Collaboration with Enemies

"Of course, it's for Luo Wei."

Tilis continued her busy work, her complaints spilling out as she did so. "Why else would I come to save you? Whether you live or die in this tomb has nothing to do with me."

As she spoke, a massive circular array suddenly appeared, so large that it could encompass the entire underground palace.

Ophelia scoffed disdainfully. "That's even better. You think I'd be grateful to you? Let me tell you this! The way you played me, I'll definitely get my revenge one day!"

The mere thought of Tilis using the pretext of teaching Caroline teleportation magic to pull some shady tricks and nearly kill her in that magical explosion made her grind her teeth with anger.

"You?" Tilis's violet gaze drifted lazily toward Ophelia. "First, think about your own abilities. You're not even on my level if you want to get back at me."

Ophelia, furious, laughed instead. "Do you think I'd fight you like some foolish duel between mages, standing face-to-face and trading blows? I wouldn't even need to lift a finger."

"Hehehe, there's one thing in this world called power."

Tilis glanced at her again, her gaze finally growing a bit more serious.

"You despicable witch," Ophelia said coldly. "Sooner or later, I'll wipe out your entire magical retreat and burn all your heretical doctrines. Every black sorcerer will be sent to the stake!"

Tilis remained expressionless, continuing her work without a care.

"Burning them is fine, but burning books is not allowed."

Ophelia let out a snicker. "Of course you're a bookworm, utterly boring. How could Luo Wei possibly like someone like you!"

These words made Tilis look up.

She gazed at Ophelia, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"He doesn't like me. Do you think he'd like you, a control freak who enjoys spying on people?"

Seeing Ophelia about to retort, Tilis smirked, showing a look of disdain.

"Whether he likes me or not, I don't know, and frankly, it's too mundane for me. But do you know what it means to be kindred spirits? Do you understand what it means to be ideologically and spiritually aligned?"

"The shared ideals between me and him are far beyond what someone like you can comprehend. Well, I suppose that makes sense, given that you're that fifth princess of the decaying royal family. What would you know?"

After saying this, the atmosphere fell silent for a moment.

Ophelia didn't seem to be provoked by these words. Instead, she wore a sly smile.

"You're right. I don't understand those things."

She chuckled and countered, "But do you know what it means to be physically compatible?"

Ophelia raised a victorious smile, convinced she had struck the final blow.

She had won.

However, Tilis only paused briefly.

"Hmm?"

She blinked innocently, "What?"

Ophelia had expected to see anger, jealousy, or even hysteria on her face...

But she could never have anticipated such a reaction.

Ophelia squinted suspiciously, "You didn't understand? What are you pretending for?"

Tilis's gaze remained blank and innocent.

Ophelia frowned, her eyes moving to Caroline and Jason, who stood silently behind her like a backdrop.

"Was what I said that hard to understand?"

Jason stayed silent, sweating bullets.

Caroline reddened and also didn't dare to say a word...

"I..." Ophelia felt a strange frustration building.

"Alright, stop bothering me!" Tilis suddenly snapped, "Be quiet!"

With her words, everyone present felt a massive surge of magical energy.

The legendary twelve-ring spell was now ready.

"Regardless of our past grievances," Tilis coolly gazed at Ophelia, "you must protect me while I cast this spell. The incantation takes a very long time."

"I got it, stop nagging!" Ophelia had her priorities straight.

Tilis immediately began casting the spell.

Ophelia looked up; her ancestor had destroyed the obstacles they had set up and was roaring directly toward them.

Bracing herself, Ophelia unleashed her power of materialization again, this time covering an even wider area than before.

Mazelike buildings, thundering trains, countless traps—Ophelia did her utmost to hold back her ancestor.

Sweat trickled from her forehead, and her body trembled uncontrollably.

"Your Highness..." Caroline looked at her worriedly.

The surreal scene before her reminded her of that day at the manor, when Ophelia nearly lost her sanity. Fortunately, Luo Wei had intervened in the end.

But this time...

"I'm fine, don't worry!"

Ophelia knew what she was thinking but continued to exert her power without restraint.

She was no longer afraid of backlash, not with Luo Wei by her side.

All she regretted was not being strong enough.

But then, a sudden change occurred.

Ophelia's gaze fixated on the black figure soaring in the air. Antius opened his bloodied maw, and a corrosive black gas roared forth like raging flames, melting everything in its path.

All the structures ripped from the Dreamlands began to dissolve like wax.

Then, the ancestor's howling head slowly turned toward her.

A chill crept over her.

Ophelia felt a growing despair—there really was no way out this time...

She frantically looked toward Tilis.

"Witch..."

"Tilis! Are you done yet? Hurry up!"

But Tilis remained unmoved, her eyes closed as she continued her long, drawn-out incantation.

"You... are you even competent?" Ophelia shot her an urgent look, knowing it wasn't fair but unable to hold back the words.

The black figure in the air was diving down, Antius bringing with him a scorching wave of terror.

Time seemed to drag on infinitely as Ophelia could only wait in despair for Tilis's spell to succeed.

Finally, those deep violet eyes opened.

A dazzling blue glow spread throughout the entire underground tomb, illuminating the deep underground burial chamber.

Everyone except Tilis showed expressions of excitement.

"Is it done? Can we leave now?" Ophelia asked quickly.

Tilis merely looked at her, her tone calm.

"What's the hurry?"

"A super-nine-ring spell is too complex. There's still the final part to wrap up. Buy me another fifteen seconds."

Ophelia's brows twitched in frustration.

But Tilis ignored her, closing her eyes again and immersing herself in the lengthy casting.

"Damn it, really damn it..." Ophelia clenched her fists.

She had no choice but to face her "ancestor" once more.

The massive black figure loomed closer...

At this critical moment, with no other options left, Ophelia thought of just one final solution.

A solution she really didn't want to use.

Like Tilis, Ophelia closed her eyes slowly.

She placed her hands over her chest in a gesture of solemn prayer.

"The Great Abyss King, Ruler of the Dreamlands..."

"The venerable ancient being, the merciful elder, the old god Nodens."

Your vassals, the Wiegner family, beg for your strength and protection...

Ophelia slowly opened her eyes.

A miraculous scene unfolded.

Upon pronouncing the name of this ancient deity, Antius actually landed and stood still.