Luvia's Preparations

Iluna briefly introduced the situation inside the church, while Shade gave a detailed account of everything he had experienced along the way, as well as what he had seen in the Interstice and Reality:

"Though there are no hostile organizations like the Blood of Mercury or the Blood Spirit School this time, the Interstice itself is more terrifying than both of them combined. We must be cautious from here on. One careless mistake, and Middhir Fort City may truly become history."

"The Church came fully prepared this time. Ms. Sherry Wen, whom you just saw, is from the Nature Church."

Iluna did not mention the term "Thorn Sister," but Shade understood what she meant:

"She is a Nine-Ring Arcanist herself. Though she is not particularly strong in combat, the divine arts and rituals of the God of Nature will be enhanced within the area she occupies. If it really comes down to the final moment, Ms. Wen will return to Reality."

"So, the final battle will begin in half an hour. After being busy for an entire autumn, it is finally coming to an end."

Shade nodded, and Iluna softly sighed:

"It is finally ending."

"No, this is not the end. I am not talking about what comes afterward. I mean that perhaps Joey Barton is not the most terrifying thing tonight."

Shade clenched the Red Butterfly Pendant in his hand. It contained the Twins' power, but he had rarely used it along the way.

His eyes fixed on the bonfire. Though the Chosen Ones were indeed difficult to deal with, compared to fighting Daknis, the gap this time was at least not absolutely impossible to overcome. What worried him was something else—another existence:

"I hope my guess is wrong."

Shade was making his final adjustments and preparations in the