The Devouring Knight-Chapter 360 - 359: The Duel of Storm and Stone

On another part of the battlefield, where the wind howled and the ground shook, the fight on Lumberling's side raged on.

The spear-wielding Viking still stood firm, facing both Lumberling and Grand Elder Tian without hesitation.

'Spearheart Thrust, Thundering Lunge, Triple Fang.'

Lumberling's three skills flowed together as thunder coursed through his body. His spear gleamed, wrapped in crackling lightning, and with a sharp shout, he lunged forward. Each thrust split into three, striking through the air like bolts of pure light.

Some of his attacks connected, piercing the Viking's shoulder, leg, and side. Yet the man barely flinched. His body felt like solid iron, hardened by countless battles.

"Bastard!" the Viking roared, swinging his spear in a wide, furious arc. The counterattack tore through the air with terrifying force.

But before it could strike, Grand Elder Tian stepped in front of Lumberling, his body solid as stone. The blow slammed into him, but barely left a mark.

His martial artist's body was terrifyingly tough. Lumberling knew that even a Knight Three Stage would struggle to break through such a defense.

"Lord Lumberling, I'm going all out!" Grand Elder Tian shouted, his voice booming like thunder. Every bit of refined energy in his body coiled tightly in his muscles and bones. His frame trembled under the sheer power.

"Mountain Shatter Fist!"

He roared and threw a punch, the air rippling with the force. The ground cracked beneath his feet, and the blow surged forward like a small earthquake.

Lumberling didn't waste the opening. Lightning still dancing around him, he charged once more, thrusting his spear with all his strength. His three techniques merged again into a single, devastating assault.

The Viking blocked some of Lumberling's strikes, but Grand Elder Tian's punch smashed through his guard completely. The force sent the Viking flying, tearing through rocks and trees before crashing hard into the ground.

Smoke rose from the impact. Slowly, the Viking pushed himself up, leaning on his spear for support. Two deep fist marks were carved across his chest. He spat out blood, his eyes burning with furious rage.

"Fight me one on one if you've got the guts!" the Viking roared, his voice echoing through the chaos.

Grand Elder Tian frowned. "Lord Lumberling, what did he say?"

"He's challenging me to a one-on-one duel," Lumberling replied calmly.

"There's no need for that. Let's just finish him together," Tian said firmly.

Lumberling shook his head. "No. I'll give him his chance. Leave this to me, Grand Elder Tian." He smirked slightly. 'Or you might accidentally steal my kill.'

Before Tian could argue, Lumberling was already moving. Lightning danced around him as he lunged forward, spear aimed straight at his enemy.

The Viking planted his feet, bracing for the charge. A grin spread across his face when he saw only Lumberling coming at him.

"Idiot," he spat. "You're dead."

'Spear of the Godstorm.'

His divine blessing flared to life. Power surged through his body as thunder rolled across the sky. Lightning gathered along the tip of his spear, burning white-hot. Then he hurled it forward, a single strike carrying the wrath of the storm god himself.

Meanwhile, Lumberling smiled faintly.

'Spear Domain - Circle of Eternity.'

A bright ring of mana burst outward from his feet, rippling across the ground like waves of golden light. The air trembled, and the earth quaked as his domain spread. Inside that circle, everything slowed, the dust, the wind, even the Viking's lightning spear seemed to crawl through the air.

Lumberling could see it clearly now, the full path of his opponent's strike.

He took a slow breath and willed the sprout within his heart to awaken.

'Celestial Convergence.'

The two skills merged, their power intertwining until his whole body burned with divine and elemental energy. In that instant, his strongest attack was born.

When their spears met, the world seemed to split apart. Thunder and golden light clashed, shaking the ground with deafening force. But within that chaos, Lumberling moved with a single, perfect motion.

He sidestepped the Viking's divine strike and thrust straight through his chest.

Booom!

As the light and smoke faded, the Viking stood for a brief moment, his spear slipping from his hand. Then his body collapsed, revealing a gaping hole through his chest, his heart completely destroyed.

(You have devoured the Battle-Seiðr's essence. 3,500 essence absorbed. Absorbing a portion of the Battle-Seiðr's memories and experiences.)

(Beginner Thundering Lunge Lv.1 → Lv.2 | Power +120)

(Beginner Triple Fang Lv.1 → Lv.2 | Power +120)

(Beginner Spearheart Thrust Lv.3 → Lv.4 | Power +173)

(Low-Level Spearheart Doctrine Lv.7 → Lv.8 | Power +348)

(Thunder Element has become Level 1. Power +100.)

(Thor's Blessing has become Level 2. Power +120.)

As the system notifications faded, Lumberling exhaled slowly. He could feel it, the flow of new knowledge, the techniques, the instinctive movements of the Viking's spear style blending with his own. His body almost vibrated with the resonance. Even his thunder element had grown stronger, pulsing steadily within him.

Grand Elder Tian landed beside him, his expression filled with awe. "That was an incredible skill, Lord Lumberling…" he said, still catching his breath. He was grateful they were on the same side. If he had faced that strike himself, he doubted he would have survived.

Lumberling gave a small nod. "Thank you, Elder Tian. Come, let's go help Elder Hanxu next."

He turned toward the sound of another clash nearby. The last Viking still fought fiercely.

He had seen his companion fall, but instead of retreating, he roared and charged forward in a final act of defiance. His heavy sword swung down with terrifying force, aimed straight at Elder Hanxu, who also held a blade ready.

At the last second, Grand Elder Tian appeared between them, his arm raised to block the blow. The impact shook the ground, but Tian didn't budge, standing firm like a living wall.

That opening was all Lumberling needed. In a flash, he dashed forward, lightning trailing behind him. His spear struck with perfect precision, disarming the Viking and knocking him unconscious before he could swing again.