The Inner Odyssey-Chapter 177: Far Too Reckless

A veritable rain of weapons and energy fell upon the Force-Devouring Leopard like a terrible tide. The Djinn released a furious roar, enraged both at the pain coming from the lightning net and the fact that the provisional Paladin squad had slaughtered the rest of its kin... or rather, its underlings, to be more precise.

Alden’s squad promptly arrived at his location. Avel and Clay, the two Expert Stonewardens, swiftly dove into the fray, followed by Yuki, Isolde and Raphaela.

The rest surrounded Alden in a protective half-circle.

The Keeper’s Apprentice slowly relaxed, the combat high fading to reveal only pain and suffering. The white-haired young man sighed and hid a wince, his left side protesting against him blocking the leopard’s tail.

Stifling a groan, Alden watched as a third of the provisional Paladin squad waged war against the Djinn. Its movements were restricted thanks to the golden lightning net, but that did not mean it was incapable of absorbing the force of any other strikes.

Remarkably, even through the haze of great pain, the abomination was still putting up a fight. If his life hadn’t been at risk because of it, Alden would have admired the Defiled’s dogged tenacity.

As it was, though, he was just glad to see it receive its just retribution.

The Expert Stonewardens slammed into the Force-Devouring Leopard. A visible shock-wave formed from the impact, displacing a squall of ashen flakes.

It was as if a grey, dreary blizzard had descended on the Forest of Ash.

Alden’s hair whipped up in the ensuing wind.

The figures of Yuki and Isolde shone with a pale, icy light. In the next moment, the limbs of the abomination frosted over, frozen to the ground. Raphaela complemented their attack by raising her staff and forming numerous complex circles. The magic circles spun as they sucked in the ambient mana from the air.

Less than a heartbeat later, devastating rays of harsh, golden light slammed into the Force-Devouring Leopard. The Djinn snarled, its pained roar growing louder as it broke free of its gelid restraints and released near-invisible waves of force.

In response, the Stonewardens dashed back and swiftly placed their palms on the ground. Two large walls of mud and soil erupted, cracks running through them as they blocked the leopard’s attack.

While Avel and Clay were preoccupied, the Frost Clan duo drew upon more of their ice. A vortex of steam shrouded Yuki’s figure while Isolde’s pupils flashed. Suddenly, a powerful ray of frost energy crashed into the latter’s mirror, reflecting into several other magically-induced looking glasses.

The result was a truly blistering ray of ice.

Within a fraction of a heartbeat, the powerful beam struck the Force-Devouring Leopard.

However, before it had struck, the Djinn opened its maw and unleashed a concussive wave of force. The billow of tangible force neutralised the Yuki and Isolde’s attack, but still the abomination did not receive a moment’s respite.

The golden net of lightning tightened around it, weakening it further.

It released another agonised roar.

Taking advantage of the moment when its powerful muscles suddenly seized, Avel and Clay shot forward like catapults, swiftly slicing off the Djinn’s ice-slicked legs. Fetid black blood sprayed through the air, boiling as it evaporated in the dry, scorching heat.

The Defiled leopard collapsed to the ground with a weak growl.

A moment later, numerous spears pierced its skull.

FInally, that vexing Djinn had met its end.

Alden’s shoulders sagged with relief.

***

’We did it.’

As it dawned on everyone that they had achieved their first major victory as a squad, a collective sense of relief and jubilation travelled through their ranks. The provisional Paladin squad had fought valiantly, dispatching an extremely troublesome horde of Dark Brood.

Alden raised his forearm, allowing Ignia to perch on it.

’Good job, little one.’

In response, she softly tapped him with her beak, scolding him.

Alden’s lips twitched into a small smile.

’I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I should have been more careful.’ 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Ignia cried her assent, flicking her head in what seemed like a "harrumph".

Alden’s brow twitched.

Scanning the immediate vicinity with his mana sense and struggling not to laugh, he discovered no newcomers or stragglers. Thankfully, it seemed no abominations had been attracted to their location just yet.

Alden breathed an unconscious sigh of relief.

Soon, Raphaela arrived next to him and clicked her tongue.

"You are far too reckless for your own good."

Alden could only smile weakly at her reproach.

Once the healer was finished, the Keeper’s Apprentice began to feel a lot better, enough to help the rest of the squad with the clean-up.

First, they had to inspect the carcasses. This was a crucial step for identifying any salvageable parts. After all, Defiled parts were more often than not a vital component in the creation of potions and high-quality crafts.

The meat also had to be inspected, ensuring its safety for human consumption.

Next, after sorting through the remains of the Defiled, the mangled ones and those in good condition were separated. Alden and Ignia swiftly disposed of the former, using her Void Flame and his stygian fire.

The in-tact carcasses, meanwhile, were quickly dressed and skinned before being stored safely inside numerous Dimensional Bracelets. Alden’s previous occupation as a porter helped speed this up.

Those who did not have much experience or disliked getting their hands dirty - namely Marion, Yuki and Isolde -, acted as guards, securing the perimeter. Ignia and Marion’s little sparrow flew from tree to tree, racing through the air.

It was as if they were having a competition to prove who was the most acrobatic.

Very soon, Alden and the others finished their respective tasks. By then, Raphaela had also completed her rounds, healing any serious wounds and helping patch up those in the roughest shape.

As they set off, Alden gulped down a stamina potion.

Instantly, a vast portion of his fatigue melted away.

’Much better.’

Soon, the battle against the Force-Devouring Leopards was but a distant memory in everyone’s minds - they had more pressing matters to concern themselves with, after all.

....Namely, keeping a vigilant eye out for any abominations.

The provisional Paladin squad traversed the Forest of Ash for the rest of the day, engaging in a couple of brief skirmishes but none as large or as dire as their harsh clash against the Dark Brood.

Night soon fell, banishing the light gloom.

The howl of distant abominations pierced the air.

Alden shivered.

Glancing around, he discovered he wasn’t the only one perturbed. Marion and Devin both seemed like they had seen a ghost, although... that could have just been because of an arduous day of intense combat and travel.

Still, Alden grinned at them, making sure they discerned his mocking of them veiled underneath. Marion’s brows twitched with disbelief, while Devin grinned back, concealing his own taunt.

Alden laughed.

A few minutes later, the provisional Paladin squad came to a halt, deciding against any further travel.

Very soon, a makeshift camp was set up.