Zest and I stood firm, bracing ourselves for the impending onslaught of the (F+) Ilosphat. The UvoSath rainforest buzzed in frightening anticipation, while a delicate aurora draped the skies above, its shimmering hues intermingling with the noxious fumes exuding from the (F+) Ilosphat—a looming menace, threatening to engulf us anew in its [Toxic Haze].

Having just emerged victorious from a grueling battle against the Mournfoons, we now found ourselves facing a vehemently vengeful (F+) Ilosphat—injured but undeterred in its pursuit to ravage us.

I tightened my grasp on my spear, readying myself for the imminent clash. Zest, now an F+ Eldriyssal, lowered its majestic antlers, crackling with an electric surge pulsating between their razor-sharp points. Regardless of the circumstances, Zest and I were fully prepared to confront the (F+) Ilosphat head-on.

Inhaling deeply, I focused…

ABYSSAL MANA: 90 | 250

…channeling my energy, finding solace within the murmuring ambiance—the UvoSathian trees observing our every move. Our stances shifted, and like celestial bodies orbiting one another, Zest, I, and the (F+) Ilosphat circled one another, caught in a momentary standoff, our duel hanging in precarious suspense.

My gaze remained fixed on the (F+) Ilosphat, refusing to be intimidated by its presence.

(What did it take to best this beast?)

— [Toxic Haze]

— [Banes Claw]

— [Noxious Glob]

Those were its three skills.

(Let's start there.)

— [Haze Inflame]

This was its unique skill, granted from its (Uncommon) variation.

[Attribute:FIRE]

[Attribute:HAZARD]

"HISSSSsss…" The (F+) Ilosphat's serpent-like tongue slithered as its eyes blazed with intense fury, while the air around us grew thicker with the fumes it emitted.

I snarled back in response. I detested how it remained steadfast in hunting us down, but begrudgingly, I slightly respected the Ilosphat's commitment to fulfill its mission. Yet, the question lingered: Why? Why did this creature persist in its pursuit even when presented with an opportunity to disengage after its encounter with the Thornback?

Hatred. Grudges. Its primal instincts. Those must have been the answers...

However...dwelling on its motivations would serve no purpose for Zest or I. The present predicament left by the Ilosphat demanded our attention—though, was this the ultimate showdown it desired?

There it was: A menacing glint in its eyes confirmed my suspicion. If that was what it desired, then we would gladly oblige!

"Zest, let us demonstrate to the Ilosphat what we're capable of," I proclaimed.

In perfect accord, Zest nodded, its fiery gaze reflecting the steel of my resolve. "Together, Aera," it replied, its voice resonating like the rumbling of a storm.

Naturally, it was the (F+) Ilosphat that made the first move, as the reptilian monstrosity lunged forth, its venom-dripping fangs bared. In response, we sprang into action, executing a seamless, wordless pincer maneuver on either side of the (F+) Ilosphat.

Firing between Zest's antlers, bolts of lightning surged forth, crackling with heightened power and streaking through the air, assuming the form of a galloping herd of electrified deer; a spectacle dubbed the [Doom Zap+]—a direct result of its ascent to the illustrious (F+) rank!

The bolts zeroed in on their target, colliding with the (F+) Ilosphat's scaly hide and imbuing its body with electrifying sparks.

This time, the (F+) Ilosphat recoiled in agony from the [Doom Zaps], emitting a pained howl that reverberated through the scorching landscape. It teetered on the brink of collapse, nearly succumbing to the sheer force of the jolts.

Meanwhile, with the finesse of an acrobat, I darted across the battlefield with [MereSwiftness], my elongated ears snapping and lashing outward with a SNAP and SLAPPING force, [MereEar:Slash] at every twist and turn, etching light yet telling marks upon the stunned (F+) Ilosphat's scales.

In this mad dash, my lithe limbs pressed against whirling, velvety grass, leaping over obstructive logs and weaving through clusters of towering mushrooms that dwarfed my diminutive Merecritt form. Simultaneously, with enhanced focus from [Critical Observation], I elegantly outmaneuvered the (F+) Ilosphat's projectiles—[Noxious Globs] that spewed from its serrated maw, splashing and sizzling the reddish, abnormal grassland.

It was then that logs became launching pads, and mushrooms served as my allies, shielding me from the (F+) Ilosphat's corrosive onslaught of [Noxious Globs].

With each artful dodge, twist, and roll, I exhaled and launched my [MereSpheres] from a distance, aiming at the (F+) Ilosphat—its mediocrely-sized theropod form sprinted amazingly fast across the blazing field, while Zest pursued it relentlessly, their pursuit charged with the fury of [Doom Zaps+].

Still, I continued firing [MereSphere] after [MereSphere]—miss, miss, miss—and although evaded, my blasts served as a ploy to draw the (F+) Ilosphat within the dangerous radius of Zest's devastating lightning bolts. And then, at last, the stars aligned. The [MereSpheres] merged seamlessly with Zest's crackling [Doom Zap+], creating a dazzling spectacle in the dusky arena. Together, our combined firepower surged forth, a cataclysmic assault aimed squarely at our adversary—the (F+) Ilosphat—who had barely a moment to defend itself before its tattered body erupted into an electrified inferno!

The clash of elemental forces erupted, a clash that lit up the rainforest with a stunning radiance, painting the surroundings in hues of luminosity. Trees crumbled like matchsticks, boulders shattered into glittering fragments, and craters marred the once-pristine field!

Zest's lightning soon surged forth once more and sliced mightily through the air with unmatched velocity, slamming into the (F+) Ilosphat with electrifying ZAPS that sent it hurtling backwards, its anguished cries echoing through the tumultuous battleground.

It rolled and thrashed, its claws and barbed tail lashing out in a desperate attempt to fend off Zest's electrified hooves—[Electro-Stomp]—and prevent itself from being trampled underfoot.

During the brief intermission that followed, a sly smirk crept across my face as my gaze locked with the (F+) Ilosphat, and I flicked my tail with an air of nonchalance.

"Hm. It seems like your thunder has been thoroughly stolen," I remarked with a dry, cutting edge. Though my voice was laced with latent amusement, an even deeper sadness hid within. You should have given up when the opportunity presented itself. Truly, this became your own undoing.

Zest chimed in, its tone carrying a trace of laughter. "Aera, you never fail to add flair to our battles," it remarked, as it briskly lifted and catapulted the (F+) Ilosphat across the field with a thrust of its antlers. "But let's not get complacent. We've still got a fight on our hands."

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Nodding in agreement, I scampered forward and took a seat beside Zest, a playful smirk lingering on my lips. "Indeed, Zest. The dance has just begun, and we shall lead it with style."

Zest snorted; its attention unwavering upon the (F+) Ilosphat. "Indeed, Aera. This is but the opening act," it retorted, a hint of amusement in its tone, "yet it appears that our frenzied foe over yonder draws ever closer to its grand finale." With a regal gesture of its hoof, Zest directed my attention toward the beleaguered creature, its fate seemingly sealed, as the Ilosphat struggled to rise from a knee.

The (F+) Ilosphat, now back on its feet, hissed and snarled in response, clearly vexed by our banter. "SSSsssilence!" it spat, its tail whipping through the air in a futile display of frustration.

In spite of that, its frills oscillated with intensity, while its claws shimmered with a radiant emerald hue. Igniting and elongating in a sudden burst—the (F+) Ilosphat's claws transformed into blades of energy, harnessing the full extent of its skill—[Banes Claw].

Charging towards us with a maelstrom of wrath, the (F+) Ilosphat emitted a piercing screech, its claws carving deep jagged trails across the scorched earth. It unleashed a flurry of slashing attacks from various angles, seeking to overwhelm us with its vicious assault—a formidable technique known as, [Banes Shredding].

Brandishing my spear in-my ear, I spun and twirled it skillfully, parrying the ferocious blows from the superior-ranked, lizardly-frilled Eldriyssal. Standing over me, Zest fought with its antlers, serving as additional arms to bolster our defense against the (F+) Ilosphat's frenzied claws, which relentlessly threshed about in a mindless attempt to dice us up.

Every.

Single.

Clash.

The battlefield resounded with electrifying clashes, echoing through the air. Cling. Zap. Slash!

The (F+) Ilosphat may have possessed swiftness surpassing our own, darting throughout the field, encircling us with such speed that its form blurred within my line of sight. Nevertheless, I refused to yield, even as its claws grazed my cheek. I pushed myself to the limit, harnessing my [MereSwiftness], and I never dared to stop utilizing the skill—or else death would be my companion.

[MereSwiftness] may not have granted me the ability to match the (F+) Ilosphat's speed, but it afforded me a precious opportunity to keep pace with the hazardous reptile, if only momentarily.

Attempting different maneuvers, Zest's antlers, and my spear, were empowered and fortified by the [Regal Ram] skill; and met the (F+) Ilosphat's claws head-on, creating a spectacular display of sparks with every tumultuous parry but still failing to push the creature back.

However, to my relief, the (F+) Ilosphat actually appeared visibly pained by each collision connecting from Zest's antlers, staggering under the weight of every blow. Even though the (F+) Ilosphat boasted an uncommon variant, Zest met it as an equal—no, it seemed that the Zest now held the advantage in physical strength. Each electrified strike from the Doervus cracked and tore particles from the (F+) Ilosphat's form.

Yet, here I was struggling to keep up, evading as best I could, scratched and forced with no option but to wince innumerable times as my body was subsequently grazed by the unforgiving claws that slashed endlessly about. Having my arm lacerated, I finally cried out to Zest, "Hold it off for just a moment!"

I acknowledged that the (F+) Ilosphat sensed my vulnerability, knowing full well that I stood weaker than the newly empowered Zest. However, it made a crucial miscalculation. Its fangs tore through the air, aiming for me, only to meet the formidable charge of the (F+) Zest, sending the Ilosphat's feet skidding across the forest’s field.

Planting my paws firmly on the velvety ground, I retracted my ear to grip onto a nearby tree. Swift and deliberate, I uprooted it, my ears wrapping around it, transforming it into an improvised club. With a resounding WHAM, I swung the tree, catching the unsuspecting (F+) Ilosphat off guard as the wooden weapon splintered into fragments.

Staggering backward, the (F+) Ilosphat recoiled from the powerful blow, its momentum disrupted as it momentarily lost its bearings. Capitalizing on its disorientation, Zest and I bolted forward, renewing our assault on the dazed creature.

Zest moved with equalized speed, darting alongside the wobbling (F+) Ilosphat. Their strikes burst forth, adorned with vivid hues of crimson and verdant energy.

With electrified hooves, Zest delivered powerful blows infused with lightning. It antlers then crashed onto the (F+) Ilosphat with a thunderous force far greater than when it was a mere [F-Ranked] creature moments ago, propelling it through the air once more.

With a quick flick of my tail, I unleashed a torrent of [MereSpheres], each one exploding upon impact, showering the (F+) Ilosphat with sparks and disorienting blasts. The creature thrashed and writhed, its limbs flailing in a desperate attempt to regain control. But disallowing this, Zest unleashed a torrent of crimson electricity, its vigorous [Doom Zap+'s] bolts of lightning that seared through the air, striking the (F+) Ilosphat with catastrophic precision.

The successive reverberation of electricity and booming blasts intertwined with the Ilosphat's anguished screeches, weaving a symphony of ruinous turmoil that echoed through the battlefield.

That sound… Memories flooded my mind—the fallen comrades, the cities in ruins, the resilience of the human spirit. They fueled my assault, reminding me of the unforgettable strength that lay within me—the desire to survive.

"Do not yield!" I exclaimed, my voice cutting through the chaos as I unleashed another [MereSphere] from the depths of my being!

In a desperate bid to defend itself, the (F+) Ilosphat forcefully tore itself from the ground, shrouding its form in a smokescreen of [Toxic Haze]. Then, with the nocturnal moon as its grinning witness, it leaped into the air. Its frilled form descended, claws poised with lethal intent, aflame with the power of its [Bane Claws] and engulfed in its [HAZARDous] [FIRE]!

SLASH! The Ilosphat's claws sliced through the air, igniting with sickly green flames as they made contact with Zest's neck and chest. Zest staggered under the weight of the devastating blow, but the eldritch deer swiftly retaliated, its antlers charged with the unstoppable force of [Regal:Doom Zap]. With a resounding impact, Zest pounded the (F+) Ilosphat, sending it sprawling backward.

WHACK! The Ilosphat's tail struck my waist with a force that shook my very core, leaving me engulfed in its fiery haze, gasping for breath as my body was sent hurtling through the air. But I twirled, somersaulted and landed on the ground before dashing full-force with [MereSwiftness]. I lunged forward, driving my spear into the creature's shin.

The (F+) Ilosphat emitted a pained screech as I executed a swift twist with my spear's tip—a leg destroying [MereEar:TwistPierce]!

Leg busted, enraged and screeching, the (F+) Ilosphat twisted its serpentine body, avoiding my succeeding strikes and countering with glinting claws...

..and a mouthful of glinting fangs swiftly came into view.

"AAAGH!" I screamed, the agony piercing the air.

I winced as searing pain shot through me, the Ilosphat's fangs sinking into my shoulder and injecting its venomous toxin into my bloodstream.

Bearing the excruciating torment with gritted teeth, I mustered every ounce of reserve strength within me. Tapping into the depths of my [Abyssal Mana], I unleashed a surge of power—an electrifying current that coursed through my veins, intertwining with the venom now infiltrating my bloodstream.

The clash of electrical energy and poison created an explosive reaction, forcing the (F+) Ilosphat to reel backward and forcing it to relinquish its grip.

And in that moment, I plummeted shakily onto the scorched floor, while the (F+) Ilosphat recoiled, stunned by the unexpected surge of power that ripped its mouth.

Without hesitation, Zest unleashed a mighty bolt of crimson lightning, charged to the maximum extent in accordance with its new rank. The [Doom Zap+] bolts struck the (F+) Ilosphat's vulnerable wounds from its previous encounter with the Thornback, the electricity rippling intensely through its body, overwhelming the creature's defenses.

Meanwhile, I swiftly darted to a safe distance and launched a concentrated [DoomZap:MereSphere] directly at the core of the (F+) Ilosphat, shattering its resistance and sending it crashing to the ground.

Together, Zest and I unleashed a devastating combination of lightning and activating the powerful [Doom Zap LINK] streaking through the air, intertwining with the force of another [MereSphere] I mixed within our attack. The (F+) Ilosphat eyes widened as it struggled to withstand the onslaught, its body blasted and launched as it writhed airborne in agony.

The (F+) Ilosphat let out a bloodcurdling screech, pain and rage reverberating through the ravaged rainforest. It crashed violently hard across the ground, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Its once formidable presence reduced to a wounded creature, teetering on the edge of defeat.

In a final act of defiance, the (F+) Ilosphat reared up, trembling immensely as a dark aura swirled ominously around its body, pulsating with volatile energy. With its head thrown back, the creature expelled a cataclysmic blast—a massive plume of fumes adorned with hues of green and purple—an embodiment of malevolence and malaise so potent that it threatened to engulf us completely…

…a horrifying exhalation known as the [Cacophonic Miasma]

This attack was a death sentence, it was too close to evade…to escape! I blinked as the reality set in—Zest and I had no other option but to confront this dreaded onslaught if we desired to survive.

Gathering my energy, I focused on harnessing the remnants of [Lightning] within me.

Standing steadfast beside me, Zest's voice rang out. "Let's do this, Aera!" it exclaimed, unleashing its own electrifying voltage.

G.A.I.A. Online!

> ─ NEW SKILL ATTAINED through Zest's MASTERY, resounded the voice of G.A.I.A.

>

> ─ [DOOMBOLT:Beam]

In a desperate gamble, Zest and I released a concentrated beam of pure electrical power, colliding with the (F+) Ilosphat's impending onslaught. But it was not enough! It was now or never! We needed one more force to push back the (F+) Ilosphat's fumes as they sparked and crackled, indicating it was to detonate at any moment.

For a brief moment, it seemed as if all hope was lost, the fumes continued to draw nearer, and nearer, heedless to its eventual arrival. But we continued to string together our electricity, my body pushed to its very limits. I feared for my life, my only chance I had left, but we were not going to allow this to end so easily.

The stakes soared to unprecedented heights!

We still required one final force, one ultimate push to repel the encroaching haze of death before it erupted into an unstoppable detonation!

In that critical moment, I delved into my memories, allowing the essence of the late Perlachirp to stir within me. With a resounding shriek—a [Melodious Shout]—I unleashed a powerful harmonious chorus of sound. And Zest joined in, sharing its power and harmonizing with me as we pushed back the perilous [Cacophonic Miasma] with the force of fused sound waves and booming thunder, a symphony of defiance against the encroaching doom.

Together, our synchronized sound waves surged forth, infused with a brilliant mixture of crimson and azure electricity.

The Perlachirp's essence resumed to whisper through my being, invigorating my very core. I allowed it to take over, allowing its power to mesh with my spirit as I and it continued our song of survival.

Zest resumed to lend its electrical energy to our cause, its crackling power and its powerful bellow continually harmonizing with my voice.

As the second wave of our combined assault struck the (F+) Ilosphat's [Cacophonic Miasma], a profound transformation took place. The once separate energies—my azure [DoomZap], Zest's crimson [DoomBolt:Beam], and the inherited Perlachirp's [Melodious Shout]—melded, becoming a dazzling dance of intertwined hues.

Threads of crimson and azure electricity weaved through the sound wave, merging and blending until they transformed into a vivid shade of purple. The purple, red, and blue currents swirled and intensified, their luminosity growing with each passing moment.

In a mesmerizing display, our attack bore deeper into the heart of the Ilosphat's malevolence, driving back the encroaching fumes. The surge of power punctured forward, fueled by the intensity of our unified assault: violet electricity which became the [Melodious Surge]!

DETONATION IN:

3!

2!

1!

It pierced through!

And then, with an eruption that seemingly shook the very fabric of the UvoSath forest, a cataclysmic explosion reverberated through the air.

When the smoke cleared and the crackling energy dissipated, silence enveloped the rainforest: The once-mighty Ilosphat lay motionless, [DEFEATED]. Its reign of terror had come to an end.

Soon, the fallen (F+) Ilosphat's toxic breath began to fade, its diminishing wrath gradually allowing us to breathe more easily.

Gasping heavily, I glanced at Zest, its form mirroring the exhaustion and relief I had. We had overcome the impossible, defying the odds stacked against us. I grinned as the two us leaned against another, but failing to remain on our feet.

(Thank you, my friend...)

ABYSSAL MANA: 0 | 250

(Overtake me...in eternal slumber...)