Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 570 The Power of the Quasi-Witch King (Six in One)

In the reception room of the Emerald Mansion, the afternoon sun shone through the stained glass windows.

Ron had just sat down when Eve came in carrying a tea tray.

The black-haired princess poured him tea and sat down opposite him, but did not immediately begin reporting on her cultivation progress as usual.

Instead, she stirred the tea in her cup absentmindedly.

Ron noticed her unusual behavior:

"What interesting thing happened?"

"Well... that's right."

Eve looked up, her tone tentative:

"Mentor, do you remember... telling me about your apprenticeship experience before?"

"of course I remember."

"That……"

The girl paused, seemingly considering her words:
"Do you remember mentioning that you took in a girl back then? I think her name was..."

"You mean... Lilia?"

Ron raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear that name so suddenly.

Seeing the interest in his expression, Eve's eyes lit up slightly:

"I recently met a very interesting person at the library."

At first I didn't know she was Lilia, I just felt..."

A smile played at the corners of her lips:
"I just think it's amazing to meet someone like me in a secluded corner like the 'Hall of Silence'."

"The Hall of Silence?"

Ron became interested.

That place is definitely not a place that ordinary apprentices would go.

"Yes."

Eve's cheeks flushed slightly, and she said somewhat shyly:
"Although it may be presumptuous, I... have always been very curious about how you, mentor, achieved the 'authentic path' advancement back then."

Although those records were fragmented, they captivated me like a riddle.

She coughed lightly to cover her embarrassment:
"That day, I was reading a theory about the influence of the Chaos Bloodline."

Suddenly, I noticed a simply dressed girl intently studying similar material in front of another bookshelf in the corner.

A look of reminiscence appeared in Eve's eyes:
"To be honest, I was quite surprised at the time."

The 'Hall of Silence' was rarely visited, let alone used for studying such 'heretical doctrines'.

"Out of curiosity, I went over there."

Her tone became lively:

"I saw that what she was holding in her hand was the rare book that I had just read."

Moreover, she watched with extreme concentration, her brow furrowed, completely absorbed.

"That focused expression..."

Eve looked up at Ron:
"It reminds me of how you, my mentor, studied ancient books."

Ron chuckled: "So you went up and started a conversation?"

“It wasn’t really a conversation.” Eve smiled slyly.

"I just leaned over and glanced at the passage she was reading, and then..."

She cleared her throat and said in a detached and objective tone:

"The third paragraph of this record, regarding the role of the Chaos Bloodline in the ritual, is incorrect. Instructor Ron Ralph likely acquired the Chaos-related bloodline after advancing to the Lunar Rank."

"and then?"

Ron asked with great interest.

"Then the girl looked up abruptly, as if she had been startled."

Eve mimicked Lilia's expression at the time, her eyes widening:

"At first she was surprised, then she was wary, and finally... she became a kind of almost thirsty curiosity."

She asked me, 'How do you know? It's clearly stated in the records…'

Eve's smile softened:
I said, 'Because I know him.'"

"Her expression at that moment..."

Eve said softly:

"Like a person groping in the dark who suddenly sees a glimmer of light."

Ron put down his teacup and began to listen attentively.

"And so we started chatting."

Eve continued:

"The mechanisms of the authentic approach, the lessons learned from those failures, and... your legendary experience, mentor."

There was a hint of pride in her tone:

"It's a really wonderful feeling to be able to talk to someone who is also interested in these 'heretical knowledge'."

“In the academy, very few people dare to have a truly equal academic discussion with me.”

But in that deserted corner, we were just two researchers who loved knowledge.

Eve picked up her teacup and took a small sip:
"We chatted for a long time until the staff came to remind us that the museum was closing. As I was leaving, I asked her what her name was."

She said, 'Lilia.'

Eve raised her eyelids and looked at Ron:
"I had a suspicion at the time: could this be the student you mentioned, Professor?"

"However, I didn't confirm it immediately, I just..."

She smiled wryly:

"I just wanted to see what was so special about this girl that made you, my mentor, mention her."

Ron's interest was also piqued:
"Then what did you find?"

“I noticed…” A hint of appreciation appeared in Eve’s eyes:
"Her understanding of potion ingredients has an indescribable 'sense of resonance'."

It's not about rote memorization of theories, but rather a kind of insight closer to the essence of things.

"Later, we often met at the library. Each time we talked, I gained some new perspectives from her."

Eve put down her teacup, her tone becoming serious:
"It wasn't until one day that I confirmed her identity."

When she appeared at the 'Cauldron of Thorns' and became my assistant.

"Your assistant?" Ron asked, somewhat surprised.

“Yes.” Eve nodded with a wry smile:

"To be honest, the atmosphere at that moment was really awkward."

In the library, we are equal academic partners;

But within the workshop, the difference in social status was laid bare before them.

"She froze when she saw me."

Eve's voice softened:
"I could see the struggle in her eyes. Should she communicate naturally like they did in the library, or stick to her duties as an assistant?"

"how about you?"

“I…” Eve paused for a moment:

I walked over and said in a voice only she could hear, "See you at the library."

"Then I saw her breathe a sigh of relief."

The girl said softly:

"Mentor, identity can sometimes be an invisible wall."

But sometimes, it's just a veil that can be passed through.

Ron nodded, beginning to understand what Eve was trying to say.

"What happened next... was what really surprised me."

She stood up, walked to the window, and her tone became serious:

“Mentor, do you know? My [Key Potion] has always had a fatal flaw.”

"Technically, it's excellent, but it lacks that one touch of 'resonance' with the soul."

Associate Professor Augustus said it was because my Crown Clan bloodline was too powerful and pure, suppressing the material's spirituality.

Eve turned around:
"I tried countless methods, but I just couldn't break through. During that time... I almost gave up."

“Until one day,” her voice softened.
"When Lilia handed me the 'Dream Roots,' she leaned close to my ear and whispered:"

'Your Highness... I feel that it... doesn't really like being trimmed so neatly.'

Eve looked at Ron:

"Do you know how I felt? It was like...like I was suddenly struck by lightning!"

The expressions of those around them were even more interesting:

Some people stared wide-eyed, some covered their mouths and snickered, and others were already waiting to see how Lilia would get scolded.

"but I……"

Excitement shone in her eyes:
"I suddenly realized! The problem wasn't with the technology, it was with the mindset!"

“I’ve been ‘controlling’ the materials, not ‘listening’ to them!”

Eve stood up, twirled around the room, her skirt billowing in the air:
"At that moment, looking at Lilia's pale face, I suddenly wanted to laugh."

“I told her, ‘Come to my break room after get off work; we need to have a serious talk.’”

"Guess what her reaction was?" Eve asked with a mischievous grin.

"I was almost in tears, I must have thought I was going to settle scores later."

"But when I actually pulled her into the lounge and closed the door, the first thing I said was..."

Eve mimicked her own sincere tone from back then:
“'Lilia, teach me, how do you understand them?'”

"The girl was completely stunned, and it took her a while to react, and then..."

The black-haired princess's smile softened:
Then she shed tears, wiping her eyes as she said, 'I thought His Highness was going to punish me…'

“What a fool,” she whispered.

"From that day on, we truly became partners."

I provide the theory and technique; she contributes her intuition and perception.

Eve sat down again, her eyes filled with reminiscence:
“We preserved the original form of the ‘dream roots’ and simply combed them gently.”

“We changed every detail and redefined every step…”

She looked at Ron, her eyes filled with pride:

"Now, my [Key Potion] has entered its final stage."

The associate professor said it might be the best custom-made potion he had ever seen.

“But I know,” Eve’s voice became serious:

"None of this would have been possible without Lilia."

She stood up, walked over to Ron, and looked at him intently:
"So, mentor..."

The girl's eyes sparkled with anticipation:
"Can you help her again? Just like you helped me back then."

“She deserves a better future, not to be buried in that remote forest.”

Looking at the grown-up girl in front of him, Ron felt a surge of satisfaction.

The little princess who was once tormented by illness and couldn't even see the future.

I have now learned to think of others, and am even willing to ask myself for help for a friend.

"I'll consider it..." was all he could say.

"I knew you wouldn't refuse, mentor!"

Eve's face lit up with a radiant smile:
"She is now in the 'cauldron of thorns'."

I'd already made plans with her, saying I'd give her a 'surprise'!

"Mentor, you can't let me down!"

The girl winked mischievously.

But when Ron heard that he was going to see Lilia, some thoughts began to stir within him.

The girl he rescued in the Black Mist Forest has now grown into a powerful potion-making genius.

But when he recalled that hasty farewell, he did feel somewhat... guilty.

As the guide who led her into the wizarding world.

He left her when she needed guidance the most, because he was too eager to pursue power.

The black-haired princess keenly caught the fleeting unnatural look on her mentor's face.

She smiled slyly:
"Mentor, are you thinking that you, as their 'guide,' might be a little 'irresponsible'?"

Ron was struck by her words and could only shake his head and chuckle.

"That's true. At the time, I was too eager to make a breakthrough and neglected my responsibilities as a mentor."

"Actually, Lilia has never blamed you."

Eve suddenly said very seriously:
"On the contrary, she always says that she wouldn't be who she is today without your shelter and guidance back then."

She picked up her teacup and said thoughtfully:

"Oh, by the way, she's staying at the Dawn Harbor hostel right now."

I had invited her to stay here, since the Emerald Mansion has many rooms, but she declined.

"Saying things like 'I can't cause trouble for His Highness,' what a stubborn fellow."

Eve noticed that Ron's attention had refocused and was secretly pleased. She continued:
"Next time 'The Cauldron of Thorns' is offered, you can come with us to take a look."

Speaking of which, Professor, do you still remember the elite class you taught at the Crystal Spire?

“Of course I remember.” A hint of nostalgia appeared in Ron’s eyes.

"Senior Herman, who has the highest talent, is now almost ready to advance to a formal wizard."

Eve's tone carried a hint of smugness:

"Although there was no chance to enter the 'Cauldron of Thorns'."

But thanks to your reputation, mentor, and with my small help, his turn in the queue for the 'Key Potion' is almost here.

"The other students are also doing well, but..."

Her voice carried a hint of regret: "They always ask when they can see you again."

Just as the atmosphere was beginning to ease, the door was gently pushed open.

Two figures filed in—Cecilia and Caroline.

Cecilia maintained that almost obsessive elegance, every movement precise to the millimeter.

Caroline appeared more cautious, with obvious unease in her eyes.

Her fingers unconsciously fiddled with the hem of her apron, a small gesture that betrayed her inner tension.

“Ralph…Lecturer.”

Cecilia spoke first, her voice carrying her signature coldness, yet with an inexplicable awkwardness:
"It's a pleasure to see you again."

“You look…” she seemed to be choosing her words carefully:
"Even more...powerful than during the Night of Elements."

Caroline bowed slightly behind Cecilia, her voice barely audible: "Lord Ralph, hello."

This scene was indeed somewhat awkward.

A former Moon-level wizard, she now faces her "enemy" as a maid.

The difference in their social status made the air feel heavy.

Ron looked at the two of them, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

He remembered Cecilia's arrogance and perfectionism, and Caroline's madness and ruthlessness during the Night of the Elements.

Now they stood here, dressed in special maid outfits, with an expression of... meekness he had never seen before?
“Cecilia, Caroline.”

Ron spoke first: "I heard you're doing well here?"

“Yes, Instructor Ralph,” Cecilia replied succinctly.
"His Highness has been very kind to us. Life here... is more fulfilling than I imagined."

Caroline added cautiously, "Your Highness has shown us...new value."

Her voice was soft, but it carried a deep sense of gratitude.

Eve watched this delicate three-way conversation from the sidelines, a sly smile playing on her lips.

She enjoyed the feeling of being in control.

Two once high-ranking Moon-level wizards now have to behave with utmost respect in front of her.

"Speaking of which..." Ron suddenly remembered something:
"I don't think I've seen Franka since Cecilia and Caroline arrived?"

When this name was mentioned, Eve's smile faded slightly.

She hesitated for a moment before saying softly, "Franka...she left without saying goodbye a few months ago."

"Leaving without saying goodbye?" Ron frowned.

Knowing Franka as he did, he knew this loyal half-dragon maid wouldn't leave without a reason.

She only left a handwritten note on the bedside table.

Eve's voice became somewhat heavy:
"She said she heard a 'wailing' from the depths of her bloodline, as if one of her important 'blood relatives' was in danger and she had to rush back immediately."

“The call of bloodline…” Ron seemed to be deep in thought.

“We used all our intelligence networks, but we still couldn’t track her down.”

Eve shook her head helplessly:

"She vanished into thin air."

My mother said that the call of the dragon bloodline usually signifies a major crisis for the clan, and Franka might... have already returned to the secluded habitat of the Preservative Clan.

Cecilia whispered from the side:
"That morning, I felt an extremely strong fluctuation, as if something had torn apart the barrier of space."

When we arrived at Franka's room, all that remained was the note and... a pile of dragon scales.

The change in topic made the atmosphere even more somber.

Eve looked at Ron and said solemnly:

“Master, my [Key Potion] is nearing completion. In two or three months at most, I will hold an advancement ceremony.”

Her amethyst eyes were filled with expectation and dependence:

“After the ceremony, as agreed, I will also officially inherit Grandpa Yutel’s ‘remains’.”

Mentioning Professor Yutel brought back the dreamlike "Snowfield Legacy" to Ron's mind, causing him a slight pang of pain.

The passing of the torch, a farewell in the wilderness, the old man's faltering figure as he walks away...

"These two ceremonies are the most important moments of my life."

Eve's voice was soft yet firm:

"I hope... that you, as my most important elder, can be there in person to witness this for me."

“It is my honor, Eve.”

He then added:

"However, after participating in your ceremony and dealing with some matters in the Central Land, I will probably return to the Abyss Observatory."

Eve was not disappointed upon hearing this; instead, she gave a knowing smile.

"I know you have lofty ambitions."

The girl stood up and naturally walked behind Ron:
"The mysteries of the abyss, the secrets of the era—these are indeed more important than accompanying a student."

Her voice contained an understanding and tolerance beyond her years:

"But before that, the mentor, who has traveled a long way, also needs to relax."

Come to think of it, it seems like... it's been a long time since I gave you a 'mental massage'.

Cecilia and Caroline tactfully left the room and quietly closed the door.

They both knew that the time ahead belonged to this special teacher and student.

Ron didn't refuse.

He closed his eyes, leaned back in the comfortable recliner, and let his body and mind sink into a long-lost state of relaxation.

He sensed Eve's incredibly refined spiritual power slowly extending from behind him.

That was no longer the naive, tentative touch of the Demon Devouring period.

Instead, it transformed into dozens of slender, flexible, yet vibrant, translucent spiritual tentacles.

These tentacles are like the softest, shimmering silk.

Gently and precisely, it probed into his mental field, which was tense from long-term intense thinking and suppressed grief.

Unlike previous massages, Eve's skills this time were truly masterful.

Those spiritual tendrils, at an extremely subtle frequency, gently "kneaded" and "combed" his tangled thoughts.

Every touch carries an indescribable tenderness, every caress conveys a silent comfort.

This goes beyond simple relaxation; it's more like a "hug" on a spiritual level.

Eve did not attempt to delve into those most private memories.

It's about using the gentlest methods to "kiss" and "soothe" the edges of those wounds.

Her tentacles, like a mother's hand, gently caressed the forehead of the injured child;
Like a lover's lips, offering silent comfort in the darkness. Ron could feel all his guardedness, exhaustion, and even the deepest loneliness within him being slowly healed and melted away in this silent, ultimate intimacy.

As the massage ended, Eve withdrew her spiritual tentacles, a captivating blush on her cheeks.

Her breathing was a little rapid, and her eyes shone with a satisfied yet shy light.

Ron opened his eyes and looked at Eve behind him.

The girl's cheeks were flushed like the sunset, and her eyes held a lingering intoxication and longing after their deep intimacy.

"Thank you, Eve."

“It’s what I should do, mentor.”

Eve's voice was equally light as a feather, yet trembled slightly:
"Your soul...is truly beautiful."

In this profound spiritual communion, the boundaries of consciousness become blurred.

Ron could feel every tremor in the girl's heart.

Her aspirations for the future, her desire for power, and her deep yet passionate feelings for him.

Eve could also sense the vastness and depth of his spiritual world.

Those grand plans, the heavy responsibilities, and... that unique tenderness towards her.

This spiritual connection is far more intimate and profound than physical contact.

………………

Meanwhile, on the edge of the Vital Starfield, in the command center of the flagship "Monarch".

Cassandra stood before the star map projection, her purple eyes reflecting countless shimmering points of light.

Victory came surging in like a tidal wave.

"Master, the Seventh Fleet has just sent good news."

The adjutant's voice echoed in the command room:

"Vita's second ruling star has completely fallen."

After the enemy made contact with our 'information carrier,' the entire fleet mutinied within three hours. They are now attacking their home port.

Cassandra gently stroked the scepter in her hand, a satisfied smile curving her lips.

This is the seventeenth similar report this month.

The "collective consciousness" that the Vital people are so proud of is as vulnerable as tofu in the face of her carefully crafted "cognitive virus".

Ironically, the more united they were, the more they relied on their spiritual connection with each other, the faster the virus spread and the more devastating the damage became.

The success of Operation Kaleidoscope paralyzed the command structure of the entire Vital Republic.

Without unified coordination, the fleet fought like scattered sand, and Cedric's vicious genius-designed "ideological plague" caused these scattered people to lose even the most basic will to resist.

"This war has turned from 'conquest' to 'harvest'."

Cassandra said to herself:
"We don't even need to use real force; the enemy will surrender on their own, destroy themselves, and open up all their defenses for us."

On the star map, the blue area representing the Wizarding Alliance is expanding rapidly like a malignant tumor.

Meanwhile, the golden territory of the Republic of Vital is shrinking at a visible rate.

At this rate, the entire Vital civilization will disappear completely from the universe in just a few months at most.

However, at that moment, an anomaly appeared on the star chart.

In the far reaches of the Vital Republic, in those oldest and most remote star systems, about one-tenth of the fleet still maintains its full organization and a clear consciousness.

What's even stranger is that these fleets did not choose to scatter and flee or put up a stubborn resistance.

On the contrary, they are gathering in an orderly manner toward a specific coordinate with an almost pilgrimage-like devotion.

"'cradle'……"

Cassandra stared at the mysterious star region marked as a forbidden zone on the star map:

"The resting place of all the legendary celestial beasts, the sacred site of the Vital people."

This place has appeared many times in past intelligence reports, but it has always been shrouded in mystery.

It is said that this is the dwelling place of the guardian deity of the Vital civilization, the "Star Lord".

But none of that matters to Cassandra.

Importantly, the enemy is gathering its last strength there, attempting a desperate last stand.

"Convene a military conference."

Her voice rang out from the command room:
"Regarding this anomaly, I need to hear the analysis reports from each department."

Half an hour later, the strategic conference room on the "Monarch" was packed.

The core commanders of the coalition forces gathered together, either physically or via projection, and each of them wore a look of bewilderment.

"Based on our intelligence analysis,"

The chief tactician unfolded a thick report:

"The Vital fleet that gathered toward the 'Cradle' was entirely from the 'fundamentalist' faction of their civilization."

These people have the most devout faith in the celestial behemoths, and their bloodline purity is also the highest.

"More importantly."

The intelligence minister added:
“All the ‘cognitive virus’ vectors we deployed would inexplicably become ineffective when they approached these fleets.”

It's like...like some kind of force field is protecting them.

Cassandra frowned slightly.

This phenomenon was indeed beyond her expectations.

According to Cedric's theory, the "cognitive virus" targets "possibility" and "variables".

In theory, any life form with independent thought should be affected.

Just as parliament was lost in thought, a young voice broke the silence via remote communication:
"Lord Tower, please allow me to issue a warning."

That's Elliott Vander, now Cassandra's youngest intelligence officer.

His talent for "listening to the wind" allows him to detect anomalies that are imperceptible to ordinary people.

“Speak,” Cassandra commanded succinctly.

“My talent shows that the spacetime curvature around the ‘cradle’ is undergoing dramatic changes.”

Elliott's voice carried a clear sense of worry:
“The causal laws, probability flow, and even the basic structure of reality there are in an extremely ‘solidified’ state.”

He paused for a moment, seemingly trying to organize his thoughts:

“Master, you should know that our ‘cognitive virus’ is essentially a weapon based on ‘uncertainty’.”

It needs to navigate a sea of ​​'possibilities,' functioning by creating contradictions and conflicts.

"But in an environment like the 'cradle'..."

Eliot's tone became serious:

"Everything is 'locked' by some kind of absolute will."

There is only one truth, one possibility, and one answer there.

“In such places, our virus will be completely ineffective, and may even be 'denied' outright at the conceptual level.”

This warning brought a brief silence to the conference room.

Everyone understood the meaning behind Eliot's words:

If his judgment is correct, then Cassandra's greatest strategic advantage will be rendered ineffective in the face of the "Cradle".

The adjutant, well-versed in military strategy, immediately offered his advice:
“Master, since the enemy has chosen to huddle in that special environment, we can adopt a siege tactic.”

Cut off their supply lines and let time be our ally.

"Or we could use 'star-destroying' level strategic weapons,"

Another general added:

"Conduct a saturation attack on the entire star field from a distance, avoiding entering the enemy's 'home field'."

These are all sound and rational suggestions.

But Cassandra slowly shook her head.

"You're all wrong."

She stood up, walked to the star map, and reached out to touch the point of light marked "Cradle":

"The Vital people chose to gather there, ostensibly to seek refuge, but in reality, they were conducting a massive 'awakening ritual'."

"They want to awaken the sleeping 'Star Lord' and have this ancient 'god' fight against our 'plague'."

Cassandra's voice grew increasingly excited:

"But what they don't know is that this is precisely the opportunity we've had in a lifetime!"

She turned to face the crowd, her eyes shining like burning stars:
"Rather than letting the virus infect those scattered 'believers' one by one."

Why not let me personally inject the source of the 'virus' directly into the brain of their 'god'?

"Once their god is 'infected,' the entire belief system will collapse from within!"

"At that time, the remaining Vitals will find that even their most sacred guardians have betrayed them and have been conquered by our ideals."

This kind of despair is more deadly than any weapon!

Whispers filled the conference room.

Cassandra's plan was insane, but it also carried enormous risks.

"Tower Master."

Elliott's voice rang out again, tinged with obvious anxiety:
"I must emphasize again that the place is extremely dangerous."

The 'Star Domain Lord' possesses strength approaching that of a Witch King, and within its own 'Divine Domain,' its power is amplified many times over.

“I know you successfully drove it away last time, but now it’s in its core territory…”

"enough."

Cassandra waved her hand to interrupt him:

“Elliott, fear blinds wisdom.”

Yes, the 'Star Domain Lord' is powerful, but so what?

Her voice turned icy cold:

"What is the source of its strength? It is the faith of the Vital people, the support of 'collective consciousness'."

But now, we have destroyed 90% of the Vital civilization, and that so-called 'god' is extremely weak.

A cruel smile curled at the corners of Cassandra's lips:

"And I won't face it alone."

I possess Cedric's latest 'concept-level virus,' the most elite Dark Sun Guard, and the trump card left to me by my ancestor, the King of Absurdity.

"This battle will not only be a military victory, but also the ultimate philosophical proof: 'Individual will' will always prevail over 'collective delusion'!"

Parliament ultimately approved Cassandra's battle plan.

Despite the doubts in many people's hearts, no one dared to question the judgment of this invincible tower master.

After all, she has proven herself right with countless victories.

Three days later, the Monarch separated from the main fleet and sailed alone to the Cradle.

Cassandra only brought ten of her most elite Dark Sun-level wizards.

These people are the top combatants of their respective schools of thought.

Each one possesses the rudimentary form of a phallus and has terrifying power approaching that of a great wizard.

In the main world, they are the pinnacle beings that everyone looks up to;
On the battlefield, they are legends capable of taking on a million enemies single-handedly.

Inside the flagship's observation deck, Cassandra gazed silently at the distant star field.

The Cradle is not a planet, but the remains of a giant beast.

The giant beast was longer than a small star in its lifetime, and its skeleton formed a unique galactic structure in the universe.

The behemoth's ribs stretched out like mountains, and its spine transformed into star rings.

At its heart, the Vital people built the most sacred temple.

When the Monarch approached the perimeter of the wreckage, the expected fierce resistance did not materialize.

The Vital fleet, like a ceremonial guard, stood in neat rows on both sides of the waterway, clearing a straight path for the invaders.

This eerie "welcome" made the guard of wizards uneasy.

“Master Tower, this is very unusual.”

A Dark Sun-level wizard frowned and said:
"They let us into the core area like that; there must be a trap."

"Of course there are traps."

Cassandra chuckled softly:
"But for true powerhouses, the line between trap and opportunity is often very thin."

Her fingers gently traced the chaotic crystal embedded in the scepter:

"They want to fight me in their own 'divine realm,' which suits me perfectly."

There, I will prove with my own hands that even the most perfect 'cage' cannot confine a truly free will.

The Monarch slowly entered the chest cavity of the giant beast's remains.

This is the core of the entire "Cradle" star system.

The space was divided into countless enormous "rooms" by the ribs of the behemoth, each large enough to hold a city.

The moment the flagship passed through the last "rib arch," the entire universe changed.

No, to be precise, it is the concept of "change" itself that has disappeared.

The magic detectors in the command room began to emit piercing alarms, and all readings jumped to the "abnormal" mark at the same time.

"The concentration of magic power cannot be measured!"

"The spacetime curvature value exceeds the measurement range!"

"The causality detector has completely failed!"

The reports from the technicians came one after another, each recounting the same horrifying truth:

They have entered a completely different reality.

Cassandra felt an extremely terrifying sense of oppression.

It was as if an invisible voice was constantly telling her:

"Your existence is a mistake, your will is superfluous, and your personality is a flaw that needs to be erased."

This feeling reminded her of a rumor:
Some sorcerer-kings, when in their own "kingdoms," are able to create and modify everything at will.

In such a realm, the will of the creator is the only law, and everything else must operate according to the creator's rules.

"I see……"

Cassandra gritted her teeth:

"This is not a 'holy land' at all, but the 'divine kingdom' of the 'star domain lord'."

From the moment we stepped in, we entered His absolute dominion.

The wizards of the guard began to undergo terrible changes.

The brilliance and individuality in the eyes of those once unruly geniuses are rapidly fading.

Their facial expressions became strikingly similar:
Empty, calm, with a lifeless "harmony".

"No... this isn't right..."

One of the Dark Sun-level wizards attempted to resist this bizarre assimilation.

He transformed into his ethereal form: a burning golden lion, attempting to tear apart this invisible bondage.

However, when that majestic lion came into contact with the laws of the "divine kingdom," it began a terrible "transformation."

Its mane lost the wildness of the flames and became as neat as a sculpture;

Its roar lost its wild and unrestrained nature, becoming as docile as a lamb;

Its eyes lost their unique sparkle and became empty like crystal.

“I am…I am Simon Delacroix…”

The wizard trembled as he uttered his name, attempting to maintain self-awareness in this way.

But his voice grew weaker and weaker, more and more indistinct.

In the end, he just mechanically repeated:

"I am part of the group...I am part of the group..."

Similar scenes spread throughout the guard.

These powerful figures, who once dominated the main world, were as fragile as candles, extinguished one after another, before the absolute laws of the "God Kingdom".

Their illusory prototypes were "formatted" into a uniform template;
Their personalities were "optimized" into a standard paradigm;
Their will was "upgraded" into a collective consensus.

This process is both gentle and cruel, both compassionate and terrifying.

There was no pain, no struggle, only absolute "submission".

Cassandra watched as her most elite subordinates lost themselves one by one, and her anger raged uncontrollably.

She wanted to unleash the "concept virus" that Cedric had prepared, wanting to use that weapon to fight back against this terrible assimilation.

However, when she tried to activate the virus vector, she discovered a devastating truth:

In this world where "distractions are not allowed," the "cognitive virus" didn't even have a chance to be released before being "invalidated" at the conceptual level.

The rules here are too absolute and too uniform.

Any attempt to create “chaos,” “contradiction,” or “variable” will be immediately identified as an “error” and “corrected.”

"You are finally here."

A grand, emotionless voice echoed in the "Kingdom of God".

The sound seemed to come from every corner of the universe, yet it also seemed to be ringing right next to my ear:

“Cassandra St. Mange, your arrival is exactly what we have been waiting for.”

"The 'virus' you brought has shown us the ugliness and chaos of 'individual consciousness'."

Now, it's time to show you true 'perfection'.

In the starry sky, a colossal figure began to appear.

His true form is not a concrete biological entity, but rather a collection of "concepts":
Absolute order, perfect unity, flawless harmony.

Faced with it, Cassandra suddenly realized the fatal mistake she had made.

She thought it was a "war," and that she could use "individual will" to conquer "collective consciousness."

But what the other side launched was not a war at all, but a complete "devouring".

In this world where the rules are written by the "Star Domain Lords," the concept of "individual" is itself illegal.

She cannot win, because the concept of "victory" is not allowed to exist here.

“You want to conquer us,”

The voice of the "Star Domain Lord" rang out like heavenly music:

"Now, let us save you."

It liberates you from the suffering of the 'individual' and allows you to experience the eternal beauty of the 'collective'.

You will no longer be alone, no longer confused, no longer in pain.

You will become part of the whole, forever peaceful, forever in harmony.

Cassandra felt her consciousness beginning to fade.

That absolute "unity" is permeating her spirit, attempting to completely dissolve her proud personality.

At this critical moment, the bloodline barrier within her body suddenly activated.

That was the last protection the King of Absurdity left for his descendants:
An "accident" that can be triggered in the most desperate moment.

The witch's figure began to blur.

The unified force field of the "Star Domain Lord" encountered strong resistance, and for the first time, a tiny "crack" appeared in that absolute order.

The "Star Domain Lord" murmured in bewilderment: "This variable..."

Under the forceful correction of the laws of the "Divine Kingdom," the crack was quickly repaired.

But in that brief moment, Cassandra's figure vanished completely.

She was not assimilated, not devoured, and not destroyed.

She just... disappeared.

It was as if they had never existed.

In the distant sphere of influence of the wizarding civilization.

The last signal received by Vinard and the other great wizards was the routine status report from the "Monarch".

The signal is very simple, consisting of only one sentence:

"Everything is normal, mission in progress."

Then came permanent silence.

The ten Dark Sun-level wizards and the entire elite fleet vanished without a trace, as if they had never existed.

Only in the deepest reaches of space on the edge of the Vital Starfield has a new "star" appeared.

That star radiates a unified light, forever serene, forever harmonious.

Cassandra's fate, however, remains a mystery.

Is she dead or alive?

Was it completely erased, or did it escape to some unknown dimension?
No one knows the answer.

(End of this chapter)