"The frequency of impacts seems to be decreasing?"
After enduring nerve-wracking tension for some time, the group gradually noticed changes—the magic beasts' assaults on the Ishgal Wall appeared less frequent, showing a marked difference from the initial onslaught.
This phenomenon undoubtedly signaled the waning of the Beast Tide.
After countless magic beasts had perished, those behind finally ceased their reckless charges, allowing everyone to slowly release their pent-up dread.
"Marco... he actually held the line!"
Raston wore an expression of utter astonishment.
Though he had repeatedly voiced his faith in Marco, witnessing the sheer ferocity of the Beast Tide had eroded his confidence.
How could anyone withstand such a terrifying onslaught?
At best, Marco might have whittled down some of the enemy forces—that alone would have been a significant contribution.
Yet the truth proved Marco truly possessed remarkable skill!
"The younger generation is scary indeed!" Raston couldn't stop marveling, now genuinely awed by Marco.
His guildmates shared the sentiment, each filled with admiration and gratitude toward the man who had single-handedly prevented untold casualties.
Had they not witnessed the horror of the Beast Tide firsthand, some might still arrogantly believe they could match Marco's feat.
But now, only a delusional fool would entertain such thoughts.
"Wait! What's that?!"
Just as the group began relaxing at the reduced frequency of impacts, an enormous figure emerged in the distance.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Its mere approach generated thunderous reverberations, toppling trees and crushing everything in its path.
Clearly, this was an exceptionally powerful magic beast.
"It's Dekepisu!"
Seasoned and well-traveled Magic Users quickly identified the creature, their faces etched with shock.
"Dekepisu... the Crawling Dragon." Marco also spotted the figure.
Despite its moniker, the creature more closely resembled a colossal serpent.
Its elongated, muscular body slithered slowly across the ground.
The title "Crawling Dragon" stemmed from its immense strength and hoarding tendencies—traits often associated with dragons in knightly tales and adventure stories.
After all, when the "hero" slays a dragon, there must be worthy spoils befitting the creature's status, lest the battle feel meaningless.
"But in reality, dragons don't hoard treasures. Dekepisu's so-called treasures are just shiny stones it finds appealing." Marco muttered as he observed the rapidly approaching serpent.
In truth, defeating such a beast yielded no princesses, beauties, riches, or power—only scars and perhaps some impeccably polished stones the creature had collected.
"But for me, you might actually be useful."
Marco studied the serpent.
Its scaled body suggested the stones it gathered might serve to polish its armored hide.
Dekepisu's scales were incredibly tough, making them excellent magical materials that could be used to craft Saint Cloth armor.
Moreover, this giant serpent also possessed an extremely resilient tendon—all materials Marco could put to good use.
Marco's "All-Seeing Eye" activated, scanning the massive serpent as it analyzed its anatomy to determine which parts were usable.
This serpent, Dekepisu, was clearly more intelligent.
It didn't recklessly charge into the "Crystal Wall" like the other magic beasts that had already battered themselves bloody against it—Dekepisu had witnessed their fate firsthand.
Instead, Dekepisu first spewed a torrent of venom, attempting to corrode the wall with its terrifyingly acidic poison.
"As expected of a legendary magic beast—how horrifying!"
Watching the overwhelming downpour of venom rain from above, everyone behind the "Crystal Wall" was startled, instinctively flinching.
The spectacle was indeed intimidating.
Yet, the venom didn't linger upon hitting the wall—it was instantly reflected back, splattering onto Dekepisu's own scaly hide.
"Zzzzt!"
A grating, sizzling sound erupted.
Surprisingly, the venom it had spat out ended up burning Dekepisu itself—an outcome that defied logic.
After all, Dekepisu's scales should have been resistant to its own venom.
The serpent's scales were even grindable into medicinal powder, renowned for their potent detoxifying properties.
"It's because of the Crystal Wall!" Raston immediately spoke up, having already noticed this peculiarity.
The "Crystal Wall's" counterattack could amplify the force of any strike against it, returning the assault with even greater power.
It was a terrifying ability.
"As expected of the Ishgal Wall!" The group marveled.
Marco's "Crystal Wall" had truly stolen the spotlight this time—so far, no one had found a way to breach it, earning it the title of 'Ishgal's Strongest Defense.'
"Don't hurt yourself now, big guy." Marco shook his head.
He still needed those scales—letting them corrode would be a waste.
He had to intervene.
In a flash, Marco appeared outside the 'Crystal Wall.'
This immediately drew Dekepisu's attention.
The serpent warily eyed Marco, its instincts screaming danger.
That strange, golden-glowing creature radiated such dense magical energy it seemed ready to explode.
Of course, Marco's sudden appearance also caught the attention of those behind the wall.
Clad in the "Aries Gold Cloth," he resembled a celestial deity descending to the world, surrounded by shimmering starlight that irresistibly drew the eye of the onlooker.
Magical energy erupted as Marco raised a hand.
Starlight wove into a massive net, ensnaring the colossal serpent in an instant.
The net descended, constricting tightly, binding Dekepisu's massive body into a coiled heap.
"Crystal Net!"
This was Marco's newly mastered ability—an advanced evolution of the "Crystal Wall," though it could almost be considered an entirely different technique.
The "Crystal Wall" is an incredibly sturdy barrier, while the "Crystal Net" is a fluid-like restraint.
Though called a "Net," it actually clings tightly to the target like a water prison, firmly binding them.
Under the confinement of the "Crystal Net" the massive serpent couldn't even move, as if completely frozen solid.
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Crystal Net (クリスタルネット, Kurisutaru Neto): A variation of the technique Crystal Wall which creates a psycho-power made spider web.
This web can refrain the movements of the targets that get in contact with it.