The stronger it is, the more forbidden the knowledge, the harder it is to resist this desire.

——Knowledge Addiction.

This is the downfall of these scholars and mages, a mental addiction almost impossible to cure.

In their mad thirst for knowledge, their personality and morals gradually crumble. Even when they appear normal in everyday life, once it involves taboo knowledge, they will pay any price without hesitation — wealth, family, life... even the entire world.

And at this moment, the mages present are also among these poor souls.

But unlike other mages who initially joined the treason, they have cautiously hidden their identities, even refraining from pillaging the tempting fragments of knowledge from the Guild's forbidden book section after the Capital fell.

Their self-control isn't due to morality or conscience but because they have a more specific goal — to execute the command of the Key of Transformation at the crucial moment.

Only the higher-ups of the Black Gate can satisfy their desire for taboo knowledge.

Their first received order is to feign friendliness, assist the Elemental Spirit in the ritual, and ambush the target.

Most of these mages belong to the academia faction, and such scheming and direct confrontation are not their specialty.

But now, as the Kingdom's counterattack is gradually unfolding, the Black Gate itself is stretched thin, unable to spare more personnel.

Nevertheless, their magical prowess does not diminish, and the meticulously prepared Ritual Magic is completed flawlessly.

According to their plans, even if the opponent is a Legendary level warrior, they would leave nothing but ashes in this bombardment.

Next, they simply need to take care of the Elemental Spirit—

[Hero activates Skill: Gale Power, Wish Dance]

[Agility fixed at maximum value, Charm bonus *0.6, =134+109+60=303]

[Hero activates Ritual Magic]

1.5. Azure Sea Severance

2.6. Mirage

3.7. Eternal Frost Ring

4.8. White Snake Summoning

9. Rain Covenant

10. Great Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(8)=8

♛: White Snake Summoning

→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←

'I'm glad you called upon me in times of difficulty.'

A gentle, comforting female voice softly echoed in the Hero's mind.

'Although we signed a pact, I've always worried whether you might hesitate when needing me due to personal pride or concerns about danger, ultimately choosing to face it alone?'

'After all, you are so kind, and I've often received your help, hence my concern whether I could become someone you rely on.'

Feeling her sincere emotion, the Hero's expression relaxed, a reassuring smile appeared on his face, and he bowed his head slightly, somewhat sheepishly.

'Indeed, I hesitated about calling you, Sister White Snake.' She replied softly, carrying a hint of apology.

'Because this place is really dangerous. And it's a human civil war to intervene in; even if all goes well, it would certainly trouble you greatly.'

'Why would——'

Before White Snake could speak, the Hero seemed to understand her thoughts, gently shook his head, showing a warm smile.

'But, thinking from another perspective, if Sister White Snake once said going to the volcano was too dangerous and refused help, I might've acted on my own anyway.'

Because a friend is in danger, there's a desire to help her.

If knowing that they could've done something, yet did nothing back then, they would certainly regret it deeply.

Some people might choose self-preservation, which is understandable, but the Hero no longer wants to have such memories.

'So, although it might be a bit presumptuous...I decided to seek your help.'

'No, you did very well.'

White Snake's voice is gentle yet firm, like snow reflecting the sun.

'Hero, you are not just my friend but also my master—'

The exchange of thoughts vanished in an instant.

In reality, as the magical bombardment from beyond subsides, within the golden eggshell interior, white snow-like ripples quietly spread in the peaceful space.

"So, please allow me to be your strength."

"Yes, please be my strength."

The Hero raised a hand slightly, like a proud queen awaiting a hand-kiss before dancing, lifting her snow-white neck.

With just this gesture, magic rushed out like a flood bursting its banks and eagerly wove into a magically luminous Array together with the surrounding Magic Element.

The gates of space opened with a roar, following the maiden's will, and a fierce cold wind from the Highland Snow Mountain swept across, enveloping the entire battlefield ruins with chilling power.

In the next moment, under the astonished eyes of the spellcasters, the golden eggshell surrounding the Hero suddenly shattered.

A giant snake tail, white as jade, lashed out violently, sweeping across the entire street accompanied by the roaring wind.

Buildings collapsed like paper, dust and rubble surged, seeming even the earth trembled for this violent force.

The spellcasters, showing fear on their faces, retreated unanimously.

The Hero stood amidst the wind, calmly gazing at the enemies ahead.

[Hero activates Ritual Magic: Demon Summoning]

[Master of Highland Snow Mountain: White Snake Rank7 responds to the summon]

[LV (Corrupted Phoenix's vanquisher+4)]

D10+66+4=d10(6)+66+4=76

[White Snake LV76]

Strength: 373

Agility: 298

Constitution: 373

Intelligence: 158

Perception: 274

Charm: 207

Magic: 17235

Skills:

Avalanche LV10: Strength D2, Attack considered as group attack.

Mobile Ice Mountain Fortress LV10: Armor Value = Constitution *1.1.

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