After an initial round of probing, I realized this battle couldn't drag on. The Greater Elemental Spirit not only possessed overwhelming power but was also constantly healing itself using high-level skills. If I didn't finish it quickly, its superior stamina would wear me down first.
"All in it is!" My fighting spirit surged. I activated my skills and dashed toward the central eye at top speed.
The sharp legs of mine all aimed directly at its weak points. This time, I was determined not to let it react. But just as I was about to strike, a blinding light burst from the Spirit's body.
"Damn it! This is—!"
I instantly activated [Flash] and teleported to the side to avoid the counterattack. A wave of green energy radiated from the Spirit's body, spreading out and destroying everything within dozens of meters. Nearby trees burned to ashes, the ground split apart, and giant boulders were crushed into rubble.
Healing and defense in a single move? It's too strong...
With no other options, I shot out my [Multi-Form Silk] to form a web around it, trying to restrict its movements.
As expected, being a boss isn't something that comes easy...
Even though its stats and skills were fewer than mine, its perfect coordination of every movement and technique left almost no openings for me to exploit.
The Spirit quickly realized my intention. It used [Spirit Magic: Wind], summoning a whirlwind that tore apart the entire silk web. At the same time, dozens of sharp wind blades shot out, directly targeting me.
I activated [Invincible Shield] to block the strike, but the pressure from the assault was too overwhelming—my shield started to crack little by little. Each wind blade, though small, carried immense power, forcing me to retreat step by step.
Even so, the Spirit took reflected damage in return, causing it to stagger slightly and giving me the opportunity to reposition myself farther from it.
"You have to face it head-on! Attacking intermittently or from range will only give it time to heal more!"
I know, let me think
After hearing Seina's warning, an idea suddenly popped into my head.
I smirked.
Alright then. Let's see how much endurance you've got.
I simultaneously activated [Diamond Body] and [Invincible Shield], then dashed straight at the Spirit at top speed.
Yes,
My plan was to go all-in with a full-frontal clash!
From earlier attempts, I had realized its outer shell wasn't as hard as my [Diamond Body]. With this approach, I could also grind some experience for [Elemental Magic Resistance], since I would focus purely on charging forward without dodging or defending.
But the Spirit didn't sit idly by.
[Spirit Magic: Wind].
A massive tornado formed, wind blades shooting at me from every direction. I tried to dodge using [Flash], but the attacks were too dense—some blades still managed to graze my armor.
No big deal!
It's fine, keep pushing forward!
I created a silk line and latched it onto a large boulder nearby, pulling myself out of the cyclone's center. But before I could stabilize, the Spirit changed tactics and launched a new series of attacks.
[Spirit Magic: Ice].
I heard the ground cracking beneath my feet. Ice began to spike upward, forming massive spears aimed right where I stood. I used [Heaven Eye] to predict their trajectory, desperately searching for a gap to escape through.
But the surroundings were gradually being frozen, making it harder for my silk to stick to anything.
So that's its strategy...
However, the Spirit didn't just use magic straightforwardly. It continuously combined [Spirit Magic: Wind] and [Spirit Magic: Ice], creating a blizzard of whirling ice blades that left me with no room to get close.
This is seriously tough…
I thought, feeling the pressure steadily increasing.
I shot out more silk. Though the icy surfaces reduced its effectiveness, it still allowed me to form a temporary defensive net. However, the Spirit quickly shattered it with [Spirit Magic: Earth]. Massive stone pillars shot up from the ground, piercing through the silk as if it were nothing but a fragile film.
I can't keep going like this…
Time for plan B…
I activated [Heaven's Net], forming a massive web that engulfed the Spirit. This web not only restrained the enemy's movement, but was also laced with powerful corrosive poison from [Venomous Fangs], which began wearing down its armor bit by bit.
Now it's my turn!
I dove down from above, all my front limbs glowing with venom, aiming straight for the central eye. But at that exact moment, the Greater Spirit unleashed a blinding flash of light.
[Spirit Magic: Lightning].
Dozens of lightning bolts struck the area around me, causing explosive shockwaves. I endured it using [Diamond Body], but the sheer pressure from the strikes left small cracks in my armor.
Flash!
I teleported out of the danger zone, panting heavily. But before I could recover, the Spirit switched to another attack.
[Spirit Magic: Fire].
Flames roared fiercely, engulfing the entire battlefield. Spiraling fire pillars rushed at me, forcing me to dodge repeatedly. Even so, the extreme heat began to scorch my body.
It didn't hurt much, but the effects were still a real pain. My diamond-coated body was gradually heating up.
I had to escape—now.
With no other option, I plunged straight through the ring of fire, searching for an opening to get closer to the central eye. But every step I took forward, the Spirit countered with another move.
[Spirit Magic: Water].
A sudden tidal wave surged toward me, sweeping me far away.
"Damn it, it's too persistent!"
I gritted my teeth, realizing its endurance far exceeded my expectations.
Its magical attacks weren't necessarily lethal to me, but they were incredibly annoying.
Then I finally saw my chance. During its chain casting of magic, I noticed it needed a brief moment to gather energy between spells. That moment was the only window I had to get in.
Alright, it's all or nothing!
I pushed my speed to the absolute limit and charged straight at the Spirit. My front limbs lit up brilliantly, maximally enhanced by [Venomous Fangs] and [Blade Leg].
Take this!
Just as I was about to reach the central eye, the Spirit suddenly shone even more intensely.
A massive surge of energy gathered at the central eye, forming a giant sphere of light. I immediately recognized it wasn't a regular attack.
"Damn it... it's charging up a super skill!"
The sphere grew larger, emitting beams of energy that pierced through space, obliterating everything in their path. The air around it grew heavy, as though being drained by the enormous force.
This is…
I could clearly feel an overwhelming pressure, just like when I fought the Dark Witch.
It felt like I was being completely swallowed.
Seina shouted in my mind: "Shiraori, don't let it finish that move! If you do, you won't stand a chance!"
I paused briefly, watching the growing light, and understood—this was the decisive moment.
I had decent defensive skills, so I wasn't too worried about dying, but it would still be a one-for-one gamble. If the EXP from this boss wasn't enough to trigger an immediate evolution, I'd be stuck in a broken-down body afterward.
Too dangerous!
I have to do something… right now!
Come on…!!
Is there any skill I can use?
I scanned my skill list again and again, until I finally made a decision.
This is the only way!
The light from the Great Spirit continued to expand, its pressure making the surrounding air feel like it had solidified. The energy orb at its central eye grew ever more radiant—I could sense the massive surge of power about to erupt.
No turning back.
I muttered to myself and simultaneously activated [Diamond Body], [Invincible Shield], and [Spirit's Protection]. A brilliant diamond sheen coated my armor, while the glow of spirit light enveloped my body like a sacred flame.
Benediction.
My voice deepened as I activated the final skill. A divine wave of energy surged over my body, amplifying all my senses and power several times over.
Check status…
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HP: 620/620
MP: 4065/4065 (+400)
SP: 660/660
Attack: 71030 (+387)
Defense: 71372 (+380)
Magic: 104950 (+379)
Speed: 108355 (+427)
Naiwa!
Those stats are insane!
So this is what my full-buffed stats look like? Totally broken...
I'd been a little worried before, but seeing this definitely put me at ease.
However, activating so many skills at once put immense strain on my body—it began to tremble under the pressure. My SP was dropping like crazy. There was no more time to hesitate.
Gritting my teeth, I charged straight toward the orb of light at top speed.
Sensing my intent, the Great Spirit immediately intensified its assault while still charging up that devastating technique.
I have to stop it!
Suddenly, dozens of lightning bolts from its thunder magic rained down where I was headed, blasting the ground and carving deep craters. I spammed [Flash], narrowly dodging the bolts, but due to my unfamiliarity with the new speed, I ended up slamming straight into a rock wall.
That crash probably dealt more damage than its magic!
...Yeah, that was dumb of me.
No time to dwell on it—press on!
I twisted my body midair, ready to strike again, when a snowstorm suddenly formed, sharp ice spears shooting out from all directions. I created a silk barrier using [Multi-Form Silk], but several icicles still pierced through and struck the diamond armor, leaving faint cracks.
At this point, its attacks hardly did any damage—my stats were too high—but the problem was that I couldn't finish it off quickly either, and my buffs were about to run out.
Just three minutes left…!
I realized that continuing to charge blindly wouldn't get me there in time before the Great Spirit finished its attack.
Change of plans!
I used [Multi-Form Silk] to latch onto a large rock and launched myself high into the air. From above, I shot a barrage of toxic threads, wrapping them around the Spirit's body, trying to restrain it.
The Great Spirit reacted instantly.
Massive stone pillars erupted, shattering my web. But that's exactly what I wanted—each thread was already laced with corrosive venom. The poisoned stone began to crumble, breaking apart and destroying part of its armor.
Now then…!
I activated [Blade Leg]. My forelimbs lit up brightly as I dove from the sky.
Spiraling pillars of flame erupted toward me from all directions. Gritting my teeth, I used [Diamond Body] to charge straight through. Fire raged around me, but I didn't stop.
Then, a huge tidal wave crashed against me, knocking me back. But I quickly shot out [Multi-Form Silk], grabbed onto a boulder, and pulled myself back.
"That's enough!" I roared, activating every last bit of strength I had. With forelimbs empowered by [Venomous Fangs] and [Benediction], I plunged them into the Spirit's central armor.
Its armor trembled, emitting a shrill shriek. Cracks began to form, spreading rapidly across its entire body.
But just as I thought I had my chance, the Great Spirit radiated a blinding light. A massive energy storm exploded from its central eye, launching me far away once more.
Damn it…
I gritted my teeth, feeling serious damage throughout my body. Even with my absurd stats, I still couldn't withstand that?
"Heal!"
Ah, that's better.
Thanks, Meradis.
Seina shouted, "Shiraori! If you don't finish it now, it'll complete its skill and everything will be over!"
I didn't reply, my eyes locked on the Spirit's central eye, now visibly weakened.
Alright, let's bet it all!
I triggered [Flash] one final time and shot toward it.
As I closed in, the Great Spirit released one last blinding light—but it was too late. My forelimbs pierced through its central armor and stabbed straight into the energy core.
Brilliant light engulfed everything.
I felt an immense surge of energy flood into me, even as the Great Spirit dissolved into countless particles of light and faded into the air.
The space around me grew quiet once more. Only I remained, gasping for breath, my body still glowing from the power I'd absorbed.
We did it…
Good thing I finished it off before it completed that attack!
The effects of the skills faded, and I could clearly feel my stats plummeting. It was like all my strength had been drained in an instant, leaving me collapsed on the ground.
"Let me help heal you."
Meradis exited the Virtual World and began treating me. My body was still sore and tired, but mentally, I felt a lot better already.
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Oh, this is exactly what I was hoping for...
Four levels in one go?!
That's way beyond what I expected. This means my evolution isn't far off now.
Hehe…
Just imagining that future is enough to make me forget all the pain from the battle.
Another victory in the bag!
Absolutely exhilarating.