Unlike Ophis, who had quickly reached a conclusion, Enkidu was still lost in thought and didn't react immediately to the roar's fluctuation.
Fortunately, Ophis was paying close attention to Enkidu and quickly noticed something was wrong.
Moving swiftly in front of Enkidu, Ophis focused his mental power and energy into a shield, deflecting both the impact force and the falling trees.
"Ah..."
Only then did Enkidu snap out of her distraction.
"Enkidu, you've been absent-minded."
"Ha ha…"
Although Enkidu's delayed reaction was partly due to her deep thoughts, it was also because she felt the attack was insignificant. Even if hit, it would at most cause some minor discomfort or injuries.
Still, Ophis took the threat seriously and blocked the attack.
He really is a kind child…
Enkidu wanted to smile at Ophis, but her focus was already on the new threat.
The creature that had appeared wasn't particularly large, perhaps the size of a strong lion. For Ophis, who wasn't great at precision strikes, this was troublesome.
Ophis estimated that if this beast were more agile and durable, defeating it might require destroying an area of dozens of kilometers. Most of that area would suffer unnecessary collateral damage.
The beast had the horns of a bison, the body of a lion, the hind claws of a vulture, and the tail of a snake. Dark red light flickered in its empty eye sockets. It could be considered one of the oldest chimeras.
What stood out were the seven rainbow lights encircling it like ribbons, corresponding to the seven colors of the rainbow.
Ophis didn't pay much attention to the creature itself but looked back at Enkidu, who had a determined expression and was slowly walking toward the monster—Humbaba.
"Xiao Fen, you..."
"Roar—"
Humbaba responded by spitting out a fireball at Enkidu. Though it was just a fireball, Enkidu didn't dare to take it head-on.
Humbaba's power wasn't to cause natural disasters but to spread poison. It was a highly toxic substance that could corrode nature itself, and the disaster affecting Uruk was a result of this poison.
But Enkidu embodied the earth's nature. Even a touch of this poison would be harmful to her.
"Enkidu."
Before Enkidu could react further, she felt someone pulling her clothes from behind.
"Wait, little Ophis, let me talk to her first──"
"That's not what I meant."
Ophis pointed to the monstrous creature.
"There is no rationality in her eyes."
"Huh?"
Enkidu looked toward Humbaba, following Ophis's gesture. The dark red eyes were filled with brutality and savagery—Enkidu recognized that look.
It was the same look she had seen in the spring water during her past.
"Why?"
Enkidu murmured in disbelief. Though Humbaba had shown aggression in the past, it was only when other creatures intruded. Humbaba was fundamentally rational and intellectual, with a fondness for beautiful flowers and cute animals.
Enkidu had never seen Humbaba dominated by such violent instincts.
A powerful energy wave swept over, pushing the monster back and preventing it from attacking.
"Enkidu."
Ophis stood in front of Enkidu again, half-turning to look at her.
"Enkidu, have you made up your mind?"
Ophis was now serious, his gaze intense. He exuded a strong spirit, no longer the confused girl needing Enkidu's guidance but the infinite dragon, Ophis.
Seeing Enkidu's wavering expression, Ophis turned back silently.
"I will help Enkidu stop this monster."
Using his mental barrier to block the incoming flames, Ophis raised his hand, and several magic circles unfolded, forming bright purple light cannons. They were fired at the surroundings of the monster.
───Boom boom boom
The magic cannons created a purple halo and dust, obscuring the view.
"Roar—"
In the sky…
Ophis directed the remaining magic circles upward, firing a slightly weaker but faster magic cannon into the sky.
"Roar──────"
Although hiding in the sky might seem futile without flight abilities, creatures in this world can maneuver with astonishing agility. Despite the magic cannons blocking the surroundings, the beast's agility was slightly hindered, and it was hit.
But…
The roar indicated that the damage was minimal.
Ophis judged that the creature had good energy resistance. Enemies with high energy resistance were challenging, as concentrated attacks were required to inflict significant damage.
Ophis took out two sharp short swords from his space, both ranked C-level Noble Phantasms, and threw them at the monster's predicted landing spot. He then took out two C-level long swords and concentrated magic power on his feet, kicking out.
Along with this, a bright purple magic cannon was fired after focusing the magic power.
However, Ophis slightly underestimated the monster's fighting ability.
The daggers, aimed to hit just before the monster landed, were swatted away by its lion-like front paws, causing a small explosion. This disruption was intentional.
Despite the explosion, the monster's fur provided sufficient defense, and it shot out powerful flames at the attacking magic cannon.
───Not a simple fireball, but a flaming spear with strong impact and penetration.
Halfway through, the magic cannon collided with the flaming spear and exploded. The blockade of magic cannons was broken.
As the attacks exploded, Humbaba charged through the remaining encirclement and faced Ophis, who had also advanced.
Before they could clash, Humbaba used its front paws to support itself and swung its vulture-like hind claws at Ophis.
───The hind claws were more threatening than the front ones, with strong grasping power.
Ophis reacted quickly, stepping back to avoid the attack and swinging his sword to fend off the poisonous snake tail. The retreat was to ensure defense against potential poison.
Ophis preferred flexible combat over the raw power of long-range attacks. In close combat, Ophis abandoned the dragon's power advantage for agility.
Humbaba turned around and swung its other front paw at Ophis.
Ophis nimbly avoided the attack, then crossed his two swords and slashed at Humbaba. The attack was blocked by one of Humbaba's horns.
At that moment, the magic circle at Ophis's previous location finished charging. Just as Ophis tried to distance herself, something unexpected happened.
Humbaba used its horns to push Ophis away. This was part of Ophis's plan, but suddenly, numerous weapons shot out from the colorful ribbons surrounding the monster, piercing through Ophis's heart and exploding her head in the slightly astonished eyes of Ophis.
The following weapons opened numerous holes in her body.
A fierce light gleamed in Humbaba's eyes as it raised its claws to tear Ophis apart.
At that moment, countless chains appeared out of nowhere, binding Humbaba.
"Ophis!!!"
Enkidu's fearful and angry cry echoed.