Inside a dim, ancient palace hall.
Surrounded by steep rocks, this was a place carved into the heart of a mountain.
Yet, no one would imagine that concealed in this place was a dilapidated temple.
On the stone walls hung clusters of lights, casting flickering shadows.
In the center of the temple, beside a massive stone conference table, scattered several people either standing or sitting.
Their attire appeared ordinary, some even dressed plainly like commoners.
However, when gathered here, each emitted a peculiar aura.
In the faint glow, their shadows stretched long.
Beneath the abyss-like darkness, their inexpressible natures seemed hidden.
Even the most ferocious magical beasts, if they mistakenly entered this place and encountered these people, would likely instinctively flee with their tails between their legs.
Seated at the main position was a figure with deep pupils.
Even though the face was indiscernible, the oppressive force it exuded was astonishing.
The captivating eyes slowly moved, immediately fixing onto a man.
The man shivered under the gaze but quickly regained composure, responding, "The plan to capture Dekan failed."
According to the agreed-upon time…
If the man in the suit successfully captured Dekan, he should have brought him here by now.
The figure at the main seat remained emotionally unchanged, her gaze still chillingly indifferent.
"It doesn't matter; he is just a backup," she said casually. "However, the next plan cannot afford any failures."
Though her tone was calm, a resolute undertone resonated within.
Any mishap or negligence would inevitably lead to death for the one at fault.
"I understand."
The middle-aged man nodded hastily, showing genuine fear and no hint of insincerity.
A few breaths of silence passed.
Even after confirming that the leader's attention had shifted away from him, the man dared not exhale and was still watching the shadowy figure on the main seat attentively.
The leader surveyed the others but didn't linger on anyone.
It was as if she observed everyone and no one in particular.
"Our preparations are in place. When the agreed-upon time comes, the Church's strongest will go to restrict the other tier 8 powerhouses from the Norton Kingdom. We only have one chance."
Although the leader's voice was calm, with a hint of gentleness even, everyone in the hall felt bone-chilling coldness.
Of course, it could also be the naturally cold weather.
After all, it was the end of December.
"Additionally, try to avoid Dekan in this mission; he brings too much uncertainty."
The other figures nodded, showing no signs of questioning.
Even though Dekan was only tier 3…
In terms of tier, Dekan was considerably weaker than them.
But that guy was just too eerie.
Confronting him with ordinary methods would be futile.
Currently, even if they were to dispatch their elite tier 5 individuals to handle Dekan, they would still be completely helpless against Dekan.
In the face of Dekan, they would be utterly crushed.
Even with a comprehensive strategy, it would be mysteriously countered by Dekan.
The disappeared man in the suit was the perfect example.
Although they don’t know exactly what happened to the man in the suit, they failed to capture Dekan even with their ample preparations. Likely, the man in the suit was already dead.
Likely, only through the participation of tier 6 and perhaps even 7 members and by delivering absolute suppression and targeted efforts from all the members would they have a chance at capturing Dekan.
Therefore, the person sitting on the main seat must personally intervene to have a stable chance of capturing Dekan.
However, as mentioned, Dekan is only a backup.
Their primary target is not Dekan but the tier 8 special class card maker, the Ice Princess.
They are about to execute the most significant scheme of the Resurgence Church in the real world in recent years — Capturing the Ice Princess!
Just thinking about this insane plan makes even the elite members who are well aware of their upcoming involvement in the task in the next few days feel a chilling sensation, with hearts pounding.
Of course, they are not the main force in this plan.
The only reason they were allowed to participate was because they happen to be elite members lurking within the borders of Norton Kingdom.
Everything depends on the performance of the person on the main seat and the unbelievable card rumored to be in her possession.
If it weren't for the high-tier orange epic card obtained by the core members of the Church in the Shadow World recently, this seemingly unrealistic plan would not exist.
"Has Lord Cardinal handed that card to you?" Someone swallowed nervously, daring to ask.
It seems like, besides the leader, the others have been wanting to ask this question for a while but lacked the courage.
Yet, not asking left them uncertain.
The figure in the main seat didn't speak but instead raised her hand lightly.
A card emitting dazzling orange light floated in her palm.
[Blood Pact Incantation]
[Category: Spell Card]
[Rarity: Orange Epic]
[Tier: 7]
[Effect: Can be activated against a target below tier 9 that have lost their combat ability or will. Conduct a ritual on the target, chant their true name, discern their race, and identify their gender.]
[If all are correct, a master-servant contract will be forcibly signed with the target.]
[If two are correct and one is wrong, enter a one year cooldown.]
[If one is correct and two are wrong, this card will be soul-bound to the target.]
[If all are wrong, the user will be enslaved by the target.]
[Once the contract is successfully signed, this card will disappear.]
[Note: Originally created as forbidden magic to deal with the undying vampires, it somehow ended up in a world where it doesn't belong.]
"Miracle!"
"God bless our church!"
Upon witnessing this card, several members, without exception, were uplifted.
This card was not crafted by anyone.
It is not a magical creation that this world can construct.
Such extraordinary cards can only naturally occur in the Shadow Worlds.
After obtaining this card, the Resurgence Church quickly began planning around it.
In theory, this [Blood Pact Incantation] can be used to enslave a tier 8 powerhouse at very most.
However, the conditions to be met are to ‘make the other party lose their combat will or ability.’ In other words, the target must be completely coerced or defeated.
Rashly attempting to confront a tier 8 powerhouse without ensuring that this card has successfully met the usage conditions could lead them to pay a heavy price even before it becomes viable.
Furthermore, a complete knowledge of the target's true name and racial identification, with no room for error, was required.
Otherwise, it would result in a waste of substantial manpower and resources.
Even if there was a chance to use this card in the future after declaring incorrectly once, the failed attempt would expose the existence of this card and make all potential targets extra vigilant.
In a worse scenario, declaring incorrectly twice might even gift the card directly to the enemy.
Of course, such a situation was almost impossible.
They have thoroughly investigated the target.
To put it mildly, even if they were guessing, it's highly unlikely to guess wrong twice, no?
