Became a Demon with Pregnancy System-Chapter 54: Marissa vs Neo

Zoe smirked. "Relax, Luke She’s got this."

The tension had gone thick in the air as the duel commenced. The fighters took their places and prepared, magical energy crackling

Marissa Jones had never felt anything for Neo Vadis before, but now, his arrogance and condescension ensured he had a permanent spot on her blacklist.

"He’s the man you’ll never be able to surpass in your life," Marissa stated coldly, her voice carrying a sharp edge. Her gaze softened momentarily as it drifted to Luke, her eyes filled with quiet tenderness.

Then her demeanor turned icy as she returned her focus to Neo, who was already visibly angered. "We barely know each other, so let’s cut the talk," she declared firmly. "This ends here and now. After this battle, you and I will have nothing more to do with each other."

The stars in Marissa’s hand began to light up, announcing the battle’s start.

"Is she serious? Fighting Neo Vadis? He’s one of the top mid-tier mages in his family!" a voice whispered from the audience.

"Neo’s not just strong—he’s on the second level of the mid-tier and has a spirit seed! She’s out of her league," another commented.

"Don’t underestimate her. Marissa’s been full of surprises. She might not have Neo’s connections, but she has the talent to match," said another, their tone tinged with admiration.

Meanwhile, Tina Baine folded her arms, watching the scene unfold with a smirk. "They don’t know her at all. Marissa doesn’t enter battles she can’t win. Just wait and see."

Neo’s demeanor shifted as Marissa’s stars began connecting. He was no fool—her speed and precision were impressive, and he wouldn’t underestimate her now.

Seven dark green stars lit up around Marissa, forming a seamless star trail. In an instant, two dark, twisting vines erupted from her magic, heading straight for Neo.

Dark Mandala – Vine – Bondage!

The vines moved like living entities, their dark green surface pulsing with a faint, ominous glow. They carried an aura of corrosion, their sheer presence threatening to break anything they touched.

Neo’s eyes narrowed as he observed the vines’ unusual properties. "Mutant plants?" he muttered. "You must’ve gotten lucky during training. But luck won’t help you here."

Seven stars ignited around Neo as he conjured flames into existence. The vibrant red glow of his magic was a stark contrast to the dark aura of Marissa’s vines.

Crimson Flame – Ember Strike – Burst!

He launched a streak of fire toward the advancing vines, hoping to burn them away in an instant.

"Neo’s flames are incredible! There’s no way those vines stand a chance," someone exclaimed.

"Yeah, but did you see those vines? They’re not normal plant magic—something’s different about them," another said, their voice filled with awe.

"I bet Marissa’s got something up her sleeve," Tina muttered confidently, her eyes locked on the battle.

To Neo’s surprise, the flames didn’t burn through the vines immediately. Instead, they clung stubbornly, resisting the fire’s heat and energy. It wasn’t until several seconds later that the vines finally incinerated.

"What?" Neo exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. "How are they this tough?"

Marissa wasted no time capitalizing on Neo’s moment of hesitation. She scattered seeds across the arena with a fluid motion. As they touched the ground, the seeds expanded rapidly, growing into thick vines that began enveloping the entire battlefield.

Dark Mandala – Forest of Thorns – Prison!

The newly sprouted vines intertwined, forming a living prison that encased both combatants. Within the confines of this thorny domain, Marissa had complete control.

Neo’s expression hardened as he realized he was losing ground. He gritted his teeth and connected a second star map, this time summoning earthy yellow stars instead of his usual crimson flames.

Earth Barrier – Stone Shell!

A sturdy rock barrier rose around him, shattering the vines that threatened to ensnare him. Neo’s confidence returned as he tore through Marissa’s magical prison.

"Did you see that? He just broke through her forest prison!" someone shouted.

"Neo’s showing why he’s one of the best. This is a true mage duel," another added, their tone brimming with excitement.

But others weren’t as impressed. "Marissa’s not done yet. You can tell—she’s setting up something big," Tina remarked with a knowing grin.

Neo sneered as he launched a barrage of flames, aiming to obliterate the forest entirely. However, even as the flames devoured the vines, the damage wasn’t instant. The plants seemed to fight back, their resilience far beyond what Neo had anticipated.

"This magic of yours—it’s disgusting!" Neo spat, glaring at the dark vines. "You’d stoop to using something so vile?"

Red flames ignited in his hand once more, brighter and fiercer than before.

Crimson Flame – Fierce Fist – Earthshatter!

The ground beneath them trembled as Neo’s strongest attack erupted, his flames tearing through the remaining vines. His eyes glowed red as he activated his penetration talent, ensuring his magic would pierce any remaining defenses.

Within the confines of her prison, Marissa remained calm. Her eyes glimmered with determination as she whispered, "You’ve underestimated me, Neo."

Black mandala flowers began blooming amidst the vines. These dark blossoms, infused with Marissa’s power, exuded a menacing aura. The flowers detached from the vines, floating in the air like ominous specters.

Dark Mandala – Blossom Barrage!

The flowers moved as if guided by an unseen force, closing in on Neo from all directions. They exploded upon contact, sending shockwaves across the arena.

As the smoke cleared, Marissa stood tall amidst the chaos. Her calm demeanor remained unshaken, her gaze unwavering. Neo, however, looked battered and shaken, his once-pristine confidence replaced by frustration and disbelief.

No one could have anticipated the sheer power of Marissa Jones’ Dark Mandala. Its ability to absorb flames and detonate with devastating force left the audience—and even Luke—astonished.

Even Luke, who was always confident in Marissa’s abilities, found himself marveling at this unexpected power. This was the first time he had witnessed the Dark Mandala Flower absorbing flames and using the stored energy for a chain of explosions.