Chapter 265: The Demise of the President
Assessing the Damage
Kletus's Red Jar was an artifact created by the Timeless Ones to seal the demon Ghast.
Luke knew it contained immense energy, but he hadn't realized it was this powerful.
The nature of the light sphere's destruction was fundamentally different from a nuclear weapon. The sphere delivered a molecular-level annihilation attack, while a nuclear weapon relies on direct damage and subsequent contamination from radiation and EMP. In terms of localized attack strength, they weren't even on the same level.
After calling out four times with no reply, Luke's heart sank, fearing the worst. Thankfully, the absolute worst didn't happen. With the sound of sizzling electric arcs, Ava awoke.
"Y-young... Young Master!"
"Are you alright?"
"Crystal display plate damaged. Requires repair."
"Can you come online?"
"Language system, analysis system, and perception system are severely damaged. Other functions are mostly intact."
Luke breathed a small sigh of relief. He continued, "Help me assess the armor damage."
Please... please wait... The screen flickered... 5%... 25%... 50%... Damage assessment complete!
The internal display showed a 3D model of the Phantom Armor—it was completely red, indicating that virtually no part was undamaged.
Rechargeable Armor Damage Rate: 91.3%Physical Armor Damage Rate: 85.2%Energy System: Closed, Switched to Backup PowerFlight System: Damaged, Non-functionalWeapon System: Damaged, Non-functionalMedical System: Damaged, Non-functionalRegulation System: Damaged, Non-functional...
The report was a long list of failures, with only basic protection and mobility remaining operational.
After reviewing the report, Luke sighed deeply.
The Phantom I is toast. The armor that had accompanied him for years was gone.
"That damned demon!"
He cursed fiercely, green light flooding his eyes. He scanned the surroundings like a microscope. Since he had survived, the demon Ghast might have, too.
The environment was desolate. There were no animals, insects, or even microorganisms. The earth had been molecularly transformed by the light sphere; if he picked up the soil, it flowed through his fingers like water.
"What terrifying destructive power!"
Luke composed himself and began walking toward the epicenter of the explosion.
"I wonder if that guy is alive. And Adam?"
The mention of Adam brought a fresh wave of worry. Adam's aura hadn't vanished, but it was extremely weak, suggesting severe injuries.
I shouldn't have detonated the stone jar!
Luke shook his head in frustration. He walked step by step to the center of the blast. After surveying the area, he started searching outward from the epicenter. Passing a small mound, he suddenly stopped, his eyes narrowed, radiating intense killing intent.
"Ghast!"
The figure on the mound spun around. Seeing the boy in tattered armor, he let out a low growl.
"Luke Shaw, you're actually still alive?"
Luke returned a cold smile. "How could I die when you haven't yet?"
As the words left his mouth, both attacked simultaneously.
"Fire Fist!"
"Dragon Flame Cannon!"
A green and a red pillar of flame crashed together violently.
Boom!
The resulting energy surge scattered the dust, creating a cloud of fine, airborne particles. Luke raised his hand, and a fire dragon instantly formed, roaring as it lunged forward.
"Does this guy's power have no limit?"
Joel Nash ground his teeth in hatred. He had exhausted almost all his power to withstand the light sphere attack. His wings and horns were gone, and his magic reserves were less than a tenth of their peak. Yet, his opponent showed no sign of fatigue. How was this possible?
Sensing the demon's thoughts, Luke burst into laughter. He gestured with both hands, and two more fire dragons erupted from the ground. The three dragons encircled Joel Nash from three directions.
"Die, you scum."
The fire dragons opened their jaws and snapped down.
Boom!
Green flames exploded, creating a towering torch. Joel Nash struggled to build a barrier to resist the corrosive Green Flame. Luke snorted, his right hand shaped into a hook, green light pooling in his palm. The light rapidly intensified, becoming a nearly solid ball of green fire.
"Earth Flame!"
Luke violently threw his right hand forward. The fireball hugged the ground, speeding forward like a slippery, writhing serpent.
"Explode!"
When the fireball reached Joel Nash, it detonated with a massive BOOM! A tidal wave of green energy slammed into the magic barrier.
Crack!
A fissure appeared in the barrier. The next second, to Joel Nash's horror, it shattered with a loud POP. The energy surge passed through the broken barrier and tore through his body.
Aaaargh!!!!
A piercing scream erupted, carried far by the night wind.
Luke strode forward, his hand wrapped in green flame, and grabbed the demon's throat.
"Your Excellency Ghast, you're finished."
Joel Nash's face was contorted. He fought through the searing agony in his soul to roar,
"If you kill me, the President of the United States dies too!"
Luke sneered. "You think I care about his life?"
"Then do it!"
Joel Nash roared back, "Kill me and kill him! Let's see how you explain that to Vanessa! Don't forget, I am not just the US President; I am Vanessa's father! If you kill her father, she will never forgive you!"
"You're overthinking it."
Luke gave a hard tug, and a tall, shadowy demon figure was ripped out of Joel Nash's body. Within the demon shadow was a human outline—the true soul of Joel Nash himself.
Clearly, if Ghast were incinerated, the President would be dragged down with him.
This guy is truly hateful, trying to take a hostage even in death.
Luke felt a surge of frustration. He genuinely didn't want to hurt the President; a living US President was far more useful than a dead one.
But if I don't kill him, what can I do?
He remained silent for a few seconds, then stuffed the shadow back into Joel Nash's body. The demon, saved from certain death, couldn't help but laugh triumphantly.
"It seems you don't want to kill me. In that case, let's talk terms!"
"What terms?"
"I will pledge fealty to you, and you will cover up the truth and ensure my successful re-election."
Luke's voice was frigid. "You think I would trust you?"
"We can sign a contract."
Joel Nash pressed, excited, nervous, and desperate. "A soul contract—fair and just, with absolutely no traps. Neither can betray the other. Furthermore, I can teach you how to manipulate flame."
"It's obvious that while you possess this mysterious and powerful Green Flame, you don't know how to use it. You can only perform simple compression and shaping. With my help, I can teach you to understand the essence of fire, to forge the most terrifying killing moves, allowing your combat power to multiply and making you an absolute powerhouse."
"Well? Think about it carefully. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you."
Joel Nash's expression was sincere, his eyes earnest, with every word carefully framed to appeal to Luke.
"I have to admit, Your Excellency's offer is very tempting, but unfortunately..."
The Green Flame surged. Amidst a terrifying, prolonged scream, Ghast, along with the soul of the US President, was reduced to ash.
"...I'm not an idiot!"
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