novelraw Chapter 180: 100% Mutation Rate
Chapter 180: 100% Mutation Rate
Thunderous sonic booms echoed through the mountains as the Illusion Beast merely moved at high speed, slamming White Cloak violently against the cliff face.
The emotions in White Cloak's eyes grew increasingly complex - less anger, more confusion and anguish.
The Illusion Beast had always been a deity-like existence of serene calm, bestowing boundless joy upon others. Yet now, it was employing such reckless, brutish methods of attack.
Like a beast venting its agony...
Was the Illusion Beast in pain? But why would it feel pain? White Cloak couldn't comprehend.
Boom! Boom!
The Illusion Beast had completely abandoned the composure of a calamity beast, relentlessly pummeling White Cloak's body with the most primitive, violent assaults!
"Your faithful servant implores you to accept..."
White Cloak attempted to speak, but in the next instant, a tremendous impact smashed into his chest.
The pain of cracking bones and tearing flesh spread rapidly through his entire body!"Accept the Black Whale's blood..."
White Cloak's body trembled - not from physical agony, but spiritual torment as the pain-woven illusions eroded his mind.
Pain, such unbearable pain!
Had it not been for his years of ascetic training and mental conditioning to commune with the Illusion Beast, this dreamlike suffering would have devoured him whole.
Was the Illusion Beast attacking him... for that little captain? Attacking him who had sacrificed everything for the Illusion Beast!
"Knights, restrain it!"
White Cloak desperately raised his right hand and issued the command.
Ten Triangle Helmet Knights moved emotionlessly, their spears tearing through the sea wind as they thrust toward the Illusion Beast at terrifying speed.
The spears embedded deep into the beast's massive body, yet these weapons that could impale humans were mere toothpicks against its hide.
Completely ineffective!
The Triangle Helmet Knights strained their muscles, driving their spears deeper into the thick epidermis.
As specialists in purging filth, they had no experience battling giant beasts. Their presence here stemmed solely from the Sea God Pirates' orders.
Shadow enveloped them as countless floating ribbons unfurled above their heads.
The Illusion Beast's wings!
Boom!
The myriad ribbons came crashing down, instantly pulverizing several knights into dark fragments.
"These counterfeit cleaners remain too fragile..."
White Cloak seized the moment to leap backward.
His original plan had been to gain the Illusion Beast's favor. As its summoner, he would become the Sea God Pirates' honorary mentor, ascend to legend, and emerge renewed during the Dimensional Tide with higher rank and rewards.
The key to all this... was that little captain!
Why could he remain so composed? Why so skilled when touching the Illusion Beast?
White Cloak shed his cloak, revealing a withered hand covered in sigils, then produced his lantern:
"Sunlight!"
Under the lantern's glow, the Illusion Beast's movements slowed slightly!
Seizing this brief window, he demanded of Chen Qi:
"Little captain, do you speak the tongue of the deep-sea creatures? What offering did you make to the Illusion Beast? Your soul? Or are you simply a more devout believer?"
In White Cloak's eyes, Chen Qi must possess some extraordinary trait that attracted the Illusion Beast.
Otherwise, why wouldn't it choose him!
With the Triangle Helmet Knights gone, Chen Qi supported Little Crow and drew his beast-hunting rifle.
That lantern could briefly repel the Illusion Beast... a veteran third-tier Transcendent indeed had some tricks left. Chen Qi maintained maximum vigilance:
"I made no offerings. But do you have any last words?"
The lantern's light could only temporarily ward off the Illusion Beast's attacks.
When its radiance faded, White Cloak would become the beast's emotional punching bag.
"Last words... last words..."
White Cloak's skeletal arms trembled uncontrollably as despair permeated his entire being.
"Why? Why you? Why... has the Sea God deceived me?"
Slowly raising his head, he whispered:
"Void Release: Scream!"
Chen Qi didn't hesitate, immediately firing five shots at White Cloak.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Two bloody holes appeared in White Cloak's body, yet his technique continued forming.
Release techniques - the ultimate moves only accessible to third-tier Transcendents who strictly adhere to Affinity principles, undergo relentless training, and possess overwhelming desire!
Fourth-tier legendary Release techniques could even achieve miracles beyond natural laws.
Different Affinities required different drives - Blade demanded battle lust and thirst for victory/glory; Floral Aspect needed joy and pursuit of art/beauty; Chalice required life force and evolutionary desire...
But Void Release was unique - it only manifested when the user reached absolute despair!
Compared to other Release skills, Void Release was far more powerful!
White Cloak's body contorted like a figure in an oil painting, warping the surrounding space into darkness...
Finally, he became completely enveloped in black ink, endlessly distorting before transforming into a small black figure within a painting, emitting an ear-splitting scream!
Among third-tier Transcendents, those who mastered Release techniques stood worlds apart from those who didn't.
"Qi! Cover your ears!"
Little Crow immediately stepped back.
"No need..."
Chen Qi calmly observed the Illusion Beast hovering above.
From the moment the Illusion Beast descended, White Cloak never stood a chance to complete his Void Release.
The Illusion Beast raised its massive serpentine body, countless ribbons dancing through the air as it surged toward White Cloak.
Enveloping, entwining! Finally bestowing its dream!
Amidst the rustling ribbons, White Cloak's voice gradually faded into silence.
"Goodbye..."
Chen Qi murmured.
The old man had ultimately fallen to the Illusion Beast.
White Cloak's Void Release: Scream remained incomplete - merely a half-formed technique at best.
And White Cloak himself was too ambitious; even at the end, he sought to reverse the battle with Void Release.
But Void Release embodied despair - the very thought of using it strategically negated its perfection.
Most importantly, as a calamity that bestowed beautiful dreams, the Illusion Beast would never permit a song of despair to manifest here.
The Illusion Beast slowly lifted its head, gazing at the ravaged mountains before turning to Chen Qi once more, emitting a humming melody.
Confirming Chen Qi had no intention of evolving with it, and recognizing Little Crow as Chen Qi's prey, it gradually raised its colossal form and silently ascended skyward.
Breath, heartbeat, agitation - all gradually settled into calm.
"......"
Having experienced too much in too short a time, Little Crow stood frozen in place.
Then, enlightenment struck once more.
[The Illusion Beast has awakened, unleashing its power! Dimensional rift mutation rate increased by 5%!]
[Current mutation rate: 99%!]
"99%... just one percent left..."
Little Crow gently bit her lip.
Then another notification appeared.
[The Illusion Beast has sensed indescribable sorrow! Dimensional rift mutation rate increased by 1%]
"Pain???"
Little Crow tilted her head in confusion.
[Current mutation rate: 100%]
[Collapse initiated!!]
The entire vast sky began fracturing endlessly.