"It's said that when third-tier Wizards reach Crystallization, they undergo a complete transformation and their strength skyrockets. Now it seems that's really true!"
Leilin's expression was grave as he stared at the Blood Throne behind Torland.
Originally, the opponent's pseudo-domain had already been pushed into a corner by his Fear Field, nearly on the verge of shattering.
But now, the entire domain had swelled dramatically — especially that massive dark-red throne, which had seemingly condensed into something almost solid. The aura of authority it emanated was incomparable to before, even faintly surpassing the Fear Field.
"Ha ha! Excellent! This is the kind of opponent I've been wanting!"
On this battlefield, Leilin felt pressure for the first time.
Yet paradoxically, a gleeful smile spread across his face.
Only now — after Torland's Spiritual Power had surged following her breakthrough to Crystallization — was she the true opponent he had been looking for!
"Come! Show me what a Crystallized Wizard is really made of!"
Leilin's expression was fervent, his body already wrapped in a layer of fine black scales. Beyond the scales, a black membrane formed by the radiant glow of numerous runes constituted a second layer of defense.
Facing a Crystallized Wizard, he dared not hold anything back.
"So be it!" At this moment, two lines of red liquid streamed from the corners of Torland's eyes, like tears of blood, making her appear even more terrifying.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The two figures instantly blurred into black afterimages and collided.
Piercing roars and terrifying, massive waves of energy constantly radiated outward in all directions…
"L-Lord Leilin… is actually this powerful?"
Damanshi, who could witness the horrifying spectacle at the center from outside the camp, had his jaw hanging open, nearly unable to form words.
Torland — she was the second most powerful figure of the Hand of Vengeance! A legendary peak-stage Liquid-Wizard!
Not only was she a powerhouse who had been famous for many years, but rumors had long circulated that this wanted criminal of the Ouroboros Ring had already advanced to Crystallization!
And Leilin could actually fight her to a standstill, even gaining a slight advantage? What kind of strength was that?
The only thought in Damanshi's mind right now was that he absolutely had to cling to Leilin as his patron, and he would spare no cost to do so!
"Crystallized Field data recorded! Begin collecting combat parameters!"
At this same moment, Leilin — entangled in combat with Torland — did not look at ease either.
Although Torland had entered Crystallization through a secret technique, her strength was still somewhat beyond what he had anticipated.
Not only had she formed a fully crystallized Spiritual Power armor around her body, but even her other spells had received terrifying amplification.
It seemed that the rumors about being able to undergo a complete transformation after entering Crystallization were most likely true.
Furthermore, Torland was fighting with the resolve to drag Leilin down with her, paying absolutely no regard for her own condition — this almost crazed fighting style was causing Leilin no small amount of trouble.
But regardless, a Crystallization achieved through a secret technique and other such means certainly had its limits!
Drop after drop of blood flowed ceaselessly from Torland's body, staining the ground a deep crimson — the volume was approaching half of a normal person's total blood supply. For an ordinary person, injuries this severe would have been fatal long ago. Even though Torland was a Wizard, her current state was far from bearable.
Forcibly compressing Spiritual Power to enter Crystallization ahead of schedule through a secret technique — how could such a thing come without a cost?
Even if the opponent's body suddenly split apart in the next moment, Leilin would not be the least bit surprised.
"Shadow Swift Fire!"
Dark red flames blazed forth with fierce intensity, and using this spell, Leilin immediately opened up distance from his opponent.
Carefully scanning the data that the Chip had recorded in full, a smile appeared on Leilin's face. He turned his head toward Torland, who had already been reduced to a figure drenched in blood not far away, her complexion deathly pale: "You are a truly respectable opponent! But I'm afraid…"
Sensing that the life force emanating from Torland was rapidly declining and was on the verge of falling below Crystallization, Leilin showed no more restraint.
"Final experiment: the lethality of the Finger of Death against a Crystallized Wizard!"
"Experiment commencing. Data collection in progress!" The Chip executed Leilin's command with meticulous precision.
The same terrifying spell that had breached the defensive formation and caught the Hand of Vengeance off guard once again appeared in Leilin's hands.
Terrifying energy particles converged, forming a small black dot that hovered at the tip of Leilin's finger.
"Tier-3 Spell — Finger of Death!"
Leilin let out a soft sigh and pointed his hand toward Torland.
"Secret Technique! Crystal Shield!"
Though Torland had seen through Leilin's intentions, the instinct to survive and the hatred she bore for the Ouroboros Circle both drove her to fight with everything she had.
One crystalline Spiritual Power shield after another materialized densely in front of Torland, the runes upon them still flickering with a faint glow.
Bang!
The black ray of death crossed the distance to Torland in the instant Leilin's finger extended, colliding with the first Spiritual Power crystal shield.
Crack!
A finger-sized hole was immediately punched through the shield, and countless cracks spread outward from the aperture like a spider's web.