[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-noble-lady-reformation-guide":3,"chapter-noble-lady-reformation-guide-noble-lady-reformation-guide-chapter-140":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Noble Lady Reformation Guide",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1706178,2179,"Chapter 140: 4-star (5)","noble-lady-reformation-guide-chapter-140",140,"\u003Cp>– Crack! Crunch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the mansion was covered in ice, and everyone gathered on the battlefield blinked in astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an anomaly that occurred just as they sensed the flow of magic emanating from beyond the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is… war magic!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the types of combat magic, those that influence the entire battlefield are classified as war magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even those without a deep understanding of magic could recognize it, and Countess Rodelia, who was a four-star mage, understood immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That massive freezing spell radiating from inside the mansion was Large-Scale Spatial Freeze, the same one used by Lord Melverot during the Northern War.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spell classified as at least four-star level, even by the lowest estimate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, that meant there was another four-star mage inside the mansion besides Countess Rodelia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rodelia swallowed hard and looked up again toward the Archlich floating above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the fierce battle, with sword wounds all over its body, the monster continued raising corpses and blocking the subjugation squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, with the sudden release of that war magic, a large portion of the monstrous creatures was instantly frozen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, some members of the squad were also caught in the spell and lost mobility, but most were experienced enough to escape its effects on their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy’s losses were undoubtedly greater. It was an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If left unchecked, it would once again create a ridiculous number of monsters to slow the squad’s advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That brief moment when the number of monsters had drastically decreased was a respite granted by the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That monster had to be eliminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Countess Rodelia climbed up the icy railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Archlich, realizing her intent, roared again and tried to cast a spell, but a pair of arrows flew and struck its chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Kaaah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Archlich screamed in pain, a fierce-eyed archer rose among the monsters’ corpses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With silver hair tied back, she shouted to the mercenaries:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash! Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a single swing, Jayden, who had charged ahead, swept away all the goblins and advanced toward the railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The extended slash of his sword cleared the path to the Archlich.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It happened in an instant. That opportunity wouldn’t last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monsters began to swarm again, but Ellen, Denise, and the other forces who had joined the battle worked together to hold them back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wielding the Sacred Blood Sword, Rodelia leapt through the gap and finally reached the Archlich.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Out of my way, you damned monster!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light flowed from the red runes engraved on the blade, trailing along its edge, and following the arc of her swing, the sword aimed to cleave the Archlich in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slash from the left shoulder down to the center of the body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tried to cut it apart in one blow, but the sword’s progress stopped against the Archlich’s resilient structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Kaaah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword halted near its solar plexus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, it was a fatal strike. A distorted scream echoed throughout the mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The six-star necromancer Fina had affectionately called it “Happy” and crafted it with great care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the result of months of work and power granted directly by her, yet before Rodelia’s Sacred Blood Sword, it yielded under a fatal blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle! Pop!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tremble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tried to push the sword deeper where it had stopped at the solar plexus, but couldn’t completely subdue the Archlich, which continued to resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Somehow, the sword was repelled, and the Archlich floated again toward the railing of the mansion’s second-floor hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh, I couldn’t finish it in one strike!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash! Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rodelia rolled across the floor, and her Sacred Blood Sword also fell against the railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavily wounded Archlich moved to destroy the troublesome sword, but the blade forged by Rodelia, a four-star transmutation mage, repelled the touch of the impure being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Archlich, damaged once more by the holy power, staggered, floated, and collapsed onto the railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was trying to summon more demonic creatures, but it seemed to have reached its limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was already cornered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Rodelia wasn’t a combat magic specialist, with the help of other mages and ranged attackers, it wouldn’t take long to eliminate that nearly defenseless creature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as she was about to order a full assault—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Groooh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep sound, like the horn of a massive ship, echoed through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above the shattered roof, the enormous demon summoned by Grand Duke Beltus came into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That colossal being, which looked capable of devouring the world itself, was beginning to fade into magical energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers on the battlefield looked up with wide eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great demon summoned by a five-star summoner was vanishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did that mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone had defeated Grand Duke Beltus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mage of the highest rank, who had achieved five-star magic, delved into necromancy and masterfully merged various magical disciplines—and had been defeated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive body visible beneath the starry sky gradually faded into smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No… it can’t be…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did they capture… Grand Duke Beltus…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Members of the Beldern Mercenary Corps and Countess Rodelia’s guards halted their fighting, unable to look away from the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the demon’s figure completely vanished, the dying Archlich rose once more and began to float.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t lose focus! We’re still in battle!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-yes, Your Excellency!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers, regaining their senses, raised their swords again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Archlich roared, and countless monsters began to rise once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entrusting the battle to its minions, the Archlich started retreating into the mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What… what’s happening?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Archlich is fleeing! It’s retreating inside the mansion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rodelia was taken aback by the scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liches seen in numerous danger zones, starting with the White Labyrinth, never fled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were fearless creatures, and their territory was their home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fleeing at the prospect of defeat was inconceivable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had to be another reason why that Archlich was fleeing the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it! After it! We must finish it completely!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rodelia grasped her sacred sword and, dragging her exhausted body, ran down the corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the Archlich’s escape route, she found the mansion’s halls in ruins—clear evidence of the battle between Grand Duke Beltus and Dereck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Archlich, flying over the wreckage, descended through a large hole in the middle of the corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Descending further and further, it wasn’t difficult to reach the underground cellar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack! Bang! Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rodelia, who had followed with the swiftest movements, saw something incredible as she landed and looked ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wine barrels were shattered, and the cellar floor was soaked in wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the midst of that crimson scene, as if blood were flowing like a river, sat Baron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw, panting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body was covered in wounds and bloodstains, and his magical energy was almost imperceptible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had fought to the very last drop. It was rare to see Dereck, who always fought calmly, having gone this far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And before that broken man, who could no longer even stand on his own, was Grand Duke Beltus—completely frozen and subdued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What am I looking at right now?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countess Rodelia held her breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw, who at most seemed to be a three-star mage, had single-handedly subdued Grand Duke Beltus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Duke Beltus had already been shattered by Fina, his magical power nearly exhausted, his body barely under control, driven mad by the power of necromancy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, even if that were the case, the idea that a five-star mage could be defeated by someone two levels below him was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The magical hierarchy was such that each ascension represented an unimaginable gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In particular, as the rank increased, the difference became so extreme that, while a one-star mage might occasionally defeat a two-star, it was nearly impossible for a three-star mage to defeat a four-star one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Traces of ice magic…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if he wasn’t a three-star mage, how was this to be interpreted?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold air flowed around the utterly exhausted Dereck. It was clear where the immense ice magic that had frozen the entire mansion had come from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dereck had become a four-star mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implications were enormous. The difference between a three-star and a four-star mage was so vast it was often described as the distance between heaven and earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From that level onward, the Empire sought to register every individual who reached such a rank, for their power was comparable to that of a weapon of war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were renowned mages, few enough to count on one hand; even among the most prestigious noble families, a four-star mage was considered their most valuable asset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In some cases, those who achieved such feats rose to become the heads of their houses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, the emergence of a new four-star mage at that moment was like a bomb dropped upon the power structure of the continent’s southwest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that age, a four-star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an unbelievably rapid progression, with few historical precedents—comparable to, or perhaps even surpassing, Melverot himself, the lord of the north.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rodelia swallowed hard and quickly regained her composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This isn’t the time to think about that! There must be a reason the Archlich came here!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dereck was already at his limit after his battle with Grand Duke Beltus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, he was barely conscious, gasping for breath and leaning against the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had pushed his body to the extreme, and if he used four-star magic again, he would feel pain so intense it would be as if his entire body were burning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Rodelia, in perfect condition, was left drained after casting a single spell of that level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using such magic in his condition was no longer a matter of skill, but of sheer mental willpower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no way he could withstand the Archlich’s attack. At that moment, Dereck was completely incapacitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Rodelia’s perspective, loyal to the Empire, she could not allow that young genius—whose name had yet to leave its mark on history—to die like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Monster! Over here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a roar, Rodelia drew the Sacred Blood Sword and confronted the Archlich.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whack! Thwack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, arrows flew and struck their target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were silver arrows—a special weapon against spectral beings. Pheline, quicker than anyone, aimed her bow from the first-floor hallway’s opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, other members of the subjugation squad followed, and Jayden and Orel, swords in hand, burst into the underground cellar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Thwack! Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Protect Baron Ravenclaw! He must stay alive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countess Rodelia shouted desperately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Archlich was already in a critical state. If they maintained their all-out assault, they could finish it off completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the Archlich, staggering at death’s door, gathered the last of its magical power and let out a deafening roar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Kyaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a third-class confusion magic—the Cry of Chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers, caught by the magical vibration spreading in all directions, dropped their weapons and covered their ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The intense disorientation, as if their brains were being shaken, made them scream in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Archlich’s final attempt, using the last of its energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking advantage of that moment, the Archlich flew toward the completely defenseless Dereck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Rodelia, gripping her sword, was about to charge—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Archlich, showing no interest in Dereck, passed him by and headed for Grand Duke Beltus, who lay in a secluded corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lifeless body slumped as the Archlich lifted him with magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The end of that greedy noble, who had sought to rule the world as the lord of the Beltus family, was truly pitiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Archlich pulled the lifeless body close, wrapped it in magical power, and with a roar, cast another spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the same summoning spell it had used at the start of the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, it was not summoning something—it was being summoned by another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Archlich, clutching the body of Grand Duke Beltus, was enveloped by an immense magic and disappeared completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whaack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When everything ended, only dust rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It escaped…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it! We almost had it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The monsters are vanishing…! Even so… it’s our victory!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The underground wine cellar had been completely destroyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, only one man remained—the one whose talent had finally bloomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The floor was soaked in blood, and his body was covered in wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could die at any moment from blood loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This isn’t the time to celebrate! Call the healers immediately!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rodelia ran through the spilled wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hero of the battlefield, who had fought the necromancer to the brink of death and finally achieved victory, was dying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dereck, unable to remain standing, collapsed into a pool of wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash! Splash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the soldiers shouting for help and the hurried footsteps of Countess Rodelia drawing near, Dereck slowly let go of consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir Dereck! Hold on! Hey…! Hurry, bring the healers! Damn it…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Rodelia’s voice faded into the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How long had it been since the last time he’d risked his life in a real duel?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, he remembered the day, as a trembling child, when he faced a wild boar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the moment he first awakened his magical power. Since then, Dereck had begun to understand the mysteries of magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In retrospect, nothing had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that ironic thought, Dereck slowly closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light from outside streamed into the dark cellar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dereck’s blood-soaked body, lying beneath it, looked like that of a knight who had just finished a holy war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Biting her lower lip, Rodelia removed her gauntlet and pressed Dereck’s wounds with her bare hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, the blood kept flowing. The amount spilling out was alarming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That man had truly gambled his life just to capture the necromancer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the endless bleeding, Rodelia clenched her teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had to save him—no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>",2286,"2026-06-06T14:44:04.909Z",1,"novelbin.me","695b0c99b275cb48aae3b88da5ea50b07bb40eb9dc4d04680a07ac216c90b890","noble-lady-reformation-guide-chapter-141","noble-lady-reformation-guide-chapter-139",177,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnoble-lady-reformation-guide-cover.jpg"]