Humanity's Greatest Combi
"I see... Raymed. What a wonderful name," Baal's voice hummed softly, her eyes shining with anticipation. "Let's have a good, real fight then."
Her demonic aura surged violently, shaking the battlefield once again as the pressure in the air thickened.
But something was different this time.
I'm not alone anymore.
A calm sensation washed through me... a familiar yet far away. Warm, gentle waves of mana flowed towards my battered body, easing my pain and soothing the chaotic storm within.
It was Carmilla... that's her healing spell.
But how? At this distance, her mana control shouldn't be precise enough to reach me accurately.
Then, almost immediately, another sensation followed.
A Cool, focused, and meticulously refined mana.
Thalamik… He's guiding Carmilla's magic to me. Not only that... He's blending it with his own mana.
"Thal... you crazy bastard," I whispered, smiling slightly despite the dire circumstances. "You've always had a knack for the impossible."
"Of course! Compared to Unlimited Undead, this is easy!"
Slowly, my wounds began closing. The ache in my muscles lessened, replaced by newfound strength. Yet it wasn't just healing I was experiencing. My own chaotic mana was merging with Thalamik's refined mana, becoming calmer and more potent.
I've heard this concept before...
Mana titration... They're adjusting my mana quality upward.
Baal seemed to notice, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied me, intrigued. "Oh, what's this? Your mana is changing."
"Surprised?" I said, straightening fully now, confidence rising. "You're not just facing me anymore."
She tilted her head, amused. "Then who exactly am I facing?"
I smiled, raising Paimon's sword with renewed steadiness.
"This is Humanity's Greatest Combi. Here on out, remember well how strong we are."
"Yeah, Combi, keep that in mind...not a soloist assH*** NOW DON'T CUT US OFF AGAIN!!"
Despite his harsh words, I could sense his unwavering determination. He was pouring almost all of his controlled mana into me, precisely guiding Carmilla's healing spell along an invisible path across the battlefield.
This was something only he could manage to do under these extreme conditions.
"Ray..." Carmilla's softer voice chimed in weakly. She sounded exhausted, yet the strength behind her intent was unmistakable. "Please... you have to finish this quickly. We won't last forever..."
I nodded firmly. "Understood."
Baal watched our silent exchange curiously, sensing our interaction through mana alone. "A splendid teamwork display. But will it truly be enough?"
She vanished from sight, reappearing mere inches from me, sword flashing. My heightened instincts reacted instantly, and our blades clashed violently, releasing an explosive burst of magical energy.
My mana surged sharply again as Thalamik infused more of his refined mana into me. It felt smoother, more controlled—utterly different from my usual chaotic power.
With every clash, my movements grew more fluid, my reactions sharper. Each strike carried a new weight, amplified by the purified mana flowing from Thalamik and the restorative power of Carmilla's spell.
"You humans truly astonish me," Baal remarked, parrying a fierce blow. "To think you'd master mana refinement in the heat of battle. Simply astounding."
"Well, we humans tend to get stronger when pushed," I replied, smiling through gritted teeth. "Guess you'll find out firsthand."
Our swords danced furiously, each strike more potent and precise than the last. Though Baal still matched me step-for-step, her casual demeanor had faded entirely. She now fought seriously, acknowledging the genuine threat I posed.
Then Thalamik's voice sounded again, more apparent and steadier.
"Ray, you're finally adjusting to the refined mana. Your body's like a mana battery, remember? However, it's now more efficient and of higher quality. That means your output should match that. Stop fighting like a wild beast and start fighting like a swordsman! On top of that, why haven't you tried to absorb her mana?" Thalamik starts yapping like again like a bi*ch.
"I know, dammit!" I shot back mentally, smirking despite myself. "Thanks, Thal."
"Save your thanks for after we survive," he muttered.
THIS... GUY!
"STOP BACKSEATING ME, BRO!" I spat.
.
.
.
Another rush of Carmilla's healing mana washed through me, perfectly balanced by Thalamik's meticulous guidance. Each second, they carefully fed mana into my core, stabilizing the previously turbulent energy within.
I could feel it...
Our three different mana qualities harmonise into one potent force.
"Mana trinity..." Baal whispered appreciatively, as if reading my thoughts. Her blade sliced swiftly toward me again. "Very well, Raymed, show me more of humanity's strength!"
Gladly.
I gripped Paimon's blade tighter, channeling the refined mana throughout my entire body. For the first time, it felt entirely under my command.
This is... proper mana control.
"I won't waste this gift you've given me," I said to my friends softly, knowing they'd hear.
I gathered my newfound strength, pouring my unified mana into my blade. Its energy surged brilliantly, radiating a vibrant magenta hue—balanced, controlled, unstoppable.
Baal raised her blade, her eyes alight with anticipation. Her stance changed, readying herself for a strike worthy of respect.
I charged forward, moving faster, sharper, and more accurately than I ever had before. Our blades collided once more in a flash of brilliant mana, sending tremors throughout the battlefield.
This strike is not just mine—it's all of ours!
With Carmilla's healing magic replenishing my stamina, Thalamik's refined mana raising my precision and strength, and my own massive mana pool providing explosive power, we moved as one.
Three hearts. One purpose.
A Mana trinity united by unbreakable bonds.
And now, Baal was about to experience firsthand just how powerful humanity could genuinely be.
.
.
.
.
.
Our blades clashed furiously, the air crackling with the volatile sparks of clashing mana. With each strike, my grasp on the refined mana provided by Thalamik and Carmilla deepened. My movements became sharper, my instincts more precise.
Yet Baal, First-Rank Demon Lord Envoy, matched my every effort with frightening ease.
Her sword danced effortlessly around mine—beautiful yet deadly, every movement perfectly calculated.
She was more powerful than anything I'd ever faced, and I knew that without my friends, I'd already be dead.
Now I am beginning to feel once again unsure to fight...
Can I really win this?
"Ray! You're slipping again!" Thalamik's sharp voice echoed urgently in my mind, frustration evident. He pushed another wave of meticulously refined mana toward me. "Focus, dammit!"
I gritted my teeth, responding telepathically. "You try fighting this monster head-on! This is not as easy as it looks"
No. There's no use in thinking like that.
I can't let them down now. They've placed their hope in me.
"Show me more, Raymed," Baal mocked, slicing downward mercilessly. "Surely your friends' aid isn't just for decoration? Where is the Humanity power you boasted before?"
I barely parried her blade, my muscles trembling from sheer exhaustion, before ducking low and quickly channeling mana into the ground beneath her.
"Earth Spikes!" I shouted desperately.
Rock formations surged violently upward, sharp and jagged, but Baal simply raised a hand, her dark mana obliterating the spikes effortlessly. She smiled condescendingly, not even slightly winded.
Frustration boiled within me.
She's unstoppable head-on. I need something else—something unexpected.
I darted backward, creating space as I raised my fingers swiftly into the air, weaving mana through them.
"Mana Thread!"
Invisible strands rapidly formed, lashing toward Baal. Her laugh echoed mockingly through the battlefield. "Threads? You think such petty tricks—"
But before she could finish, I clenched my fist sharply, causing the threads to constrict abruptly around her limbs. Baal's golden eyes widened slightly, momentarily caught off guard.
"Haaa!" I lunged forward, sword drawn back for a decisive strike.
Yet, in that brief second of hope, a smirk crossed her lips. "Child's play."
A torrent of mana erupted from her body, snapping my threads effortlessly and unleashing a shockwave that hurled me backward, violently crashing into the ground.
Pain exploded through my body, breath catching in my throat. I forced myself to stand, swaying unsteadily, frustration gnawing at my confidence.
"Ray!" Thalamik barked. "She's powerful—but not invincible. Use your brain for once! Find her weakness!"
Carmilla's voice reached me next, softer but resolute. "Ray, you can do this. Trust yourself—we trust you."
Their mana surged even stronger this time, reinforcing every muscle and every bone in my weary body. But still—it wasn't enough. I couldn't overpower her, nor could I match her skill directly.
Baal calmly approached again, blade resting casually over her shoulder, disappointed amusement clear in her gaze. "This is disappointing."
I rushed forward, injecting mana into the ground beneath her once more, rapidly shifting tactics.
"Quicksand!"
Instantly, the ground liquefied beneath her feet, catching Baal momentarily off guard. Seizing the chance, I swung horizontally with every ounce of force I had—
—but just as quickly, she regained her composure, deflecting my strike effortlessly.
"Better," she acknowledged calmly, "but still predictable."
I roared inwardly as I give her every possible combination of attack pattern that I know. Every attack met the same fate, casually dismissed by her overwhelming defense.
My breaths became ragged, fatigue penetrating deep into my bones. Even Thalamik's refined mana had limits and Carmilla's healing magic was growing faint.
Why am I struggling?
No I should've listen to Thal...
I can be sure now... I was provoked.
I need to stay more calm and think everything through.
Even if she didn't believe in our existence.
Even if she still saw us as vermin.
What I am trying to win is not pride.
I am trying to win so I can protect my friends.
My mind raced desperately for answers, my heart hammering painfully against my ribs.
Then suddenly—a single thought struck me clearly.
Land a single blow...
Baal's words replayed vividly. She'd never specified it had to be a sword strike.
A slight grin tugged at my lips, determination surging anew. "I've got it," I whispered.
"Got what?" Thalamik's voice, wary, immediately replied. "Ray, you're not about to do something stupid again, are you?"
"Of course I am."
Before Thalamik could protest further, I charged again with showing my reckless desperation. Baal smiled patiently, believing I'd finally snapped under pressure. Our blades met violently, sparks illuminating the ruined battlefield.
"You never learn," Baal said smoothly, her strength pushing me steadily onto my knees. "Strength alone cannot defeat me."
She was right—I was losing.
But victory here wasn't about strength alone.
It wasn't on defeating Baal.
With sudden resolve, I flooded every remaining drop of my mana into the blade itself.
"What are you—?" Baal's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
The sword shuddered under the extreme mana pressure, vibrating wildly. Cracks splintered across its surface, glowing dangerously.
Baal's expression morphed into shock as she finally grasped the meaning. "You're insane—!"
I grinned fiercely, driving even more mana into the weapon. "Exactly!"
10....
25...
50....
90...
99....
"HAAAAA!!!!"""""
BOOOMMM!!!!
In an earsplitting explosion, the sword shattered violently between us, sending fragments and chaotic mana scattering everywhere. Baal recoiled instinctively, momentarily blinded by the burst of raw, uncontrolled energy.
My chance had finally come.
Letting go of the shattered hilt, I clenched my fist tightly, channeling every drop of refined, controlled mana directly into my knuckles.
"One chance..." I whispered to myself, cutting straight through the blinding explosion.
"RAYMED!" Thalamik, finally realizing what I was aiming to do, roared mentally as he pushed more refined mana through me urgently. "DO IT!"
"GO, RAY!" Carmilla's exhausted but determined voice urged me forward, pouring the last drops of her healing magic into my weary body.
Baal recovered just in time to glimpse my fist surging toward her, eyes wide with disbelief. "You—!"
A forcefield appeared at the last second in front of her face like the one Paimon had used before.
My right arm was now colliding with that forcefield as I struggle to bypass it.
No... I can't pass through...
Is this really how it ends?
"GO ALL OUT RAY!!!! GO BEYOND 99%!! NO GO BEYOND EVEN IF YOU'RE SURE THERE WON'T BE ANY LEFT." Thalamik screamed.
I raised my aura, depleting it until there's nothing left.
"HUARGHHHH!!!!"
As the forcefield cracked, suddenly, mana formed like tendrils as it took on the fragments of the forcefield.
"I will take care of your mana battery! Just focus on breaking that forcefield. Only you can do it now!"
Thalamik used his own mana that has been transporting healing magic and his mana supply to me as the base to collect more mana from the forcefield erected by Baal into my very being.
CRACK!!!
BRUNGGG!!!!
Finally, my punch connected solidly against her jaw, unleashing a deafening crack as her head snapped sharply backward. Followed by a burst of mana with the remainder of my energy, which was 1%. Sparks appeared followed by a magenta lightning rupturing our surroundings.
.
.
.
.
Silence fell instantly.
Panting heavily, I stood trembling from sheer exhaustion, my knuckles screaming in pain.
But I couldn't care less...
I have landed that blow.
We had finally done it.
Baal slowly steadied herself, touching her jaw lightly in genuine astonishment.
Her eyes now gazed at me with deep respect and fascination.
"Incredible…" she murmured, her lips slowly spreading into a devilish smile. "You did it."
I stumbled backward, barely managing to remain standing, yet smiling triumphantly. "One blow," I gasped, my voice strained but proud. "You never said it had to be a sword."
Distantly, I heard Thalamik's panting through telepathy. "Haah... Took you long enough! You one brilliant idiot..."
Carmilla's voice, softly joyful yet exhausted, joined next. "I am glad you really pulled it off…"
A gentle wave of satisfaction washed over me, mixing warmly with exhaustion.
Baal straightened fully, her eyes glowing appreciatively.
She took another step back, dignity radiating from her despite her clear astonishment. "A deal's a deal," she announced clearly, her voice carrying across the ruined battlefield. "Humanity... today's victory is yours." Baal grew her wings as she flicked her finger once more; a portal opened. "May we meet again in the battlefield." She smiled confidently.
At last, the overwhelming exhaustion overcame me, and I dropped to one knee, breathing heavily yet profoundly proud.
"We did it, guys. We did it," I whispered mentally to Thalamik and Carmilla.
"Next time, warn us before you blow yourself up," Thalamik growled weakly, relief clearly overriding his usual irritation.
Carmilla's quiet laugh followed gently. "Please, Ray, never again..."
I chuckled softly, warmth spreading through me despite my fatigue. "No promises."
Baal nodded, smiling warmly as her aura gently faded. Respect radiated from her—true respect. I met her gaze one last time, knowing this wasn't simply my victory; it was ours.
Together, we'd shown her—and ourselves—precisely what humanity was capable of.
All that's left now was too...
.
"I have got some bad news..." Carmilla's voice sounded towards our telepathic link.
"I just received a pigeon carrier message from Instructor Hale.... L'arc academy was attacked!"
No, this is all happening too fast.
"Then we have to move fast right now..." I said before falling to the ground.
"No... Ray... we have to retreat.." Thalamik said. "We have to evacuate all these people now to a more safe place. We can try to bring them closer to Jaka City. They should be the closest to us to have a proper military power."
"Are you kidding me, Thal? We can't just leave our guys over there..."
"No... remember that there are not many people there... even if you were to go there you'll be protecting it alone.. Hale sent us that message to warn us not to come back."
"How can you be sure? What if Hale died there? I can't let that happen..."
"Look at your own body, Ray. You're already experiencing necrosis from the overuse of mana. It'll be a suicide attempt to do that...."
"NO, YOU'RE WRONG.... LET ME FIGHT!" I stood up. As I began to walk towards the direction of L'arc Academy.
I won't leave anyone anymore.
No, I will not run away this time.
Then, a figure with black clad armor and dark blue eyes appeared in front of me.
"I am sorry about this, Ray. I still need you..."
The figure grabbed a large blade and swept it towards me.