TFSAWE - Chapter 255: Devastating (Patreon)

"Oh my goodness."

Leon gazed at the distant temple with a bewildered expression on his face. More precisely, he was observing the figure atop the temple. And beside him, Latvan also gazed fixedly at what Leon was seeing.

A very small figure appeared on top of the temple. Even though it wasn't clear in detail, it was evident that the figure was Aslan and Lina. However, their astonishment stemmed from the colossal form of the giant monster looming behind Aslan and Lina.

When they first left the Sorcerers' Island, it was merely a vague manifestation of power. Now, it has begun to take on a complete form. Although it still remained a phantasm projected by their physical bodies, it was enough to exude a presence that seemed to overshadow everything.

"Is that Aslan's original form that destroyed the temple?"

In Leon's voice, which seemed to chew on sand as he spoke, Latvan understood his sentiment. The sight of the destroyed temples they had witnessed on their way to the temple came to mind. Through that devastating scene, Latvan learned what perfect destruction truly meant. It was not merely the collapse of the temple buildings; Aslan had completely tainted the sanctuary on the temple floor, using his overwhelming magic power.

All temples were built on sites where natural energy converged. Therefore, on the land where the energy had been contaminated by Aslan's magic, no temples would ever be erected again.

Latvan looked at the temple. Even though it was far away, the commotion of the people inside the temple seemed to reach them.

"Is he really going to destroy the temple as well?"

Could it truly be possible? While they were lost in thought, gazing intently, a hemispherical shape of blue light appeared above the temple.

"What is that?"

As Leon's eyes widened at the sight he had never seen before, Latvan replied.

"I have never seen it before either. The temple has its own means of protection. It is a barrier created by the convergence of energy."

"Damn it, that's why the Empire's threats didn't faze the temple."

With an annoyed expression that seemed to convey his understanding at last, Leon ran his fingers through his hair.

Latvan gazed at the temple again, recalling the events that led them here.

After learning that Carl had kidnapped Iris and taken her away, Latvan immediately led the remaining knights towards the temple.

"Surely he will try to exploit Iris like he did with Lina," Iris thought to herself. The moment Carl assumed that he could manipulate her powers as he pleased, a seething anger surged within Iris. Lina's experiences played out in his mind like an unsettling painting. Carl was relentlessly attempting to paint the same picture once again. However, his unpleasant intentions were not the only reason for her discomfort.

The power Iris possessed rightfully belonged to Lina. It was meant to be controlled entirely according to her will. She despised the idea of anyone else exploiting her powers any longer.

While diligently heading towards the Citadel, Latvan encountered Leon and the Imperial Knights. A brief moment of tension passed between the two. However, they soon realized that engaging in a fight would benefit neither of them.

Whether they faced Aslan or Carl, they were outmatched if they stood alone.

After a brief explanation of the events that transpired between them, they immediately set off towards the Citadel with their respective knights in tow. Along the way, they witnessed the destruction of various temples. Those who had escaped the temples all spoke the same words.

"Aslan brought an enchantment and destroyed everything! The sanctuaries! The very essence of power has been completely severed! This land will now become the lair of the enchantments!"

Latvan and Leon found these words peculiar. The saint's anger was justified, but it erupted too suddenly. When they thought about Lina, whom they had observed over the past few months, they realized how rapidly her anger blazed. Latvan soon recalled when he first sensed this hostility.

The saint had behaved differently after her initial defeat. Latvan remembered the previous version of the saint. The one who had forced him to grovel like a dog and humiliated him. The current adversary resembled the one from that time.

"Has she returned to her former self?" Latvan wondered silently, as he and Leon rushed toward the Citadel. Thus, they came face to face with the current scene.

Latvan gazed at the boundary of power that engulfed the Citadel. Could it truly stop Aslan?

This question occupied not only Latvan's mind, but others as well. As the power boundary took its complete form, Aslan's figure, suspended in the air, suddenly emitted a fierce gust of wind and revealed a crimson aura. It swiftly transformed into a blazing inferno, hurtling toward the boundary of the Citadel.