Chapter 626 - 624: Withered Wood’s Destruction

After the Holy Master’s orders were issued, Melina thought about sneaking over to protect Hilia.

But she encountered significant resistance in doing so.

Not only was her movement constantly watched by the Elf Race, but even within the Holy Court, the Law Enforcement Knight Order contained many who opposed Melina’s actions.

Because the border situation required a Tier Six Mage to be stationed, and as the chief of the Law Enforcement Knight Order, Melina was the most suitable candidate.

Additionally, she had already appeared at the border, so if she disappeared, it would surely provoke various reactions from the Elf Race.

So she spent some time making preparations at the border, before pretending to return to the Holy Court for a period, yet there was still resistance from within.

Only after the news of Hilia’s first assassination attempt came through the exchange between Hilia and Benovia did she obtain the Holy Master’s consent to quietly enter the Elf Race’s territory.

That’s right, during the spectacle of Hilia’s second assassination attempt where her fate was unknown, Melina was actually present, but she did not intervene.

Because—

’Hilia’ told her not to interfere.

Melina recalled how, before the assassination, Hilia had sent a Magic Puppet to find her in hiding, instructing her not to take action. Melina was astounded at Hilia’s ability to discover her, yet perplexed by Hilia’s actions.

It wasn’t until the Withered Wood Organization encountered turmoil that she understood Hilia’s intentions.

"Although it’s unclear how Hilia caused problems for the Withered Wood, their public assassination attempt on Hilia would only severely damage the authority of the Elf Race. Not stopping it could be considered a good thing..."

"But this time, even if Hilia asks again, I can’t just stand by."

A Tier Five assassination is dangerous enough; now a Tier Six has come. By no means can Melina sit idly by any longer.

"However, there is also the problem that Shadow Mages are skilled at concealment; preventing the opponent’s assassination is a major issue."

Melina fell into contemplation.

Suddenly, she sensed something mysterious and paused, then looked into the distance.

Following that mysterious feeling, she immediately unleashed a Magic spell.

Under the Holy Light, a figure emerged from the shadows, looking stunned in her direction, seemingly puzzled as to why they were suddenly exposed despite always hiding and harboring no intent to kill.

Melina flew to the person and saw the withered form, raising an eyebrow, "It’s really you, Disola. Seems like I too have had the fortune of divine guidance."

The mysterious feeling was indeed peculiar; Melina had no idea what it was, so she considered the ’divine guidance’ frequently mentioned by the Holy Daughters.

"This can only be explained by divine guidance. It’s uncertain which God—Moon God or Goddess of Destiny?"

In her heart, Melina thought and smiled as she looked at Disola, whose rank was on the verge of declining from Tier Six due to the massive extraction of withering power.

Disola’s expression changed upon seeing Melina.

"Melina, it’s you. How dare you enter the Elf Race’s territory without fear of sparking a war between races?"

Melina coldly laughed: "And when you were assassinating our Holy Court’s Holy Daughter, why didn’t you consider that such actions could also trigger a war between races?"

Disola regarded Melina; at his peak, he wouldn’t fear her in the least, but now, he fears he isn’t her match.

Disola snorted coldly: "I see. But since you’re here to protect the Holy Daughter, why block me then? Aren’t you afraid of being besieged by us?"

A Tier Six entering another country without permission is said to be inviting attacks, a globally accepted rule. After all, a Tier Six is a strategic weapon capable of easily decimating a city if they engage.

Even large cities like the Elf Royal City or Watch City can’t withstand the bombardment of Tier Six Mages.

Of course, no Tier Six Mage has ever done such a thing, nor have heretical Tier Sixes ever personally razed a city.

Although it hasn’t happened, nations remain guarded against it.

A Tier Six Mage entering another empire is akin to a nuclear bomb flying near their door; one would never feel at ease.

Melina looked at Disola and said lightly: "Why block you? That depends on why you came to Watch City. You wouldn’t be here just to reminisce with Mornis, right? I don’t recall you being on good terms with him."

"What does that have to do with you? This is Elf Race territory; where I go doesn’t require supervision from a Holy Court Bishop like you, does it?"

Melina folded her arms, playfully eyeing Disola’s empty sleeves.

Unless necessary, she refrains from recklessly engaging in foreign territories.

Fortunately, she could sense Disola’s condition was far from good.

If she stalled for some time until his rank fell from Tier Six, his threat to Hilia would greatly diminish, and even if she did nothing, he would likely struggle to pose a threat to Hilia as she gradually recovered.

"I haven’t said I’d interfere unless you do anything to Hilia. Go wherever you want, be my guest."

Melina finished speaking and swiftly disappeared.

She could not linger too long, or else she would attract the Elf Race’s Tier Six Mages.

Seeing Melina leave, Disola’s face fluctuated in expression.

After a moment, he relayed Melina’s presence to the Elf King, then said: "Your Majesty, my apologies, the mission failed."

The Elf King replied: "Return, I will deal with Melina myself."

Melina did not have to act; seeing her, Disola realized he already had no chance to proceed.

Since she appeared, naturally no opportunity remained for him to approach Hilia.

Disola gazed towards Watch City, gritting his teeth, but ultimately unceremoniously turned back towards the Elf Forest.

Of course, upon leaving he also informed other Tier Six members of the Elf Race about Melina, so they could try to locate her.

Perhaps they wouldn’t find her, but it would prevent her from behaving too brazenly in the Elf Race’s domain.

Elsewhere.

After remaining hidden for several hours, Withered Wood found no solution, ultimately watching themselves slowly fade away.

Disola returned to the Withered Wood base, underground of the Holy Tree.

He gathered the few remaining members together.

Everyone sat quietly around the roots of the Holy Tree, silently awaiting their own departure.

No one spoke, nor did anyone lose their composure.

After using the withering power, they anticipated their life might be lost at any moment.

Even if the manner of death was beyond their acceptance, after attempting every method to no avail, they resigned themselves.

Disola quietly watched the last Withered Wood member disappear, glancing at himself, now only a head remaining, he sighed softly.

"Who would have thought, Withered Wood... would be destroyed like this."

In Disola’s final moment, the Elf King arrived, watching him gradually vanish.

Finally, the Elf King waved at Disola: "Goodbye, dear Disola."

"Farewell, Your Majesty."