Chapter 11 - Nalgorria
So, on getting to a close range—under Nalgorria's influence, the first ring exploded with a deafening boom, releasing a violent, swirling storm of bright red flame that instantly turned the beasts within its blast radius to countless burnt pieces.
Then the second exploded—a heartbeat later, before being followed by the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh ring in that succession. But the power of the seventh ring was frightening as it had the total devastating might of all the six rings of energy raised to the power of fifty. This meant that it possessed the total destructive capacity of all the rings multiplied by a factor of fifty.
So, upon its alarming, thunderous explosion, the whole route they were in intensely trembled, while large number of cracks could be seen everywhere on the surfaces of the walls and roof of the long, massive route.
Hilgamech, who witnessed the whole thing, was instantly deeply amazed by the combat prowess of the aloof, extremely beautiful girl.
'Wow. This girl is powerful.' He said inwardly with an expression of astonishment etched on his facial features.
As for Nalgorria who just executed that fascinating finishing move, she looked really pale. This was because she had put everything into that last attack, killing off close to a hundred beasts at once with the power of her peak-phase Entry stage cultivation level.
But, only she understood why she did that. Reason? It was simply because Hilgamech was outshining her, a genius from the academy. Although she knew it wasn't intentional, she couldn't help but feel that way.
He wasn't from an academy, yet he could rival them with his lower cultivation stage. She was ashamed of this and believed that everyone in her group felt the same way, but they couldn't show it.
The last move she used was one of the techniques of an Epic-Warrior grade (C-grade), Variant-Fire Element Battle Methodology that her family possessed. This easily indicated that she was from a family that cultivated only fire—Fire Originforce Energy.
So, due to the attack she unleashed, she had become very pale in complexion, essentially because she drained her entire accumulated energy just to execute that immensely powerful technique.
"Nalgorria, you are absolutely amazing. What a brilliant killing move." Someone in her group praised with a sincere tone in their voice.
"That's why she's one of the top genius of our academy at this cultivation level. Nalgorria, I believe you will become a terrifying expert in the future." Another in their group said in a flattering manner, awe and respect radiating off of their voices.
"So her name's Nalgorria. Hmm. She's really powerful. Her battle method can't be from the academy, it must be from the family she came from." Hilgamech said with veneration in his eyes.
"I believe Nalgorria has entirely drained herself of energy for that last attack. We would move when she fully recovers." Varthan said to his colleagues.
Then he turned to face Hilgamech, "Would you continue without us or wait sometime for her to recover?"
"I will wait. Not a big deal." Hilgamech replied while Varthan subtly nodded his head.
"Alright." He said, really pleased with Hilgamech.
From the moment they started to battle the beasts, he had come to discover how amazingly strong Hilgamech was. Now, he held him in reverence.
Nalgorria had sat in the cross-legged position on the ground, cultivating and absorbing energy in the process. Gradually, her body recovered after she took some shining red pills to rapidly restore her fully exhausted energy.
Few moments later, colour returned to her pale body. Then several minutes after, she became fine, her body radiating power.
She stood to her feet and slightly nodded at Hilgamech with a smile hung on her lips, probably acknowledging him for his strength and prowess. Hilgamech did the same in return, reciprocating the acknowledging nod.
Nalgorria—a sixteen-year-old girl, was a graceful and aloof, young attractive damsel. Due to the exceeding beauty she possessed, she could be easily likened for a celestial figure that had descended from the highest layer of the Heavens to live amongst mortals.
She had long and vibrant ruby-colored hair that reached her waist. It had that colour probably because of the Fire Originforce Energy they cultivated in her family.
Her face was smooth like glass, and in it were eyes that shone with intense blue—she had bright blue irises. If anyone looked at her eyes, they would immediately get the feeling that she was one that would want to conquer all things. She had the determined gaze of a fierce and savage conqueror. With well-formed nose and bright pink lips that were full and succulent, she looked really charming.
She had a spotless fair skin that glowed, making her resemble a heavenly saintess. With a slightly tall, luscious slender body that spoke nothing but perfection, she was one that warriors will go to city-ravaging battles for.
For the first time that she smiled, her smile made the brown lotuses pale greatly in comparison.
After nodding and smiling at Hilgamech, she politely asked "What's your name?"
This was her first time talking to Hilgamech. She had been quiet and distant throughout the journey. But she couldn't be blamed, that was her nature. Also, being a genius from the academy and in her large family of powerful cultivators, she was quite proud.
It was only because Hilgamech seemed to be domineering in his attacks she had to display her power, or her colleagues would begin to feel she wasn't that much of a rare genius.
But, she was also amazed by Hilgamech's handsomeness. Make him wear a woman's clothes and he would be mistaken for a rare beauty, a graceful and glorious beauty that only appeared in every ten thousand years.
She had long noticed this glaring feature about him when he came out of the large rock that he hid behind to study them. But she only ignored it, minding her own business and maintaining her pridefulness and aloofness.
"Hilgamech." Hilgamech replied with a smile.
"You have a nice name and awesome abilities. Where did you learn those techniques since you don't presently study at an academy?" Nalgorria asked.
"My uncle purchased the method for me." Hilgamech replied while Nalgorria nodded her head.
"Oh. That's awesome. I guess your uncle must be really wealthy to be able to possess such a method for you." She said while Hilgamech nodded his head with a smile hung on his lips.
"What are you guys doing here? It doesn't seem to me that you guys came here to hunt beasts for their skins or bones, or catch them for pet keeping and training." Hilgamech suddenly said.
"We are searching for a blue crystal lily. If we are able to get any, especially a matured one, we will be rewarded by the academy. You may think only brown lotuses grow here but other kind of flowers can be found here too. Though, they are scarce but they hold more value. They can be recognized as cultivation resources." Nalgorria replied, not minding the information she divulged to Hilgamech.
Hilgamech nodded, then he asked with a curious look on his face, "Which academy are you guys from?"
Before Nalgorria could reply, someone rudely interjected. "Trying to get familiar with our Academy's genius? Don't even think so."
Hilgamech looked in surprise at this person. He then smiled and only shook his head. While Nalgorria looked at the person that spoke with a harsh gaze. Just like that, everyone kept quiet, focusing on the task at hand.
Then they moved down the particular cavern route they were in. However, they were still in the outskirt region. And anytime they came across several other routes, they chose one and moved on.
After walking for a few hours without being disturbed, they suddenly heard roars of beasts in the distance—from some other routes. Then looks of readiness immediately carved itself onto their faces. As for Hilgamech, his blood began to churn within, his gaze sharp, determined, and decisive. With power coursing through his form like an unstoppable flood, he became fully ready for another round of fierce, blood-thirsting battle with the incoming large hordes of ravenous beasts!