Chapter 459: Skill Synergy Attack
The sphere of condensed shadow pulsed in Adam’s palm, dark energy coiling around his fingers. The moment his will touched it, the system responded.
[Pure Mana Detected – Channeling into Ouroboros Lance]
[Skill Synergy: Ouroboros Lance + Sovereign Impact]
[Combined effect: The lance carries the kinetic force of Sovereign Impact’s stored charges upon release. Each stack absorbed from Deiora’s attacks will now be released as a concussive shockwave upon impact.]
Deiora’s eyes widened. He could feel it, the power building in Adam’s hand pressing against his senses like a coming storm.
"I’m going to make you suffer until you regret ever being born." Adam said in a cold tone.
He thrust his hand forward.
The lance shot from his palm, a spear of condensed shadow and void energy, its surface rippling with veins of silver light. It tore through the air with a sound like tearing silk, leaving a trail of distorted space in its wake.
Deiora raised his arms, golden aura flaring around his body like a shield of molten light.
"You think a cheap trick like that can—"
The lance struck.
A shockwave of dark and golden energy exploded outward, sending dust and debris spiraling in all directions. Deiora’s aura buckled, dark veins of fracture spreading across its surface as the lance drove through his defenses.
"GUGH!"
Deiora’s body was hurled backward, his massive form carving a deep trench through the earth before crashing into a cluster of jagged rocks. The stones shattered on impact, burying him in a heap of rubble and dust.
Adam lowered his hand, his expression calm, but his eyes burned with cold satisfaction.
"That’s the first one."
Deiora’s body twitched amidst the rubble. With a low, guttural groan, he forced himself upright, his massive frame trembling from the effort. Blood dripped from a dozen wounds, dark and thick, staining the shattered stones beneath him. His regeneration kicked in but the process was slower than usual. Agonizingly slow.
’What... what is this attack...?’ His internal voice was sharp, strained. ’My body... it hurts...?’
He pressed a hand against his chest, where the lance had struck. The wound was already closing, but the pain lingered—a deep, searing ache that refused to fade.
Adam watched him with cold eyes. His hand rose again, and Pure Mana began to gather in his palm. But this time, the energy was different. It shifted, twisting, condensing into a sickly green hue that pulsed with venomous light.
"With an expression like that... it seems you’ve never truly been hurt before." Adam said.
Deiora’s entire body went rigid. His muscles locked, his breath catching in his throat as the sickly green light pulsed in Adam’s palm.
’What... what is that?! That’s not normal mana—’
[Pure Mana Detected – Channeling into Venom of the Void]
[Skill Synergy: Venom of the Void + Sovereign Impact]
[The venom has been infused with condensed kinetic energy. Upon contact, the poison will not only decay flesh and paralyze nerves but also release stored kinetic force upon the target’s tissues, causing internal ruptures and amplifying the venom’s spread. The effect is devastating against armored opponents.]
Adam’s lips curved into a thin, cold smile. He turned his gaze toward Deiora’s battered form, still struggling to rise from the rubble.
"You know," Adam said, "I’ve been looking for a good punching bag. Someone who can take a hit and keep getting back up."
He took a step forward, the green energy in his palm pulsing with anticipation.
"And you..." His smile widened. "You’re perfect."
Deiora’s eyes widened, a flicker of something that might have been fear passing through them before he masked it with a snarl.
"Don’t you dare mock me!"
Adam’s voice was light, almost playful.
"Mock you? I’m not mocking you. I’m thanking you."
He closed the distance between them in a single, fluid motion. His hand shot forward, the green energy lashing out like a living serpent.
"For being such a convenient target."
Deiora’s aura flared, golden light blazing around his body as he swung a desperate, wild punch at Adam’s head.
Adam ducked under it effortlessly.
Deiora’s punch met only empty air, his momentum carrying him forward off-balance. Adam’s hand clamped down on his wrist, the green energy seeping into his flesh like poison through a wound.
Deiora’s eyes widened. His voice cracked with alarm.
"Wha—!?"
The venom spread instantly. Dark veins spider-webbed across his arm, black and green, pulsing with sickly light. He tried to pull back, but the poison was too fast.
"AAAGGGHHH!!!"
Deiora’s scream tore through the clearing. He stumbled back, clutching his arm, his regeneration struggling to contain the foreign corruption.
Adam released his grip and took a step back, watching with cold, detached interest.
"That’s the second one."
He raised his hand, green energy already gathering in his palm again.
"Ready for the third?"
Deiora’s body convulsed as the venom coursed through his veins, black and green veins pulsing across his skin like cracks in dying earth. His regeneration fought against the corruption, but it was slow. Pain lanced through every nerve, a searing, unrelenting fire that refused to fade.
But he did not fall.
His aura surged. Crimson and gold exploded outward, raw and untamed, a shockwave of pure will that sent dust and debris spiraling in all directions. The golden veins along his arms pulsed brighter, thicker, spreading across his entire body until he seemed to be carved from molten metal and living flame.
"DON’T UNDERESTIMATE ME!!!"
His massive fist shot forward, wreathed in blazing golden energy, aimed directly at Adam’s chest.
"I wasn’t underestimating you." Adam said.
He raised his hand, and the green energy in his palm shifted, condensing into a dense, shimmering barrier just as Deiora’s fist struck.
BOOM!
The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the clearing, the ground beneath them buckling and cracking under the sheer force of the collision. Dust and debris exploded outward, and for a moment, the world was swallowed by a blinding light.
When it cleared, Adam stood in the same position, his barrier still intact, his expression calm. Deiora’s fist was pressed against the barrier, his arm trembling, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"That was impressive. But you’re still not quite there yet." Adam said calmly.
He lowered his hand, and the barrier dissolved. Deiora stumbled forward, catching himself before he could fall, his chest heaving and his aura flickering.
Adam watched him with cold eyes.
"Again."