Kingdom Destroyer struggled in the enormous dragon's claws, her arms pressed against her abdomen. Suffocating pressure and a constricting sensation overwhelmed her body.
She could almost hear her ribs groan.
As a Magic Caster, her greatest fear was close-quarters combat with an enemy, especially a physically powerful Dragon Lord.
There was no longer any chance of victory.
An Undead's perception of pain was far duller than that of a living being, but at this moment, Kingdom Destroyer felt an unbearable agony.
It wasn't just physical; it was the profound sorrow of being unable to save her companions!
All because of her own "weakness"...
"Ah, ah!"
Kingdom Destroyer roared in grief and fury, but no matter how loud she screamed, she couldn't break free.
The crimson Dragon Lord merely held her with its claws, without exerting any special force.
But the opponent had used some unknown power to seal off Teleport magic. If they hadn't possessed such power, Whether it was escaping or fighting, she wouldn't have been defeated so easily.
"Silence, mortal."
Tang Zheng, in his crimson Dragon Lord form, opened his sharp fangs. His golden dragon eyes stared at Kingdom Destroyer in his claw, displaying undisguised contempt, yet a trace of contemplation and depth flickered within his gaze.
The Attribute Panel remained inactive.
Still no skill acquisition for Origin Magic?
Disappointment welled up in Tang Zheng's heart.
If the inability to trigger it under normal circumstances was an accident, then the continued failure to trigger it even in his Dragon Lord form meant it wasn't his problem.
Is it the uniqueness of Innate Ability?
The Origin Magic in Kingdom Destroyer's possession came from the absorption and storage of Innate Ability.
His inability to trigger it left only one possibility—a generic skill!
Simply put, it was similar to the inherent abilities and racial skills possessed by some Demi-humans. This kind of power was something Tang Zheng couldn't acquire normally.
The Origin Magic "Soul Absorption" stored by Kingdom Destroyer was already an extension of Innate Ability in its power structure.
If that was the case...
Tang Zheng felt a headache coming on.
Then he also wouldn't be able to acquire the Origin Magic used by Dragon Queen, Through her Innate Ability.
Because the Origin Magic used by the Dragon Queen was essentially an imitation, leveraging the power of Innate Ability through sacrificed souls.
In the end!
Just like Kingdom Destroyer, it was a general application of Innate Ability.
Would he ultimately have to make contact with a True Dragon Lord?
Swaying unsteadily~
Gaguran propped herself up with one hand on the ground, her other hand tightly gripping her Piercing Smasher with difficulty. She strained to stand up, blood trickling down her forehead: "Put the little one down!"
"Cough, cough..."
Lakyus's face was pale, and she coughed up blood. Her hands gripped the hilt of her magic sword tightly as she stumbled to her feet:
"I am the Captain of Blue Rose! How can I let my companions face danger alone!"
Blood continuously overflowed from her mouth, blooming and rapidly dissolving on her armor, which radiated a faint platinum glow. The Magic Item, Immaculate White Snow, possessed self-cleaning properties.
Serious Injury Healing
A healing holy light fell upon Gaguran.
"Thanks."
Gaguran wiped the blood from her face, grinned, and craned her thick neck to look at the crimson giant dragon not far away. A sense of desperation emanated from her:
"Against a monster like this, no strategy or tactic will work... I'm afraid we won't be going back, Devil Leader."
"Gaguran."
Lakyus raised her head, her messy golden hair and pale cheeks still exuding the charm of "life's radiance." Her blue eyes looked at the unconscious Tina, a weak, bright smile appearing on her face:
"Though it might sound disheartening, dying together with all of you doesn't seem so bad."
Gaguran paused, then chuckled, "It's my honor, Captain."
The two women looked up at the towering, terrifying crimson giant dragon. A spirit of calm acceptance in the face of death emerged in Lakyus's and Gaguran's eyes.
"As ants, who gave you the audacity to look directly at me?"
Tang Zheng held Kingdom Destroyer in one hand, retracting his rough, massive crimson dragon wings covered in Flesh Armament. His imposing figure, over twenty meters tall, coldly looked down at Lakyus and the other woman below:
"Cowering on the ground and begging is the correct choice for you ants."
"As the supreme Dragon Lord, not even dust is worthy of dying by my hand."
Tang Zheng suddenly felt that pretending to be the Dragon Lord was indeed troublesome. The arrogance of a self-proclaimed supreme Dragon Lord and an immortal being was ingrained in their very bones.
Continuing to waste words with Blue Rose and the others was for another purpose. This time, approaching Kingdom Destroyer and the others wasn't just for Origin Magic.
"Dust?"
Lakyus managed a bitter smile, then a heroic spirit flared on his pale cheeks:
"Don't underestimate us, Dragon Lord! This is the courage of us humans!"
Divine Protection
Unwavering Faith
Self-Perception
Ability Enhancement
Ability Super-Enhancement
Magic No-Chant · All · Lesser Muscle Strength Increase
A series of magical and martial skill lights continuously erupted from Lakyus.
Not only that, Six Floating Sword Group flew out, circling around him. The cerulean Rose Crown on his head glowed blue, Immaculate White Snow emitted platinum and white light, and the Cloak of Rat Speed shimmered—all Magic Items were activated.
"That's right!"
Gaguran roared, "Fear? All I feel now is soaring fighting spirit, Dragon Lord!"
Limit Break
Strong Blow Enhancement
Strong Blow Super-Enhancement
Ability Enhancement
Ability Super-Enhancement
Battle Aura Concentration
Gaguran's skin began to redden, and veins popped out on her neck. The immense power made her already weakened body feel like it might collapse.
Normally, she could use 4 martial skills at once. By using the martial skill Limit Break, she could forcibly use 7 martial skills.
She still had one martial skill left!
Gaguran gripped her Piercing Smasher tightly. Her concentrated battle aura flowed into the weapon, covering the entire hammerhead with a shimmering white light.
At the same moment, Gaze of Certain Annihilation, Twin Serpent Gauntlets, Crimson Guardian, Crimson Tunic, Flying Boots, and other Magic Items were all activated.
Tang Zheng's golden vertical pupils remained indifferent. He raised his other hand, and sparks flew as his sharp claws scraped together. "Oh, the courage of insects."
Allowing them to use martial skills and Magic Item enhancements, the attack strength of both Lakyus and Gaguran reached the Hero Domain.
Hmm?
Lakyus was even stronger; he had already surpassed the Hero Domain.
—But!
The gap between them was still nearly 30 levels, not to mention the difference in professions. This was an unbridgeable chasm.
As early as when he faced Clementine's desperate attacks, Tang Zheng had vaguely realized, The difference between levels wasn't just numerical. High-level characters facing low-level opponents' attacks would experience an invisible suppression.
He believed it was a difference in the very essence of life.
Even if Tang Zheng suppressed his aura!
His inherent attribute values would not decrease. Moreover, Tang Zheng's body was currently encased in Flesh Armament.
The attack strength of the two might not even match the destructive power of the Magic Resistance Break Through Maximize · Dragon Lightning that Kingdom Destroyer had used earlier.
Tang Zheng glanced at the scorched area on his chest. In reality, Kingdom Destroyer's full-power spell had already broken through Flesh Armament's defenses.
However, 90% of the damage had been negated. The remaining damage, even if he took it head-on, wouldn't affect him.
The disparity was too great.
Tang Zheng sighed inwardly, even subconsciously ignoring the desperate Lakyus and Gaguran.
"Ah!"
"Ah!"
Accompanied by two angry roars, Lakyus and Gaguran charged forward. They were determined to inflict damage on Tang Zheng, even if it meant their own deaths.
"Wait!"
Kingdom Destroyer cried out in alarm, though it wasn't clear to whom it was shouting.
"Oh, darkness born of dark spirits!"
The magic sword in Lakyus's hand glowed like a starry night sky, its blade rapidly expanding. Her rosy lips curled into a furious cry:
"Please dominate my body and unleash all your power!"
Words filled with chuunibyo energy echoed through the forest.
Lakyus, who usually mumbled to herself in secret, now let out a plea that was either hopeful or desperate.
Normally, the members of Blue Rose would have mocked their Devil Leader for such words, but in this moment, there was only Lakyus's absolute resolve.
Gaguran charged forward with her, roaring as she swung her weapon high: "*Super Consecutive Attack!*"
Their figures leaped up, rushing forward.
Hearing Lakyus's shout, Tang Zheng's dragon eyes trembled slightly, instinctively narrowing into two golden slits. Could that magic sword be hiding immense power? After all, there wasn't much detailed information about it in the light novel.
However, in the next moment, sensing the non-elemental energy fluctuation, Tang Zheng knew he was overthinking things. He raised his arm, extended his dragon claw, and pressed it forward:
"*Unfalling Fortress.*"
The surface of his palm, covered in crimson dragon scales, shimmered with a dazzling, colorful glow.
Facing the enveloping dragon claw, Gaguran raised her Piercing Smasher and swung it forcefully, smoothly, and like a torrential storm.
Lakyus's expression tightened, and the expanding magic sword in her hand also slashed down.
Pfft—
There was no deafening roar of intense collision.
The attacks from Lakyus and Gaguran were like stones sinking into the sea; they were continuously nullified and dispersed the moment they touched the dragon claw.
The instant the attacks ceased!
*Thud! Thud!*
Lakyus and Gaguran's figures fell from the air, despairing and powerless, hitting the ground with dull thuds.
The magic sword slipped and plunged into the earth.
The Piercing Smasher lay discarded to one side.
"How is this possible…" Lakyus lay trembling on the ground, her lips pale.
Gaguran was even more incredulous: "A martial art? How could it be a martial art?"
Whoosh—
Tang Zheng's massive figure leaned slightly forward, looking down at the two individuals who had lost all strength and collapsed. He continued to feign arrogance:
"Are you surprised, ants?"
His mocking voice rang out.
"As the most powerful race, most dragons are full of conceit and laziness. Simply relying on the strength of our bodies, we are an invincible existence."
"However, there are also some intelligent dragons who will learn certain magic to deal with different battles or their own disadvantages."
"As for the martial arts you humans use, the vast majority of dragons disdain to learn them."
"But I am different—"
Tang Zheng bared his sharp teeth, letting out a faint smile that was neither mocking nor self-satisfied:
"You weak humans can utilize martial arts to unleash even greater power."
"So—as the magnificent Dragon Lord, if I were to use martial arts, I should become even stronger. And as it happens, your human martial arts are not difficult for me to learn."
At these words, the despair in Lakyus and Gaguran's eyes grew even deeper, as if originating from the depths of hell.
That wasn't the despair born from a disparity in strength!
As he spoke, Tang Zheng raised his white dragon claw again, swinging it towards the two who lay on the ground.
"Wait!"
Kingdom Destroyer roared pleadingly: "You called them ants, and you called me a mortal. There's something you want from me, isn't there?"
"Otherwise, given your status, you wouldn't suddenly attack us. And that Red Robe Magic Caster who escaped earlier—I know who he is!"
"Four Light Consecutive Slash!"
Tang Zheng swung his dragon claws amidst Kingdom Destroyer's loud shout.
In an instant, the five sharp claw tips seemed to transform into five sharp weapons. Each claw then split into four slashes in mid-air.
In a blur, twenty massive slashes materialized out of thin air.
Tang Zheng moved his arm slightly upward, redirecting the attack, originally aimed at Lakyus and the other person, towards the jungle ahead.
*Boom!*
A deafening roar, like thunder, exploded out of nowhere. The twenty slashes seemed to pulverize the air in front, unleashing a fierce and sharp storm.
*Bang!*
The tall, lush trees ahead were instantly pulverized. A fierce wind, carrying sharp energy, formed a straight shockwave that utterly destroyed the jungle dozens of meters in front.
Powdered wood chips and debris shot into the sky, dyeing the overhead green-brown!
Lakyus and Gaguran stared blankly at the scene.
The air grew silent at that moment.
Tang Zheng exhaled a hot breath through his nostrils. Unseen by those in front of him, a flicker of excitement appeared in his eyes.
He had experimented in the hilly area and found that using martial arts with the Dragon Lord's body was stronger than in human form.
This was likely due to passive effects like Claw Attack · Wing · Enhancement. Not only that, but his massive size also provided a certain advantage.
What a pity, I can only use one arm for martial arts right now, Tang Zheng mused inwardly.
The Dragon Lord's entire body was a weapon. Both claw attacks and wings dealt slashing damage. If he could use martial arts with both simultaneously, the effect would be unimaginable.
It would probably require specialized training.
Furthermore, this move could be combined with a Magic Swordsman's "Magic Slash" to release long-range slashes. A single dragon claw could unleash twenty slashes.
This was far stronger than swinging a sword in human form.
"You are very clever, mortal."
Tang Zheng raised the arm gripping Kingdom Destroyer, bringing it to eye level with himself.
"Undead are difficult to control or influence. If I kill your companions, I may not easily get answers from you, which would be a headache for me."
Kingdom Destroyer saw the terrifying attack that had just avoided Lakyus and the others, and hearing Tang Zheng's words, understood he had guessed correctly. The pain eased somewhat, and he breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
"However, before that..."
Tang Zheng manipulated his thick, powerful crimson dragon tail, raising it slightly. He turned his body slightly, looking at the goblin horde behind him, who were paralyzed with fear on the ground due to the dragon's might.
"Filthy green insects."
The tip of his tail lowered slightly.
"Super Consecutive Attack!"
The thick, powerful crimson tail blurred into a red afterimage, striking the ground heavily. The jungle's earth trembled.
"Tail Hammer · Enhancement" — Blunt damage, generates area-of-effect earthquake and knockback when striking the ground.
*Boom!!*
The ground where the tail struck seemed to become like waves on the ocean, surging higher and higher. Though the tens of thousands of goblins occupied a significant area, a powerful shockwave spread. Without even a single shriek, the tens of thousands of goblins were reduced to pulp, then swallowed by the surging ground!
*Rumble—Rumble—*
Dust flew sky-high, and countless rocks, trees, and other debris were blasted into the air.
A powerful earthquake enveloped an area of one kilometer.
*Whoosh-Bang!*
A large section of the jungle at the base of the hill was turned into ruins, leaving only uneven, shattered ground and broken trees, forming a new Forest Fissure.
Lakyus and the others were above the forest hill, and Tang Zheng had intentionally controlled the direction, so they were not significantly affected.
Gaguran, her head spinning, coughed up blood again. Staring blankly at the jungle turned to ruins in the distance, she felt the limits of humanity.
Lakyus's rosy lips parted slightly, her mind blank.
"Your martial arts are good."
Tang Zheng turned his head back, glanced at Gaguran below, then looked at his Attribute Panel.
Experience Bar: 7.58M/1.88M
Only 100,000 experience points gained? An average goblin only provides 10 points of experience, or perhaps even less than that.
The experience decay after leveling up was indeed becoming more severe. Fortunately, gaining experience through Angels meant there was no decay during absorption.
"Tell me, why do you have the aura of Origin Magic on you?" Tang Zheng asked Kingdom Destroyer indifferently.
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