"BOOM!" "BOOM!" "BOOM!" "BOOM!" "BOOM!" "BOOM!" "BOOM!" "BOOM!" "BOOM!" "BOOM!"
Without hesitation, Vlad triggered the Corpse Explosion Runes in all the demons' corpses, making explosions echo. In an instant, the massive bridge that had connected the two landmasses and that had over one thousand demons began to collapse.
'That was close.' As he saw the bridge collapsing, Vlad could not help but think that he had dodged a bullet since that massive demon in the dark veil was genuinely terrifying, being able to perceive his presence from such a distance.
However, just as Vlad thought he was out of danger, he saw something that shocked him to the core. While all the demons on the bridge were trying to get out of it, the massive demon in the dark veil instead began to run forward.
The demon moved at a shocking speed, pushing away or trampling over all the demonic beasts in his path.
'No way!' Vlad's disbelief was palpable as he witnessed the demon's daring feat. Running across the collapsing bridge was a display of supernatural agility and dexterity, but more than that, it was a testament to the demon's courage. Even a Champion could perish in such a situation, crushed by the tons of crumbles that would rain down.
The demon in the black veil was extremely fast. However, the bridge was also very large, and as the demon was about to reach the other end, the Bridge of Solidarity finally went down, making Vlad smile.
Sadly for the young man, just as he saw the bridge collapse, the demon in the dark veil rose into the air as fire covered his entire body, seemingly transforming him into a humanoid meteor. That ability allowed the monster to jump several meters without any stable platform and reach the landmass!
That feat was already enough to shock Vlad, but a flash of terror appeared in his eyes the next second as he saw the flames destroy the dark veil, revealing the figure's actual body. The demon resembled a black-furred minotaur with dark and twisted antlers rising from his head, long and muscular arms and legs, and a fiendish light burned in his red eyes.
'Abyssal!' That word echoed inside Vlad's mind and was the reason he was so terrified by the presence of this creature.
The description of Abyssal in this demon was not a title like the Abyssal Mantis, but a way to describe a race, the dominant race of Abyss. According to Asmael's memories, an Abyssal was in an entirely different league than other demonkind, as not only did they possess extremely powerful bloodlines, but they had a different system of power.
Most demonic beasts can only rely on their physical might and cannot use any form of energy. Only when they become Champions can they open a Soul Dimension, develop wisdom, and gain access to an energy pool. However, even then, those monsters are on the lowest rung of Abyssal.
On the other hand, an Abyssal can transform the world's energy into Abyssal Energy before impregnating it with their flesh and blood. That is a similar path to that of the Monster Race. Still, unlike them, the Abyssals use this Abyssal Energy to temper and modify their bodies, obtaining all sorts of unique physical and energy abilities and constantly evolving.
From this endless growth is where their name Abyssal emerged, as they are unfathomable.
Vlad did not just wait for the Abyssal to attack him as he began to jump from one tree to another, getting deeper into the forest. However, the creature was not just going to let him escape.
A ring in the Abyssal's hand glowed before a massive metallic and dark club full of spikes appeared in his hand, and the next second, he flashed after Vlad, ready to destroy anything in his path.
Vlad's escape was a desperate dance of survival. He leaped from one tree to another, using the foliage to conceal his movements. But the Abyssal's perception was uncanny, and it was closing in.
Finally, after almost five minutes of running and getting very deep into the forest, the Abyssal finally caught up to Vlad, and the monster did not hesitate before using all his strength and striking the tree where the young man was located with his massive club.
The tree was extremely thick and tall, capable of resisting all sorts of forces, yet the dark club went through it without effort, splitting it in half.
Vlad felt the trees begin to fall, and he hastily jumped to another tree nearby. However, this one was smaller, and he could see how the Abyssal smiled in his direction and prepared to leap toward him.