Chapter 316 - Weakness
Theo stared silently at the motionless ghost-like figures.
’Will they even attack us?’ he asked internally. ’They don’t seem like the most active bunch...’
’’Most definitely,’’ Feng replied instantly.
Theo’s expression darkened slightly.
’You’re that confident?’
’’Whatever turned them into that forced them to guard the entrance,’’ Feng replied simply. ’’That purpose wouldn’t simply fade away.’’
Theo nodded slowly.
’Right... that makes sense.’
The fact that they hadn’t attacked yet probably just meant nobody had gotten close enough.
But that brought him to a big problem.
’How do we fight a soul?’ he asked internally. ’I assume most attacks aren’t going to do anything to them.’
Feng didn’t hesitate.
’’Correct,’’ it replied. ’’These particular ones are only affected by the healing and light elements.’’
Theo immediately relaxed slightly.
’Oh, that’s not too bad then,’ he thought.
Light was one element their group certainly wasn’t lacking.
His gaze flickered between Jim, Lucienne and Isabelle for a moment.
Then he glanced back one final time.
’Anything else we need to know?’
’’Yes,’’ Feng replied. ’’Do not mistake their lack of a physical body for weakness.’’
’’These creatures are on a similar level to the strongest C-ranks.’’
Theo’s eyes narrowed slightly.
That was considerably stronger than he’d expected.
’All of them?’
’’The ones in front of you, yes,’’ Feng replied. ’’I cannot speak for the others deeper inside.’’
’Just perfect...’
Theo finally turned towards the others.
’’Alright,’’ he said. ’’I’ve got some good news and some bad news.’’
Owen immediately groaned.
’’Why is there always bad news?’’ he cursed.
But Theo just ignored him, turning his attention to the light users instead.
’’Those things are basically souls,’’ he said. ’’Most of our attacks won’t do anything to them.’’
Several expressions immediately darkened.
’’Is that the good news?’’ Jim asked, fear flickering across his face.
’’No,’’ Theo replied. ’’The good news is that you’re up to fight.’’
Jim froze in place.
’’What the fuck do you mean, I’m up?’’ he asked half-jokingly.
Pointing at the ghost-like figures, Theo smiled faintly.
’’Light and healing elements are their weaknesses,’’ he replied.
Jim’s face fell right away, understanding damn well where this was going.
’’So you, Lucienne and Isabelle are going to have to deal with them.’’
For a moment, Jim’s face remained ashen.
Then his gaze suddenly flickered towards Isabelle.
’’Oh,’’ he said, his eyes lighting up. ’’That’s not nearly as bad.’’
Surprise flickered across Theo’s face.
That wasn’t the reaction he’d expected from Jim.
’’Heh,’’ Owen let out a chuckle beside him.
Theo glanced at his best friend with a raised eyebrow.
But before he could ask what he’d done, Lucienne’s voice rang out.
’’How strong are these things?’’ she asked. ’’I can’t sense their strength with my mana for some reason.’’
Glancing back, Theo snapped back into focus.
He quickly repeated what Feng had told him.
But Nadia, Isabelle and Lucienne couldn’t help but stare strangely at him.
’’How do you know all these things?’’ Isabelle asked scrutinizingly. ’’We can’t sense anything about them...’’
Theo opened his mouth, ready to give some excuse.
But Owen was already ahead of him.
’’Don’t you think that’s kinda rude to ask?’’ he asked, locking eyes with her. ’’We aren’t asking you to reveal your party tricks either, are we?’’
Isabelle’s brows furrowed, clearly starting to get fed up with Owen.
’’Before I recklessly charge into something,’’ she started, ’’I want to know if the information is credible. I don’t think it’s that strange, is it?’’
’’I agree with her,’’ Nadia nodded. ’’You all seem to be aware of—’’
Before she could even finish her sentence, Owen rapidly shook his head.
’’Nope, you’ve got this all wrong,’’ he said loudly. ’’You should just trust us since we picked you up like a bunch of stray dogs.’’
He pointed back towards the stairs behind them.
’’Otherwise, you can find the exit there.’’
Suddenly, Lucienne took a step forward.
’’You are completely right,’’ she said calmly. ’’I apologize for Isabelle. We won’t question you again.’’
Isabelle’s head immediately snapped towards her.
’’What?’’
But the moment she saw Lucienne’s expression, she fell silent.
Despite her calm voice, Lucienne was glaring furiously at her.
Isabelle couldn’t help but stare at her in confusion, wondering what she’d done wrong.
Theo awkwardly cleared his throat.
’’Anyway...’’
Almost immediately, Lucienne turned towards him.
Isabelle watched in disbelief as the furious expression on her face disappeared without a trace.
’’Yes?’’ Lucienne asked sweetly, a gentle smile appearing on her face.
’’Can we get started on these guys?’’ Theo asked, pointing towards the front. ’’I’d rather not have any of the other groups catch up to us.’’
Lucienne nodded instantly.
’’Of course,’’ she replied sweetly.
Still stunned, Isabelle just stood there, watching the two interact.
Her gaze slowly shifted to Owen, who instantly flipped her off.
Finally, she couldn’t help but glance at Jim.
But Jim seemed to have been waiting for exactly that, already rubbing his hands together with a smile.
’’So,’’ he said, locking eyes with her. ’’How are we doing this?’’
Isabelle stared at him for a moment.
’Are any of these people normal?’ she thought, genuinely starting to wonder.
’’Jim! Isabelle!’’
Theo’s voice suddenly rang out.
Both of them immediately looked over.
Theo was already standing several feet ahead of them, while Lucienne had begun making her way towards the entrance.
’’Lucienne’s already going,’’ he said, raising an eyebrow. ’’When are you two planning on joining her?’’
Isabelle blinked, still dazed.
Jim’s head immediately snapped towards Lucienne, though.
’’Oh shit.’’
He hurried after her without another word.
Isabelle watched him leave before shaking her head.
Light mana began gathering around her body as she quickly followed after him.
The moment the three moved within a certain distance, the ghost-like figures finally reacted.
Their heads snapped towards them simultaneously, purple light flaring up inside their eye sockets.
Then, without making a single sound, the two with wings shot into the air.
The remaining four immediately raised their spears.
Only a split-second later, they shot forward too.
Jim’s smile instantly fell.
’Damn Owen and his advice,’ he cursed. ’I should’ve just stayed back as always!’
’How the hell am I going to fight this without damaging the place?!’