[Hero's Next Actions——]

1. Could you escort her out? (Battle)

2. No need to tell me what you discovered.

3. Can you help me?

4. Interested in researching history together?

5. How can I retrieve the soul?

6. It's time to leave here.

7. Can you take care of her for a while? (Negotiation)

8. You'd better not think you can do anything.

9. The anomaly of the Forbidden Gate

10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(7)=7

♛: Negotiate with the Four-winged King

→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←

"Brother, can you take care of her for a while?"

The Hero's gaze became firm, looking toward the center of the city.

Brother slightly raised an eyebrow, did not respond immediately, but instead looked at the Hero with a scrutinizing gaze.

"What do you plan to do?"

"...I want to have a talk with that guy, ask Him to release my friend's soul."

"Compared to taking action, negotiation indeed seems more prudent... but not by much."

Upon hearing the Hero's answer, Brother's expression was ambiguous.

"The Angel King… 'that guy' you referred to, is on a completely different level from us. Now you don't have Ancient Heroic Spirit assistance, even with the Phoenix's transformation, it may not be enough to retreat safely from Him."

The magical arrays surrounding the Noble Lady disappeared one by one, with Magic Power carrying information, transforming into streams of light gathering in Brother's hand.

Throughout the process, the Noble Lady remained immobile, like a doll waiting for the next command.

A mystical radiance lit up in Brother's pupils, the streams of light danced between his fingers, deciphering countless pieces of information.

His expression slightly tensed, his voice deeply explaining:

"Currently occupying the Border Noble Lady's body is a highly anthropomorphic intellect, completely on a different level compared to the popular magic statue intelligence."

"In such a harsh environment, losing her soul should normally cause her body to quickly decay. Yet, she can now autonomously handle surrounding Magic Element pollution."

"This shows that the Magic Mind within her perfectly controls that body, mobilizing human physiology with refinement far beyond that of a magic statue... this is already reaching the domain of the Artificial Soul."

"What I can understand only goes this far. Under these conditions, it's hard for me to delve further with my skills."

"In other words, the creation He casually used to replace your friend's soul almost entirely transcends my knowledge."

Seeing the Hero's dazed expression, Brother emphasized his tone slightly.

"Professionals at the Third Ascension are called Legendary, according to official statements, because they have the ability to participate, to create legends..." Brother sneered.

"But that's just flattery. 'Legendary' is merely the qualification to stand on stage, and his role may be just a line that can be described as cannon fodder. As for the weaker existence, during a calamity, it can only become a number."

"And you haven't even reached the Third Ascension, the difficulty of Him taking your soul isn't much higher than your friend's.'

"I fear the fundamental element for negotiation does not exist between you two — equality."

Suddenly realizing Brother seemed to be subtly persuading him, the Hero showed a faint smile.

"I understand, Brother, I will be careful."

"Hmph... just as calculated, talking is futile at such times." Brother shook his head and fell silent.

"If that's the case, do as you wish. I will stay here for a while." The young man's gaze swept over the silent Noble Lady.

"I can't predict the Angel King's movements, so if there are any anomalies, I will try to take her away."

"After all, she is the only daughter of the Border Count, as political capital, even with just a body, there's value in saving."

Upon hearing Brother's seemingly emotionless reply, the Hero's faint smile turned into a bitter one, then responded seriously:

"Then I will find a way to go to the core of the city and talk with the Four-winged King and the Divine Knowledge Saintess."

Brother nodded slightly, calmly advising:

"Before you enter, you might want to check out the mural at the Central Temple, where your friend's soul was taken away. Since her soul wasn't erased on the spot, that mural may hold some special significance."

Although he sensed something was amiss with the mural, he didn't have the time to investigate further then.

Seeing the Hero quickly preparing to depart for the center of the abandoned city, the young man thought for a moment and suddenly spoke to stop her.

"Wait." He lightly raised his sword staff.

"Although I don't plan to join you in taking risks, I also don't intend to do nothing and watch you head to your doom. Moreover, the path through this city isn't easy for you."

"Stand still."

Without waiting for the Hero's response, the sword staff began to dance lightly, complex arrays started to layer around the Hero,

Brother's expression was solemn, meticulously suppressing the Magic Power's aura, diligently adding multiple magical enchants for the Hero.

[Brother's Buff Spellcasting (Thousand Forms Array D2)]

1.5. Mastering Language

2.6. Hidden Wind

3.7. Sealing Barrier

4.8. Slaughter Wind

9. Void Illusion Armor

10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure

2d10=d10(10)+d10(7)

Note: Critical Success rolls D2 again and enhances effects, Extreme Failure results in self-harm or an accident.

D2=d2(1)=1

♛: Critical Success~

[Thousand Forms Array: Buff Enchantment]

1. Mastering Language

2. Hidden Wind

3. Sealing Barrier

4. Slaughter Wind

5. Anti-Summoning Device

6. Harmonization Wind

7. Mystical Warning

8. Knowledge Blessing

9. Void Illusion Armor

10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure

2d10=d10(2)+d10(5)

♛: Sealing Barrier LV5: Active magic mark, creates a small barrier, isolating internal movements and aura, usable 3*2=6 times.

♛: Hidden Wind LV5: Passive boost, a breeze that eliminates personal movements and aura, provides a 60+30 bonus for stealth.

♛: Anti-Summoning Device LV6: Modified from Hero Summon Ceremony Device, the Hero can transmit precisely through pre-etched ritual formation. The ceremony can also perform a ritual-level magic strike at the location before Hero's transmission through space channel.

→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←

Saying farewell to Brother, the Hero stepped out of the Barrier.

Without the barrier's isolation, the chaotic Magic Element in the air became dense quickly, and the brutality of this old Capital became clear all at once.

She smelled the scent of blood, heard faint wails, and saw the desolation.

But the girl's steps only paused slightly at the beginning, and soon became firm, disappearing at the end of the street.

The young man with similar hair and eye color to the girl watched her back until she disappeared.

"Power and weakness have no connection, weaklings always think strong ones have their humble moments, but that's just wishful self-soothing."

"Just as Dragons do not know the hardship of lizards crawling, Phoenixes will not understand short-lived races' fear of death, the strong remain strong."

"But in this world, lizards might grow wings, yearning to soar through the sky; humankind might achieve undying, no matter the price."

"Weak ones are not perpetually weak. As long as one refuses to accept one's weakness, they can become stronger."

Recalling his father's teachings, the young man's eyes narrowed slightly.

"But Dragons will fall, Phoenixes will die as well... how far can you go?"

Looking at the speechless Noble Lady beside him, seemingly worriedly gazing at the departing Hero, Brother ceased pondering, merely closing his eyes gently, focusing on maintaining the barrier's operation.

[Hero's Luck (3-Encounter)]

D10=d10(2)=2

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