-----
[The {Raid Boss: 2/5}: [Aberrant Insectoid Chimera Golem Queen: Exoskelenia 2 (Tier 7: Rank 5)] sees you as obstacles in her path toward her goal, destroying Elderbridge.]
[Her imposing presence and power further boost the Strength and Agility of all other Insect-type Golems by 50%.]
[If you can defeat the Raid Boss, you will be granted Bonus Raid Points and a Special Reward.]
"GRYSHAAAAAA!"
The monstrous aberration roared angrily at Vlad and his team, viewing them as annoying obstacles to her true goal, Elderbridge. This monster had been assigned by Ezekiel to raze the entire city and burn it to the ground, just as Judgement was supposed to have done but was ultimately stopped.
"Sorry, but entry to the city is prohibited for the moment," Vlad said. "I'm afraid you'll have to go back home…"
The Vampire Prince swiftly summoned a second sword made of purple, spectral flames using his [Soul-Devouring Underworld Blade Arts] Skill, gripping both swords to dual-wield against the hundred-meter-tall monstrous golem. He knew his best chance at fighting this thing was to unleash his strongest skills and magic without holding back.
These Raid Bosses seemed generally stronger than the previous ones. They were also much larger, heavier, and sturdier. Above all, they were composite beings made of many souls and materials, which stacked into greater strength for them.
This was why Vlad knew he had to go all out from the start. Chris and Ermelinda were still catching up to him, and Gofumina was still a bit far away. For now, he would have to defend the city on his own and, hopefully, kill this thing—the sooner, the better.
"SHAAAAAHHH!"
Exoskelenia roared furiously. Unlike the previous generals, these were more primal and animalistic, unable to speak at all and, by nature, completely feral and monstrous.
RUMBLE!
The giant monstrosity broke through the skies, charging toward Vlad while releasing shockwaves that made the empty air itself tremble.
Her giant scythes, made of hard stone, metals, and crystals, swung down one by one as Vlad rapidly dodged the gigantic blows, preparing for a counter.
Loading Arcana into both of his swords, he waited for the perfect moment and…
His swords blazed with purple and red flames and black lightning!
"I've fought scarier things than you and won… What do you think you can do against me?! I am the Vampire Prince, Vlad!"
Paul abandoned the thought of "sounding cringe" and unleashed all his power at once. His Aura erupted as Blood Energy, Darkness, and the power of his own Soul blazed with immense force, unified as one.
"{Dual Soul-Devouring Underworld Blade Arts}: {Spinning Underworld Inferno}"
SLAAASH!
His entire body spun in midair at lightning speed, literally boosted by his own lightning from the Skill he had obtained by devouring Judgement. His attack reached the scythes of the monstrosity, cutting right through them as a massive explosion engulfed the gigantic being.
BOOOM!
"GYAAAAAHH!"
The monster roared, rapidly opening its sharp jaws and firing a destructive beam of darkness and poison. Vlad quickly prepared to retaliate, infusing Winds into his swords using the Wind Spells embedded in his equipment.
"{Dual Soul-Devouring Underworld Blade Arts}: {Abyssal Storm}"
FLUOOOSH!
A storm of black winds and purple lightning was unleashed as he swung both swords at once. Packed with Underworld Flames, they impacted the breath attack from the golem and quickly extinguished it, hitting the monster's body and pushing it back with immense force.
BOOOM!
"GRRRRHHH KRISHAAAAA!"
With enraged screams, the golem spread her wings and fired hundreds of crystal projectiles at Vlad. They tracked him, aiming from every angle, loaded with spirit energy and arcana, ready to explode upon contact.
"Ah, that one's a tricky one!"
However, he smiled as he faced these odds, his adrenaline kicking in. He rapidly grasped the empty air itself, fusing it with his Wind Spells, Flames, and Thunder.
"{Grand Geomancy}: {Crimson Thunderstorm Vacuum}!"
TRUUUM!
The winds around him twisted rapidly, creating a strange "atmosphere" around him. Lightning and winds exploded, sending the crystals away, as they were unable to impact him in time.
What's more, this powerful vacuum extended toward his foe. Vlad charged towards her and pierced through her chest.
BOOOM!
"GRYYAAAAAH!"
The monstrosity roared angrily, her sharp fangs biting through the atmospheric barrier. Even as she suffered damage, she managed to shatter it.
CRASH!
Her jaws reached Vlad, constantly trying to bite him, but he used his swords to parry her giant jaws while her claws aimed at him from left and right.
As he realized his armor wasn't ready to activate its protection ability, he quickly resorted to his Plan B.
The power of his Spiritual Blood Ki Heart began to glow brightly within him, suddenly manifesting something from within.
Yes, a monstrous being composed of his own Blood Energy and even his soul!
"{Blood Ki Soul Spiritualization}"
TRUUUM!
A giant demon-like monster appeared out of his Aura, materializing from his blood energy and other powers. It swiftly swung its claws to the left and right, intercepting the monster's scythes and claws.
This was, quite literally, the embodiment of his own Soul!
-----
[Blood Ki Soul Spiritualization]: By infusing Spiritual Blood Ki Essence into your Soul and melding it with your Soul Essence, it is possible to temporarily transform your own Soul into a Spiritual-like being, becoming a powerful extension of your own power. This increases your range of attacks, enhances your magic spell power, and offers greater protection than normal {Soul Aura} could provide, while granting the ability to drain Spiritual Blood Ki Essence directly from wounded foes and gain even more power over time. Through fighting with this Ability, your Soul will also continuously grow stronger, gaining bonus Soul Essence. The Power of this Spiritualization depends on the Spiritual Blood Ki Heart Rank and your Soul Ether Stat.
-----
"GRYAHAHAHAHAHA!"
The thing laughed like a maniac as its bloody claws grew ten times as large, digging through the stone, crystals, and metal that composed this golem and destroying its claws in a single blow.
CRAAASH!
Vlad was honestly afraid of using this thing, seeing how destructive it could be, but in this situation, it was perfect to use to his heart's content!
He quickly kicked the air, using his Soar Spell enhanced through his Aura, and reached the monster's jaws, evading several sharp bites. His Soul Aura Spiritualization attacked with its claws, tearing chunks of stone, crystal, and metal out of the creature.
CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!
"{Blood Fever}!"
Vlad went all out, activating one of his Vampiric Skills. His eyes shone bright red, and he felt a sudden thirst for blood that was almost all-encompassing, bordering on madness.
-----