As everyone knew, battles could only take place in four global planes - on land, in water, underground, or in the air.
Sometimes, especially on land, one had to fight against an opponent from another plane, and enemies who could fly were one of the worst and most dangerous possibilities.
It was no secret that a better position in battle could give a significant advantage. When the monster was on top, hovering above the ground, and the Phantom was below - unable to reach his opponent, the Phantom's chances of victory were much less.
However, if Phantom had powerful long-range abilities, it equalized their chances, but what about Adam?
Of all his ranged attacks, he only had his thunderbolt from Third Artifact Trait, but... using that against Iron Stingray was just stupid.
So Adam was left with only one option, he had to reach Iron Stingray manually and bring the monster down to the ground.
"Oh, looks like it'll be our turn to act soon, doesn't it?" Olax asked with a slight smile on his face, closely watching Adam's actions.
Tirana nodded deeply.
"You're probably right. Hell, I thought he'd waste more energy or, at best, get seriously injured, but it looks like our information on him is true."
Olax smirked, putting his hands behind his head in a relaxed manner.
"Yeah. During the Eclipse, he showed his full glory, but it seems the whole time he's been in the Citadel, he hasn't been resting like we thought. It's understandable for everyone that he's gotten stronger, so... A Top-20 monster would hardly be a worthy opponent for him." Olax shrugged.
Splash.
Droplets of scarlet blood that were only a tiny fraction of the crimson streams flowing from the monster's torn wing passed before Adam's focused eyes.
Now, there was no admiration on his face, no crazy smile as he had during the Resonance in the battle against the North Keeper.
For the first few seconds, Adam was focused on the remains of the Iron Stingray, after the cascade of attacks, several silhouettes appeared next to the monster - some of them immediately started collecting genes and most importantly - Essence.
A young man in black and red clothes, opened a steel sphere the size of a ball, directing it towards the hovering above the ground, a dense substance.
The blue orb, occasionally trembling and emitting electrical discharges was the very Essene of the lightning element that Adam so desperately needed.
The Essence seemed to be made up of thick smoke, swirling rapidly around and striving to get to the center, that process was endless.
Obviously, the young man didn't need the Essence or was not allowed to absorb it with Revolve, so he simply sealed the Essence in a special capsule.
Then, in the next blink of an eye, the young man moved away - he had completed his task, and there was no need for him to be here anymore. Their purpose was clear, they didn't want to let Adam develop his artifact, but was he okay with that?
Obviously not.
"Bastard! Stop!" Adam exclaimed furiously, plunging the needle into the ground and stopping abruptly.
He clenched his teeth in anger, electric shocks covered his legs as he rushed forward at breakneck speed, ignoring the other silhouettes near the Iron Stingray, he didn't care about them.
Adam's speed was frightening, which was evident in the young man's terrified look. He realized that if Adam got to him, it would be the end, and at this rate, it would be in a matter of seconds!
Whooooooooooooosh.
Suddenly, black smoke appeared in front of Adam, out of which a figure with black mussed hair held up by a sleep mask appeared. Only part of his body was visible.
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you pass any further. Today is clearly your bad day." Olax smirked, lifting his chin arrogantly.
'Who's that...?' In Adam's head came the first and only question before Olax's foot emerged from the mist, that like a ghostly blade aimed at his head.
'Adam! Defend yourself!' Silvana exclaimed with all her might, bringing him to his senses, 'It's the Phantoms from the Lower Ring! They must be from Ruby Dew! They've come for revenge!'