As the Snow Maiden attacked, Batuul’s illusory Elephantine stirred into action.
With a mighty roar, it charged forward and slammed into Arion. Its tusks, sharp as spears, aimed directly at his chest.
Caught in the swirling snow, Arion couldn’t avoid the attack and quickly invoked the Glow Incantation to shield himself. The tusks collided with the barrier in a deafening crash.
The impact sent Arion flying, and the golden light surrounding him shattered like glass. Clearly, the illusory Elephantine’s strength had far exceeded the Glow Incantation’s limits.
As Arion was tossed into the air, the three-headed, six-armed Chimera Wrath seized its moment. With six different weapons in hand, it launched a relentless assault.
Arion swung his sword to block but was driven further back with each blow. With no solid footing in midair, his agility was useless against the onslaught.
After several exchanges, one of the Chimera’s weapons struck Arion squarely in the chest, sending him crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact. A massive crater, ten yards wide, formed at the point of impact.
Coughing, Arion struggled to his feet. Before he could recover, Bailey was on him with his claws aiming straight for Arion’s chest.
In a desperate move, Arion brought his sword up to block the lethal strike. He barely deflected it, but the sheer power behind Bailey’s attack forced him back several staggering steps.
“Go to hell!’
Before Arion could steady himself, Willem seized his chance. In a flash, he appeared behind Arion, and his sharp fangs sank deep into his neck.
Arion froze and was immobilized. His skin began to wither before everyone’s eyes.
Willem was greedily draining Arion’s blood energy and life essence, and there was no stopping him. Within seconds, the once strong and imposing Arion was reduced to a desiccated, lifeless husk.
After satisfying his hunger, he laughed maniacally. “Strongest man of Dragonmarsh? Guess that title doesn’t mean much now.”
He grabbed Arion’s lifeless body and yanked it with brutal force. With a loud rip, Arion was torn in half.
Seeing that, everyone let out a long sigh of relief, and smiles appeared on their faces. They were glad that they had used their ultimate moves without holding back. Otherwise, defeating Arion might not have been possible.
Though they had won, the victory came at a heavy cost. Everyone present was either severely injured or completely drained, with little to gain from the battle. The only consolation was that their greatest threat had finally been eliminated.
“Well done, everyone!” Bailey said with a hearty laugh. “Once we return, the Hall of Gods will reward you handsomely.”
Although the effort to bring down Arion wasn’t without hiccups, the result was positive. They all had given their best, and the plan was successfully executed.
“But there are still some pests left to clean up. Let’s finish them off and take down Sacred Wrym Summit once and for all,” Bailey commanded.
Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out from above. “Hey, it’s not over yet! Where do you think you’re going?”
Everyone reflexively looked up, and their expressions were frozen in shock.
In the night sky above them stood a towering figure. With white hair flowing in the wind and an otherworldly presence, he looked like an immortal descending to earth.
It was Arion.
