– Era of the Wastes, Cycle 215, Season of the Setting Moon, Day 41 –

“Got it!” shouted Harrison and the summoned gold hardened as thin rings around the limbs of the giant ice elemental.

Terry dashed forward with one shield on each arm.

*Ting* *Ting*

Terry was bombarded by thin ice spikes from the horde of ice elementals in his path. He sensed for a gap and then threw his shields forward after casting his spell on the octavum attachment.

The shields transfixed in the air in front of him to block some of the incoming projectiles. Terry punched rapidly to unleash a few layered disruption discharges into the spirits while running.

A giant ice spike was thrown by the ice elemental.

Terry adjusted his course and used his bidirectional attraction inscription to redirect the spike into his transfixed shields.

From the corner of his eyes, Terry could see Harrison and Derek assaulting the spirits to take their attention away from him.

Finally, Terry managed to get close to the ice elemental.

Uh-oh.

A familiar pattern of moving mana became visible in Terry’s mana sight and he quickly retrieved a folded tertium cube to transfix.

A second later, an icy blast erupted from the ice elemental into all directions.

Terry returned the tertium cube back into his storage item and air-jumped upwards.

Before long, Terry had reached his first target at the left leg and with a touch of his hand, the golden ring was transfixed to immobilize the limb.

After Terry had finished transfixing the elemental’s limbs, he heaved a sigh of relief. The damned ice elemental had managed to slice apart one of his bolas and he was glad that they had found an alternative way to immobilize the thing.

Terry took a moment to survey the area in his mana sight and frowned. Harrison was blocked by some lower rank elementals, which also meant that their easiest way for finishing off the biggest threat was temporarily unavailable.

“Plan B,” murmured Terry and retrieved his fire-aspected spear. He tested the spear on the creature and frowned again.

The ice mana of this elemental is too intense for it to penetrate quickly…

“Fine then,” grunted Terry. “Plan C or whatever.”

Terry retrieved a tertium slab with a hole in it and transfixed it on the creature’s stomach where the distance to its mana formation was lowest.

“Have a taste of dungeon ideas.”

After Terry had set up his levered screw mechanism, he burst his mana to pull at the metal rod and with rotation after rotation the metal screw pierced deeper and deeper into the elemental.

Terry only stopped once in order to throw a layered discharge into a crowd of spirits that had risen behind him.

Eventually, he saw the screw pierce into the area of the mana formation.

A moment later, Terry was forced to retrieve his protective cover and block another icy blast.

Terry squinted at the mana formation.

Damaged, but not enough yet…

Terry quickly loosened the screw and returned it into his storage bracelet to leave only the transfixed slab with the hole in the middle.

Terry equipped his fire- and lightning-aspected spears and attacked the vulnerable mana formation by striking into the hole.

Terry continued his assault until he detected the entire mana formation collapsing.

Not long afterwards, the giant ice coloss collapsed as well.

“Back and regroup!” shouted Derek.

Terry raised an eyebrow in surprise but quickly bolted back towards their last fortifications.

“The big one is down, which is good, but…” Derek clicked his tongue.

“The pressure has increased,” added Harrison.

“Isn’t it still mostly spirits?” asked Terry. “Their spells are annoying in big numbers, sure, but—”

“It’s not just the spells,” interjected Derek. “You may not notice it as much with your mana pool size, but they affect the surrounding mana, which brings the risk of mana corruption.”

Derek clicked his tongue. “Not to mention that their presence affects the physical world as well. Don’t let yourself get crowded by them.”

“Unless you want to get yourself burned, frozen, drowned, or buried alive that is,” added Harrison in a joking tone. “No judging if that is what you are into. Just tell me if I should hold off on the healing for a while.”

Derek snorted while Terry rolled his eyes.

“Anyway, things seem slightly off,” said Derek. “The Guardians are attacking three points at once and the strongest fighters are in the center area that is not blocked by any gates. If anything, that is where the elemental reinforcements should normally be expected.”

“Maybe we are moving too quickly?” suggested Harrison. “Practically all our fights have wrapped up quicker than anticipated. Same for picking the gates in our path. While it allows the groups after us to move in earlier and control the area, we may be out of sync with the rest of the troops.”

Terry listened while focusing on his mana sense. Something had been bugging him and Derek’s current assessment caused Terry to try again to figure out what exactly it was.

“It could be that we are gathering a disproportionate share of the attention because the others are moving slower,” reiterated Harrison.

Derek weighed Harrison’s words in his mind. “If the Demonpalm hangs back to let others gain some experience or if he has another mission to take care of in the area, I guess that’s possible. But…”

Derek shrugged. “The Instructor Palmer I know is not the type to just hang back and twiddle his thumbs and he would have informed us if there was another mission.”

“Could also be a result of the location,” surmised Harrison. “Maybe our path simply offers more surface area for enemies to pour in here.”

Derek nodded in thought. “I hope it’s just something like that.”

“As opposed to?” prompted Harrison.

Derek looked him in the eye. “The initial intel being way off-base.”

“You mean that this pressure actually pales in comparison to what might be going on in the other paths?” asked Harrison grimly.

Derek nodded. “Can happen, especially if there are intelligent demons involved. A bit of intelligence can go a long way in accelerating the growth of an army. I’ve been part of such unfortunate missions before and I really hope that’s not it.”

“Is it bad if…” Terry squinted and pondered. “...if there is a developing mana vortex in our path?”

Both Harrison and Derek turned to Terry.

“Are you kidding?” asked Derek gravely.

“No?” replied Terry.

Derek groaned.

“Well, that would explain it,” exclaimed Harrison. He spat on the ground.

“What?” asked Terry.

“If your sense is accurate, we are running right into a demon's advancement,” said Derek. “Unfortunately for us, your sense seems to be always accurate as far as I can tell.”

“So what do we do?” asked Harrison. “Push through and interrupt the ceremony at the risk of being overwhelmed by the masses of defenders? Or hunker down and risk having to face a demon with newly advanced elemental powers?”

Derek contemplated their options. “We still need to open the next two gates. If things go according to plan in the other areas, then that would leave our paths connected again and the other groups can also join up from behind.”

“Do what we are supposed to do and then we can see about the rest.” Harrison nodded. “I like that.”

***

“So we are doing this?” asked Terry.

“Judging by the mana movement, that demon would rank up to at least the third rank,” said Derek. “Such a rank would normally have been included in the intel, which means it is likely to be a recent development.”

Derek scowled. “Which in turn means that the host is likely to be folk. Might even be a mana user or even worse, a mage.”

“Third rank elemental is one thing,” started Harrison. “…but a demon of advanced intelligence with third rank elemental powers—”

“At least,” stressed Derek.

Harrison nodded. “...as well as with an understanding of spellwork could quickly spiral out of control.”

“Elemental power increases tend to be exponential,” said Derek. “If that demon finds a chance to escape, then its next fortress will be a nightmare. The stronger forces are still occupied for now and unless we can tie up the demon, the hunt could take ages.”

“Or it might completely vanish from our grasp,” said Harrison. “Not a good scenario for the surrounding settlements.”

Terry nodded and resolved himself for the fight.

“If we can manage to disrupt the advancement, we’ll have a shot,” said Derek. “The demon would remain at its current level of power and if we are lucky, the interruption will even injure the creature.”

“The most effective mana disruption I can offer is the holy aspect,” said Harrison. “But only combined with fire or lightning. The light aspect on its own does not have enough permanency to disturb the mana flow.”

Harrison frowned. “Unfortunately, the fire spells I can combine with channeled holy mana do not have much range and the lightning spells do not cover a large area.”

Harrison grunted. “Of course, I could use Blink to close in quickly, but that requires a direct line of sight without any obstacles in the way. It would suck to run in there to have the plan fail due to something like that. I could also set up gold as a conductor, but that would take time and preparation.”

Derek nodded in thought. “I would run into a similar range problem with my Drain Mana spell. I would need to get close enough and it would probably take a while to drain enough mana to interrupt the process. Same Blink problem”

Derek and Harrison looked at Terry.

“How much mana can you put into a disruption discharge?” asked Derek. “And how quickly in succession? Enough to act as the first hitter?”

“We’ll have your back,” added Harrison. “No need to worry about preserving mana.”

Terry stopped moving his regenerated mana into a mana container and mentally counted his supply of filled containers just in case.

“I think I can act as the first hitter,” said Terry.

“Even if that thing has set up a barrier?” asked Derek.

“For destroying a barrier, I can also join with a lightning bolt,” said Harrison.

“Always good to have a backup,” retorted Derek.

Harrison nodded approvingly.

“Yes,” said Terry. “A barrier requires spell splicers, but that vortex does not look like structured spellwork. Crowding out the mana with my naturalized mana should introduce some problems for whatever they are doing. If the barrier dams up the mana, I can push it forward with the next wave.”

…or reharvest the falling tide.

***

“Some defenders in the outer circle, but I don’t sense any other mana signatures in the inner circle with the demon,” said Terry.

“To be expected,” said Derek. “Other aspect beings would get caught in the advancement ceremony. The loss of mana would lead to their own power being diminished and, depending on the aspect, the mana contamination could interfere with the ritual.”

Terry closed his eyes to focus one last time on his mana sense and gather the latest intel they could get before running in.

“I can’t make out if the host is a mana user. If there is any non-elemental mana, then it pales in comparison to the possessing elemental.” Terry paused in contemplation. “I would have thought the demon had been created from an ice elemental, but…” Terry’s voice trailed off.

Derek and Harrison both narrowed their eyes at the ‘but.’

“...that vortex is definitely not only ice-aspected mana.” Terry opened his eyes. “It also contains traces of the major water aspect as well as a significant amount of the air aspect.”

“Shit,” exclaimed Derek.

“What?” asked Harrison.

“For one thing, that makes our ‘at least’ evaluation sound more and more optimistic,” explained Derek. “That thing is most likely advancing to an elemental of the less-corporeal path. With the ice aspect, that means the blizzard line as opposed to the glacial line.”

“I thought the less-corporeal lines are easier to defeat,” interjected Harrison.

“Well, yeah, kind of, no,” said Derek. “Only when they are not possessing a corporeal host. Less corporeal elementals are easier to defeat only because their mana formation is more exposed and less protected.

“At low ranks, they’re barely harder to breach than spirits, because they don’t have any protective crystals, nor do they have enough mana control to hold their formation in place against disruptions.”

Derek snorted. “Sneeze at a low rank fire elemental strong enough and boom, you’re done. The catch, however, is that you need to manage that before it turns you into cinders, which brings us to the problem. The less corporeal path is generally accompanied by more offensive abilities.”

Derek groaned. “Ohh, and a mixed-aspect demon would be able to represent multiple factions, which is generally a big nuisance. The more united they all are, the bigger the problem.”

“Does this change anything?” asked Terry. “Or just one more reason to interrupt the advancement?”

“An immensely good reason,” replied Derek. “But we also need to be ready to retreat at a moment’s notice. Dodging a few ice spikes is one thing, but dodging a wasted blizzard is another. It might throw in hail and sharp ice shrapnels or it might literally suffocate us with snow.”

“Would that be suffocating or drowning?” asked Terry and tilted his head.

“Way to focus on the important part,” said Derek and snorted.

“Let’s just see what we can do,” said Terry with a wry smile.

“You’re the first act,” said Harrison.

“Yeah, ready when you are,” added Derek.

Terry stretched and checked his equipment. Then, he slapped his forearms together and dashed towards the entrance…

As soon as Terry had moved into the demon’s area, his mana stirred at the vortex’s disturbance.

Luckily, his muscle memory kicked in to tighten control on his mana and guide it along the needed path for his burst.

Several large ice fortifications were obstructing the path in the area. From behind them, several ice and earth spirits were charging forth to throw themselves at Terry.

Terry sensed for his two companions and then further accelerated.

Don’t let ourselves be tangled up. Get to the demon.

Terry nimbly dodged the spirits. He could sense their locations when they started their pursuit.

Good. If they follow me, then the others can make better use of their equipment to keep up.

Terry dashed past an earth elemental and saw several ice elementals that were swarming in from the sides.

Terry zig-zagged to dodge the incoming volley of ice spikes. While he was not able to evade all of them, the cloud badger armor continued to demonstrate its high piercing resistance.

A giant boulder flew at Terry from behind.

Terry was about to dodge to the side when he recognized the mana movement that usually resulted in an effect similar to the Raise Icicles spell.

Terry quickly changed course and jumped to position his soles into the path of the incoming boulder.

*BAM!*

The boulder collided with the transfixed boots while Terry switched imprints to jump forward in the air.

Terry leaped over one of the ice fortifications and cast the Immovable Object spell in passing so that the fortification would block whatever boulders may be hurled at him from behind.

Terry continued moving forward while sensing for the location of enemies to avoid as well as the progress of his group members.

He could sense that Derek and Harrison were sticking closer together. Harrison was playing defense with his channeled gold-based abilities while Derek occasionally eradicated a few spirits. They avoided engaging the elementals and the two were still able to keep up.

Terry made his way through the gaps in the elemental defenses, which was made significantly easier by his ability to move into the air whenever necessary.

Eventually, he reached the inner circle.

Terry had to remind himself not to pause while examining the demon at the vortex’s center.

The host appeared to be an old and very thin man with the grey skin of mana corruption and visible blood vessels that indicated damaged mana channels. The demon was sitting cross-legged and with closed eyes while the mana vortex flooded him with mana.

Do all demons show the signs of mana corruption and damaged mana channels? Nevermind. Not the time.

Terry forced his question down for later.

He was elated to find that there were no barriers around.

Maybe the host really wasn’t a mana user?

Terry’s elation was severely dampened when he saw the demon open its eyes to glare at him.

Focus!

Actions!

Terry stopped blinking to focus on the demon while simultaneously gathering mana for a layered dual-discharge.

He noticed an unfamiliar movement of mana over a large area on the floor. Instinctively, Terry stepped slightly into the air.

A moment later, the whole area was covered in a slick sheet of ice.

Terry frowned while continuing his run.

Not much of a problem for me, but Derek’s and Harrison’s mobility might become impaired. Although Harrison could shape gold spikes for their feet or maybe— They’ll figure it out.

Focus!

Winds started to rage around the demon and Terry could feel himself being pushed back and facing increased resistance. Fortunately, his boots still allowed him a secure footing to push forward.

Snow was added to the raging winds, which made it harder and harder for Terry to see.

Right after the snow had started obstructing his vision, he could sense large mana clusters aiming for him.

Terry dodged one giant ice spike and blocked another with his bracer.

*KAZAP!* A white lightning bolt crackled past Terry and towards the demon, who barely managed to raise an ice wall to block the attack.

Thank mana that there were no barriers. Should be much easier this way.

If the host is manaless, then it’s also likely that the demon has no knowledge of spellwork or mana cultivation techniques.

Terry darted upwards into the air to better take aim for the area where the vortex fed the demon.

Then, Terry unleashed the most powerful disruption discharge he had ever attempted. The mana flooded forward while carrying a dense net of spell slicers.

Terry followed a single step behind the first wave while already preparing the next.

Before the demon knew what hit him, he was already drowned in three successive waves of Terry’s naturalized mana.

The demon coughed blood and then roared frenziedly.

A part of the vortex compressed itself and the rotation of mana increased with the compression until a circular blast was emitted after which the vortex shrunk significantly in size.

Derek and Harrison joined to pile on with their own attacks and it did not take long for the vortex to disappear completely.

Their interruption of the demon’s advancement had been successful.

Unfortunately, that also meant that there was no reason for the defending aspect beings to stay out of the inner circle anymore.

Elementals and spirits were pouring into the area to surround Terry’s group while the three gathered closer together.

“Good job so far,” said Derek. “Now, we need to get out of here.”

“I think they have other plans for us,” remarked Harrison wryly. “Maybe we should hunker down instead. Terry and I could whip up some fortifications.”

“To support our retreat, sure.” Derek shook his head. “But we need to keep moving. Too many elementals with abilities that have flexible casting centers. Not to mention ethereal spirits and an intelligent demon. Even that immovable gold combo won’t help us if they unleash their abilities inside.”

“But we can make sure that we have a few safe angles and block long-range attacks.” Terry pointed out and Harrison nodded.

“When the vortex collapsed, the mana signal was quite intense,” said Terry. “I’m sure others must have noticed that as well.”

“Let’s hope that they pick the right path to join up with us,” said Derek. “Or that old Demonpalm will make his way here soon. Otherwise, we will get a few, you know, scratches and stuff.”

“Scratches I can heal,” retorted Harrison. “Try not to get beheaded and stuff.”

“Good plan,” exclaimed Derek. “Let’s go with that one.”

Before long, the air reverberated from a sonic blast, which caused Derek to heave a sigh of relief.

“I knew Instructor Demonpalm would not be able to hold himself back,” said Derek with a smirk.

It did not take long before the pained howl of a demon resounded in the area.

Terry only caught a glimpse of blood running from the possessed host’s ears before Palmer continued his sonic assault on the demon.

***

“I heard you had a bit of excitement on your mission,” said Sigille while Terry was crawling back up on his feet.

Terry groaned in pain at his most recent failure to make Sigille take a step from her position.

“Yeah, but…” Terry groaned again. “...why are you asking about that now?”

Sigille shrugged. “I could try and make up an excuse like ‘you are supposed to be able to battle with distractions’ but to be honest, I get bored just standing here.” She tapped her staff on her shoulder and displayed a taunting grin.

Terry scowled at the obvious bait.

“I also thought you might want to stretch a bit after the last one,” said Sigille. “Make sure that you do not require healing before we continue.”

Terry did as instructed when he recalled a question he had about his demonic encounter. “Do all demons look as if their mana channels are intensely damaged? Visible blood vessels and everything?”

Sigille nodded. “The elementals need to learn about the limits of the physical realm first. However, do not be fooled by that appearance into thinking they are injured. The elementals have their own ways to protect the mana vessels from becoming too damaged.”

Sigille tapped her staff on her shoulder. “Young demons are often not used to the pain from the damaged mana channels, which means you may find an opportunity to exploit there. Experienced demons, however, often intentionally accept the pain to increase their mana throughput beyond the normal physical limits.”

“I think I’m fine,” said Terry. “No healing required.”

“Good,” said Sigille. “Anyway, now that you have settled into a routine for the season, I thought I would throw a wrench in it.” Sigille snickered. “You see, you have kind of run through too many combat practice partners too quickly…”

Terry tilted his head.

“I guess you haven’t noticed that you were the only one that participated in combat practice every day?” asked Sigille with an amused grin.

…now that she mentions it. Terry wrinkled his forehead.

“See that’s what I appreciate about you, Little Terry,” said Sigille. “Most of my other disciples got grumpy after one or two weeks.”

Uhm… Terry decided to hold his tongue.

“Anyway, there are still a few candidates for matches, which reminds me…” Sigille raised an eyebrow at Terry. “What is up with you and that Isabella? Apparently, the lass keeps pestering Rachel to set up a rematch.”

Terry groaned.

“I can’t wait to tell Matteo about this.” Sigille snorted and snickered. “Anyway, repeated matches aside, scheduling becomes a bit more complicated once you start excluding that many candidates. Luckily, you have also gotten the gist of burst techniques, which means that if I shuffle around some activities…”

Terry had a bad premonition and his most recent bruises pulsated in dread.

Sigille displayed a wide grin accompanied by a sharp glint in her eyes. “I can make time for more personal instruction to fill the gaps.”

Good luck, Whaka Terry. Terry could hear his pa in his mind.

This is going to be an exhausting season…

Moving forward. One bruise at a time.

***