Botis could only retreat constantly, transforming again and again into illusory doors, layer upon layer, one connected to the next, overlapping without end.
But he soon discovered that he could not escape the spear's lock on him no matter what he did. He began blinking repeatedly, using star worms to create a double with every blink to disrupt the spear's pursuit.
The Spear of Longinus accepted them all, piercing and shattering every double without distinction as it drew ever closer to Botis.
He abruptly raised the Box of the Great Old Ones to meet the Spear of Longinus.
Bernadette's expression immediately grew graver. She distinctly sensed that something incomparably terrifying would happen once the spear struck that box. She hurriedly waved her fingers, making the Spear of Longinus dissipate.
Just then, billows of grayish-yellow mist swept in from every direction. A woman wearing a simple, holy white robe, yet exuding seductive allure, stepped out upon the mist.
"Demoness of Unaging, Katarina Pelle?"
Katarina smiled faintly. "Heh, I didn't expect to see you here either, Queen Mystic Bernadette."
After a pause, she continued, "Are you sure you want to keep chatting with me? Your friend will die of the plague in a little while."
Bernadette's expression turned cold. "He won't die."
With that, vegetation and peach blossoms bloomed all around, forming a Peach Blossom Spring isolated from the world. The two ladies promptly vanished.
Botis wiped the sweat from his forehead. Both being targeted by the Spear of Longinus and staking his life on the Box of the Great Old Ones had put him under immense pressure.
Fortunately, that woman had been held up by the Demoness of Immortality, but he had to finish this quickly!
At the same time, Saint Tenebrous Kisma returned:
"Invisibility is prohibited here."
"Distortion."
Edward, draped