Chapter 211

Imeris was an extremely skilled Exorcist.

She could proficiently use Cursed Techniques from almost all lineages, and had also perfectly mastered various ancient Cursed Techniques inherited from her ancestors.

In short, in terms of skill or ability, she was a talent who wouldn’t be outmatched anywhere.

‘…But what is that guy?’

Bewilderment.

That was Imeris’s honest feeling after testing Han Kangyoon’s hand speed.

Even conceding a hundred times, she could understand his control over the Art Formula itself and his application ability.

As people often say, if he was one of those so-called geniuses, it was possible for him to display such unexpectedness.

However, a first-time opponent perfectly Dispelling her Cursed Techniques in this way was something Imeris was experiencing for the very first time.

‘Did he have information about me?’

Even if that were the case, such a reaction was nonsensical without having actually fought before.

It meant that Han Kangyoon’s ability was that special and outstanding.

“Waiting for us in advance is one thing, but it seems you know quite a lot?”

“…….”

“Indeed, it seems we need to deal with you here.”

She couldn’t say for sure, but what was clear was that among them, there was someone who knew details about the Night School.

‘Korea, and those who were chasing us…’

At that point, Imeris could think of another possibility.

That someone among them might be involved in the deaths of Bihyeong and the other members.

Whether Xiao Chen was or not, the fact that news of the other two had been cut off in Korea made it a sufficiently persuasive hypothesis.

“Yeon Jaki, get serious from now on.”

“Of course.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Yeon Jaki’s Cursed Technique shot out like magnetized tree roots targeting the opponent, and Imeris used that opening to begin deploying a powerful Cursed Technique in earnest.

“Vesta’s Cross (Vestas Kreuz).”

An ancient Curse that carves a Mark on the opponent’s soul and gradually imposes restrictions over the passage of time.

Even Imeris didn’t know its origin, and it was an Art Formula she rarely used due to its heavy burden, but it was equally difficult to counter.

This should definitely work on the opponent. Imeris judged so.

“As long as you don’t get away from me, you won’t be able to break it. Of course, I won’t just leave you be either.”

“…….”

However, Han Kangyoon didn’t even reply to Imeris’s words and tilted his head as if something was strange.

It was a distinctly different reaction from Han Seoa, who was already affected by the Curse and had slowed movements.

And soon, Han Kangyoon approached Han Seoa, deployed an Art Formula, and perfectly absorbed the Curse that had been placed on her.

Seeing this as an opportunity, Imeris immediately followed up with another attack, but strangely, Han Kangyoon’s response was as fast and accurate as before.

Only then could Imeris also realize. That her Curse hadn’t taken effect on Han Kangyoon at all.

‘…What on earth?’

The moment another crack appeared on Imeris’s expression, which was filled with Toxic Aura.

‘…I never thought it would have this kind of effect attached.’

Until now, I thought reducing the power of Cursed Techniques was the entirety of the Witch’s Resonance Trait.

But this time was different.

It wasn’t just reducing the power; it perfectly blocked over 80% of it.

Drawing a conclusion from that was simple.

‘Does it mean I take almost no damage from the inherent Cursed Techniques of the witch clan?’

Of course, the Vesta’s Cross (Vestas Kreuz) that Imeris used isn’t that great of an Art Formula.

Imeris probably has a few more powerful Art Formulas as well.

However, even so, the fact that I took almost no damage from such a Curse was impressive enough.

‘This might turn out easier than I thought?’

Imeris was a specialist proficient in Cursed Techniques from various lineages, but her most confident side was naturally her inherent Cursed Techniques.

And most of those originated from the witch clan.

Unless she gives that up, from now on, Imeris has no choice but to face a situation where she is at a disadvantage in terms of compatibility.

‘Moreover, my goal isn’t necessarily to win here.’

By now, Headquarters would have grasped the situation and requested help from various forces in Korea.

And they would also be lying low.

In other words, if I just stall for time like this, their plan is bound to fail.

It was Imeris’s side that lacked time.

“Let’s fight while keeping our distance.”

“Yeah. Got it.”

Just holding the enemies here is enough.

Perhaps having grasped our movements, Imeris clicked her tongue softly and showed a thoughtful expression.

‘There are two patterns the opponent can take in this situation.’

Either recklessly intensify the offensive and somehow capture us for sure, or conversely, ignore us and join up with the other party members.

But realistically, neither would be easy.

‘What are you planning to do?’

The initiative is already with us.

We can’t defeat them, but they can’t easily shake us off either.

However, in that situation, Imeris soon let out a smirk.

“Honestly, it was a pretty tricky situation.”

“…….”

“But, it seems that’s as far as it goes.”

At those words, when I shifted my gaze and looked around, I sensed a powerful Spiritual Power wavelength rapidly approaching.

‘Damn.’

Its identity could be known without thinking too hard.

It was the man named Dwight Gale who was with the Night School earlier.

‘Did Ban Soyae get taken down?’

If not, it might have been simply insufficient to hold down two people.

It probably wasn’t that strange, considering dealing with just Allen Kruger, who likely stayed there, would be tough.

‘…Even so, the timing is really bad.’

On our side, the situation had somewhat stalemated, and we were essentially in a position where we just needed to stall for time.

But with Gale’s appearance, that completely collapsed.

It’s impossible to just maintain a defensive posture. If things continue like this, it’s clear we’ll be defeated soon.

“…Should we run and join up with the others?”

Seoa, recognizing the situation, said that, but that wasn’t a good method either.

Since our total strength is inferior anyway, it could become a choice that rather invites crisis.

‘Gale is already nearby. I have to make a decision.’

In the end, I revised my plan up to now and decided to take a gamble.

The direction my gaze turned was precisely towards the woman in strange traditional clothing, Yeon Jaki.

“I have something I want to discuss with you.”

“More like a scheme to buy time, right?”

Yeon Jaki wasn’t showing her true feelings to anyone through her thick mask.

And as mentioned before, she probably can’t lower her guard right now.

However, shaking her up a bit should be possible even at this point.

“I saw your figure in a future prophecy. It seemed you have a different purpose from them.”

“…….”

“My purpose isn’t much different either. If you withdraw from this battle, I will cooperate with you.”

At that proposal, Imeris stiffened her expression and shifted her gaze to Yeon Jaki, and Yeon Jaki clicked her tongue softly as if annoyed by my action.

In fact, this current action involves several calculations.

If she accepts my proposal, it would be perfect, but even if she doesn’t, it doesn’t really matter.

Because this would sow doubt among them.

‘From Imeris’s perspective, she can’t help but think that way.’

I clearly said I saw a future prophecy.

And Imeris just had several of her signature Cursed Techniques Dispelled by my hand a moment ago.

If she assumes that was also learning through prophecy, the situation roughly fits.

‘…It worked.’

Soon, Imeris’s eyes rolled slightly as she observed Seoa’s reaction.

However, Seoa didn’t show any particular expression since she already believed I was one of the Prophets.

Gradually, Imeris’s expression began to fill with conviction.

“I thought it was suspicious all along, but was that it?”

“…Are you saying you’ll stupidly believe the enemy’s words now?”

“I’m not stupid, that’s why I believe. The situation is like that.”

All members of the Night School were stubborn and hard to find harmony with, but their purposes were the same.

That was a crucial matter for them, so if someone had a different purpose, they had no choice but to think differently.

“If you don’t explain properly, I’ll deal with you here too.”

“…….”

Doubt had already sprouted, and just in time, Gale appeared from behind, making the atmosphere even more ominous.

In that situation, Yeon Jaki soon let out a sigh and subtly stepped back.

“Do as you please. It seems my choices are already decided anyway.”

“You…!”

“What can I do? Just know that it was your suspicion that created this situation.”

With that, Yeon Jaki quickly jumped onto the building and disappeared.

At her composed demeanor, Imeris let out a sigh with a murderous attitude.

“…Should I be thankful for this? You filtered out the disloyal element in advance.”

“Who knows what the truth is.”

“So, with that great prophecy, you must have divined your future from now on too, right?”

As if she considered the complicated situation resolved, Gale beside her, who had been clenching his fists, began to speak as he moved his feet.

“I don’t know the details, but it seems we just need to deal with these first.”

“…Do as you please.”

Once again, a 2 vs. 2 situation was set.

Moreover, with the addition of Gale, who appears to have outstanding abilities as a vanguard, a slightly more aggressive offensive became possible.

However, in that situation, I smiled faintly.

In truth, the one I had been truly wary of until now wasn’t Imeris, but Yeon Jaki.

‘If she revealed her true intentions, she wouldn’t be an opponent I could face at my current level.’

Imeris is also a fearsome opponent, but now that I know the effect of the Witch’s Resonance Trait, it’s a slightly different story.

And Dwight Gale, who appeared now, is Level 61.

Compared to the Night School members, he is a tier lower, and his Trait isn’t that great either.

What that means is, he’s at a level I can sufficiently handle right now.

‘The flow has changed.’

In this case, there’s essentially no need to stall for time or not.

Calculations have already sufficiently progressed in my head, and a conclusion has been drawn.

‘Right now, I can press.’

I subtly used an Art Formula to extend my shadow, and soon began to gradually and inconspicuously erode the surroundings.

And then, I timed it with the moment the opponent was about to initiate an attack and deployed the Art Formula I had been preparing.

Bowl Slaughter Shadow Capture (Udo Poyoung).”

Then, the surroundings were covered in thick darkness.