Finn, like Charles, was wondering what Valleta would bring out next to deal with them.
Soon, Finn noticed something unusual with his body.
Among the many demi-human races, the Little People were one of the weakest. However, they possessed the sharpest minds of all races, and Finn's talent in this regard was particularly strong.
Finn had experienced this sensation before, so he quickly identified the cause.
"Forget everything else. We've already fallen into Valleta's magic. Focus everything on taking her down."
Valleta laughed loudly. "Stinking midget, do you miss it…my magic!"
As she raised her arm, purplish-red geometric patterns lit up on the ground. It was a magic circle hidden beneath the surface covered with monsters.
Valleta had long prepared her spell—this place was the trap set by the Dark Faction for the Loki Familia.
Valleta said proudly, "It's been a while since you were caught in 'Kasharod.' How does it feel?"
Finn replied coldly, "Everyone, be careful. Her magic 'Kasharod' is a barrier spell. It activated the moment we stepped into it. We have to defeat Valleta immediately to end this magic."
Valleta laughed again. "That's right. 'Kasharod' is a barrier spell, but it doesn't block anything.
Not only that, the spell requires an incredibly long and complicated incantation, and it dissipates as soon as I leave the barrier. It also consumes a massive amount of mental energy—completely unusable in real combat. Honestly, it's exhausting."
Valleta complained about her own abilities, but her face was full of smug satisfaction.
"But… it's just right for dealing with you trapped rats.
'Kasharod' lowers your stats. Anyone entering the barrier without my permission will have their attributes forcibly reduced. And every time the enemy moves, the effect stacks repeatedly."
Charles was also amazed at how powerful "Kasharod" was. Rather than calling it a barrier spell, it was more like a rare type of debuff magic.
Though it lacked the destructive power of large-scale incantation-based annihilation spells, it had strategic utility. Not only could it continuously affect a single target, but there was no limit to the number of targets it could affect.
Moreover, as a long-chant spell, its effects couldn't be undone unless Valleta herself said so or chose to cancel it.
Valleta said, "Finn, you know this best—you're already caught in my 'web.' The more you struggle, the more tangled you'll become.
The so-called 'Kasharod' is a net that steals everything from its prey."
Valleta was flaunting her powerful magic while trying to sap their will to fight.
But Finn wasn't called the "Brave" for nothing—he wouldn't be intimidated so easily.
With a sweep of his golden spear, the Dominator, he knocked away all the man-eating flowers and black-robed figures in front of him.
Even under the effects of "Kasharod," Finn, a Level 6 adventurer, was still far beyond these small fry.
He had already charged a significant distance toward Valleta.
"You really think you've got us just because of this? Do you even know who we are? We're the Loki Familia—we've overcome way more dangerous trials than this!"
Valleta's smile turned cruel. "I hate that arrogant look on your face. Then show me how you'll overcome this trial!"
Finn raised his head and looked at the massive flower entwined around the quartz pillar.
Its vines had swollen rapidly in the meantime, completely wrapping around the quartz pillar. The flower's blossom had morphed into a humanoid shape.
That was no ordinary giant flower. It was a corrupted fairy clone embryo fused with a magical core. And by absorbing nutrients from the quartz pillar, it had entered its mature phase.
This was the truly dangerous part of the trap—even Valleta's "Kasharod" was merely meant to support it.
The humanoid head squirmed, and the petals began to open, revealing a female form within.
Like the corrupted fairy clone Charles had encountered on the 59th floor, this one also had a completely green body, but her appearance was that of a stunningly beautiful young woman.
"Elia… Elia… I've finally found you!"
Ais cut down the red-haired woman with a single slash, her expression dark as she turned to look at the corrupted fairy clone. Compared to the magical core embryo, this time the fairy bloodline within her reacted even more intensely.
Once the corrupted fairy clone appeared, all the monsters and black-robed figures ceased their attacks, as if confirming the group's defeat.
The team regrouped, and Finn turned to Charles. "Is this the one you encountered on the 59th floor?"
Charles nodded. "Not the same individual, but definitely the same kind of creature. It may be tainted, but it's still a divine clone. It can use magic ranging from short chants to ultra-long chants, and its power is immense."
Finn nodded. "Then the outcome of this battle depends on whether we can withstand the corrupted fairy's attacks and take down Valleta quickly.
So, what's your choice?"
Charles planted the Sure-Hit Spear in front of Finn. "I'm not good at dealing with crazy women. This spear is yours. Once you finish her, you might still make it in time to help on the other side."
Finn reached out and drew the Sure-Hit Spear. "Much appreciated! Leave Valleta to me. This time, I won't let her escape."
With that, the heroic Little Person warrior, dual-wielding spears, charged into battle.
"The upcoming fight won't require my commands anymore. In that case, it's time to use that."
Finn spoke as he began chanting his own spell.
"O magic spear, pierce my skull and drink deep of blood!"
No one knew how Finn had awakened a berserk-type spell, but at that moment, the calm commander of the Loki Familia was gone—replaced by a Little Person warrior bent on destruction.
His eyes turned crimson, and he let out a beast-like roar. Swinging his twin spears, Finn tore through the battlefield and charged straight at Valleta.
Charles suddenly heard heavy breathing. He turned to see Tione's cheeks flushed, her gaze on Finn so intense it seemed to be dripping wet.
Tiona looked utterly embarrassed by her sister, while the others shook their heads, unsure of what to say.
Amazonian passion… truly hard to describe.
"I am the spirit of thunder, queen of lightning…!"
"It's chanting—a short spell, aimed at Finn!"
Having fought the corrupted fairy before, Charles instantly recognized the type of spell and its target.
His assessment was accurate, but the corrupted fairy had already finished chanting. A lightning spear shot toward Finn.
Even in his berserk state, Finn retained basic judgment. That's why he completely ignored the lightning spear.
Because he trusted his companions!
"Your opponent is us!"
Gareth leaped high into the air and cleaved at the lightning spear with his battle axe.
With a thunderous roar, Gareth clashed with the lightning spear mid-air, holding it back. Finn seized the opportunity to dash forward from below, continuing his charge toward Valleta.
Gareth's battle axe eventually shattered the lightning spear.
In the 24th floor's food storage zone, the battle to defeat the corrupted fairy and the Dark Faction had officially begun.
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