Okay, okay, not just Shadow Clone, but Thousand-Shadow clone Jutsu too, huh...
Looking at the dense row of figures lined up before her, Lee felt genuinely a little helpless. Although she knew the Eighth Divine Key could achieve similar effects, seeing this move actually used against her still inevitably left her feeling a bit conflicted.
However, while the display looked imposing, there was essentially no need to panic too much... The opposition was indeed numerous, but upon closer inspection, many couldn't actually fight.
Setting aside Hen, who was already years behind the meta, even Griseo had been pulled out. It was truly like dragging child soldiers onto the battlefield.
Besides, most of them were just standing there dazed after appearing. Whether they could even fight was questionable—
Sidestepping the flames that suddenly struck, Lee frowned slightly, sighing helplessly. "Kalpas, charging so far ahead again... At this distance, I can even directly intervene in your mind and kill you easily. Even Su and Aponia standing over there wouldn't have time to help you construct defenses... Haven't you learned your lesson from last time?"
"Shut up! You stupid woman... You stupid woman!!!"
Kalpas paid no attention to what Lee was saying. His entire body burned with lava-like flames as he furiously swung his fists. "I haven't even settled the score with you from before, how many more stupid things are you going to do?!"
Although his tone was agitated and the flames surged as if representing his inner fury, his attacks, swayed by his state of mind, were currently messy and lacked technique. So much so that they couldn't even graze the hem of Lee's clothes.
If Lee were to judge, his current attacks were less martial arts and more like dancing (metal style)...
"Kalpas..." Looking at the Ultraman mask on Kalpas's face, Lee chuckled softly. "Are you throwing a tantrum?"
BOOM!!!
Power akin to a volcanic eruption exploded on the spot, but Lee had already floated backward before it hit. Kalpas's vented anger couldn't touch her body at all.
"Now... tell me who's threatening you from behind, and then obediently come back." Although it was clear he was trying hard to maintain control, every word Kalpas spoke was still uttered through gritted teeth.
Unfortunately, the current Lee could only waste Kalpas's rare display of restraint.
"Kalpas, you have no idea what you're facing."
Lee shook her head gently, backhanding Pardofelis, who had snuck up behind her at some point, and lifting her up by the collar.
"Your current actions are playing with fire. Using powers originating from outside this world has already angered that entity. Trying to probe its identity is tantamount to trampling on its taboos... Su, Aponia, don't bother trying to probe my thoughts either."
"Even if I completely lower my defenses now, you cannot invade my consciousness. This isn't even my own power. If I tell you this, can you understand?"
"What you're trying to do now is even more absurd than challenging the Herrscher of the Finality as a mere human... It's like a group of ants trying to lift the Earth with their own strength."
"Lee, you're being too pessimistic!" Elysia stared intently at Lee, clenching her fists. "Now... I also truly understand you a little. Maybe a bit later than Kevin, but... we always have a chance! As long as we don't give up, keep trying—"
"Elysia, I've believed words like that many times... I believed in you, and I believed in Kevin." Lee gave a self-deprecating smile. "Unfortunately, the results never seemed very good."
At these words, Elysia, whose eyes had been firm just moments ago, suddenly faltered.
She knew what Lee must be referring to and understood that perhaps no one in this world was more qualified than Lee to say that effort doesn't always lead to hope and reward.
Yet, giving up so easily was something she could never do.
"So I've already decided, Elysia... Just like I decided back then—I will make the choice."
The Judgement of Shamash in Lee's hand began to transform. The surging flames surpassed its original designed power limits, unleashing a terrifying force akin to destruction itself.
"That way, no matter what ending I get, it's what I deserve. No need to blame anyone else."
"That's why I said you're a stupid woman!"
"Kalpas, you're so noisy..."
Kicking Kalpas away again as he charged forward, Lee ruffled Pardofelis's head and then casually tossed her aside. "There's no time left. Next, I have to do what needs to be done—if you want to blame me, do it now."
Almost instantaneously, Lee's figure appeared behind Su. The greatsword in her hand swung towards his throat in the blink of an eye, a scene identical to when she insta-killed Su during the final battle of the Previous Era.
It wasn't that Lee held some deep grudge against Su. From a tactical standpoint, he and Aponia, as psionic-specialized warriors, were somewhat troublesome for her, who also excelled in mental attacks.
Therefore, rationally, attacking either him or Aponia now was the most efficient choice. And between the two, Su happened to be slightly closer...
However, although the attack was the same, the situation was entirely different now.
Firstly, the Judgement of Shamash Lee currently wielded, borrowed temporarily from Lihua, while powerful, was ultimately slower than the Seven Thunders of Retribution she was accustomed to. Secondly, Su now had a full team of allies beside him—allies who had learned from the previous experience, plus one overpowered cheater.
Just as poor Su was about to be decapitated again, several attacks arrived simultaneously from behind.
The [Lee] summoned by Elysia, surprisingly leading Kosma and Hen, managed to block the killing blow. The subsequent attacks from the others forced Lee to retreat from the fray.
Damn it, was I really this annoying back then? Sharp intuition, fast movements, and even managed to coordinate with Hen and Kosma just now...
Looking at the Previous Era members seemingly led by her own phantom, Lee could only marvel at the power of idealized memory.
When she was alive, she rarely fought in group battles with others, let alone taking the central command position like this. The current situation was perhaps a manifestation of Elysia and the others' impression that [Li is omnipotent].
Admittedly, it did feel a bit tricky for Lee. Given the current situation, it seemed she really couldn't take down this large group quickly...
Under the wary gazes of Elysia and the others, Lee's brow furrowed tightly. But the next moment, her expression twisted in a struggle as she clutched the side of her head.
"...Damn it... Please give me a little more time, just a little more... I can eliminate the hidden danger soon, there's no need..."