Using her elemental powers, Bonanus helped the Millelith block the Abyss Mages' magical attacks. Small, deep-blue scales floated around her, making her appear especially captivating.
Across from her, the Abyss Mages, seeing their attacks neutralized, turned their attention to Bonanus. They could tell she was a formidable opponent.
If they could defeat this deep-blue figure, their Hilichurl army would surely break through. Without her interference, they could easily shatter or burn the Millelith's shields.
For some reason, looking at Bonanus stirred an inexplicable fury within them, as if there were some deep-seated grudge.
Bonanus could sense this hostility. Though the Abyss Mages wore masks, their murderous intent was unmistakable.
She tilted her head in confusion. Do I owe you money or something? Why do you look at me like I'm your sworn enemy?
Shaking her head, she decided not to dwell on it. No point overthinking. Better to just deal with these four threats directly.
With this thought, Bonanus slowly rose into the air. Her large hands moved in rhythmic patterns, her movements elegant and mesmerizing.
The deep-blue scales rose with her. Every motion was like a graceful dance—but a dance steeped in killing intent.
Elsewhere, Xiao, observing the battle from a mountaintop, found himself momentarily entranced. How beautiful. As expected of Sister Bonanus.
Sister Bonanus remained unchanged—like a blood-stained deep-blue orchid: beautiful yet dangerous. These seemingly dance-like movements were each designed to bring death.
Enchanting. Captivating.
Her graceful form accompanied the Millelith's battle cries as Bonanus unleashed her killing intent. She covered her face with one hand, and when she drew it away, a mask like that of a fierce deity now adorned her features.
"Time for you to lie down and sleep," Bonanus murmured to herself.
Seeing this, the Abyss Mages' hearts tightened. Panic began to set in—this was the suppression of the weak by the strong.
Though unsettled, they weren't the type to surrender. They held a great ideal—the ideal of restoring their nation. Before that could be achieved, they would never allow weakness!
With this resolve, the four Abyss Mages gripped their wands tightly. They chanted incomprehensible incantations loudly, preparing to engage this terrifying blue creature before them.
Bonanus simply shook her head. Pointless struggle. For the safety of Liyue's people, fall here.
"Wail..." Perhaps to set the mood, she habitually recited some short figure's line. It felt slightly chuuni, but she didn't mind.
The words had barely left her mouth when she lunged toward one of the four Abyss Mages. She thrust her hand forward fiercely, striking at the enemy's vital point.
Shhk!
The massive, sharp weapon made a satisfying sound as it pierced flesh. With one strike, Bonanus shattered the Abyss Mage's elemental shield and killed him.
Shlick!
She pulled her blood-soaked right hand back. Blood dripped steadily to the ground.
Hot blood sprayed out, staining her mask and splattering across her clothes—a fearsome sight.
All this happened in an instant. Before the remaining Abyss Mages could react, their comrade had been pierced through and lay motionless.
This sight didn't terrify them; instead, it ignited their fury. In harsh, grating voices, they seethed:
"Foolish enemy! The Abyss shall embrace victory!"
"Our great cause to defy the divine shall eradicate threats like you!"
Bonanus frowned at the grating voices. Should I bring headphones next time I fight Abyss Mages?
They always chant useless, noisy lines during battle. Though I don't mind, it's ultimately too loud.
She felt nothing about the blood covering her—no fear, as if this were perfectly ordinary.
This didn't surprise her. Even during her first fight with Hilichurls, she'd sensed it, though her compulsion had led her to do something regrettable.
Still, some awareness had been there.
Understandable, really. This body had experienced the Archon War and the Khaenri'ah beast invasion. It had known true death.
Her heart had long hardened hundreds of times beyond ordinary measure.
If anything could "pierce" this heart, it would likely only be seeing her true family fall before her.
Boom!
As Bonanus momentarily drifted from battle, lost in thought, the Abyss Mages seized the opportunity to strike. A fireball exploded the moment it touched her.
The blast was deafening, followed by thick black smoke that stung the senses.
Afterward, the three Abyss Mages quickly distanced themselves from Bonanus, preparing further attacks. They refused to believe someone radiating such killing intent could be defeated by a single elemental blast.
The black smoke slowly dissipated. Bonanus's elemental scales had once again shielded her from harm. The legendary law of "smoke without casualties" proved true once more.
It seemed this principle had solid backing. The wise ones hadn't deceived her.
Her mask revealed no expression, but she had no intention of giving these Abyss Mages another chance to cast.
Enemies should be dealt with cleanly. No unnecessary moves.
With a sweep of her hands, the surrounding translucent scales scattered, homing in on the three remaining Abyss Mages.
Swift and deadly, the scales pierced through their elemental shields, through their robes, ending their lives in one strike.
The entire encounter took less than three minutes. Clean, efficient—not a single wasted motion.
After dealing with these enemies, Bonanus found herself inadvertently surrounded by Hilichurls. She had no intention of continuing the fight.
After all, Yan Ning had only asked her to handle the Abyss Mages. Nothing more. No need for extra actions.
Though these enemies represented karmic debt, this clearly wasn't the time to earn it.
"Bye-bye."
Bonanus waved to the Hilichurls—a farewell gesture. With that, she left the battlefield and returned to Yan Ning's side.
"The Abyss Mages have been dealt with. I'll leave the rest to you. If anything goes wrong, I'll step in." Bonanus smiled. With a flicker, she settled onto a nearby rocky slope.
Yan Ning nodded respectfully.
"Thank you, honored adeptus. Leave the rest to us."
Bonanus nodded in acknowledgment. She opened her Water Moon Ring, noting the increased karmic debt.
[Defeated four Abyss Mages. Gained 400 karmic debt.]
Current karmic debt: 24,400 / 70,000