Chapter 97: Chapter 97: Farewell, Illusory Woman!

Although the style of her robe had changed, Dean Bruce recognized the cute girl immediately. She was Claire Raymond, the president of the Magic Guild in Stanlow City!

Clearly, she had sensed his presence and knew he was the one who eliminated that worshiper.

With narrowed eyes, Dean Bruce said calmly, "President Claire has come to avenge the people of the Magic Guild I killed."

"If that were the case, I would have dealt with you long ago!" Claire Raymond exclaimed with a bright smile, her voice adorably cheerful. "I'm just curious about how you managed it. Your aura is so faint, yet you display power at the level of a Great Magus!"

"Most importantly, I can tell that your real age is only around ten. You're not one of those ageless old monsters."

At this point, Claire's gaze turned inquisitive as she looked at Dean Bruce, musing, "How did you achieve this?"

"No, wait... no way!"

Before Dean Bruce could respond, Claire's surprise deepened. She glanced at Herbert Jones, her cute cheeks reflecting confusion. "In just one night, his aura hasn't changed at all, yet you've gained some elven energy! How strange, truly strange!"

"Could it be that you have a connection with the elven race? But I recall that the elves closed off all channels of communication with the outside world thousands of years ago!"

"Little guy, this only makes me more curious about you!"

Upon hearing this, Dean Bruce felt a heavy weight in his heart. The fact that Claire Raymond could perceive the subtle changes in his aura with just a glance was proof of her immense strength.

She was undoubtedly the most powerful person Dean Bruce had encountered so far, far beyond the ordinary archmage level!

"Elves? What elves?" Herbert Jones exclaimed in surprise.

"Hmm?"

Claire Raymond shot a glance at him, and as the moonlight flickered overhead, Herbert Jones suddenly collapsed to the ground.

Clearly, this was Claire Raymond's doing.

With a sigh, Claire said, "Little guy, why not join my Magic Guild? As for what happened before, I can overlook it, as long as you share any Relics you encounter with the Guild."

"As a token of appreciation, the Magic Guild will be your greatest support. I will invest heavily in your development and elevate you to the Guild's upper echelons. Together, our future is bright, don't you think?"

Dean Bruce raised an eyebrow, utterly surprised that Claire Raymond was inviting him to join the Magic Guild.

After thinking for a moment, Dean Bruce asked, "So you won't seek revenge for your guild members?"

"Dying at your hands is, in a way, a fitting end," Claire Raymond replied, looking down as she toyed with her delicate, rosy fingers. "Of course, if you refuse to join the Magic Guild, then I'll have no choice but to eliminate you and find another way to obtain information about those Relics."

Dean Bruce understood that regardless of whether he agreed, Claire Raymond would ultimately try to kill him; it was merely a matter of time.

Taking a deep breath, Dean Bruce resolved to stand his ground.

He still possessed special items that could protect him for a significant period and, combined with those high-level spells, he might be able to escalate the situation.

Stanlow City wasn't far away. If things escalated and Jennier William got involved, Claire Raymond wouldn't be able to kill him!

After considering all of this, Dean Bruce immediately smiled and shook his head, saying, "I'm sorry, but I won't join the Magic Guild. If it were a matter of teaming up against the Nine Provinces Alliance, that might be possible, but any other cooperation is off the table!"

"That's too bad. If that's the case, I can't keep you around."

"I do admire your guts, talent, and opportunities. You have a boundless future ahead of you, yet you're bringing about your own demise!"

With her shout, the flaming lotuses exploded forth, racing toward the ethereal woman and Dean Bruce.

Dean Bruce instinctively stepped back, but the moonlight descended, forming a light shield that protected him, encompassing Herbert Jones as well.

Boom—

The terrifying flames erupted, filling Dean Bruce's view with fire.

However, the flames were soon torn apart by the moonlight.

Silver light fell, consuming all the fire.

Even though Dean Bruce didn't hear any sounds of battle, Claire Raymond was spewing blood as she was sent flying backward.

Her form transformed back into that of the small girl.

Thud!

She crashed heavily to the ground, struggling to rise as she looked at Dean Bruce, her eyes filled with fear.

She couldn't believe that Dean Bruce possessed such abilities!

He had managed to summon such a powerful being to act on his behalf!

Fortunately, the newcomer hadn't unleashed their full strength. Though she had been defeated, she was not dead. With a sharp look, she turned into a flame and fled rapidly.

In the air, the ethereal woman continued to gaze at Dean Bruce with an oddly reluctant and strange expression.

Of course, she remained silent.

Dean Bruce began to ponder what the nature of this ethereal woman was.

It wasn't until Claire Raymond had completely vanished and the magic in the area dissipated with the absence of moonlight that the woman's figure also faded away.

Seeing this, Dean Bruce felt a stir in his heart.

This woman only appeared when the moonlight was present?

Moreover, she truly didn't belong to this world; his earlier assumption had been wrong—she wasn't a deity like the Moon Goddess.

But why had she saved him?

[Is my identity problematic?]

Having watched many anime and read numerous novels, Dean Bruce immediately began to speculate about the reason.

He might not just be an ordinary traveler!

If there was an issue with his identity, then the system likely stemmed from abilities from a previous life!

[I initially thought I was investigating my parents' whereabouts to rescue them, but it turns out I also have so many secrets hidden within me.]

[It seems that I must strengthen my abilities for my own sake! I don't want to proceed blindly like a puppet!]

[I must uncover all the truths!]