The black mist surged like a tide, swallowing the entire estate until only a vague outline remained. The air was thick with a pungent, decaying stench, as if even breathing was slowly poisoning the lungs. Suddenly, a scarlet light emerged from within the mist, like an ancient rune slowly unfolding. The rune twisted and interwove, forming a massive magical array. The complex patterns spun endlessly, emitting a foreboding hum.

The ground trembled lightly as the buildings around the estate began to decay. The stone bricks on the walls cracked and peeled away at a visible rate, disintegrating into black dust. The once-sturdy railings rusted, and some collapsed into pieces. The plants in the garden withered and shriveled, as if drained by some malevolent force.

A tall figure slowly emerged from the black mist—Havier, clad in a black robe, with the hem of his robe swirling in the air like a living thing. His staff was alight with deep purple flames, and with every step, the flames surged, sending sharp waves of magic that shattered the stones beneath him.

"Loenke," his voice was low, as if bound by iron chains, "The protection of the Holy Light is meaningless here. Look at your 'faith'—it crumbles like paper before my power."

With a casual wave of his hand, a bolt of lightning descended from the sky, striking a statue in the heart of the estate. The statue shattered instantly, fragments scattering in all directions. A low hum resonated from the mist, like some giant beast stirring in its lair. Havier raised his head slightly, a cold smile on his lips, his voice thick with overwhelming confidence, "I will show you what true power is."

The guards around them shrank back in fear, their weapons rusting and crumbling as they couldn’t withstand the corruption of magic. Vera clenched her teeth, her gaze locked onto the rune array. Her staff trembled in her hands, but she stood firm, unwilling to retreat.

"Teacher! Havier! Is that you? What’s going on? Let’s talk face to face! Teacher, come out!" she called, but the mist remained silent. The oppressive atmosphere sent cold sweat dripping down the guards’ backs.

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Every second that passed put her father in more danger, so Vera turned to Loenke, desperation in her eyes.

"What do we do now?"

"You want him to come out? That's easy!" Loenke said, suddenly snatching a spear from one of the guards and thrusting it toward Vera. In the next moment, a wind blade shot toward Loenke’s throat. With a quick move, Loenke turned the thrust into a parry, the spear breaking into two as he narrowly avoided the deadly strike.

"Since you've made your move, don’t act like a coward now."

"Hmph! The Church has people like you—willing to do anything to win."

Out of the mist, Havier stepped forward, holding Lord Lawrence’s unconscious form by his side.

"Father!" Vera cried out.

Loenke quickly restrained Vera, his voice cold, "If you go over there, neither you nor your father will survive. Don’t think his earlier actions were out of compassion. He doesn’t want to destroy his carefully nurtured creation."

"Ha ha ha ha! What difference does it make?"

Havier’s presence stirred the air, powerful elemental waves surrounding him, sending a chilling feeling through everyone.

"Now, you are sealed by the Holy Seal, unable to use any divine magic. Everyone here is just meat on the chopping block. Do you think standing there will keep you safe?"

Loenke shrugged. "Why don’t you try it?"

Havier’s smug expression faltered for a moment. His eyes flashed with fury as he locked his gaze onto Loenke. His instincts, honed by years of facing death, screamed that this man was no ordinary threat. The feeling of danger he sensed, he had only felt it from his own teacher—the Sage of Truth from the Tower of Truth, a being who once slaughtered gods.

Crack!

Havier stomped on Lord Lawrence’s leg, a sharp, loud snap followed by a scream that echoed throughout the estate.

"Ah!!! My leg! My leg!" Lord Lawrence cried.

Vera’s eyes filled with tears, her voice cracking. "Father! Teacher, what do you want?"

Havier sighed, a slight frown forming on his face. "Vera, I never thought you'd still call me teacher at a time like this. Truly... it's futile. You have no talent for magic, and you lack the mentality of a true Truth Apprentice. You were destined to accomplish nothing."

"Come here. If you obey, I’ll spare your father and the others. But if you continue to resist, not only this estate but everyone here will die."

"Fine! I’ll agree!" Vera said, stepping forward, but Loenke stopped her once again.

"Wait, we agree to your terms, but you must swear by the name of the Gate of Truth."

Havier’s expression froze. It was as if a lump had formed in his throat, one that he could neither swallow nor spit out.