Jon stepped forward, boots crunching against the flesh-warped biomass and crumbling ruins. His grip over the Spear Of Cedarwood Transformations shifting, sliding down the length of the polearm until his hand came into contact with the blunted end of the spear.

  [Bestial Intuition] causing his index finger to twitch, urging him to swing Assail out in a wide arc. The verdant-green spear slashed a bright neon streak through the air, severing the front two limbs of an approaching insect.

  Blood splashing onto the ground beside him.

  The high-pitched squeals of said insect filling the air, alerting its fellow swarm members to the presence of their designated target. The “human” that their mother had defined as the Princeps Of The Wandering Mutation was someone whose corpse they had been instructed to bring to her, allowing the Voracious Swarm Mother to feast on his innards and absorb his imaginary mental construct.

  Jon using the momentum from his wide slash to rotate on the balls of his feet, avoiding the gaping maw of the Knight-level armoured-flesh beetle. The Thulian Rainspear held in his other hand thrusting forward, relying on said to momentum to pierce through the eyes of the enormous insect.

  Brain matter and blood splashing onto his clothes, Murmur-Arhat Marrow halting the approach of the dead armoured-flesh beetle, corpse tossed to the side as if it was yesterday’s garbage. Although not perhaps as dramatic as either his Yaochi-Mudra Prana or Seir-Perpetual Heart, his Fragment Of Marrow granted him an even greater enhancement to his physical capabilities, especially after having a Fragment Of Arhat integrated into it.

  [Fragment Of Marrow]

  [Ours Is The Blood That Births Winter And Ice]

  (Ice, Marrow, Mutation, Ability, Enhancement)

  (Arhat)

  Effect (Knight): Elevate the Murmur-Glacial Marrow into the Murmur-Arhat Marrow. The Murmur-Arhat Marrow now contains within it the conceptual understandings of reincarnation, wisdom, and serenity.

  The Murmur-Arhat Marrow produces winterish-serenity blood that systematically refines one debuff or affliction from the Self per hour. Upon successfully refining a debuff or affliction, generate an instance of [Cold Scripture].

  Dramatically increases all physical capabilities. Slightly increases the effectiveness of all abilities with the Ice Trait.

  [Cold Scripture]: Infinitesimally increases mana regeneration. Additional stacks have an additive effect.

  His physical capabilities were astounding at Mortality. Able to temporarily match that of some Knights upon the activation of his Mortal Title and Fragment Of Superbia. Upon the integration of his Fragment Of Arhat, his strength had skyrocketed, surpassed only by a handful of individuals within Springtown.

  Twirling the Spear Of Cedarwood Transformations in one hand, Jon wielded the summoned weapon as though it were a javelin rather than a spear. Clenching his muscles in his shoulder and arm he hurled Assail forward, momentarily overloading his Murmur-Arhat Marrow allowing the verdant-coloured spear to shoot through the air as though being launched from a cannon.

  With the combined effects of his Seir-Perpetual Heart, which could store excess spiritual energy regeneration in order to enhance abilities with the Ice Trait, Assail possessed an extraordinary amount of force behind it.

  Assail transforming its structure mid-air under Jon’s command, shifting into something closer into an enormous ballista bolt. The Fragment Of Spear piercing straight through the chitinous flesh of a nearby acid-stomach ant before shooting out the other side and penetrating through the skull of the hungry-maw termite behind it.

  Jon narrowing his eyes, before thrusting the Thulian Rainspear up into the air above him, flowing mana through his spear spiritual vein. Ignoring the chant requirements for Luin, he manifested a thulian-coloured cloud of in the skies above the Hive-Womb Capital, allowing the spear-vapours to condense and manifest into lance-shaped spell constructs.

  Moments later descending in near-perfect unison.

  Dozens of metre-long lance constructs crashing down onto the advancing group of Knight-level flesh constructs. Thulian-coloured spears piercing through their chitinous defences, puncturing organs and vital arteries, some even striking true and penetrating through their eyes or skulls.

  Jon’s control over [Behold Thy Phantasmal Spear; Enveloped In Thulian Grace] was astounding, particularly for a summoned weapon-type ability. He was able to control the size of the manifested thulian-cloud, the direction in which the lance-constructs fell, the defined area-of-effect of the spell and even the size and shape of the manifested spell constructs.

  Other than Amadeus, he did not know of anyone within Springtown that could match his level of mastery.

  His figure continuing to step forward, ignoring the blood that splattered onto his clothes or the flesh of swiftly decaying flesh all around him. His boots, while not a spiritual item in of itself, were still crafted using Knight Ranked spiritual materials, able to resist the acidic qualities of the insects stomach acid and saliva.

  His Hades-Draconian Shadow and Carcosa-Form Horrors cleaning up any of the insects that dared to turn their focus away from him, bisecting their shadows and rending flesh from bone. Any debuffs that the two were inflicted with rapidly absorbed by his Archetype Twinleaf, which was then swiftly claimed by his Archetype Treasured-Avarice.

  Generating numerous buffing effects, which were then shared with his shadow-mutation and fear-mutation.

  [Fragment Of Incarnation]

  [With Thou In Hand, Wood Shalt Live Forever]

  (Wood, Incarnation, Ability, Technique, Spell, Construct, Buff)

  (Twin)

  Effect (Knight): Elevate your manifested Archetype Green into an Archetype Twinleaf. The Archetype Twinleaf now contains within it the conceptual understandings of duality, lifeforce and green.

  Manifest up to two Archetype Twinleaf’s at any given point in time. Transferred debuffs and afflictions shall be divided between each Archetype Twinleaf evenly, up to a maximum threshold. Each additional instance of debuff or affliction transferred to the Archetype Green will generate an instance of [Leaf Duality] with no maximum threshold.

  [Leaf Division]: Reduces the mana expenditure of the next ability activated that possesses the Ability Trait. Additional stacks have an additive effect.

  Each instance of [Leaf Division] reducing the mana expenditure of his Hades-Draconian Shadow and Carcosa-Form Horrors.

  Each instance [One With Green] allowing him to regenerate a portion of his expended stamina.

  Each instance of [Golden Treasure] rejuvenating his flesh and spirit, regenerating his expended lifeforce. All the while generating additional [Fool Charges], each one of his strikes inflicting traces of war natured damage.

  [Le Mat Avancement]: Increases resistances towards abilities with the Perception Trait or Sensory Trait. Physical strikes will inflict traces of war natured damage.

  [Fool Charges]: Infinitesimally increases the effectiveness of abilities with the Technique Trait. Additional stacks have an additive effect.

  Despite the immense speed and agility that he could display, Jon felt that there was no need to be anything but direct in front of these mindless flesh constructs. Each thrust of his Thulian Rainspear ending the existence of a Knight-level insect. Thulian-coloured lances shooting through the air in a continuous barrage, cleaving through swathes of enemies with each passing moment.

  [Bestial Intuition] twitching, causing Jon to inadvertently lift his head, noticing something through the eyes of his Hades-Draconian Shadow flicker up into the skies from the Hive-Womb Capital. His Fragment Of Mind glitching within his Knowledge Mana Core not thinking much of the matter.

  His Carcosa-Form Horrors instead noticing the presence of several Lord-level insects on the other side of the hive-shaped Memento Source Item. Each one of them capable of flight and soaring high up into the air, obscuring themselves through the dust-filled clouds that had yet to settle.

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  Their dragonfly-esque appearance suggesting a focus on speed and agility rather than physical strength or defence.

  ‘If that is the case then…’

  Jon extended his free hand forward, tapping the ground beneath his feet twice before reciting the chant for his Fragment Of Eruption. This had been the first time he had used his carnivorous wood arts in almost a month, preferring to rely on his Hades-Draconian Shadow and Carcosa-Form Horrors instead.

  The effects of the Mask Of Jade Lies enhancing his thorned-mouth eruption.

  [Carnivorous Wood Arts; Thorned-Mouth Eruption].

  The ground around where his foot had touched blossoming a bright, lime-green. Wood natured spiritual energy saturating the surrounding dirt and soil, filling it with metaphysical-seed constructs that sprouted into something unfathomably large.

  In the same manner as how he could freely manipulate the shape and form of his towering-tree barrier, Jon was now also able to adjust the appearance and qualities of his Fragment Of Eruption. An assortment of different trees, with a wide variety of different barks and leaves able to now be manifested.

  In this instance-.

  The image of the largest tree that he had ever seen, other than Xochitl formed the basis for this Spell effect.

  ‘Sequoiadendron giganteum.’

  With a width exceeding nine metres and a circumference of over one hundred feet, it was the largest tree native to Earth. Jon had never seen one in person but used memories and images from within his Sea Of Knowledge to fuel the creation of one with his thorned-mouth eruption.

  A missile-sized thorn burst from the ground in front of him, causing the earth beneath the desiccated battlefield to tremble as it shot forward towards his intended target. Wood natured spiritual energy launched forward with a merciless thrust, piercing into the side of the Hive-Womb Capital.

  More than fifty-metres in length, it rivalled even the size of his vajra-spears.

  Crushing several Knight-level insects and even one Lord-level insect in the process, unable to retreat back inside the hive quick enough in an attempt to evade the Fragment Of Eruption. A thunderous crash echoing throughout the ruined sections of the Western Gate.

  The focus of the Lord-level shooting-wing dragonflies turning towards the sound, noticing a white-armoured figure slowly approach their hive. Their near-perfect three-dimensional manoeuvring allowing for them to change their direction in an instant, descending downwards towards Jon.

  The Princeps Of The Wandering Mutation walking up the length of his carnivorous wood art, ignoring the presence of these Lord-level insects. The rhythmic tapping of his boot soles against the redwood eruption causing small buds to appear across its length, most concealed beneath patches of lush leaves and abundant shrubbery.

  Several hundred metres up in the air, Miyoung watched as dozens upon dozens of these buds sprouted first appearing as though flower buds waiting to bloom. Her eyes widening as the buds morphed into something far more familiar.

  Three carnivorous, flytrap-shaped mouths extending their leaf covered stems towards an approaching shooting-wing dragonfly. Clamping down on its leg, tail and wing, thousands of minute, needle-shaped, fangs pierced through its thin carapace trapping in a grip too strong to pull out of.

  Three more carnivorous thorned-mouths chomping down on the Lord-level insect, tearing off one of its wings and two of its legs in the process. More and more flytraps joining in on the feast, tearing apart the flesh construct within a matter of seconds.

  Jon continuing to walk along the length of his [Carnivorous Wood Art; Thorned-Mouth Eruption] without a care in the world, strolling straight up towards the Hive-Womb Capital.

  The Archon Of Reigning Dragons watching as his figure disappeared within one of the tunnelled entrances to the Memento Source Item, unable to observe him even with her [Predator Spell Eyes]. The last thing that she saw-.

  Was several dozen mind-natured threads following behind him as he descended into the Hive-Womb Capital.

  [Fragment Of Eruption]

  [Carnivorous Wood Art; Thorned-Mouth Eruption]

  (Wood, Eruption, Spell, Curse, Debuff)

  (Carnivore)

  Effect (Knight): The [Carnivorous Wood Art; Thorned-Mouth Eruption] now produces a flytrap-like clamping structure along the length of the Spell. Those struck with the flytrap-like clamping structure will receive wood damage and become inflicted within instances of [Carnivorous Wood Curse] and [Mouth Thorn Curse] up to a maximum threshold.

  [Carnivorous Wood Curse]: Reduces mana regeneration. Additional stacks have an additive effect.

  [Mouth Thorn Curse]: Inflicts a continuous wood-natured damage over time effect. Wood natured spiritual energy manifests intangible thorns within wounds capable of piercing through flesh and bone. Additional stacks have an additive effect.

  Break.

  Avahni Rudras walked throughout the ruined streets of Springtown, gazing upon the ruined structures and pathways that she had helped build. Hundreds of injured Mortals and wounded Knights gathered around the Creationist Guild Headquarters, the sound of explosions still echoing in the distance.

  Avahni had long since ordered Ru Luan Di, Cian Aengus, Rhidian and Ortlinde to assist in the defence of the newly established lines of defence. Most of the defenders were either Mortals who had yet to fulfil the requirements to become Knights, or Veinless Knights that specialized in the creation of spiritual items, wards or formations.

  If it was not for the presence of Miyoung, Avahni was afraid that she would be forced to integrate her last fragment and take the final step to becoming a Knight.

  The Archon Of Reigning Dragons was a force to be reckoned with, although, according to both Jibril and Ler Setanta, specialized too much into long-range offensive measures. That smile-mutation of hers certainly made up for it but did not quite fit in with the rest of her other abilities.

  Watching as the Second-Veined Knight launched arrow after arrow from her Seven-Stringed Reignbow caused many to gasp, not realizing that there was another Memento Source Item wielding Knight within Springtown. Her face, which was no longer obscured through the Wandering Night Protection caused dozens of defenders to lower their weapons in awe after gazing upon her visage.

  Innana-Graceful Smile able to display its full effects, a Knight-Ranked mutation.

  In comparison, her Asherah-Shamrock Hair might be able to show similar effects at Knighthood. The integration of a Fragment Of Beauty or a Fragment Of Desire would amplify the effects of her Aura, perhaps even elevating her appearance beyond that of ordinary Knights.

  The Virtuous Flame, Grand Creation and the Wind-Void Sword Scripture manifesting themselves behind her. Jibril with her snarky smile and Xuanyuan with his usual blank expression.

  “Are we being sent out yet, master?” Xuanyuan asked, resting one hand on the hilt of the blade hanging from his waist. Wind natured spiritual energy seemed to envelop his limbs, a swirling whirlwind of sword-shaped wind ready and waiting to be used.

  The Wind-Void Sword Scripture, for all intents and purposes appeared as though an older human gentleman. If it was not for the seven-fingers on each hand and seven-toes on each foot, one might have mistaken him for a human, or perhaps even just a pale-skinned satanas.

  Jibril nodding her head in unison, crossing her arms and gesturing towards Avahni’s greater Source.

  “Xochitl and Setanta are getting restless in there Avahni. Hordes of insects are what the Voracious Wood-Swallowing Mangrove specialize in fighting against. So much lifeforce and biomass for it to consume…”

  “If it was Knight-Ranked then perhaps Xochitl might be able to hold the Northern Gate all on his-.”

  The fire-souled messenger halted her words, feeling the keen-edge of a sword brush up against her throat. The Memento Source Item Kong; Imaginary Severance preventing Jibril from speaking any further on the matter.

  The Virtuous Flame, Grand Destruction felt her eyebrow twitch in response to Xuanyuan’s action before smiling feeling an enormous shadow loom over her shoulder.

  “If you don’t want to die Little Emptiness, I suggest you move that sword away from her throat.” The deep and bellowing voice of the Incarnation Of The Hunt echoing through the ruined sections of Springtown West. The Wind-Void Sword Scripture lifted his gaze and observed the looming indomitus shastasaurus above him appearing unfazed even as Gae Balor slithered across his mortal shadow.

  The three Memento Source wielding summoned companions staring at each other, locked in a stalemate. All three of them too prideful to concede to the other, especially considering the relationship that Xuanyuan, Jibril and Xuanyuan possessed in their previous-.

  “That is enough, unless the three of you would prefer to fight against Xochitl as well?” Avahni’s voice cut through the tension, holding the cradle of the Voracious Wood-Swallowing Mangrove in one hand.

  Knight Ranked Wood-Talisman hanging around her, directly beside her Knight-Ranked Mouth Talisman. The Incarnation Of The Hunt grinning in response to her not-so-subtle threat.

  “If you think that a Wood-Talisman and Mouth-Talisman are enough to strengthen Xochitl enough to fight me evenly, then you have another thing-.”

  “Xochitl alone might not be enough. But when enhanced through the combined effects of Totlechatl and Metzli, I’m sure that the Voracious Wood-Swallowing Mangrove would be more than enough to overpower even the Incarnation Of The Hunt.”

  “Or do I have to recall Ortlinde and Rhidian and sort this all out properly?” Avahni questioned, locking eyes with the indomitus-shastasaurus. The dinosauric-looking creature staring back with amused expression on its face.

  Both Jibril and Xuanyuan sharing a glance, the former grinning despite having a Memento Source Item pressed up against her throat.

  “Finally, a girl has learned to bite rather than just bark.” Ler Setanta replied, allowing himself to dissipate into motes of water natured spiritual energy. The thirty-metre-long beast nodding its enormous head, half-glancing in the direction of the Hive-Womb Capital.

  “Make sure there is something to fight next time you summon me.” The voice of the Incarnation Of The Hunt trailed off there towards the end, growing distant as he returned to Avahni’s greater Source.

  Jibril nodding along, continuing to maintain her glare as she too vanished into motes of fire natured spiritual energy.

  “Although Ein; Throne-Creation Fire might lack in terms of offensive capabilities, please do not think that I am as helpless as our fellow master.” The Virtuous Flame, Grand Creation winking while pressing a Knight-Ranked Summon-Poison Dagger to stomach of the homo adonis standing across from her.

  Xuanyuan furrowing his brows, although not bothering to retort the words of the fire-souled messenger. Merely watching as the winged humanoid summon similarly dissipated into motes of red mana. His eyes glancing in the direction where his master and summoner had continuing walking towards, letting out a small sigh as he trailed behind her.

  ‘If I can get to the Voracious Swarm Mother first then…’

  Avahni felt her brows furrow inwardly.

  ‘Then… I might be able to catch up to Jon and the others!'