Darkness was completely enraged by the actions of Liyakade and her group.
Because, judging from their movements, it was clear they had already anticipated her ambush here.
Although she didn’t know how Liyakade and the others had discovered it, they had indeed predicted her actions.
However, even knowing in advance that she would set up an ambush here, they still chose to step into the trap, not only without thinking of escaping, but even deliberately separating from the main force and exposing weaknesses.
Knowing full well she was lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment, yet showing no sign of retreat—wasn’t this blatant contempt for Darkness?
Their attitude was practically saying that, even if she set a trap, they believed they could handle it with ease.
That was why Darkness was infuriated by Liyakade and her group.
At the same time, Liyakade didn’t hold back at all, unleashing her Demon Bloodline in full force.
Facing an opponent of Darkness’s level, she naturally dared not go easy.
As for Chloe, who witnessed her transformation, Liyakade could only explain after the battle ended.
“Clang clang—”
A series of sharp, deafening sounds exploded as the two figures collided, sparks scattering in the air.
Liyakade’s level was lower than Darkness’s.
Though she had a slight edge in terms of bloodline, she was still at a disadvantage in the actual clash, suppressed in both speed and strength.
“You traitor of the Demon Race!”
Darkness swung her arm with force, the immense power in her sharp claws sending Liyakade flying.
At the same time, several massive flying insects surged toward Liyakade.
Liyakade, flung through the air, spread her wings and landed steadily atop an Earthen Wall raised by Chloe.
She then swung her claws, shredding several Shadowflower Eaters with multiple Blood Blades.
“Traitor, huh? Can you alone represent the entire Demon Race?”
Liyakade looked down at Darkness from above, pointing her sharp claws at her.
After deducing the hidden plot, her dislike for Darkness grew even stronger—perhaps even surpassing her distaste for Irina Zi.
After all, regardless of the Demon Race’s victory or defeat, this person had never appeared in the original story, always using the protagonist as her agent.
Like a shadow, hiding in the darkness and manipulating others, never daring to show her true face.
Moreover, this person belonged to Korim’s opposing faction.
How could Liyakade possibly show her any kindness?
“Heh… Since you’re so arrogant, let me show you just how overconfident you really are.”
With that, Darkness quickly sank into the shadows.
“Trying to escape!”
Seeing this, Liyakade immediately conjured a Blood Spear covered in blue Wind Element, hurling it at Darkness.
When the spear struck the shadow, it exploded, blood splattering across the ground—but Darkness’s shadow had vanished.
At that moment, Alice and the others were being entangled by Shadowflower Eaters, unable to free themselves to stop Darkness.
“Where did these disgusting bugs come from?”
Field imbued her blade with Fire Element as she swung at the swarm.
Each strike burned and slaughtered clusters of insects, filling the air with the scent of charred monsters.
Chloe focused on defense and control, using Earthen Walls and rocks to herd the swarm, striking them with sand to prevent them from closing in.
Alice attacked with Light Sphere and her own Magic Circle, her magic easily wiping out the swarms that seemed especially afraid of the Light Element.
“Did that person really summon this many bugs just now?”
Field asked in confusion as she cut through the swarm.
Darkness’s shadow had only spread for an instant, yet so many insects had surged forth.
“No, that’s not right!”
Alice keenly noticed changes in the swarm.
Instead of decreasing under their attacks, the bugs were only increasing in number.
“They’re not just coming from Darkness’s shadow. More are surging from other places within the gorge.”
A crimson arc sliced through the air.
Liyakade swung her claws, instantly shredding large sections of the swarm around Alice and the others, clearing space.
Darkness had already merged into the shadows, making it nearly impossible for Liyakade to pursue, and even if she caught up, victory was uncertain.
If Darkness was using this as a feint to lure Liyakade away and then attack Alice and the others, they would be in grave danger.
Therefore, Liyakade chose to regroup and help Alice and the others handle the swarm first.
“Could Darkness have set up this ambush in advance?”
With Liyakade joining the battle, the group instantly felt the pressure lighten.
Chloe, seeing the changes in Liyakade, was shocked and full of questions, but now was not the time to ask.
Based on the feel of the battle, Liyakade judged that the average level of these insects was around LV.25.
Field’s Fire Element was effective against arthropods, and Alice’s Light Element restrained the Demon Race, so the two could manage the swarm.
However, more bugs continued to pour from the rocky walls, thickets, and beneath the walkways.
Other monsters like Shadow Wolves and Shadow Snakes also rushed toward them.
“Even if she’s stronger than us, does she plan to grind us down with sheer numbers?”
Liyakade understood at a glance.
Darkness intended to exhaust their magic and stamina with a swarm assault before emerging to finish them off.
Of course, Liyakade had already anticipated this.
Being Demon Race herself, she knew that intelligent demons could control low-level, mindless monsters.
Moreover, since they had been drawn into the monster-filled Bibo Gorge, there was no way this was just a fair fight.
Though the sheer numbers were unexpected, Liyakade had already prepared countermeasures.
“Keep your defenses up and focus on yourselves—especially you, Alice. Leave the attacking to me.”
Liyakade issued new tactical orders as she drove her claws into a leaping Shadow Wolf.
As she gripped it, the creature’s body shriveled, her magic power replenishing within.
Then, blood flashed outward—countless Blood Thorns shooting into the surrounding swarms and monsters.
This was one of the abilities Liyakade gained after obtaining that pink pattern.
In battle, it allowed her to absorb the enemy’s life to restore her magic and stamina.
Against low-level monsters, the magic she gained from their deaths even exceeded what she spent.
Thus, she could keep fighting almost endlessly—only her mental strength would wear down over time.