Charles fled desperately through alleys and corridors.
Meanwhile, high above the rooftops of the area he'd just escaped, two lean figures clad in black trench coats hovered in midair. Each held a book, murmuring to themselves as they recorded their observations:
"Confirmed: The Cassalanter Family's operatives have significant conflict with the Amazons. Anticipate major obstacles to their future operations in the South Harbor District..."
"The Cassalanter Family's incompetence is evident. The Illusionist's Bracers were confirmed lost before reaching port."
"We must reassess the Cassalanter Family's capabilities and their potential future value to us..."
Though phrased differently, their rapidly scribbled notes conveyed identical conclusions.
With their work complete, they finally turned their attention back to the battle below—to Ruth and Charles.
When they saw him risk everything to purify Ruth with that milky radiance, both were stunned. One even gasped aloud: "What manner of power is that?"
"Unknown. Let me see." The other raised a hand, performed a few simple gestures, and uttered brief incantations. Suddenly, vivid blue light erupted from his eyes.
Had he taken more time with complex hand signs and lengthy incantations, he could have significantly reduced the spell slot consumption.
But just as Charles enjoyed endless spell slot replenishment tonight, these two had no need to conserve their resources either.
The blue gaze swept over Charles. After a moment, the observer made a surprised sound: "It seems to be... an utterly unique energy. Beyond my comprehension—likely an innate bloodline power!"
His companion was astonished. "Even you can't decipher it? Then this human truly possesses an exceptional bloodline..."
A thought occurred to him: "Should we assist him? Given his current state, his spell slots must be nearly exhausted."
A reasonable assumption. They'd monitored the battle closely, yet Charles hadn't cast a single 2nd-level spell.
This suggested an extremely low spellcaster level. Combined with the night's relentless combat, his spell slots had to be depleted.
This was a reasonable assumption. They had been observing the battle below, yet Charles hadn't cast a single 2nd-level spell.
This indicated his spellcaster level must be extremely low. After such intense combat, his spell slots were surely depleted.
After a pause, the first observer added, "I believe this talent and bloodline alone make him an excellent candidate as our new contact in the Material Plane. Don't you agree?"
They were envoys from Cania, the Eighth Hell—two cambions of noble bloodline. Their mission was to assess their current partners' capabilities while scouting for a new advocate.
That brief encounter in the slums days ago had drawn their attention to Charles' remarkable Charisma. They'd noted his potential talent, thinking with proper cultivation, he might become a valuable ally.
Back then, they'd been preoccupied evaluating their existing contacts. Yet fate had brought them here today.
"I think he's perfect," the other grinned. "And capturing such a powerful monster as a bonus would greatly please Lord Mephistopheles."
"He's about to break. Let's move!"
"The usual method?"
"Yes, the usual method! Quickly now—delay any longer and the Blackstaff's agents will arrive!"
With their decision made, they sprang into action. One began an elaborate series of gestures, chanting lengthy, arcane incantations.
The other positioned himself directly above Charles and uttered a brief incantation—
On the ground, Charles had just finished recasting False Life when his foot suddenly caught on something invisible. His body lurched forward uncontrollably.
Thud!
He hit the dirt hard, thankful at least for the soft earth cushioning his fall.
But the consequences were dire—Ruth was now right behind him!
Damn it all! Of all times to trip!
Regret flooded him, but it was too late. Ruth loomed over him as the guillotine illusion materialized overhead, its massive blade descending!
Charles' heart leapt to his throat as he scrambled back, desperately chanting: "Shield!"
Buzz—
BANG—!
The protective barrier formed just as the blade struck. All his defensive magic shattered instantly. White-hot pain shot through his thighs, forcing a grunt through clenched teeth: "Ugh—!"
Thank the gods he'd bought enough time—without that Shield, his legs would have been severed clean off!
Yet even so, the agony burning through his legs made one thing painfully clear: he couldn't run anymore.
That single stumble had ruined everything. Now he'd lost any chance of prolonging this fight.
Was this how it ended? Killed by Ruth?
No. Never. He refused to accept that!
Time for a final stand!
"Purification!"
With a roar, he grabbed the transmogrified guillotine. Blinding milky radiance erupted, engulfing Ruth completely.
Buzz——————
"Rooooar—!"
The purifying white light penetrated the monstrous flesh, searing into her very soul. Ruth's massive form convulsed violently.
The chaotic magic from beyond the world that had corrupted her was being rapidly purged. Her polluted, maddened soul began regaining consciousness—like waking from a deep coma, confused and disoriented.
I... why am I here?
Why... did I kill so many...?
So empty... I just want to return to my Master's embrace...
Ah... there he is... right before me...
Wait—no!
As the last traces of chaotic magic were cleansed, Ruth's muddled consciousness suddenly snapped into sharp focus.
How could I think such things?!
It's him—this man!
He's altering my very mind! Trying to turn me into some pathetic, sniveling fool!
Die! Just DIE!
The guillotine's blade rose again—but to her horror, Ruth found her strength draining rapidly. What remained was barely a tenth of her full power!
He's not just rewriting my mind... he's stealing my strength?!
Whoosh—!
She swung the guillotine blade with all her might, but now even the injured Charles could easily dodge with a simple backward roll!
"Haa—!" Charles exhaled sharply as he steadied himself. Ignoring his bleeding legs, he stared ahead in astonishment.
Ruth... has weakened this much?
This is my chance! One final Purification should finish this!
Gritting his teeth against the pain, he forced himself upright, preparing to charge—
—only to see the witch take a sudden step back...
Then turn...
And sprint away at full speed!
Charles stood frozen, dumbfounded.
No way.
She's... running away?!