"Using magic power for regeneration..."
Lefiya stared at the scene in utter bewilderment.
The crimson particles were undoubtedly magical energy.
A monster capable of chanting spells was already unprecedented, but one that could use magic to heal itself was beyond comprehension!
"That thing regenerated itself with magic while casting another spell?"
"Doesn't that mean it could heal at any time?"
"Then why did it delay its recovery earlier... was it a trap?"
Tiona and Tione spoke in rapid succession, their words revealing a chilling truth that made the group shudder.
Despite being capable of instant healing, it had deliberately shown weakness.
There could only be one explanation—it was setting a trap, luring them in!
And most likely preparing a lethal strike!
Had they actually broken through the vine armor and flower armor, braved the rain of tentacles, what awaited them would have been that certain killing blow!
"This creature... possesses combat intelligence?"
Eiji drew a sharp breath.
No wonder his danger sense had been screaming earlier!
Thankfully Finn had ordered their retreat—the consequences otherwise would have been unthinkable. Someone might truly have died here!
"—Burn burn burn, vortex of flames, crimson lotus barrier, roar of purgatory flames, bestow upon me the storm's power to seal the world, scorch the skies, scorch the earth, scorch the oceans, scorch the lakes, scorch the mountains, scorch all life, reduce everything to charred soil and unleash a howl of grief and wrath, for my fallen heroes!"
"Dance, atmospheric spirits, masters of light, I contract with the forest's guardian deity, may the earth's song envelop and protect us—"
The monster's chant and Riveria's incantation proceeded simultaneously.
Yet the enemy's spellcasting shook Riveria and Lefiya to their core as fellow mages.
This was an "ultra-long chant."
Moreover, performed at a "high-speed casting" pace that even elven royalty couldn't match.
The monster's magical prowess far surpassed Riveria's!
This was the undeniable truth both comprehended from their dueling incantations.
The enemy was loading terrifying amounts of magic into this bombardment at frightening speed.
The sheer intensity of this magical pulse made even Eiji's heart tremble, momentarily feeling as though he faced a dragon roaring at the heavens.
Swish!
Swish!
Within seconds, with Lefiya's support, all frontline fighters had regrouped.
"Everyone take cover inside Riveria's barrier!"
Finn assessed the situation and issued the most precise command.
"Manifest as a luminous sylvan bulwark to shield us, my name is Alf!"
Riveria swung her staff.
With a resonant cry, she unleashed her ultimate defensive magic.
"—Dimension·Intercept!"
An emerald magic circle expanded beneath their feet, its radiant light forming a hemispherical verdant domain that enveloped all fourteen members including the caster.
This barrier magic could intercept all forms of attack—physical or magical—sustained by Riveria's immense mana reserves.
Meanwhile.
The high-speed ultra-long chant reached its climax.
"—Purgatory Tempest!"
In that instant, the entire world turned crimson.
The enemy unleashed a vast storm of flames, like the fire giant Surtr bringing forth fiery calamity!
A tsunami-like wave of fire roared forth, filling Riveria's vision with a searing crimson hue.
The enormous wave of flames engulfed the monster horde, swallowed the emerald barrier, and covered over half the floor.
The monsters didn't even have time to scream before being reduced to ashes in an instant.
All that could be heard was the howling of the inferno, all that could be seen was an ocean of fire glowing red like molten iron.
"Ugh...!"
At the forefront of the group, the elven royalty couldn't help but buckle at the knees, letting out a heart-wrenching groan.
Crack!
In that dazed moment, a clear shattering sound rang out.
A discordant fissure appeared on the emerald barrier.
This became the catalyst as countless cracks rapidly spread across the entire magical shield.
Witnessing this, Eiji's muscles tensed instantly.
In this moment, there was nothing anyone could do to help Riveria withstand this overwhelming pressure.
"Gareth!"
Riveria shouted sharply.
Boom!
The dwarf immediately understood his comrade's intent. Raising his twin shields and slamming them into the ground, he took a resolute stance behind Riveria.
BOOM!
The barrier finally reached its limit, with Riveria bearing the brunt.
Her body was instantly swallowed by the flames, vanishing from everyone's sight.
"Riveria!"
"GAAAAH!"
Following Ais's anguished cry, Gareth took up the mantle. His short frame stood at the vanguard, appearing incredibly dependable in that instant.
Yet to everyone's despair, even Gareth's peerless defense was being steadily eroded by the raging flames, his footing being pushed back inch by inch.
"Everyone, link hands!"
Facing this desperate situation, Eiji took a deep breath.
He then positioned himself behind Gareth and shouted, spreading his back as wide as possible.
Without hesitation.
Everyone complied.
One after another, hands pressed against his back.
Eiji in turn placed his hands against Gareth's back.
In that instant, he channeled his magical energy in an unprecedented manner - circulating it through their connected hands into the others' bodies, creating a temporary circuit among everyone.
This technique required complete, unreserved trust in him to succeed.
The slightest resistance would cause their bodies to reject Eiji's magic.
Yet at this moment, not a single failure occurred.
Everyone placed their absolute faith in him.
"Then I can't let you down either!"
Eiji's eyes widened, blood vessels bulging alarmingly.
He forcibly overrode his survival instincts, drawing forth more magic from the depths of his soul to push his current limits!
BOOM!
The massive wave of fire finally breached Gareth's shields, lifting him bodily off the ground.
But the pressure from behind forced his shoulders down.
Without a word, Gareth stood as the vanguard at the very front, resolutely facing the raging inferno.
The roaring flames swept over them, engulfing all their figures.
Within mere seconds, the gray earth was dyed crimson, then charred completely black.
The entire 59th floor was transformed into a blazing inferno by just a single spell, its power far surpassing Lefiya's Volley Fire Javelin and Riveria's Ragnarok Laevateinn.
"Ahaha, ahahahaha...!"
The Demi Spirit stood there.
Everything before her eyes had turned to scorched earth, and she couldn't help but laugh with joy.
Until the dust settled.
Her laughter abruptly ceased.