Chapter 553 Defense Specialization and the Demon King 8

The ice barriers vanished, and Markus, remaining in the “One-Night Castle,” monitored the surroundings through numerous cameras and activated traps, watching as Sally and her companions dashed out to confront the Demon King, passing by the replicas.

“【Detonation】【Barrier Activation】【Remote Fire Cannons】“

Following Markus’s skills, explosions erupted, walls sprang up, trapping the Demon King’s replicas, and artillery shells were fired from created positions. While these attacks weren’t enough to defeat the replicas, they managed to stall them, buying precious seconds.

“I’ve made some big promises… I have to deliver properly.”

“It’ll be fine. Let’s just do our best, like always.”

“Right.”

“Besides, everyone’s here this time.”

“Okay… Maple, can you handle the ones in the sky? It gets tricky when they fly and evade my traps.”

“Got it!”

Maple, Iz, Kanade, and Hinata moved atop the “One-Night Castle,” observing the situation. Misery stood between Markus and Maple’s team, maintaining protective barriers around the castle and swiftly healing any minor damage.

Markus’s traps primarily focused on grounding flying replicas, clearly determined to prevent easy access to the castle. Despite their number, some replicas inevitably slipped through.

Above, Iz’s automated items hovered, firing continuously at replicas. However, the replicas gradually destroyed these defenses.

“Time to add more!”

Iz placed rapid-fire cannons, firing volleys of shells at approaching replicas.

“【Ancient Weapon】!”

Not to be outdone, Maple transformed her floating black cubes into a gatling gun, unleashing streams of blue bullets to suppress replica movements.

“Better hinder than deal pure damage…【Slow Field】!”

Kanade’s strength lay in choosing perfect skills for any situation. His powerful rare skill created a slowing field, obstructing the replicas.

“Hinata, take these!”

“Ah, yes!”

Hinata quickly drank several potions handed by Iz. Short-lived but powerful, the potions dramatically increased skill range, effectiveness, reduced cooldowns, and improved MP regeneration.

“These are special potions! Now, slow them down!”

“You’re the best at disruption, after all!”

“Exactly why you stayed behind.”

“Leave it to me! Markus-san and I… We won’t let anyone through!”

Gravity warped around Hinata, cold air blasting forth, covering everything in frost.

“【Cocytus】“

Freezing air trapped the replicas, holding them immobile.

“【Calamity Spread】【Gravity Distortion】【Fragile Ice Sculpture】【Rusting Armor】【Footsteps of Death】“

Heavy debuffs crippled the replicas’ defenses. Damage from Markus’s traps and Iz’s items became significant. Yet, replicas regenerated, gradually breaking free.

“We need to stall longer. They’re tough to take down, even with reduced defenses.”

“Right! It’s a waiting game until the Demon King’s health drops!”

Maple, comfortable with endurance battles, knew this siege had a limit. They were merely prolonging the inevitable. Victory hinged on good news from Sally and the others at the frontline.

“You can do it, Sally! Everyone!”

Maple shouted encouragement towards the frontline fighting the Demon King.

***

Leaving Maple behind, Sally and the team pushed forward, beyond the range of “Self-Offering Love,” aiming directly for the Demon King.

“Mai, Yui, go on the offensive!”

With minimal preparation needed, Mai and Yui’s devastating attacks could continuously inflict massive damage, ideal for heavily armored foes.

“Got it!”

“Understood!”

“Dread, Drag, support them!”

“Then we prioritize speed over power. Velvet!”

“Right, 【Electro Accel】!”

“【Flare Accel】!”

Lightning and flames boosted Mai and Yui’s movement speed significantly, mitigating their usual sluggishness. “Maple Tree” formed the core, surrounded protectively by other guild members.

Approaching triggered four giant sword-bearing arms to respond defensively.

“【Mind’s Eye】!”

Kasumi foresaw the attacks clearly—massive swords swinging, creating waves of red energy threatening even the distant “One-Night Castle.”

“Shockwaves incoming! Chrome!”

“【Guardian】【Spirit Light】!”

Chrome absorbed the attack, nullifying damage. He glanced back, relieved the castle remained intact despite severe damage to traps and barricades.

“Can’t lose now!”

Chrome fortified his defenses, preparing for further attacks.

“Scatter! Each person draws one arm’s attention!”

Following Sally’s command, they dispersed to divide attacks, making evasions feasible. Chrome continuously shielded those unable to dodge.

“Chrome, left!”

“Okay!”

Kasumi’s “Mind’s Eye” allowed flawless anticipation of surprise strikes. Chrome strategically took hits, using auto-recovery and recovery potions to sustain himself.

“Not easy, but manageable! Keep moving!”

Several exchanges later, Sally created an ice path, letting Mai and Yui approach the Demon King’s defensive red sphere.

The sphere countered with a red shockwave. Chrome protected the duo, quickly activating skills to counter debuffs.

“Mai, Yui! One more cover’s my limit! Make it count!”

“Leave it to us!”

Their massive hammers smashed through the defenses, shattering the protective sphere and forcing the Demon King into direct confrontation.

The Demon King retaliated instantly. Chrome survived a near-fatal strike with auto-recovery. Mai and Yui courageously faced incoming attacks.

“【Giant’s Work】!”

Mai and Yui neutralized the devastating sword strikes, countering so fiercely they destroyed all four giant arms. Clearing every obstacle, the twins delivered a decisive blow.

“【Weapon Throw】!”

Their powerful attack crushed the Demon King’s swords, dealing severe damage and blowing her back.

“Haa… haa… We did it!”

“Yes!”

Seeing the replicas vanish, Mai and Yui sighed in relief, having fulfilled their crucial role.