Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

Eren had honed his proficiency in various elemental spells to a remarkable degree.

He had become a formidable force, capable of matching any Ranker of his generation, even those with deviant elemental compatibility.

However, while he could seamlessly switch between elemental spells without a problem, he knew that doing so during a battle was far from staying mana-efficient. Each transition between different elemental profiles required a significant amount of mana, hindering his overall spellcasting efficiency when it came to mana consumption.

His desire for a solution was clear – Eren yearned for a boundless source of mana that could sustain him regardless of how frequently he switched between elemental spells.

With such an inexhaustible well of power, he could fully unleash the potential of his diverse spellcasting repertoire.

Yet, Eren was no stranger to the fact that wishes were one thing, and achieving them was another. Obtaining an everlasting mana source was no simple task; it required meticulous planning, dedication, and perhaps even centuries of research and development. Eren understood that countless other Rankers and mana-users across different worlds had likely pondered this very concept throughout history.

Nevertheless, during this very fight against the forces of Layos, Eren embraced the challenge, knowing that it was a long-term endeavor.

Drawing inspiration from past pioneers, studying the legends of mythical beings, and carefully planning his steps were all part of his approach. He remembered the lessons from the Lazarus Project, recognizing the power of preplanning and breaking seemingly impossible goals into achievable milestones. The path to his ultimate goal might be arduous, but Eren was resolute in his commitment to see it through.

***

'These mid-battle epiphanies would land me in deep troubles one day. No need to worry about how to have an infinite mana core right now. I'll worry about this after I step out of Anfang. For now, I need to focus on what's in front of me right now,' Eren finally concluded his thought process.

Resolving to make the most of the moment, Eren decided to end his time-element spell from a safe distance. Fixing his gaze on the two enemy Rankers, he activated his ocular Ability, locking their eyes with his own powerful stare.

Sedating Gaze!

Eren's blurred visage quickly became visible to his enemies after he canceled his time-element spells. The enemy Rankers, who were about to clash with each other, realized they had been outmaneuvered by Eren. They attempted to either cancel or redirect their spells. However, before they could act, they locked eyes with Eren, and their consciousness was pulled into a nightmarish world of blood and gore. In this bizarre realm, flesh flowers bloomed grotesquely, and gigantic meteors tore through a crimson sky.

Ensnared by the Sedating Gaze, the enemy Rankers lost control over their spells. The first Ranker's potent flying weapon attacks, meant for Eren, struck the second Ranker, causing severe damage. Simultaneously, a batch of deadly flying daggers conjured by the second Ranker from purple water-element mana found their unintended mark in the first Ranker, inflicting grave wounds.

Their defenses compromised and consciousness altered, the two enemies suffered severe injuries from their own attacks. The second Ranker lost both arms and had his left leg severed at the knee. The first Ranker's torso was riddled with mana-contaminated daggers that caused painful blisters on his skin. The unplanned friendly fire, caused by their common enemy, Grimdawn, left them both gravely wounded and vulnerable.

The battlefield crackled with raw elemental power as Eren unleashed his deadly ocular Ability, Sedating Gaze, upon the two enemy Rankers. Their consciousness wavered and their faces twisted in agony, but before they could even vocalize their pain, the swift twin blades of Rigor Mortis sliced through the air, severing their heads from their torsos. The enemies' lifeless bodies crumpled to the ground as their heads flew through the air in a gruesome spectacle.

The victorious Eren stood amidst the aftermath of his lightning-fast attack. His Shamshirs, crackling with electric energy, were named Rigor Mortis for good reason. The flying slash attack, Red Reaver, had been composed of pure lightning-element destruction Aspect, carrying a lethal charge that brought a swift end to his foes.

With the enemy squad leader and two disguised Rankers dispatched in mere moments, Eren's focus shifted to his team members.

Renita, skilled and composed, expertly protected the team's tank, Jake, and the healer, Ana, from enemy assaults. Her long-range attacks kept the menacing GrayScale Fire Wyvern at bay, preventing it from unleashing its destructive fury.

While Renita managed the wyvern, Eren's allied Rankers, dispatched alongside the White Raven team members, took on the beast in a coordinated effort. Their combined strength sought to contain the mighty creature, allowing the White Raven Guild members to engage the enemy Rankers directly.

In the midst of the chaotic battle, Eren's teammates showcased their extraordinary abilities. Dino and Ron's berserking powers struck fear into the hearts of the enemy, leaving a trail of defeated Rankers in their wake. Ramy Richards' exceptional sound-element spells kept his opponents enthralled, as he danced with deadly precision, captivating their attention.

As the enemy Rankers realized the extent of Eren's devastating prowess, their resolve wavered. Their leaders had fallen at his hands, and fear crept into their hearts. The wyvern, though still dangerous, was a distant consolation amidst the overwhelming might of the White Raven Guild.

Just as the enemy Rankers began to gather their strength for a counterattack, an ominous realization dawned on them. An unknown force approached, an unseen army marching to answer Eren's call for reinforcements.

Panic spread among the enemy ranks as they faced an even greater threat than they could have anticipated. The incoming force was no ordinary backup; it was the formidable aid that Eren had summoned, ready to turn the tide of the battle.

Amidst the chaos of the battlefield, a squad of Rankers from Firebrand arrived, led by a distinguished Master Ranker. The air seemed to crackle with anticipation as their arrival signaled a shift in the tide of the battle.

"Hehe! Did you miss me?" A familiar voice rang out behind Eren. A smile spread across his face as he turned to greet the figure.

"I did, Tasha darling," Eren said, his voice warm with familiarity as he casually embraced the person before him.

The Master Ranker revealed herself to be none other than Altashia Argas.