Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

Amid the intense battle, Altashia's formidable Demon Beast Transformation enhanced her combat capabilities to a whole new level.

The empowering surge of energy granted by this transformation extended her attack range, allowing her to wield her flying weapon slashes with unparalleled precision. With focused determination, she utilized this advantage to intercept the incoming hawks conjured by Hamang Horin, rendering their threat null before they could even draw close.

Renita's supportive efforts dovetailed seamlessly with Altashia's offensive onslaught, forming a crucial line of defense against Hamang's summoned creatures. Together, their synergy became a testament to their formidable teamwork.

Yet, Altashia's prior engagements, including the formidable wyvern and the confrontation with Layos's members, had begun to take its toll. Her stamina and mana reserves, though formidable, were gradually depleting under the relentless strain of the ongoing battle.

Complicating matters, the trio of Expert Rankers from Layos relentlessly amplified the pressure. Employing a coordinated Battle Formation, they unleashed their fiery, mid-range attacks in the form of potent Flame Arcs, expertly tailored to challenge Altashia's defenses. These explosive fire projections varied in size and intensity, aiming to break her resilience in tandem with Hamang's minions.

Altashia's graceful flight faltered as she sustained injuries because of the Flame Arcs, which contributed to angering her. She steadied herself with the beat of her wings, clutching her runic scythe with unwavering resolve. The fusion of wind and fire element chains materialized, coiling around her weapon, augmenting its potential.

The runic scythe was hurled using the elemental chain with such power and precision that it disappeared from sight. The captivating sight of her dancing scythe seemed to halt time itself.

It was as though the world paused, witnessing the fusion of Altashia and her weapon into a singular entity of unbridled ferocity. Her battle cry, a blend of determination and primal power, resonated through the air as she channeled her Elemental Attainments into the torrents of weapon slashes she hurled at both the incoming hawks and her remaining adversaries.

An awe-inspiring sight unfolded as Altashia's mastery over her scythe manifested in her swift and precise slashes, each accompanied by the furious howl of scorching mana. The very atmosphere seemed to ignite, the wind now bearing the scalding touch of flames as the weapon slashes cleaved through the air with a distinct sizzle.

A crimson hue dominated the sky, a testament to the inferno the Scythe Queen wielded.

Even Renita was surprised by Altashia's mastery over her Elemental Attainments and Weapon Comprehension. 'She truly is the granddaughter of the Crimson Ghost,' the ranger blurted out as she observed her ally with fascination and respect.

Such was the ferocity of Altashia's onslaught that the gray hawks were obliterated in an instant, their forms disintegrating under the relentless barrage. Altashia's mana radiated with an intensity that defied the confines of her Master Ranker status. Even among the accomplished Master Rankers at the Solid Stage Mana Core state, her display would have demanded attention.

The unrelenting assault swiftly dispatched Hamang's summoned creatures and Flame Arcs, leaving nothing but a field of scorched earth in their wake. Undeterred by her dwindling mana reserves, Altashia's determination crystallized into action. With unmatched mastery over her Warrior Class and trusted weapon, she aimed her gaze at Hamang, the source of her turmoil.

A circular flying slash of immense magnitude burst forth, radiating energy in all directions, distorting the surrounding mana and intercepting the newly formed Flame Arcs. The opposing forces collided in a brilliant explosion that resonated with the very heartbeat of the battleground.

The impact echoed with a resounding boom, setting the scene ablaze. Altashia's crescent-moon-shaped flying slash dispersed, giving birth to a cascade of miniature slashes that rained down like fiery meteors upon the earth below. The ground ignited upon contact, flames surging and intertwining in a mesmerizing dance.

The concussive force of Altashia's assault propagated, the nearby vicinity becoming an inferno as other fires ignited in response. The spectacle of her unyielding prowess painted the battlefield in hues of red and gold, an indomitable testament to her skill and resolve.

Altashia's unyielding assault shattered the protective sanctuary woven by the Expert Rankers' Battle Formation. Within the confines of her relentless onslaught, even Hamang, the orchestrator of the assault, wasn't spared. Her flying weapon slashes, a display of newly honed Master Rank powers, cleaved through the defenses with a ruthless determination, leaving behind a trail of grievous injuries.

The battlefield bore witness to Altashia's astonishing display of prowess, a feat that left both allies and adversaries in stunned silence. The Scythe Queen's proficiency was undeniable, even though her forte did not lie in long-range combat. Her attacks, while not at their zenith due to the tactical distance she maintained, radiated power that was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

"Aaaargh! This fucking bitch…"

Amid the chaos, Hamang's enraged curses reverberated, his eyes locked onto Altashia with a blend of fury and frustration. The ripple of the Foreign Mana Invasion, triggered by her attacks, was a potent reminder of their destructive potential. Worse yet, the engulfing sea of flames, a consequence of their surroundings, inflicted relentless harm upon them, leaving them trapped in a relentless blaze.

As Altashia's assault subsided, the air was heavy with the scent of burnt earth and singed flesh. Her labored breathing reflected the intensity of her efforts; both her mana reserves and her stamina were depleted, leaving her drained.

The ephemeral guise of her Demon Beast Transformation dissolved, revealing her battered, injured, and exhausted form. The once-vibrant ebony wings adorning her back began to shed their feathers, dissipating like shadows melting into the ether.

The descent was inevitable, and Altashia's weakened form sought refuge in Renita's embrace. The enduring camaraderie between them was a palpable force as Renita provided the support Altashia required to stay on her feet.

A genuine smile played upon Renita's lips as she gently held Altashia. "Your title as the Scythe Queen suits you well, Altashia," she commended, her eyes reflecting both admiration and camaraderie.

Altashia reciprocated the smile, her words unspoken but understood. With Renita's unwavering assistance, she pivoted to confront their enemies once more, a determined fire burning in her gaze. Her stance resonated with the unspoken promise that her fight was far from over.

"I… I am not done yet."

The ground beneath their adversaries quivered as if in response to Altashia's unyielding spirit. Flames surged, a turbulent sea of fire summoned at her command. The scythe, emblematic of her mastery, dissolved from her grip as her raised hand harnessed the lingering mana, uniting it with the intent-based magic drawn from her demon beast's essence.

In a culmination of power, Altashia cast forth her signature Demon Spell, a might etched in the war records of Edinburgh kingdom at this point — Burning Abode.

AN: Burning Abode was used in chapters 426 and 590.