"Wind of Extreme Motion, Thousand-Mile Blink," and in an instant, I arrived in the sky above the source of the loud noise. Shanon was engaged in a fierce battle with a massive yellow bear, clad in armor. Her flying dragon lay in pieces, miserably dead on the side.
Dragons were the most powerful creatures on the Holy Demon Continent, and even the relatively weaker flying dragons had the strength to break armies. Yet, this one seemed to have been struck down by the colossal bear's paw, showcasing its terrifying strength.
Shanon, without any weaponry in the aerial battle, unleashed formidable punches that whistled through the air, shattering even solid rocks upon contact. It was hard to believe that such immense power resided within her petite figure. However, the formidable force had no visible effect on the bear, as if it had fallen into the silent abyss.
The bear roared fiercely, and rocks and debris on the ground were propelled towards Shanon like bullets. I recognized this as the Earth-type magic "Earthquake." I was astonished and puzzled: a bear using magic? Wasn't this ability reserved for top-tier magical beasts like the Chirping Birds?
Shanon, with a tender shout, crossed her arms in front of her chest, and an invisible force emerged to shield her. It wasn't magical energy but a protective Qi emitted by a martial artist proficient in Qigong, comparable in effectiveness to defensive magic.
The collision between the debris and the protective Qi created a spectacle. Although the Qi remained intact, Shanon was thrown back, breaking several large trees in her path, and traces of blood appeared on her cherry lips.
Concerned, I gathered magical energy and unleashed a "Thunderous Surge," a high-voltage electrical current striking the bear, turning its fur yellow from the intense electrical charge.
The bear roared again, a thunderous sound echoing. Surprisingly, the advanced Thunder-type magic didn't bring it down. It lifted its head, fixing its gaze on me floating in the air, and unleashed another "Earthquake," now targeting me.
As I descended towards the rain of debris, I simultaneously wielded my hand like a sword, executing my original spatial magic, the "Dimensional Blade." A rift in space tore through the falling debris, creating a gap where I descended.
The bear swung its large paw, sweeping toward the descending me. Anticipating this moment, I activated "Instant Teleportation," reappearing behind the bear as it lost balance mid-swing. I swung my hand, sending dozens of black light strips to bind the bear tightly—this was the Dark-type magic "Dark Bind."
Composed purely of dark energy, "Dark Bind" was not only resilient but also possessed the ability to absorb magical energy. The bear emitted a yellow light, indicating the extraction of Earth-type magical energy.
Now, I could freely use all Dark-type magics except for "Apocalypse," surpassing even my teacher, Ayame.
The bear roared angrily, but eventually, it fell powerless.
Shanon swiftly moved to kneel in front of me, saying, "I failed, forcing the captain to take action. Please punish me, Captain."
I quickly helped her up, using "Recovery Light" to heal her injuries. I said, "It's not your fault. This bear is too strong. Why would I punish you?"
A faint radiance flashed in Shanon's beautiful eyes, not escaping my notice. I recalled Ayame's words, feeling a certain realization. I raised my hand and gently touched her smooth and cool cheek, a comforting sensation.
Shanon's eyes widened in astonishment but showed no resistance. Just as I was about to taste the lips of this icy beauty, a feeling surged within me. Looking up, I saw Yue gracefully descending from the sky with her wings spread wide, landing quietly beside us.
In a flash, Shanon positioned herself in front of me, her petite and exquisite figure exuding a formidable aura, ready for battle.
I hastily grabbed her delicate wrist and said, "Shanon, don't misunderstand. She is with me."
Shanon felt a warm current flowing through her armor, reaching her heart, causing her face to blush uncontrollably, and her heart to beat rapidly.
Hehe… Unbeknownst to us, the icy beauty's heart had already fallen into my hands.
Ayame and the dragon riders arrived successively, witnessing the fallen bear. Laharlth exclaimed, "Isn't this the Earth Bear, one of the Five Elemental Sacred Beasts? No wonder Shanon was no match."
Seeing my bewildered expression, Ayame explained, "The Five Elemental Sacred Beasts are the Earth Bear, Sea Dragon, Silver Magic Wolf, Fire Phoenix, and Thunder Beast. They are legendary creatures with high intelligence and the ability to use magic."
I see. So, my Chirping Bird is one of the Five Elemental Sacred Beasts? Now, the Earth Bear has come to me. My luck is indeed good.
Approaching the Earth Bear, I bit my index finger and drew a summoning contract symbol on its forehead. I said, "Oh, God of Contracts, with your divine power, establish a contract between the Earth Bear and me, making it my servant. Henceforth, your name shall be… Rotten Kid."
I was speechless.
The dragon riders, full of negative energy, couldn't help but suppress their laughter. The captain was giving such a mighty and majestic Earth Bear such a name. It was really hilarious.
The symbol on the Earth Bear's forehead turned golden, signifying the contract's success. I waved my hand, dispelling the "Dark Bind" on Rotten Kid.
I laughed heartily and summoned Yue and Ayame, displaying the magnificent dance of the Chirping Bird and the dazzling Fire Phoenix. It was truly spectacular.
Except for Ayame, neither Yue nor the dragon riders knew about my Fire Phoenix. Now, they looked at me with even more admiration.
It seemed that the Five Elemental Sacred Beasts possessed transformation abilities. Rotten Kid, whose massive body resembled a mountain, suddenly transformed into a mini-bear of about half a meter. It knelt before me, saying, "Rotten Kid pays respects to the master."
Its voice was rough and crude, quite different from the crisp and melodious voice of the Chirping Bird, and a bit unpleasant.
I happily said, "Rotten Kid, aren't you an Earth Sacred Beast? How did you end up here in the Seventh Layer of the Demon World? And why did you fight my subordinates?"
Rotten Kid replied, "Three thousand years ago, I challenged the Hell Black Dragon in the Demon World and lost. As per the agreement, I became its subordinate. When this lady on the flying dragon arrived, I recognized her as the 'Dark Dragon Rider' of the Demon World, so I took action."
Shanon nodded, confirming his words.
It seemed that the Hell Black Dragon was indeed clever, knowing how to recruit subordinates. I asked, "Are there other subordinates of the Hell Black Dragon? How strong are they?"
Rotten Kid answered, "Master, besides the Fire Phoenix, the other Four Elemental Sacred Beasts—the Sea Dragon, Silver Magic Wolf, and Thunder Beast—also became its subordinates. Their strength is formidable."
Ayame and the dragon riders were collectively struck with amazement, confronted by the formidable challenge of a singular Hell Black Dragon, compounded by the presence of three Sacred Beasts. A complex situation indeed.
I delicately gathered a strand of Ayame's verdant tresses, remarking, "There is no need for excessive concern on your part. Entrust the matter of the Hell Black Dragon to both Yue and me for resolution. As for its domain, let Chirping Bird, Rotten Kid, and yourselves handle it. This strategy should lead to a successful capture, don't you agree?"
The dragon riders, upon beholding the grace and purity emanating from Yue, were reminded of my formidable "Infernal Apocalypse" magic. Consequently, a palpable sense of relief pervaded their collective consciousness.
Yue, with an air of sophistication, articulated, "The Hell Black Dragon embodies Dark and Fire elemental forces. The most efficacious countermeasure is the employment of Holy Light magic. I, as an individual, may find my capabilities somewhat inadequate. Master, why not defer our action until tomorrow? I shall diligently seize this opportunity to impart the intricacies of Holy Light magic to you."
Upon reaching this juncture, a blush graced her alabaster cheeks, prompting a sense of curiosity within me.
Ayame, seemingly privy to some undisclosed knowledge, offered a mysterious smile in Yue's direction, remarking, "Very well, let us retreat to the encampment. Prepare yourselves for the morrow, when Rotten Kid shall guide our path directly to the lair of the Hell Black Dragon."
Recalling Rotten Kid and Chirping Bird, I, accompanied by the enchanting presence of these two extraordinary women, led the dragon riders back to the encampment.