Abyssal Sovereignty

According to a theory proposed by a certain witch, the body of a living being controls the output of a type of energy known as 'mana.' An immature or unrestrained body is like an unsealed container, naturally leaking mana. The concept of mana concealment involves controlling the body to prevent this leakage.

Normally, the leaked mana would disperse into the environment, becoming part of the ambient mana. However, the giant serpent's mana was now wrapped around its body like armor, effectively nullifying Yverantheia's attacks.

'...So this is another way to use mana.'

Yverantheia had always been educated by the Church of Holy Light, which restricted a lot of knowledge, including anything related to witches. She had only stumbled upon this theory by chance and read it secretly. The problem was that many modern theories were proposed by that witch, leaving Yverantheia's understanding outdated. She had always believed that a mage's mana should be used for casting spells.

But now, it was time to abandon that notion.

'...Wrapping mana around the body...'

Yverantheia began to mimic the serpent's use of mana. She had always used mana solely for casting spells, so she needed to start by precisely controlling her mana.

However, having once been chosen as a saintess, she had the talent for it. In no time, she had grasped the basics of covering her body with mana.

The giant serpent, meanwhile, had its mouth agape in astonishment.

This method of using mana was actually a part of its inherent skill—the pseudo-dragon's 'Pseudo-Dragon Scales.'

Though it was a crude version, it had been learned just like that. What should it be called now? 'Pseudo-Pseudo-Dragon Scales'?

Regardless, Yverantheia's threat level had just skyrocketed, forcing the serpent to be on high alert.

Ignoring the damage to its body, the serpent began to gather mana in its mouth, intending to unleash another branch skill, 'Pseudo-Dragon Breath,' to end the battle in one blow.

Mana was continuously compressed into a light sphere. At the serpent's command, the sphere would unleash a torrent of energy forward, causing massive damage.

'Damn it! She keeps jumping around!'

Yverantheia's constant movement made it impossible for the serpent to aim. Without a direct hit, the attack's power would be greatly diminished.

The energy sphere remained in the serpent's mouth, oblivious to the huge flaw in its strategy.

Seizing the opportunity, Yverantheia delivered a powerful kick to its chin. The force made the serpent snap its jaws shut uncontrollably.

The energy sphere was thus bitten through and exploded in its mouth.

Yverantheia landed gracefully on the ground, while the serpent collapsed heavily, kicking up dust, its mouth billowing with black smoke from the explosion.

"It's over."

"W-Wait... please wait!"

The serpent struggled to speak.

"I am willing to submit to you, just spare my kin."

For this serpent, the survival of its species was paramount. It had attacked Yverantheia to protect the young members of its clan who were about to be slaughtered.

However, this meant nothing to Yverantheia. Although the serpent was strong, it was insignificant compared to her true goal. She needed only her own strength.

"...I don't need that. Give me your blood, and I'll spare your kin."

Yes, she only needed to grow stronger. As a magical beast with dragon lineage, the serpent's blood was a rare material. It was valuable for alchemy, crafting tools... the uses were endless.

"...Understood. Thank you for your mercy."

With the remaining mana it had, the serpent cut through its scales and skin, presenting the purest part of its dragon lineage blood to Yverantheia.

Yverantheia used mana to control the blood, preventing it from spilling onto the ground.

'About two liters, that's enough.'

Taking the blood with her, Yverantheia pondered how to use it as she walked back to the cave.