Volume 1 Chapter 526

Chapter 526: Dorothy Awaiting Punishment and the Observer in the Depths of the Foggy Swamp

Lolth never believed that strength was absolute.

A Superlative Level mage could be killed by an Elite Level assassin, and an Epic Level warrior might not be invincible against a Superlative Level knight on the battlefield.

The higher the levels, the more pronounced the suppression, but the intricate and diverse power systems always maintain a relationship of mutual restraint and counteraction due to their distinct attributes.

The power of Holy Light can effortlessly dissolve chaotic magic, while frost magic counters divine power and elemental magic…

By adeptly utilizing the attributes of different powers, one can secure the greatest advantage.

And for Lolth…

She has explored nearly every kind of magic and can wield it with ease, so theoretically, she can always position herself advantageously in a countering relationship.

This is why, with just her Elite Level strength, she can overcome most Superlative Level and even epic-level opponents.

She knows too much; there is always a method she can employ to counter her adversary.

Of course… in higher-level battles, Lolth’s advantage becomes less apparent.

However, at the Elite Level, she can still effortlessly tip the scales of victory in her favor.

In fact, if she didn’t wish to attract attention, Lolth could use a level four Holy Light divine spell to severely injure the monster while maintaining her Elite Level power.

But considering that Holy Light Pastors generally focus on healing, their offensive divine spells are not particularly potent, so she refrained from using any overly aggressive divine spells.

Despite this, the mercenaries were immensely grateful to Lolth.

Observing the monster’s retreating tentacles, the leader of the large mercenary group gave a slight nod to Lolth.

"Thank you, Her Excellency Doyle."

"It’s merely my duty," Lolth humbly nodded, offering a friendly smile, "Purifying these monsters is indeed my responsibility."

Following this minor incident, thanks to Lolth’s swift action, most people sustained only minor injuries. After a brief rest, they continued their journey.

The monsters in the swamp did not reappear.

This struck Lolth as somewhat peculiar.

Because she had only employed Elite Level power…

This is somewhat odd.

Based on the "magical aura" exhibited by the monster, it was easy for her to infer that it was quite savage and did not seem to possess a high level of intelligence.

After being wounded by a force slightly weaker than itself… its reaction should undoubtedly be to continue the assault.

Even if it temporarily withdrew, it would only be for a short duration.

Lolth concealed her strength and did not display enough power to frighten it away.

So… either this creature harbors unpleasant memories of the power of Holy Light and reacted as if in shock…

Or it might actually be far more intelligent than Lolth imagined—perhaps it has a master or is part of a larger entity.

Since this is Black Lake Marsh, anything is possible.

"We must be even more cautious."

Lolth glanced at Dorothy on the horse and pondered.

The group continued to advance. Although the other mercenaries in the group did not ponder as deeply as Lolth, they had nonetheless heightened their vigilance.

Soon, the second wave of monster attacks emerged.

This time, the mercenaries, now significantly more alert, detected the monsters’ approach in advance!

"Monsters are attacking ahead!"

Three crocodile-like creatures, each as large as a small hill, emerged from the swamp and charged towards the mercenary group.

The mercenary group swiftly altered their formation, positioning knights and warriors at the forefront, while mages and warlocks began casting spells to weaken the impact and attack the three massive crocodiles.

Lolth, acting as a true priest, enveloped the front-line mercenaries in a protective layer of Holy Light.

And this time…

The three crocodiles, just before crashing into the mercenaries, suddenly dispersed!

They launched their attack simultaneously from both flanks and the center.

This behavior was entirely inconsistent with their ferocious and brutal, yet unintelligent, armored heads.

The shifting formation of the crocodiles naturally posed challenges for the mages and warlocks casting spells.

Moreover, the hasty redirection of defense and the scattering of guards were highly disadvantageous for the large mercenary group!

Each of these three crocodiles was of Superlative Level!

The front was held by the only Superlative Level leader, while the female knight vice-leader on the right flank could block with support…

But on the left flank, the defense line was breached!

The crocodile monster charged forward, knocking away the nearest knight with its head, then swung its tail and broke through the defense line, reaching the spellcasters.

In fact, it was heading straight for Lolth and Dorothy!

First, eliminate the support… This principle, which a monster shouldn’t know, was effectively utilized!

Despite two spellcasters closer to it casting attack spells, the creature’s path was directly towards Lolth!

Lolth was uncertain whether this was a coincidence or if there was intent behind it!

If there was intent, it was either because she or Dorothy possessed some trait that attracted it, or simply because it knew to target the priest first.

However, the large mercenary group clearly lacked the resources to assign additional guards to Lolth.

This might be standard in legions and large mercenary groups.

But the large mercenary group was quite small, consisting of only fifteen members!

Watching the crocodile charge towards her, Lolth felt a sharp pain in her head.

"Oh no…"

But she wasn’t overly nervous.

This was a situation that could be resolved by revealing her strength.

It was merely a question of how much to reveal, which part to reveal, and how to explain what had been revealed.

Of course, Lolth couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional…

Every time she came to South Sotua and attempted to act at an Elite Level, things unexpectedly went very wrong.

There always seemed to be emergencies that were just beyond her capabilities.

From the giant snake on Wild Boar Mountain to the crocodile in Black Lake Marsh, it was all the same.

And they were all reptiles!

Lolth felt a bit like she wanted to add some snake soup and crocodile feast to the big cafeteria in Hillenbrand Town to vent her frustration!

But for now, she had to address the immediate crisis first.

"There’s no other way…"

Just as Lolth sighed, Dorothy looked at the troubled expression on Lolth’s face and felt a ripple of concern in her heart.

Although this monster was coming for her, with its huge body and fierce face, Dorothy was not afraid.

She knew that Teacher Lolth would protect her well.

Her teacher was a million times stronger than this mere monster.

However… seeing Lolth’s seemingly troubled expression, Dorothy remembered Lolth’s comforting words to her before.

"You are much stronger than these monsters."

Teacher Lolth seemed unwilling to act.

So, maybe she could help her?

Dorothy thought to herself, but suddenly felt something from her "deep memories" rise to her mind.

It seemed to be…

"How to use extraordinary abilities?"

Dorothy murmured in surprise.

It felt like a voice inside whispered to her.

"Do you want to help the teacher? Then go and control those magical creatures!"

She suddenly realized she could create a "connection" with the three crocodile-shaped creatures.

Just by thinking "let’s give it a try," the magic inside her began to move on its own.

In almost an instant, Lolth felt the change in the waves of extraordinary power from Dorothy.

"Stop, Dorothy!"

She shouted, ready to seal off Dorothy’s extraordinary power.

In her opinion, the reason Dorothy lost her memory was that using her power too much caused an imbalance.

So now, if Dorothy uses magic, it will surely worsen her soul’s condition and make it very hard for her to recover.

But…

Because Lolth was slow to lift the restriction of the Elite Level disguise on her.

At the same time, Lolth also underestimated how quickly Dorothy’s magic would burst forth.

After all, Dorothy’s "memory loss" was not because of using her power too much… but because of Kanor’s "Magic Potion."

However, how could Kanor really create a Magic Potion that puts Dorothy in a difficult situation?

Even though it seemed that Dorothy could not use her extraordinary power, in essence, as long as she forcefully tapped into that power…

This Magic Potion would even amplify it for her!

In an instant, Dorothy’s pupils turned completely black.

The consciousness of the three monsters was instantly seized by Dorothy, becoming an extension of her soul and mind.

This was no longer the "control" that Dorothy usually employed.

It felt more like a complete and irresistible contract! Far more unequal than those made by knights, warlocks, and monsters!

The crocodile monster halted, and a terrifying aura emanated from Dorothy.

The blood of the hero, the power of the dark god, the curse of the demon… all were awakened.

The members of the large mercenary group felt this chilling presence.

Each of these auras alone was already overwhelming, and Dorothy… had three at once!

They involuntarily ceased their battle against the monsters and turned to look at Dorothy.

Gazing at the huge monster bowing to Dorothy, and the girl with pitch-black eyes.

Many mercenaries also bowed involuntarily.

Until Lolth’s power enveloped Dorothy.

"Wake up!"

Lolth’s voice almost scolded Dorothy.

At the same time, the power of Holy Light gently dissolved her strength.

The unfinished "link" collapsed between Dorothy and the monsters.

The power that should have backfired on both sides was naturally intercepted by Lolth, so that Dorothy would not bear her part, leaving the monsters to take it all.

The three huge crocodile monsters instantly let out a terrible howl and fell to the ground.

After that howl, Dorothy fell softly from her horse, and Lolth caught her steadily.

"I’m sorry… Teacher, I just wanted to help you."

Dorothy realized that she seemed to have made things harder for Lolth instead of helping her, and she said softly.

"It’s okay, but you can’t use your special powers right now," Lolth gently brushed her nose, "Rely on me a little more… If you use your powers without asking again, I will have to punish you?"

Lolth said this, and even though her words sounded like a threat or a warning, her tone was very gentle.

It even made Dorothy unexpectedly ask with some anticipation…

"What is the punishment, Teacher Lolth?"

This left Lolth momentarily unsure of what to say.

"Okay, I will tell you more later," she looked around, and sure enough, those mercenaries were watching Dorothy and her like they were strange creatures, "There are so many people watching us here."

Dorothy also nodded and gently stood on the ground.

At that moment, the leader of the large mercenary group finally stepped forward and began new negotiations with Lolth after careful consideration.

"Your Grace Doyle… it seems that your sister is not the same as what you call ‘ordinary people.’"

Although Lolth had previously offered them much assistance, the aura Dorothy displayed in that fleeting moment was certainly not something that could be easily overlooked.

It was truly… terrifying.

Lolth gazed at the other party and managed a wry smile.

"I didn’t mean to conceal anything; I was just concerned that you might not accept us," Lolth explained, pausing briefly, "If it were just ordinary ailments, as the Holy Light Pastor of The Church of Light, how could I not be able to handle them myself?"

The leader of the massive mercenary group nodded in agreement.

Upon hearing Lolth’s words, he suddenly understood and ceased his inquiries.

However, the surrounding mercenaries began to regard Lolth and Dorothy with a hint of apprehension.

"Her Excellency Doyle, can you assure us that your sister won’t repeat what just happened?"

"She annihilated three Superlative Level monsters in an instant!"

"Enough bickering… Let’s hear the captain’s decision!"

The clamor caused Dorothy to lower her head even more.

After a prolonged deliberation, the leader of the large mercenary group finally seemed to reach a decision and nodded.

"Alright… I believe Lady Paqi meant no harm, especially since she was targeting the monsters earlier!"

As he spoke, he glanced at some of his disgruntled subordinates and, before they could object, gestured for them to proceed.

"Let’s move forward!"

Lolth looked at the captain with a touch of surprise.

Honestly, leaving the team would have been no loss to her.

Yet, it appeared that Dorothy might feel a bit sorrowful and guilty about it.

But who could have anticipated that this captain would choose to accept her.

Lolth quietly elevated her opinion of the captain in her mind.

Simultaneously, seeing Dorothy perk up and lift her head again, she resolved to assist the mercenary group as much as possible on the journey ahead.

"If necessary, revealing my strength wouldn’t be an issue… I could simply claim to be a deputy bishop or a senior priest."

Lolth made this resolution.

However, her concern for Dorothy caused her to overlook something.

Deeper within the swamp, obscured by the mist, a pair of bloodshot eyes were fixed intently on the direction of the mercenary group.

"I was right…"

The owner of the eyes uttered a sound laced with both hatred and joy.