Punk kept his gaze fixed on the fireballs suspended in midair, but his true focus was on the high priest's movements. He knew that even if he found a way to block those dozens of fireballs, his opponent would seize the moment to launch a relentless assault, aiming to overwhelm him completely.
But…
"Do you think I came here to die without absolute certainty?"
A bloody gleam flashed in Punk's indifferent eyes.
The next second, the kinetic stagnation field dissipated.
Boom!!
Dozens of fireballs crashed down simultaneously, their explosive force churning up dust and flame, swallowing Punk's figure in the inferno.
"How does it feel, you lowly insect? Can you comprehend the wrath of the great Goddess Tishachar?"
The high priest let out a crazed laugh, hurling two more fireballs into the thick smoke without hesitation. The fiery projectiles disappeared into the haze, detonating with violent roars.
Boom!!
The force of the explosions tore through the smoke, revealing Punk's silhouette.
Encasing him was a translucent, lavender-hued barrier, swirling with intense kinetic energy. Every fireball the high priest unleashed was intercepted without exception.
Official-level Conjuration Spell—Kasa's Kinetic Energy Barrier: Creates a barrier infused with high-speed kinetic energy. Provides formidable defense against direct attacks but consumes vast amounts of magic.
"A defensive enchantment, huh?" the high priest sneered. "I doubt you can move freely inside it. Let's see how long your mana lasts!"
Despite his dismissive tone, a flicker of unease crossed his mind.
Enchantment spells like this had their flaws—reduced mobility, high energy consumption—but they also provided unparalleled defense from all angles. Such spells were rare and complex, and seeing a mage so young wield one with ease made the high priest reevaluate his opponent.
Even so, he refused to let his wariness show. His expression remained as deranged and scornful as before.
"Take this! And this! And this!"
He continued his barrage, fireballs slamming against the kinetic energy barrier one after another. His strategy was simple—maintain an unrelenting assault, force Punk to pour all his energy into maintaining his defense, and prevent him from casting any offensive spells. Within minutes, victory would be his.
Inside the barrier, Punk stood motionless, his eyes cold and calculating. He watched as the ground beneath him cracked under the relentless bombardment, while sparks danced in the air like a fiery curtain. Yet, his mind remained undisturbed.
The kinetic energy barrier was indeed draining, and it restricted his ability to cast spells. However, he wouldn't have relied on this defense without a plan. The only thing that annoyed him was that his opponent had forced him to reveal this trump card so easily.
His gaze locked onto the high priest, pupils contracting, blue mana surging in his eyes like a tangible force.
"You think you've already won? You underestimate me."
Maintaining the barrier with one hand, Punk raised the other, forming the gesture for a high-level damage spell.
The high priest's laughter wavered. His assault faltered for a split second. Though logic dictated that Punk couldn't possibly cast a spell while maintaining such a demanding barrier, instinct forced him to hesitate.
"Can he actually cast a spell inside that barrier? That gesture… it's a high-level damage spell! If I take a direct hit—"
Caution overpowered arrogance. The high priest increased the intensity of his fireball barrage, determined to break Punk's defense before he could complete his spell.
"Even if you somehow manage to cast something, what difference does it make? My attacks will shatter your concentration! You won't have the chance!"
Flames engulfed the cavern, the ground glowing red-hot as fireballs continuously crashed against the kinetic energy barrier. Explosions sent waves of scorching heat surging through the chamber, raising the temperature to unbearable levels. Even with a mage's protective wards, the air burned against the skin, searing the lungs with every breath.
But behind that veil of fire, Punk smirked.
"Rational caution is wisdom. Reckless caution is stupidity. Which do you think you've displayed?"
His words cut through the roaring inferno. The high priest's pupils shrank.
Realization struck him like a hammer.
Slowing his attacks, he immediately understood—he had fallen into a trap. Punk had never been capable of dual casting. The spellcasting gesture had been a bluff, meant to keep the high priest's attention locked on the barrier. And like a fool, he had taken the bait, doubling down on his assault when he should have been wary of a counterattack.
"The spellcasting gesture… it was just to make me focus on the barrier?"
Panic surged through him. He stopped casting.
But it was too late.
"Do you really think you were the hunter here?"
Punk's cold voice rang out like a death sentence.
Five Kinetic Energy Bursts materialized around him, distorting the air with their violent force. In the blink of an eye, they shot toward the high priest, their trajectories sealing off every possible escape route.
RRAaaaaaaa!!
At the same time, a shadow lunged from the flames—Golem One. Still ablaze, its massive frame blurred into motion, surging forward like a black meteor. Its charred fist, carrying the momentum of a cannon blast, swung straight at the high priest's head.
"Now, tell me—who's the real insect?"
BOOM!!!
The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the cavern. The ground shattered, jagged stone fragments exploding outward. Cracks spread like veins across the cave walls. A powerful shockwave swept through the battlefield, swallowing everything in its path.