Chapter 187: A Draw... For NowAt this point, I expected low resistance. Now, what do you think I got? If you guessed a lot of resistance, then you''re right! Why? Because God hates me. Or rather... gods...? Anywho, all it took was two words to turn things around.

    "|Effect Reversal|." [Zuyil]

    With just that, it became a return to sender. The chains binding Zuyil came undone and they wrapped themselves around the torso of their caster. Namely, everyone other than myself. Good thing I decided not to throw it, huh.

    "This can''t be happening!" [Raon]

    "We need to retreat!" [Wilharrow]

    As soon as we received the order, everyone booked it. The question was if Zuyil was willing to just let us go like that.

    "First, I gave you all a chance by allowing you to leave... Then, you come here and play tricks like cowards...? My patience is finite, and it has reached its limit." [Zuyil]

    The demon began to mumble to himself as everyone tried to leave the bridge, chains rattling as they ran.

    "Honorless scum like you will not be leaving in one piece!" [Zuyil]

    With a mighty flap of his wings, Zuyil closed the distance.

    "Alt! Intercept him!" [Wilharrow]

    Seeing as everyone else''s arms were bound, it fell to me to hold the demon back.

    "Move aside! I have no enmity towards you!" [Zuyil]

    "Sorry, can''t do that!" [Solace]

    In order to allow my allies to escape, I stood firm. Fire and water don''t work, my only wind spell practically tickles him, and I wasn''t keen on using |Ashen Arrow| since it would likely have the same impact that mayonnaise has on white bread. Then I got the bright idea.

    ("Maybe I should use a weapon for once?") [Solace]

    I can''t say I was confident with a weapon. During my training sessions with Master, it was mostly me just using my hands. There were a few times when he taught me the sword and spear, but that was just the basics.

    "|Terra Javelin|." [Solace]

    "You have gained |Experience|. |Experience| limit reached. |Terra Javelin| has gained a level." [Spirit Guide]

    I still did it anyway. Summoning a stone spear, I aimed it at Zuyil.

    ("Gentleman''s rule number 12: A gentleman must adapt when cornered.") [Solace]

    Now was the time. With the demon flying at me in the most literal sense, I aimed and thrusted.

    "|Shield Rush|." [Zuyil]

    Turns out flying can be included to activate that skill. My spear shattered upon impact against his shield. That didn''t mean I was finished though.

    "|Rotating Shell Arts|." [Solace]

    Using both my hands, I spun Zuyil to the ground. Of course, it wasn''t that easy. The demon landed on his feet unharmed.

    "|Explosion Arts|." [Solace]

    I punched with a solid stance, absolutely obliterating Zuyil''s shield before he could react.

    "Urgh!" [Zuyil]

    He staggered back a bit, allowing me a little time to breathe.

    "|Terra Javelin|." [Solace] Sёarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Time to try again. Let''s start with the first problem. Its durability.

    "|Reinforce|." [Solace]

    Next, preparation.

    "|Liquid Cannon|." [Solace]

    I summoned a ball of water. I know it seems stupid against someone who''s immune to it, but I had a plan. I controlled the water and applied it to my spear.

    "|Enchant Lightning|." [Solace]

    "You have gained |Experience|. |Experience| limit reached. |Enchant Lightning| has gained a level|." [Spirit Guide]

    I ran a current through the water, essentially creating a sharp lightning rod.

    ("Now the final step.") [Solace]

    "|Convergence|." [Solace]

    I wasn''t sure if it was going to be a success. Though, I think I''d be inclined to try if I was a betting man. ...Did I mention I''m a betting man?

    "Alert: Conditions have been met. |Convergence| has been activated." [Spirit Guide]

    The spear shifted and refined itself into something new. The water seeped into the handle as the lightning tempered the blade. Within seconds, I had an entirely new spear.

    "Alert: The new skill |Thunderbolt Lance| has been created." [Spirit Guide]

    The old |Terra Javelin| had become a usable metal spear, though it lacks some design. I flicked it with my finger to hear the ring of solid metal, alongside the crackle of electricity.

    "...Is this your trump card?" [Zuyil]

    The demon tossed aside what was left of his shield. Namely, just the handle.

    "Could be. We''ll see." [Solace]

    What happened next was a quick exchange spanning only a few seconds. I thrusted, Zuyil grabbed the handle. Although his hand was shocked by lightning, the demon swung. I leaned back and kicked his shin. His armor got in the way. The flail wrapped around his body and came back.

    ("I''ve seen this before.") [Solace]

    I raised the spear handle so it can catch the flail. It went as planned. The electric current ran through his weapon, stunning the demon completely. I released my grip on my weapon and struck his chestplate.

    "|Explosion Arts|." [Solace]

    "Argh!" [Zuyil]

    The move tore his chestplate a bit, but also destroyed my spear in the process. It''s fine though, I can make another.

    "|Thunderbolt Lance|." [Solace]

    "You have gained |Experience|. |Experience| limit reached. |Thunderbolt Lance| has gained a level." [Spirit Guide]

    I was gaining strength at a quick rate for some unknown reason. It usually isn''t like this. Even so, I won''t refuse it.

    "Kill it..." [???]

    The whispers were back. My cursed gauntlets were acting up again.

    "It''s a demon?! Run!" [???]

    Screams of fear, joy, and anger mixed. Perhaps I was hearing the lives of my predecessors pass. Usually, I''d lose control here as the dead took over my body. Surprisingly enough, the mindless chatter was silenced as a single voice took over.

    "Hold firm." [???]

    A woman''s voice. Calm and collected. I felt my body move slowly, but not entirely against my will. Lifting my spear, I took a strange stance where the handle was raised higher than the blade.

    ("It''s... teaching me?") [Solace]

    "Do not use the spear. Become the spear." [???]

    Energy welled up within me as my legs were bolstered with power.

    "Only then, will you become... the embodiment of might itself." [???]

    I exhaled slowly as one word filled my mind.

    "|Grygand|." [Solace]

    A word unknown to me. A skill taught to me. An action performed by me. I closed the distance at breakneck speed, leaving Zuyil unable to react. My spear pierced through his chest with force greater than I have ever mustered before. With that, a gaping hole made itself known in the demon''s torso.

    "It''s... done." [Solace]

    My spear disintegrated and my strength left me. From that instant of absolute force, I fell to weakness.

    "Warning: Mana reserves below ten percent. It is recommended to retreat." [Spirit Guide]

    That''s when I realized. There was no notification of |Experience| gained.

    "Warning: It has been detected that the skill |Standing Vow| has been activated." [Spirit Guide]

    My heart sank as I watched Zuyil''s body put itself back together. His flesh started to grow, filling in the gaps I made. The only good thing I could find here was that his armor wasn''t coming back.

    "Ngh..." [Zuyil]

    Grunting while regenerating, Zuyil slowly pulled himself together.

    "...Quite the skill you have there. It may take some time for me to be battle ready." [Zuyil]

    That was the second good news. This was my only opportunity to leave. My friends have already left anyway.

    "I''ll be back another time." [Solace]

    As I turned to sluggishly walk away, I could hear Zuyil''s voice clearly.

    "I look forward to it, warrior." [Zuyil]