Chapter 114: The Core of Mutation

When Eluka’s "Fierce Firepower" combined with Chris’s "Absolute Lock," the resulting destructive power far exceeded simple mathematical addition. A deluge of energy beams erupted from the rotating barrels, instantly engulfing more than half the battlefield in a tide of light. Two-thirds of the area previously infested by the tentacle monster were subjected to an immediate, violent assault. Upon impact, the beams did more than just pierce the creature’s thick, rubbery hide; they detonated with the force of grenades, sweeping everything into a roaring inferno that reduced all to ash.

As for why laser beams were exploding with the power of RPGs, no one bothered to wonder. This world had long since ceased to be scientific, and it was quite possible it would become even less so. Compared to that, the fact that the rapidly firing lasers hit every target with the force of rocket-propelled grenades was hardly worth mentioning.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!!!"

A chain of explosions erupted, giving the tentacle monster a thorough thrashing. While the creature’s skin was incredibly durable, the lasers enhanced by "Fierce Firepower" were in a completely different league from standard firearms in terms of speed, power, and volume. If one shot didn't pierce it, ten would; if ten weren't enough, a hundred would. The entire battlefield had transformed into a hell of fire. The onlookers could only stare in amazement at the laser machine guns mounted on the Harmony, spinning and firing countless beams with such speed and density that it was impossible to track. Thick smoke and raging flames rose into the sky, creating a hellish spectacle.

Facing such an onslaught, the mutant tentacle monster (as named by Faren) naturally could not simply sit and take the beating. Unfortunately, it was currently little different from a tree; while the "roots" buried deep underground prevented it from being easily destroyed, they also restricted its mobility. Thus, unable to dodge Eluka’s "carpet bombing," it could only retract its tentacles, curling and condensing them into a thick, heavy barrier to deflect the relentless machine gun fire.

It had to be admitted that the mutant tentacle monster possessed a high level of intelligence. Once it formed the protective barrier, the threat from Eluka’s assault diminished significantly. While the laser beams could tear and shred the tentacles, the sheer number of them allowed the creature to protect itself through mutual coverage. Tentacles torn by the beams would quickly retreat under the protection of others, only to return once they had healed.

Moreover, after stabilizing against Eluka’s attack, the creature began to counterattack!

"Rat-tat-tat... Rat-tat-tat!!!"

"Whoa, what’s that sound!"

Seeing flashes of fire suddenly erupting in front of the car windows, Eluka was startled. She looked up and realized that several tentacles were nimbly picking up leftover firearms from the battlefield like elephant trunks, firing wildly at them. Even worse, Eluka watched in horror as a tentacle hoisted an RPG toward them, and a split second later, several rockets were fired straight at their vehicle!

"We’re moving!"

Although the electromagnetic shield could block most attacks, it was not invincible—this was a car, not a mobile fortress. Faced with the incoming rockets, Eluka decisively slammed on the accelerator. The Harmony surged forward, speeding ahead. Simultaneously, the three laser machine guns pivoted to target the incoming rockets, unleashing a series of intersecting barrages. Several fireballs bloomed in the sky before vanishing into nothingness.

The exchange of offense and defense lasted only an instant, but the momentary relief in pressure was enough for Faren and Delin to seize their final chance.

"Delin, go!"

"Yes, Master."

The moment the tentacle assault faltered, Faren gave the order. He thrust his hands forward, and dark radiance flickered across the scalpels held between his fingers. He crossed his hands and whipped them outward.

"——————!!"

Invisible, razor-sharp blades sliced through the cluster of tentacles like a scythe through wheat. The formidable power of the "Blade of Ruin" reached its zenith. Everything within a 180-degree arc in front of Faren was severed and shattered; even the creature’s immense regenerative abilities could not withstand such overwhelming force. For a moment, fragments of organic and inorganic matter swirled in the air, caught in a vortex of wind before being incinerated into a sky full of fire. The scene was so breathtaking that even the three sisters, busy dodging attacks, couldn't help but turn and stare at the dreamlike, surreal spectacle.

But they soon realized their imagination had been far too limited.

"Swish!"

From within the sea of fire, Delin emerged. The cat-eared maid gripped her mace tightly, soared into the air, and traced a graceful arc before slamming the weapon into the ground with all her might.

The next moment, an astonishing scene unfolded.

"BOOM!!!"

Centered on the area struck by Delin’s mace, the earth within a hundred-meter radius suddenly collapsed as if struck by an invisible giant’s fist. The sheer impact and recoil sent clods of earth flying high into the sky. For a brief moment, the laws of gravity seemed to have been suspended, leaving only the raw, primal collision of force against force.

The core area of the mutant tentacle monster was naturally caught in the violent impact. Since Delin had struck the very base of the creature, the unfortunate monster could not escape the shockwave. Its massive, thick trunk shuddered violently before tilting backward like a fragile sapling caught in a gale. The sunken earth naturally exposed the creature’s core.

There it was!

Seeing a massive, bright red tree burl emerge from the soil, Faren tightened his grip on his scalpel. The bizarre growth was larger than a human and pulsed rhythmically, like a beating heart. Surrounding it, the incredibly tough tentacles were coiled tightly, wrapping it in a complete shroud.

"Well then, let’s see what kind of good things are inside!"

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Faren’s mouth. He gripped the scalpel in his right hand, and dark light flickered once more.

"Blade of Ruin, activate."

Faren leaped like lightning, his scalpel aimed straight at his target. The tentacle monster, seemingly sensing its life was in danger, lashed out with countless tentacles from around its "heart." They opened their maws, revealing rows of sharp, serrated teeth that split and emerged from their jaws like jagged blades, stabbing toward Faren. They reached him instantly, their teeth biting into his clothes. Another fraction of an inch and they would have pierced his skin to devour his flesh.

But in that very moment, Faren’s scalpel plunged into the heart. Ignoring the tentacles that had coiled around him, he flicked his wrist with nimble precision. The connections holding the heart were severed instantly, and the massive organ fell to the ground, deprived of its support.

"————————!"

Simultaneously, a shrill, piercing scream erupted.