Chapter 327: Astral Attraction

With this revelation, Jared applied the Focus Technique, halting the outflow of spiritual energy with a jarring stop. An intangible vortex then formed at Jared's core, drawing energy inward. The tide turned as spiritual energy, including Dorieus', surged back to Jared.

Dorieus' face went ghastly white as he felt the energy drain. His eyes widened in fear.

"H-How did you learn Astral Attraction?" Dorieus exclaimed, trepidatious.

He felt the energy draining from his limbs, gravitating naturally to Jared. He struggled to escape, but Jared was like a massive magnet, and Dorieus, the metal clinging to it. His muscles rapidly atrophied, plunging him into a chasm of pure terror.

After ten minutes, Dorieus was skin and bones. His eyes bulged, his terrified expression frozen forever. The rest of his body had shriveled beyond recognition.

Jared released his grip, and Dorieus collapsed with a light thud. His features were no longer human; no moan escaped his cracked lips in his final moments.

Jared was awestruck by the changes in his body. He felt his abilities strengthen, every fiber humming with the extra energy. He'd never imagined the Focus Technique could be used this way—a fascinating discovery.

"J-Jared," Renee called timidly.

Her voice broke Jared from his thoughts. He quickly removed his jacket and draped it over her frail body.

By the time he escorted Renee from the hall, Leonidas and Diomedes were still locked in battle. Both men were drenched in sweat; the bodies of dead monks littered the ground. They were at their limits, each assault draining their energy, but they gritted their teeth and pressed on, knowing a moment's carelessness could be fatal.

"Master Leonidas!" Renee cried upon seeing him. Tears streamed down her delicate face. With her father dead, Leonidas was her only remaining family.

Hearing his name, Leonidas turned. Relief flooded him at seeing Renee relatively unharmed.

Diomedes felt a sense of foreboding seeing Jared and Renee together. While Leonidas was distracted, Diomedes lunged, aiming to flee. Leonidas swung his cane to parry the attack, but it was too late.

Renee's horrified scream filled the air as Diomedes' spear approached Leonidas' exposed chest.

Jared channeled his energy; a bolt of white light, flicked from his wrist, struck Diomedes' arm. Diomedes' flesh split open, and he lost his grip on the spear. Simultaneously, Leonidas' cane crashed into Diomedes' head.

Blood gushed from Diomedes' mouth as he crumpled, unable to rise.

"Traitor! I'd love to see you try to escape this time!" Leonidas bellowed at the prostrate Diomedes.

"S-Senior, please have m-mercy! I was wrong! Dorieus forced me! It wasn't my fault! Please don't kill me!" Diomedes groveled, begging for his life.

"Scum like you deserves hell. How dare you covet life?"

Leonidas delivered a forceful kick to Diomedes' head. Diomedes' skull cracked open, his brains splattering on the ground. Depleted of energy, Leonidas' legs buckled, and he collapsed.

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