Chapter 1277 Sebastian's Diversion

"Aaaaaaaaaaaa!"

The air trembled with a collective battle cry as Sebastian's subordinates unleashed their primal scream, charging forward with unwavering determination. A group of audacious Adept rankers fearlessly approached the enemy Master rankers, their trust in Sebastian's words and his unparalleled Ability as a Myriad Potioner guiding their resolve.

As Levine and Birmond finally managed to vanquish the relentless alchemy dolls, the debuff unleashed by Sebastian's Ability had taken full effect, entangling them in its inescapable grip. This debuff, borne of the Myriad Potioner's potent mastery, proved resistant to any simple dispelling.

Surrounded by a swarm of Adept-level rankers, their lives offered up willingly in pursuit of victory, Birmond and Levine realized that their adversaries had been deeply influenced by Sebastian's mimicry of soul-based potions. The unnaturally fervent gazes of their assailants betrayed an absence of fear. It was as if they faced the rankers two ranks above them without a shred of trepidation.

Though both Levine and Birmond understood that these Adept-level rankers lacked the means to inflict fatal harm, they gradually discerned Sebastian's true intentions. The Myriad Potioner saw his subordinates as little more than decoys, sacrificial pawns meant to divert attention while he and Silas made their escape to safety.

"Fuuuuck! That old man's cunning hasn't lost its edge. He is fucking trying to run away," Birmond seethed, fully cognizant of the dire situation that had unfolded. Despite the debuff wreaking havoc on his vision, he maintained a keen vigil over Sebastian's every move. The old man's desperate attempt to abscond with Silas while his loyal subordinates fought for their lives was laid bare before Birmond's watchful eyes.

Birmond, a wounded Master ranker burdened with a defective ranking technique, bore the constant repercussions of his unorthodox ascent into the Master rank. Each attempt to harness his ranking technique brought forth a harsh backlash, a reminder of the cultist path he had tread behind closed doors.

Furthermore, Birmond had to say that the Myriad Potioner had selected a very potent debuff for him. Birmond was a summoner. But the spatial perception alteration debuff compromised his mental acuity and prevented him from using his summons to fight his fights for him.

As a summoner, Birmond wasn't very skilled in frontal confrontation. Despite this limitation, Birmond's undeniable mastery as a Master ranker compelled him to cast aside his concerns and unleash his power with unbridled determination. After all, time was of the essence and a very problematic enemy was escaping his grasp. He couldn't let that happen.

"Aaaaaaargh!"

With a surge of willpower, Birmond ignited his mana circuits, delving deep into his mana core with unreserved fervor. Concern for his mana expenditure took a backseat as he unleashed a torrent of power, allowing it to flow uninhibited throughout his being.

Under Birmond's command, the elemental forces of ice solidified in response. His formidable B-Rank powers coalesced, freezing the Adept-ranked entities that dared assail him with a swift and frigid wave of ice mana. Since his spatial perception was compromised, he chose to unleash his power in every direction while trying his best not to hit Levine with it.

The icy mantle draped over Brewmaster's Bounty instantly rendered it motionless, its movements suspended in crystalline frost. The reach of the ice-element mana extended further, encasing the surrounding water in a frosty embrace.

In an instant, the battleground transformed into an icy realm, a testament to Birmond's potent spell that exacted a toll on his strained mana circuits. Yet, this sacrifice proved worthwhile as the majority of their adversaries were thwarted, and their interference quelled.

"Naya... cough cough cough"

Birmond coughed up a splatter of blood, the repercussions of his strained ranking technique surfacing once more. Paying it little mind, he swiftly wiped away the crimson smear with the back of his hand and pressed on.

"You... you must fucking hunt down Sebastian and Silas. Levine, please help her. The opportunity to eliminate the Myriad Potioner will not present itself again now that he's aware that we are onto him.

We must finish him right here. Otherwise, that old man will give us hell in the future."

His voice, laced with gravity and resolve, compelled Levine and Naya to exchange a glance, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Without a word, they vanished from the ship's deck, setting off on the trail of Sebastian.

Securing Brewmaster's Bounty held paramount importance. It stood as undeniable proof of House Slughorn's treachery, evidence that could vindicate Rodrick's preemptive strike should he choose to unveil the truth.

Furthermore, the vessel housed a collection of potent potions capable of targeting prominent rankers within Edinburgh. The Myriad Potioner's debuff potions were much deadlier than Birmond and the rest had come to witness in the ambush. It was just that they had caught Sebastian off guard, not allowing him to use his Ability on them to its maximum potential. Birmond understood the necessity of eliminating such volatile assets to prevent future complications.

After all, Birmond didn't trust the kingdom of Edinburgh entirely. It might store these potions to be used against its own allies should they try to step out of the line. House Remus wouldn't stay an exception to the kingdom's policy.

As he surveyed his surroundings, Birmond had another cause of worry weighing on his mind.

'Hm? This…This is strange. Jiana should have been recovered by now.'

Birmond's mind whirled with confusion. How could Jiana, a skilled healer, succumb to Sebastian's debuff in a single strike? It seemed inexplicable, especially since Sebastian himself was absent from the scene, relinquishing control over the lingering effects of his Ability.

As he pondered the puzzling turn of events, Birmond impatiently awaited the return of Nina and Jiana. Despite his doubts about Jiana's sudden incapacity, he recognized that the nature of Sebastian's debuffs varied depending on the individual targeted. He couldn't pass judgment on Jiana's competence until he had more information.

Shifting his focus, Birmond directed his attention toward the three surviving Adept-ranked members of House Slughorn. Desperate to escape Brewmaster's Bounty, they realized the futility of evading Birmond within the icy realm he had created. Their only recourse was to engage the injured Birmond in combat, hoping to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Though weakened by Sebastian's debuff, Birmond braced himself for the impending clash. He imbued his sword with his ice-element mana and sent a few flying slashes toward his incoming enemies.

A wave of icy winds swept through the frosty region as Birmond slayed the remaining enemies one by one. He nearly collapsed on the ground when he was done, wounded by his own backlash wreaking havoc inside his body rather than the attacks of his enemies.

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AN: Birmond's backlash was mentioned in chapter 836.

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