Chapter 605 Chapter578-It's All Too Late
The scrolls and spellbooks within the Great Library could significantly bolster Storm City's defenses.
As the Mystery Protector made his departure from the hallowed confines of the Great Library, the guards stationed at its grand entrance accorded him a respectful greeting, oblivious to the clandestine allegiance he had forged with the Dark Faction.
In their eyes, he remained a formidable figure, esteemed as a stalwart ally of the Order Faction and considered a pivotal bulwark in the defense of Storm City.
Their salutations reflected an enduring respect and trust, born from his historic contributions and valor, completely unaware of the duplicitous turn his loyalties had taken.
This juxtaposition of perception and reality underscored the complex web of alliances and enmities that lay beneath the surface of this seemingly tranquil city.
The Mystery Protector nodded with a smile and then teleported to the entrance of Duke Arsena's palace, where he encountered an unexpected obstacle.
"Mystery Protector, we cannot allow you to enter the palace! Before the Duke left, he issued a clear order: no one is to enter the palace until his return!"
The guards at the entrance of Duke Arsena's palace promptly stopped the Mystery Protector.
However, the Mystery Protector did not react angrily to their refusal.
The Mystery Protector, with a smile still on his face, responded to the guard, "Do you truly believe I pose any threat to Storm City? Do you think Duke Arsena would consider me his enemy? Do you believe my visit to Duke Arsena's palace could endanger Storm City in any way?"
Confronted with the probing inquiries of the Mystery Protector, the guards found themselves at a loss, unable to furnish any sort of reply.
Their faith in the Mystery Protector's intentions towards Storm City remained unshaken; they harbored no real suspicion that he would emerge as a threat to the city's safety.
Nevertheless, bound by duty and loyalty, they were compelled to strictly follow the directives laid down by Duke Arsena, despite their personal convictions and the apparent harmlessness of the Mystery Protector's actions.
This adherence to orders underscored the guards' unwavering commitment to their responsibilities, even in the face of uncertainty.
One of the guards then said to the Mystery Protector, "Sir, I indeed don't believe you would pose any threat to Storm City! But please forgive us, we must follow the Duke's orders. If you truly wish to enter the palace, you might wait for Duke Arsena's return. The Duke should be returning soon, as his mission is likely to have been successful."
Hearing the guard's words, the Mystery Protector laughed out loud, which was somewhat unbecoming for a Legend Magus.
"You are truly naive. If you insist on following Duke Arsena's orders, I won't say much more. But be aware that adhering to his commands will come with its consequences! Moreover, I must inform you that Duke Arsena can no longer return; he has already been eliminated by demons in the Dark Realm!"
The expression on the Mystery Protector's face, along with his words, left the surrounding guards deeply confused.
However, they instinctively prepared for battle, fully aware that the Mystery Protector was likely to attack them next.
The Mystery Protector's spell that blocked Holy Light prevented the Duke from using his most powerful abilities, rapidly diminishing his combat effectiveness.
However, facing Natasha proved to be more challenging for the Mystery Protector.
As a Guard General, Natasha was a formidable warrior.
Warriors don't require a wide range of additional powers during combat; they rely solely on their strength and skill with weapons.
"Stop wasting time fighting me here; it's pointless for defending Storm City! Don't you realize that Storm City is about to be attacked by the Dark Faction?!"
During the battle, the Mystery Protector realized he couldn't quickly defeat these two opponents.
So, he attempted to persuade them not to waste time battling him, hoping they would instead focus on countering the impending attack from the Dark Faction.
However, Mystery Protector's words were unable to persuade Natasha and Duke Arsena.
Having already identified Mystery Protector as an adversary, they considered everything he said to be an attempt to sabotage their defense.
With Natasha and Duke Arsena working in perfect harmony, even Mystery Protector, as a Legend Magus, gradually found himself at a significant disadvantage.
Realizing he could not win and that there was no need to fight to the death, Mystery Protector ultimately resorted to a god-
tier spell, "I don't want to waste any more time with you! I have more important matters to attend to! Your efforts here are doomed to fail! Brace yourselves for the attack of a mighty Devil! And this time, you won't have John's help!"
With those final words, Mystery Protector teleported away from Storm City, deeming it too dangerous to remain there.
Although Mystery Protector had collaborated with the Dark Faction, he still wished to avoid encountering Devils directly.
In his view, Devils were inherently dangerous beings.
With Mystery Protector's departure from Storm City, Duke Arsena and Natasha finally had the chance to assess the situation more thoroughly.
They quickly realized that Storm City was indeed under attack by the Dark Faction.
After defeating Mystery Protector, they had to brace themselves for a confrontation with a Devil.
Moreover, the Devil assaulting Storm City was the Flame Knight, who already had some understanding of the city from previous encounters.
Both Duke Arsena and Natasha felt that, even with all their might, stopping the Flame Knight was near impossible.
Their only viable strategy at this point was to delay the enemy and buy time, hoping for John's swift return.