The speed of the corrosion was somewhat beyond Solomon's expectations. Though he could sense the Phoenix's Spirit Origin gradually deteriorating, the corrosion in those final moments was simply too fast.
It was as if it jumped from seventy percent to one hundred percent in an instant. That wasn't normal.
"Complete loss of control, permanently losing one Demon God Pillar? Truly a bandit's move, Fairy Magus."
"What can I say? That's just how these Mystic Eyes work. But after the fight, I'll do my best to return it to you. Having a demon god isn't that useful to me—spirits and fairies are enough."
Naoki smiled.
He was actually planning to return it? Or rather, could it even be returned?
[What are you thinking, you vixen, wanting to give back something already in your hands? Did lightning just strike your head and make you stupid?]
In Naoki's mind, Manaka asked with a dissatisfied tone.
(I don't have an absolute need for a demon god. Taking it now is just to reduce Solomon's combat strength. Besides, with Summoning Magecraft, I can call spirits and fairies anytime—they're no different from demon gods.)
[If I'd known you thought that way, I wouldn't have reduced my existence's scale to help you corrode that firebird so quickly.]
(I'm still very grateful for that.)
Naoki's ability to completely erode the Phoenix so quickly was, in a sense, thanks to Manaka.
Though Naoki himself didn't feel it, according to Manaka, to ensure she could be sealed and her existence's scale continuously reduced, 80% of the Mystic Eyes' functions had been taken over by her. Normally, only 20% was usable, and its corrosion power was only half of its original strength.
Like a computer running multiple programs simultaneously, it would inevitably lag. But if most programs were closed, leaving just one, the lag would disappear.
(Stopping the corrosion on you without reducing the seal—you could come up with that idea.)
[Anyway, I've been sealed by you for ten years. To get out of here, I've thoroughly studied your Mystic Eyes—though now it's unnecessary (whisper).]
(What did you say?)
[Nothing. Focus on the fight. Even though the Mystic Eyes' corrosion power is back to 80% of its original strength, that doesn't mean you can 100% defeat Solomon.]
(I know—)
Naoki looked at Solomon floating in the air and leaped onto the Phoenix. "So, this could be considered phase two—Phoenix."
"Kriiikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk—!"
The black Phoenix let out a long screech, carrying Naoki high into the sky. Its blazing wings instantly extended to nearly ten meters, and the black flames enveloping its body surged as if fueled by a massive pile of firewood, nearly turning into a black sun!
(Injecting a large amount of Mana greatly enhances the Phoenix's flames?)
"Baal."
Solomon retreated behind Baal, and the lightning demon god in front of him faced the massive flaming wings approaching, nearly covering the sky. Instantly, a powerful bolt of lightning erupted from the giant hammer in its hand. Then, it swung the hammer with full force!
*DONGG!*
The deafening collision nearly shook the entire illusion barrier!
The shockwave from the lightning and flames spread in an instant. Anything hit by the shockwave shattered without resistance!
The Mion River below was pressed into a massive depression by the shockwave, with much of the water sinking and even forming a whirlpool!
This was a clash between demon god and demon god, a full-power collision.
And in the moment following this massive clash—
*SWOOSH!*
Amid the flames and lightning, a golden Holy Sword suddenly tore through the barrier between them!
(Here it comes!)
Almost simultaneously with the Holy Sword appearing in his vision, the small, spinning magic circles in Solomon's palm instantly contracted, forming countless points of light. They shot at high speed toward the faint figure visible amid the flames and lightning!
*BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!*
A barrage of magical projectiles, like a meteor shower, struck Naoki's body entirely, piercing it like bullets through paper, riddling it with holes!
But at the same moment the projectiles pierced Naoki, the hole-riddled body, like a beehive, silently turned into a cloud of mist and vanished.
"An illusion? No, that shouldn't affect me—Here?"
Without hesitation, Solomon swiftly deployed several multi-layered magic circles to his side. The shield barriers instantly blocked the Holy Sword aimed at his head, with countless sparks flying!
"That just now—"
"Hyaaa!"
Giving Solomon no time to think or process, Naoki suddenly roared, and the Holy Sword slashed down with full force!
*KRAKKK!*
The multiple layers of barriers protecting Solomon shattered simultaneously!
(Close combat puts me at a disadvantage.)
Thinking this, Solomon retreated hundreds of meters. At the same time, numerous glowing red magic circles surrounded Naoki!
Solomon clenched his fist, and each circle erupted with blazing flames. Dozens of lava-like fire pillars shot out, engulfing and burning Naoki's entire body!
But the moment they swallowed Naoki, the intersecting fire pillars suddenly froze, then turned into giant ice pillars!
*BOOM!*
Slicing through the surrounding ice pillars, shattering them, Naoki broke free. With a pair of massive dragon ice wings spreading behind him, he charged at Solomon again!
Summoning Magecraft · Ice Spirit · Pseudo-Dragon Weapon!
Though his attacks would be nullified, using them for defense or even counterattacks wouldn't be affected.
Cold air gathered in his empty left hand. Before the Holy Sword could reach Solomon, Naoki swung the dragon claw in his left hand, now extended over ten meters, striking Solomon with it!
Without dodging, Solomon stood in place and extended one hand. The moment the ice dragon claw touched his skin, the entire claw, along with the spirit armor on Naoki's body, vanished without a trace.
(Magecraft doesn't work on me, and having mastered your Magecraft, it's easy to reverse and erase it—)
*BOOMMMMMM!*
A heavy punch, rapidly enlarging in his vision, instantly halted Solomon's thoughts!
The pain and impact on one side of his face sent him flying like a soccer ball!