Crimson chains twitched and tightened like living things, sinking deep into Cassandra's flesh to twist her body into a bizarre shape.
Yet, despite being bound, the bald woman showed no pain on her face; instead, she looked with keen interest at the robed woman holding golden magic rings before her.
"You are not welcome here, otherworldly visitor."
Master Ancient One's voice was calm, her gaze clear, as if nothing in the entire world could surprise her.
As she spoke, she brought her hands together. Amid shifting, intricate gestures, two golden circles formed from pure magical energy materialized out of thin air, which she caught in her hands and held before and behind to guard her body.
Eldritch magic. Ring of Raggadorr.
"Oh, an unfamiliar sorceress." Cassandra chuckled softly. "This place is truly wonderful. I am liking this world more and more."
The next instant, her figure dissolved into an imperceptible phantom within the crimson chains and vanished into thin air.
Ancient One's gaze sharpened without even turning her head.
Cassandra's figure appeared ghost-like behind her, a pale palm carrying a mocking intent as it silently reached toward the Sorcerer Supreme's back of the head.
Yet, the moment her fingertips were about to touch Ancient One's scalp—
"Hum!"
A dense array formed of countless golden runes suddenly flared, like an invisible, sturdy shield, erupting with a strong repulsive force that violently bounced her hand away!
Eldritch magic. Six-Winged Angel Shield!
"What is this?!"
The relaxed expression on Cassandra's face vanished for the first time, turning into astonishment.
When experts fight, victory or defeat is decided in a split second.
The moment her form stalled, Ancient One had already turned around.
In those eyes, as calm as an ancient well, Cassandra's stunned face was finally reflected.
She pressed her fingers together into