On the journey back to the Dead Sea border, Nancy, succumbing to Chu Yan's persistent and imploring threats, begrudgingly donned a maid's outfit.
Much like Veline, she possessed a mane of red hair, though Veline's tresses shone like radiant roses, while Nancy's were a more muted, dark crimson, cascading freely in an untamed manner.
Now, as Chu Yan implored her to use magic for flight, the unenthusiastic maid aunt sighed and retrieved a deeply embedded crucifix pendant from the depths of her collar.
After performing a **Quick Chant**, her lips barely moved, yet the incantation was complete.
The exquisitely crafted crucifix expanded to several times its size, becoming a weapon fit for wielding!
Chu Yan, unable to contain his excitement, stepped onto it, posturing as if to "ride" it, only to be gently tugged by Nancy's hand on his ear.
"The crucifix is not for standing upon; you are to sit on it."
"Sit on it?"
Seeing Nancy gesture toward the crossbar of the crucifix, Chu Yan felt a swell of grievances but, uncertain of the situation in Extreme City, decisively leaped onto it.
However, it lacked a backrest and did not resemble riding a broomstick, raising concerns of plummeting mid-air.
It would be better to simply nail him to it.
"Off we go."
With Nancy's reminder, Chu Yan felt a fleeting disorientation before finding himself positioned a hundred meters ahead.
Upon realizing that the crucifix facilitated short-range, instantaneous movement without cooldown, he was astounded.
"Aunt Nancy, can this thing transport us over long distances?"
"I wish it could; that would be splendid."
The new outer city of Extreme City gradually came into view, but the fiery remnants of the meteor struck at Chu Yan's nerves.
What was once a nascent town, blossoming with promise, now lay in ruins, his aspirations turned to ash.
"Kill that man," Chu Yan gritted his teeth.
"Have you begun to mimic Veline in issuing commands?"
The weary woman with dark red hair stifled a yawn, casting a sidelong glance at Chu Yan.
Previously, he appeared docile and slothful like a lamb, but he had now matured, revealing a fiercer masculine side.
Despite her teasing, Nancy promptly lowered Chu Yan to the ground, vanishing with the crucifix from sight.
*
Amidst the chaos of battle,
Shanoya utilized the augmentations provided by the leg band to engage Lanwei in a fierce magical exchange.
Meanwhile, allies within the castle contributed their abilities, though only sparingly, as each individual could afford but a single strike; any more would become a burden— that Seventh Level Codex magic was particularly debilitating for them.
Janet, true to her word, excelled in speed, managing to escort a portion of the civilians safely to the courtyard of the lord's castle, while the rest were left to seek shelter nearby.
Within the sanctuary of the castle, protected by its barriers, they were shielded from Lanwei's magic, allowing for a notable delay.
However, as the runes on the leg band dimmed and eroded, Shanoya realized her power was becoming increasingly unsustainable, unless she risked losing control and succumbing to irrationality.
"Incredible, you taboo ones can actually disregard the **Angel's Eye**? But I can see you are reaching your limits."
Lanwei, gripping his magical staff, regarded Shanoya with a serious gaze, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
He had taken far too long, even failing to eradicate the civilians; these were liabilities he could not afford.
He could not gamble on his wife, Aefaline, failing to glean any clues from the civilians; only the dead would provide him peace of mind!
At that moment, a fiery orb imbued with dragon's blood hurtled toward him from afar, resembling an enraged dragon's head recklessly charging toward the divine visage.
The flames engulfed the radiant holy light, momentarily alleviating the pressure on the taboos.
"What?!"
As Lanwei's focus was diverted by Chu Yan's unexpected arrival, a deadly intent manifested behind him.
Nancy silently appeared behind the mage, seated upon the crucifix, one elegantly long leg wrapped in white silk raised, the dangerous gleam of her black high heels reflecting menace.
A holy cross sword formed from magic coalesced, emanating an ominous aura of death.
As Nancy's delicate leg descended, gracefully crossing over itself, the holy cross sword, as if commanded, lunged fiercely toward Lanwei.
Lanwei reacted instantly, conjuring a magical shield, his wand radiating brilliance, yet the sword pierced through effortlessly.
Rending apart the A-class mage's shield, the tip of the sword struck his skin, drawing blood before it even landed.
"This is... the core magic of the Codex?"
Lanwei sensed impending doom; he had never anticipated such a savior would appear.
The Codex was an institution established to adjudicate all manner of mages, hunting those who dabble in forbidden magic or utilize their powers for nefarious purposes.
"Demon Slayer" was a feared ability among the Codex's elite, notorious for instilling dread in numerous mages.
Though it was a form of magic, this entire series existed solely to counter magic, an affront to the very essence of sorcery!
In that moment, only one path remained— to stall for time, awaiting the arrival of his wife, Aefaline.
She was the most likely candidate to attain the S-class within the next century, no, in the near thirty years, being a pureblood dragonborn, perfectly capable of handling the current predicament!
Lanwei began to regret sending Aefaline away; by the time she corrected her route to the Dead Sea border, it would likely take a good portion of the day.
He could no longer afford to hold back; all his magic scrolls were prepared, ready for immediate release.
"Who would have thought that even a mere maid from the Dragonflame family could harbor such formidable abilities! I must experience this firsthand!"
Nancy barely regarded him, her expression lethargic and disinterested, her deadpan voice lacking energy:
"This outfit is meant for the children of the household; should you insist I am a maid, then prepare to perish."
Several Demon Slayer holy cross swords materialized, encircling Lanwei from all directions, causing him to draw a sharp breath, his heart sinking further.
This scene resembled a tragic tale, where a helpless lady was cornered by rogues wielding burning sticks.
Only now, the genders were reversed, and the props were different.
...
At the same time.
"Master Connie has not come here; he seldom visits the Crystal Forest, though previously he would occasionally wander here before retreating elsewhere."
Aefaline gathered this information on the road and immediately altered her course toward the Dead Sea border.
Though puzzled by her son's peculiar behavior—why would he meander here without any specific purpose?
However, focusing on the Dead Sea border seemed to be the correct course of action.
A luxurious yet understated carriage blocked Aefaline's path.
Her secretary, Eve, appeared, respectfully opening the carriage door and inclining slightly in wait, exuding poise and professionalism.
A pair of beautifully clad legs in black stockings emerged first, followed by a graceful descent from the carriage.
Losta gazed at her kin and sighed, offering a greeting:
"Aefaline, I have given this considerable thought; your current strength is far too seasoned and formidable, while that child remains inexperienced, unable to contend with you. Your husband is sufficient for his training."
"Losta, what are you implying?!"
The sensuous woman questioned, her eyes narrowing slightly, a glimmer of venom lurking within their depths.
"What I mean to convey is, I apologize; I will spare your life, dear kin."
Losta's demeanor was serious, as a colossal ancient dragon's shadow flickered ominously behind her.