Sacrifice's Rise: I Became Invincible After Entering Godslayer Temple Chapter 684 United in Battle

To speed up his approach, Code 19 ceased all pretense of stealth and unleashed his mana sensing without reservation.

This action not only interfered with Ali's own mana sensing but also unequivocally announced his arrival.

At this instant, Code 19 was akin to an arrow shot from a bow, his rapid movement generating immense air pressure in front of him, creating a dense mass of compressed air.

Upon his halt, this compressed air would detonate, unleashing a powerful shockwave to obliterate anyone positioned near his intended target.

This maneuver was the fruit of extensive combat experience, a skill unattainable without substantial real-world engagement.

Code 19's silent passage through the air was more chilling than any audible roar, the sheer force of his advance far more terrifying.

Within a hundred meters of Ali's forward movement, the distance separating them was ruthlessly cut in half!

It is important to note that Ali's mana sensing extended over six hundred meters!

Code 19's velocity was approximately three times her own.

This stark reality did not provoke hesitation or faltering in Ali; on the contrary, it strengthened her determination to push onward.

How could I possibly defeat such a monstrous being?

Yet, as Code 19 narrowed the gap to within a hundred meters of her, even Ali found herself incapable of continuing her retreat.

At this proximity, Code 19 could launch an assault at any moment.

To continue fleeing would mean exposing her back entirely to Code 19's impending strike.

Her sole remaining recourse was to face him directly.

Turning to confront Code 19 head-on, Ali's mana erupted, enveloping her in a delicate haze of colored mana.

The initial strike was pivotal, destined to determine the momentum of the ensuing battle.

Should Ali successfully withstand this initial blow, Code 19, having charged forward with such haste over a significant distance, would enter a brief period of vulnerability.

Even for an enhancement magus, initiating combat so rashly immediately after recovery would place considerable stress on the body.

Conversely, if Ali failed to endure the strike, a singular outcome would prevail.

And the narrative might very well conclude at that precise juncture.

The accumulated air pressure rendered Code 19's features indistinct.

Having previously engaged him in combat, Ali had developed a degree of adaptation to Code 19's incredible speed.

Although her physical body might not react with sufficient alacrity, dynamically tracking his movements was feasible, even if she were left with impaired vision.

At most, her visual field would be constricted.

As Code 19 reached Ali, traversing the dozen meters in a blur, the instant the white wall of air detonated, Code 19's dagger was already lunging forward!

Amidst the cacophony of the wind, Ali stood firm, unwavering.

While the exploding air appeared formidable, the true peril lay not there—but in the thrusting dagger!

Regardless of the circumstances, all else served merely as a diversion from the actual assault.

The determination of life and death hinged on a mere moment.

Metal shrieked against metal upon impact, producing a sharp, piercing sound.

Ali did not perceive Code 19's dagger, nor did her sword connect with any tangible object.

However, she distinctly heard the metallic clang.

A third entity!

Emerging from a blind spot in Ali's field of vision, this third individual had remained undetected until the ultimate second before intervening, deflecting Code 19 with a solitary, forceful strike!

What an astoundingly precise calculation!

Code 19 instantly retreated, his form blurring as he seemed to fracture into three distinct figures to evade the pursuit of the indistinct entity.

The clash concluded as swiftly as it had commenced, with the third arrival positioning himself before Ali, while Code 19 halted approximately twenty meters distant, his hand pressed against his right forearm where crimson seeped through his torn sleeve.

Only then was Ali able to clearly discern the identity of the third individual.

Roronora.

Yet, this was not the Roronora Ali had previously known.

His current eyes burned with a blood-red intensity, his expression was vacant, and he held only a slender dagger.

Nevertheless, the bone-chilling killing intent, reminiscent of a stalking cheetah, could not be overlooked.

If underestimated, it would be this unassuming dagger that would find its way into one's heart.

"How did you arrive here?"

Although Ali had initially intended to join forces with Roronora against Code 19, she was somewhat disoriented by his current demeanor.

The timing felt incongruous.

Hadn't she yet to be reunited with Jelia and him?

"Master... Jelia mentioned a companion was in peril. I waited nearby, to aid a companion," Roronora maintained his unswerving gaze upon Code 19 in the distance, his demeanor radiating a seriousness Ali had never witnessed before.

"The adversary is potent. Companion, and Roronora, shall fight as one."

It appeared even Roronora harbored doubts about his capacity to confront Code 19 alone, indicating his desire to engage the enemy alongside Ali.

"Orc? Half-orc? Such pure orc bloodlines still exist on this continent? If those who clandestinely delve into such matters were aware, they would be ecstatic," Code 19 released his grip on his wound, his injury proving to be a mere superficial graze despite Roronora's advantage of surprise.

"It appears I must adjust my objective."

Code 19 lifted his hand, directing the short sword, two feet in length, towards Roronora's face.

"You are stronger than that half-elf. If you possess any further secret techniques, formidable allies, or trump cards, now would be the opportune moment to reveal them."

The craving for challenging opponents seems to be a near-universal failing among enhancement mages; perhaps the influx of mana occupies the space where intellect should reside?

"There are no more..." Roronora's head shook. "To defeat you, my ally and I are sufficient."

Was it merely a perception?

Ali sensed a slight improvement in Roronora's fluency.

"Prepare yourself..." Roronora's back arched, adopting the posture of a predatory feline about to strike.

As if guided by an unseen force, Ali found herself uncannily synchronized with Roronora's rhythm at that precise instant.

She subtly adjusted her footing, positioning herself precisely half a step behind and to Roronora's right.

Code 19's lips curved into a bloodthirsty grin.

"Intriguing, most intriguing!"

You wish to end my existence? Then come, try! Let us ascertain who shall fall!

Roronora inhaled deeply before slowly exhaling, his gaze becoming more intense.

"Attack!"

Upon receiving the command, all other sounds seemed to vanish, his legs propelling him forward as if acting independently, his conscious thought becoming irrelevant.

Within Ali's field of vision, only a single, slender red line persisted.

This represented the projected path of his sword's arc.

Following this trajectory, Code 19's movements would be significantly impeded, granting Roronora the optimal opening!

Although Roronora uttered no words, the instant his spirit radiated outwards, Ali discovered herself completely enveloped by his momentum.

Such a profound influence she had only witnessed in the presence of Red Eye!

Yet, unlike Red Eye's overpowering dominance, Roronora's influence was subtle, silently achieving its objective.

By the time Ali fully grasped the situation, she found herself utterly unable to disengage.

Indeed, if this were an enemy's strategy, one might never find peace again.

Sensing her body launching forward with an almost uncontrollable momentum, reaching its maximum velocity in under half a second, her muscles strained as if tearing, and even her bones began to creak.

Her physical capabilities were pushed to their absolute limit; Ali broke away from Roronora's rear, altering her course by using a tree trunk as leverage, and executing a spin to shorten the red line she perceived.

Her sword flipped, concealing the blade behind her form, rendering Code 19 incapable of anticipating her next move.

Roronora's strike was undeniably the most lethal, but even the deadliest assault proves useless if it fails to connect.

Without Ali's coordinated action, Roronora could, at best, merely hold Code 19 at bay, falling far short of posing a genuine threat to his life.

Despite Roronora initiating the assault, the individual fulfilling the most critical role was Ali, acting under his guidance.

As her speed intentionally diminished, Roronora positioned himself half a step behind Ali, his dagger commencing a rapid rotation.

Five meters... four meters... three meters... two meters... strike!

Ali, arriving at the designated spot first, spun her body, her sword tracing a radiant spiral as it revolved.

The sword's tip, whistling with a menacing force, sliced through the red line's path, aiming directly for Code 19's head!

Almost concurrently with Ali's initiated attack, Code 19 reacted, his short sword sweeping upwards – not to parry, but to launch a counterattack, targeting Ali's abdomen.

Should Ali press her offensive, Code 19's blade would cleave her open before she could land her own strike.

To sustain a grievous injury in exchange for a life – this was Code 19's blend of bravery and shrewdness.

Currently, the discernible advantage rested with Roronora and Ali.

Even though Roronora had not fully recovered his strength, demonstrating the capabilities of a level 2 mage was well within his power.

Under these specific conditions, neither Roronora nor Ali would contemplate a strategy of mutual destruction.

Instead, they would opt for a more judicious course of action.