autuman was just a small tribe on the planet Namec, their king, then a young man, luckily rescued a human, and this human was the middle-aged man before him, Steven.Harnessing the terrifying breadth of Steven's intellect, in less than a decade, Autuman evolved from a minor tribe, nestled in the wilderness of planet Namec, into a mighty empire. They conquered the entirety of Namec, an
Boom!Boom!Boom!Blood painted the sky, and countless pieces of metal debris littered the ground.A smirk formed on Benjamin's lips. He hadn't expected that after such a long slumber, its power had grown so immense.However, the sight of the scattered armor shards pained him.Such high-quality armor pieces, capable of enhancing a warrior's strength and providing incredible defense, were now in ruins. For someone of Benjamin's caliber, these armors might not pose much challenge, but if equipped by his soldiers, they would have been invaluable assets, exponentially amplifying their combat prowess.Although he felt a twinge of regret, Benjamin didn't blame Alan. Instead, he commended him."Alan, you did splendidly!""Chirp, chirp!"As Benjamin's praise graced his ears, a rush of exhilaration surged through Alan. In mere moments, his form swiftly contracted, taking on the delicate guise of a sparrow, which alighted on Benjamin's shoulder, its chirps melodious and relentless.Witnessing s
"Ha ha ha, I was merely jesting with you." he laughed with ease, his eyes dancing mischievously: "No need to take it so seriously. Anyway, feel free to examine it. It's now mine, and even if you wish, you cannot claim it."With a boisterous laugh, Benjamin, brimming with amusement, effortlessly tossed a ring towards her.Catching a glimpse of his action, a pang of surprise coursed through Fidelma. Still, she reached out, catching the item.Holding the ornate ring in her hand, she felt a strange force emanating from within. The intricate designs adorning it suggested an ancient aura. Fidelma could confidently deduce that this was a space treasure. Its grade was undoubtedly high, surpassing any artifact she had previously encountered in the annals or in the treasury of the Moonlight Religious Sect."Done examining?" His voice hinted at impatience: "If so, kindly return it."Watching Fidelma cradle the ring, almost reluctant to release it, a twitch of amusement played on Benjamin's lips.
Now, even though its headpiece had been severed, it was still far more complete than the other armors.Without hesitation, he approached, with a mere thought, his storage ring's light flared. The entire armor, along with the leader's corpse, was drawn into it.He then surveyed the surroundings once more, detecting no anomalies. Benjamin then proceeded towards Dermot's wooden house atop the hill."Boss, you're not hurt, are you?" asked Azaria, eyeing Benjamin's bloodstained appearance with a hint of concern.Benjamin glanced at him and shook his head."I'm fine; go rest. Tonight, there may be more to do. I'll handle it myself." he said, continuing straight to Dermot's bedroom.Upon seeing Benjamin's bloodied state, Irina suddenly rushed over, her face filled with alarm. She hastily grabbed his hand, her expression fraught with concern."You...you're alright?" she stammered.Seeing her worry, Benjamin merely shook his head without verbally responding. Meanwhile, Dermot emerged from the
Although puzzled, Benjamin refrained from questioning her outright. Instead, his gaze swept the room. Aside from scattered clothing and discarded food on the floor, nothing seemed amiss. It was logical. After all, someone fleeing in a hurry wouldn't leave traces behind."Where did the woman who was in your room go?" he inquired, his sudden question startling Irina, making her let out a soft gasp.At her reaction, Benjamin's eyebrows furrowed, his gaze growing wary: "What did you ask?" she stammered, fear evident in her voice.Reiterating his query but with more firmness, he watched as Irina visibly shrank back, finally murmuring: "She...she said she had something to do and left. Can...can you not look at me like that? I'm truly scared."Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, every word dripping with fear. Benjamin felt a pang of confusion but, before he could react, she threw herself at him, gripping him tightly: "Please don't go. I'm truly terrified. This place... I can't bear to