Chapter 176: Believe in Me
Serpentine streams of infernal mana streamed through the sky, gathering above my head. It came, answering my call, from the furthest reaches of the icy world, creating a massive vortex beneath the flat, gray clouds. Within seconds, the vast ocean grew near to the amount generated within Western University on the day of the attack.
I seized my mana, drawing upon my soul for every drop the amulet allowed me. As my emptied, countless tendrils of infernal energy curled from the maelstrom up above, winding together like a whirlpool as they descended toward me. I gasped as it touched my hand, sending a shock like a bucket of cold water through me. The streams of mana eagerly flooded my soul, providing me with a near-limitless amount of mana.
My soul trembled beneath the incredible weight, but it only took a few seconds for me to gain control of the flow. As I acclimated to the new power, my eyes shot open, filled with the light of a thousand stars. Crackles of Infernal Mana raced through my body and soul, manifesting as golden arcs of power dancing across my skin.
Captain Bethiv stepped back, mouth agape, eyes filled with fear. "What’s happening to you?"
I summoned my staff, raising it toward the Last Light Company and starting several magic circles. My soul’s capacity was still limited to fourth, restricting the total output of my spells and abilities, but I drew on my experience of crafting the multi-spell array to cast a sixth-circle spell.
I carefully crafted each individual circle of the spell, expending almost my entire mana pool for each one. When they were on the verge of completion, I left it hovering in the air above the company and continued to the next one. The process was long and arduous, requiring every ounce of willpower and concentration. Sweat dripped down my back and my arms shook with the effort of guiding the mana, but I persevered, managing to complete the sixth circle before my soul gave out.
After a deep breath, I completed the spell, calling out in a loud, clear voice, "Nexus!"
The magic circles combined, sinking through the air until is surrounded the soldiers. Nexus required the targets to be touching, but with my newfound skills, I was able to use the spell I created to connect with the wolf’s soul and added it to the array.
As this final piece fell into place, the magic circle exploded into a shimmering mist of starlight, seeping into the souls of the Last Light Company. They stared about in awe, eyes wide, as a thread bound our souls together. I could feel their awe, courage, and fear pulsing through the magic, influencing and strengthening my resolve.