Volume 1 Chapter 537

Chapter 537: The Moment the Wildlife Park Was Invented

One, two, three, four, five…

Five presences lay hidden not far from Lolth.

However, compared to the creatures Lolth had faced before and most of the enemies she needed to deal with recently, this was… far too inferior.

Lolth didn’t even need to take it seriously.

There was only one at the epic level, the rest were all at the Superlative Level.

This meant Lolth only needed to use about epic level power to handle all of them.

Although Dorothy’s current limit was about Superlative Level, with the help of the Rod of Eden, Lolth could easily control her strength at the epic level and quickly deal with these individuals.

When the gap in strength becomes great enough, the battle becomes "absolute."

The same third-level magic used at the epic level is vastly different from that used at the Superlative Level.

Even using the same amount of magic power, differences in the understanding of magic and control over it can create disparities in power and effect.

The higher you go, the more pronounced this difference becomes.

The same applies to divine spells.

The Rod of Eden, surrounding Lolth, swayed up and down in the air, transmitting only Superlative Level power through the link established with the Holy Light.

However, the divine spell created with this Superlative Level power was something the opposing epic level could not withstand.

"Supreme Divine Spell·Pure Radiance."

Without prayer or chanting, she simply spoke the name of this spell, and then the power of Holy Light from the Rod of Eden…

Changed from a soft white light with a hint of gold to a completely pure and radiant white glow.

The shining light scattered around, forming a tangible "light domain."

The boundary expanded, and then beams of light shot out, accurately striking the five individuals hiding in different places.

There was no chance for resistance or escape, just in that one moment…

These five individuals were enveloped by this pure light.

This was not a light with great "destructive power."

On the contrary, this could be seen as a supportive skill; originally, like its name suggests, it had effects similar to "purification."

However, as the Supreme Divine Spell, it naturally has its own unique features.

This is the definition of "purification."

Within the scope of "Pure Radiance’s" purification, what needs to be dispelled…

Is all types of magic power, except for the power of Holy Light.

Elemental magic, Star Spirit magic, natural magic…

Even divine power and various strange forces are included in its "dispelling" category.

After being illuminated by this light, the magic power within these five individuals uncontrollably left their bodies.

This is a spell more terrifying than magic restriction.

Anti-magic Domain and related spells merely prevent the use of magic power to construct spells, without dissipating one’s inherent magic power.

Now, the five individuals instantly became no different from ordinary people.

This condition might persist for over ten minutes before they recover!

A spell constructed with only Superlative Level power was sufficient to instantly incapacitate four Superlative Level beings, even those a rank higher!

This is the true worth of the "Supreme Divine Spell"!

A divine spell, honored with the title "Supreme" akin to the projection of the Divine Kingdom, could never be a mere simple spell.

Moreover, Lolth wielded the Rod of Eden.

Even if the Pope himself were to cast this spell, it’s unlikely he could achieve a better effect.

A divine spell enhanced by a Divine Artifact of the same origin is nearly equivalent to being cast by a deity!

Thus, regardless of their origins, the five ambushers had no chance to retaliate or react!

Stripped of all their extraordinary powers, they stood in the open field, their disguises dissolved, fully exposed to Lolth’s gaze.

From dozens of meters apart, they stared at each other, utterly bewildered by what had transpired.

To them, it was as if a flash of white light had suddenly robbed them of their magic!

Deprived of their magic, they couldn’t even assess the situation or determine if the "target" they were observing had somehow manipulated them.

Though they were highly skilled spies, trained for scenarios like deep infiltration or capture…

In a land where Superoperators heavily depend on their extraordinary powers and magic, no training had prepared them for the sudden loss of their magic.

Such a method is exceedingly rare; within the Supreme Divine Spell, Pure Radiance is a technique few can master.

And when confronted with it, there truly was no effective countermeasure.

Unless, like Lolth, one possessed a magic device, such as a magic cube, which, though not their own, had a profound connection and its own reservoir of magic power.

Certainly, with Lolth’s vast magical reserves, she had long surpassed the threshold necessary to trigger significant transformations. To block her magic would require the power of entire realms, and to disperse it or strip her of her magic would be an almost insurmountable task.

The five individuals present clearly did not possess Lolth’s capabilities or resources.

What awaited them was simply the next step…

"Holy Light Strike."

A basic Level 1 spell of the God of Light, Lolth cast it gently, causing a sphere of Holy Light to manifest above each of their heads.

The Holy Light condensed and lightly tapped their heads, effortlessly rendering them unconscious.

This time, Lolth didn’t even need to use the Rod of Eden.

These individuals now had no magical power… so dealing with ordinary people was certainly manageable with just a Level 1 spell.

Lolth effortlessly made those who dared to "warn" her pay the price.

Not a single one was left conscious to inquire about the situation.

Because for matters like this… a bit of investigation could reveal the general picture.

Lolth had no interest whatsoever in why they had attacked her.

After all, she was masquerading as the Director of the Heretic Tribunal; they might just be a group of peculiar individuals.

With these thoughts in mind, Lolth employed Magic Perception to conduct a cursory scan of the individuals before her. Swiftly, she arrived at a conclusion.

"They’re all rangers, likely some obscure informants from who knows where," she mused. "Probably here for me… Wait a moment?"

Lolth’s scanning halted abruptly when she reached the epic-level individual. Her attention was caught by a magical portrait nestled in his arms. Upon closer inspection, she recognized it as belonging to Dorothy!

"These individuals aren’t after me?" Lolth expressed her mild astonishment with a sigh. She then revisited her initial scan, meticulously examining the five with Magic Perception.

Subsequently, Lolth uncovered a truth that, while not entirely unexpected, was still significant.

"These individuals… they’re from the Golden Peacock," she murmured softly, deducing their affiliation from their magical traits, attire, and the characteristics of their magical artifacts.

Overhearing her teacher’s murmurs, Dorothy seemed to grasp something as well. From a distance, she observed the sudden appearance and swift downfall of these individuals, understanding that her teacher had likely dispatched them in an instant.

Yet, inexplicably, Dorothy felt a lingering unease.

"Teacher, who are these people?" Dorothy inquired in a hushed tone.

Hearing Dorothy’s question, Lolth finally snapped back to attention.

"They’re…" she began, intending to reveal their connection to the Golden Peacock. However, just before the words could escape her lips, Lolth noticed the unusual distress in her disciple’s demeanor.

Utilizing her succubus abilities, Lolth sensed Dorothy’s underlying anxiety. This was unusual, as the young girl had remained remarkably composed during her time by Lolth’s side.

This unease was even affecting the stability of Dorothy’s soul. Lolth recalled her disciple’s identity and the tumultuous history she shared with the Golden Peacock.

At this critical juncture, if Dorothy were to recall the painful memories associated with the Golden Peacock, especially in the face of an ambush by their spies, Lolth feared Dorothy might completely unravel.

Thus, Lolth swallowed the truth that nearly escaped her and shook her head.

"I don’t know," Lolth lied gently to Dorothy. "Perhaps they’re individuals dissatisfied with the Heretic Tribunal."

As she spoke, Lolth affectionately pinched Dorothy’s cheek. "But don’t worry, those individuals are quite weak."

Dorothy nodded, her understanding tinged with uncertainty.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that the situation was far more complex than it appeared, and that it was deeply intertwined with her own fate.

Yet, trusting Lolth implicitly, she chose not to press further.

"Indeed, they are no match for the teachers," Dorothy remarked, and Lolth nodded in agreement.

However, Lolth’s optimism was not as pronounced as Dorothy’s.

She was acutely aware that the Golden Peacock Kingdom would not easily relent.

Considering the current state of affairs in the Golden Peacock Kingdom, it was evident that Dorothy’s reappearance near the South Sotua border, close to Golden Peacock, was no coincidence…

If Dorothy claimed she was heading to the Holy Lieto Empire, Maria Diana would surely be skeptical!

In fact, Lolth believed that if she were in Maria Diana’s shoes, she would not believe it either.

This situation was far more complicated than a mere quest for vengeance.

This was merely the initial wave.

The epic-level individual might just be probing.

Despite their formidable strength, for a dominant continental power, an epic-level figure is hardly the ultimate weapon or a final warning when the core interests of its rulers are at stake.

Undoubtedly, more formidable adversaries would follow.

Lolth could sense that the earlier "warning" aura directed at her was not from an epic-level entity.

Moreover, if the opponent hailed from the Golden Peacock, the complications would be manifold.

Lolth had to be vigilant not only about the potential harm to Dorothy’s fragile and unstable soul from the battle’s aftermath but also about the possibility of Dorothy recalling something that could trigger an emotional breakdown, further deteriorating her soul’s condition.

This implied that the mere presence of Golden Peacock’s forces posed a significant risk.

"From now on, we must tread with greater caution…"

A strategy was needed to ensure these individuals never crossed paths with Dorothy; only then could they be safe.

Lolth began to strategize.

How could she, with her Superlative Level power, persuade someone potentially at Legend Level to willingly leave Dorothy’s vicinity?

What techniques did she possess that could achieve this?

It couldn’t be a spatial technique; ideally, it should be a divine spell associated with The Church of Light…

After a moment’s thought, Lolth quickly devised a plan.

"Sacred Land."

This was a rare form of God of Light magic, designed to confine the target within a Holy Light-constructed space.

Theoretically, it could detain beings of the same level for approximately an hour, and against weaker entities, it could entirely sever their perception of the external world.

Simultaneously, it could nearly immunize and block magical energies of the same level both inside and outside.

If constructed with Superlative Level power…

It seemed capable of entrapping epic-level beings.

If it’s epic-level, Lolth could indeed use this place as a 1v1 duel arena, resolving the battle without Dorothy noticing.

However, the issue is, if it’s legend level, the opponent can actively break free from this confinement.

Most people, when suddenly "trapped" by their opponent either before or during a fight, would naturally want to escape!

Remaining in the "arena" chosen by the opponent is certainly not advantageous.

Lolth found herself in a bit of a dilemma.

This divine spell is effective, but the challenge lies in making the other party willingly stay within it.

Just as she was pondering this, a peculiar idea suddenly flashed through her mind.

If the enemy can’t be contained…

Why not trap Dorothy inside instead?

As soon as this thought emerged, Lolth felt all her problems were effortlessly resolved!

It reminded her of the first time she discovered the existence of a wildlife park.

Lolth appreciated the brilliance of reverse thinking.

She glanced at Dorothy, who still wore a bewildered expression, and offered a somewhat apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Dorothy, but… this is for your own good!"

Upon hearing this, Dorothy grew even more puzzled.

"Hey—teacher, why are you suddenly apologizing?"

"Perhaps because I need to confine you for a while," Lolth mused, then pulled out two books from her pocket and handed them to Dorothy. "You can read these inside… though I only brought a cookbook."

Having said this, Lolth…

Activated the spell.

"Sacred Land!"

A luminous barrier instantly formed, separating her from Dorothy, as if creating a new dimension.

After verifying the robustness of this barrier, Lolth breathed a sigh of relief.

"It really works…"

Shortly after, she expanded her Magic Perception.

Lolth enhanced her voice with magic and declared to the surroundings,

"Friends of the Golden Peacock, since you’re already here… why not step out and meet me!"

As Lolth spoke, very quickly…

A peculiar surge of magic appeared not far in front of her.

"Lord from the Church of Light, have you… perhaps overextended your reach?"