After uttering those words, Vlad jumped onto the summon, comfortably lying on its back. "It has no use in the battlefield since even a Level 5 demonic beast could kill it. However, we can use it to travel through the air."
Freya and Jormungandr stared at Vlad for a moment before also jumping onto the back of the summon. The next second, it waved its dark wings, rising into the air. Despite the added weight, the summon soared effortlessly into the sky, making it clear it still had a lot of strength.
Vlad waved his hand, unleashing a stream of demonic fire over the city to consume everything, before commanding the demonic soul to march forward, heading closer to Radiance City, the capital of the Azarin Empire.
The speed of the demon summon was about seventy percent of Vlad and Freya’s speed on foot, despite the creature being able to fly, but it was more than enough for the trio. This method was more comfortable and safe, allowing them a broader field of view so they could detect any threat from a distance. Not to mention that the time could be used productively.
Vlad continued inspecting the information gathered by the A.I. Chip, using simulations to improve the soul integrity percentage. The A.I. Chip could do it on its own, but Vlad’s feedback accelerated the speed and improvement of the process.
Freya, on the other hand, focused on her energy. While her strongest path of power was the Totem Strength System, she did not neglect the Level System. After all, there was a reason why it was the main system of power in the universe.
Jormungandr also concentrated on his A.I. Chip, focusing on his alchemy. Just like Vlad, the small yellow cat was in the process of creating a type of tool that would benefit the entire Xaos Kingdom, but the complexity of this one was extremely high. It would take a long time before he could yield resources, but the Depravita of Gluttony did not lack patience.
After five hours of flying, the summon was forced to descend as its energy levels were dangerously low. The demonic summon could not replenish its energy on its own, and if it continued to diminish, it would disperse mid-air. Vlad sent the summon back to the parchment and infused it with his energy, restoring it to its full splendor. The trio got back onto the eagle and continued their flight.
The demonic summon fly was so calm that they were even able to sleep on top of it, making the journey extremely relaxing.
As the light began to fade the next day, they encountered a new town on their path. Like the previous one, it was inhabited only by demonic beasts. It seemed they would not find any signs of human life in this city.
Vlad signaled for the summon to descend, and Freya leaped into the city, swiftly massacring all the demonic beasts and crippling the demon Champion. After sealing the demon’s soul in a new parchment, the trio continued on their way.
This pattern continued for four more days before they finally caught a glimpse of the border of Radiance City. Immediately, the trio noticed a significant difference. Vlad’s eyes narrowed as he realized the place was different due to the golden sky that stretched above the entire city.
The solemnity in Vlad’s eyes grew as he saw how the demonic summon weakened as they approached the golden sky. He sent a command, stopping outside its range, and unleashed the power of the A.I. Chip to analyze the phenomenon.
[Beep! Analyzing phenomenon!
Divine Force detected. The golden sky is a manifestation of an immense spell. The caster is determined to be at least that of a Guardian Tier life form!]
A flash of dread crossed Vlad’s eyes as he heard the analysis from the A.I. Chip. ’An energy pool needed to cast such a massive spell should be around Level 16! Is the Azarin Empire really that powerful!?’
The power and nature of Goddess Lucia became increasingly mysterious and dangerous, and Vlad’s questions about her kept rising. He was genuinely baffled as to how a life form that obtained access to the paths of power less than a year ago could become so strong.
’Is there any type of scanning force in the spell domain?’ If there were a scanning power in the golden sky, Vlad would not risk going in, but luckily that did not seem to be the case.
[Beep! Scanning for additional properties...
There is no scanning power in the force field. The barrier’s primary function is deterrence and suppression of demonic entities.]
Relief washed over Vlad as he read the final analysis. Without a scanning function, their presence wouldn’t be detected.
Vlad sent the signal, and the demonic summon flew into Radiance City. Under the golden sky, its power weakened even more, and he analyzed it to gain a clear understanding of its influence.
[Beep! Further analysis of the Divine Force spell.
Physical attributes of the demonic summon weakened by 50%.
No detectable effect on the Host or other members of the group.]
Just as the A.I. Chip analyzed, the domain seemed to affect a specific class, marking demons particularly. If it could target individuals, it would become a nightmare.
As they flew deeper into the golden sky, Vlad heightened his senses and made sure to keep the A.i. Chip ready to block any scanning force that might arise in their path. After a few more hours of flying, the Depravitas of Wrath, Depravita of Gluttony, and the viking princess saw in the distance the first signs of a human town, bustling with activity and full of people.
Vlad carefully guided the demonic soul to land and stored it in his space ring before walking forward with Freya and Jormungandr. It would be the first time the trio had a real encounter with the people of the Azarin Empire.