It is said that Spirits are the beings most cherished by the Gods, even regarded as demigods. They are powerful wielders of magic—masters of the craft to a degree that surpasses even the Elves. And like the Gods, Spirits cannot bear children.
In ages past, Spirits served a role similar to the divine blessings of today, protecting countless heroes and aiding them in battles against monsters.
The Spirit that now stands before them is likely one that perished deep within the Dungeon in ancient times, falling in battle against its monstrous denizens.
Consumed by monsters, the Spirit ultimately fused with them, becoming a hybrid of Spirit and beast.
The creature appearing before them now can no longer be called a Spirit.
It is a corrupted Spirit.
"A Spirit? That monster is a Spirit?"
Hearing Ais' words, Tiona cried out in shock.
Its lower body resembled a monster, while its upper half retained the beauty of a goddess.
A coexistence of holiness and impurity—a being such as this could indeed only be a Spirit.
"It would be more accurate to call it a corrupted clone of a Spirit rather than a true Spirit. Its original form must have been a Spirit that died in the Dungeon a thousand years ago and fused with a monster."
"It was clearly born by inhabiting a monster through the orb, so this cannot be its true form. Its real body must be in a deeper floor of the Dungeon."
Shirou's explanation left everyone around him filled with confusion and unease.
This is only a clone?
The true body is deeper within?
In other words, if they intended to continue exploring the Dungeon, this corrupted Spirit was an obstacle they had no choice but to overcome.
"So the Virgas and the Violas were bringing monsters to feed this thing?"
Finn narrowed his eyes at the corrupted Spirit.
Considering that the Virgas and Violas prioritized attacking monsters and reacted violently to magic, it was clear that magical energy was an important source of nourishment for this creature.
As Finn contemplated how to approach the situation, the corrupted Spirit looked straight at Ais and screamed:
"Aria!"
At that moment, the corrupted Spirit behaved like a child, repeatedly calling out to her.
"I wanted to see you so much!"
"…!?"
"Let's become one!"
The moment those sudden words left its lips, Tiona and the others instinctively turned toward Ais.
Shirou, standing by her side, quietly stepped in front of her.
Everyone understood the deeper meaning behind the creature's words.
"—Let me devour you, alright?"
Before the tense Loki Familia, the corrupted Spirit curved its lips into a crescent smile.
The next instant, the surrounding Virgas and Violas—who had been offering magic stones to the corrupted Spirit—suddenly turned and charged toward the Loki Familia.
The target of all monsters was clearly Ais.
At the same time, a thunderous sound erupted behind them. A wall of dense green material rose, sealing their escape route.
"Everyone, prepare for battle!"
As leader, Finn issued the command with unwavering authority.
At his order, the adventurers—momentarily shaken by their blocked retreat—quickly regained their composure and readied themselves.
"Looks like a big fight is starting."
"I've been waiting for this!"
"Don't get reckless—watch your surroundings!"
The number of monsters rushing toward them quickly surpassed fifty, forming a relentless, crushing wave.
Charging into the swarm, the members of the Loki Familia wielded their nearly indestructible weapons, carving open a path with relentless precision.
Unlike their usual formation—with Gareth guarding the rear—this time he stood at the vanguard, smashing the arrogant monsters aside without mercy.
"Lefiya, aim at the Fallen Fairy and begin your chant! Raul, use the magic swords to protect Ais and the others!"
"Understood!"
"Yes, sir!"
Following Finn's orders, Lefiya raised her staff and began to chant.
Meanwhile, Raul and the other supporters used magic swords—requiring no incantation—to reinforce Ais and the others.
Combined with the steady barrage of Shirou's magical arrows, the monsters' advance was temporarily suppressed.
"Since we're already here, no point in just watching!"
With a short, excited laugh, Tsubaki drew her katana and charged into the horde.
Sensing the monsters' offensive wavering, the corrupted Spirit in the center of the chamber made its move.
Suddenly, two or three massive tentacles shot out from its lower body, crossing over a hundred meters in an instant, all aimed directly at Ais.
Seeing the enormous limbs approaching, Tiona and Tione leapt forward with their weapons—
—but in the next second, their expressions twisted in horror.
"So heavy!"
"How is it this heavy!?"
The tentacles possessed immense speed and power. Even Tiona and Tione—both Level 6 adventurers—struggled to withstand them.
And those were only two of the Spirit's countless tentacles.
Focused entirely on its target—Ais—the corrupted Spirit unleashed an unending assault, its limbs striking like a storm.
Whenever a blow missed, the tentacle transformed into a towering whip, lashing wildly.
Against the Spirit's furious barrage, Tiona and Tione fought desperately to hold it back, shouting that it was nothing they couldn't handle, though their strained voices said otherwise.
Watching the battle unfold, Riveria stepped forward, intending to begin her chant—
—but Finn stopped her.
"Wait. Don't chant yet, Riveria."
"Finn?"
Seeing her confusion, Finn replied grimly:
"My thumb is throbbing. Something's coming!"
His instincts warned him of imminent danger. In this moment, even his usually unshakable commander's mask began to crack.
And as if responding to Finn's unease, the corrupted Spirit smiled knowingly.
"Come… flame…"
The tentacle assault ceased.
Instead, the creature began to chant.
"A chant!?"
Everyone froze in shock.
Beneath the Spirit's monstrous lower body, a massive magic circle bloomed.
Sinister patterns and a growing red glow engulfed its entire form.
"A monster can use magic!? How is that possible!?"
A monster driven purely by instinct and destruction should never be capable of chanting.
The rationality and intellect required for magic belonged solely to humans—a realm no monster could ever achieve.
Though it originated as a Spirit, its monstrous form was undeniably that of a beast; therefore, its chant shook everyone to their core.
The enormous crimson magic circle expanded rapidly.
Magic power surged, converging around the corrupted Spirit.
There was no mistaking it—this was a long-range, wide-area annihilation spell.
If it were completed, everyone present would likely die.
Seeing this, Finn roared with all his strength:
"Riveria, activate the barrier—NOW!"
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(End of Chapter)