"Verdant Shield," Orion whispered in response, smoothly commanding his own mana. A barrier of tightly woven leaves and branches materialized instantly, deflecting and absorbing the Echo’s aggressive vines.
’It’s a good thing that the Tier 3 spell I learned wasn’t a very offensive or single-target spell,’ he muttered, but he knew defense alone wouldn’t grant him victory.
Carefully observing an opening, Orion rapidly countered, casting "Entangling Roots." His mana surged forth, drawing thick roots from beneath the Echo.
Surprisingly, the Echo responded with similar mastery, forming a swift barrier of "Verdant Shield," expertly blocking Orion’s roots.
"Well, let’s try something different," Orion murmured, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
As the Echo launched another series of attacks, Orion skillfully cast "Nature’s Grasp," exerting control over the ambient plant matter within the chamber.
The Echo found itself suddenly besieged by vines and roots manipulated directly by Orion’s mana. Orion watched intently, impressed by the Echo’s rapid reaction as she cast "Emerald Blade," slicing cleanly through the attacking plants.
Determinedly pressing forward, Orion seized the initiative once again. "Verdant Surge," he cast deliberately, invigorating his body with surging life energy.
He felt strength and endurance swelling within him, providing greater agility as he charged toward the Echo.
The Echo, now visibly strained, summoned another set of roots defensively. Orion dodged swiftly, his enhanced agility enabling him to close the gap rapidly.
At close range, he decisively unleashed another "Emerald Blade," its hardened wooden edge slicing neatly through the Echo’s defenses.
A faint smile appeared on Orion’s lips. "You are done."
With a decisive swipe, the blade passed through the Echo’s figure, dispersing her into shimmering green particles. Orion exhaled calmly, appreciating the depth and versatility of his Wood spells.
’These Echoes are getting out of hand, huh. At least now I know that Wood spells are also quite good for offense.’
[Impressive, Master! Your timing and strategy were perfect! ヾ(^-^)ノ]
’Thank you, Lumi,’ Orion chuckled softly, nodding appreciatively. His smile remained even as the familiar teleportation sensation enveloped him once more.
As Orion materialized onto the eighth floor, a surge of scorching heat immediately swept across his senses.
The floor’s stone walls flickered with a vivid orange hue, shimmering from the radiance of flowing lava that snaked its way through grooves etched intricately along the chamber’s perimeter.
Wisps of smoke and faint embers rose gently upward, adding to the oppressive heat that permeated the atmosphere.
Opposite Orion, the Echo swiftly took form—an imposing young mage clad in fiery red robes marked with intricate golden runes.
His eyes glowed fiercely, reflecting the intense flames burning within them. The mage exuded the unmistakable aura of a powerful Fire-element specialist, mana visibly surging around him in vibrant, molten streams.
Orion felt a pulse of anticipation course through him, realizing he’d have to counter fire with lightning. His Thunder mana hummed vibrantly within his Sea of Consciousness, ready to unleash swift retribution.
"Let’s see how thunder matches against fire," Orion murmured calmly, raising his hands in readiness.
Without delay, the Fire Mage Echo initiated his assault. Chanting rapidly, intricate fire runes spiraled around him in dazzling arcs of orange.
Within three seconds, he unleashed "Molten Inferno"—a powerful Tier 3 spell Orion had read about. A roaring torrent of liquid fire surged violently forward, threatening to engulf the entire area.
In stark contrast, Orion swiftly whispered, "Flash Step," vanishing instantly in a spark of electricity, repositioning himself safely to the mage’s flank. The fiery torrent harmlessly scorched the stone floor where Orion previously stood.
Taking advantage of the Echo’s recovery moment, Orion instantly cast, "Chain Lightning," mana surging effortlessly from his fingertips.
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