The Deadlock

After Tilis purged the White Chapel District's city defense forces, more and more mages began gathering here.

They all wore long mage robes, walking openly on the streets—a sight that moved Elder Margery deeply.

"For so many years, we who have always hidden in the shadows now have the chance to walk freely on Saint Callen Street..."

Ophelia silently agreed. Indeed, throughout history, churches from all sides had vehemently rejected magical organizations, forcing them to operate in secrecy and obscurity.

Mages like Tilis, who strode boldly down the streets, were a rare sight...

As Ophelia observed the arriving mages, her attention was drawn to several elderly figures clad in black cloaks.

"Are they all elders of the Magical Hermitage?" She recalled that this organization distinguished rank by robe color.

"Correct," Elder Roens explained. "They are members of the Elder Council. Though none surpass the Grandmaster in power, their experience and wisdom are vast. The Grandmaster hopes their knowledge will aid you in dismantling this anti-magic field."

After speaking, Elder Roens and several apprentices compiled the data collected from the anti-magic field. A dozen mages sat cross-legged on the ground, immediately delving into research—a display that earned Ophelia's admiration.

"Truly professional. As expected of the most orthodox magical organization..."

During the earlier meeting at Luo Wei's place, Tilis had mentioned persuading the Elder Council to open the Great Library and provide full "technical support."

The council had even dispatched an aged mage specializing in the study of the ancient god Nodens. As a descendant of that deity's lineage, Ophelia had learned much from him—proof of the profound legacy this centuries-old organization possessed.

"Thank you all for your assistance. If we succeed in breaking the anti-magic field, you will be the foremost contributors," Ophelia expressed her gratitude.

"No need for thanks," the elderly mage, engrossed in his research, lifted his head. "The Magical Hermitage is dedicating everything not for power. Remember your promise."

"Of course," Ophelia nodded.

This "promise" referred to legalizing the Magical Hermitage once she ascended to power.

The lifelong dream of countless mages in the Hermitage was to restore their ancient organization to its former glory—precisely why they were betting on her.

The weight of responsibility pressed heavier on Ophelia's shoulders.

Today's events were far more than a mere coup. She realized she, Luo Wei, and the others were truly changing the world...

Once preparations were complete, all the mages turned their silent gazes to Ophelia. It was time for her first attempt.

She took a deep breath.

Now came the final—and most critical—step of the plan.

Breaking the anti-magic field.

...

Hagelitz Palace, the study.

Eleya emotionlessly scanned the study, searching for Carlton's true form.

Wherever she passed, the illusory bookshelves crumbled and dissipated, allowing Luo Wei glimpses of the real world.

A gentle white light enveloped them, relieving Luo Wei of the oppressive gravitational force.

He felt divine magic returning. If the field was a "black hole," Eleya had torn it open with sheer power, allowing faith energy to pour in.

"Found you," Eleya's cold gaze settled on a spot.

Though her expression remained blank, killing intent flashed instantly. The divine spell [Judgment] descended from above.

Bathed in blinding light, Carlton was exposed in a corner.

Yet he showed no fear toward the divine spears raining down like wrathful punishment.

"Divine magic..."

He pondered briefly. The next moment, the spears froze mid-air above him.

"Even the holy light, renowned for healing and protection, can be so aggressive."

With a strange gesture Luo Wei didn't recognize, Carlton transformed the suspended lightning-like spears into solid matter.

Crack!

A crisp shattering sound echoed as the lethal [Judgment] dissolved into harmless stardust, gently showering Carlton.

"I much prefer this version of divine magic—the one people remember."

Luo Wei stared in shock. If even Eleya's [Judgment] could be neutralized so easily, Carlton was nearly invincible within this field.

He analyzed what had just happened: Carlton had altered some fundamental rule, converting divine energy into physical objects—mere metal rods.

Once the supernatural lost its mystique, countering it became trivial...

This left Luo Wei deeply puzzled. How was this possible? What kind of rule allowed this?

Searching for logic in a dreamscape sounded absurd, but after bonding with Ophelia, Luo Wei had also constructed dreamscapes. Though nowhere near as reality-bending as this father-daughter duo, he knew one cardinal rule:

Dreamscapes couldn't be pure fantasy—they required real-world logic as foundation.

For instance, when Ophelia once recreated Saint Callen City in stunning detail, it wasn't mere imagination. Her exceptional architectural talent made her qualified as either a designer or a construction worker...

Hence her penchant for terrain-altering debuffs during battles.

Luo Wei's eyes narrowed at Carlton. Had this old schemer, holed up in his dark study for decades, truly mastered such profound arts?

Eleya, however, didn't overanalyze. Her hollow gaze remained locked onto Carlton. For those who dared "ascend," annihilation was the only outcome.

In an instant, countless [Judgment] spells rained down again.

Carlton repeated his trick—every threatening divine spell morphed into harmless matter, then into healing light that soothed his body.

A stalemate ensued.

Though Eleya's magic shielded Luo Wei from being crushed, neither side could gain ground.

Restlessness crept in. The expanding darkness confirmed the anti-magic field still held.

Ophelia's progress was too slow. If Carlton stalled much longer, the First Army north of the capital might mobilize—a variable that could unravel their entire plan.

Seeing Eleya still relentlessly spamming the supreme divine art 【Judgment】 as if it were a basic attack, Luo Wei couldn't help but sigh. "Eleya, try switching to another move. Maybe he’s studied this divine art in his library and figured out how to counter it?"

Eleya was obedient in this regard. Without replying, she immediately changed tactics.

Streaks of dazzling white light flashed as she cycled through a series of familiar skills—【Holy Light Strike】, 【Exorcism Prayer】, 【Divine Retribution】, and 【Purification】—one after another.

Yet, Carlton remained unfazed.

Every offensive divine art transformed into soothing 【Healing Spells】, washing over him like a gentle tide. The old man even seemed to grow more comfortable with each hit...