Chapter 229 Shaken
Apollo doesn't know whether this is part of the test or something really is happening.
They can't contact the professors and Apollo is exhausted with the continuous use of magic and skills. He knows that using too much and relying for a prolonged time on the system can tire his mind and body. It wasn't something that could be easily fixed by simply upgrading his stats. Apollo himself needs to fully master the system and accept all the burden it causes his mind and soul.
However, there is another thing that currently weakens him, the existence of an unknown artifact that seems to surpass the artifact he had collected in a Zenith-rank dungeon.
"Damn it!" Apollo exclaimed as his hand landed on the ground, embedded on its surface was a powerful magic circle he had cast, with it he wished to stop the monster from advancing.
The mere presence transforms into a beast one that they can't see clearly. It is as if a veil surrounded it hindering the others' capacity to see it. They don't know its appearance and its abilities are also too mysterious to help them identify it. They have nothing to help them at the same time Alicia and Apollo have accumulated fatigue from the missions the emperor gave them.
They weren't at their best state.
"Jeremiah, how about giving me a bit of a boost?" Apollo asks as he and Alicia prepare to defend or attack.
[What kind of boost?]
"Use the system to amplify my stats and use the remaining points for system update so that we can locate the artifact"
[I can do that but there is a major problem]
"What is it!"
Apollo asked while his body felt the tension of the situation, and slowly panic began to eat him.
[Calm down Creator!]
Jeremiah felt alarmed at the state of his Creator, however the artificial intelligence noticed how this panic began to spread like wildfire. From one person to another it became a virus that began to torment everyone. Detecting such anomaly Jeremiah manoeuvre the system to cancel the effect.
[What's this?]
For the first time in its existence, it experienced a force that was about to negate the power of the system. It was something he never expected since in every situation, the system was able to assist using its unique gears but this time a certain unknown force slowed down its power. Though somehow Jeremiah could tell it was familiar.
[With the system's suppression I won't be able to execute my power] Jeremiah grimaced, since he is part of the system if the suppression continues he will be affected as well. With no other options, he began to divide the task given by Apollo.
Even at this moment the current Apollos travelling the continent needed his help because their state is no different from the Apollo on the island. After all their consciousness is connected to a single thought, and with the one on the island experiencing a mind-interfering power, the rest of the bodies get affected as well.
The hive mind is being shaken and Jeremiah needs to stabilize everybody and get rid of the emotions that currently eat them.
Apollo's Pov
I can sense something familiar however somehow I could not focus enough to determine it. The heavy footsteps would shake the ground we are standing putting all my thoughts away from thinking further.
"Damn it!" I can't help but say as the blurry figure approaches us with great speed. Though my body felt heavy I moved and on my back was Alicia. I couldn't help but smile somehow I knew I wasn't alone to handle this monster.
A colourful magic circle glowed underneath the ground and the stunned students were immediately under its protection.
Somehow it made me feel relieved they were safe.
"Focus" Alicia told me knowing the two of us can't be distracted.
I dodged dozens of unknown attacks in less than a second. Ali on the other hand focused on using her body as a shield to make sure no one student would get injured.
"Jeremiah can you help me and scan the body of this monster, I am also planning to lock him up using the authorities to make sure no one can get affected" I ordered and thankfully despite the situation Jeremiah answered.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
[I already prepared spells for short-term teleportation, the mapping yesterday helped out since I already marked a safe area. Just give me an opening and I can get everyone to safety]
"Good and Jeremiah I want you to do the merging now!"
[I will!]
I was satisfied with Jeremiah's answer but currently, my situation is not good since none of my attacks are working. I could not find its weaknesses either and its stats are also unavailable while the pressure it excludes increases every passing second. The current me could not fight back with this pressure.
"Apollo snap put it!"
"I know!"
I collected myself from all the thoughts and cast another spell, I hope it works.
Dodging another unknown strike I composed the spell in my head until I fully drew the magic circle on the ground. This spell belongs to the oldest form since the spell has to be drawn using your own blood as the medium for the spell to work. This concept was also the one being used in scroll making. The use of magical symbols, the art of inscriptions, Baybayin.
I continue chanting while my hand either defend or helps my feet draw the multi-layer magic circle.
"Pay heed to my call" My voice became deep and every word was resounding.
"Hiraya!"
The blood lit up the ground, and the scarlet line that smudges the ground turned into a spell that created a powerful effect. A white light came from a magic circle, and this lessened the pressure the monster gave.
However, it wasn't the only effect that the spell brought, besides clarity, it finally gave lines that compose the image of the monster in front of us.
"Hoo.." I regulated my breathing as my hand touched the black handle of a sword.
It was the sword of light and upon its activation, the blade created a sizzling sound that cut through the invisible barrier of the monster.
My head was now clear while my eyes were filled with lines that represented the path my blade should take. So I moved and took the lead while Ali remained still protecting everybody.
A silhouette of white light created a line that break through the unknown attacks of the monster. Its appearance was still blurry but at least I could finally see the outline of its body. I wouldn't need to guess if it's a foot or arm that aims at my neck.
The ground shook the moment I took off and let the weight of my feet on the ground. As it vibrates the spell I cast beforehand assists me. It lifted me blocking every spell that targeted me. Finally using the smoke from the attacks as a veil, I position myself in a blind spot and let the light sword smash through the head of the monster.
"Damn it!"
It was too hard to even break through and knowing my presence was known to my enemy I immediately retreated. A giant claw moved fast to search me fortunately the system automatically teleported me to safety.
[Teleportation has been implemented!
Authorities have been used!
The space is sealed under the influence of the authority of the God of space, no one shall enter!]
[Notification Alert!
The authority of the God of Mystics is being used, no one will be affected by the pressure of the monster!]
[Notification Alert!
The system had detected the existence of unknown individuals on the island!]
[Notification Alert!
The system update has been completed
All stats have been boosted!
Spells have been prepared!
Waiting for the Creator's command to fire them!]
A series of notifications pop in front of me giving me hope that we can get everyone to safety.
"Jeremiah where is our enemy"
[It's on its way here!
The estimated time of arrival is 1 and 56 seconds
I advised you to be prepared]
"Okay, Alicia!"
"Yes!"
"I will leave everyone to you!"
I was expecting her to agree immediately but at that moment I saw her eyes waver. It has if she will cry at any moment. However I need her to stay here, I won't be able to fight knowing my friends could be killed at any moment. Alicia, only you could let my heart at ease in this situation, so please agree with me. At this moment no one is strong enough to keep everyone alive other than you and me.
So please don't give me that look, I am begging you.
[30 seconds]
Time ticked and by now almost everyone was able to collect themselves and assess the situation.
"Be safe" she just said, I can't help but shake my head. How can your expression be so warm for a moment and then cold at the next second?
"I will"
I only answered then I turned to Jeremiah.
"Send that monster back to the camp!"
[Affirmative!]
The space obeyed my will and cracks immediately swallowed the raging monster that already flattened the trees and broke the land of this island.
Then my body became enveloped with wind.
(Master)
A voice came to me as two towering silhouettes came from behind.
A wolf and a fairy landed beside me each bearing the power that the system had bestowed on them.
"Let's go"
(Yes master)