Chapter 363: Subjugating the Stonehide Lawachurl

The situation had reached a point of extreme peril.

However, thanks to the bird's-eye view provided by Robin, they were always able to predict the Stonehide Lawachurl's attack trajectories a half-step in advance, narrowly dodging its relentless combos. Yet, the sheer power of the impacts was too immense. Even without taking a direct hit, the flying debris and violent shockwaves battered them, causing unavoidable damage.

Whenever that happened, a gentle, green breeze would quietly wrap around them, bringing a soothing and healing touch. It came from Hyacine in the rearguard, casting spells while hovering in the air alongside Little Ica. She was trying with everything she had to maintain the lifeline of her frontline teammates.

Roar! Frustrated by its inability to land a solid hit, the Stonehide Lawachurl grew even more frantic. It suddenly clasped its giant fists together and slammed them violently into the ground.

Boom! The earth caved in, cracks spread wildly, and a visible, ring-shaped shockwave rippled outward. This sudden Area-of-Effect attack caught Anakitty, Tifa, and Daphne completely off guard as they attempted close-quarters harassment. They were instantly launched high into the air by the violent blast.

Having cleared away the melee nuisance, the Lawachurl's ghostly yellow gaze locked onto Firefly hovering in the sky. Roaring, it picked up a boulder the size of a millstone and hurled it toward her with all its might.

The incoming boulder brought terrifying momentum, but to Firefly, its trajectory was crystal clear. She spun, drawing two precise arcs in the air with her emerald swords, instantly slicing the massive rock into fragmented rubble.

Realizing that its ranged attacks couldn't tag the agile aerial unit either, the Stonehide Lawachurl unleashed an even more furious bellow. It scanned its surroundings and eventually grabbed a rock even larger than the last—almost the size of a carriage. Using every ounce of strength in its body, it hurled it viciously toward Lefiya and Alicia, who were preparing their next round of spells in the backline.

"Look out!"

Just as the boulder was about to crush the fragile mages, a golden silhouette stepped in front of them.

"Lord, I offer this body as your sturdy shield!"

Jeanne d'Arc raised her holy flag, activating her barrier magic.

Thud! A translucent golden shield materialized, colliding violently with the speeding boulder. Amidst the deafening roar, a tangible ring-shaped shockwave expanded outward. The solid rock shattered completely against the golden barrier, dissolving into a cloud of dust.

Backed by the rock-solid security of Jeanne's golden shield, Lefiya was able to focus entirely on completing her gorgeous incantation.

"Proud warriors, archers of the forest. The advancing marauders are before you, pick up your bows. Respond to the voices of your brethren, nock the arrows and ignite the flames, lamps of the forest. I order you to loose, fiery arrows of the fairies. Drop like rain, burn the barbarians!"

As the chant concluded, a massive crimson magic circle unfolded above her. Countless flaming meteors poured out, forming an impenetrable rain of fire that bombarded the Stonehide Lawachurl with absolute precision.

Boom! Boom! Boom! The continuous explosions echoed throughout the canyon, the intense shockwaves tearing away the top layer of the ground. Trapped in the epicenter of the blast, the Stonehide Lawachurl unleashed a pained, enraged roar, though the sound was quickly drowned out by the roaring flames.

When the smoke slowly cleared, the silhouette of the Stonehide Lawachurl reappeared from the sea of fire. The blinding golden glow that had covered its body was now noticeably dimmer. Its hard stone armor was littered with charred wounds from the flames and explosive impacts. Even the jagged minotaur horn on its head had snapped off.

Yet, it still had not fallen.

"You've got to be kidding me..." Raul cursed under his breath, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead.

Lefiya's magic packed enough destructive power to rival a powerful Level 5 mage. For the monster to take a bombardment spell head-on like that... its defense was terrifying to the extreme. In contrast, they didn't even dare block a casual punch from the beast. The disparity was despair-inducing.

"Tch, what a bunch of useless trash. Taking your sweet time. Let me handle this!" Bete spat impatiently from the high ground, getting ready to jump into the fray himself.

He spoke harshly, but Aiden knew that the tsundere werewolf was simply worried about Raul and the others' safety.

"Hold on, Bete." Aiden reached out and stopped him, speaking in a deep voice. "Believe in them. They aren't weak."

Bete scoffed disdainfully, but he stopped in his tracks. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he said coldly, "Suit yourself." However, his eyes never left the battlefield for a second. His tensed muscles made it clear he was ready to step in and rescue them at a moment's notice.

Aiden chuckled inwardly. Then, he turned his attention back to the fight.

The battle raged on.

"Freeze!" Alicia shouted, completing her Concurrent Chanting while charging forward. She swung her staff, and a majestic blizzard instantly engulfed the Stonehide Lawachurl. Countless fine ice crystals condensed over its body, slowing its already sluggish movements even further.

Seizing this fleeting opening, Firefly activated her skill, Complete Combustion. The cyan light wings on her back erupted with maximum thrust. Transforming into a burning meteor, she descended in a textbook rider kick, slamming her foot squarely into the Stonehide Lawachurl's skull.

Another thunderous boom echoed. The explosive impact threw the massive beast off balance, sending it crashing backward.

"Now's our chance!"

Light flashed in Daphne and Anakitty's eyes as they lunged forward in unison. Their rapier and short sword left several deep gashes across the Lawachurl's dimmed golden armor. Thanks to Lefiya's magic bombardment, its defense had been drastically reduced. Their attacks were finally dealing damage.

"Shine!"

Finally, it was Tifa's turn. Her right leg was wrapped in brilliant starlight as she leaped high into the air, drawing a beautiful arc. Descending with the force of a thunderbolt, she planted a pinpoint kick right onto the Stonehide Lawachurl's thick neck.

The crisp sound of snapping bone rang out. The powerful impact even rippled the surrounding air. Her strike landed successfully, and Tifa warily retreated, guarding against a potential counterattack.

The Lawachurl's massive head slumped at a grotesque angle. Torrents of black blood spilled endlessly from its nose and mouth. After a violent spasm, its colossal frame toppled forward like a collapsing mountain, kicking up a massive cloud of dust.

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