There were remnants of blast sites and collapsed structures, and a huge depression on the ground also attracted his attention.

    "Even with all the plants here, I could still imagine the battle, seeing how deep this crater is," Apollo commented until his attention was taken by a low and deep sound of growling. The direction of the wind suddenly shifted, and to Apollo''s amazement, this creature coming for him looked interesting, finally a demon beast that could invoke excitement in him.

    Feeling the impending danger, an immediate recognition or instinctual response came to the boy; his senses heightened—heartbeat quickening, breath shallowing as the adrenaline started to pump. Every muscle tenses slightly as if subconsciously preparing for a fight.

    The growling continues along the approaching rustle of leaves indicating the enemy is coming. Apollo patiently waited, and as the presence drew near, a lump of energy radiated near the boy. It was a dense pack of corroded mana that contagiously absorbed every life surrounding it. The path the demon took was marked with black and gray patches of plants as if every life died as it walked through it.

    The dark entity walked close, and every step it took created a pressure that pressed down onto the boy; the atmosphere shifted; it felt heavier, oppressive, to be exact, as if the air had thickened. The pressure continued to blast on Apollo; however, try as he might, he could not get a proper visual of the demon; it was due to the mana obstructing not only his but also Jeremiah''s senses.

    A smile broke from his lips, and his heartbeat ran fast while his senses went haywire. Your next chapter awaits on empire

    "Jeremiah boost my stats"

    [Affirmative]

    Warm energy ran across the boy''s veins as he felt his body go lighter while his senses heightened. Two glowing bracelets are hoisted on his wrist, indicating that the spell is ready to be fired.

    "Let''s prepare a couple of delayed spells first, then some scrolls that can easily explode." He began to plan for his attack until he felt a sudden chill that made his body move; something inside him screamed as if giving him a warning about danger. Jeremiah''s notification then rang along his instincts, giving more emphasis to the current danger. Apollo commanded the space and he was immediately teleported away. As soon as he lands, barriers automatically appear as they block a massive explosion that pulls the ground upside down.

    "Damn it, I can''t let this place be destroyed any further, Jeremiah I want the authority of space to protect the ruins"

    [Affirmative]

    the boy then made a sudden move and activated the spells he planted using scrolls.

    [It''s in front of you], warned by Jeremiah. In response, Apollo already had his body covered in aura while his hand had already cast a spell.

    "Wind element, Tempester, focus"

    After Apollo released those arrows he immediately teleported away and loaded another set of three arrows. This time, he didn''t shoot directly at the demonic beast; instead, he shot them on the ground, forming a triangular formation.

    "Jeremiah any news about its stats?"

    [Currently, all I can see is a thick fog, like veil hiding the beast''s appearance and stats]

    The boy, already predicting the answer, only nodded his head, then a strong gust of wind hit the surface of his barrier, it was an impact made by his arrows already hitting their target.

    The shockwave was so strong yet again that even the magical barrier that protected the temple like a dome trembled. After that, Apollo didn''t remain in his current position; instead, he teleported again. As soon as he landed at his new position, the place where he previously stood was replaced by a huge hole.

    "Jeremiah, you got the buildings protected, right?"

    [Yes, Creator, do you want me to put everything under my barrier?]

    "Yes please I am worried that I might break everything here"

    [Affirmative]

    Then, after that exchange, Apollo suddenly made a move, shifting his feet to the side as if dodging a strike.

    [!!!!] Jeremiah was suddenly surprised for he did not even detect that sudden attack.

    "Jeremiah analyzes the cleansing spell that surrounds this place; I want to use that spell as well," he said while his eyes stared down at the dark figure that ferociously tried to tear Apollo into two. If he was a second late in dodging his body would immediately turn into pieces.

    There were a couple of things that made this demon complicated; first, the mana that surrounded it like a blanket created a very unstable field that made it hard for Jeremiah and Apollo to prompt the demon''s power. Second, it has a very unpredictable pattern that all Apollo could do is take all possible moves into account so that he could be prepared for it. The third one is the type of attack it does; neither of the two understands the composition of the attack, although they understand that it is very lethal.

    "Hoo...." Apollo regulated his breathing while putting distance between him and the beast. Then suddenly, the air surrounding them felt heavy until it started to vibrate like something sinister was being unleashed. The gears inside the boy''s head stir while his instinct tells him that danger is coming. To respond to this warning, the boy summoned his ki and mana, combining them as one.

    "Alright, let''s put a bit of seriousness in this fight," he simply said while the bow in his hand melted and merged into the fabric of his clothes. The mithril weapon turns into armor, providing protection against the enemy.