"What's happening?"
Tsubaki looked around in confusion as the ground violently shook.
It felt like something was about to emerge, giving an ominous premonition.
Under August's Observation Haki, he sensed a large number of auras. If things went as expected, trouble was on the way.
Crack~
Following that, the ground split open, and a swarm of insect-like monsters crawled out, sending shivers down everyone's spines.
"They're finally here."
Finn said slowly. Throughout their journey, they hadn't encountered any new types of monsters, and it felt off to him.
Unexpectedly, they had all gathered on the 58th floor, and the sheer quantity was overwhelming.
Just now, due to August and the others not having a chance to fight, they were holding back their frustration. Now, with these insects emerging, they instantly became the targets of everyone's venting.
Finn, with a long spear, Gareth, wielding a giant axe, Ais with the Desperate Sword, Tione with a short knife, and Bete, sporting new boots, all rushed out.
Tiona also wanted to join the fight, but looking at her Urga in her hands, she hesitated. These insects could corrode equipment, and her first Urga had been destroyed by them. She couldn't afford a repeat of that loss for Ugra she had spent 120 million creating.
"August, give me the greatsword, and take care of my Urga."
"OK."
August proficiently stowed the Urga and then exchanged the greatsword, now imbued with indestructible properties, back to her.
With the greatsword in hand, Tiona charged into the swarm of insects like an unbridled wild horse.
"Hey, aren't you going?"
Tsubaki looked at August, who hadn't moved, and asked.
"I'm in charge of logistics, not a combatant."
As soon as he said that, both Tsubaki and Raul looked at August with disdain.
Not a combatant?
Who do you think killed those dragon monsters just now?
"Don't look at me like that. I've already snatched so many monsters. If I join the fight now, believe it or not, they'll kill me."
"Well, that's true."
Watching those few who charged into the swarm like they were possessed, Tsubaki nodded.
August looked into the distance. At the moment, neither Riveria and Lefiya had taken any action. Normally, when warriors like Finn rushed in, it was the time for the mages to start chanting.
However, this time, they didn't act. The reason was straightforward, it was the same as August's.
As a combat team, if they couldn't get a piece of the action, let alone the soup, they wouldn't even get the broth. That could lead to trouble, especially with these guys who already had some pent-up frustration.
While Finn and the others fought the insects, August, accompanied by Tsubaki and Raul, casually strolled forward.
All the surrounding insects were torn apart by August's shadow blades, but he didn't actively provoke or kill the monsters, only clearing the ones obstructing his way.
"I say, August, aren't you too leisurely?"
Watching August at this moment, Riveria couldn't help but speak up. The difference between him and Finn's group, who were currently in a bloody battle, was too significant.
"I'm giving them a chance. If I take action, I'll directly clear the area. If you say so, I can make these insects disappear in a few moves."
"Forget it, let him vent first."
"Really gentle, truly our mother of the familia."
"Who's the mother?"
Riveria instinctively retorted, but it didn't carry much persuasion. Although Loki introduced this concept, it had become the consensus of the entire familia, especially among the members who had received help from Riveria.
After about fifteen minutes, the surrounding insects were mostly cleared. However, they continued to crawl out from underground, and it was uncertain how long it would take to resolve them all.
"Enough."
Riveria spoke slowly, everyone was showing signs of fatigue, so it was time to end this.
Then Riveria raised the staff in her hand, ready to release magic to clear the area.
"Leave it to me, Riveria."
"Huh?"
Riveria was momentarily stunned but then saw that August had already taken action.
"Everyone, withdraw. I'm going to clear the area."
August's voice echoed through the entire 58th floor. Those who were still fighting quickly slaughtered the monsters in front of them and began to retreat.
Without their onslaught, the number of insects around rapidly increased.
"Perish!"
Dark energy behind August transformed into wings, lifting him into the air.
From August's palms, thick mist began to emanate. After emerging, it rapidly spread in all directions at a terrifying speed.
Wherever the mist reached, the magic stones on the ground instantly disintegrated, devoured by the mist. The insects suffered the same fate, all being devoured within the mist.
Unlike ordinary monsters, these insects were specially created to collect magic power. Thus, the magic power contained in their magic stones was far higher than usual.
Moreover, the sheer quantity of insects gathered here indicated that they were already in a 'full' state, ready to supply magic power to their master.
Riveria watched as the mist spread around her, subconsciously wanting to activate her barrier.
But the next second, the mist bypassed her and the others, creating a vacuum area around them, appearing exceptionally strange.
This left Riveria deeply shocked. This extensive magical attack, and August could control it so precisely.
Riveria didn't know that this mist was not a magic but a manifestation of the power of inner world, capable of consuming and plundering everything to strengthen itself.
The reason it avoided her and others was simply August's will. As the Lord of the Inner World, if he didn't wish harm upon them, the mist naturally wouldn't hurt them.
"What a frightening magic. It even disintegrated the magic stones."
Tiona, looking at the surroundings with no magic stones left, couldn't help but exclaim.
However, her words awakened Finn.
"August, stop it! You've destroyed so many magic stones, how much valis have we lost?"
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