Head and fangs poised to tear and ensnare with its [Cruel Chomp]—the Doervus Herd Leader's neck shot and retracted forth, targeting me with alarming speed.

Zest tried to intervene but a trio of Doervuses charged and preoccupied them.

Instinct took over, as I briskly utilized my [Critical Observation]. My small frame and the acceleration from [MereSwiftness] allowed me to evade the Herd Leader's attack as I leaped to the side and narrowly escaped the snapping jaws of the menacing creature.

The other Doervus's of the Anti-Aera brigade began to surround us, poised to join the confrontation, their eerie presence growing more threatening by the second as they stepped forward.

It was a horrific experience as the melodic vibrations that emitted from these [F:RANK] Doervus' sent chills cascading through me.

'Do not be distressed Aera,' I blinked as I witnessed Zest barreling and knocking the three Doervus to the ground, before stomping a hoof on one of their necks, its antlers crackling as it observed the other Doervuses. I wasn't completely certain but I could tell Zest seemed slightly torn.

'I get it, Zest,' I breathed, and I tightly clutched my crystal-tipped spear, while my other ear twitching in anticipation.

"Heh, Haunt Doom Deers are not a good omen to be around," I ended up hearing Zest mutter.

And to my surprise, Zest immediately followed through with a powerful surge of lightning, bolts of [Doom Zaps] blasting through air. They arced toward the advancing (F) Doervus, illuminating the surrounding forest and striking their intended targets. The thunderous cracks of the [Doom Zaps] echoed through the air as the (F) ranked Doervus were forced to scatter, momentarily disoriented by the unexpected assault.

G.A.I.A. Online!

— Species: Doervus

— Sub-Name: "Doom Deer"

— Rank: F

— Classification: Common, Uncommon

— Type: Preda-Prey

— Attribute: DREAD

— HOSTILITY ⚠️ DETECTED

— HOSTILITY ⚠️ DETECTED

As the electric currents resumed to surge, some of the Doervuses faltered. However, the Herd Leader lunged forward again with its elongated neck twisting and contorting with unnatural flexibility—coiling like a snake attached to a deer's body.

G.A.I.A. Online!

— Eldriyssal Detected!

— Species: Doervus

— Sub-Name: "Doom Deer"

— Title: "Herd Leader"

— Rank: F+

— Classification: Rare

— Attribute: DREAD

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED

Realizing that I had no choice but to fight back, I focused my energy, channeling the abyssal mana within me. My retractable ear clutched the spear within it tightly as I infused it with the electrified energy that coursed through my being.

"Ha!" With a determined cry, I launched myself at the approaching Herd Leader's head, my spear pointed directly at its exposed fangs. The makeshift weapon glowed with an intense light and electricity as it pierced through the air, its crystal tip shallowly penetrating the Herd Leader's flesh, causing it to emit a horrifying, chaorus screech. However, it quickly retaliated, thrashing its powerful body in an attempt to dislodge me from its grasp.

Without hesitation, Zest sprang into action. Their antlers crackled with electricity as they unleashed a powerful [Doom Zap] towards the Herd Leader as it threw me off!

I winced as I collided upon the floor and rolled. But I caught my footing as I witnessed Zest's electricity crackling through the air, striking the charging Herd Leader that sought to stomp me to oblivion, momentarily stunning it. Despite that, the Herd Leader resistantly continued its advance as it sparked with Zest's electricity.

Using this opportunity, I swiftly maneuvered to the side, narrowly evading the Herd Leader's antlers.

Zest sprinted forward, their antlers sparking with electricity as Zest stepped in front of me. The Doervus Herd Leader let out a snarl before charging once more toward us—its antlers aimed at Zest.

Zest was quick to dodge, their movements fluid and graceful as the eldritch deer moved around the Herd Leader. In succession, Zest unleashed a series of lightning bolts at the Herd Leader, causing it to stumble and lose its balance.

The other Doervuses remained static, watching the confrontation intently.

"You dare protect the Merecritt?!" The Doervus Herd Leader accused Zest with a boisterous voice. "Do you have no shame? Where is your pride as a Doervus? Dispose of it at once if you seek to live!"

As the Herd Leader's eyes locked onto me, I gave it a scornful look. However, fear gripped my heart as I realized that the Herd Leader of the Doervuses had singled me out as its target. Its glowing red eyes locked onto me, emanating a sinister aura that sent shivers down my spine.

The air grew heavy with anticipation as I prepared myself for the confrontation. Zest's muscles tensed next to me, ready to unleash their electrical power.

The Herd Leader's antlers crackled with dark energy, emanating an aura of wickedness. Its intentions were clear—it saw me as a threat and was ready to eliminate me. The other Doervuses mirrored their leader's aggression, their gazes fixed upon me with a mix of hostility and anticipation.

"Do I need to repeat myself?!" The Herd Leader bellowed again as its gaze fell on Zest. "Dispose of the Merecritt at once!"

Zest's eyes narrowed at the taunting Herd Leader. With a glance at me, Zest stood tall, their antlers crackling with electricity as they faced off against the Doervus Herd Leader.

Their voice resonated with determination and conviction as they responded, "My loyalty lies with my companion, Aera. We stand together. You have threatened her, and I will not stand idly by. This Merecritt is under my care, and I will defend her with all my might."

Zest's words carried an air of authority, challenging the Herd Leader's assertions. The surrounding Doervuses watched the exchange, their expressions shifting from hostility to uncertainty.

The Herd Leader, momentarily taken aback by Zest's defiance, bared its fangs and stomped the ground with its powerful hooves. "You are a disgrace to our kind," it snarled, venom dripping from its words. "You have chosen your path, traitor! Prepare to face the consequences for choosing to side with that pitiful creature!"

With that, the Doervus Herd Leader charged forward once more, its antlers aimed directly at Zest. Zest braced themselves, their antlers sparking with electricity as they prepared for the impact.

The collision between the two Doervus's [Regal Rams] was tremendous, the force of their antlers clashing sending shockwaves rippling outwards. Sparks flew as the two pushed against each other, each one prying to gain the upper hand.

Yet it was obvious that Zest was barely holding their own. But Zest allowed their strength and agility to allow it to dodge and weave around the Herd Leader's attacks. But the Herd Leader was a formidable opponent, its strength and size continuously granting it an advantage over Zest.

As the clash between Zest and the Herd Leader intensified, I knew I had to contribute to the fight. I quickly assessed the situation, searching for any weaknesses in the Doervus Herd Leader's defenses.

Spotting an opportunity, I dashed toward the battle, my small Merecritt form allowing me to maneuver swiftly between the towering Doervuses. With a burst of electrical energy, I unleashed a barrage of fiery electrical sparks from my tail, aiming to distract the Herd Leader and disrupt its focus.

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The sparks crackled and danced around the Herd Leader, momentarily disorienting it and forcing it to momentarily divert its attention from Zest.

Seizing the moment, Zest capitalized on the distraction, summoning a surge of crimson electricity through their antlers and delivering a powerful blow to the Herd Leader's side.

The Herd Leader recoiled, momentarily stunned by the combined assault.

Sensing another opportunity, I lunged forward, aiming to deliver a series of quick strikes with my crystal-tipped spear. The spear glowed with an ethereal light as it sliced through the air, targeting the Herd Leader's exposed flank.

My strikes landed, causing the Doervus Herd Leader to roar in annoyance and frustration. Swiftly, it retaliated with a powerful swing of its antlers, narrowly missing me but sending a gust of wind that sent me tumbling backward.

Zest, not missing a beat, pressed the advantage. They focused their energy and channeled a surge of electricity through their antlers, creating a powerful electric barrier that surrounded the Herd Leader—trapping it momentarily.

[Electro Barrier: Containment]

Using the momentary confinement to our advantage, I regained my footing and launched myself forward again, electrified spear raised.

But the Herd Leader was not so easily restrained. With a swish of its antlers, it retaliated, launching dark energy projectiles toward us, breaking the electric barrier entrapping it.

Zest and I deftly maneuvered, evading the incoming dark projectiles from the Herd Leader while countering with our own lightning-infused strikes.

However, the Herd Leader was reactive. Its attacks were precise, heavy, and calculated, its antlers glinting more devastating by the moment with a ferocious intensity. While we resumed our assault, it dodged and countered our every move, clearly displaying its experience and superior rank. The forest around us trembled with each clash, the energy of the battle crackling through the air.

Acknowledging that we were getting nowhere as the battle raged on, I noticed something strange happening. The rainforest's trees around us were beginning to wither and die, their leaves turning brown and falling off. The very air around us seemed to be getting colder, as if the very essence of life itself was being drained away.

I looked around in confusion, wondering what was happening. It was then that I noticed the Herd Leader's eyes. They were glowing with an eerie, green light, as if it were siphoning off the life force of the surrounding area.

Realization dawned on me. The Doervus Herd Leader was passively absorbing the abyssal particles of the area—its [Essence Siphon] skill.

The Herd Leader was using its unique eldritch powers to drain the life force of the forest, using it to augment its own strength. I quickly recognized it was a terrifying ability, and one that could easily overpower even the strongest of opponents.

Undeterred, Zest's lightning bolts crackled through the air, but to our astonishment, they seemed to dissipate before reaching the Herd Leader.

The Doervus Herd Leader had erected a barrier of swirling green energy around itself, deflecting our attacks with ease. The Herd Leader's mocking laughter echoed through the forest, a chilling sound that irked more than causing me to fear it.

Without warning, the Herd Leader darted through the field with extraordinary speed and the Herd Leader's hooves kicked outward and connected with Zest.

Zest was sent sprawling backward, their body crashing against a nearby tree with a resounding thud. The force of the impact knocked the wind out of them as they yelped—and for a moment, Zest laid motionless on the forest floor.

"No!" I cried out, a surge of panic welling up within me. I rushed to Zest's side, fear and determination mingling in my heart. Their breathing was shallow, and their eyes fluttered weakly as they struggled to regain their composure.

The Herd Leader, sensing an opportunity, advanced toward us with an air of triumph. Its antlers crackled with malevolent energy, and its dark aura expanded, further draining the life force from the surrounding area.

Anger surged through me as I witnessed Zest's vulnerability. I could not let them be defeated. Clenching my spear tightly, I summoned the remnants of my strength and focused my eldritch energy, my azure electricity amped to the max.

With a defiant cry, I unleashed a powerful screech, the [Melodious Shout], that sent shockwaves through the air to momentarily disorientate the Doervus Herd Leader who winced, but it appeared to resist the sound waves that surged forth.

The antagonistic Doervus powered through and continued its merciless charge, leaving me with no choice but to launch myself at the Herd Leader, spear leading the way. The crystal tip of the weapon glowed with an intense radiance as it sliced through the air.

The Herd Leader, caught off guard by my sudden attack, attempted to parry my strike with its antlers. But I was prepared. Drawing upon my abyssal abilities, I imbued the spear with a surge of lightning-infused power.

[Regal Ram] to fortify, [Doom Zap] to electrify, [Mere:TwistPierce] to raise its potency!

The spear collided with the Herd Leader's antlers, and an explosion of energy erupted, momentarily blinding both of us. The shockwave rippled through the forest, causing the trees to sway and the ground to tremble.

As the dust settled, I found myself standing, panting heavily, while the Herd Leader staggered backward. Its antlers scorched and cracked, evidence of the power behind my strike.

However, the ear I used to strike it had taken significant damage as the Herd Leader's dark energy had inflicted a deep wound as my ear as it refused to rise or even move on command. Particles trickled down that side of my face, partially obscuring my vision and I could feel particles trickling down from a deep gash from my spear-wielding ear, impairing my hearing on that side.

The force of the collision reverberated through my ear, sending sharp pain shooting down to my shoulder and arm. I gritted my teeth, refusing to let the injury deter me from pressing on.

"You're an annoying Merecritt." The Herd Leader snorted. "You're different from those scurrying cowards."

A defiant smirk crossed my face as I locked eyes with the Herd Leader, refusing to let its taunts weaken my resolve. "Different, indeed," I replied, my voice laced with determination. "I may be a Merecritt, but I am no ordinary one."

I knew I had to act swiftly, for Zest's safety and to seize the opportunity before the Herd Leader could regain its full composure. Ignoring the throbbing pain in my injured ear, I adjusted my stance, switching ears—and ready myself for the impending clash.

Gripping my spear tightly, I channeled my eldritch energy once more, infusing it with lightning. Despite the pain and impairment in my injured ear, I refused to let it hinder me.

With a battle cry, I lunged forward again, darting towards the Herd Leader with [MereSwiftness] and thrashing [MereEar:Slashes]. The crystal tip of my spear shimmered with renewed intensity as I aimed for its vulnerable spots.

The Herd Leader, recognizing my tenacity, met my charge head-on. Antlers clashed with spear, sparks flying as our powers collided. The force of our clash reverberated through the clearing, echoing the intensity of our struggle.

Using my agility to my advantage, I maneuvered around the Herd Leader, striking with lightning-fast thrusts and slashes, my form leaving afterimages. While doing so, I unleashed my Melodious Shout to disorientate the eldritch deer.

I executed a rapid series of strikes, each one designed to sap away the Herd Leader's strength and drain its energy. The crystal-tipped spear sliced through the air, leaving traces of electrified energy in its wake.

Each strike carried the weight of my determination, fueled by the protection of those I held dear!

However, the Herd Leader was resilient. It retaliated with a powerful swipe of its antlers, aiming to counter my assault. I managed to evade the full impact, but the force of the blow grazed my arm, leaving a deep gash.

The pain intensified, but I refused to let it consume me. I channeled my resolve and pressed on; I will protect Zest!

As the Herd Leader lunged, its antlers charged with dark energy, I reacted on pure instinct. With a swift leap, I propelled myself into the air, my stretchable ears stretching even further to gain height. The Herd Leader's antlers narrowly missed me as I soared above its reach.

From my elevated position, I took advantage of the momentary respite. Yet, I noticed that the ground shuffled…

I smirked.

Harnessing my abyssal mana, I focused my energy and summoned a swirling vortex of electrical energy above me. The vortex crackled with intensity as it gathered strength, forming a concentrated ball of electrified power.

This was the [Vortex MereSphere]!

Using my retractable ears, I hurled the electrified sphere towards the Herd Leader, aiming for its exposed flank. The [Vortex MereSphere] hurtled through the air with blinding speed, leaving a trail of shimmering sparks in its wake.

The Herd Leader, caught off guard by the unexpected attack, attempted to dodge the sphere but was unable to evade it as an elephant's trunk poked out of the ground and tugged on its leg. The electrified sphere connected with the Herd Leader's side as it exploded, leaving a searing burn and eliciting a rhythmic roar of pain from the creature.

Seizing the opportunity, the downed Zest unleashed a devastating surge of lightning, amplifying the power of the sphere's impact. The combined assault sent the Herd Leader sprawling backward, momentarily stunned and vulnerable.

I descended from my aerial position, landing with a thud. The pain in my injured ear and arm intensified, but the satisfaction of seeing the Herd Leader staggered gave me a bit of hope that this was not an entirely hopeless battle.

Without wasting a moment, I closed the distance between us, my spear still crackling with lightning. With each step, I could feel the ground beneath me tremble, as if the forest itself recognized the pivotal moment at hand.

With a fierce battle cry, I unleashed a flurry of lightning-infused strikes upon the Herd Leader. Each strike was aimed at exploiting its momentary vulnerability, carving searing paths through its hide.

The Herd Leader fought back with desperate fury, its antlers thrashing and its dark energy crackling. But I remained resolute, evading its strikes with fluid agility and countering with swift and precise maneuvers.

As the battle raged on, the forest seemed to come alive, its energy pulsating with the ebb and flow of our clash. The air crackled with electric intensity, mirroring the intensity of our struggle.

Once more, I launched myself into the air as evaded its [Dread:Regal Ram], my stretchable ears propelling me higher than ever before.

From this elevated position, I observed the Herd Leader, and noticed that its defenses were weakened, and its strength waned.

I needed a much more potent finisher to down this fiend! And as I allowed [Lightning] and [Fire] to course through me, I summoned a massive bolt of lightning from the darkened skies above. The bolt crackled with raw power, illuminating the clearing with its brilliance.

[Gamma Thunderbolt] was what I shall call this technique!

With a swift motion, I directed the lightning bolt toward the Herd Leader, guiding its path with pinpoint precision. The bolt struck the creature with a thunderous impact, enveloping it in a blinding surge of azure electricity.

The Herd Leader convulsed and writhed in the midst of the electrical onslaught, its dark aura crackling and dissipating. The forest trembled as the echoes of its rhythmic roars filled the air, the energy of its eldritch powers diminishing.

As the lightning dissipated, I landed gracefully on the forest floor, my spear poised for the final blow. The Herd Leader, weakened and battered, struggled to regain its footing, its eyes filled with a mixture of defiance and desperation. In spite of all of this, the Herd Leader began to channel its remaining powers into a massive green, electrified orb of potent energy in front of its mouth—its [VerdanOrb].

Luckily for it… I ran out of energy…