The formation activated and a pillar of blinding ethereal light erupted upwards and pierced the sky, its brilliance cutting across the battlefield like a celestial spear.
The pillar of light drew the attention of the entire battlefield right away. Both soldiers and monsters were baffled by the bright pillar of light, wondering what its origin was. Even commanders at the rear paused mid-command to stare in astonishment.
The two mages were also confused. Watching the pillar of light closely, Eliman was able to recognize it as a weather-altering spell that was rarely used due to its meticulous nature of creation and activation. Its ancient runes glowed ominously, marking it as a spell few could ever master.
He was shocked that someone was able to use such a spell. Since it wasn't himself nor Merla, he believed it was the handiwork of Dragun and he was truly impressed. Deep admiration filled him to overflowing.
When the formation activated, a shaft of blinding ethereal light shot upward, cutting through the black sky. The light expanded like a living thing, pushing back layers of rain and cloud with silent force.
Rain fell slower and then ceased, leaving the air heavy yet still. A hush settled over the land as storm and shadow gave way to brightness.
Dark clouds shredded into pale wisps, drifting away on a breath of warmth. Thunder gave one last roll across the horizon and then died down completely. The lightning also disappeared with the dark clouds.
As the dark clouds and their accomplices vanished, the sun appeared and bathed the land with its beautiful glow, reviving the vigor in the heart of the soldiers and weakening the powers of the monsters who were not used to such bright lights.
The swift changes amazed everyone, even the monsters. Silence followed their utterly astonished reactions.
Eliman and Merla could not believe that they were fortunate to witness such an amazing spell.
The monsters resumed action with even more ferocity.
The soldiers fought back — the swordsmen and martial artists locked in on their opponents.
The archers resumed firing their arrows as light finally appeared.
More low-rank monsters met their end with the combined efforts of the soldiers.
With their sight returned, they easily overpowered their opponents.
As time passed, the population of the low-ranked monsters at the front of the horde was reduced drastically.
Merla summoned more purple hobgoblins that crashed into the hordes and obliterated monsters brutally.
Dragun and Winston also joined the battle; Winston assisted his pair in taking down the large number of low-rank monsters while Dragun went after the stronger ones. Both of them only joined the battle after ensuring Riela's safe return to the village.
Eliman, who was floating above the high-rank monsters, began to rain down multiple blood magic attacks.
Blaze blasted powerful flames at his opponents. It took the place of Black Drifter, targeting the flying monsters.
The battle resumed with as much action as there was in the beginning.
The battle was so intense that no one noticed the disappearance of Rowan.
[ Evolving - 30.99% ]
[ WARNING! BODY IS NEARING ITS LIMIT! ]
[ Evolving - 31.00% ]
Meanwhile, Rowan remained on the ground, rolling in pain.
Despite how much time had passed, he wasn't even halfway through his evolution.
The pain had only grown more unbearable as time went by rather slowly.
If it were someone without the [Resistance] skill, they would be dead barely ten seconds into their evolution, but Rowan managed to pull through tens of minutes, wailing silently while managing the pain.
Suicidal thoughts became a frequent thought.
Death became the only relief to the unbearable pain.
He gave up several times; if he died, he might return to Earth… who knows?
His heart was filled with nothing but negative thoughts. The hope he once held became a lost thought in his mental field.
If an option should appear right now between death and continuing with the evolution, he would definitely pick death.
Black Drifter remained by his side, confused and frustrated, crying painfully into the bright sky as though it was praying to a heavenly being for assistance but none appeared.
Different red prompts appeared frequently.
Unfortunately, the intended recipient was too far gone that he could not hear or even see the messages.
Minutes painfully passed; he finally neared half of the process.
As he reached the 50% mark, the pain began to reduce bit by bit.
His evolution speed also went up by ten times.
Nevertheless, the pain was still as unbearable. Still enough to take the life of anyone.
After about ten minutes, Rowan neared 90%.
The pain had reduced to a merely bearable level; Rowan's senses were returning bit by bit. The occurrence of suicidal thoughts had reduced as well.
But once it hit the 90% mark…
All the pain returned, even more unbearable than before.
Rowan's body could not take it even with Resistance and he lost consciousness. His body was still reacting to the pain but his consciousness vanished.
The evolution speed quickly multiplied by ten.
[ Evolution complete ]
Rowan succeeded in his attempt but his consciousness still hadn't returned.
In a vast dark space, Rowan's consciousness appeared and his eyes opened, staring into the endless dark space that possessed no end.
"Where am I?" came the natural question upon such a situation.
Nature giving an answer, the dark space suddenly transformed — a dark mist appeared, blocking the rest of the vast space, only revealing a tiny distance to Rowan.
Rowan was confused as to what was taking place in front of him.
He looked around but there were no clues.
"Finally, we meet again."
A powerful and sinister yet familiar and friendly voice suddenly spoke to Rowan, causing him to quickly turn in its direction.
Rowan reacted with dread and almost fell on his butt as his gaze fell upon a scary-looking creature wrapped in darkness.