Chapter 296: Real Strength

’...He’s slowed down a little.’ Soren thought as he dodged Leech’s next deadly strike. ’Or... I have already adapted to it...’

He wanted to believe it was the latter, but he had a good idea of why Leech was slowing down. ’He must have noticed that his plan failed and is thinking of another plan.’

Honestly, if it hadn’t been for Core Purge and Hyper Regeneration, he would have been dead many times over by now. The foreign mana Leech had injected him with was chaotic and incompatible, rampaging through his system and nearly shredding his mana pathways from within.

Leech was truly a nightmare of an opponent, and Sore could admit that without shame. Because against anyone else, it would have been a death sentence. It was just unfortunate for Leech that he was anything but ordinary.

In fact, he was benefiting from it in a way even he hadn’t expected. The chaotic mana, once neutralized by Core Purge, had left behind some amount of pure energy that his core greedily absorbed with each passing second. In a way, what should have been a killing blow ended up becoming fuel for his growth.

Still, he couldn’t afford to get complacent now.

’...Perhaps he is communicating with his allies, considering how he stopped cursing.’ Soren guessed again. ’In that case, should I start our plan too?’

Before he could decide, the Leech let out a frustrated roar that echoed across the arena.

"Raven! Switch!"

The next moment, Soren’s vision went dark. He only managed to see a crimson blur shot in the opposite direction before the light returned.

His first instinct was to give chase, but he forced himself to stop. He had the strength and durability to outlast the Leech, but catching a 6th circle Awakened who specialized in agility was another matter entirely.

Besides, he had already gotten what he wanted from him. So chasing him now would only waste energy and put him in a worse position.

’Let’s recover some mana instead,’ he muttered inwardly and took out a few potions and gulped them down in quick succession.

’Be careful.’ Just then, a familiar voice echoed in his mind. ’In fact, it’s better if you stop now. Nullifier’s strength is on a completely different level. Even I am unable to hold him back. All I am doing is just dodging. And... He’s yet to use his full power. I am sure of it.’

’...Thank you for the warning, Commander Ervin.’ Soren replied. ’Leech is dangerous too. If you can, don’t let him touch you.’

’Understood.’

Commander Ervin replied in that indifferent tone and cut off the connection.

’...Malakor, let’s put an end to this.’

A moment later, a calm voice answered in his mind. ’...Master, can you buy me a minute or two?’

Soren stared ahead, his gaze locking onto the monstrous figure barreling toward him. Every step sent tremors rippling through the broken ground, fissures spreading outward like the earth itself was buckling under the pressure.

’...I’ll try my best.’

───────

’...’ Aeshvin watched the chaotic arena with an indifferent gaze through Faris. ’Hmm...’

Eventually, his gaze landed on two figures exchanging blows. They were none other than Raven and Soren.

However, since this wasn’t his own body, it was difficult for Aeshvin to keep track of every movement. He could only catch glimpses of their battle through the swirling dust, the constant thunder of impacts shaking the arena like a drum. Then, for a brief moment, the two figures broke apart, only to collide again with enough force to send shockwaves rippling through the air. Dust and debris churned around them as the ground shattered beneath their feet.

’...Synchronization.’

Curiosity winning him over, Aeshvin ended up using a secret technique, and the next moment, the world sharpened before his eyes.

’This is much better...’

He could finally see everything now. And what he saw made him pause.

"BOOOM-!"

The two clashed like opposing storms.

Raven’s fists came down like meteors, each strike shattering the ground where Soren had stood a heartbeat before. Soren used his smaller frame to slip through the gaps between attacks, twisting and weaving with an almost unnatural precision.

He fought back whenever he could, delivering a quick jab to the ribs, a hook to the jaw, each blow landing with a crack that echoed through the arena. But Raven seemed to absorb them without flinching, his massive body pressing forward regardless.

’Soren... he is really strong.’

He could fight against a 6th circle Assassin like Orvane and not die, and even force him to retreat. Heck, he could even fight an anomaly like Raven and hold his ground without being overwhelmed.

’But... strength like that only takes you so far.’

Aeshvin had seen it countless times before. Fighters who could shatter mountains but crumbled the moment their minds were tested. Soren was tough, sure. But toughness of the body meant nothing if the spirit broke first. And he had already brushed against Soren’s spirit once. It wasn’t as solid as the young chef liked to think.

’You’re strong, little chef. But the mind is a game you certainly don’t know how to play.’

His lips curled up as he imagined what expression Soren would make once he found out what was waiting for him beyond the arena. The shock, the despair, the helplessness... It would be a sight worth savoring.

With that pleasant thought lingering, he released the connection. The world blurred, and when he opened his eyes again, he was in front of a door.

He took a step and knocked on it a few times.

"...Who is it?"

A familiar female voice echoed from the inside.

’...Hehe, I finally found you.’ Aeshvin laughed inwardly while composing himself. He leaned slightly toward the door, letting just the right amount of familiarity seep into his voice.

"...It’s me, junior."

"...Princess?" The voice replied, laced with suspicion.

"...Yes." Aeshvin lowered his voice, making it tremble just slightly. "I have been saved thanks to Commander Ervin and your husband’s efforts. However, the enemy launched a surprise attack, and the situation is extremely dire right now. Lord Asad teleported me here to stay and protect you."

"...Why should I trust you?"