Defying the Fate of Beheading

"Th-thank you." Grace said cautiously.

Diana nodded.

Her gaze turned to Alice.

"Not bad skills, among your peers I've seen, you're probably among the best in balance, should I help you choose?"

Alice raised an eyebrow and said, "Of course, you choose then."

Diana nodded again as five light clusters floated to her side.

Alice reached out and grabbed one directly.

Diana's gentle voice came through:

"A powerful Shadow Cloak, a gift from an old friend, transformed through various materials from the Fallen Shadow Nether Realm."

"It possesses the ability to teleport three times a day without being interrupted by power below legendary level, allowing you to dash into any corner within 300 feet."

"The Red Jade Gem, a specialized tool for the Red Jade Guard."

"It allows you to store up to three divine arts, up to level 6, and cast them instantly."

"The Charged Curved Blade, a weapon crafted from Fallen Shadow creature materials."

"Each collision with an enemy absorbs part of the kinetic energy, storing it until it releases a shockwave causing internal damage."

"The Sphere of Balance, a magic item I crafted."

"After your Spiritual Power is refined and worn, it helps maintain body balance and develop your combat potential."

"Lastly, the Blessing Spell of the Goddess of Death and Magic."

Diana blinked and said:

"Not a bad figure, young lady."

Alice coughed and said nothing.

Olivia leaned in and said:

"What about me? What about me?"

Diana snorted: "What's the rush, you won't be left out."

She tapped Olivia's forehead and said:

"Disobedient one, you were supposed to be last."

She didn't give Olivia a chance to choose, summoning five light clusters and placing them in the young swan's hands.

"The Supreme Magic Storage Ring, which accumulates your excess daily magic power for use when depleted."

"Celestial Destiny Staff, my previous staff, remember to cherish it!"

"Diana's Magic Cloak, a cloak endowed with various protective effects, remember to wear it when you go out."

"The Jade Phoenix Mage's Heritage Necklace, wearing it makes you the first Jade Phoenix Mage in this century."

Diana paused at this point, and her voice echoed inside Olivia's mind:

"Don't take off the necklace, it seals a ninth-circle spell of the Jade Phoenix Mage [Emerald Sacrifice], my masterpiece, very precious!"

The young swan was secretly alarmed.

What is [Emerald Sacrifice]?

It is equivalent to a ninth-circle spell, requiring the Jade Phoenix Mage to reach level 10 to acquire through advancement.

The effect is—

In a desperate situation, self-detonating to unleash a terrifying elemental storm of half fire and half non-elemental attributes, dealing deadly damage to enemies, destroying oneself with the power of self-detonation.

For the enemies, especially those beyond the material world, failure in judgment results in banishment from the material plane directly.

This move, against otherworldly beings like Blazing Celestial Divine Attendants from Heaven Mountain, can be considered their nemesis.

Even if one withstands the attack, failure to exempt still results in banishment from the material realm.

In theory, such a self-destructive move serves no other purpose than dragging others down.

But the problem is the subsequent effect.

"When the power of Emerald Sacrifice completely destroys you, you will resurrect at the place of sacrifice after a duration."

"Afterward, you fall into a stupor for a few seconds, but all damage will heal, and items worn at the time will resurrect with you."

Yes, this spell is the Jade Phoenix Mage's version of [Resurrection Technique].

"Silly goose, you must live well, for those who love you."

The young swan looked up, staring blankly at her, suddenly feeling a twinge in her nose.

But she quickly suppressed the feeling, shook her head, and said:

"There's one more thing left!"

Diana blinked, reached out to lift her strands of hair, and with a gleam, smiled and said:

"The last one is already given to you!"

Olivia mumbled, "But I want special treatment."

She emphasized, "Treatment just for me!"

Diana was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said:

"Alright."

Then she took out another light cluster and continued handing it over:

"The Permafrost Abyssal Essence, a type of magic that can enhance your spellcasting ability..."

Just as she said this, Louis suddenly stepped forward and said:

"Can I see this item?"

Diana said: "No, this item is very dangerous."

Louis shook his head and said: "I want to see it precisely because it's dangerous, I've made a promise not to let her get hurt here."

"Great Celestial Destiny Mage, please let me verify if this item is controllable."

Diana appeared troubled, but her face soon showed a smile.

She released the binding.

In that instant, everyone's expressions changed.

A terrifying malice rose like it had become tangible, constantly condensing on that prismatic crystal, as if turning solid.

Louis' mouth twitched, and he said in a deep voice:

"Grace, let's do it together."

If Grace's God of Glory blessing has the ability to suppress abyssal items.

Then he, possessing succubus blood, could naturally neutralize much of the abyssal energy.

Though he had a vague guess about the true identity of this Celestial Destiny Mage, he couldn't entrust the young swan's safety to someone else.

Grace immediately stepped forward, joining Louis in reaching out towards the prismatic crystal.

Suddenly, the prismatic crystal emitted a brilliant red light, accompanied by a torrent of impure energy, and Louis vaguely heard the desperate wailing from within the prismatic crystal.

With a crack.

Everything fell silent.

Replaced by an upheaval of Grace's aura.

Suddenly.

Her aura immediately ascended to LV2.

But it didn't end there.

Like being stimulated, divine light descended from the sky, tearing through the mists of the Fallen Shadow Nether Realm, shining on Grace.

In an instant, her aura soared two tiers.

LV3!

LV4!

LV5!

Only barely touching the threshold of LV6 did the light begin to dissipate.

Diana said in surprise:

"This power is... huh, seems like a small problem was solved."

"God of Glory, didn't expect it would turn out like this."

Louis looked at Olivia in shock:

"What is this..."

"Shh."

Diana made a gesture and smiled slightly threateningly:

"Don't speak of it!"

Louis' mouth twitched slightly, and he nodded, saying:

"Understood."

But in his heart, he couldn't help but exclaim in astonishment:

"Holy crap, this thing, this thing can directly enhance the power of [Sin of Greed]?"

For a moment, Louis didn't know what to say.

[Sin of Greed] is indeed a tremendously dangerous ability, yet it can't be denied its powerful essence.

This was his first time on the Star Continent seeing an item capable of directly enhancing [Sin of Greed].

To the extent that a powerful surge in his chest was roaring madly.

"Devour it!"

"Devour it!"

"If you devour it, everything you desire can be yours."

However, though every cell urged him to swallow the prismatic crystal.

Louis still suppressed the agitation with resolute willpower.

"Why does the young swan need something that clearly enhances the power of sin?"

"Could it be..."

A subtle speculation flashed in his mind.

The young swan definitely lacked abyssal lineage.

But obviously, this mother-in-law aimed to enhance the young swan's power.

Upon further reflection, it was like witnessing a banquet of [Sin of Greed].

"Devour it!"

"Devour it!"

"As long as you consume it, I can give you something you desire."

Even though Louis felt every fiber of his being urging him to devour that prismatic crystal.

Yet, he couldn't place the young swan's safety in anyone else's hands.