Rebirth of the Noble Mage Behind the Scenes

At this moment, on the battlefield, many Ninth Ranks faintly sensed what was happening in the Net of Destiny, though they were unclear about the details.

What concerned them more was another matter: the power source of the eerie Defensive Magic Array in the sky seemed to have encountered a serious problem.

Although it was unclear how the hooded figure managed to achieve all this, it did not prevent them from intensifying their attacks, trying to take down the opponent before they could recover.

And after the power supply of the mechanical network was gone, they indeed saw hope.

Under their joint attacks, the 'sun' in the sky began to dim increasingly, and its aura of power was nowhere near as profound and terrifying as before.

Soon, once this Array is dealt with and the ritual destroyed, they planned to investigate the identity and origin of the hooded figure.

As they attacked, many nurtured this thought in their minds.

Above in the sky, within the Defensive Magic Array, many Ninth Ranks felt somewhat pessimistic about the situation.

No one spoke for the moment, but everyone was waiting for the Councilman to give a solution and depending on the feasibility of the solution, decide whether to abandon the Councilman's plan and escape immediately.

After all, as Ninth Rank Professionals who wielded the power of Rules, even if they had chosen the wrong side, without solid evidence, other Ninth Ranks would not really press them too hard.

A reckless retaliation by a Ninth Rank Professional would cause even those at the Ninth Rank Limit a headache.

Moreover, they hadn't caused any serious consequences; by temporarily conceding some benefits, this matter could just pass directly.

Casting his gaze around, the Councilman observed everyone's expressions and had a good grasp of everyone's thoughts.

"What are you planning to do?"

At the Councilman's side, Star, cloaked in a cape, voiced the thoughts buried in everyone's hearts.

"There's no way left, the Grey Mist is slowly consolidating authority, and there's no time left, we can only use the final contingency method."

The hooded Councilman shook his head, and simultaneously, a flicker of pity passed obscurely through his dark eyes, like a human watching an anthill about to be swept away by a flood.

"The final contingency plan? You never informed us beforehand."

A questioning Ninth Rank looked at the Councilman, a tone of skepticism in his voice.

"The final contingency plan, if too many people know about it, then it wouldn't be secure enough."

The Councilman shook his head and sighed gently.

"Actually, if there were any other options, I wouldn't want to use the last resort because the cost is indeed too large."

Listening to the Councilman's words, many Ninth Ranks glanced at each other. After a moment, one of them, who looked like a regular person but had six eyes emanating white light, spoke.

"May I please ask you to disclose what exactly is the cost required to initiate 'the final contingency' that you mentioned?

As participants who will share the outcome together, if within our capability, we can also pay a portion of the cost on your behalf."

Upon hearing this, the Councilman's gaze swept over the Ninth Ranks with a hint of surprise, then he nodded.

"Since that's the case, I thank you all in advance for your support."

"The cost of the ritual is actually very simple... it just requires the cooperation of everyone present."

Saying this, without waiting for the Ninth Ranks present to react, the power of the Ritual Array suddenly changed, firmly binding all the Ninth Ranks except for Star within the Array.

"Councilman, what are you doing?"

A strong sense of crisis welled up in their hearts, and they immediately began to struggle furiously, but it was futile.

Even though the connection to the mechanical network's power was temporarily unstable, as a barrier capable of withstanding multiple Limit-breaking attacks at the same time, it was still not something these Ninth Ranks could escape from in a short time.

Even as several Ninth Rank Limits used their lifesaving methods, they were still violently suppressed by the Councilman, endowed with the power of the mechanical network.

Moreover, although there was no active control by the people, the ritual was still operating automatically, continuously gathering a portion of the mechanical network's transferred power onto the many Ninth Ranks.

But now, they could not utilize this power, as if they had become mere containers storing power.

"There's no need to worry too much, everyone. I just want you to take a nap," the Councilman calmly said as he looked at the numerous angry Ninth Rank.

Then, he turned his gaze to Star standing beside him.

"Star, please contact Grey Mist for me. Tell him that it's fine now, his task has been completed, and all the network authority shares he has collected should be transferred to me."

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

However, this time, Star did not immediately comply as usual but instead expressed doubt about the Councilman's will.

"This is currently the best option for us, and it's the only choice that still has a chance of making the plan successful."

Looking at Star's deep blue eyes beneath her hood, the Councilman didn't ignore her and instead carefully explained the reasoning behind his decision.

"For something that doesn't belong here, indeed, it's the optimal choice. But is it also the optimal choice for you?"

At this response, Star slowly shook her head, her gaze fixed on the Councilman's eyes as she gently brushed a strand of hair from her ear."

"...Of course."

This time, before answering, the Councilman paused for a slightly longer moment.

Somehow, he was reminded of the discussion about fairness and justice he had at the Patikalan Grand Theater with that unexpected guest.

"Good."

Receiving the response, Star no longer hesitated and promptly contacted Grey Mist.

Suddenly, a network power, although not as immense as its heyday, surged into the entirety of the Defensive Magic Array once more.

The emergence of this power directly reversed the previous weakening trend of the Defensive Magic Array caused by the attacks of numerous Ninth Rank Professionals, restoring its strong state.

This scene caught all the attacking Ninth Rank Professionals below off guard.

"What's going on? Weren't you saying that its power source had been cut off?"

Seeing this, the Archbishop "Thorn Crown" Mark from the Church Court was the first to confront Anvis.

Although Anvis also appeared to be at the Ninth Rank Limit, as a Shepherd of God, he didn't fear battling against any potential evil.

"There's no need to be hasty, dear Bishop, this is simply its final brilliance. Next, you will see how it fades even more quickly."

Anvis glanced at the Archbishop and then diverted his gaze, his demeanor completely unpressured.

In fact, it was now time for him to gather the net.

He could similarly feel the changes in the network permissions constructed earlier. Although confused about why the Councilman made such a move, at this moment, these doubts could be set aside.

Meanwhile, back in the Silver Moon Kingdom, Anvis's true body suddenly stirred a thought.

Consequently, a new shift abruptly erupted in the seemingly settled mechanical network.

As an invisible fluctuation swept across, half of the underlying network permissions were instantaneously rewritten.

In the perspective of fate, the threads of destiny belonging to half of the Network Connectors were dyed in the icy blue representing Anvis.

If not for the Councilman's immediate defensive measures, the proportion seized by Anvis might have been even greater.

"Hmph, nicely done..."

Feeling the remainder in the network, the Councilman sneered, suddenly pinching his index finger and creating a wound on the side of his right hand that was holding the Dark Gold Secret Key.

Bright red blood flowed down, staining the Secret Key's key with a sinister shade of blood red.

"Hear my call, Master of the Void, Primordial Dream, Master of Dreams, Black Nine-Pointed Star, Immortal, Ma'elim Sakatis!

With fourteen rule-guides of this realm, the dreams of a million beings as offerings, I beseech your gaze upon this world!"