Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 165: Demonic Transformation [2]

Adrian, with a nod of understanding, adjusted his stance, prioritizing defence over offence. The others, regaining their composure, joined forces, forming a protective barrier around Adrian.

Tony, sensing the change in strategy, intensified his onslaught. His demonic roars echoed through the hall, a testament to the dark power that fueled his relentless assault.

With my mana eyes still active, I focused on locating the cameras strategically placed in the hall. Their ominous red glow indicated their presence. I needed to disable them to ensure our actions went unnoticed by the academy and the Hero Association.

Swiftly, I moved in the shadows, taking advantage of Tony's distraction. My mana-infused movements allowed me to reach the first camera undetected. With a precise strike, I disabled it, rendering it useless.

One down, three to go.

As I moved to the next camera, I observed the ongoing battle. Adrian and the others were holding their ground, but the strain was evident. Tony's demonic form proved to be a formidable adversary, and we needed every advantage we could muster.

I continued my silent approach, systematically disabling each camera. The fate of our actions rested on the success of this covert operation. The remaining cameras fell one by one, leaving the hall in a state of technological blindness.

As the last camera malfunctioned, I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that our actions would remain hidden from prying eyes. Now, I could focus on the imminent threat at hand.

Returning to the battlefield, I assessed the situation.

Adrian and others tried to attack Tony from all sides but they did not lend a single blow to his body since he entered his demonic form.

"Ha!"

In the critical moment, Shipn seized the opportunity and charged toward Tony with his spear gripped tightly in hand.

Shion aimed to strike and impale him with his spear and end this battle right this instant.

Kwish—!!

Unfortunately, Tony proved to be more agile than Shion had anticipated. He effortlessly sidestepped the incoming spear as it whizzed past him on his left.

However, he didn't stop there.

Thwack—!!

In a fluid, spinning motion, the demonic Tony twirled his body like a whirlwind and delivered a crushing blow to Shion's right chin with a powerful elbow strike.

"Khuaak!"

With a sickening crack, one of Shion's teeth dislodged from his mouth, flying out as he spat out a gush of blood mixed with fragments of tooth.

"Aaaaah!"

But before Tony could use his sword to kill Shipn, who was already down on his knees, Adrian came to Shion's rescue.

He skillfully swung his sword at Tony with all his might, giving him almost no time to react to his attack.

Cling—!!!

But Tony did react. He slightly lifted his sword and parried Addrian's blade with very little effort.

Thwack—!!

The protagonist couldn't even blink as Tony thrashed his leg into Adrian's midsection, making him stumble a few steps back.

Aahaah!"

"Fuaaaa!"

To gang up on Tony and help out, Adriam, Shion, and Kael came running.

Swish—!!

In a flash, Tony dropped to his knees and used Kael's momentum to lift him over his shoulder with one hand.

".....?!"

Before Kael could do something about it, Tny threw his body at Adrian like a rag doll, who was rushing back to him after recovering from that kick.

Thwam—!!

Kael's body flew forward and violently crashed into Adrian as they both fell to the ground.

"Stay down, you pests!" Tony yelled in a demonic voice before turning his attention to Elera, who was back on her feet after recovering from Tony's punch.

Tony, his demonic eyes fixated on Elera, advanced with menacing intent. The group, now scattered and recovering from Tony's relentless assault, struggled to regroup.

Elera, undeterred by the chaos around her, summoned a protective barrier once again. The shimmering mana shield enveloped her, providing a momentary respite against Tony's impending attack.

However, Tony, now in his demonic form, exhibited a level of strength that surpassed any previous encounter. With a swift motion, he extended his clawed hand, dark mana swirling around his fingertips.

The atmosphere grew tense as Tony prepared to unleash a devastating attack. Elera, recognizing the imminent danger, fortified her magical defenses, bracing for the impact.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the hall.

"Enough is enough, Stark!"

Aric, having recovered from his earlier defeat, emerged from the shadows. Though battered and bruised, determination burned in his eyes as he confronted Tony head-on.

Swish—!!

Aric swung his sword with newfound vigor, aiming to strike Tony while he was focused on Elera. The clash of steel echoed through the hall as Aric engaged in a one-on-one duel with the demonic adversary.

The others, seizing the opportunity, rallied to Elera's side. Adrian, Shion, Kael, Evelyn, and Emma regrouped, each preparing for their next move. The battle had reached a critical juncture, and unity was crucial to overcoming this formidable foe.

Aric, despite his injuries, fought valiantly against Tony. The two clashed in a dance of blades and dark energy, each seeking to gain the upper hand.

"Your reign ends here, Stark!" Aric shouted, channeling his remaining strength into the decisive blows.

But Tony, unyielding and fueled by demonic power, countered with a ferocity that surpassed expectations. The clash between Aric and Tony intensified, creating shockwaves that rippled through the hall.

As the battle unfolded, I knew that relying solely on direct confrontation might not be enough. My mind raced, searching for a strategy that could exploit Tony's vulnerabilities.

I turned to Emma and Evelyn, who were equipped with long-range capabilities. "Keep him distracted! We need an opening," I shouted, urging them to unleash a barrage of arrows and magical attacks.

Boom—!!

The coordinated assault from Emma and Evelyn created a diversion, drawing Tony's attention away from Aric momentarily. The distraction allowed Aric to deliver a powerful strike, cutting through Tony's demonic defenses.

Roar—!!

Tony, enraged by the unexpected blow, retaliated with a burst of dark energy. The clash between Aric and Tony reached its peak, the outcome hanging in the balance.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group prepared for their next coordinated assault. Each member contributed to the strategy, utilizing their unique skills to exploit Tony's weaknesses.