"ROOT

" I muttered

Immediately, my ring shone purple, creating a surge of purple energy around it.

"Oh? Isn't that the 'Root Of All'? You also possess Lord Hexarion's treasure?

"

Wrath beamed in surprise upon seeing me command ROOT.

"Interesting... I can we why you were able to reach this far and even try to pose as him, you've conquered one of my Lord's Dungeons haven't you?.

" He stated.

Idiot. It's because I'm Hexarion I can do those things. In the first place, Root won't recognize anyone else as its master.

But Wrath's cognitive ability is incapable of reasoning that way, what a meathead.

Many swirling purple portals appeared all around him, and from within them proceeded several Sacred Grade Treasures.

"Heh, You won't be able to use it for long, though... Let's see how long it'll take before your body reaches its limits!

" Wrath grinned.

If it's only Sacred Grade Treasures, I'll be able to manage just fine!

I launched several of my Treasures at him at once, making sure there was no room for escape.

He swiftly dodged the first wave, using his body to deflect the ones which he couldn't avoid. Quickly grabbing two of the treasures, he used them to strike the rest that lunged at him.

>Clang<

>Clang<

The sturdy Treasures sparked as they tried hitting him, but we're accurately deflected by his swings.

"No, you don't!

" I muttered, retrieving the Treasures he had on his hands back into ROOT, just as he was about to deflect dozens of Treasures which launched at him at rapid speeds.

He grinned widely as he drew both his hands to each other, slapping them together. The sudden impact of his two fists created a massive force that blew away the blades that targeted him.

>Skreeeeee<

Screeching sounds of metal and the Treasures which were blown away filled the air, colliding with one another as sparks few all around.

I immediately summoned a massive blaster from a large hole from ROOT and fired the highly concentrated shot at Wrath.

His hands were still glued together as he huffed when he glanced at my location and noticed the whirring sound of the incoming blast.

"You little-

"

>Booooooooooooommmmmmm<

The explosion spread for a great distance, shattering the ground and pillars around it.

I used Hex to defend myself from the blast, but even Safe Haven cracked due to the impact caused by the eruption of pure energy.

The dust and smoke surrounding the area hampered my regular sight, making me switch to my heightened senses. However, before I finished the transfer, a gust blew all the mist away, making the entire area visible once again.

"Ahhh... Yes, this is it!

" Wrath's voice echoed throughout the destroyed grounds.

I gazed up and saw him floating in the sky, having his dragon wings carry him up as he levitated in majesty.

His face looked crazed, as his charred and battered body emitted smoke, evident that he was damaged.

My last attack must have injured him, though it's nowhere close to taking him out.

"Hehehehehe...Good! Good! I like this!

" He bellowed in an obsessive tone, laughing heartily.

While his body displayed signs of injury, he showed no signs of recuperating.

"Why don't you heal yourself?

" I asked him with a curious smile.

If he wants, Wrath can make himself better, and in a few moments, the wounds on him will simply vanish. Instead, he seems to bask in the wounds I inflicted on him.

Wrath shook his head as soon as he heard my statement.

"There's no need! This was caused by my own carelessness, a mistake I won't be making again!

" He declared.

I see... So he is aware that his actions have been rash and negligent. I suppose he does have some sense, after all.

But he is too naive. You should always use all the tools at your disposal when fighting a serious opponent, especially when they've managed to injure you.

"I suppose I'll have to teach him that once I repossess him...

"

Suddenly, red flashes of lightning and pure power began to swell around him. His already well build body seemed to grow larger, and his muscles became tender. His entire body became enveloped in his crimson aura which covered him like a cloak.

A bead of sweat dripped from my forehead.

I'm not scared personally, but this body of mine is naturally reacting to the sight and pressure I'm taking in.

My body's instincts are screaming out that my current foe is way out of my league, which I know very well.

The disadvantage on my side is too enormous.

My major tools for combat are ROOT and my wits.

Wrath is immune to HEX, and his body is even more resistant to Aspects than mine... Making him nearly invincible in a fight.

But, everyone has a weakness... And that includes him.

The intimidating aura of Wrath continued to flow as he smiled devilishly.

"Well... Since we're using Treasures now... I suppose it wouldn't be fair if I didn't bring mine out as well...

"

Damn it, it's as I thought. I really didn't want it to come to this, but there's no helping it.

Wrath is about to use his Treasure, meaning he is getting serious.

"I can't contain myself anymore! I just want to rampage! Please don't die too early, let's have more fun!

" He grinned with a crazy expression.

He suddenly closed his eyes to focus and began to chant

"Appear before me... Harbinger Of Absolute Destruction And Chaos... Weaved From Countless Death and Devastation ...

"

Energy swirled about Wrath, and I couldn't even get close to him due to the amount of malevolent force that protected his terrifying frame.

As he chanted, I considered my next method of approach. There are currently hundreds, no, thousands of means I can use, yet... I will still lose. The path to victory is only one, a definite choice I have been ready to make since this fight started.

".... Dragon Robe Of Armageddon!

" He concluded.

>BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!<

A great explosion caused by Wrath's power made the entire area tremble as the spot around him was engulfed in fiery flames. He has finally unleashed his Treasure, one which boasts one of the highest destructive powers of my creation... A Divine Grade.

"Tch...

" I let out in dissatisfaction.

Covering his entire body, like a coat, was a deep crimson mass of energy. It glowed and warbled, displaying several designs of a dragon on it. On his hands were two gauntlets that had the same aura, and his legs became filled with fiery boots.

The cloak around him, in the form of a long jacket, swerved forth as he kept flying in the air, slightly flapping his wings to remain afloat.

Wrath condescendingly gazed down on me, making me feel insulted by the state to which I became subject.

Leaping from the ground, I levitated as I climbed higher to reach his level.

Fighting at unequal grounds will be disadvantageous to me, especially with his current state.

"Let's continue now!

" He said.

Of course, he'll say that. Currently, he has achieved a monstrous level of strength, and it won't be an overstatement to say he's as powerful as a god in this state.

Sacred Grade Treasures are useless in this fight. The only things I can use now are HEX Authorities and a Higher Grade of Treasures. The side effects will be disastrous, but I've always known that this would be the only way to win.

There's no need to be cautious anymore. It's all or nothing now! If I keep my cards hidden due to my worry, I'll be destroyed.

"Very well, I'll end it soon!

" I grinned.

"ROOT!

"

Immediately I projected my thoughts to my ring, it sent a notification to me immediately.

WARNING!!!

Yes No

Of course, I'm aware of the risks of doing this, but there's no other option!

I selected no, and expected an immediate execution of my command, but Root would not have it.

NOTICE!!!

:-( :-( :-( :-( :-(

Yes No

Yes, I am sure!

What a nag, did I really design this system like this? Or is it...?

There's no time to consider that now. All I need is for it to obey my instructions.

"ROOT! DO IT!

" I commanded.

Immediately, dark purple energy covered my body and slowly enveloped every part.

Wrath looked surprised by what was occurring.

"N-No way! There's no way you would be able to handle that! Come to think of it, you should be spent by now... How can you still try that? Who the hell are you?!

" He blurted out, with a slightly concerned and confused look.

His expression of concern was not for me, however, but for himself.

His eyes bulged as my transformation became complete... Slowly losing the confidence that just overflowed through him.

"Wrath... I'll say it one more time. I am your Master, Hexarion. And I have come back to take you...

" I muttered, revealing myself from the darkness that covered the entire area I stayed.

"N-No, t-there's no way... But then...

"

In his flustered and trembling state, he considered my words some more. But, Wrath still shook his head in disbelief.

It's as I thought. He's too stubborn... Unless I personally discipline him, Wrath will not break!

My body finally came forth from the blackness, fully covered by various armaments and Treasures. The surrounding area collapsed merely due to the pressure I exerted from just floating.

"Prepare yourself for your punishment.... My dear servant!

" I gleamed evilly.