He couldn't find her weakness while she was already aware of his plan. And because she do, she was well prepared regarding his attacks.
What infuriates him more was the fact that she seemed to be playing around with him even.
"I will kill you!!!! I WILL SURELY KILL YOU!!!"
Even though she couldn't hear him, Saphira could feel just how agitated Ardel is.
She laughed mockingly, "Isn't that what you get for being overconfident? Your pride being trampled over and over again by the pests you look down on."
With that, all of them rushed in.
There are no hesitation that they may no longer be able to get out of it. No hesitation that they may end up just like the rest of the people who were converted to become part of the darkness.
"Nixon, you do know your role in our group this time around, right?" Saphira asked him as they came across the first batch of beasts in the second floor.
"Of course, I don't have unlimited mana and I am fully aware of that," Nixon replied.
Saphira didn't need to give commands as Willow went in for an attack.
This was the closest to the ground, her plants will work better here.
At the same time, it was obvious that this floor has the smallest in number and has the weakest beasts.
She was tired with how things went, she had helped in spreading the purification potion that Ridge had perfected with the time they were given. She used a lot of mana just so she could do this in a wide range.
This applies to Nixon as well. Both of them were the ones responsible in getting all the purification potions to the dead or dying people within the imperial city.
Together with it was the fact that they even battled against Samuel and Willow. Their roles at the beginning were far more than the others.
So they also know just where their limit lies.
The third floor was a breeze as there were small number of beasts, they can fight through them all without leaving anyone behind.
Reaching the fourth floor, Ridge stayed behind.
Then the fifth, Felix was the one who fought.
The sixth floor was the same with the third floor.
It won't cause them to slow down but they can finish all the demonic beasts in it.
Lastly upon reaching the seventh floor, Stormie stayed behind.
The reasno why Saphira took three and left behind four in grouping them was because she was able to see just how many enemies are there.
The eight floor was filled with miasma and Saphira was only able to feel two people in it.
The moment theys tepped in the last floor, a strong explosion came from below them.
All four was able to anticipate it and got the chance to jump away from the explosion, landing on different sides.
The miasma was too thick they can't see anything clearly.
Each of them called for their beasts.
'Can you hear me?'
The three was stunned but gave an affirmative reply.
'Great, it seems that this miasma couldn't penetrate as deep as the consciousness,' Saphira spoke.
She tried calling out of course but hearing no reply, she already has an idea that it would be impossible for them to communicate.
'You all have the light mana within you. You can better detect not just darkness but ill intent as well. So focus, I will think of a way to get rid of this miasma as soon as I can.'
After saying this, she noticed movements on her side.
'Though I guess it would take longer. Take care of yourself until then,' she added seeing as Ardel was the one approaching her.
His killing intent was too hight, she couldn't mistake him for Raynisha.
"Are you battling me so soon?" Saphira asked with a smile as she called out Vermilion Bird.
'Lily, I will let you integrate with Vermilion Bird's power. Vermilion Bird keep throwing fire everywhere. Don't hold back, the others can take care of themselves.'
'Do you wish for me to.'
'Yes, I need you to disintegrate into smaller specs of light and spread through this place. Then use your ability to absorb darkness to take care of the miasma.'
'That'll take time,' Lily reminded her.
'Don't worry, each of us are strong. We won't be taken down within the time you are doing what I ask.'
'Very well, once I get use to it I will be able to absorb faster. Prepare for that.'
*CLANG*
The moment Vermilion Bird and Lily left her, Ardel came to her with his sword.
"Sword? I am shock," Saphira spoke meeting is anger filled eyes.
Ardle did not speak and continued on his attacks.
Of course, it was not only sword that he was using but abilities as well.
Saphira may act like nothing but her own sword was actually being pushed back. Even her abilities are having difficulties fighting against his.
And yes, she was well aware that most of her powers are being amplified by Lily, who resides within her. But now that she sent Lily away, she is using her own power to defend against the dark lord.
'Seriously, I am still this weak?' she asked herself watching herself struggle agains Ardel.
She bitterly smiled catching Ardel off guard.
He can tell that he can overpower her as well. And he was waiting to see her disbelief that everything she did was for nothing now that she was faced with him. He was waiting while playing around with her.
So it was to his shock that she was actually smiling at this moment.
It was not field with despair, as he had expected but instead acceptance.
She had just accepted that no matter what she did, all on her own she couldn't keep up to him.
"Who cares," she voiced out with a wide smile.
"I mean, it is not so hopeless as I can still defend against you."
With that she went in for a stronger attacks.
She can't hold back at this moment.
If she wants to live then she will have to survive this until Lily finishes what she needed to do.