Chapter 15: HP Critical

On the other battlefield, in continuation of the battle that had already begun, Kent stood in his combat gear—a black tactical vest with multiple pouches hugged his frame, glowing with green magical aura. In his hands, he formed what appeared to be an emerald bow with three massive arrow constructs simultaneously drawn back.

Quinn, wearing identical gear, stretched her hand toward Kent’s technique and yelled, “Amp max!” The magical power output radiating from the weapon increased dramatically, which prompted Kent to release the arrows, sending them straight for the circular magical barrier the creature erected in front of itself. This mythical creature stood eight feet tall with a slender humanoid frame, long limbs, and clawed hands. Where a face should have been, only a dark helm carved with faint glowing lines remained. Its iridescent skin shimmered dark blue-green, with tentacle-like appendages cascading from its head and additional tendrils extending from its lower body.

The barrier shattered under the combined force of two S-tier visors, the arrows connecting with the monster and dealing significant damage. Quinn’s ability was unique, it was the primary reason USOV had recruited her. She could amplify or reduce the magical output of attacks and effects, extending this power to physical attributes like strength and speed. However, the higher the tier, the lower her influence. Against an S-tier, she could only provide a maximum 30% amplification or reduction to magical power output. However, against this beast, amplifying Kent’s attack by 30% had been enough to land the hit.

sfx: BOOM!

A sonic boom erupted as Quinn’s amplified speed allowed her to appear before the beast at inconceivable velocity. While it was still reeling from the attack, she aimed to slash through its head with a double-edged mini axe, its strength similarly amplified. The creature noticed her movement just in time, using one of its tentacles to form another circular barrier directly in front of itself. Though this hastily erected barrier shattered easily due to Quinn’s amplification, it cushioned most of the impact and gave the monster time to leap backward, creating roughly thirty meters of distance.

“Tsk.” Quinn’s tongue clicked in frustration. She’d almost had it, but this was an S-tier beast—it would take more than that, even with her special ability making things easier.

Kent walked up behind her, stopping at her side. “Those tentacles are the problem.”

“Yeah, but I’ve got an idea,” Quinn replied. Kent nodded, signaling he was listening.

The creature’s tentacles floated as darkish red energy coursed through them. Each was an extension of itself, some digging out large rocks from the ground while others reached for abandoned vehicles, especially as their fight was taking place on a major road where people had fled for their lives, leaving cars scattered everywhere.

Quinn and Kent exchanged glances and nodded. They knew what came next. Kent’s green magical aura blazed to life as ten large spear-like constructs formed above him. Simultaneously, he drew a greenish bow with three arrows nocked and ready. Quinn’s eyes glowed as her body shot toward their target, double-edged axe held firm.

The monster hurled rocks and vehicles one by one at the approaching Quinn, but Kent, watching from behind, released his arrows and spears in precise volleys and at the projectiles, intercepting them mid-air or diverting them entirely as a spear or two had pinned cars to nearby structures. Quinn’s amplified speed made her faster than most of the hurled projectiles, allowing her to dodge while avoiding the collision debris from Kent’s intercepting attacks.

Reaching the beast again, Quinn lunged forward with her axe. The creature tried to raise a tentacle to cast its circular shield, only to discover its appendages had been slowed by Quinn abilities. By the time it reacted, Quinn’s amplified speed had already carried her past the sluggish tentacles, her strength-enhanced axe cutting through them.

In reaction to the pain, the creature released a scream from its mouthless helm that sent out a magical wave, pushing Quinn back slightly. The scream was cut short when three oversized arrows made of greenish mana sank through its head, chest, and gut in quick succession. Quinn darted back in, blitzing past and leaving several deep cuts. The monster fell, defeated by two S-tiers working in perfect coordination.

The scene shifted back to Liam’s dire situation.

[Warning → Threat’s Magic Power Has Increased by Over 1000%]

“You think I don’t—” Before Liam could finish his sentence, the transformed humanoid beast appeared directly in front of him, its fist already connecting with his gut and lifting him off the ground. Blood spurted uncontrollably from his mouth as the impact sent him flying, crashing and bouncing across the ground. While Liam was airborne from the devastating hit, the humanoid appeared above him mid-flight, delivering a drop kick that drove him into the earth, creating a crater spanning over one hundred meters.

[HP 650 → 72]

Liam couldn’t react at all. This was completely beyond his capabilities.

Grey who watched this scene on live footage wanted to help so badly, but he was too far away and by the time he arrived, it would be too late. However, he’d already called out for his gear. “Please… hold out” he muttered.

Liam lay buried under solid rubble, his nearly mangled arm slowly clawing upward as his regeneration skill began healing him, albeit at a painfully slow rate. The damage he’d sustained was far too great for Aegis, his passive skill, to cushion. He had shattered countless bones and torn body parts, but his skills were the only reason he wasn’t dead.

[Passive Skill Active → Aegis]

[Skill Active → Regeneration]

The Ancient intended to end this here and now, raising its gigantic serrated sword with both hands, preparing to drive it into Liam. Then it stopped, tilting its head to the side as It had sensed an incoming magical signature. A second later, before the source could even be seen, a dark slash cut through the air, racing toward the monster. The creature evaded instantly by taking flight, avoiding collision with the attack.

The figure landed where Liam lay nearly buried. She had flowing black hair and wore a sleek black dress with a high slit, tight glossy black pants underneath that fit like leggings, and a black corset-style belt cinching her waist. Over it all, a long black fur-lined cloak draped behind her. It was Selene Marquis!

Back at USOV, the analysts erupted in jubilation as they watched the live stream. Tears probably rolled down one of the analyst’s face. Even Grey, trying not to show emotion, smiled as he released a sigh of relief.

Selene held her sword out with her right arm, staring at the monster hovering with bat-like wings spread. She glanced once at Liam struggling to emerge from the rubble, then shifted her gaze back to the beast. She cracked her neck both ways and began walking slowly forward, then said with a grin

“It’s been a long time since I’ve fought something strong,”

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