Chapter 382: Adulation (I)

Chapter 382: Adulation (I)

Chapter 382

Adulation (I)

It was suffocating still, having to fight this way, Cain mused inwardly while human-like frames were continuously spat out through the ethereal membrane shielding Earth. Holding back, picking his spots. It was akin to playing a game of basketball and never being allowed to dribble the ball.

Though he seethed, he didnt let it get to him too hard. The fights had already broken outQuinn and the twins had quickly picked up on their opponents and shuffled toward them, transpiring into a different dimension at Cains behest to do their fighting. In the meantime, he could practically breathe in the terror of those belowthe insane Mana outpour of the newcomers was practically a shower of dread for all those who witnessed it.

Few, though, began waking up and rousing others. This wasnt a battle he would win alone; it was a good starting point, though, for those who would follow him on a long journey. For others, perhaps, it would be a story, or a memory, or yet a cautionary talewhatever it may become, it would not be the day that this world ended, that much he was certain of.

He blinked forward and surrounded himself with a storm of Mana, engulfing a massive domain around within his grasp. He would be the tank and the distraction of the battleand everyone else was a support. During the brief respite, he managed to recover to some 50% of his total Mana which, while not perfect, ought to suffice, he mused.

Spells soon came streaking from the above, some intentionally flanking him and trying to get past him toward those on the ground. He wouldnt let them, however. Wings of fire spurred outwardly like mad, creating a mile long shield that seemed to eclipse the sun itself. Like the black hole, they drew all spells toward themselves as Cain pushed forward, facing the armada of the thousands of the armored soldiers head-on.

Down below, Senna stared in awe while still maintaining wide flanks with her weapons. It had been a long while since they last saw Cain fightand fifteen years, at least, since they last caught a glimpse of his peak strength. Nobody was quite sure where he stoodeven Quinn admitted that she would be blindly guessing, as there stood few things in the cosmos that could push him to go all out.

It was worrying, yet inspiring at the same time; the fiery figure in the shape of the phoenix that was shielding the world would be viewed by the rest as a messianic figure, there was no doubt about it. Within days, news will spread and the whole world will know of the mysterious figure who fought back an invasion almost all by himself. What would be lost in that translation was that, just before facing what would for many be a battle of life and death, he was goofing around.

Further down below, Emmas eyes began to shine in a glimmering radiance. The man she loved was blanketing the horrors all by himself, yet again. But now, at least, she knew there was hope. He needed them, in however little of a capacity. He still needed them. Unlike before where he would send them off or simply send himself off to face the horrors beyond their comprehension, he now needed them to help him. It was a start, however tiny, and however seemingly pointless.

Even if they were merely used as a mask, as a distraction, it didnt matter. There would be a purpose to them, always. And there would be a purpose to her.

Then why contact me? Just to chat? Or perhaps to distract me so they can cause more damage to my world?

This is hardly enough to distract you. I merely wanted to catch a glimpse of who you are. Luckily, you are not the vain, proud, vengeance-fueled kind yet. So, there is hope still of forgiving this transgression.

Yours or theirs?

Both, the young man said.

Oof. Thats difficult.

Understand, kindly, the young man continued calmly. That this isnt the war of conquest--but of survival. Beat them, punish them, and teach them a lesson--but spare them. You will gain little in obliterating them, and will form many bonds in salvation.

Still, pretty difficult, Cain shrugged it off. If youre going around invading worlds, aint you just asking for an ass-whooping?

Your world exulted in Mana, thieving from the nearby cluster, the young man elaborated, still maintaining the calm tone. It truly was a matter of survival. Besides, they never stood a chance. Not only due to you and the unexpected wall they faced, but because the Warden was dispatched almost immediately. Whatever bonds you have with the world of Divine... they are immaculately strong.

... Ill consider it, he said. Now, Id like to focus back onto the fight. Come and visit after this is all over. My wife makes a mean vegetable stew and I make to-die-for steaks.

If fate wills so.

Haah, of course. If fate wills so...