In the current situation, there is essentially no difference from facing a transcendent-level existence. Against a normal opponent, perhaps they could overwhelm it with numbers before the vengeful spirit learns enough abilities.

 

However, with only Edwina capable of inflicting effective damage, and the output efficiency greatly suppressed, it’s doubtful that revealing all their trump cards would guarantee killing the opponent. Instead, it might create something extremely terrifying.

 

If the vengeful spirit devours more souls, surpasses its limits, the entire capital will inevitably plunge into a bloodbath, unless…

 

Lilya shook her head, hiding a certain figure that involuntarily appeared in her mind deep within her heart.

 

Really, how could she think of relying on Violet at the first sign of danger and difficulty? That would make her determination a joke.

 

However, relying solely on the existing strength, the princess no longer had confidence in annihilating this legendary fused vengeful spirit.

 

To be cautious, it would be best to temporarily retreat, seal off this area, and, when more legendary experts are gathered, engage in a decisive battle.

 

But by doing so, the destruction caused by the vengeful spirit would be immeasurable. The other hostages trapped here, with uncertain fates, would also be hard to spare. It would undoubtedly introduce more variables to the already tumultuous Courage City.

 

Should they retreat? Or should they rely on Edwina’s performance?

 

As Lilya weighed the pros and cons in her mind, in the midst of the dilemma, the Miss Holy Knight, who had launched several attacks without success, had to pause. Even with the assistance of two sky-level priests, her strength was not truly limitless, and she needed time to recover.

 

“Hahahahahaha!!!! Die, die, die, die, die, die, die!!!!!!”

 

The sky was once again covered by a torrent of black arrows, even denser and more powerful than before, now enveloped in a hint of black flames.

 

This kind of area-of-effect attack surely couldn’t match the intensity of Miss Flora’s “Crimson Flame” for each arrow, but its power was definitely stronger than ordinary arrows.

 

Everyone tightened their grip on their weapons, protecting Edwina at the center. Nevertheless, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of powerlessness.

 

“Damn… is its power limitless?”

 

Seeing this scene, the princess finally made up her mind.

 

To hesitate now would only lead to more chaos. As someone in a position of authority, choices and sacrifices must be made, or else it would result in even greater losses.

 

“Everyone, retreat…”

 

“No need for that~”

 

A familiar voice abruptly sounded in Lilya’s ears, like celestial music.

 

Even though the princess had steeled herself against relying on that magical girl, the moment she heard her whisper in her ear, a strong sense of relief and joy overwhelmed her.

 

“Is it… Violet?”

 

The princess, trying not to appear too obvious, lowered her voice and called out. Just as she was about to turn around to look around, her empty left hand was gently grasped by another delicate and warm hand.

 

“It’s me. Don’t make a fuss. Just so you know, I’m not wearing the 【Cognitive Obstruction Mask】, so I’m temporarily invisible.”

 

“Uh… sorry about that. Maybe I’ll have to trouble you again.”

 

As Violet took Lilya’s hand initiative, a blush immediately appeared on Lilya’s delicate cheeks.

 

However, the princess was evidently skilled in managing her expressions, maintaining her usual calm and dignified appearance on the surface.

 

Although she might feel a bit unwilling, as a princess, Lilya actually enjoyed the sense of security of being able to wholeheartedly rely on someone.

 

So… it’s okay, a little more is fine. All of this is for the people of the royal city, not for the emotions she can’t contain in her heart.

 

“Violet…”

 

“Hmm? No trouble at all. I don’t plan on getting involved anyway.”

 

“Oh… huh?”

 

The princess was dumbfounded on the spot, almost losing her composure. Fortunately, the vengeful spirit, in order to gather strength for a more powerful attack, temporarily ceased the arrow rain, or Miss Lilya might have been exposed.

 

On the other side, the priestess adopted a matter-of-fact tone and spoke firmly.

 

“Isn’t that obvious? I have no obligation to eliminate this strange thing. Or is ugliness a sin?”

 

“Then why did you specifically come here! You owe me a moment of being moved, ahhhhh!!!”

 

Actually, Violet initially did plan to come and put an end to this thing that was constantly drawing soul power. However, upon arriving, she found that the princess and her group were already engaged in a battle with it. Especially the priestess, who, in the crowd, discovered a Holy Knight lady who had a significant connection with her. Their third encounter within a short period made Violet speculate about something related to the Holy Light power, prompting her to temporarily change her plans.

 

“However…”

 

Someone changed the subject.

 

“While I won’t actively take action, I can lend a little assistance. After all, I came specifically for this ugly thing.”

 

“A little assistance?”

 

The princess had some doubts about the extent of this adjective.

 

“Hehe, Lilya, have you forgotten that I’m a priest? Priests aren’t just good at healing. You just do what you need to do, leave the rest to me.”

 

After saying this, the delicate little hand interlocked with the princess’s five fingers gently pulled away. Leaving behind a lingering fragrance, it also brought a hint of melancholy.

 

“Ah…”

 

Lilya subconsciously reached out, trying to grab onto the fading figure, but that silhouette was long gone.

 

A sense of emptiness filled her heart.

 

But soon, the princess rallied herself.

 

“All members, follow my command! Give it your all! We must not let this evil spirit take a step out of here!”

 

“Yes!”

 

Since the princess had given the order, everyone no longer hesitated or wavered, paying no attention to the subtle changes in the princess’s attitude.

 

Only Miss Crimson Flame, who was closest to Lilya, sensed some clues from the princess’s strange behavior just now.

 

“Is she here?”

 

While following Lilya’s instructions to engage in long-range combat against the vengeful spirit and support her teammates, Miss Flora quietly cast an inquiring gaze at the blue-haired girl beside her.

 

“Yeah.”

 

Lilya did not conceal the situation from her close friend, providing her with a rough overview.

 

“Support…? Does she really need to support others?”

 

Miss Flora curled her lips. Although a certain black-haired girl had been emphasizing her role as a priestess, in her view, Violet seemed more like an all-powerful mage and warrior, with healing abilities as a side effect.

 

After all, Miss Crimson Flame had never seen a priestess kick a huge iron door weighing several tons, causing it to separate from the wall and embed itself in another wall.

 

“Anyway, trusting her should be right!”

 

Lilya gestured to encourage Miss Flora, then continued to focus on observing the battle.

 

At the same time, in the sky, the arrows, burning with black flames and reaching their limit, finally descended!

 

“Die!!!!”

 

At this moment, a fantastic scene unfolded.

 

Hum~

 

A brilliant and dazzling golden curtain rose abruptly, unexpectedly separating the entire experimental space into upper and lower halves.

 

The countless black flame arrows fell into it, only causing faint and imperceptible ripples that instantly dissipated, not even transforming into the black aura and returning to the vengeful spirit’s original form as before.

 

“What?”

 

“My goddess!”

 

“This, this kind of power…?”

 

Following the source of the golden light, everyone stared wide-eyed, only to see the Lady Holy Knight named Edwina Cecilia holding the lingering glow of the holy seal in her hands, looking utterly bewildered.

 

“Huh?”