Bab 1097: Help Resurfaces

My body felt heavy and strained, my Nether energy still recovering from my battle with the Kraken. 

Despite this, I was in a deadlock with the madman. Our powers clashed, and the chilling control of his Spells surprised me. 

They matched even my quick-thinking and nimble use of spells.

I had to be very conservative with the amount of energy I utilized now.

"[Nether Barrage]!" I yelled, directing a flurry of concentrated Nether bolts at him. 

He merely smirked, replying with a resounding "[Void Deflect]!" 

His protective spell repelled my bolts back at me. 

"Tch…" I barely managed to side-step them, the impact causing a nearby rock to shatter.

Then I immediately retaliated with a Spell of my own. 

Concentrated tendrils of Nether snaked out from my hand, aiming to ensnare him. The madman, however, had already predicted my move.