While Finn's size was increasing, a wave of energy hit him, instantly reduced the amount of Mana he had and halted his growth at the size of almost 5 meters.
His spirit body was now that of a giant, his hands and legs grew thicker as his presence grew thicker.
He stared up looking at the Bat descend from the tree, charging at him.
Finn displayed the formless trait of a Ghost, changing the edges of his fingers to that of a sword's edge.
Using the Mana Veil skill, Finn coated his hands with Mana, shaped them to form blade qualities.
As the 4-meter Bat cut through the air, rushing straight at him, Finn dashed forward and jumped, cocking his hand back to stab it.
The Bat wrapped its wing around its body, reducing the penetration of Finn's stab.
Without relenting, Finn released an outburst of stabs within seconds, only retreating when he saw the Bat try to release an attack.
Taking a few steps backwards, although wobbly, Finn released energy slashes from his hand, causing the bat to create an arc with its wings and destroying the arcs.
Outside this inner world, Finn might not have dealt much damage, but within here, they were fighting with their spirit body made from their Mana.
The more Finn is making contact with the bat with his attacks, the more its spirit body is weakening. But this also goes vice-versa.
Shaking off the effects of Finn's attack, the Bat saw its adversary running towards it. After building up the energy needed, it didn't think twice and released a sonic scream even more effective than the last.
Unfortunately for Finn, this was not an attack that could be avoided!
As Finn felt a wave of energy leave his body again, he was momentarily stunned, forced to see the Bat take off to the air.
Forcing his body to move, Finn looked at the Bat dive down from its height as though it wanted to dive into the ocean, but right before contact with the water, it seemed to merge with the darkness.
"Shit!" Finn could sense movements around him but couldn't pinpoint its location.
Slightly enhancing his natural Mana Senses, Finn concentrated.
"Here."
Finn located it, immediately swinging his bladed hand towards its direction. Almost simultaneously, the Bat attacked with its long fang, catching him off guard, and cutting his hands off.
Not dwelling on thoughts, Finn reduced in size as he gradually regenerated the lost arm. This was the effect of his inherent skill, Spectral Healing along with using his other parts to create a new arm.
Frustrated, Finn let out, using his unarmed hand to grab the bat's wing, "Enough!"
A wave of will and his frustration exuded from deep within his core, pressuring the Bat.
In that instance, Finn felt the bat in his grasp shake. Then he recalled, aside from expulsion, suppression was also possible!
Finn activated his possession skill, his body material morphing and wrapping around the bat like a curtain.
From his experience with the White Fenrir in its inner world, Finn knew how to impose his will to an extent.
As his darkish blue ethereal body draped around the Bat's spirit body, he imposed a will that feared it.
The Bat was like an existence in an orb at that moment.
But it resisted, like any being would if they felt looming danger.
From within, it released attacks and cries that gradually weakened Finn's spirit body faster.
Finn felt his spirit get injured, causing energy leaks, faster than his Spectral Healing could.
He began pondering if his Mana would run out before the Bat's will to fight plummets.
Ignoring the still-resisting bat, Finn let a juggle of thoughts go wild in his head.
'I can't risk my death at the moment, this creature's ability directly drains energy and it affects my current state gravely. This has been a valuable experience…That is also risky, but it's manageable to an extent.'
Once more, Finn cursed at the size of his core.
Using a part of his spirit body to wrap the bat's spirit body, Finn extended another part of himself, reaching for the boundary of this inner world.
The decision he had come to terms with were: Look for somewhere to replenish his Mana, when he has more strength, it was a sure win!
Although this inner world looked like it had no end or boundaries, Finn knew there had to be one. He had once possessed a body by merging with the inner world.
The part of Finn's body that aimed for the edge made a long distance between itself and the other part, with a long rope made of his spirit body connecting the two parts.
Finn released the wrapping of the bat, the part of him almost reaching the edge 'pulled' the rope connecting it to the other part of him, making them whole.
The Bat whose will didn't seem like it was slightly reduced took to the air, setting its eyes on its retreating foe and chasing after him.
Before it could close the distance between them though, Finn had found the boundary.
It was like a wall made of this ocean.
Without hesitation, he dove into it, emerging in the cave where the bats were sleeping.
Immediately after emerging in the physical world, Finn felt multiple gazes on him.
All the bats in the cave were now awake, looking at him, who was a Ghost.
'W-what? They sensed an oddity amongst themselves and pinpointed what it was to an extent? Could they have a bond that was strengthening the one I tried taking over? Leaving the body was the right path to take!'
Finn didn't let the thoughts stop him. Upon leaving the body of the bat, he exited the cave, looking for a safe spot.
If these creatures had the same abilities as the one he tried possessing, things wouldn't be too good for him. Their sonic scream could damage spirit bodies, causing more energy leaks!
After leaving the cave, Finn had flapping noises, followed by sounds of flapping wings.
Siiiii!
An echo of sonic screams sounded as the Bats began chasing the Ghost.
Fortunately, their range was less wider in the physical world, barely affecting Finn.
Flying through the forest, Finn wasted more energy to enhance his senses, urgently searching for a temporary safe spot.
In the midst of this panic, Finn heard a sound ring in his 'head.'
[Secondary Skill, [Mana Sense], can be acquired.]
[Acquire skill?]
[Yes/No]
Letting a mutter of regret out, Finn accepted, feeling the imprint appear within him.
Immediately, he enhanced the passive effect of the skill causing his senses to be more enhanced and expanding his range.
Sensing something, Finn found his safe spot!
Out running the bats and setting his mind only on his goal, Finn navigated through the forest.
Soon, a small lake came into his view.
Without a hint of hesitation, Finn dived into the lake.
Inside the waters was where the Mana density was the strongest.
But this was also where the strongest resided.