Chapter 464: Conclusion

As for competing for control over the Magic Net Strings, it was naturally futile, because due to the persona of "Aidi," it was impossible for Xia Duo to contend for Magic Net Strings above the third layer of the Magic Net. Although the opponent was using remote, indirect control, it was akin to a dimensionality-reduction strike. For the moment, Xia Duo could only manage to stall, unable to truly dismantle it.

But stalling could not last long; the Magic Net not far in front of him was churning constantly, seemingly brewing a very complex, very powerful spell, and he had no idea what the opponent was actually trying to do.

Sitting and waiting for death was not Xia Duo's style; despite having multiple paths of retreat, he still wanted to see if he could strike at the opponent directly.

The last two 【Dispel Magic】 scrolls were activated, but the magic aura on the opponent continued to flicker; it seemed the temporary suppression field had not produced even the slightest effect.

The situation had reached the final juncture; either he truly revealed his trump card—Xia Duo's trump card—or he would have to endure this unknown spell and see what the word was from Jilan City.

Xia Duo naturally could not pin his own safety entirely on the security of the Projection or on Jilan City. He had already begun counting down silently; once he felt there was a possibility of the situation spiraling out of control, he would not care about exposing himself as a High Mage. At worst, he would just leave the Projection Plane.

In any case, he had gained quite a lot over this past year; it was just a pity he couldn't obtain more.

"3, 2—"

Before Xia Duo could count to "1," the Magic Net Strings that had been entangling him were rapidly unraveled. At the same time, the magic aura not far ahead began to strobe rapidly, then vanished from sight.

The next moment, the voice of "Town Mayor Beiji," full of resentment, rang out, "You demons, you all deserve to die! I—"

The rest of her words were blocked in her throat, leaving only a series of unwilling whimpers.

Xia Duo opened his eyes. The previous brightness was gone. A beautiful female Elf stood in the spot where "Town Mayor Beiji" had originally been, her eyes filled with flames of hatred.

Judging by the identical metal wand and clothing, this should be the true form of "Town Mayor Beiji."

"Aidi, capturing this demon infiltrator is to your credit!"

Xia Duo looked back and saw that Aosike had arrived behind him at some point, accompanied by a gloomy-faced middle-aged Mage. Xia Duo hurriedly saluted.

Aosike patted Xia Duo on the shoulder, "No need for formalities. Let me introduce you: this is Archmage Maikadi, a Level 3 Clerk of the Supervision Division. You will be dealing with him often once you enter the Judgment Division."

"Yes, my lord."

After chatting for a few moments, the three turned their gaze to the restrained Elf. Maikadi squeezed out a rare, creepy smile and said to Aosike, "I will take this demon infiltrator away first. I really have to thank you this time; otherwise, my performance review for this month would have been in trouble."

"We are all working for the Empire, so there's no need for thanks. If you really want to thank me, help me urge the personnel handling this mission to hurry up and finish the procedures. My subordinate here is just waiting on this to enter the Judgment Division!"

"I understand. I'm leaving now."

Having said that, Maikadi teleported away with the Elf.

……

Once Maikadi was gone, the smile on Aosike's face faded, turning serious, "Aidi, you did well this time, but there is one issue I must warn you about!"

"My lord, what issue?"

"You told that demon infiltrator earlier that you could plead for her before the Judgment Court. Do not say such things again in the future. Fortunately, it was me and Maikadi recording this time, so we helped you erase that part; otherwise, you would have lost too many points this time."

Seeming to feel that this was too serious, Aosike changed the subject, "You should know by now that these so-called demons are just another type of human, different from us. They also have emotions, feel concern and anger, and also possess the power of magic. But do you know why the Empire calls them 'demons'?"

Xia Duo had been very confused by this question at first, but by now, having stayed in the Arcane Empire for over a year, he had long understood. Aosike asking this question wasn't really to see if he knew, but to see his attitude.

"My lord, demons are the natural enemies of humanity. If the Second Generation Great Sage had not brought magic, humanity would have long been enslaved by demons. Even after humanity mastered magic, the demons never stopped their suppression for a single day. The Arcane Empire is an empire of resistance; there is no compromise between humanity and demons!"

"Good that you know. If this were in the past, had you said such things, I fear there would be no need for Maikadi to report you; I would have judged you on the spot! Fortunately, since last year, the scales of war have begun to tilt toward the Empire. Humanity and demons are not truly without a day of compromise, but it is best not to say such things!"

Aosike's words made Xia Duo's heart tighten. He had not expected the political correctness of the Arcane Empire to be so severe, to the point that even an Arcanist Seed could not be exempted. However, according to the historical records of the Arcane Empire, it was indeed the Elves who attacked the Empire first.

Xia Duo did not doubt the authenticity of this record. After all, who would want to fight to the death if they could develop peacefully? Not to mention, the Arcane Empire at that time was clearly the weaker party, and even now, it only held a slight upper hand.

Aosike did not truly want to punish Xia Duo. After offering two reminders, he spoke again about his own potential appointment in the Judgment Division; if nothing went wrong, it would be as a Level 1 Clerk in the Internal Affairs Department.

And Xia Duo would be his Clerk. The connection between the Judgment Division and the Supervision Division was very frequent; that Maikadi had long ago given up on becoming a Legendary Mage and was focused on operating within the system.

Just as the two were speaking, a series of rapid footsteps and the clashing of weapons came from outside the town. Xia Duo knew that the ordinary soldiers had finally arrived, and Aosike stopped the conversation at this moment.

"Do a good job with the screening; do not let a single demon believer go."

After saying this, Aosike teleported away.

……

From the moment Xia Duo entered the range of the Warning Magic field, to him killing the two Elves, and then to his brief confrontation with "Town Mayor Beiji" outside the house—which could also be said to be Xia Duo waiting for reinforcements.

This period of time was actually very short, even shorter than the time Aosike had just spent talking to him.

The men in town had all gone to work, and those who remained were mostly women. Coupled with the short duration and the minimal commotion, they had not been able to react in time.

However, the commotion of soldiers entering the town still alarmed them, and it wasn't just them; the men working outside also followed them back.

"My lord, everyone has arrived. Please give the order."

"First, gather the people of the town!"

"Yes!"

The Captain responded and then signaled his subordinates to begin gathering the townspeople. As it happened, both the men and women had come over, so the gathering was quick. After Xia Duo announced his identity, the work of screening for demon believers began.

The Judgment Spell scrolls that had been distributed earlier finally found their use.

It was not until the very last person had been 【Inquired】 that Xia Duo finally let out a sigh of relief. Perhaps "Town Mayor Beiji," out of consideration for her infiltration, had neither developed any believers nor leaked any information.

In the end, no one needed to face judgment.

As for further investigation, there was no need for Xia Duo to do it; naturally, there were people from the Supervision Division for that.

……

Returning to Jilan City, Xia Duo was temporarily idle. Aside from his daily research, he was handing over the matters at hand, waiting for notification from above, and preparing to enter the Judgment Division at any time.

Book Club: 966022519

Everyone is welcome to come and chat~~

(End of chapter)