Dekan's companions had all arrived on the battlefield

"I knew Dekan wouldn't be a villain from the Resurrection Church!"

"He is the pride of our kingdom!"

"Bishop of Pain! Let the Resurrection Church be buried!"

Not only the people of various kingdoms who witnessed this scene, but even the shouts of the residents echoed in the skies above the Feilowen Royal Capital.

Although the scene still seemed hopeless to ordinary people.

But a glimmer of hope, like a miraculous escape from a desperate situation, ignited in everyone's hearts!

At this moment, in everyone's mind, Dekan was already a true Bishop of Pain, a powerful Bishop-level figure.

With him and Sion, this calamity in the Feilowen Royal Capital, and the impending doom of the Kingdom Association, might truly be miraculously reversed!

In the Feilowen Royal Capital, amidst billowing smoke and the seemingly trembling ground, the smoke of battle filled the air.

Even though most of the public magical projection screens on the streets were in ruins, fragmented audio and video feeds occasionally delivered crucial information to the eighth-tier powerhouses facing the bishop.

Moreover, Sion controls the city's defense center and has already issued orders to the entire city.

All the eighth-tier powerhouses in the city who were capable of fighting were quickly deployed by Sion to form the optimal defenses to intercept the bishop.

The streets of the Feilowen Royal Capital were deserted under the night sky.

Everywhere you look is ruins. The buildings that were involved in the eighth-order battle nearby have collapsed in half, with only a few large buildings still standing. The streets are no longer as lively as they were during the previous festival.

On a patch of ruins, just a few kilometers from the arena.

Judith, clad in silver battle armor, faced the enemy, while Croix, staff in hand, provided continuous support.

After a brief exchange, both of them looked somewhat disheveled.

Frost, fire, and lightning spread beneath the enemy's feet, forming a mesmerizing path leading to heaven.

Apart from them, there was no sign of Ice Princess.

The combination of Ice Princess and Judith would have been somewhat of a stretch to stop a bishop.

However, after adding the seventh-tier Croix...

Even the Bishop of Ruin Evans from back then, the three of them were enough to contend with him.

However, considering location, distance, available manpower, and combat compatibility...

Sion's task for them was to intercept Carlos, the Bishop of Falsehood, one of the two strongest bishops.

They finally understood why Void and the end were called the strongest.

Not only did they fail to injure Carlos in the slightest, but they also failed to do so.

Just trying to hold off Carlos was enough to send the three of them into a rout with a single [Void Illusion Realm].

[Void Illusion Realm]

[Category: Spell Card]

[Rarity: Orange Epic]

[Class: 8]

[Effect: Ignores rank and forcibly drags the target into an Illusory Space. The target cannot escape during the spell's duration. Targets within the Illusory Space cannot affect the spell user. The user can add mana to unleash illusions that are infinitely close to reality, dealing massive damage of any elemental advantage to the imprisoned.]

[Note: Always a counter attribute]

At this moment, within the Illusory Space constructed by Carlos.

The sea of fire and lava continuously engulfed the Ice Princess. Even though Ice Princess tried her best to resist with ice, she was quickly melted.

The poisonous mist continued to seep in, causing Ice Princess's condition to worsen.

During the battle where the Bishop of Ruin hunted the Ice Princess, the most difficult things for the Ice Princess to deal with were fire and poison.

This was the same spell that Dekan had experienced when he was targeted by the Eighth Floor Jailer in the Devil King Tomb.

However, the Bishop of Falsehood's magic is stronger.

Even though the mana cost of imprisoning the Ice Princess is enormous for the Bishop of Falsehood, it won't be long before he kills Ice Princess!

No matter how anxious Judith and Croix were outside the illusion barrier, they were unable to rescue the Ice Princess.

It's even less likely that the two of them can defeat the Bishop of Falsehood in a short time!

"Why did you come here to die?"

The Bishop of Falsehood frowned and muttered to himself.

Clearly, he didn't want to be held up by these three guys and waste so much magic power for no reason.

However, it must be admitted that these three guys combined are indeed a bit troublesome, enough to threaten the other bishops.

Kill the most troublesome ice mage with crowd control abilities.

Lock up this paladin again.

The remaining healing mage was naturally unable to stop him.

Just as the two sides were engaged in fierce combat, the sounds of battle in the distance grew ever closer in an instant!

The next second, the already dim sky seemed to be gradually covered by a curtain.

"Carlos, you save your magic to help His Holiness the Pope; leave them to me."

Suddenly, darkness enveloped the entire street in an instant, spreading across the ground like a tide, and then, swarms of shadows emerged from it.

In the darkness, countless cold eyes watched the crowd, gradually taking shape, like an undead legion from Purgatory.

At this moment, in addition to the Bishop of Falsehood, the battlefields of two eighth-tier powerhouses intercepting the Shadow Bishop also converged.

The Shadow Bishop seemed to possess the highest level of agility, unleashing a variety of bizarre spells. Two level eight warriors alone could not stop her; they could only relentlessly pursue and hinder her.

The Shadow Bishop's goal is to support the Bishop of Falsehood.

Once the opponents switch, she will be able to hold off Judith and her two companions, while her original opponents will be unable to stop the Bishop of Falsehood, Bishop of Falsehood will then be immediately freed!

The Bishop of Falsehood hesitated slightly, then quickly nodded.

In critical moments, sending any other bishop to help the Pope is less reassuring than having him help the Pope himself.

Since the Shadow Bishop is willing to help him hold off the enemy, that's naturally the best outcome.

Suddenly, the Ice Princess, who was originally inside the Phantom Barrier, felt a chill in the environment, a cold air swept over her, and her vision changed, returning her to the ruined battlefield in reality!

The illusion of fire and poison had vanished, and the chilling magical energy that belonged to her seemed to have brought her back to life.

It was cold, but it was real.

Ice Princess landed on the ground with a slight limp. Despite being in extremely poor physical condition, she immediately felt a sense of relief. She had finally regained complete control of her environment!

And Croix's familiar healing magic quickly reached her.

"Don't even think about leaving!"

Seeing that the Bishop of Falsehood had turned to leave, Judith, who was still able to move, immediately launched a fierce attack on him.

"Snort."

The Bishop of Falsehood snorted coldly, then took a step forward with his right foot...

With that one step, it was as if the scene on the street had become distorted. Judith, who was about to strike him, was suddenly pushed back.

When Judith tried to give chase, countless shadowy soldiers and Magic Creature blocked her way.

As soon as she slashed through the shadow, it transformed into poison and binding magic, binding Judith.

"You three are now facing off against me."

The Shadow Bishop's voice echoed all around.

Her army is perfectly suited to intercept Ice Princess, Judith, and Croix.

Even though Croix quickly removed the negative status effects and control effects from Judith, the Shadow Bishop conjured up a black coffin as if by magic and locked Judith inside.

"Can't we stop pushing ourselves so hard?"

The Shadow Bishop, like a ghost or playing hide-and-seek, kept his voice echoing around the three of them.

It seemed she didn't want to seriously fight the three of them; she just wanted to keep them here.

The Ice Princess, now recovered, could not hit the Shadow Bishop no matter how she cast spells.

The true form of the Shadow Bishop may be hidden within.

Or perhaps, each shadow is a part of the Shadow Bishop's true form.

If the Shadow Bishop is only focused on holding off the enemy, he might be the most difficult of the bishops to deal with!

"Asshole!"

Judith swung her sword, cutting through the shadows before her.

Although the Shadow Bishop's actions just now seemed to have saved the Ice Princess's life.

However, their interception plan has failed.

Furthermore, the Shadow Bishop also slightly hindered the two opponents who were originally chasing her.

Even though the two eighth-tier powerhouses who were originally blocking the Shadow Bishop had already grasped the situation at lightning speed and chased after the direction where the Bishop of Falsehood Carlos had left.

But it was almost impossible for them to catch up with Carlos and stop him.

This exchange of opponents is fatal for the Kingdom Association.

"I'm sorry, Dekan... I couldn't stop Carlos for you! I still have to rely on you."

Croix gritted her teeth and muttered to herself.

Given that the Royal Capital could be engulfed in a chaotic battle between bishops and eighth-tier powerhouses at any moment, rushing out into the streets and exposing one's location could be even more dangerous.

Therefore Cornelia and the others stayed with Alice in the mansion, which was protected by a magical barrier.

I just hope that no bishops or eighth-tier powerhouses will come near this area.

Even if they were to attack, Cornelia and Mie would still be able to cope.

Inside the mansion.

"Please bless everyone..."

Cornelia simply held the trembling Cat Teacher in her arms, silently praying for her comrades in battle.

After receiving the amulet from the Sun God Church and having that dream, Cornelia would occasionally offer sincere prayers to the Goddess.

And on the side.

"Mie ..."

Alice sat on the sofa, holding Mie's arm, her body trembling uncontrollably.

She had never experienced anything like this before.

Even on the Magic Airship heading to Tristin City last time, she did not feel any danger.

After all, during that crisis, a seventh-level guard had covered for her.

The enemy was only at the fifth tier, Dekan could easily handle.

This time, however, it was almost the entire core fighting force of the Resurrection Church that swept through the capital of Feilowen Royal Capital.

Even if she were a princess, under such a calamity, she would be as easily crushed as an ant.

"Hmm? I'm here."

Hearing Alice's murmur, Mie paused for almost a second before seemingly snapping out of her daze, looking at Alice and responding.

"Alice, don't be afraid, I promise you'll be safe and sound today."

Mie smiled and stroked Alice's hair.

"..."

Alice pursed her lips as she looked at Mie, sensing that Mie might not be as composed as he appeared.

Perhaps even the usually composed Mie was feeling flustered at this moment.

Mie had seemed distracted ever since.

It was as if she was distracted and focused on something else.

But that's impossible.

At a time like this, how can anyone be spacing out?

Although Alice was still very scared and gripped Mie's hand even tighter, she said as if she had mustered her courage:

"Mie, Cornelia, if danger comes, you two go with Flora. Don't worry about me holding you back!"

Alice felt that as a princess, she couldn't back down at this moment.

Learn to remain calm like everyone else.

His gaze became much firmer.

Flora is a fourth-tier knight, after all; she can run much faster than a fourth-tier Card Crafter like herself.

When it came time to actually flee, Alice knew she would definitely be a burden to everyone.

If we leave her alone, the survival rate of others will be much higher.

"Don't worry, Alice, it's not that bad! My brother's here too, he'll help Dekan if things get tough!"

Flora showed no sign of nervousness, and even her tone remained normal.

Of everyone, she seemed to have the best mindset.

"Morion is here too?"

Cornelia looked at Flora with slight surprise and asked.

Although Dekan had instructed Cornelia and Croix to keep an eye out for Morion a few days earlier, she hadn't found him at all.

"Hmm... During my performance, I noticed that there was an audience member who really felt like an older brother, even though he changed his appearance every day... I felt like he was an older brother!"

Flora smiled and nodded in affirmation.

Although her reasons sound completely absurd.

However, considering Flora's naturally powerful insight...

Even if Morion uses [Contact Mimicry] to disguise himself in any form, Flora would still be able to recognize her brother's true identity.

Cornelia believed Flora's judgment was correct.

Having endured long-term, high-intensity challenges in the Shadow World, Morion is probably already close to reaching the sixth rank. After his accidental entry into the seventh-rank Shadow World, Morion is likely now at the sixth rank.

Despite being a businessman and con artist, Morion is not much of a fighter.

However, he and Dekan have excellent support synergy; if he were there, Dekan would definitely receive tremendous support.

"Dekan, Croix, Morion... they all have to come back safe and sound, meow..."

Cornelia's Cat Teacher made a soft sound.

"Don't worry, everyone will definitely reunite and celebrate like they did at the end of the last Shadow World."

Cornelia gently stroked the Cat Teacher was curled up in a ball and said softly.

Philoven Arena.

Although the Pope still maintains control over the four, Pope mindset has now shifted somewhat.

The Pope, who shouldn't be experiencing such a lowly emotion as anger, seems genuinely annoyed by Dekan.

Xiao Zong?

Dekan did not appear to be deliberately provoking.

Instead, it's like a leader addressing a subordinate by their first name, with a superficial friendliness tinged with a sense of condescension, addressing the Pope as such.

The Pope has never encountered any inferior human being who dares to despise him so sincerely.

Even Bishop of Frenzy wouldn't dare to be this arrogant, would he?

Dekan, who was focused on understanding people's mindsets, also understood the Pope's reaction at this moment.

He quickly covered his mouth.

He feigned surprise at realizing he had said something inappropriate.

"Master Da Zong, how many moles do you think we'll catch today? I'm a little worried your heart can't take it."

Pope "?"

Although Dekan has changed his form of address and no longer refers to him as "Little Zong" all the time.

But no matter how the Pope listened, he felt that the title "Great Teacher" was Dekan's way of mocking him.

And what did Dekan mean by that?

Besides Dekan, who is clearly an inside man, are there other traitors within the Resurrection Church?!

The Pope immediately began a brainstorming session.

It is known that there is an insider who is embezzling funds.

And it was likely this traitor who helped Dekan during the seventh-tier team assessment in the Randir Kingdom...

But judging from Sion and Dekan's reactions...

Sion doesn't seem to be connected to the mole, otherwise he wouldn't have hesitated for so long.

Dekan's attitude was like that of a mole who knew something even the Pope hadn't noticed.

Surely the mole who embezzled the money and the mole who secretly helped Dekan can be two different people?

Could there be other moles among them?

You must understand that every additional mole within the organization...

The enemy will need to add a bishop to their fighting force.

Not only would they lose one bishop's combat power, but compared to an openly known traitor like Dekan, the most fatal flaw of a hidden traitor is that they might betray them at a crucial moment and cause a huge upheaval!

If there really were more traitors than he imagined, the Pope felt somewhat uncertain about what should have been a sure-win situation.

The more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed, and he even began to doubt himself.

But in an instant, the Pope suddenly realized something.

That seemingly simple question was Dekan's trap.

The Pope's only fear now is an internal traitor.

Catching the mole was also one of the Pope's objectives in this operation.

Dekan seized upon and exploited this point in an attempt to undermine the Pope's resolve!

When the Pope came to his senses, he realized that he had indeed been distracted by Dekan's question.

The Pope glared at Dekan; this Bishop of Pain was truly annoyed beyond measure!

And taking advantage of the brief moment when the Pope was distracted.

Dekan had already picked up [Batchel's Sword of Despair] and swung it, letting out a series of mournful howls. At the same time, he triggered [Three-Corpse Berserk], summoning [Squadron Leader Dekan] and [Ghost Captain Dekan]!

The Pope's mental spell resistance was weakened by [Batchel's Sword of Despair].

Further aggravated by the [Three-Corpse Berserk] and the [Squadron Leader Dekan]'s Enrage.

Instantly, the flames of anger in his heart turned into a raging inferno!

At last.

Even though [Ghost Captain Dekan] was instantly killed by the Pope's Life Stealing.

Its Taunt effect had a brief but significant impact on the Pope.

"Here you go!"

Sion had been waiting for this moment when Dekan's strongest control would be applied to the Pope!

As soon as Sion took a step forward, the arena froze as if time and space had been distorted.

Behind the arena stood a giant magical machine, its surface shimmering with mesmerizing and magnificent light.

This incredibly spectacular magical device is none other than the Artificial Shadow World Initiator!

The next second, two Void Gate simultaneously swallowed up Sion and the immobilized Pope.

The broadcast switched, showing Phantom Canyon again in addition to the battle in the arena.

This time, Phantom Canyon was no longer a sunny hill like in previous matches.

Instead, it was a vast, boundless ice plain, where even the sound of wind and snow was filled with a chilling, desolate atmosphere!

Compared to the dark night that currently engulfs the Philoven Arena.

As the sun rises over Phantom Canyon, its rays illuminate the glacier, creating shimmering arcs of light that seem to symbolize victory.

Sion just used his administrator's permission to imprison the Pope and himself in the Kingdom Association's highest scientific achievement— the Artificial Shadow World!

On the ice field.

Sion floated in the air like a god.

Looking down at the Pope from his high vantage point.

"In this Shadow World belonging to the kingdom, our roles have been reversed."

Sion said coldly.

This is Sion's preparation.

Without a doubt, King Philowen is the Kingdom Association's home turf. Whether it's energy or magical equipment, they can draw upon the Kingdom Association's core resources—they have everything.

The Resurrection Church has Spatial Leap Gate, and the Kingdom Association also Artificial Shadow World!

Now is the time to showcase the ultimate achievements of Magic Engineering.

This state-of-the-art, top-of-the-line Artificial Shadow World Initiator in the Feilowen Royal Capital, besides being used for the competition, is also a ninth-order magic barrier under the control of its administrators!

This barrier is backed by the energy of the entire Philoven Kingdom, so it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call Sion the final boss of the ninth-tier Shadow World.

"Agamemnon, I have divined the way to defeat you, and the answer is the barrier. No matter how powerful you are, there is a supreme power you cannot resist, and this is the only way to defeat you. Phantom Canyon was born for this purpose."

Sion seemed to be talking to himself.

But every word, when it fell into the Pope's ears, felt like a heavy hammer!

It seemed to foreshadow his inevitable defeat.

In the end, it was as if each word carried immense weight, and an invisible wave of sound swept over the Pope!

The distance between Sion and the Pope was originally only a few dozen meters, but now, on the ice, strange sound waves could be seen with the naked eye rushing towards the Pope, like raging waves of the sea!

The Pope immediately retreated to create distance, no longer daring to use [Chaos Guard] to withstand all attacks as he had done outside.

He knew very well that Sion, who now controlled the Phantom Canyon barrier and had gained the support of the entire Philoven Kingdom's energy center, was no longer the support character with little offensive capabilities!

Rather, the real threat to him comes from the gods within this Shadow World!

It seemed that even space itself was under Sion's control; the more the Pope tried to retreat, the less distance he could maintain between himself and Sion.

Sion pointed a finger at the Pope from afar and slowly said, "Show me your true abilities. Let me see what you arrogant, god-like fellows are all about."

So far, the Pope has demonstrated power that is still in the form of a human being.

If her and Dekan's deductions are correct.

The Pope may possess some racial power that has never been revealed, or that cannot be shown to the people of his time!

Sion pointed with his finger.

In the silence, everything in the distance between her and the Pope began to shimmer.

The once vast and flat ice field suddenly became bright, as if it had all fallen into Sion's attack!

"You don't actually think those eighth-tier beings can stop the End and the Void, do you?!"

The Pope shouted with a gloomy expression.

When the Pope sensed that Sion's killing move was aimed at him, he gritted his teeth and chose not to respond to Sion's provocation.

If either End or Void can reach the arena and sabotage the Artificial Shadow World Initiator from the outside, the Pope will naturally be able to escape!

The countless beams of light and shadow, as cold and sharp as spears, were all cast upon the Pope's magical shield.

Instantly, the shield shattered like an eggshell!

"Eighth rank? You look down on a fifth-rank Bishop of Pain?"

Sion sneered; a new attack was ready.

At the same time, the Pope, with a somber expression, once again mobilized his magical power and reconstituted the shield.

"... Just wait until this Artificial Shadow World Initiator is destroyed, and you'll see the Bishop of Pain's gruesome death!!"