The battle raged from evening until night, and from night until morning.
Once morning arrived, the black fog started to dissipate significantly, and the monsters slowed down, but the White Bone Giant continued to rampage through Star Town, unstoppable.
By the time the distant lights approached once more, half of Star Town had been cleared.
Everyone was stunned by the scene before them.
After a night had passed, the Puppet Giant was now clad in White Bone Armor, looking even more majestic and imposing, and beneath its feet, collapsed houses and the ashes of monsters were mixed together, creating a vast expanse of ruins.
People did not doubt what they saw and assumed it was simply the Giant’s own ability.
Rod jumped down from the Giant, and Molly flew towards him like a wisp of fog, attaching to him.
"Molly, last night... what were you doing?"
The fog roamed over his body as if inspecting him.
"You’re not injured."
Rod felt puzzled but continued, "Only half a day of battle today, by Noon, have everyone retreat."
"No reason, it’s an order."
A wisp of fog blocked his vision as if staring at him.
"Alright, I’m going to use Lord Theodore’s Soul Ripple."
The fog receded, "Okay."
"And, have Mephit come here."
Molly said, "If you have any orders, I can relay them for you."
Rod replied impatiently, "I told you to have her come, so have her come."
Molly was silent for a moment, but still released the military Spirit Crow Messenger.
After a while, Mephit flew in from afar.
Her expression was still as cold as ever, her tone indifferent, "What’s the matter?"
Rod said, "Molly, go down. I need to speak with her alone."
The fog silently flew away from Rod and faded into a human form as it walked away.
Rod turned to Mephit, "I remember you have twelve curses that are activated in turn, right?"
Mephit nodded slightly.
Rod asked, "Is your Calamity Curse activated?"
Mephit shook her head, "During battle, the Silver Oath always deliberately seals that curse. Only during non-combat periods is that curse activated, and that is also my only time of freedom."
Rod frowned slightly, but continued, "Is there a way for you to activate it? I really need it now."
Mephit’s silver-white eyes looked at him, the chill in them making his skin crawl.
Rod scratched his head, "Not convenient?"
"Do you have explosive abilities?"
"Yes, so I need to gather more monsters. After much thought, only your curse can do it both quickly and safely."
Mephit lowered her eyes, saying softly, "Okay."
Rod laughed, "Then I’ll be counting on you!"
Mephit didn’t reply, and turned to leave.
By Noon, everyone retreated as planned, and Rod already felt that he had reached his limit. The Void was nearing, its terrifying suction lurking faintly in the background, and "Awakening" could hardly delay its advance any longer.
The White Bone Giant, barely sustaining itself, collapsed into fragments with a clatter, ending its short yet glorious life.
All had left, only Mephit remained.
Rod swiftly said, "Mephit, quickly lead more monsters to my vicinity, then get away from here as fast as you can, make sure you’re not caught in the aftermath."
He sat on the ground, daring not to move, using "Awakening" with all his might, trying to buy just a little more time.
Mephit didn’t respond, leaping into the distance, her solitary figure disappearing behind the black fog in the blink of an eye.
Rod waited in silence, praying that no unexpected issues would arise with the plan.
About a quarter of an hour later, the Void’s roar seemed to be just within earshot, but there was still no sign of Mephit.
Rod was immensely anxious; he could no longer hold back the boiling power of the Void, "Awakening" was completely ineffectual in stalling its progress.
Wait, wait, don’t hurry, I’ll repay the debts!
Rod frantically used "Awakening," but to no avail.
The raging Void was about to arrive.
Just then, Rod saw a black tide roaring towards him from afar.
A sea of monsters chased after a small white figure in front of them, like a tsunami.
Rod was taken aback, as far as he could tell, there were at least tens of thousands.
Mephit, did you just stir up the monsters’ nest?
After the shock, immense elation surged through his heart.
Mephit, you’re the best! Undeniably my greatest partner!
Rod stood up suddenly, shouting loudly, "This way! Come here quickly!"
The white figure, hearing his voice, darted over in a lightning-fast zigzag, arriving by his side.
The chill hit him as Mephit stood before him, her silver hair and eyes shimmering in the dim light.
Rod exclaimed joyfully, "Perfect! So many monsters, you’ve emptied the whole Star Town, ha ha ha, you’ve made a great contribution! Now, hurry up and run! I’m about to activate the secret weapon!"
Mephit looked at him but didn’t move.
Rod paused, "What’s wrong? Run! I’ll be setting off a blast soon that’ll affect you."
Mephit still didn’t move, nor did she speak.
The monsters’ tsunami was closing in from three sides, almost upon them.
Rod panicked, "What are you doing? Can’t you understand me? Run! It’s too late now!"
He took a step forward, intending to push her away forcibly, but as soon as he used his Spiritual Energy, the Void exploded like it had gone mad.
"Run, run..." The Void surged, swallowing Rod’s voice.
Mephit didn’t speak; instead, she embraced him.