As he observed the claw shadows, fearless in the face of death, Finn couldn't help but feel a deep sense of shock.
He didn't know exactly what kind of ability this was, but one thing was certain: August was truly overwhelming.
This power gave him the strength of an army with just one person, and it was terrifying. While the black-clad ninja-like figures may not have been individually strong, their numbers were staggering.
And with their overwhelming numbers, they could easily kill level 1 to 3 monsters, making them a formidable force. Even the strongest of monsters could be overwhelmed by their sheer quantity.
Despite the constant onslaught of monsters, these black figures emerged from the shadows, never diminishing in numbers, and sometimes even increasing.
"Finn, what should we do? We can't keep going like this, can we?"
"I don't know. The sealed passages of the dungeon have been broken again. This time, it's much harder to seal them, and judging by the situation, it's not really realistic anymore."
"Then what should we do? Should we fall back and secure the Familia?"
"We can't. If we lose control now, the monsters will spread to Orario, or even further out, and the consequences will be catastrophic."
"So, what's the plan?"
"None..." Finn's voice trailed off as August's gaze turned to the Babel Tower in the distance. A smile spread across his face as he raised his hand, and a thick mist began to swirl out from his palm, spreading quickly across the ground and extending endlessly.
Finn and the others immediately recognized the ability. During the expedition, August had used this technique to annihilate hordes of Dragonkin monsters, not even leaving behind any Magic Stones.
The mist surrounded the entire Babel Tower, including the inside. Once it had fully enveloped the area, August stopped summoning the claw-shadows.
Monsters pouring out of the dungeon were quickly consumed by the mist.
As the World Tree took root and the growth of the small world accelerated like a rocket, the World Tree sapling reached 35% of its growth, and the small world had advanced several tiers in comparison.
The mist was a manifestation of the small world's power, able to devour anything to strengthen itself.
To the small world, these monsters were nothing more than mosquito legs. But this ability was the perfect countermeasure — no monster could escape.
August was certain that the dungeon's demise was inevitable. The World Tree sapling could even steal the essence of an entire world, so a mere dungeon held no value. Moreover, the dungeon's violent uprising was merely a manifestation of its fear.
Even if Orario did nothing, in time, the monsters inside the dungeon would dwindle, until the dungeon itself was no more, and with it, all the monsters.
"August, how long can your mist last?" Finn asked.
"As long as I still have magic power, it will last," August answered.
"In that case, hold on for a moment. I'm going to find Loki."
With that, Finn turned and sprinted off, his speed suggesting he was giving it his all.
August couldn't help but feel speechless. Was he just left here to fend for himself?
Around him, the other adventurers exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. Now that August had taken care of the monsters on his own, what was their purpose here?
But even if they wanted to leave, they didn't dare. If August couldn't hold out, Orario would be finished.
As for August, he wasn't going anywhere either. He pulled out a variety of tables, sofas, and other furnishings, all items he had specifically collected during his time in the DxD for moments like this.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Loki's Familia members sat or lay comfortably on the sofas.
The contrast was striking compared to the other adventurers, who were bruised and battered. But this wasn't even the most surprising part.
August then brought out a spread of food, wine, and drinks, placing them all on the table. Loki's Familia, familiar with such luxuries, began to eat and drink.
The other adventurers could only look on with envy, but they didn't dare approach. After all, they had all seen the terrifying power August wielded — those black-clad ninjas were a terrifying force.
Leaning back on the sofa, August closed his eyes, his consciousness reaching out to communicate with the World Tree sapling within the small world.
"Baby, how's the devouring going?"
"Daddy~ I've completely devoured them, but it'll take at least three more days."
"Three days? Not long. Keep going."
"Understood~"
In three days, the dungeon would be a thing of the past. But what should he do in these three days?
Could he just hold on for that long?
Not a chance. If no solution came soon, he would just abandon the task.
At that moment, Ottar walked over, his expression grave as he looked at August.
"You've grown stronger."
"Yeah, I've gotten stronger. Meanwhile, you're still standing still."
"I will surpass you."
"Anyone I surpass can only look up at my back for the rest of their life, until they can't see it anymore."
"You're so arrogant, August."
"No, it's not arrogance. It's stating a fact. Ottar, it took me a few months to grow from an ordinary person to surpass you. You've spent more than ten years, and yet, you still can't catch up to me."
The words struck Ottar like a slap to the face. Although it was harsh, it was the truth. August's growth rate had been nothing short of monstrous — in just a few months, he had surpassed what others accomplished in their entire lives.
Ottar, having witnessed the true glory of Orario, knew just how hard it was to grow stronger as you became more powerful.
For him, improving now seemed like an impossible task. It was only after being defeated by August that Ottar had been able to improve his strength.
"I won't give up."
"Suit yourself. I couldn't care less."
The four Flame Golden Warriors and the others all exchanged uneasy glances.
A person like August was terrifying — first Allen, then the four of them, and now even Ottar had been defeated by him. He was too formidable.
The other adventurers, watching from the sidelines, couldn't believe their eyes. The ultimate weapon of Orario, the only lv7-ranked adventurer, had been defeated?
***
Hello! If you enjoyed this project, you're going to love our other Danmachi project:
---
[Is It Wrong to Abuse Cartoon Tropes in a Dungeon?]
What happens when someone gets the chance to wield Cartoon Tropes in a world of swords and magic?
Madness! Absolute madness!
With the body of a certain blue cat, join Altair as he brings chaos to the dungeon of swords and sorcery!
...
"I may not have magic... but have you ever been shot by a shotgun that can curve over a kilometer?"
---
Don't hesitate to check it out and start reading today!