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Cocolia was utterly stunned; Bochang's blast had shattered all her pride.
A gaping hole marred the chest of the Creation Engine, with various components scattered across the ground.
No matter how Cocolia called out,
the Creation Engine showed no signs of response.
"How... How could this be?! This is the most powerful machine from ancient times, invincible even during battles seven centuries ago. How... How could such a mere child defeat it so swiftly?"
Lying on the ground, Cocolia struggled to accept reality.
Although the fiery beam hadn't directly hit her, its proximity...
to the Creation Engine hurled her far away amidst the raging winds. Crashing into the mountain, she lay motionless for three full seconds, still dazed. A tickle in her throat led to a soft cough, and she tasted blood spreading in her mouth.
Just moments ago, she was the arrogant Great Guardian.
Now, lying in the snow, spitting blood, the humiliating scene made Cocolia wish for death. Intense emotions surged within her as her body gradually began to crystallize with ice.
Stellaron's voice whispered softly in her ear.
Increasing amounts of power flowed into Cocolia's body, and instead of resisting, she fully embraced it.
March 7th placed a hand over her brow and scanned the area, asking, "Come to think of it... Where did that person go?"
"Cocolia was likely blown away," replied Dan Heng, expressionless as he held his long gun.
Taken aback, Bochang questioned, "I didn't hit her?"
At that moment, the black-haired youth had aimed simultaneously at both Cocolia and the Creation Engine, hoping for a double kill with one arrow.
March 7th shook her head, saying, "No, you missed. I saw the blast narrowly pass by her."
Feeling somewhat disappointed, Bochang seized the opportunity amidst their brief respite to quickly finish off the Jym Rogers Bread Soda. It provided a boost to stamina, making it perfect for this situation.
Stelle pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Do we really need to fight her again?"
Hearing this, Bronya firmly responded, "No... Lady Cocolia won't give up so easily. She... she will definitely return."
Her prediction proved accurate.
Just as Bronya finished speaking, Cocolia took flight once more.
Gazing at the monstrous figure completely encased in ice crystals, Bronya's pupils contracted slightly, struggling to believe it was her mother. Yet those familiar golden locks confirmed without a doubt...it was indeed Cocolia.
However—she had transformed entirely into a grotesque creature.
Her body was covered with crystalline armor, while her skin had been overtaken by infinite darkness, obscuring its original color.
As soon as Cocolia reappeared, countless rift creatures emerged around them.
A myriad of monsters, including Fire Calamity Shadows, Eternal Winter Calamity Shadows, and others, flooded the scene. Some were similar to those encountered by Bochang and his team within the rifts, while others were entirely new.
Among them was the Decaying Shadow—a creature resembling the Guardian Shadow but possessing distinctly different abilities.
"The promise of Stellaron is this world's only hope..." Cocolia gazed at the group intently. "Seven hundred years ago, it expelled the Antimatter Legion, and today...it will surely erase your existence as well!"
Initially, Cocolia had some concerns, but upon seeing Bochang crumple in Stelle's arms, she felt instantly reassured.
Such powerful attacks indeed came with a price, making them unsustainable for repeated use.
Realizing this, Bochang slowly rose from Stelle's embrace. Having anticipated this outcome, he had previously consumed Jym Rogers Bread Soda, which significantly replenished his stamina.
As a result...
Bochang now possessed enough strength to stand on his own.
Although Stelle's embrace was warm and provided a sense of security, Bochang...
With his stamina gradually recovering, Bochang had no intention of relying on anyone else's support. He reached for the Vow Spear floating beside him, using it as a walking stick.
Giving a thumbs-up, he said, "Go ahead, I'll cheer you from behind."
"Alright," Stelle nodded.
Seeing Bochang stand once more, Cocolia felt slightly uneasy. However, when she noticed that he didn't launch another devastating attack but instead picked up a nearby spear, she found some relief.
The transformed Great Guardian initiated the assault first.
Four ice shards flew out from behind Cocolia, all heading straight towards Bochang.
Simultaneously, the surrounding rift creatures joined in their attacks.
As the ice shards approached, Bochang instinctively raised his hand and unleashed a Dragon Blast to directly counter them.
However, the result was...
He failed to stop them.
The ice shards pierced through flames, continuing their assault on Bochang.
This was unsurprising.
After his previous all-out attack, Bochang had expended too much stamina. Now, his Dragon Blast could only muster the strength of a basic strike.
Using Spider Sense's power, he detected that all four ice shards were aimed directly at his chest. Gripping the Vow Spear tightly, Bochang prepared to intercept them.
Just then, Bronya fired a shot, blocking one ice shard, and March 7th's arrow intercepted another.
The remaining two were deflected by Stelle, who stepped forward alone.
With her black metallic baseball bat, she mercilessly shattered the leftover ice shards.
Following this...
Stelle stylishly glanced back with a nod, clearly acknowledging everyone's intent to protect him.
Witnessing this scene, Cocolia realized that Bochang posed no immediate threat, feeling relieved. However...
Considering the terrifying damage he had inflicted earlier, Cocolia still wanted to eliminate Bochang first.
Unfortunately, there was no opportunity as March 7th took aim at Cocolia, unleashing multiple arrows, while Stelle charged towards her aggressively.
However, Stelle did not allow Cocolia any opportunity to continue her attack on Bochang.
Meanwhile...
Dan Heng and Bronya were busy eliminating the surrounding rift creatures. With one focusing on close combat and the other providing ranged support, their teamwork complemented each other effectively.
Dan Heng thought, "There are too many enemies... We must find a way to take out Cocolia first, otherwise... she'll keep summoning rift creatures endlessly."
As he observed the battle unfolding around him, Bochang found himself momentarily idle, with nothing directly involving him at that moment.
Stelle engaged Cocolia in a one-on-one duel, while March 7th provided backup from behind. Dan Heng and Bronya focused on clearing the nearby rift creatures.
Each member had their specific role to play.
After resting quietly for about a minute, Bochang felt his stamina nearly replenished and was just preparing to join the fray when:
[Dating Options activated.]
[Option 1: Charge forward and unleash carnage - Completion Reward: Cocolia's Big Booty.]
[Option 2: What's the rush? Wait a bit longer - Completion Reward: Obtain Equipment - Erhu, a regular two-stringed instrument, suitable for leisurely playing during downtime.]