Luo Sheng's face lit up with excitement.
The enhancement of the domain card was a great success. Not only did it upgrade the domain, but it also granted combat card effects.
By summoning [Blizzard Storm], the Little Snow Maidens would also be summoned to fiercely pummel enemies. They would benefit from the domain's effects, amplifying their combat capabilities.
Even the original bronze six-star Little Snow Maidens could exhibit power equivalent to bronze seven or eight stars, especially with the ice domain weakening the enemy.
What a delightful surprise! Luo Sheng wondered, though, if using this card would drain more of his mental energy.
"Here comes that familiar sensation again."
Luo Sheng sat cross-legged, letting the mysterious energy surge through his body. It filled his limbs and bones, nourishing his Mental Core. The core began to loosen and refine further, progressing toward silver level.
Finally, the core's progress reached 61%, elevating Luo Sheng to Bronze Seven-Star Cardmaster.
A smile spread across his face. He felt the mental energy he'd expended completely replenished.
The mysterious energy seemed to enhance his body further, making it tougher and more flexible. Luo Sheng sensed that if he faced someone like Xia Xingri again, he could hold his ground in a prolonged battle, even against two opponents at once.
Now, he could likely withstand strikes from War Shadow without relying on Ice Shield—just his mech armor would suffice.
With newfound strength, Luo Sheng took out the card [Acoley], triggering a vivid dreamscape in his mind.
Without hesitation, he stepped into the card world. A flash of dazzling light engulfed him.
When Luo Sheng opened his eyes, he found himself back in the city of Divatu, inside a secluded house he had rented previously.
"Acoley, I'm here!"
----
Outside the city, a swarm of beasts roared relentlessly, battering the city walls.
On the ramparts, the guards were drenched in cold sweat as they looked upon the surging horde.
"Have the mages arrived yet?" a knight captain bellowed.
"They're here!"
"Then bring them up at once!"
The guards hurried to summon the mages, among whom Acoley was a member.
However, the situation escalated faster than anticipated.
Before any defensive preparations could be made, the beast horde began assaulting the city walls.
Giant Argentine eagles circled overhead, swooping down to snatch soldiers and toss them from terrifying heights. On the ground, scarred brown grizzly bears rammed the city gates with relentless force.
"Launch magical attacks now!" the knight captain shouted, his voice raw.
The mages responded, their spells lighting up the sky with brilliant elements: wind blades, fireballs, water blasts, ice spikes, and boulders rained down, causing colorful explosions among the beasts.
Acoley's Battle
Within the city, a massive forest rodent the size of an elephant burrowed through the thick walls, creating a breach. Chaos erupted as terrified civilians scrambled for safety.
Acoley, frowning at the unfolding disaster, hurried with the knights to the city square.
She wasted no time, diving into battle with a scar-faced grizzly bear.
She summoned a massive fire barrier, encircling the beast. The bear roared furiously, but her relentless fireballs ignited its fur. With a deafening explosion, the grizzly fell lifeless to the ground.
Cheers erupted among the fleeing citizens.
"Well done, Magic Girl!"
"You're like a goddess, saving us all!"
Their gratitude poured forth, but Acoley urged them to seek shelter.
"Go home and stay safe. It's still dangerous here!"
Lightning Leopard Attack
Suddenly, someone cried out:
"Watch out! A big cat!"
Behind Acoley, a giant lightning leopard crept closer. It pounced, its claws crackling with purple electricity, aiming to tear her apart.
Just then, a layer of ice formed on the ground, creating solid barriers that blocked its advance.
The leopard shattered three ice obstacles before Acoley managed to react. She leaped back, hurling a fireball that scorched the beast.
Enraged, the lightning leopard lunged again, but Acoley bombarded it with fireballs and flaming barriers. Exhausted but victorious, she finally incinerated the creature.
Luo Sheng Appears
As she caught her breath, Acoley spotted a familiar figure in the distance.
"Wait, traveler!" she called, running toward him.
Luo Sheng stopped and turned to her. His first words were blunt:
"You're still too weak."
Acoley managed a wry smile, but she mustered her courage.
"I'm truly grateful to you, but I don't know how to repay you."
"Getting stronger is the best way to repay me," Luo Sheng replied, his voice steady and magnetic.
"Why are you helping me so selflessly?" Acoley finally voiced her long-held question.
Luo Sheng hesitated, then said:
"One day, I may need your help. When that time comes, I hope you can guard my back."
"Can I trust you?"
Instead of answering, Luo Sheng materialized [Flame Magic Spear] and [Boom Boom Bomb], handing them to her.
"Protect yourself," he said simply.
As he turned to leave, Acoley called after him.
"Wait! Can you tell me your name? When will I see you again?"
"Luo Sheng. Just call me Luo Sheng. Whenever you're in danger, I'll be there."
With those words, Luo Sheng disappeared into the alley, leaving Acoley staring at his retreating figure, her heart full of resolve.
(End of Chapter)