Zatiel and Sophia continued their journey through the Wasteland, searching for resources and specific body parts from various species. While Zatiel led the way, Sophia now took the forefront in battles.
This shift was Zatiel's strategy to help Sophia acclimate to her new abilities and master a spell he had given her, known as 'Ice Mind.' The spell enabled the user to manipulate the natural energy around them, forming an ice dome for protection and offense. Initially, the spell's defense and attack capabilities were both around ten degrees, but with Sophia's growing proficiency and the adaptability granted by the Chaotic Core, its effectiveness was bound to increase.
Zatiel had chosen 'Ice Mind' for Sophia particularly because it also aided in maintaining calmness during combat, a skill she previously lacked.
Sophia's prowess with the spell became evident during an encounter with a horde of ghouls. As they lunged at her, the dome's freezing effect slowed them down. With a gesture of her hand, she unleashed ice tentacles from the dome, repelling and freezing the creatures.
Despite their sheer number and their threat level to Pseudo-Magis, Sophia maintained her composure, thanks to the spell. Using a stream of frost, she efficiently halted the advancing ghouls, ending their threat.
Observing from a distance, Zatiel analyzed her performance.
'The spell complements her weaknesses perfectly. It won't be long before she masters it. A.I. Chip, analyze her.'
[Bip... Scanning target. Name: Sophia Race: Neo-Demon Strength: 8.2 Physique: 12.4 Speed: 12.2 Abyss Aura: 13.1]
'Her strength is the weakest attribute, but that's to be expected. Her focus should be on ranged attacks and using her speed, constitution, and the protective dome to evade harm.'
Once the ghouls were defeated, Zatiel collected some of their parts before they moved on to their next destination.
...
That evening, Zatiel and Sophia sat around a campfire, enjoying a stew Sophia had prepared. It contained the hearts of some creatures they had encountered. Zatiel had intended to consume them raw, but Sophia insisted on preparing a proper meal. Given the quality of her cooking and the absence of urgency, Zatiel acquiesced.
The scene could have been mistaken for a serene moment shared by a couple, but just a few meters away, the ground was littered with hundreds of corpses, still oozing blood.
The carnage around Zatiel and Sophia was the result of a recent battle with a tribe of minotaurs, known for their formidable strength in the Wasteland. The once mighty tribe lay decimated, their bodies either blasted apart or frozen, hearts excised.
Such a scene was commonplace for Zatiel, but for Sophia, it was a stark reminder of the Wasteland's brutality. Fortunately, her use of 'Ice Mind' helped her maintain composure amidst the gruesome surroundings.
"We've been in the Wasteland for four months now. I've gathered all the materials we need, so it's time to leave," declared Zatiel. Their spatial sack was brimming with high-energy sustenance, eliminating the need to linger in the harsh terrain.
"Do you think that Magus will come after us?" Sophia inquired, aware of the implications of their impending departure and the previous attack orchestrated by a Magus.
"He certainly will. The moment I leave here alive, while his sent group doesn't, he'll perceive me as a significant threat, especially after eliminating a team of Pseudo-Magi and fifty ogres," Zatiel explained calmly, undaunted by the danger.
He understood that Erick's hesitance to attack him directly stemmed from fear of attracting Clive's attention. Now, with Zatiel's demonstrated capabilities, Erick might feel compelled to eliminate him personally, rather than risk a potential rival reaching rank 1.
"So, will we confront him?" Sophia asked, her voice tinged with fear yet steadied by resolve.
Zatiel saw her determination and smiled, but he shook his head. "Of course not. We barely survived the rank 1 spell; a direct confrontation is out of the question for now. Don't worry, I have a plan to leave undetected."
...
Two figures raced towards the Sinux Magic Tower, only slowing down as they approached the city gates. Exhausted yet relieved, Zatiel and Sophia finally stopped. They had been running at full speed since emerging from the cave that connected the Underground to the surface.
"We made it!" Sophia exclaimed, her joy evident as she beheld the tower in the distance. The threat of the Magus had loomed over them like a sword hanging by a thread.
Zatiel, though more composed, shared in the relief. In his hand, the remnants of a clown mask disintegrated. 'A shame, but it served its purpose,' he thought. The mask, previously used by Barbara to conceal her group, had provided them with enough cover to evade Erick and reach the tower safely.