However, the Fallen Phoenix immediately reacted, flinging a sky full of fire rain. Amidst the continuous explosions, a barrier of light unfurled under the feet of the Sergeant embraced by ghostly spirits, as he deftly dodged in the emptiness where there was nothing to leverage.
Though somewhat disheveled, he managed to dodge the fatal strikes time and again, causing the screams of the Fallen Phoenix to grow even more shrill.
And while the Hero let out a cry of pain, the hair accessory on her head also angrily opened its eyes. The luminous Demon Core emerged, with Gleaming Scales materializing out of thin air and heavily enshrouding the Fallen Phoenix.
Light reflected quickly between the scales, crisscrossing and forming countless lines of light that created a cage, trapping the Fallen Phoenix inside.
[Gleaming Scale Serpent activated the skill: Gleaming Scales(Team D2, Critical Success +30)]
2d207+130=d207(123)+d207(42)+130=295
[The struggle of the Fallen Phoenix (Strength + Constitution)]
D279+d628=d279(195)+d628(224)=419
But under the scornful cry of the Fallen Phoenix, the burning Fire Feathers spiraled layer upon layer, shattering the cage of light in just a few blinks of an eye.
Seizing this opportunity, the White Snake transformed into snow and wind once more, sweeping the Hero back to retreat, while the Sergeant bearing numerous blessings and escorted by dozens of ghostly henchmen also decisively fell back.
In the sky, several Military Mages worked together to erect a Barrier, creating a stable platform of Magic Power, isolating the scattered Poison Fog from the outside, and providing a moment's respite for the Sergeant.
Holy and Dark aura interweaved on his body, emitting a contradictory and abnormal sensation; on ordinary days, the mere presence he exuded could make civilians tremble.
But now, no one focused on the Fourth-Transcendent Expert, not even he himself had the leisure to attend to his wounds, instead gazing solemnly at the sky-covering Fallen Phoenix.
"Truly a Hero..." the Cruising bishop was casting spells rapidly, removing negative Statuses from the Sergeant, and could not help but cast his gaze towards the sanctified and dazzling figure in the distant sky.
After all, he had personally dyed her hair, and that slight color difference did not hinder him from recognizing Lady Saintess.
And further away, among the soldiers and Adventurers urgently retreating, the Foreign Soul Messenger and others, while running, couldn't help but look back.
The battle in the distant sky was like fireworks blooming, yet the huge Magic Power fluctuations made it clear that it was an encounter that could easily destroy countless lives, and they did not even have the qualification to intervene.
The Foreign Soul Messenger clenched her fists in frustration but suddenly caught sight of a red glow quickly passing overhead, fleeing forward at a speed even faster than theirs.
"Is that... a ladybug?"
The Foreign Soul Messenger whispered in surprise, then became aware of an unusual commotion around her and swiftly turned her head.
From all directions, a large number of Magic Creatures had emerged at some point, all running for their lives, completely ignoring the Humankind just inches away, desperately fleeing in the direction away from the volcano.
A heavy feeling sank into the Foreign Soul Messenger's heart, her eyes scanning towards the distance— the Poison Cloud had already filled the entire Central Volcano Region, slowly yet unstoppably seeping through the narrows blasted at the Forbidden Melting Peak, spreading across the entire Highland!
Many Magic Creatures fell to the ground convulsing the moment they were enveloped in the Poison Cloud; some never moved again, while others rose with twisted, horrifying gestures, lashing out violently at their own kind.
A Goblin's ear-piercing and mad laughter stood out distinctly amidst the chaos.
The entire Highland began to erupt in turmoil.
Seeing this, the neighboring Sergeant who had taken over command also grew pale.
"Close ranks! Fire the signal flares!"
He bellowed at the top of his lungs.
"Alert the troops stationed at the checkpoint! The Arcane Surge! The Arcane Surge is coming!!"