Countless black thorns spread across the sky, surging toward the Deathland Rampage Insect like chains, tightly binding its two forelimbs.
At the same time—
the Black Blood Thorns seemed to come alive.
Like venomous serpents, they slithered along the insect's limbs, spreading across its entire body.
"ROAR!"
The insect's savage eyes locked onto the horrifying thorns. Its massive body writhed violently, trying to shake them off.
But the thorns clung like parasites to bone—
latched tightly onto its armored shell, impossible to remove.
"It's useless."
Mammon landed lightly on the ground, gripping the thorn tendrils in his right hand. A dark smile curved across his pale face.
"My Death Thorns are far more resilient than they look. In your current state… breaking free is impossible."
As if understanding him—
the insect stopped struggling.
Its grotesque eyes locked onto Mammon with murderous intent.
This damned insect…
refused to accept defeat.
"ROAR!"
Earthen-yellow light flared in its eyes once more.
With a furious roar—
the ground began to quake violently again.
Its earth magic—
was activating.
"You think I'd let you counterattack that easily?"
Mammon showed no concern.
He suddenly yanked his arm backward.
The thorns wrapped around the insect's body tightened instantly—
and their barbed spikes extended sharply.
Rip—!
The barbs pierced through the insect's armor—
driving deep into its flesh.
A chilling tearing sound echoed as blood burst out from all over its body.
In an instant—
its earth-colored form was almost completely dyed red.
The overwhelming pain shattered its focus.
The magic in its eyes faded.
The trembling ground slowly returned to stillness.
Meanwhile—
the barbs embedded inside its body continued to absorb its blood, feeding themselves.
Boom—!
The massive body of the insect crashed heavily onto the ground.
Only faint breathing remained.
Proof—
that it was still alive.
"Easier than expected."
Mammon smiled faintly.
After all—
it had already been severely weakened from its battle with the python.
If he couldn't finish it off now—
that would be truly embarrassing.
"Hiss…"
Nearby, the Blackwater Giant Python watched.
Its tongue flicked rapidly.
Its cold eyes shimmered with calculation.
Should it retreat?
This human—
was dangerous.
But…
he seemed focused on controlling the insect.
Perhaps—
he wasn't paying attention.
A cold, ruthless light flashed in its eyes.
In the next instant—
its massive body lunged like lightning toward Mammon's back.
A violent, blood-scented wind surged forward as it opened its jaws—
ready to swallow him whole.
Mammon sensed it.
A cold smile formed.
Clink—
A clear bell rang.
Blood Demon Art: Spatial Exchange!
The python's vision flickered.
For a split second—
it lost awareness.
When it came back—
it was back where it started.
Everything—
reset.
Confusion filled its mind.
What… just happened?
Clink—
The bell rang again.
Its vision blurred once more.
And when it refocused—
it had been repositioned beside the insect.
Mammon stood before it—
watching quietly.
"Confused?"
Mammon tilted his head slightly, voice calm, laced with mockery.
"It's fine. With your intelligence… it's only natural you wouldn't understand."
The python's eyes turned icy with rage.
It lunged again—
intent on tearing him apart.
Thrust—!
The sound of flesh being pierced echoed.
The python froze mid-motion.
"A reckless attack… is the mark of a foolish predator."
Mammon's crimson eyes were emotionless.
From his back—
a massive bone spike had extended outward.
It had pierced straight through the python's open jaws.
"That settles it."
Mammon retracted the bone spike as the heavily injured python collapsed weakly.
With his left hand, he bound it as well using the Black Blood Thorns.
After all—
an A-class creature's vitality was terrifying.
Better to be cautious.
Light footsteps approached from behind.
It was Ming Nü.
"Well done."
Mammon turned, nodding in satisfaction.
"You didn't disappoint."
Her support—
had been crucial.
Without it—
even in its weakened state, the python wouldn't have fallen so easily.
"It is my honor to be of service."
Ming Nü smiled gently, bowing slightly.
Dressed in a flowing white gown, her slender figure and long black hair gave her an elegant, ethereal beauty.
A perfect, goddess-like appearance.
And yet—
no one would guess—
she was a man-eating demon.
"You'll be rewarded."
Mammon said calmly.
Then he turned his gaze toward the two fallen monsters.
Ming Nü's abilities still had room to grow.
And with more blood—
she would only become stronger.