Chapter 89: Chapter89-Activation of the Sacrificial Array

Intimidated by John's iron-fisted approach, not only did the officials fall into line, but even the previously restless mercenaries and wanderers became markedly more subdued.

Many among them possessed strength surpassing John's, yet at this moment, they were as meek as quails under his command.

This scene left Albertus in a state of reflection.

Sometimes, the appropriate display of force could indeed achieve unexpectedly effective results.

After some thought, Albertus approached John, who looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Soon after, he saw Albertus pull out a small, shield-shaped black object and hand it over to him.

[Item]: Blackrock Shield Array

[Tier]: Transcendent-tier

[Type]: Defensive Artifact

[Quality]: Precious

[Requirement]: None

[Description]: Upon activation, this item forms a Blackrock Shield Array with a diameter of 5 meters around the user, capable of shielding those within from one full-force attack at the transcendent-tier level.

...

John was familiar with the object.

It was the same one that Albertus had thrown to him during the Venomous Serpent attack, although he had not ended up using it.

John's brow furrowed slightly as he asked, "What does this mean?"

Albertus replied with a cheerful grin, "Your talent is obvious to all, and your promises are worth more than a mere Fairfax Token. I wouldn't want to take advantage of you. Consider this Blackrock Shield Array a gift. Should you find yourself in danger, this item might just save your life."

Others in the vicinity cast envious glances toward John.

Even Dark Fox couldn't help but steal a look at Albertus.

A transcendent-tier life-saving artifact was being given away as if it were nothing, especially one as precious as the Blackrock Shield Array.

This artifact, with no usage conditions and extreme rarity, was something not even the scions of the great families in the imperial capital could easily claim to own.

It was hard to say whether this was a testament to the Fairfax House's vast wealth or Albertus's own lavish generosity.

Before John could refuse, Albertus pressed the Blackrock Shield Array into John's arms.

He waved his hand dismissively and said, "It's just a transcendent-tier item, nothing precious. If you really want to repay me, then protect my House Fairfax for a couple more years once you've become a strong warrior."

Albertus spoke openly and honestly.

In essence, he was saying: "I see the potential in you, so I'm providing you with precious resources and artifacts now, betting that you'll become a top-tier warrior in the future capable of protecting our House Fairfax."

His intentions were transparent, rooted purely in a straightforward exchange of benefits.

Watching Albertus's departing figure, John remained silent for a moment before ultimately deciding to keep the Blackrock Shield Array.

He believed he could grow on his own without relying on anyone else, but with the support of a major family and resources, his growth would undoubtedly be accelerated.

At this point, John felt a profound sense of crisis.

For him, nothing was more important than enhancing his strength.

After Albertus left, Seraphina approached.

She looked at John, her gaze filled with complexity.

Seraphina could clearly sense a significant change in John's demeanor.

The John she initially perceived as carefree and unrestrained, yet cautiously prudent, had now transformed into a sharp sword, radiating decisiveness and a readiness to act.

She wasn't sure what had prompted this change or whether it was for better or worse, but Seraphina felt this was how he was meant to be.

With John's remarkable talent, he should indeed shine with unparalleled brilliance.

Theodore, clutching his staff, was clad in an azure, magnificent armor.

Blue light swirled ceaselessly in his eyes, and around him, the sounds of raging seas roared faintly.

In his grip, Alexander, adorned in golden armor, held the head of Raven.

His hand was on a golden broadsword, still smeared with blood.

Beneath him, a twin-winged golden lion exuded a fierce demeanor, its wings, spanning over twenty meters, fully unfurled in intimidating display.

All the other stewards of the Dusk Sect had been slain on the spot.

The ground was littered with blood-soaked corpses.

Yet, the expressions on everyone's faces were grim.

Before his demise, Raven had forcibly initiated the incomplete sacrificial array.

They could already sense the presence of the Dusk Lord, albeit faint; it was indeed a connection to that dark god.

Should this continue, His arrival into this world was inevitable.

Baron looked at his companions with a grave expression.

"We can't just stand by and watch. Is there nothing else we can do?"

Alexander offered a wry smile.

"As a warrior, I'm adept in battle, but magic arrays? They're beyond my comprehension."

Theodore, too, shook his head, indicating his helplessness in this situation.

Eldritch furrowed his brows in contemplation before speaking, "Although I can't completely solve the issue, I can attempt to use a large-scale purification array to weaken the effects of the sacrificial array. Given that it's an incomplete magic array, I have some confidence in succeeding, but it will take time."

Baron and the others' spirits lifted immediately upon hearing this.

Baron eagerly said, "We'll protect you. Just focus on casting your spell without any concerns."

Alexander and the others nodded in agreement.

Having a plan was infinitely better than having none.

With time pressing, Eldritch wasted no further moments in hesitation.

He grasped his staff, chanting incantations under his breath.

A dazzling golden light suddenly erupted from him, signifying the activation of a divine purification array beneath his feet.

At the heart of the magic array was the Dusk Sect's sacred relic, the "Vial of Corruption."

The pure white light, akin to a scorching sun, illuminated the darkness.

The sacrificial array, on the brink of activation, began to dissipate rapidly under the brilliance of this light.

The corrupt aura enveloping Stellarburg's skies was also being purified at an astonishing rate.

Baron and his companions were visibly delighted.

It was working!

In the skies, Rean's eyes were filled with rage.

He roared furiously, "Eldritch, Baron, you're courting death!"

With his words barely finished, Rean disregarded Victor and the others.

His staff erupted with a towering black light, summoning terrifying black dragons into the sky, which swiftly dove towards Baron and his allies.

A deafening roar reverberated through the heavens and earth.

The massive Desire Demon, as if agitated, unleashed torrents of black flames from its gaping maw.

The horrifying black fire began to distort the skies with its heat.

At the same time, its colossal tentacles wreaked havoc, striking at the barrier with relentless ferocity.