The next action of the Kingdom Army is to capture or kill the Key of Transformation...

"Is there no other way?" the Hero asked softly.

She sensed an indescribable kindness and concern from the Spirit God Mage's actions, though she didn't know the reason for this kindness, she didn't keep her doubts to herself.

The Spirit God Mage was silent for a moment, then shook his head with a bitter smile: "Perhaps there is, but it's not something we can accomplish right now."

His expression also showed a hint of distress.

"Actually, I don't believe this is the best way. After all, if we kill the Key of Transformation here, the main body located in the Capital—the Key of Fusion, may take desperate measures, causing greater destruction.

"And from a personal perspective, I actually don't want to harm that sub-key. If what you've said is true, she indeed has another possibility."

Hearing this, the Hero's eyes brightened slightly.

"I haven't introduced my faction to you yet," the Spirit God Mage slightly lowered his head without meeting the Hero's gaze, "[Faith and Trust], simply put, we believe humans can achieve their ideal self and obtain spiritual salvation through their own confidence and belief.

"There's no need for so-called God's or Angel's approval, much less through means like money, penance, or atonement. As long as we hold firm in our beliefs, we can attain true redemption.

"So, as you know, our faction has accepted the former 'Masochist' of the Black Gate.

"When the Saintess and the Kingdom proposed the plan to gradually accept Demons, we were also the first to respond—although there might have been some shortcomings in execution."

With this belief in mind, he chose the path of a Spirit God Mage, firm in the conviction that he, a commoner, could also become a 'Deity' in his heart.

"Therefore, if possible, I also hope to help that Key of Transformation find her true self."

"Then—" A hint of delight flashed in the Hero's eyes, she opened her mouth wanting to say something, but upon seeing the unyielding heaviness on the Spirit God Mage's face, her words stopped, and her gaze dimmed again.

"...But right now, we have no other choice."

The Spirit God Mage sighed softly, lifted his head, and his amethyst-like pupils swept over the warriors around and those spectral spellcasters floating mid-air.

"At first, the Sect Follower by your side was puzzled why a high-ranking legendary like me would be here, right?" His voice was calm but carried a hint of undisguisable exhaustion.

"The answer is simple—I wasn't transferred from the Capital, but after hearing of your intelligence from Bishop You, I decided to depart from the Holy City alone to explore the whereabouts of the Saintess in the Western Realm.

"But I didn't expect, upon arriving here, to encounter the Black Gate's Exchange Ceremony. In this one month, I strived to help the Capital's residents and barely organized this team..."

His gaze fell on those specters, and his tone became increasingly somber: "And these ghosts are those spellcasters who died in this month. They were warriors who resisted fiercely in life, and in death, they willingly gave everything, choosing to continue fighting for this country and its people with my help."

Hearing this, the Hero's heart tightened suddenly.

She thought of the Sergeant, yet, here, no one could perform the Resurrection Forbidden Curse, and those souls were destined to dissipate after the battle.

"Though thanks to you, the heavily injured Winged People Clan Leader can no longer stop our advance, the status of the Divine Knowledge Saintess remains unknown, which means she might not be able to contribute much. And with only my strength and that of this team, challenging the Four-winged King is akin to suicide.

The Spirit God Mage shook his head gently, with an expression of profound helplessness: "So, I'm very ashamed... Under such circumstances, I can only choose the Key of Transformation as the target. Furthermore, I cannot guarantee that I can keep her alive.

"No matter how much we draw close to the deity in our hearts, in the end, humans sometimes fall short... Perhaps this is why I can't step into the palace."

"It's not your fault..." the Hero replied softly, but her tightly clenched fists wouldn't relax.

"I am very sorry, Hero." the Spirit God Mage sighed again.

To disrupt the ceremony, the Kingdom Army chose what seemed the most reliable plan: capture or kill the Key of Transformation, without risking a challenge to the Four-winged King.

This also means he gave up the possibility of rescuing the Noble Lady.

"I understand, there's no need to apologize to me." the Hero shook her head.

She couldn't criticize this pastor who came a long way to the Western Realm and fought for the Capital for over a month.

Inadequate capabilities force everyone to face a simple yet heavy choice, which is the brutal and direct reality.

Not to mention the Border Count's daughter, even a true Princess of the Royal Family wasn't enough for this legendary to risk the entire army and forsake the hope of saving the Capital to rescue.

But even if she understood, the Hero always found it hard to accept.

The conversation with the Spirit God Mage fell into silence, the Hero looked down at her toes, with resistance in her heart, yet powerless.

At that moment, a massive wave of Magic Power emanated from the center of the Temple District, resonating with her inner magic, causing her ears to ring, and the tremors in the Magic Element made the dust on the ground shake along.

[The final Exchange Ceremony begins, to be completed in 8+3 (counterattack failure penalty)=11 rounds]

"...Looks like the break is over."

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