After defeating the construct behemoth, nothing stood in the way of their "meeting" with Tishachar. Thinking about it logically, Tishachar was only at the peak of the formal level. Even with a deep foundation, her combat power was limited to three official ranks at most. With her three "protectors" already fallen, it was inevitable that the so-called "goddess" would have to fight personally.
Maintaining their triangular formation, Punk and the others proceeded unhindered, eventually stepping into a stone chamber at the cave's end.
"Pitiful insects, have you come seeking death?"
A sharp, venomous voice greeted them.
"I am the supreme Goddess Tishachar! You dare to stand against me? Are you prepared to turn to ashes beneath my wrath?"
With those words, Tishachar rose abruptly. Her purple-black carapace gleamed coldly, and her eight jointed limbs, each sharper than any divine blade, sank effortlessly into the stone floor. A wave of foul air, thick with filth, swept outward. Though her frame was not as colossal as the rock worm or the construct behemoth, the oppressive aura she exuded was far greater.
Yet Punk's attention wasn't on her intimidating display—it was on the faint, pale-yellow energy slowly flowing into her body from somewhere deeper within the chamber.
Faith energy.
"It seems this big spider intends to absorb faith energy to advance. That means she can't leave this place…"
Though he didn't know why the absorption had to take place specifically in this stone chamber, he couldn't rule out the possibility that the location itself possessed some hidden function. After all, their perception was still being blocked by legendary energy.
But this was no time for analysis.
Unlike a game boss that patiently waited for enemies to "recover," Tishachar wasted no time. Enraged at the invasion of her domain, she immediately released a thick cloud of dark green mist, coiling around her like a living entity.
"You fools have sealed your fate!"
"Tch, enough with the nonsense! Taste Bahanger's hammer!"
Having endured Tishachar's insults all the way here, Bahanger couldn't hold back any longer. His rage made his muscles bulge and veins writhe—a clear sign of his berserker state.
Seeing this, Punk abandoned any thought of stopping him. A berserker in a frenzy wouldn't listen to caution.
Instead, he exchanged a nod with Kang Kai before retreating, hurling a spell toward his golem.
Official Summoning Spell – Summon Alloy Steel Armor.
A set of heavy alloy armor materialized over Golem No. 1, turning it from a wandering brute into an imposing iron-clad knight. With resounding metallic steps, it charged forward.
Kang Kai followed suit, activating his Wheel Saw and Oscillating Blade. Transformed into a streak of blue light, he launched himself toward Tishachar's massive abdomen at high speed.
But Tishachar wasn't an easy opponent.
With inhuman speed, she spun in place, her razor-sharp bone blades weaving a near-impenetrable web. The dark green power of faith coalesced around her limbs, fueling their movements as they intercepted Bahanger, Kang Kai, and Golem No. 1.
"My blades are destined to tear everything apart!"
A shockwave distorted the air as Tishachar clashed directly with Bahanger's heavy hammer. With only two limbs, she held him at bay, while the other two engaged Kang Kai's chainsaw and Golem No. 1's claws. Sparks erupted in every direction, the screech of metal on metal echoing through the chamber.
Punk didn't underestimate the monstrous spider. In fact, the moment he laid eyes on her, tension gripped his heart.
Before his analysis, Tishachar was already on the verge of breaking through to the master level.
A terrifying Level 14 opponent.
Wasting no time, Punk unleashed his deadliest move.
Official-Level Conjuration Spell – Greater Damage Infliction.
The gray energy orb in his hand vanished, striking Tishachar's head with unerring precision.
But unlike previous enemies, she didn't disintegrate.
Instead, a shimmering yellow film of faith energy instantly formed around her, crushing the spell's energy like a deflated balloon. The violent etheric energy barely scratched her.
"Ahahahaha! Is this all you can do? How pathetic—you court death!"
Rather than panic, Tishachar seemed exhilarated. Almost as if the attack was beneath her.
Then, without hesitation, she counterattacked.
"I'll tear you blasphemers into pulp!"
A crazed shriek escaped her as light yellow faith energy slithered across her body, forming shifting patterns—grotesque images of demons dancing wildly.
The moment her power surged, Kang Kai was forced to stop his attack and sidestep to avoid her blow.
Golem No. 1 wasn't as lucky. Lacking the ability to react intelligently, it simply crossed its claws in defense.
A fatal mistake.
With a screech of tearing wind, Tishachar's limb struck, sending the armored golem flying.
It crashed against the stone ground, carving a deep trench before slamming into the cavern wall with a deafening boom, leaving behind a massive crater.
"Drink!"
Bahanger felt the spike in her strength, but his response was pure aggression. Muscles taut, he channeled his earth-attribute battle aura, his entire body burning with an earthen-yellow flame as he charged recklessly forward.
"Damnable insect!"
Tishachar snarled and increased her force. Though she had a slender form, her limbs now carried incredible strength and hardness. Even with Bahanger's entire battle aura focused on his arms, he was steadily pushed back. Cracks spread beneath his feet, and his aura flared wildly in defiance.
"Reckless fool."
Tishachar wasn't interested in a contest of strength.
Two of her free limbs snapped forward, dark green streaks cutting through the air like lightning, aimed straight at Bahanger's ribs.
Swish!
The sheer force of the strike sent shockwaves through the cavern.
If those blades landed, even Bahanger's battle aura wouldn't prevent him from being skewered.
As the lethal limbs closed in, a twisted grin stretched across Tishachar's grotesque face. With a final surge of strength, she screamed:
"Die, heretic!"