Volume 1 Chapter 676
by post_apiChapter 676: Show Your Cards!
Kanor’s true objective was never to attack Philtes himself, the "Never-ending Night"!
While utilizing these souls of formidable Church of Light members from the past could indeed breach his defenses…
This approach…
Was simply not worth it!
Both combatants understood the reality—between the two, Kanor stood as the weaker party in terms of raw power.
Kanor herself was well aware of this.
Whether it was the total reserves of magical energy, combat experience, or the potency of her spells—even with the invocation of "Divine Authority"—she remained at a disadvantage.
The chasm between their ranks proved too vast to bridge.
Thus, even temporary advantages couldn’t afford her complacency.
The idea of overcoming a stronger foe might sound thrilling, but as the adage warned:
"He can afford countless errors, while a single misstep spells my doom!"
Should Philtes persist in trading wounds, each minor setback accumulating through their clashes would inevitably culminate in her defeat.
Every strike she launched, every counter against his assaults—each must yield decisive superiority.
Rather than assailing Philtes’ fortified defenses…
Kanor shifted her focus to the Star Spirit Realm.
Not the entirety of that boundless, enigmatic dimension—
Only the fragment intertwined with Philtes’ domain required disruption.
No need to ravage the Realm itself.
No excessive effort to manipulate through "Death’s" divine mandate.
Merely unleashing these spectral forces, then severing control to let them dissipate or run rampant sufficed.
The residual magic from these formidable souls—mere fragments though they were—held terrifying power.
With dozens of such remnants unleashed…
Philtes’ domain and its Star Spirit conduit would descend into utter chaos.
Thus, Kanor tore away the "trump card" enabling Philtes’ unrestricted magic use—
Even in the Heretic Tribunal’s deepest dungeon, his advantage now crumbled.
At the very least, its efficacy dwindled drastically.
As turbulent Star Spirit energies and death-tainted currents permeated his domain, Philtes’ face contorted in horrified realization.
"You… These are cultist methods!!"
"Madwoman! Aberration! Primordial blight upon existence!!"
The enraged words burst forth as he roared with barely contained fury.
But within that roar lingered undeniable traces of fear and astonishment!
To corrupt the "magic environment" with fragmented souls… These were once living, breathing humans?!
The child before him appeared no older than eight or nine—initially, he’d presumed her to be either a powerful eccentric with peculiar tastes or a cursed wretch trapped in perpetual youth.
Yet when he’d assaulted Kanor’s soul through Star Spirit Magic moments ago, the truth became unmistakably clear…
This girl’s spirit and physical form resonated in flawless harmony—she was undeniably, authentically a child!
Which meant…
This eight-year-old possessed both the prowess to challenge him, the Great Sage…
And the ruthless, venomous disposition to wield it!
What manner of natural-born monstrosity was this?!
Even devoid of that ominous aura he’d previously sensed, her mere existence radiated terror.
He hadn’t attained such power until middle age!
As for adopting Kanor’s unrestrained methods, willing to employ any means… That transformation only came after ascending to demi-godhood!
Even now, Philtes carried the weight of remorse, perpetually haunted by self-reproach and disquiet.
Whether pilfering divine faith or staining his hands with innocent blood…
The demi-god acknowledged lingering fragments of humanity within himself, despite pursuing divinity…
But this child—had she emerged from the womb devoid of human compassion?
Kanor threw back her head in laughter at his outburst.
"Oh? I’ll take that as high praise!"
"Even the illustrious Great Sage recognizes my brilliance, it seems."
Her small hands danced through the air as she spoke.
The hovering threads suddenly pulsed with death’s primordial essence—not mere symbols but death itself made manifest.
"I promised you’d perish here, Philtes!"
"Surely you keep final tricks hidden… Come then, oh Sage! Stake everything on one desperate gambit!"
"Prove your conviction—I refuse to believe you’d sacrifice yourself for ‘mages’ welfare’ or your precious Wizard Association!"
Philtes’ countenance darkened like stormclouds.
Her words struck true—both in describing his nature and revealing her design.
He understood the grim calculus: even unleashing his ultimate weapon might not overcome her assured confidence.
Yet alternatives had evaporated.
This trap permitted no escape.
Surprisingly, calm descended upon Philtes.
"Very well… Yet…"
"Your apparent certainty of victory doesn’t signal my defeat."
"My true dread has always been entities a hundredfold mightier—beasts beyond comprehension."
"Their existence poisons my sleep."
"Hence my relentless pursuit of strength…"
"Though you’ve meticulously prepared and cornered me…"
"If I cannot overcome even a ‘weaker’ opponent…"
"Then all meaning crumbles to dust!"
As he spoke, constellations within his domain erupted into frenzied motion!
The tainted Star Spirit magic dissipated entirely as portals to the Star Spirit Realm snapped shut.
Where starlight once connected now bloomed…
Innumerable glowing magic circles—Philtes’ forty-year masterwork, "Never-ending Night’s" final revelation!
The domain’s essence shifted palpably, remnants of Star Spirit energy transforming…
Into pure elemental sorcery!!!