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
In truth, deep within Benjamin's heart, he was profoundly certain that this majestic palace was indelibly linked to the art of immortal cultivation. Even more so, it might just be the very catalyst for the mutation of the beast herd.Of course, these thoughts were mere speculations swirling inside Benjamin's mind. Presently, seeing Phoenix so drawn towards the palace and setting its flight towards it, Benjamin couldn't just stand by and let the creature approach it alone. His form swiftly darted forward. As he sprinted towards the grand palace, numerous beasts grazed past him.In their eyes, it was as if Benjamin was invisible. Or more aptly, their growing fear of something lurking behind them overshadowed any interest they might have in a mere human like Benjamin.At first, he didn't feel any particular unease. However, as he closed in on the palace, a growing sense of foreboding enveloped Benjamin's heart.ROAR!Just as Benjamin was a mere kilometer away from the palace, a fierce be
Thud!Pain shot through Benjamin's body, almost as if he were on the verge of breaking apart. Grimacing, he quickly pushed himself up, taking in his new surroundings.To his surprise, he found himself within a secret chamber, dimly lit. Despite his keen eyesight, it took him a while to discern the details around him.The chamber, considerably smaller than the hall above, had bare walls. But right at its center stood a stone pedestal, upon which rested a metallic plaque.Upon sighting the pedestal and the plaque, caution washed over Benjamin. Unsure of any potential traps, he was however without any means of escape.After a brief hesitation, he approached the stone platform with the utmost caution. Once certain of no imminent danger, he gingerly lifted the metal plaque.The moment his fingertips made contact, a chilling sensation washed over him, so intense that Benjamin nearly shivered in response. Fortunately, the icy sensation dissipated as quickly as it came. Only then did Benjamin
In the embrace of a timeless twilight, Benjamin, after what felt like an eternity of fleeing, found himself confronted by the ominous maw of a dark, looming cave. From within its depths, there emanated intermittent wisps of a chilling, black mist, thicker and more sinister than any he'd encountered before. This cave was noticeably distant from the last one where Benjamin had discovered the sinister Crimson Devil Confinement Technique.Pausing to gather his thoughts, he hesitated just before the cave's entrance. As his gaze briefly skimmed its interior, he realized that despite the day not yet surrendering to night, he could discern nothing within its shadows. Even straining his vision did not reveal the slightest hint of its contents.It was evident: some powerful seal or spell concealed the cave's mysteries. Given Benjamin's exceptional sight, it was unthinkable that he couldn't see into its heart otherwise. Moreover, the restrained ebb and flow of the dark aura oozing from within wa