A wide smile spread across Ouroboros’s face as he felt the powerful surge of energy and vitality from Decimus Zanis flowing into his flesh and blood, invigorating every cell and pushing his physical form beyond its normal limits.
Decimus had been no ordinary opponent; he was a Peak Sage Tier lifeform, and his mastery over the Law of Shadows had significantly enriched the life essence that Ouroboros now absorbed. The sensation was exhilarating.
"Hahaha, this is incredible!" Ouroboros shouted, unable to hold back his excitement as the newfound strength coursed through him, causing his heart to pound vigorously.
Nearby, Vlad, Jormungandr, and Fafnir exchanged knowing smiles as they observed Ouroboros’s joyous outburst.
Of all the Sky Seed Depravitas, Ouroboros had always possessed the weakest energy reserves. His strength came primarily from his exceptionally resilient and robust physical body. The new influx of vitality from Decimus’s Peak Sage essence had finally elevated him to a new Level. They were genuinely pleased for him, knowing that this boost would dramatically increase Ouroboros’s capabilities in future battles.
Vlad turned his attention away from Ouroboros and carefully began examining Decimus’ space ring, armor, and dagger. Decimus’s armor was very powerful, but the battle against Janus and the Depraivtas left it unserviceable. The dagger was still in good condition and could be sold at a very good price.
Inside the space ring was a multitude of valuable items, including precious weapons, artifacts, and an impressive variety of treasures. However, something unsettling caught Vlad’s keen attention. Many of the weapons and artifacts were stained with traces of dried blood, suggesting a dark history.
"Hmm," Vlad remarked thoughtfully, picking up a helmet with a cut on the back, "It appears Decimus had a rather grim habit. He seemed to keep souvenirs from the victims he killed."
The Depravita of Wrath smiled coldly, a subtle acknowledgment of the irony. Now, the spoils of Decimus’s countless acts of brutality had become rewards for Vlad and his allies. It was a fitting conclusion, one Vlad deeply appreciated.
"Now that Decimus is dead, this place is safe. We will rest for twenty minutes before making our move." Vlad spoke to the group.
Ouroboros, Fafnir, and Jormungandr nodded silently, their bodies relaxing visibly. They quickly sat down cross-legged on the coliseum floor, each entering a meditative state to recover their spent energy and heal the lingering exhaustion and wounds from the intense battle.
The minutes passed quietly in the subterranean coliseum beneath the Hunter’s Guild. Once the predetermined time had elapsed, each Depravita reopened their eyes simultaneously, exchanging firm nods filled with resolve. Restored and prepared, the group ascended cautiously toward the first level of the Hunter’s Guild.
Moving stealthily, the Sky Seed Depravitas advanced upward, carefully peering through windows. Immediately, they noticed the presence of the Legendary Dino Warrior high in the sky, constantly surveying the city, searching for intruders.
Vlad’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the sentinel. It was clear it would not simply leave, so they would have to escape while the Legendary Dino Warrior was still on watch. Luckily, they had already planned for this.
The Depravita of Wrath gave a subtle nod toward Jormungandr. The small yellow cat acknowledged silently, swiftly producing a tiny metallic gem from his storage. With a focused pulse of energy, Jormungandr activated the device.
Instantaneously, thousands of metallic spheres scattered within the heart of the mansion at the center of the city flared brilliantly, releasing synchronized explosions. In an instant, the city’s core erupted into chaos.
"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!"
The Legendary Dino Warrior was designed explicitly to defend critical infrastructure, and there was nothing more important than the core. Without hesitation, it abandoned its current patrol route and dashed toward the source of danger with astonishing speed. Its programming prioritized defending vital installations above all else, making the disturbance impossible to ignore.
"Now!" Vlad’s voice echoed through the minds of the Depravitas, instantly galvanizing them into action.
Without missing a beat, the entire group surged forward simultaneously. Vlad manipulated the fabric of space effortlessly, slipping through spatial cracks with precision, covering thousands of meters with every single jump.
Ouroboros, invigorated by the essence of Decimus and the full might of his Runci Set, moved with explosive agility, his powerful physique carrying him swiftly through the city. He was not alone since on his shoulder there was a small yellow cat that was constantly charging energy.
Fafnir’s body had partially transformed into an ethereal form of solidified light. Although his speed approached that of Ouroboros, Fafnir’s dexterity was limited. Luckily, the path was straight, so that was not really a problem now.
As the team managed to leave the inner ring and reach the outer ring, confidence grew within them as they sensed the Legendary Dino Warrior had been thoroughly distracted. However, just when the final walls appeared in their sight, a sudden and terrifying pressure fell upon them, accompanied by a piercing gaze filled with murderous intent.
The Sky Seed Depravitas instantly realized the Legendary Dino Warrior had noticed their escape attempt and redirected its terrifying attention toward them once again.
"Move faster!" Vlad’s urgent shout spurred them onward, adrenaline surging through each Depravita’s body.
The Dino Warrior approached with thunderous might, shaking the sky. Sensing imminent death approaching, Jormungandr reacted without hesitation, summoning gigantic serpents of lightning-infused fire. These flaming serpentine constructs surged from with his Depravita Aura, shooting forward toward the Dino Warrior with explosive power.
The colossal guardian swung its immense axe effortlessly, obliterating Jormungandr’s lightning-fire serpents one after another. Each strike from the sentinel’s weapon contained enough raw force to cleave mountains and split seas, demonstrating a terrifying power far beyond what a Peak Sage could do.
Yet, even these brief moments of distraction proved invaluable, buying Vlad, Ouroboros, and Fafnir precious time. Vlad exploited every spatial rift he could find, teleporting rapidly across thousands of meters in mere seconds. Ouroboros and Fafnir followed closely behind, their movements fueled by desperation.
At last, after what felt like an eternity, they crossed the outer walls and left the city. The guardian ceased pursuit, having fulfilled its programmed duty of forcing intruders away from the city.