Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

992  Chapter 992- Spectral Threat (2)

In fact, they were only safe right was because of the mystical properties of the True Gold that blocked all the foreign energy outside. If not for it, they would have been engulfed in the dark murky green energy by now.

Simon looked at Itherion…the fact that he only mentioned the plan now, must mean that there was a downside to it.

As he had expected the next words from Itherion basically confirmed his suspicions.

"However, if I use the True gold to protect myself as well as Vincent, it will temporarily weaken the shield's strength. Which you and that demon will be left vulnerable".

Rothgard fell silent, both plans carried risk. If they just used the artefact, Vincent would be left in a state of danger after its duration ran out. However, if both Vincent and Itherion left, the shield's strength would reduce drastically, causing him and Simon to fall into a state of danger.

If it was just him, Rothgard would have quickly agreed without hesitation; after all, he was a dead man who was brought to life by a chance miracle. Since he was supposed to die along with his troops he had no qualms laying his life if it meant it could help his friends. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

However, he was not alone, Simon was also there with him. Although the other party was a Demon Noble, they helped him and the humans to win over the demon horde, no matter how small that victory was. He couldn't just let someone he was indebted to die because of him.

"We do what you say"

Just as Rothgard was keeping silent, mulling over his options, Simon spoke. He looked at the three humans and uttered what was on his mind—

 "We are pressed for time, we do not have the option to dilly dally. If we don't do anything soon, the effects of the formation will activate. At that time not knowing what the formation does, it would be too late for us to escape from here. There is no other option, it is a risk we must take. Rothgard and I will stay here".

Only he knew the future, the vision where they are forced to fight one another. In that vision, a massive abyss formed at the place they were standing at and there was no sight of him or Rothgard.

 Simon didn't want to repeat the events from the future to know why he was absent from the picture. If there was a way to break the formation, he wanted to get done with it as soon as possible.

The three humans looked at Simon with surprise, they didn't expect the demon to be so decisive, especially when the decision concerned his life.

Vincent's sharp silver eyes studied Simon for a moment, his expression unreadable "You're surprisingly decisive for a demon. I expected more hesitation and selfishness from your kind."

Was it a compliment or mockery? Well given Vincent's character, it was more of the former.

Simon shrugged "I'm a realist. This formation isn't waiting for us to make up our minds, and the clock is ticking. If this is the only way, let's do it."

Itherion glanced at Rothgard, who appeared conflicted but eventually nodded "Fine, then. We'll act quickly. Vincent and I will locate the core and destroy it. Rothgard and… Simon, keep your wits about you. If something happens, try to hold out until we're back."

With that said, the two warriors left the confines of the shield. The golden light surrounding them shimmered as Itherion redirected some of its power to protect Vincent. The two figures moved through the murky green energy with an air of unshakable confidence.

They were just about to begin their search for the core when all of a sudden a garbled laughter rang out across the expanse.

[Kfufufufu...] The voice was fragmented and uneven like broken glass scraping against stone.

As soon as the voice appeared, it was as if the dark murky green energy became alive. It started swirling and converging towards a single point.

Slowly, a grotesque figure began to materialize—a dark green spectre with an otherworldly aura that seemed to distort the very space around it.

"What the hell is that?" Vincent questioned.

"No idea. But it does not look friendly" Itherion answered. The spectre hovered in the air ominously, its form unstable and flickering like a glitch in reality. Its shape constantly shifted along with the same dark green energy that surrounded it.

Two burning crimson eyes peered through murky green energy and settled onto the group below.

[Do you think this king's formation is so easy to break out of? Kfufufu... Pathetic humans. You underestimate me. You will all die here, your existence forever erased from history. This is your fate. Accept it!]

The spectre's words was full of disdain as it laughed at their struggle. Facing the unknown entity that appeared out of nowhere, the group raised their guards.

 "that thing an talk. Is it some kind of ghost?".

Itherion shook his head, the True golden glow exuding from him became even more intense in response to the new threat.

"No, it's different than that. I can't put my hands on it but its very presence feels disturbing. As of seeing something shouldn't be there".

Meanwhile, under the shield, Simon tried using [Appraisal] on the spectre only for his eyes to harden the next second as it was immediately blocked.

Another peak-level existence!! Damn it. How many of these monsters are out here?

While they were observing the spectre, the being? in question continued with its sololiquy.

[Humans and demons... working together? What kind of disgusting abomination is this? The only thing you need to do is fight each other and cause chaos in the world. Hmph. I thought our plan was working perfectly, but then I see this—this mockery]

[A demon noble aiding humans? And humans thanking demons? This is… unacceptable No, I can't let this stand. You're all meddling with the preconceived order of this world. This itself warrants erasing you all!] After giving its one sided declaration, The specter extended its distorted arms, and the dark murky green energy around it surged violently. Happy New Year!!

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