Chapter 743 - Cryptic Oblivion Arts: Reign Of Oblivion, Upper Hand
'The Reign of Oblivion... Learning it is not difficult. I'm just not entirely certain how the system will interpret it. I suppose there's only one way to find out.'
In the Seven Realms, there existed a myriad of sects that varied in power and influence. And, most of them were not afraid to get their hands dirty if it meant increasing their status in the Seven Realms.
However, even among the sects who utilized methods that were often frowned upon, there were still certain lines that could not be crossed.
That's why whenever a sect performed acts considered taboo by the martial world, they would no longer be seen as a sect, but rather as a cult.
To cults, there was no such thing as taboo and those who walked down that path would do whatever it took to gain strength and rise to the pinnacle.
But, when it came to the most heinous and unspeakable deeds that were committed in the Seven Realms, there was one cult that towered above the rest.
A name that struck fear into the depths of one's soul, Dark Saints Cult.
Just as there were hierarchies among the sects, cults also had to respect the power of those above them.
The Dark Saints were in a league of their own among cults and the main person responsible for their rise to power was none other than the Immortal Ghost Warlord.
What set the Dark Saints apart from other cults was the foundational techniques taught to its members, the Cryptic Oblivion Arts.
The Cryptic Oblivion Arts was a combination of several techniques created by the Immortal Ghost Warlord. Among them was a certain spear technique known as the Reign of Oblivion, taught only to a select few within the upper ranks of the Dark Saints Cult.
For those who walked down the path of the spear, the Reign of Oblivion was nothing remarkable. In fact, there were numerous techniques that easily surpassed it in terms of profound understanding when it came to the spear.
However, based solely on the rapid growth potential of the user and destructive power, the Reign of Oblivion had few equals.
So, why was it that a spear technique with such rapid potential and destructive power was considered taboo in the Seven Realms? It had to do with one thing—Soul Deviation.
The Reign of Oblivion was a powerful technique that was easy for anyone to learn and utilize. But, as with many of the heavenly laws practiced by cults in the Seven Realms, it came with a heavy price.
The more someone used the Reign of Oblivion, the deeper they would spiral into madness. Eventually, they would succumb to that madness and undergo a Soul Deviation, turning them into mindless slaughterers that could not tell friend from foe.
The moment one fell under the influences of Soul Deviation, they were no better than a mindless beast—an empty shell of their former self whose sole purpose was destruction.
...
Swoosh!
Izroth thrust the Scorched Inferno Fang forward and aimed right for Enigma's head.
The two had been exchanging blows without pause for the last couple of minutes.
At first, Enigma held the upper hand; however, as the battle progressed, Izroth started to gradually exert a great deal of pressure on Enigma.
Bang!
"I told you—it's useless." Enigma scoffed as he parried the incoming spear with his talons.
At the same time, the dark purple aura erupted from his talons and launched towards Izroth at frightening speeds!
However, Izroth did not try to avoid Enigma's attack from point-blank range. Instead, he twisted the spear in his hands, knocking away Enigma's talons as he slashed downward with a heavy force.
Simultaneously, the dark purple aura went past Izroth's spear and crashed into him right as his attack on Enigma connected!
"This crazy bastard—the power and speed of his spear increased again...! What is he up to? Does he not care what happens to himself as long as he takes me down with him..?!" Enigma internalized.
As the dark purple aura vanished from around Izroth, to Enigmia's surprise, he was completely unharmed!
«Immune»
'Not bad. I expected some damage, but it's even sturdier than I anticipated. My defensive capabilities may not compare to Empyrean's, but the combined effects of my Greater Physique and Might, paired with my natural resistances, make it difficult for even B-rank skills to cause any real damage. And, those are just my passive skills. If I were to also take into account my active defensive skills, I am confident that even if I were to face someone at the Primary or perhaps even the Late stage of the legendary realm, I would be able to survive a head-on attack or two.'
Izroth never had an issue regarding his attack power and mobility; however, his defensive capabilities were always somewhat lacking compared to his other stats. But, now, his defenses were on an entirely different level!
"Impossible... That attack should have rotted his flesh. How can he be unharmed? No, more importantly... how is it that he is able to predict my False Phenomenon? Can it be that he was telling the truth earlier...? No, it's an absurd thought. It's inconceivable that someone outside the legendary realm can even begin to possibly comprehend an ability gifted by a divine being, let alone this crazy guy. It's inconceivable, but..." Enigma internalized as he glanced over at his right shoulder, which now had a semi-deep wound from Izroth's spear.
Izroth had been keeping Enigma's False Phenomenon in check with Zakra's Spear of Causality; however, Enigma believed that Izroth having knowledge related to the Law of Causality to be a ridiculous notion. A power that took him many years of devotion to get his hands on—how could he accept the fact that some brat who was still wet behind the ears was able to comprehend it?
"...Regardless, I've already consumed too much divine power. I hate to admit it, but dragging this fight out any longer will only increase the chances of an unfavorable result. Therefore—I will end it with this next strike." Enigma thought to himself as he swiftly created some distance between himself and Izroth.
〈System Alert: You feel your movements with the spear become lighter with every swing.〉
〈System Alert: Your attack speed has increased.〉
〈System Alert: You feel your self-control begin to loosen.〉
〈System Alert: Your concentration has risen.〉
'What a refreshing feeling. Since I was fully concentrated on learning Zakra's Spear of Causality at the time, I did not pay much attention to it, but... If not for this skill, it may have taken me much longer to succeed back during the crusade. Not to mention, it's perfect at countering the madness effect of the Reign of Oblivion.'
Skill Name: Spear of Perseverance
Skill Mastery: MAXED
Skill Rank: S
Passive: The more the user swings their spear in combat, the lighter their movements with the spear will become, increasing their attack speed by 2.5% per swing [MAX: 100%]. If the user lands a critical hit, instead of 2.5% attack speed, the user will gain 10% attack speed and the bonus attack speed granted by this skill is temporarily doubled for 3 seconds [MAX: 200%]. All bonus attack speed gained from this skill applies only to spear-type weapons. Other weapon types are unaffected. If the user is out of combat for more than 10 seconds, the bonus attack speed granted by this skill will start to rapidly deteriorate.
«Mind of Perseverance»: When wielding a spear, the user's level of concentration is increased. The user also gains the buff «Calm Mind & Heart». The lower the user's HP or the longer they are in combat, the greater the effects of «Calm Mind & Heart».
Special Note: Those who continue to persevere will find that their path is without end.
Skill Name: Reign of Oblivion
Skill Mastery: 1/4
Skill Rank: S
Requirements: Spear Equipped
Toggle On/Off: For every successful attack against a target, the user gains 1 Stack of «Madness» and increases the damage of their next spear-type attack by 4%. This effect can stack any number of times. Upon reaching or exceeding 20 Stacks of «Madness», the effects of «Madness» will rise exponentially and the user spear-type attacks gain 20% Armor Piercing. In addition, the user will begin to lose 4% of their maximum HP per second. The effect of the HP drain will increase by 1% for every additional second this skill is active. The cooldown timer for this skill does not start until it is deactivated.
Cooldown: 1 minute
〈System Alert: You have gained 1 Stack of «Madness». [Current Stacks: 52]〉
〈System Alert: Your next attack will deal an additional 208% damage!〉
'I'm already at 52 stacks of madness, but there are no signs of it taking effect.'
Suddenly, Izroth's Soul Sense sounded with haste as the dark purple aura encompassing Enigma erupted with a force at least five times greater than anything he previously displayed!
'The interval between his usage of False Phenomenom was becoming longer with every use. I assumed that he was attempting to conserve his strength or running low on energy, but this outcome—it's even better than I anticipated.'
Given the circumstances up to this point, Izroth understood there was only one reason Enigma would decide to abruptly launch such a grand attack.
After realizing that Izroth continued to hold the upper hand, Enigma did not want to risk a battle of attrition. He wanted to end everything with one blow!