The fiery sphere that erupted was immense, devouring all oxygen within a 50-meter radius. Among the three engulfed by the spell, two were violently ejected. One was a gravely injured short man, protected by a glowing ring, and the other was enshrouded in a chain cocoon, battered but still intact. The third seemed to have disintegrated in the flames.
Three hundred meters away, the air shimmered as four people and a group of ogres materialized. Leading them were a man with ash-colored hair and a delicate face, holding a glowing parchment, and a crimson-haired woman with a cracked clown-like mask. Luis and Johann followed with respect in their demeanor.
Erick, a rank 1 Magi, had a penchant for contingency plans. His disciples, hidden among the apprentices, were to ensure the mission's success. When Alan's actions raised suspicion, they took control, leading the attack with the ogres.
"Hahaha, that fool Alan thought he could deceive us. He deserves to feel the might of a rank 1 spell from the Master," laughed Cristian, watching the flames.
"Focus, Cristian. We've nearly depleted the mask's power for stealth and surprise, but our target survives," said Barbara, eyeing the chain cocoon warily.
"Who cares? Even if he protected himself, the 35-degree damage from the explosion should have crippled him. You're not scared, are you, Barbara?" Cristian mocked her caution.
"Those chains are not magical equipment; they're a spell. And you know what that implies," Barbara retorted.
Cristian's smile faded, replaced by concern. If the chains withstood a rank 1 spell, it suggested that the spell within them was also of rank 1, a feat impossible for an apprentice without external aid.
"Ogres, attack that cocoon," commanded Cristian, unwilling to risk himself when he had disposable forces.
The ogres, bound to obey, charged towards the cocoon.
As they approached, the ground trembled and Zatiel emerged, his robe tattered, revealing both his finely-toned muscles and severe burns. His cold eyes fixed on the apprentices, he launched a ferocious assault.
His first target was Cristian. Grabbing Cristian's arm, Zatiel aimed a powerful punch at his head. An earthen armor formed in response, sparing Cristian's head but not his arm, which was ripped off as he was hurled away.
Barbara, jolted by Cristian's screams, readied her spell. But a moment's distraction allowed Zatiel to slam her head into the ground. A wind armor mitigated the impact, saving her life, but leaving her severely injured.
As Zatiel prepared to finish her, bone spears shot towards him. Dodging narrowly, he was then struck by a massive fist, sending him flying back. Stabilizing himself, he saw Luis, shielded by bones, and a five-meter gorilla beside him.
"We must delay him and wait for the ogres. He's low on energy," deduced Luis.
Johann nodded, adopting a defensive stance.
Zatiel, indeed low on energy, focused on his physical strength.
A flash of concern crossed his face as he glanced at the cocoon, but he quickly refocused on the approaching ogres. A grin spread across his bloodied face. "It's been too long since I fought like a true abyssal, relying on brute strength."
He retrieved a sword from his spatial sack and charged at the gorilla, kicking up a cloud of dust.
"Luis, be careful!" Johann warned, suspecting a feint.
Luis, focusing on defense, missed the real attack as Zatiel decapitated him with a swift motion.
Johann, realizing his mistake, grew enraged. "You devil, die!" he roared, swelling in size and throwing a massive punch.
Zatiel caught the fist, his feet digging into the ground, and roared, "Not devil... demon!" He tore the fist apart and rapidly pummeled Johann's head.
"BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!"
Each blow echoed, and despite Johann's resilience, he soon perished. Zatiel continued until Johann's skull burst open, brain matter scattering.