Escape

Magic ripples spread soundlessly.

Originally, the people below had begun to scatter like rats clutching their heads, preparing to dodge the Holy Light splashing out from the barrier. Havenlight itself seemed likely to suffer devastating damage, and chaos had briefly erupted everywhere.

But... after Grant made his move, a miraculous scene appeared.

As if time had reversed, the pouring Holy Light first froze in midair for several seconds. Then, following their original paths, they retreated all the way back and gathered toward the barrier once more.

The priests standing nearby all heaved sighs of relief at the sight.

"...As expected of His Holiness the Pope."

In the blink of an eye, all the rampaging Holy Light had been brought under control and returned within the barrier. At the point where the fist had struck the barrier, the blazing radiance was gradually fading as well.

The suspended waterfall had vanished, revealing the city wall that had been washed away by half, as well as the golden barrier Grant had fully restored.

"Did it hold?"

No longer blinded by the glare, people all looked over there.

Yet although the barrier had been restored to perfect condition, the sky beyond it was completely empty. That terrifying mage with six bubbles had vanished without a trace.

The priests' expressions darkened at the sight.

"That demon... that mage got away."

They knew full well where the golden barrier had come from—it had existed since the founding of the Hori Kingdom, its origins mysterious. Rumor had it that it was a treasure left behind by the gods, and no one knew how many Light Elemental Crystals were consumed each time it was activated. After ascending to the position, every Pope would use his own power to strengthen the barrier further.

It was like Havenlight's guardian deity.