Chapter 1308: Sanctuary

Suddenly, the sound of bone-chilling wails filled the private room. At the same time, several vicious-looking apparitions with glowing red eyes emerged from the black smoke. The apparitions flew through the black smoke as they released cries of haunting despair.

’I can feel a strong force attempting to invade my mind. However, this is nowhere near enough.’

«Immune»

«Immune»

Izroth was able to resist the Fear status effect invoked by the black smoke thanks to a combination of his skills and by overcoming the Willpower Checks. It seemed the black smoke also had a corrosion effect on those it came into contact with; however, Izroth’s Might stat and Heavenly Golden Body’s Greater Physique passive made it so that he received no damage.

’This must be the combination of a high-rank skill and a high-grade magic item. I can also sense faint traces of divine power, but the source is somewhat strange.’

Lucilla remained seated as she secretly observed Izroth.

"I planned to cast a protective barrier around him if he could not manage on his own. But, it would seem that I underestimated the Supreme Elder of the Fourth Pavilion. To stand unbothered amidst the Calamity Ghosts of the Undying Desolate Valley—it is precisely as I thought—he is not simple." Lucilla thought to herself.

When a Priest of the Undying Desolate Valley Priests died, their soul was contained using a certain technique unique to the Undying Desolate Valley. After a process known only to the highest echelons of the Undying Desolate Valley, the Priest would be transformed into a Calamity Ghost. They would then serve to protect the Undying Desolate Valley for 100 years. After which, they were promised their soul’s release and be guaranteed a place in the embrace of the brightest light.

Each Calamity Ghost carried a small trace of divine power. When several of them gathered together, the one who controlled the Calamity Ghosts could borrow their divine power to amplify their own. Additionally, the Calamity Ghosts had several special abilities. Immunity to physical damage, a body that cursed its attacker, inflicting and amplifying the fear of those in its surroundings—these were just a few of the things that they were capable of.

Lucilla’s gaze then traveled upward toward the apparitions flying around overhead.

"To point your blade at a light protected by the brightest light and call upon the Calamity Ghosts—do you not fear divine retribution?" Lucilla asked calmly.

"Divine retribution? Your words are amusing! What divine retribution is there to fear from dealing with a mere false light?! I admit that your divine power is impressive, but even you cannot act within the Sanctuary of another who holds divine power!" Rakuno’s voice echoed from every direction of the black smoke.

’I was wondering why he was so confident despite the difference in strength between him and the Holy Saintess’ protector. So, this is a Sanctuary. The average person at an equal level of strength will be placed at a severe disadvantage. It’s also possible to close the gap in strength and fight against those who are more powerful.’

Sanctuary—this was a skill unique to those who wielded a certain level of divine power. Within one’s Sanctuary, their overall abilities were greatly enhanced. Furthermore, while one’s Sanctuary was active, those with divine power who were caught inside would be temporarily cut off from its source.

In other words, in a fight between those who wielded divine power, whoever deployed their Sanctuary first would almost always be the victor. However, there were always exceptions to this rule.

"False light?" Lucilla said as she stood to her feet and reached toward her left wrist.

Lucilla fingers brushed against a silver bracelet with a sapphire-like gem at its center.

When Lucilla touched the silver bracelet on her wrist, Ravi immediately fell to one knee with his head lowered.

Izroth’s gaze fell onto the bracelet. Since it was being worn by Lucilla, who was protected by a strong divine power, Izroth could not view its information with his Divine Appraisal skill. However, he was still able to see with his Energy Vision Sense several layers of restrictive-type magic and other unknown magic wrapped around the bracelet.

"Under normal circumstances, I would be more than happy to enlighten you before your demise. However, since time is of the essence, I’m afraid you will have to perish from this world with your ignorance." Rakuno’s voice sounded.

The next moment, the black smoke stirred violently as the Calamity Ghosts sped toward Lucilla as they unleashed soul-chilling shrieks.

Shuuuaaaauh!

Lucilla removed the silver bracelet from her wrist. The moment she perform this action the terrifying golden light filled the private room. At the same time, Lucilla’s eyes and hair turned into a shining golden color.

In the blink of an eye, the Calamity Ghosts dissipated and the black smoke was blown away before being completely eradicated.

Once the black smoke disappeared, Rakuno and his two companions stood shocked. However, before any of them were able to fully comprehend what was going on, heavy and terrifying force press down upon them, bringing them to their knees.

With one move, Rakuno’s Sanctuary had been shattered. And, the infamous Calamity Ghosts of the Undying Desolate Valley had been eradicated without a trace.

An expression of disbelief found its way onto Rakuno’s face. Before he was able to process what occurred, he had already found himself on his knees and drained of all his strength. Ever since he had stepped into the legendary realm, there were only two other people that had made him feel such overwhelming helplessness before their divine power. And, Lucilla had become the third.

"M-mercy..!" Rakuno struggled to call out as the pressure became increasingly unbearable.

"It is a good thing to a merciful and forgiving." Lucilla stated calmly.

When Rakuno heard those words, a flicker of hope flashed through his eyes.

"However, that only applies to those who are willing to walk the correct path. I can sense that you have no intention of changing your ways. Or, perhaps you do for a while. Unfortunately, change is something that does not come easily. To judge you is not my place. For there is only one light that can decide your fate and the honesty of your words. O’ brightest light, this humble one asks for your guidance." Lucilla said as the divine power that encompassed her surged and washed over Rakuno and his two companions.

Out of nowhere, Rakuno felt the pressure around him vanish. But, when he opened his mouth to speak, Rakuno found that no words could escape. Without realizing it, his body had began to break down into fragmented pieces before it turned to dust.

Rakuno was not alone in his fate. His two companions swiftly followed in his footsteps.

The following moment, Lucilla returned the bracelet to her wrist. The instant she did so, her eyes and hair reverted to its previous state. The immense divine power also receded and was drawn back into the Holy Saintess.

The fact that Lucilla was able to shatter Rakuno’s Sanctuary so effortlessly and exert her own influence meant that the amount of divine power she possessed far exceeded his by an unfathomable margin!

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