Mere moments after Nick had noticed that his ability hadn't reactivated, he had turned his Barrier on.
If he hadn't done so, these many small objects would have skewered his body, and based on what he was seeing, he would have also been poisoned.
Without hesitation, Nick immediately looked to his back.
On top of the building where Nick had been earlier was a person.
Ardum.
At this moment, Ardum held several bloody tools in his right hand as he glared at Nick.
At the same time, Futuma spun to face Nick and narrowed his eyes.
Meanwhile, a person wearing a black cloak ran out from one street while they were holding a huge staff.
That was obviously Selina.
Based on all the reactions, Nick could tell that this had been a trap.
Selina and Ardum had probably been called over by a signal, but they hadn't attacked before Nick's vigilance had lowered.
Earlier, Nick had still been on one of the highest buildings in the surroundings, and he had constantly looked around.
So, they had waited until Futuma could convince Nick to lower his guard.
And it would have worked.
The only reason why they hadn't gotten Nick was the activation condition for his ability.
When Nick saw the bloody tools in Ardum's hands, he remembered what Wyntor had told him.
Naturally, Wyntor knew what kind of ability Ardum had since he was originally supposed to get the same one.
It was the ability of an Elder Specter, which was called the Torturer.
The Torturer was a moving pile of bloody tools, and even though it looked like a Possession Specter, it was actually a Physical Specter.
It gained power from causing pain, and working with it was one of the worst things.
However, it had probably the most useful ability out of all the Specters in Crimson Fungus City.
The ability allowed someone to conjure very durable and deadly tools in exchange for Zephyx.
But most important of all, this ability could be evolved in many different ways.
Naturally, this Specter was owned by Kugelblitz, and the very few Newbies Kugelblitz recruited would receive the Torturer's ability.
Interestingly enough, Albert also had the Torturer's ability, which meant that he had most likely been recruited by Kugelblitz before he had been a Zephyx Extractor.
As the son of a major shareholder of Kugelblitz, Ardum naturally also got the privilege of receiving the Torturer's ability, and based on what Nick had just seen, Ardum had probably evolved his ability by using the Dung Heap.
While Wyntor was smarter than him, Ardum was still extremely powerful and dangerous.
Nick was in trouble.
Especially since there was also Selina, who had the Bleeding Lady's ability.
The only good thing about this situation was that Futuma couldn't use his ability with his allies present.
As soon as Nick finished jumping to the side, he deactivated his Barrier.
The barrage Nick had just withstood had probably consumed over 80% of his Zephyx, which significantly weakened him.
While Barriers were essential for survival, if a Barrier consumed all of one's Zephyx, one would basically be unable to move.
So, even though they hadn't received any injuries yet, they would have already lost.
Because of that, Nick deactivated his Barrier after jumping to the side.
"I'm not surprised that you're a Chief Zephyx Extractor anymore," Futuma said as he pulled out his long sword.
"But you're still nothing compared to our Chief Zephyx Extractor."
Then, Futuma smiled.
"Which is me."
Since Nick had killed Stephen, Cycle needed a new Chief Zephyx Extractor, and Ardum had assigned the role to Futuma.
Because of that, Futuma hadn't even entertained the thought of joining Dark Dream.
After all, if they managed to destroy Dark Dream, Futuma would become a Chief Zephyx Extractor with five Specters he would be responsible for!
Nick just narrowed his eyes and didn't answer.
A moment later, Futuma was lunging at him as Ardum readied more of his tools.
Selina was still a bit away from the battle.
Nick gritted his teeth as Futuma's blade approached at surprising speeds.
Futuma definitely wasn't inexperienced in fighting other Extractors.
BANG!
Futuma's blade bounced back as Nick slapped it to the side with the long blade on his left arm.
A moment later, Nick already lunged forward with his right arm and aimed for Futuma's chest.
However, Futuma quickly stepped back.
DING!
And blocked Nick's strike with his blade.
Yet, the strongest aspect of fist weapons was their unparalleled attacking speed, and Nick's next attack was already on its way.
Futuma narrowed his eyes with a serious expression as he jumped back again.
But then, Nick jumped back.
SHING! SHING!
Two tools passed through the space between Futuma and Nick.
If Nick had continued attacking, he would have been impaled.
This was not a one-on-one battle.
If it were, Nick would be confident in winning against Futuma.
Sadly, it wasn't.
Ardum jumped down from the building as he readied more of his tools, and Futuma stopped retreating.
Selina was also coming dangerously close.
Nick continued jumping back.
"Kiara and Jonathan are still alive!" Nick shouted towards Selina.
Ardum narrowed his eyes as he glanced at Selina.
BANG!
The floor below Nick caved in as Selina's heavy staff hit it.
Luckily, Nick had jumped away just in time.
"Those traitors will be next!" Selina shouted in a cold voice.
Nick gritted his teeth.
Kiara had told Nick that Selina most likely wouldn't listen.
Selina was a very loyal person, and without concrete proof, she would attack Nick on sight.
Sadly, Nick didn't have proof of Ardum's and Stephen's conduct that he could take out just like this.
The only things that could convince Selina would be Jonathan and Kiara telling her directly about what they had seen and the child they had saved.
Sadly, none of these things could be put in a pocket and pulled out when one wanted.
At this moment, Ardum threw his next set of terrifying tools, and Nick had to jump away again.
Meanwhile, Futuma and Selina were charging at him.
Things were getting problematic.