Chapter 284: Fern vs Szaaz ( 3 )

The surrounding area, the mountain, the forest, and even the sky turned green in Fern's vision…

This is one of the Szaaz's abilities that he was unable to use when he was fighting against Reiji. It creates a field where holy magic or any magic that weakens him will be ineffective. Though it has a duration, Szaaz always finishes his target who entered his Contaminated World. 

Bam! Bam!

Fern tried to leave the field that Szaaz created but a barrier is blocking him…

"You can't escape!" The Cursed Arcana rushed towards the sword! 

He couldn't use any other Arcane Magic in this field as well but his physical strength would be increased by several times while his opponent would face multiple debuffs. 

Aside from having their Durability drain faster, they will be unable to communicate to the outside world to call for help, their Arcane Magic will be greatly limited, and finally, their sense will be dulled as they would barely sense the Trident's presence inside the Contaminated World…

Boom!

The Arcana collided several times as Reiji saw that Fern is having a hard time keeping up with Szaaz… 

"Hmmm? Can he actually win?" Reiji pondered as he observed the battle from afar. It's not like he's underestimating the Ancient Cursed Arcana but this looks too easy for him. 

"No… He's probably just that strong." 

He thought that Fern would be able to give him a good fight even it's only a clone. Nevertheless, this will still help him gauge the strength of other Sentient Arcana.

Boom!

"Kakaka! Is that all you've got?!" Szaaz laughed like an insane person. 

The Sacred Sword was being thrown around the field that he made and was unable to properly counter-attack. 

Fern is still using Arcane Magic to protect its body. Though the Arcana is having trouble defending against Szaaz, Reiji can still feel that it has a large amount of Mystical Energy that is not being used.

The Blessed Arcana was perhaps unable to use it or it's waiting for the right timing. But whatever it is, Reiji can feel that Szaaz's Energy is even more powerful as suppresses Fern's presence.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Finally, after toying around with the Sacred Sword Arcana for a while, Reiji noticed that the blade was chipped off!

This means that Fern has already received a significant decrease in his Durability.

Perhaps, a few more strikes and the sword will break!

However, the Arcana is still holding on as it keeps accepting Szaaz's attacks…

The Cursed Arcana probably felt this as well as it continued with its relentless attacks!

"Let's end this here!" The Trident glowed with dark energy as its tip pointed at the sword. 

Szaaz no longer felt any fun in tormenting this Arcana as he decided to end the battle.

"Collapsing Tide…" He used his Arcane Magic meant to destroy a high-rank Arcana.

He knows that the sacred sword he's facing might still have a chance to recover. He needs to use this spell to ensure that it would no longer have a chance to fight back…

Hmph!

But as he was about to crash the sword, Szaaz heard the Arcana snorted and felt something on his body…

"You---" Szaaz realized something wrong. As soon as he felt a warm aura coming from the sword, he realized that they have switched positions!

"It's Damage Reversal… Incredible, isn't it?" Fern said with a hint of mocking tone.

Szaaz noticed that his Durability fell to 28 Points! This is bad!

Fern actually has the magic to transfer the damages he received to his target! There must be a condition to fulfill such complicated magic that was why it was not heavily fighting back a while ago. 

"Tsk! Don't think I'm already finished!"

"Of course… But it's my turn now…" As soon as the Sacred Sword said this, the Contaminated World that Szaaz created collapsed!

Bang!

It was perhaps due to Szaaz's current condition or Fern did something to it!

But whatever it is, the fight was still not over! They continued clashing against each other but this time, Fern is finally in an advantageous position.

'Hey… Do you need some help?' Reiji asked his Sword Slave after seeing the sudden turn of events. 

Szaaz still has Vampiric Aura he could rely on and his Conversion ability to increase his Durability… However, this is not a long-term solution as well since Fern is dealing more damage to him.

The Sacred Sword was previously on the receiving end of the bullying but now, Szaaz can only defend as the Holy Attribute of the sword is suppressing the Cursed Arcana…

'That Contaminated World is really needed… Szaaz might be in trouble. I didn't think that the situation would switch this quickly... Impressive, as expected of another Blessed Arcana.' Reiji mused as he observes the battle. 

He wanted to help him a little by targeting Fern with his Spiritual Pressure. This way, Szaaz would have a breather and perhaps come up with a solution in his current predicament.

'I'm fine, Master… I can still fight him. I need to do this as well since I might be facing more Arcana or perhaps Arcanists with such Holy magic.' Szaaz replied as he did his best to parry or dodge Fern's attack… 

They were both using Arcane Magic at first but after a while, they were limiting the magic they are releasing. Perhaps, they are reaching the limit of their Spiritual and Mystical Energy…

"Hmm?"

Reiji suddenly glanced in the southern direction.

Apparently, one of his Flying Beasts detected a group of rushing Sentient Arcana heading to this place!

'Reinforcements? Eight of them? This can be bad.' Reiji considered many things and he knows that fighting a total of 9 Sentient Arcana with just the two of them is not a good idea. 

There is also a good chance that they are high-ranking members of the Mind Collection. 

It wouldn't be surprising if the Shield and the Quill Pen are included in the group.

'Szaaz… His reinforcements are coming. We have to leave quickly…'

'What?! He called for help… Coward…' Szaaz was still enjoying their battle but he's unsure about the strength of his opponent's helpers.

If all of them has skills related to Holy Magic, even with his Vampiric Aura and Energy Conversion, he wouldn't be able to fight back and has to retreat…

***Read author's note.