A strange demonic wind erupted from the Husky's body, sweeping out in all directions. Black whirlwinds rampaged through the entire venue, and the grand banquet hall instantly collapsed into rubble.
Standing atop the platform, Duke Aurelius hadn't even realized what was happening before he plummeted downward. Fortunately, Sebas was quick enough to catch him in time.
Noel sensed something was off as well. His legs began to tremble slightly.
"Damn it, how did I end up running into something like this?" he muttered under his breath.
"I'll cover the Duke's retreat—you hold him off," Sebas said, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished with the Duke in his arms, moving at a speed imperceptible to the human eye.
"Awwooo... woo..."
The Husky didn't even consider the two who just escaped as threats. Its eyes were locked solely on Noel now, and Noel could clearly feel the subtle hostility emanating from the beast.
"Wind Magic: Exchange · Furious Thunder!"
A burst of violet lightning howled through the air and, under Noel's control, surged straight toward the Husky.
The purple electric current was dazzling, almost blinding, like a thunder dragon unleashed upon the world. Bolts of lightning coiled tightly around the Husky, wrapping it in their fierce embrace.
The Husky sniffed lightly, catching the scorched scent in the air and sensing the underlying danger.
With a single leap, it dodged to the side. In the next instant, the spot it had just occupied was engulfed by dozens of lightning dragons, leaving a scorched black crater and lingering arcs of electricity.
Tiny sparks danced across the Husky's black fur, but they were no more than static—far from lethal.
Its deep black eyes were now fixed intently on Noel. Just a moment ago, it hadn't even taken this human seriously. But now, that same human dared to fight back.
"Awoo——!!"
The Husky threw back its proud head and let out a piercing howl. Another wave of demonic wind surged forth.
The wind swept up bricks, stones, and dust from the shattered ground, scattering debris into the air. The already dark night now became even more menacing, wrapped in a ghostly gloom.
"Alchemy: Seismic Wave."
Centered on Noel, a pale yellow ripple of earth magic began to expand outward in concentric rings.
The black demonic wind collided with the seismic wave, scattering the dust completely.
Suddenly, the Husky vanished—only to reappear directly in front of Noel. It raised its proud head calmly, as if to mock him: Human, you're pathetic.
The beast's massive head loomed just inches from Noel's face. The pressure was identical to what he had felt when facing the Silver Wolf King. But perhaps because of that experience, Noel wasn't as afraid this time.
"Swift Wind: Thousand Leaf Scatter."
A whirlwind of green wind swirled around Noel, and with a single thought, he unleashed hundreds of Overclocked Wind Blades. They scattered like falling leaves in all directions.
Using the recoil from the blades, Noel also propelled himself away from the Husky.
One by one, the Overclocked Wind Blades struck the Husky's body, but only managed to shave off some of its fur—its core body remained unscathed.
"Awoo~"
The Husky opened its mouth, gathering black energy within. A wave of heat followed—the black energy had transformed into Hellfire.
The black flames spread quickly across the ground. Noel recognized them—legend had it that the guard dogs of Hell could breathe these very flames.
Could it be that the potion the Husky drank earlier had transformed it into a Hellhound?
Legendary Hellhounds were ferocious and bloodthirsty, difficult to kill. But like most demonic creatures, they feared the light.
The Husky, clearly holding the upper hand, now bore a gaze filled with equal parts confidence, cold disdain, and careless amusement.
It wasn't taking the battle seriously—it was merely playing with its prey. Human resistance was, to it, amusing.
With a powerful stomp, the Husky shattered the ground beneath its feet. A shockwave rippled out, fast and fierce, its destructive power overwhelming.
"Swift Wind: Exchange · Light Shield!"
A golden radiance burst forth, enveloping Noel in protective light.
One wave, then another, then a third—shockwaves slammed into Noel's barrier. At first, the Light Shield held firm, but cracks soon began to form under the unrelenting assault.
"Damn it... when is Sebas coming back? I can't hold out much longer," Noel muttered in frustration. What was supposed to be a simple mission had turned into a desperate life-or-death battle.
Suddenly, the Husky sprang forward, leaping high into the air. Its figure blocked out the moonlight itself, descending with an oppressive force that felt like the sky was falling.
"Swift Wind: Oblivion Tornado!"
A black tornado spiraled upward from the ground, far more powerful than the earlier demonic wind. Wind magic was terrifying because it was omnipresent—and this one had reached its apex.
The Oblivion Tornado was a twisted, jet-black vortex. Any stone, brick, or debris caught in its pull disintegrated instantly.
Anyone caught in it, even slightly careless, would be torn apart.
Amid the tornado's violent howls came the faint cries of the Husky. It wasn't unscathed—several light wounds appeared on its body.
Drip... drip...
The Husky's blood fell to the ground, pitch-black in color. Upon hitting the earth, it evaporated instantly into dark smoke.
"Awoo!" The Husky roared in fury.
Its attacks became more ferocious. It charged straight at Noel, hooves pounding the earth. Even the raging Oblivion Tornado didn't make it hesitate. Noel's heart sank.
"Swift Wind: Blink."
Noel immediately widened the distance between them. Within the tornado, the Husky had become covered in cuts and wounds.
But it didn't back down. It lifted its head and spewed three streams of Hellfire into the vortex.
Black flames and the dark winds intertwined violently. The infernal flames devoured the Oblivion Tornado, leaving only a field of rampaging black fire.
Standing amid the flames like a beast of the underworld, the Husky began to change again. Something at its neck pulsed, as if something was about to break free.
"What the hell is this thing...?" Noel couldn't help but complain.
It just wouldn't die. And now, it seemed to be evolving.
"Swift Wind: Exchange · Photon Cannon!"
A radiant light gathered in Noel's hand, glowing brilliantly in the night. Even the wind shifted, drawn toward him. The overwhelming light energy condensed into a tiny orb.
Then—bang—the orb shot forward like a bullet, piercing through the Husky's skull in a blink, leaving behind a black, bloody hole.
"It's finally over..." Noel breathed out in relief.
But the Husky didn't fall. From its neck, a black, pulsating mass began to grow again.
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