The sun gradually rose from the east, and as the horses galloped, they kicked up swirls of dust that scattered into the sky.

Enrico on horseback signaled to Jack, who looked up at the dust swirling in the sky. He pulled the reins, instructing, "Move forward slowly."

All the knights gently pulled their horses to a stop.

The warhorses marched forward in orderly steps, forming a straight line. Before the sun reached its zenith and the temperature rose, they had to cover some more distance. After that, they would find a shaded spot to rest until the sun set, and then resume their journey. They would continue until midnight, with only a brief two-hour rest, and then set off again.

Relying on the early morning and evening to evade pursuit was Enrico's suggestion, and surprisingly, no one opposed it. It seemed that overnight, Enrico had become the commander of these knights. Enrico was quite uncomfortable with this new role.

However, what comforted him was that the suggestion he put forward proved quite effective. For several days, they had not encountered the bandits again. At times, Enrico wondered if those bandits had turned their attention to their larger force. When he thought about it, he worried for Kate and the others, unsure if they were in danger or if the two knights who broke through had delivered the message to their main force. Sometimes, he also thought about the knight who volunteered to sacrifice himself. Though he consoled himself that the knight might have a chance of survival, deep down, he could faintly feel that the knight was no longer in this world.

The scorching noonday sun reached its zenith. On a sun-sheltered hillside, Enrico and the others found a place to rest.

As usual, Enrico drew a camouflage magic circle. It was not easy to spot them from a distance, designed specifically to counter those mages who could fly in the air.

Enrico, at times, also worried about the footprints they left along the way. Before daybreak, he had no concerns as the morning winds would cover all traces. Afternoon winds also carried sands, hiding any tracks. Only the time in the late morning, without wind, posed a danger. Enrico had considered finding a concealed spot before daybreak, but considering the speed of the marching team, he abandoned that idea. After all, the safest approach was to quickly leave this deathly desert.

Inside the magic circle, all the knights gathered around Jack. Before him lay a spread-out map, the same map that had provided them with enough supplies to survive the wilderness for days.

Jack pointed to the outermost supply point on the map and said, "Tonight, we must reach this place. By tomorrow noon, we should cross the Zisla Valley. Once we pass the valley, we'll be safe."

Enrico glanced at the map and asked, "Can we find another way out?"

The Zisla Valley on the map stood out as a solitary and quite obvious landmark. If the bandits had any sense, they would undoubtedly set up an ambush there.

Jack carefully examined the map again, shaking his head, "The entire Vauxis Mountain Range seals off this side leading to the Kingdom of Kaocchi. There's no way to cross."

Looking back at Enrico, Jack reassured him, "Don't worry; Zisla Valley has the largest military fortress in the western part of the Kaocchi Kingdom, Meclarus. The bandits wouldn't dare come near. Inside Meclarus, there are ten thousand elite troops. Originally, this was the biggest obstacle on our journey back home, but unexpectedly, it has become our biggest hope now."

Although Enrico felt somewhat relieved hearing Jack's words, an ominous premonition still lingered in his mind.

While Enrico and his group discussed Zisla Valley, Kate and her group were also debating how to traverse the Vauxis Mountain Range. Two royal members, Haomang, Kate, and Jerry, were part of the discussion, with the absence of Madoshi the mage and Joe, the overall commander of the mission.

"What's going on?" Princess, riding on her horse, asked with confusion, being the only one in the delegation qualified to question Joe and Madoshi the mage.

As the direct heir to the royal family, essentially the future queen, she could ascend to the throne as the first heir as long as she remained unmarried. Additionally, being a mage taught by the great mage Naga himself, she possessed considerable strength. In her time beside her parents, the princess actively participated in various political affairs. Compared to her brother, who was still immersed in the thrill of games, she appeared more mature and composed. She held significantly more influence, especially when contrasted with her brother. Moreover, there were no signs indicating that this astute and proud princess had any romantic interests. Everyone at the court was well aware of her proud nature, although her pride was not the overt disdain for everyone kind but rather a deep-seated pride. The princess had considerable appreciation for anyone with a unique skill, such as our four apprentices. She valued each of them, even including Enrico, who had embarrassed her, and Jerry, who had no other strengths except his gift of gab. However, in her eyes, these individuals were merely valuable talents for the country. Finding the most suitable positions for them, allowing them to contribute maximally to the nation, was what the princess truly cared about.

Although the magic circle was quite large, it couldn't accommodate the entire group at once. Therefore, the mission split into four batches, each led by a captain, entering the magic circle separately.

Each group that entered the magic circle would turn into dense smoke after a burst of mist, crossing the vast mountain range in an instant.

Once everyone had crossed the Vauxis Mountain Range, the old archmage entered the magic circle last. Disappearing into smoke among the rocks, the magic circle on the ground vanished completely.

All the people waited on the other side of the mountains. When the old archmage emerged from the rock, returning to human form, the princess eagerly approached.

Seeing the old archmage drenched in sweat, looking fatigued, the princess knew it wasn't the time for questions. She promptly ordered her two attendants to assist the archmage onto a hastily assembled marching sedan, originally meant for the princess herself. The archmage didn't refuse, and as he laid down in the sedan, he spoke gently to the princess, who was riding a horse beside him, "Princess, for the next few days, I won't be able to offer any assistance. The magic drained my powers temporarily. Take care of yourself."

"Respected Archmage, thank you for everything you've done for us. Please rest well. That's my only request for you now," the princess politely replied. After giving orders for her handmaidens to take care of the archmage, she spurred her horse forward towards Joe.

Upon hearing the princess's words, Joe furrowed his brow for the first time. While there might not be bandits on this territory, dangers still lurked everywhere, perhaps even more treacherous than the deathly wasteland.

At this critical moment, their greatest reliance, Archmage Maradosi, was temporarily unable to help. This unsettled Joe.

In silence, the diplomatic envoy from the Kingdom of Sophion continued toward the westernmost city of the Kingdom of Caoqi, Caradan. At this speed, they should reach their destination in two days.

However, after the group had only traveled for two hours, with daylight still not fading, the leading group came to a halt. The princess, filled with questions, led Kate and others to the front. Before reaching the vanguard, Deputy Commander Haofang hurriedly approached. Blocking the princess, he reported that the scouting knights had encountered a large cavalry unit ahead, and it appeared to be the elite— the Holy Knights of the Kingdom of Caoqi.

Hearing this news, the princess immediately realized the gravity of the situation. The Holy Knights were a major force in the Kingdom of Caoqi, usually stationed near the capital and rarely seen in these borderlands.

The princess felt a moment of panic. Her concern wasn't primarily for her own safety, but rather the massive mobilization of the Holy Knights often heralded the outbreak of war. Could the Kingdom of Caoqi have initiated an aggressive war against her homeland?

Her first priority was to understand the current situation. Insisting on going to the front of the procession, she encountered strong resistance from Haofang, who was responsible for the safety of the princess and the prince. After a firm refusal from Haofang, the princess reluctantly agreed to stay at the rear of the vanguard. Haofang assured her that a knight would constantly update her on the situation. With two knights keeping a watchful eye on the princess and restricting her movements, Haofang returned to the front of the procession.

As Haofang approached, Joe turned and asked, "That girl finally agreed to stay at the back?"

Negotiating with the princess felt more challenging to Haofang than charging into battle. The princess was indeed a formidable opponent. Several times, Haofang almost gave in. Fortunately, the duty and honor of a knight, especially in crucial moments, kept him standing firm.

Haofang glanced at Joe, standing at the forefront, realizing that Joe, being aware of his niece's temperament, had cleverly delegated this difficult task to him.

"Is there any movement ahead?" Haofang clearly didn't want to discuss the question Joe had posed earlier.

"Not so far, no movement at all," Joe said, shielding his eyes from the sun as he looked ahead.

"What if they've already started a war?" Haofang asked, a concern he had been pondering. If that were the case, it would be troublesome, especially with Maradosi, the archmage, currently unable to assist. The only reliance now was the uncle in front of him, who usually wore a playful smile but hid deeper complexities.

Joe didn't answer Haofang's question. He squinted for a while, then turned back, saying, "We'll know soon; someone is coming from their side."

Haofang strained to see but couldn't discern anything. Soon, everyone could see a swiftly approaching rider on horseback. The knight wore a blood-red attire, and the fiery red fox tail on the helmet fluttered in the wind, identifying him as a member of the Holy Knights of the Kingdom of Caoqi.

The knight came to a stop about a hundred meters from the procession. The Kingdom of Caoqi royal flag held high in his hand suggested he was a peaceful messenger.

Haofang rode up to him, approaching the knight. The two knights shook hands on horseback, and witnessing this, all the other knights felt a sense of relief. Both the Holy Knights of the Kingdom of Caoqi and the Royal Knights of the Kingdom of Sophion were guardians of traditional knightly values. Once they made a gesture of friendship, they wouldn't turn back on it. Conspiracies and trickery were not the tools these two knightly orders favored.

Upon hearing the report from the front, the princess felt the heavy stone in her heart temporarily lifted. Observing the two knights who were momentarily relaxed due to happiness, the princess spurred her horse forward. The knights, just recovering from their mood, hurriedly followed, attempting to stop the princess, but it was too late.

Seeing the approaching princess on horseback, Joe shook his head helplessly. He had already anticipated that this headstrong girl wouldn't be easily restrained.

After a lengthy conversation with the Holy Knight, Haofang turned his horse back towards their own group. Spotting the princess already at the front of the procession, Haofang walked over, glaring sternly at the two negligent knights behind her. Then, he scolded, "Princess, it seems you haven't kept to the agreement."

"Alright, alright, I admit it's my fault. Please tell me, what news did the envoy from the Kingdom of Caoqi bring?" The princess anxiously inquired.

Haofang didn't answer her question. Instead, he turned to Joe and said, "Commander, Mr. Kobe Leo, the Grand Mage of the Kingdom of Caoqi, is up ahead."

This news created ripples in everyone's hearts, akin to a stone thrown into water. Even Joe was shocked by this revelation.

If there was someone Joe least wanted to face, it would undoubtedly be the Grand Mage Kobe Leo. Joe had no way to deal with the only Forbidden Curse Mage in the world. Moreover, at this moment, even his longtime reliance, the mage Maradosi, was unable to assist him.

Joe furrowed his brow, lost in thought for a while, before commanding Haofang, "Let the knight lead the way; we must go meet Kobe Leo."

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Haofang obeyed and rode towards the knight to convey the order.

At this moment, the princess approached, asking, "Dear uncle, isn't this too dangerous?"

"Even if we reach Caoqi, we'll still have to face this guy. Moreover, in the current situation, even if we want to escape, can we really elude the pursuit of the Holy Knights? Even if we evade the chase, how can we escape Kobe Leo's Forbidden Curses? Don't forget, you came here as an envoy. You wouldn't want us to make this trip in vain, would you?" Joe explained.

After hearing this, the princess gradually calmed down. Joe gestured to the rear, and the envoy party set off slowly.

After about an hour, the Holy Knights' large contingent became visible from a distance. Dressed in vivid red war robes, the Holy Knights stood out prominently against the verdant grassland.

As they approached, it became clear that the Holy Knights were neatly arranged to welcome the envoy. At the forefront stood a mage adorned in a golden robe. If guessing correctly, he should be the Grand Mage Kobe Leo.

The princess and Joe were the first to rein in their horses, dismounting simultaneously. The following knights dismounted one after another, and two attendants swiftly approached, leading away the horses of Joe and the princess.

Approaching briskly, the princess and Joe were greeted by the mage. Upon closer inspection, this legendary mage had an unusually tall and robust stature, more resembling a warrior than a mage.

The mage approached the princess and courteously greeted, "I am Kobe Leo Senevis, the Court Mage of the Kingdom of Caoqi, welcoming Princess Franny of the Kingdom of Sophenia."

In diplomatic situations like this, Joe was of no help on the side. Everything was left to the princess to handle, with Joe only providing timely responses.

After a series of lengthy diplomatic pleasantries, Grand Mage Kobe Leo asked the princess, "Noble Princess, if you don't mind, let my Holy Knights serve you to ensure your safety."

The princess glanced at Joe. Joe knew it was time for him to speak up. He had been observing this legendary mage since earlier. This mage seemed trustworthy.

"So, where are we headed now?" Joe inquired.

"We were originally heading to the Fortress of Meclarus. Unexpectedly, we happened to encounter Princess Franny on the way. Would the princess be interested in accompanying me to Meclarus?" Grand Mage Kobe Leo proposed.

This statement left Joe and the princess deeply perplexed.

Kobe Leo seemed to sense the doubts in their minds and chuckled, "I received information that a group of bandits and some other suspicious individuals have gathered in front of the Meclarus Fortress with ill intentions. These have long been two significant threats to our country, and I came to seize this opportunity to eliminate both. I've already completed the second task of ensuring the safety of Princess Franny. However, for the interests of both our nations, let me complete this first task as well."

Upon hearing Kobe Leo's explanation, Joe and the princess finally felt relieved. If what the Grand Mage said was true, there were internal disagreements within the Kingdom of Caoqi regarding launching an aggressive war. Moreover, this powerful Grand Mage belonged to the camp opposing external expansion. This fact was reassuring, as no one wished to be an enemy of such a formidable Forbidden Curse Mage.

Since the Holy Knights had already received the envoy, they weren't in a hurry to proceed. After a night of rest, they set off the next morning. Throughout the journey, Joe and the princess accompanied Grand Mage Kobe Leo.

Walking side by side, the princess noticed the mage constantly furrowing his brow as if burdened with concerns and asked, "Respected Grand Mage, do you have any worries?"

"Oh, Princess, I'm just concerned. Since you've successfully crossed the mountains without encountering those thieves specifically targeting you, I wonder if they might give up this time. If they leave, our trip here would be in vain," replied Kobe Leo.

Hearing his explanation, both Joe and the princess became worried. Indeed, if they hadn't encountered the bandits, there might be no reason for them to linger in the Zysra Valley.

As the sun gradually reached its zenith, the Meclarus Fortress loomed ahead. From below, the fortress appeared like a gate, firmly locking the Valcus Mountains on both sides.

The vanguard had already called out to the fortress several times, but there was no response from the soldiers on the walls. Everything seemed unusually quiet.

At this point, Grand Mage Kobe Leo spurred his horse to the front. The princess and Joe closely followed.

The vanguard captain reported to Kobe Leo, "We've been shouting for half a day, and only one guard came out, responding a couple of times, but the gate remains closed."

Kobe Leo furrowed his brow in thought, then raised his right hand, beginning an incantation. The twelve red-robed mages accompanying him also ascended into the air. With a loud bang, the massive city gate exploded, and a corner of the city wall collapsed. Soldiers on the wall, previously lazy and scattered, swiftly gathered, hundreds of archers ascended the wall, followed by several mages. They quickly recognized Grand Mage Kobe Leo standing in front of the procession and the twelve Forbidden Curse Mages flying in mid-air. One of the mages immediately turned to report to the commanding officer, while another quietly slipped to the other side of the fortress. Hovering in the air, he intended to fly towards the encircling group in the distance, but a lightning bolt shot from behind turned the mage into a dancing fireball in the sky.

All the soldiers in the Meclarus Fortress witnessed this scene clearly. The commanding officer, who hastily emerged from his office, turned pale, large beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. The mage beside him nudged the dazed commander, and both hurriedly ran to Grand Mage Kobe Leo.

Kobe Leo, riding into the fortress swiftly, didn't spare a glance at the commander, directly urging his horse to climb the outer wall of the fortress. The Holy Knights and the envoy from the Kingdom of Sophie quickly entered the fortress through the blown-open gate. The commanding officer was left in the dust kicked up by the horses, eating humble pie.

The princess and Joe followed Kobe Leo up to the wall.

In the distance, they could see groups of bandits surrounding several knight squads in a massive encirclement, gradually tightening. However, the bandits seemed to hesitate, as if contemplating something, and were yet to launch an attack.

"These fellows acting on behalf of a few knights is strange," Kobe Leo commented, glancing back at the princess.

"And what are they afraid of? There's no reason such a large group can't overpower a few knights," Joe interjected. His years of experience allowed him to discern that the bandits were unusually cautious, closing in on the central target. This behavior typically indicated a formidable opponent.

"Princess, do any of those knights hold significant importance?" Kobe Leo inquired. He thought that if there were important targets among them, it would indeed attract the attention of the bandits, prompting them to gather here at any cost.

"No, only a few ordinary knights and a mage apprentice," the princess replied. In the princess's eyes, Enrico and his companions were indeed talented individuals, but she didn't consider them indispensable key figures. Enrico's qualities were decent, but in the princess's perception, he wouldn't be of much help in overcoming the current crisis in her kingdom.

Upon hearing the princess's response, Grand Mage Kobe Leo was filled with doubt. Regardless of the scene before him, he couldn't comprehend why these privately nurtured mages, adversaries in politics, would go to such lengths for a few insignificant individuals.

From the words of the Princess of Sophie's Kingdom, it was evident that she was also unaware of the situation. The elusive supreme commander seemed equally curious about this turn of events, indicating that they hadn't orchestrated this scheme. Moreover, if they were confident in traversing the Vauxlex Mountains, there was no need for such a petty trick. If they intended to use the strategy of feigned uncertainty, a few knights would be child's play.

Despite Kobe Leo's repeated contemplation, he still couldn't fathom the situation. However, he was not willing to give up on such a favorable opportunity. Both of the long-standing threats that puzzled him were now exposed. The bandits were easier to deal with, but the mages privately nurtured by his political adversaries were his primary targets.

With these thoughts in mind, Kobe Leo said to Joe and the princess behind him, "Respected guests, please retreat to a safe place for now."

Before the princess could understand what was happening, Joe had already guessed Kobe Leo's intentions and asked, "Great Grand Mage, do you intend to use magic to eliminate those rogues?"

Kobe Leo glanced at Joe, confirming that Joe had indeed sensed his intentions. This seemingly carefree but deeply hidden person made Kobe Leo realize that the intelligence reports were not entirely accurate. He needed to pay special attention to this supreme commander.

Kobe Leo nodded and turned to the princess, saying, "For the benefit of both nations, would the Princess be willing to make a small sacrifice? The lives of these valiant knights will exchange for the peace of both our countries."

Kobe Leo spoke to the princess for a reason. According to intelligence, this princess was an absolute nationalist, carrying a mission to sacrifice herself for peace, even in her diplomatic missions. Kobe Leo held great respect for this princess, who bore such a sense of responsibility. Making a limited sacrifice for the greater good of both nations should be understandable to her. As for Joe, Kobe Leo at least knew from the intelligence that Joe was a high-ranking noble, and even a distant relative of the royal family, but willingly giving up all of this to become a mercenary. Mercenaries typically valued life, making it challenging to convince Joe to sacrifice his subordinates.

The princess was in a dilemma, torn between her duty as the Princess of Sophie's Kingdom, obligated to protect any of her subjects, and her duty as the princess to defend her own country. On both sides of the scale of her responsibilities as the heir, heavy weights were placed.

After a tangled deliberation, the princess finally spoke, "Yes, for the peace of both nations." Her voice was like that of a condemned prisoner.

Then the princess turned around to descend from the city wall.

However, before she could fully turn, Joe had already grabbed her and restrained her body. Then, facing Grand Mage Kobe Leo, he said, "Respected mage, please let us watch this exciting battle scene from the sidelines."

"No, I don't want to watch," the princess protested.

"Princess, you have the power to sacrifice anyone to safeguard the interests of the country. It's your duty. However, if you make this decision, you also have the obligation to recognize the contributions these people have made to the country. I'm not stopping you from making a decision, but I don't want you to evade the responsibilities you should fulfill after making that decision. Come, appreciate the final battle scene of our brave knights," Joe explained.

Having said that, he dragged the princess in front of him, passing his hands through her ribs, firmly clasping her body. His two hands forcefully held the princess's cheeks, making her eyes face the distant knights, completely disregarding the tears flowing from her eyes.

Seeing this scene, Grand Mage Kobe Leo couldn't help but gain a new understanding of Joe. It seemed that this supreme commander was the soul of the mission. Even in this situation, he could think of taking this opportunity to give a lesson to the future queen. After this battle, the princess would undoubtedly have a profound understanding of the term "sacrifice." When she had to sacrifice someone again in the future, her decision would inevitably be more mature and cautious. This supreme commander truly lived up to being a descendant of the Twelve Heroes.

On the city wall, the twelve forbidden mage guards surrounded Grand Mage Kobe Leo.

A barrier enveloped them, and within the barrier, each mage took out a red cloth, spreading it in front of them. The fully unfolded cloths formed a circular shape with a diameter of three meters, embroidered with a magic array in golden thread. At Grand Mage Kobe Leo's feet, there was also a magic array, three to four times larger than the others. With the incantation uttered by Kobe Leo within the barrier, a red light covered everything inside. The red light became increasingly bright, making it impossible for nearby people to open their eyes. After a full half-hour, the red light gradually diminished. Finally, it shrank into a basketball-sized fireball. If it weren't for the stunning red light seen before and the mentally exhausted mages lying on the ground after the light dispersed, no one could have imagined that the seemingly ordinary fireball in Grand Mage Kobe Leo's hand was a super-grade magic—the forbidden spell "Apocalypse."

The Grand Mage Kobe Leo standing there was also covered in sweat, looking exhausted. However, due to his robust physique and astonishing stamina, he was the only one still standing.

Silently standing there, Grand Mage Kobe Leo slowly gathered magical power. When the magical power accumulated enough to launch the "Apocalypse," he shouted loudly. This shout spread throughout the entire Mecharus Fortress. Joe, standing beside him, felt his ears ringing from the shout. In his heart, Joe silently resolved not to confront this mage head-on. From that sound, it was evident that this mage possessed powerful physical combat abilities comparable to a barbarian warrior.

A super mage proficient in both melee and ranged attacks. Thinking about this, Joe could only shake his head wryly. He really didn't want to be an enemy of this person now.

With that loud shout, the fireball shot straight into the sky. The princess's face also instantly turned pale. She tried hard to break free from Joe's grip, but Joe's hands were like a vice, holding her face firmly, directing her gaze towards the distant knights. Tears had already blurred her vision, and the only thing she could see was the blood-red, rolling sky.

The peculiar sight in the sky not only captivated the princess's gaze but also left the knights in Zisla Valley and the astonished thieves bewildered.

From somewhere among the thieves, a scream rang out, followed by someone shouting, "Oh no, it's the 'Apocalypse.'"

"The Apocalypse?" Enleco pondered, never expecting to witness the legendary forbidden spell. If they were not within the direct impact range of this spell, he would be delighted to enjoy this extraordinary spectacle. After all, not just anyone could witness this magic. This magic was wielded by only one person in the entire world—the Grand Mage Kobe Leo of the Kaoki Kingdom.

Other knights probably knew what was happening, given that even though they were unfamiliar with magic and the magical world, they had undoubtedly heard of Grand Mage Kobe Leo and his forbidden spell, the "Apocalypse."

Moreover, as military personnel, their understanding of the forbidden spell "Apocalypse" might even surpass Enleco's.

Jack lightly patted Enleco's shoulder at this moment and said, "Very fortunate, we don't have to die at the hands of those wretched thieves. Dying under the 'Apocalypse' of Grand Mage Kobe Leo is also considered an honor for us."

Looking around, several knights actually nodded repeatedly. The originally pale faces even showed a hint of flush. Enleco couldn't understand what these knights were thinking. All about to die, yet they were excited about who would kill them. Something was seriously wrong with all of them.

However, Enleco didn't want to die. So, he began chanting a spell. As the incantation concluded, a faintly glowing "Chaos Crystal Barrier" appeared above the heads of the knights.

The surrounding knights stared at Enleco with widened eyes. In their eyes, Enleco must have some problem in his head, thinking that he could resist the attack of the most powerful magical forbidden spell in the world.

Ignoring the astonished gazes around him, Enleco wholeheartedly focused on the magic he excelled in. His eyes, through the "Chaos Crystal Barrier," stared intently at the peculiar sky.

The entire sky resembled a boiling furnace, roiling with bright red clouds and bubbles. Amidst the red clouds, bursts of golden light frequently emanated. The golden light rolled within the enveloping red clouds, creating whirlpools, occasionally splashing out two points of bright golden light. However, they were immediately sucked back into the red bubbles. The surrounding red clouds continued to rush towards this location, connecting and spreading across the sky, extending up to ten miles in diameter. All the thieves under the sky scattered in panic, and the mages fluttered trying to fly, but Enleco sensed that all kinds of magical elements around him were dispersed by the huge fire elemental assembly in the sky. Except for fire magic, no other elemental magic could be used under the effect of this forbidden spell, the "Apocalypse." The warhorses had long lost control, not obeying commands, blindly running amok, biting and colliding with each other. The clever thieves had already jumped off their warhorses, fleeing on foot.

However, without their warhorses, how could they escape the enormous range of this massive forbidden spell in such a short time?

Indeed, before the thieves could escape the vast range covered by the colossal red clouds in the sky, an unimaginable transformation occurred.

The cloud layers started rolling violently, merging the red and golden hues together. Multiple spots erupted from within the clouds, violently spewing bubbles. When these bubbles burst, they produced a deafening sound and revealed dazzling golden light. The sky was now filled with an increasing number of bubbles, creating a continuous rumbling.

Witnessing this scene, the thieves quickened their pace, desperate to flee.

Suddenly, a muffled thunderous sound echoed. Dozens of bubbles connected to form a massive one, dripping down from the sky. Within the dark red bubble, fiery red and golden flames danced.

People on the ground scattered in all directions, trying to escape the dropping bubbles.

However, it was futile. When the bubbles hit the ground, there was neither a loud crash nor a tremor. Instead, flames erupted in all directions, turning the earthly realm into a hellish scene in an instant.

As the bubble dripped onto the ground, the flames spread in a ring-shaped pattern, with each droplet creating an acre-sized fiery zone. There were no screams or cries in the flames. Everyone engulfed by the fire immediately turned into a wisp of smoke, disappearing completely from the mortal realm. The only evidence of their existence might be the small pile of ashes left on the ground.

Even the brave and valiant royal knights, surrounded by this hellish environment, turned pale, trembling with fear.

Suddenly, a bubble dropped near them. The golden-red flames instantly covered Enleco's magic. The tremendous energy almost tore Enleco apart in an instant upon contact with that formidable force. He lost consciousness nearly immediately.

As Enleco fell unconscious, the princess watching from a distance on the castle wall also fainted.

Jack and his squad of knights couldn't fathom that Enleco had indeed managed to withstand the attack of such a powerful forbidden spell.

However, seeing Enleco faint and the bubbles continuing to brew in the sky above, everyone realized that his resistance only momentarily delayed the inevitable grasp of death.

At this moment, a strange transformation occurred within Enleco.

Thick black smoke slowly permeated out from his skin, gradually enveloping his body. In the smoke, Enleco rose slowly. The knights around him were dumbfounded; the Enleco before them seemed like an entirely different person. His pitch-black pupils appeared incredibly profound, and his expression became solemn. Standing there silently, he seemed to have existed in the world for countless millennia. The black smoke transformed into a robe that draped lightly over Enleco. In the eyes of the knights, this robe seemed as vast and bottomless as the entire night sky. Enleco's hands, emerging from the wide sleeves, were vaguely visible under the shroud of smoke, resembling the claws of some formidable beast.

Enleco's ordinarily ordinary face now bore a layer of dark shadows, appearing unusually eerie. The swirling black smoke seemed to add a sort of beard to Enleco's face. His once youthfully vibrant countenance now seemed exceptionally aged. However, this revealed sense of age did not exhibit the typical signs of aging; instead, it carried a non-human, almost statuesque feeling reminiscent of sculptures carved centuries ago in graveyards.

From Enleco's mouth emanated a low, slow-paced sound, one that didn't seem possible for a human to produce. Hearing this sound, the knights felt as if their souls were simultaneously being drawn out.

With the rise of this unearthly sound, Enleco extended his right hand forward. As his hand opened, the thick black smoke gathered towards his palm. Slowly coalescing, the smoke seemed to materialize. Like a mass of pitch-black mercury, it unfolded and flowed in the air. The black mercury gradually extended, autonomously shaping into an almost four-meter-long, extremely slender black spear.