Chapter 670 A Hymn to Courage
With the subhumans gone, Ali, holding the rear, became the target for everyone.
Regardless of the attackers' goals, it was presumed they wouldn't want an uncontrollable element at the scene.
It was time for Ali to start looking for a way out.
Still silent, the figure was like a true mute, making no sound at all, only crouching once again, preparing to pounce like a feline predator.
In the instant mana erupted, both figures vanished simultaneously!
The sword tip cut through the air leaving a white trail, while the figure's blade split the air, leaving behind swirling vortices.
The opponent possessed near-ultimate speed, but Ali was equally fast.
A tempest exploded, instantly sweeping through the small cabin, the fragile wooden walls whining under the strain of near-breaking, but ultimately succumbing to destruction.
The full-force explosion of the two, even just the remnants of their battle, was enough to tear apart any ordinary person.
The circulating mana could hardly keep up with their movements, devoid of mana's support, they had no control over their bodies, relying only on inertia for one final strike.
Even if this strike couldn't decide life or death, the recovery of mana following the collision would become the key to survival.
Being a step slow meant death!
This isn't an exaggeration but a reality in combat.
It doesn't require a second, not even half a second.
Between two magi of equal level, if one lacks mana, it only takes one move to determine life or death.
Blood splattered, the warmth of it splashing across Ali's face, making her slightly dizzy.
Another life had been extinguished.
Ali's eyelids drooped as she withdrew.
Her sword traced an arc, mirrored by a corresponding arc on the ground.
Turning around, lifting her eyelids, she saw several people standing at the other end.
"What do you want?"
The same question, asked for the third time.
Still, there was no answer.
Ali let out a cold laugh.
Did they really think numbers would give them strength?
Her eyes narrowed, and deep within her mind, turmoil began, her mana capacity steadily rising.
Level 3 magus limit... breached.
Level 2 magus (phase 1) limit... breached.
Level 2 magus (phase 2) limit... breached.
Level 2 magus (phase 3) limit... breached.
Although each use would directly reduce her lifespan, the gradually emerging fear in the eyes of those at the other end gave Ali a perverse sense of pleasure.
Come on, let's see who dies and who lives!
To say a magus is like a bucket is actually inaccurate.
The principle of the weakest link might be evident when the power gap is not significant.
However, when the strength of the two parties is not on the same level, you might not be able to exploit the opponent's weaknesses even if they're apparent.
He seemed doubtful that Jelia could acquire the legacy, his expectations of her limited to having someone to converse with.
"I suppose you don't yet know that this space actually prohibits the use of mana."
Roronora turned and walked deeper into the corridor.
Hesitating for just two seconds, Jelia followed.
"The crystal containing the legacy is located on the ceiling of the cavern, unprotected. As long as you can touch it, you can obtain it. However, the ceiling of the cavern is over one hundred and fifty meters high. "
"From such a height, falling into the water is no different from hitting the ground – it's death either way. Climbing to the ceiling with bare hands and then acquiring the crystal is the entirety of the test for the legacy."
Roronora spoke slowly, but his words were laced with a mocking tone.
"There's only one test. It doesn't require any profound understanding of mana or any fancy manipulation of it; as long as you're not afraid of death, you can keep trying."
"Until you secure the legacy."
"Or die."
"We're this blunt about it because life and death are always just a moment apart."
"Did you know? Before you and me, at least thirty people have tried."
Jelia didn't need Roronora to spell it out; she could guess the fate of those previous attempters.
They ended up feeding the fish in the lake.
The two walked at a steady pace, eventually returning to the cavern.
Looking up once again at the brilliant, starry sky, its beauty hid the cruel struggle for survival.
Without obtaining the legacy, one could only be trapped to death here.
No wonder the wolf's head she saw was deep crimson.
Approaching the edge of the lake, Roronora pointed towards a glowing crystal on the cavern ceiling, bright as the moon in the center: "See that? That's where the legacy lies."
"I've told you everything I know. Whether or not you want to try is up to you."
After saying this, Roronora sat down by the lake, grimacing as the cold ground bit into him.
"Actually, staying here might not be so bad. You don't have to worry about anything. When you're hungry, just catch some mice. One isn't enough, two are about right to fill you, three is a celebration. If you're really lucky and find a whole nest, you can afford to lie around for a few more days."
Is this really living?
What's more important, courage or survival?
Jelia looked up at the brightest star in the starry sky and suddenly smiled.
"Silly Werewolf, have you ever heard this saying?"
"What saying?"
Roronora looked at Jelia curiously, tilting his head with a smirk on his face.
"You want to try? Impossible! I've tried before, fell from seventy meters high, broke a dozen bones, and never recovered."
"The reason beings are called intelligent is precisely because they do what is known to be impossible. The hymn of all creatures is a hymn to courage!"
Jelia didn't even realize that when she said these words, her eyes weren't filled with fear but with the pure excitement of a climber at the sight of a high mountain.
Why climb the mountain?
Because it's there.
The words differ, but the principle is much the same.
Tightening her clothes around her, Jelia set her cloak aside and began to survey the entire layout of the cavern's ceiling.