The crack was just the beginning. As soon as fissures slithered around the Juggernaut Frame, the flames began to seep in. Zombies' corpses behind the heavy armor were instantly scorched.
However, before the flame managed to enter between the gap and wreak havoc on the Corpse Titan's insides, the necrotic energy, the first mortal stage level of energy, on the Evolution Crystal quickly reacted and chased away the third mortal stage level of fire energy.
Although Eric's energy was pure, comparable to the second mortal stage, it was not sufficient to devour the necrotic energy.
However, who said that Eric would beat it on quality alone?
As soon as a breath of time passed, Eric executed the fourth axiom with his other fist, continuing to bombard the Corpse Titan with his explosive fists every three to five seconds. He could not remain in mid-air but he landed on the body of the Corpse Titan, whose back was getting blasted, causing its balance to lose more.
Eventually, the Corpse Titan fell to its knees, not entirely helpless as it kept roaring at the top of its lungs. It wanted to turn its back and counterattack, but it knew it would lose control of hardening behind his back with its energy control, eventually creating a chance for Eric to end it once and for all.
If its intelligence was on B grade, it might be able to control its necrotic energy while moving. Eric's intelligence on that aspect should have gone to B grade, too, but there were many aspects, especially only present in the murim world, causing his intelligence to remain on C+ grade.
For instance, mathematics, science, algebra, engineering… These aspects covered the intelligence attribute points according to the system.
Hence, a stalemate occurred. The Corpse Titan's energy consumption was enormous as it tried to keep up with Eric's bombardment, but… it was Eric's main intention—to win with his almost infinite energy.
Hence, eventually, the Corpse Titan failed to match Eric's assault, inevitably failing to continue providing necrotic energy on its ability, Juggernaut Frame. Its durability broke as it detached itself from its body.
The Corpse Titan was enraged. It roared at the top of its lungs, moving its elongated arms to hide the energy core that was exposed on its chest.
Eric grinned. He was faster, of course. Since more than half a minute had passed before he was able to break the Juggernaut Frame, he did not want to play with the Corpse Titan anymore, he assaulted the thousands of energy networks connected to the energy core.
The energy core was simply the Evolution Crystal. It was the same size as the second mortal stage, illuminating a pristine light red color, but its quality and quantity made his heart pounded, knowing that it sufficed in evolving him to the second mortal stage.
Although he could break the crystal by concentrating tens of his fourth axiom there to kill the Corpse Titan, his heart would ache. He certainly needed the first mortal stage energy core–the light red Evolution Crystal.
Dozens of seconds passed when more than half of the energy network was severed. The Corpse Titan became immobile as a result since the energy core also acted as its brain, not just the heart of the necrotic energy.
Eric grinned from ear to ear, as he grabbed the first mortal stage crystal, activated his pyromancy, enveloping it with flames. He eventually succeeded in severing the energy network that failed to protect itself from a mere third mortal stage energy. After all, the energy core completely exhausted itself from necrotic energy to continue to provide energy on the energy network.
Of course, it does not mean the energy core lost its quality, it was just the quantity, which, of course, could be replenished if given time. Seconds were already sufficient.
Eric guffawed with the light red crystal on his grasp. He stared at it for a while, hesitating, until he finally forced himself to shove it in a pocket bag, saving it to eat later. Of course, he could evolve at the moment, but there might be unforeseen circumstances he did not want to happen.
Eric stood at the back of the Corpse Titan's carcass, sweeping his gaze at his surroundings. Due to its size, he was able to see above the buildings and quite enjoyed the sight of the rural areas. There was billowing smoke soaring through the skies with different buildings and houses. Zombies scattered around and walked sluggishly and by their sizes, they were like ants.
Eric was a bit surprised that, perhaps, on the 5km2 forward, there were no more first mortal stage zombies. Of course, there were many second mortal stages mixed within. Since the backgate of the Mindanao State University General Santos City was filled with houses–most were rented for the students, there were still signs of life.
Obviously, they were hiding inside their houses, not daring to take a step outside. If they did, their life would be instantly taken away by third and second mortal stage zombies. At this point, civilians would not be able to fight against them.
Even Jasper, who has C grade attribute points and a martial art practitioner was almost killed by a mindless zombie… He might have been taken by surprise, what's more from the third and second mortal stage, who possessed abilities that contained an element of surprise?
Eric slowly turned around and saw the broken backgate. His face turned solemn when he realized how grim the situation inside the university was. There were more than ten thousand people… now, zombies wandering around.
Eric still spotted some signs of life but they were minuscule. After all, there were many houses in the isolated area built for professors or workers of the university.
However, in the place where people gathered the most… not even the male and female dormitory contained some signs of life. Furthermore, compared to the situation of the backgate, after a day has passed, there were more than one first mortal stage zombie wandering around.
He shook his head and eventually decided to return to their temporary base…
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A/N: Don't overthink it. Evolution Crystal and Energy Core are the same. I just say, they are synonyms, alright?