Chapter 715: Unstoppable Force Vs Immovable Object [Pt 1]

Karlia was regarded very highly in the Cult for her vitality and durability.

That was perhaps why whenever she really had to fight anyone. She could just take all of their attacks and remain standing while they tired themselves out. Of course, she still had immense combat potential, but that wasn't what she took pride in.

"I have absolute immunity to damage and negative status ailments." Karlia announced to the astounded woman in front of her.

They were both floating above a sea of flames, yet neither of them focused on what was happening beneath them. As for Karlia's dome, it safely remained stationed in place.

Thanks to the materials she had used to build it, as well as its sturdy foundation, not even a thousand of Serah's blows would be enough to devastate it. As such, Karlia remained confident in the defensive ability of the dome.

"W-what are you talking about?" Serah murmured in surprise.

"It means nothing affects me negatively. My cells are built to completely adapt to any change. They instantly nullify any negative status ailments like freeze or burns. They are also sturdier than any attack you can dish out, and they can adapt to any attack that comes in contact with them. I also have instant regeneration, so my cells immediately heal in the unlikely scenario that I get hurt. Which, as I said before, I can't."

Serah was astounded! Her expression depicted absolute shock.

It seemed very impossible that such a being like Karlia would exist. It was more realistic to believe she was bluffing, but she wasn't.

"You... can't die? Don't screw with me. Even if your body is sturdy, your soul will be—"

"My Soul, eh? Which one?"

"H-huh?"

"I have infinite lives, my dear. Just as my cells are resilient enough to regenerate instantly and can adapt to anything. My soul can do the very same. Besides, I have a stockpile of infinite duplicate souls within a special dimension that will instantly activate in a scenario whereby the original is extinguished. They multiply every second, and even I don't know how many souls I have now. That's why they're infinite!"

Karlia's explanation felt rushed, and she glossed over the most important points as if she was simply telling Serah what she'd had for dinner. Everything she had spoken of sounded impossible. No living being could be without limitations.

"No one can be that perfect!" Serah responded.

"Of course not. I'm not perfect. I never said I was. But these abilities of mine are real. At this point, I don't think you can kill me. I'm not even sure if the Martial Blade God can. I did the calculations, and even if this world explodes and turns to ash... I won't perish."

Serah's eyes narrowed in concentration. She truly didn't see a way out of this one. However, she couldn't just turn tail and run now.

'Is Neron really in that building? Maybe I should ask her? No! Who's to say she'll tell the truth? But... she has been honest thus far.' Serah was still contemplating whether or not to retreat when Karlia sighed heavily.

"Since this situation seems hopeless, why don't I let you in on the only weakness I have? You look pretty, and you're strong too. I don't want to discourage your efforts too much."

'Huh? Weakness? What is she talking about?'

"What do you say? Do you want to know?"

"You're just going to tell me? Just like that?"

"Listen carefully. I'll only say it once."

"My weakness is... that I have no weakness. Hahahahaha!"

Veins instantly appeared all over Serah's energy-based face, and her eyes burned with fury. Karlia had simply been making fun of her from the start.

"Tch."

"Look, I mean, if you could try restraining me, that could work. As long as it doesn't negatively affect me, it should be effective. With that said, I'm pretty strong, so it still won't guarantee you victory. You're someone who relies on brute force, though. You can only destroy stuff, so I doubt you'd be very skilled at sealing and all of that."

Serah's eyes bulged instantly. It wasn't out of rage this time, but simply recollection.

'How could I forget.'

She had been so distracted by Karlia's grand abilities that she forgot about hers. It was a bit early, but...

'I'm going to use my Trump Card on you!'

"Do you have a Familiar?" Karlia suddenly asked.

For a moment, Serah flinched. Something about Karlia's question shook her at her very core. It was unbecoming of a woman of confidence, so after a few seconds, she shrugged it off.

"That's none of your business."

"Okay."

"I'll be getting serious now."

"I already told you. There's really no—"

>VWUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!<

Suddenly, a burst of sun-like energy ascended to the sky.

It shined so brightly that it seemed like space was being warped. No, it was more than that... it was being destroyed!

'Huh?' Karlia noticed something happen around her.

'Gravity just stopped?' She could feel the atoms and elements around her become destroyed in moments.

'Everything is getting destroyed. Even space? Don't tell me...!' She stared, wide-eyed, at the massive beam of light that was now concentrated on a single person.

That person was Serah Crimson, her enemy. The power that was strong enough to destroy invisible concepts—even laws—now rested in Serah.

'Another effect of [The Sun], eh? Makes sense, considering its destructive nature.' Karlia said with an uncomfortable smile.

Serah was now shrouded in crimson and golden light. Her entire body was covered in it and her Arcana's symbol was visibly implanted on her chest.

The very fabric of space and time seemed to break—or rather, burn—in her majestic presence, and the pool of flames beneath her slowly began to ascend due to the nullification of gravity. Everything was slowly turning weird thanks to the devastation she was causing.

'This is why I have to end things quickly.' Serah glared at Karlia, as her eyes lit with resolve.

"Since you were honest with me, I will do the same." Serah spoke, walking on the air as though it was a sturdy platform.

As she moved, more of nature was altered—no, it was destroyed.

Distance seemed irrelevant, and the very concept of time seemed obsolete. It felt like a drawn-out, yet instant, moment.

"I am currently capable of destroying anything—burning it all down till there's nothing left."

Karlia stood, unmoving, as she stared at Serah with wide eyes.

"Therefore, I am curious about something." Misty breath escaped Serah's lips as she clenched her fists in resolve.

"Which will prevail... my unstoppable destructive power, or your perfect immortality?"