The brother stared at the hero in shock.
Meanwhile, the hero, who had just used an invisible Spiritual Fist to push another self back, showed a slightly helpless smile.
She knew that she had almost been swallowed by the curse once again, losing her rationality. Fortunately, the cool feeling from the ankle ring brought her back to her senses.
It was inevitable that her brother would be wary of her .
The stabbing pain in her heart transformed into a burning hatred, roaring to gush out and incinerate the person in front of her...
Another self seemed to dislike her brother very much.
[Discontent of the Depraved Hero (when Cycle of Reincarnation > 7, use Phoenix Avatar, gain a depravity skill)]
Feeling the anger in her heart, and as the muttering whisper receded like a tide, the hero spoke softly.
"Brother, I want to ask you a question."
"If it was me who went missing back then, or if I left the city alone for several days without returning, would you come out to find me?"
The hero looked directly at her brother, waiting for his answer.
He wouldn't—even instinctively, the young man was about to deny it, but the words sank into silence.
Unable to escape, he gradually grew weary; out of weariness, malice sprouted in his heart.
There was no truth in it, only conjecture from one's standpoint and arrogance trying to make reality match this conjecture.
The man remained silent for a long time, a complex expression appearing on a face somewhat similar to the hero's as he earnestly regarded his "sister" for the first time.
"We would look for you. Because you are the daughter of the Viscount's House, our kin."
He offered no further explanation; that reason alone sufficed.
The hero smiled wanly at this but nodded affirmatively.
"Hmm, that is enough."
She recalled the days she hesitated to leave the city in search of her close friend; remembered her willful journey after bidding farewell to the adventurers at the highland and ancient village.
If she had mustered the courage to leave the city alone back then, perhaps her father and brother would have taken action, as her brother suggested, seizing a turning point.
The worst outcome would only mean suffering alongside her close friend.
However, her courage had arrived tardily.
Even so, she believed that this belated courage was not without its worth.
"I know my brother doesn't like me, because I have been weak since childhood, only knew how to act spoiled, and never truly tried to change myself after being rejected."
The hero took a deep breath and clenched her fists.
"Even now, I understand there is much I need to change. The reason I have this strength is thanks to the help of others."
Her gaze grew resolute.
"But regardless, I have indeed grown stronger, and decided to keep moving forward. So, if brother wishes to engage in a battle with me..."
She slightly raised her chin, emerald eyes staring directly at her brother before her.
No more running away, forging ahead.
"Just as brother said, I can't control the Phoenix form very well now... but I won't disappoint you."
Saying this, the hero spread her hands, two Finger Claws gripped within.
"—Ha." After brief astonishment, the brother let out a silent laugh, drawing out a [ ] wand as a response.
10. Great Success/Extreme Failure
[Level of the Sword Wand (7-Treasure, 7+Legendary)]
[Preparation Time (use Serpent Queen of the Woodlands if greater than 3, use Fusion if greater than 9)]
Arcane Sword LV3: Arcane arts also grace the sword edge. In melee combat, Strength + Intelligence * 0.15 fixed value, can additionally stack three times spell damage.
Seeking Pupil LV10: These eyes will perceive the unknown. Gain increased understanding of targets through observation, obtain information volume, and receive various bonuses based on the amount of information, Perception +50.
True Knowledge Shield LV10: Wisdom is humankind's greatest assurance. Constitution can be added to Intelligence, Armor * 2, receive extra Life Value = Intelligence, casting is disabled upon depletion.
Thousand Forms Array LV6: Stacking and delayed execution of magic, maximum stacking is 6
High Wind Chanting: Strong winds chime the tune to victory. High-speed parallel chanting, Agility D2+30 during casting
Future Calculation: All transformations follow patterns, outcome is the future. Foresee the future based on existing information.
Ice Heart: A frozen spirit upholds an unwavering will. Possesses strong resistance to charm, modification, and other mental effects.
Treasure Sword Wand R6: A masterfully crafted sword-shaped magic wand, limited by materials, not yet reaching Legendary Level but still holds further potential. Armor Break +60, Elemental Damage +D40.
Treasure Robe R6: A magnificently crafted luxurious robe, limited by materials, with no special effects, more like a symbol of status. Armor +60.
Privilege Ability: Mage Noble (will not be used in this battle)
Mages with certain assets can carry various expensive arcane artifacts, magic potions, Magic Scrolls, gaining substantial bonuses in battle by expending these assets.
The bonus ceiling is determined by the Noble Title and faction, generally Counts can possess Ritual Level items. That is, Viscount-High-tier, Count-Ritual, Marquis-Legendary, Duke-Dragon Slaying, Royal Family-Forbidden Curse.
The duration of the bonuses is not limited; based on the determination of the titleholder, it can last an entire round of battle, although this will lead to a significant decrease or even depletion of assets.
——Knowledge is power, money too.