"I know this girl is your puppet, but it's useless!" The Black Dream Key, confident of the divine will within this body, urgently voiced its concern.

"The curse left by the Liberation Saintess exists for you, aimed at you. No matter whose hand you borrow, it'll still be futile, so—"

[Dawn Battle Maiden (Charm D2+LV, Attribute Difference +10)]

2d161+322+60+10=d161(122)+d161(12)+392=526

"...Although I'm not quite sure what you're talking about."

The hero, who had been listening with an indifferent expression, suddenly sighed, a hint of liveliness returning to her mirror-like eyes.

"But it seems you misunderstand. Excuse me, I am not the Divine Knowledge Saintess."

"...What?" The Black Dream Key was stunned.

Although the hero, influenced by the blessing, was indeed fighting in accordance with the future seen by the Divine Knowledge Saintess, it didn't mean the Divine Knowledge Saintess was controlling her.

Now, she acts as a puppet for achieving the future, like the Divine Knowledge Saintess, or even the Key of Transformation, drawn by destiny.

Just as her father once commented, the 'current' Divine Knowledge Saintess herself is merely a manipulated existence.

So, when the blessing is activated, the hero and the Divine Knowledge Saintess stand on equal footing.

Awakened by the blessing of the Divine Knowledge Saintess, she had discarded all unnecessary thoughts, perceiving this encounter purely as a battle of life and death, determined to give it her all...

But she never expected it would turn out like this.

[The plea of Black Dream Key failed, the hero's next action—]

1.5. I can help you break free from the blessing!

2.6. Honestly, follow me.

3.7. There are divisions within the Black Gate.

4.8. Sacrifice!

9. ... Deep Sea is our enemy.

10. Great Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(2)=2

♛: Honestly, follow me.

→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←

The scene fell silent for a moment, and the hero gazed down at the Black Dream Key with a subtle expression.

In her mind, another self echoed with disdainful yet confused mutterings:

'Seriously, can this even be called a palace? Are you kidding me?'

As a malevolent being, the Depraved Hero, to some extent, regarded the Black Gate ruling the kingdom's dark side as her greatest rival and competitor.

Being both villainous figures, distinguishing superiority naturally led to life or death struggles.

After bearing such a resolve and launching a counterattack, the opponent merely took one punch and knelt down, begging for mercy.

Even though she's captured numerous Black Dream Disciples these days, the Depraved Hero still felt absurd.

'This guy has less backbone than those goblins, right?'

'That's not entirely true... After all, without the Divine Knowledge Saintess's help, we would've been captured.'

The hero didn't mock the gate key in front, but seeing its somewhat pandered yet fearful look directed at her, she sighed lightly, putting the broken sword back on her back.

"If you don't want to keep fighting, then honestly follow me."

The hero wasn't sure if the Divine Knowledge Saintess saw this scene, but no resistance or warning arose in her mind, nor did she sense hostility from the other party.

Nevertheless, she didn't let go of the broken sword behind her, simply waiting calmly for Black Dream Key's response.

The Black Dream Key hastily nodded.

"I, I understand... I'll obediently follow you."

[Plain — Pure — Stunning]

D100=d100(57)=57

The tight black wall turned into wisps of flying ash, reverting to its original robe albeit charred and tattered. The veil had long been scalded by the hot wind, revealing a female face that, though rather delicate, now appeared utterly disheveled.

Although the hero stated she was not a puppet of the Divine Knowledge Saintess, she still meekly restrained her magic power, deactivating the skill.

The Black Dream Key struggled to stand up, instinctively extending both hands toward the hero, a gesture of surrender.

This cooperative attitude made the hero raise her eyebrows.

"Gleaming Scales," she called softly.

[Fantasy Snowflake Scales activate skill: Zero Point Will (Lock)]

Along with the gleam of the White Snake Hair Ornament, an icy crystal energy shot out, forming shackles to securely bind the Black Dream Key's hands, freezing her magic power operation together.

These shackles, akin to Demon-locking Rings, are infused with Winter Elf's elemental power, halting the target's magic power movement.

At the moment the shackles were applied, the Black Dream Key's expression relaxed, even showing a hint of relief.

'At least like this, I won't be killed...'

[Dawn Battle Maiden's intimidation succeeded, the hero captured the Black Dream Key]

[Destination]

1~4. Judgement Court♛

5~8. Cathedral

9. Heresy Court

10. Great Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(1)=1

Watching the Black Dream Key firmly locked by ice shackles, the hero let out a slight sigh of relief.

Throughout, this key, who had left numerous terrifying legends in the kingdom, showed no sign of resistance, merely waiting submissively for her disposition.

However, avoiding slaughter is naturally a good thing; the rest awaits the judgement of the Holy City.

But the hero glanced up at the nearing dusk sky, her expression turning somewhat anxious.

Wind Moon Night's Aerial Dance Technique can't carry people, although forcibly taking someone along isn't impossible, it certainly can't fly at full speed like before.

Even though Perfect Star's blessing still bestows its grace upon her, it may not last until night; without this strength, the hero doesn't believe she can continue suppressing the Black Dream Key.

No matter how disgraceful the opponent's previous performance was, they remain a key of the Black Gate, not someone to lower one's guard against.

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