Chapter 82: The Ferocity of the Monster

As the tentacle cluster flew away, Link immediately attempted to intercept it with a fire surge, but his efforts were in vain. The cluster moved swiftly, and all they could do was watch helplessly as it shot toward the spatial rift. Soon after, they saw the tendrils from the rift reach for Leblanc’s tentacle mass. No one understood what was happening, but instinct told them it spelled trouble. Without hesitation, Link charged forward, trying to prevent the tentacles from intertwining, with the others close behind. Yet, by the time they arrived, the tentacles had already merged into an even larger mass, resembling a ball of yarn—though infinitely more grotesque.

Both spatial rifts vanished instantly, leaving behind only the monstrous tangle of tentacles. Rather than relief at the closure of the rifts, a growing sense of unease gripped them all.

Their fears were swiftly realized. Centered on the tentacle mass, space began to shudder violently, generating powerful air currents that rendered them immobile. Moments later, the tentacles shot upward, fingers piercing the air and sending ripples through space. In the next instant, a new, dark-red rift tore open, expanding rapidly under the pull of the tentacles. Finally, the mass and the rift fused, forming a spatial tear far larger and more menacing than the previous ones.

The winds abated, but a torrent of sinister energy poured forth, agitating the very elements within several hundred meters. Stunned, the group stood rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by the horror, when suddenly, the system—which never spoke in battle—interrupted with an urgent message:

“Warning. An uncontrolled spatial rift has formed. The host lacks the ability to close this rift. It is recommended to employ the Avatar effect from an advanced building to destroy the spatial rift.”

Link snapped back to his senses. He didn’t understand what the “Avatar effect” was, but for the system, which had never offered unsolicited advice in peril, to speak up now, he knew the threat was dire. He issued the order to retreat without hesitation.

Though the followers didn’t understand why Link would order a withdrawal without a fight, none dared disobey him. Lin Xi, for reasons unknown, trusted Link implicitly and did not object. Together, they turned and fled.

Soon, Link grasped the system’s meaning, and the others understood the urgency of their retreat. From the rift poured hellhounds and Crimson Skull Kings—multiple at once. In just seconds, three Crimson Skull Demons and more than a hundred hellhounds had emerged, with more still coming. After issuing an earth-shattering roar, the monsters surged toward the nearest human settlement—Qinke Town.

Fortunately, Link and his group had evacuated early. Had they remained, there would have been no hope for survival against so many powerful foes, especially after their recent exhausting battle. Even at full strength, they would eventually have been overwhelmed by the endless wave of beasts.

Watching the monstrous horde thunder across the land, everyone could not help but gasp in terror. Uther turned to Link: “Archbishop, what should we do? If these monsters attack, we—”

Link replied solemnly, “Do not be afraid. We are under the protection of the Father. As long as we withdraw to the headquarters, these creatures cannot harm us.” He paused, then continued, “However, we must bring every townsman into the monastery before the horde arrives. Uther, lead the Knights of the Silver Hand to hold them back as best you can. Aeolus, Aiolia, stay to support the knights. The rest of you, help the remaining townsfolk to safety.” He turned to Lin Xi, who had never revealed her identity, and said, “Mighty warrior, come with me to the headquarters of the Father’s Church.”

Lin Xi frowned, narrowing her eyes at Link. “So you wish to abandon them and run for your own safety first?”

Link was momentarily taken aback, then shook his head. “No, I have more important matters. The exalted Father has just given me guidance. If I can comprehend the Father’s oracle, I can resolve the crisis of the spatial rift.”

“An oracle? Ha! Your oracles must be worthless indeed,” Lin Xi retorted, her words nettling those around her. Yet behind her scorn lay a deep disappointment and sorrow. She continued, cryptically, “As I thought, you’re no longer the person you were. Anyone who becomes the head of a church inevitably turns selfish. Neil Night, I don’t need your interference. I’ll lead the townsfolk to safety myself. If you want to flee, go ahead.”

With that, Lin Xi turned and left, leaving the group exchanging uneasy glances. Uther hesitated, then asked, “Archbishop, should we send someone after her?”

Link shook his head. “No need. She’s stronger than any of you—she’ll be fine. Do your duties. When the rift is dealt with, she’ll understand the truth for herself. Words are nothing compared to reality.”

No more was said. Each departed to carry out their orders, while Link rode his spectral steed at full speed toward the Church headquarters.

Along the way, Link saw many refugees heading for sanctuary. The Church headquarters was a few kilometers from town—not far, but every second was precious. Qinke Town’s population exceeded eight thousand; most were already en route or had reached the monastery, but several hundred remained—elderly or disabled, unable to move quickly, forced to rely on others for support.

Soon, the monster army arrived. The Knights of the Silver Hand and the Saint Brothers moved to intercept, holding off most of the monsters. Yet their numbers were overwhelming; some broke through the main lines, attacking the town or heading straight for the Church, forcing the lesser warriors and town guards into desperate battle.

But these defenders were no match for the monsters. Soon casualties mounted, and only the presence of three cardinals and a handful of other experts held the line.

Initially, the townsfolk had been bewildered by the midnight evacuation and, not having seen the enemy, moved slowly. But once the monsters appeared, panic spurred them to run, increasing their pace dramatically. Fortunately, the people’s faith was strong—though frightened, there was no trampling or chaos. If anyone fell, several others would rush to help them up.

Under the protection of the Church and the town guard, the people moved swiftly and in unity toward the monastery, praying fervently that the Father would keep them safe.

Meanwhile, Link pondered how to deal with the spatial rift and its monsters. Upon his return, he went straight to the Paladin Hall to investigate the system’s mention of the Avatar effect.

He tried to ask the system, but at this critical moment, it reverted to its old ways—silent as ever—leaving Link to experiment on his own.

No matter how he interacted with the Paladin Hall, it only displayed its defensive and recruitment functions; there was not a word about any Avatar effect, as if it had nothing to do with it.

Frustrated and angry, Link could only pace within the Paladin Hall, searching for a way to activate this mysterious effect.

Meanwhile, all the townsfolk had finally evacuated Qinke Town, and the defensive line was failing. Under assault from five Skull Kings, Uther was forced to withdraw his forces, harried on all sides by hellhounds. Losses became inevitable.

Before the anguished eyes of their comrades, knights fell one by one to the monsters’ claws. The survivors, unwilling to let their friends’ bodies be devoured, risked everything to retrieve them—leading to even more casualties.

Of more than forty knights, over ten had fallen before they realized it, the rest wounded and nearly spent, with their holy power all but depleted. The support knights could not even heal the injured.

At this critical moment, the spectral steed returned. Seeing it, Uther dispatched it to carry the bodies of the fallen back, easing the burden on the knights. The steed, massive and swift, easily made multiple trips, lightening their load.

Soon, Lin Xi arrived as well, joining the knights and saints in battle and in their retreat. Watching these warriors fight with unyielding courage against certain death, Lin Xi’s expression grew complex. With bitter resolve, she said, “Is it really worth dying for Neil Night’s lies?”

Her words displeased the others, but they said nothing, focusing on the battle. Uther, however, gazed at her for a long moment before replying, “Mighty warrior, I don’t know why you suddenly hold such a grudge against the Archbishop, but he is not the person you believe. He is the Father’s voice in this world. We trust he will lead us through this crisis.”

With that, Uther returned to the fight. Lin Xi opened her mouth as if to speak, but in the end, she merely cast a complicated look toward the monastery. “Neil, can you see this? These people believe in you. If you still have a conscience, take off that loathsome mask of priesthood and lead them in battle! Even if it means death, it’s better than letting them die for your lies!”

The battle raged on, and the toll grew. Not only the Church and the town guard suffered losses—townsfolk too began to fall. At last, a pack of hellhounds reached the vicinity of the monastery, attacking the Church headquarters, which was crowded with defenseless refugees and noncombatant clergy. As the savage beasts approached, terror swept through the gathered people.