Chapter 34: Core Values!
The Core Sentinel hesitated, its form solidifying but its movements less certain.
Daniel channeling the ambient energy directly seemed to confuse its programming, or perhaps divert power it needed to fully reform.
This was his chance. With his mana reserves rapidly refilling thanks to [Energy Conversion], he could afford to try something big.
He stopped actively converting energy, letting the passive mana regeneration from the skill continue ticking away.
He needed his focus for offense. His idea was simple, maybe crude, but potentially effective: If hitting the Sentinel directly was hard, and hitting the Core was suicide, maybe he could overload the connection, the glowing symbols on the floor.
He targeted a symbol near the Sentinel, one that wasn't directly beneath it but clearly part of the circle feeding it power.
He gathered energy, not just for a simple [Mana Bolt+], but weaving kinetic force into it as well, trying to replicate the disruptive effect of his [Kinetic Hammer] shockwave but with ranged magic. Could he make a Kinetic Mana Bolt?
He focused his intent, visualizing the crackling purple energy of the mana bolt merging with the invisible force of the kinetic pulse. It felt unstable, difficult to control.
"[Kinetic Mana Pulse!]" he yelled, pushing the combined energy out through his hand.
FZZZZZZT-WHUMP!
A crackling purple bolt, visibly thicker and more distorted than a normal mana bolt, shot across the chamber and slammed into the targeted floor symbol!