Guided by Closter, Avery stepped into the core impact area of the "Heart of the Giant Tree" Magic Node.

As soon as she stepped into this area covered by the massive roots of the Crystal Ancient Tree, a turbulent Elemental Energy surged towards her like a sticky tide, rendering Avery breathless.

The air seemed filled with invisible static, a slight tingling sensation spread across her skin, and element light points flickered and collided like startled fireflies, emitting a subtle yet unsettling crackling sound.

Avery couldn't help but deeply furrow her brows.

Although reports had mentioned the severity here, the chaotic degree of elemental disturbance far exceeded her expectations.

This didn't seem like a damaged Magic Node but rather like the aftermath of a fierce Spell clash!

Closter, walking by her side, also wore a frown as he explained to Avery with a tone of puzzlement and, helplessness: "Lady Avery, when we first arrived, the Elemental Energy here was already in this state."

"We've attempted various detection arrays and Detection Techniques, but we've been unable to find the root cause of the energy's agitation and the frequent interruptions at the node. We've also conducted a rough inspection of the core Magic Array, aside from its dim glow, we haven't discovered anything... uh, at least nothing structural visible to the naked eye or under normal detection."

Avery nodded, suppressing the doubts in her heart, and said in a deep voice, "Take me to the core Magic Array for a personal inspection."

"Understood, my lady," Closter replied. Then, as if remembering something, his gaze swept across the wizards accompanying Avery, showing appropriate concern. "But... my lady, the energy distortion in the core region is even more severe, the chaotic Spiritual Field is nearly tangible."

"Previously, when several of us wizards entered to inspect together, the overlap of our Spiritual Fields accidentally triggered unstable energy, resulting in a significant explosion... fortunately, no one was seriously injured. Since then, we've limited our inspections to no more than two people at a time."

Avery understood his implication. Wizards themselves are potent sources of spiritual radiation, especially when actively casting or perceiving. In an environment with extremely unstable elements, too many gathered wizards could indeed ignite chaotic energy with their unconscious spiritual waves.

She did not hesitate, immediately ordering her entourage behind, "Stay here and keep watch. Do not let anyone approach the core area without my orders."

"Yes, Lady Avery!" the entourage bowed and accepted the order.

With arrangements in place, Avery proceeded only with Closter into the deeper forest, towards the source of the energy chaos.

The core Magic Array was located in an especially dark woodland. The thick roots stood like natural walls surrounding it, while scant light penetrated the gaps in the leaves, barely illuminating the scene ahead.

A huge and incomplete Ancient Magic Array abruptly marked the clearing's center. Runes composed of some unknown metal and energy veins were like dying blood vessels, intermittently bursting forth glaring, blinding Magic Beams, like out-of-control lightning frantically scurrying and flickering across the array, casting bizarre lights and shadows around.

"My lady, please exercise extreme caution," Closter stopped at the array's edge, advising gravely.

Avery indicated for him to remain, then took a deep breath as a gentle Mystical Power aura enveloped her as protection and stepped into the area where the energy raged the fiercest.

Crouching down, her slender fingers hovered above the damaged runes, her spiritual power scanning each detail of the array like the most precise probe. The more she investigated, the more her expression grew grave. The damage... No, it's not right!

This isn't natural cracking and obliteration from energy overload or external impacts; the fracture edges are too "clean" and "deliberate," certain critical rune connection points appear to be precisely corroded and erased by some corrosive force!

This is deliberate sabotage! And expertly disguised as natural destruction!

Deliberate sabotage!

Avery's expression changed.

A terrifying thought flashed through her mind like lightning—this is a trap!

Almost simultaneously with her realization, an intense Elemental Fluctuation erupted unexpectedly from behind her—from Closter's direction!

A powerful Magic Beam infused with Mystical Power surged from Closter's hands, consuming everything.

However, in the next instant, a golden radiance suddenly emerged from Avery's direction. A massive sword-wielding apparition appeared amidst the glow, slicing the Magic Beam apart with a swing of its sword, revealing Avery's figure in the center.

Avery looked toward Closter, who was now surrounded by a black stone etched with strange runes, the center of which floated with potent Mystical Power, clearly where the Magic Beam had just originated.

Avery's pupils contracted sharply, cold fury and incredulous pain immediately flooding her being. She fixed a steely gaze on Closter, the young wizard she once held high hopes for and personally promoted, her voice quivering with suppressed anger:

"Closter! Why?!"

In the face of Avery's harsh questioning, Closter's body trembled imperceptibly. He kept his head lowered, unable to meet Avery's blazing gaze, his face drained of color, lips moving soundlessly, only overwhelming shame and struggle etched on his youthful features.

The black stone suspended before him, runes pulsating, emitted ominous Mystical Power, silently mocking his silence.

In that moment of deadlock and confrontation, a cold, mocking voice slithered out from the forest's deeper shadows, like a venomous serpent:

"Heh... 'betrayal'? Never change, oppressors clinging to your last 'shine,' as narrow-minded and ridiculous as ever."

With the words, several figures strolled slowly from behind ancient, thick trees. Leading them was a Knight donned in the Freemasonry Church's silvery Armor, the "Knight of Justice" insignia engraved on his pauldrons. His face was hard-set, eyes sharp as a hawk's, filled with undisguised disdain and murderous intent.

More chillingly, in his grip was a severed, bloody head—the face distorted in rage, eyes glaring in death, belonged to one of Avery's loyal guards left on the perimeter for vigilance!

With a casual flick of his arm, the head tumbled in a nauseating arc, landing with a roll at Avery's feet, the dirt splattering and staining the hem of her dark green robes.

He looked down at Avery with contempt, curling his lips into a cruel smile, his voice assertive, marked by fervent Faith:

"There is no such thing as betrayal! Avery Tavendish, cease with your Pureblood condescending benevolence !"

His gaze swept over Closter, still with his head lowered, his tone turning resolute:

"Wizard Closter, running through his veins is the blood of Muggles! For a Muggle to return to the Muggle's cause, to stand with the Church that represents fairness and justice, is only natural, a return to his true kin! How can this be called betrayal?"

"This is awakening! It is a return!"

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