Chapter 233: Full Front Attack

Chapter 233: Full Front Attack

She had undoubtedly grown stronger and seemed eager for battle, which I could somewhat understand. It was akin to getting a new game and wanting to try it out, except in her case, she was willing to sacrifice lives to test her newfound strength.

Zumi had a chilling ability to take lives without a moment's hesitation, leaving no doubt that she could easily end mine if the whim struck her. The fact that her actions were driven by emotions was typically considered dangerous, but for an Ord user, it presented an opportunity to harness their power and grow stronger. It explained why the most formidable exorcists often seemed so unhinged.

"I know of a place where you can put your newfound strength to the test," I suggested, giving her an outlet for her aggression.

"I was just joking," she replied, though the truth of her words was up for debate.

With exorcists, I always assumed they were lying; it made dealing with them way easier.

Considering the group's overall strength, including myself, Sei, the Kuro Clan Head, and Zumi, we also had capable backups in Anika and The Strength Exorcist. While the latter two might not be able to take on an ultimate class demon one-on-one, they could hold their ground until someone with that level of power could assist them.

Agon was an unpredictable wild card in the group, and if the God in this place wasn't born, Yamata No Orochi could easily overpower everyone here, even if he wasn't in his true form.

Although it wasn't the ideal team I would have chosen to have my back, it was still much better than the worst-case scenario. The only member who could be considered weak was Gem, although he was still undoubtedly an elite-level exorcist.

"Okay, then we need to come up with an attack plan," I declared. Everyone nodded in agreement, and no one questioned why we needed to target the Gardens of Babylon.

It struck me as a bit odd, but perhaps they already knew they were enemies we would face eventually. Maybe they trusted me to make the best decisions for their well-being. If they only knew that I was working on the assumption that most of us were going to die.

The worst-case scenario involved encountering a Dream Lord, and their overpowering abilities would wipe us all out. In the past, Yamata No Orochi had to possess Agon and use his strongest poison to defeat the Dream Lord of Invincibility. It was debatable if he could even use this power now, as the seal hadnt deteriorated at that point.

The Dream Lord of Invincibility took the form of a boar and could create a barrier that resisted any attack previously used against him. Yet, Yamata No Orochi managed to nullify that barrier using his poison, which could even kill concepts, things that technically didnt even exist.

"Anyway, we need to take a specific route to avoid being attacked by creatures that aren't our targets," I explained. The others listened attentively, and even the Kuro Clan Head seemed eager for the challenge.

I couldn't shake the feeling that one wrong move could lead to the demise of us all.

***

Zumi felt every breath she took; for some reason, even the air in her lungs tasted better now. Was this what it felt like to take such a large step up in her power? It seemed like all the years of training that hadn't shown progress had culminated at once, raising her power to new levels.

"I can guess the next place where Babylon Gardens will appear. Unlike the rest of the island, Babylon Gardens operates on a normal timeline, where the past, present, and future do not collide," Kon explained. He had been in his fused form for so long that, despite his demon-like appearance, everyone listened to him.

After some discussions and planning among them all, Zumi closed her eyes and took another deep breath. It felt like she was filling her lungs with mint, and every bit of oxygen was being attracted from each breath she took.

Her companions turned toward her, and the Strength Exorcist asked, "What're you talking about? I don't see anything."

It dawned on Zumi that even other Warrior Affinity exorcists didn't possess the same abilities as her. So she simply said, "Just follow this route, and we will be closer to our destination."

Then, she turned to Kon and questioned, "By the way, I've been feeling uneasy about how little the others question your decisions. Can you tell us why we need to go to Babylon Garden and risk our lives?"

Zumi knew that the cautious Kuro Clan Head probably had a similar question, but he seemed surrounded by enemies, even his own son Gem would likely support Kon.

But unlike them, Zumi wasn't afraid. She felt confident that even if the Sage was here, she could overpower her. However, she wouldnt fight her teacher, as she respected her too much to do so.

As they approached Babylon Gardens, Zumi could better see their target. The place truly lived up to its name, offering a breathtaking view.

Golden walls glistened in the sun, and jungle-like habitats with green leaves and vines adorned the walls. Strange animals with bright colors and flowers straight out of a picture book were everywhere.

As they got even closer, the weakest members of their crew would be able to cover the distance needed to jump from there to the flying palace.

However, before they could proceed, Kon raised his hand, and the clouds shifted and transformed into the shape of a giant dragon, raining down water blades.

Kon initiated the attack, seemingly attempting to take out any potential threats or test for protective barriers. Yet, despite the barrage of attacks, nothing appeared to be killed, only the surrounding structures were destroyed.

The attacks lasted about five minutes before Kon finally stopped, wearing a puzzled expression.

"You sure this was the right place?" teased the Strength Exorcist.

"Yes," Kon answered confidently. "There's no way the inhabitants would abandon their place like this."

Youre right, said someone who suddenly appeared behind Kon, seeming to teleport.

It was a woman with long dark hair and black eyes with red irises, and she wore a black dress with a striking red gem embedded on her chest.

Zumi enveloped her body in Ord, strengthening every pore as she brought back her fist and jumped toward the woman. However, the woman's speed was incomparable; she effortlessly turned around and pierced straight through Kon's back.

Her hand burst out of his chest, and a small smile crept onto her face. You really give off a dangerous feeling, kid.

Kons eyes widened, and everything had happened so fast that he hadnt even had the time to notice what had happened.