Behind the Flame Archangel, its armor-clad bright yellow wings fully expanded, while the flaming sword in its hand emitted scorching heat. This caused the room's temperature to rise slightly.
The little Hellhound seemed to sense the powerful aura emanating from the Flame Archangel and immediately tucked its neck, hiding behind Tang Zheng's legs.
Observing the newly summoned third-tier angel, Tang Zheng couldn't help but examine it thoroughly.
"Faith-based magic is quite intriguing."
Recalling the spellcasting process, he realized there was no need to believe in any fixed deity. During his earlier meditation, Tang Zheng had envisioned himself in his mind. If spellcasters in this world could worship the Six Great Gods, why couldn't they believe in himself? After all, he was also a player.
He inexplicably sensed an intangible mass of magical energy.
As for what this energy mass was?
Tang Zheng felt it more resembled magical energy inherently existing in this world. Subsequently, he successfully summoned the Flame Archangel, though the intermediate process was somewhat indescribable.
If he had to explain...
Tang Zheng lowered his head in thought.
It was like transmitting his thoughts into the energy mass, triggering a reaction with it.
It was more like a "judgment" system.
Though what exactly was being judged remained unclear to Tang Zheng. This process likely completed in an instant.
Gazing at the Flame Archangel hovering mid-air, Tang Zheng faintly sensed that with just a thought, he could easily control it. Without specific commands, summoned creatures prioritized protecting the caster.
Such summons were perfect for someone like him who wanted to disguise as a magic caster without revealing close-combat abilities.
"My current stacked faith-based spellcasting level has reached 40. I should be able to master sixth-tier magic (36-42)."
With this thought, Tang Zheng closed his eyes and entered meditation again.
Currently, he could convert to four faith-based professions - Genius Level 10 (Priest, Priestess, Forest Priest, Cleric)!
Drawing from previous experience, Tang Zheng quickly entered the proper state this time, with magical fluctuations manifesting across his body.
But the next moment, these fluctuations suddenly dissipated!
Tang Zheng opened his eyes in confusion, showing surprise and bewilderment: "How? It failed?"
Closing his eyes again yielded the same result!
After several attempts, Tang Zheng found himself completely unable to summon a fourth-tier angel.
"So that's how it is!"
"I understand now." Tang Zheng reopened his eyes with a look of realization.
When summoning the third-tier angel earlier, that "judgment" sensation hadn't been strong. But now, with repeated failures attempting to summon a fourth-tier angel, Tang Zheng clearly perceived this "judgment" mechanism.
To summon angels, one must first master the "Angel Summoning" spell - the first judgment: passed.
Next was caster level.
His faith-based caster level was sufficient - second judgment: passed!
The problem lay in the third judgment!
Tang Zheng was attempting to summon a fourth-tier angel (level 22-28).
But Tang Zheng's own level was only 21, making it impossible to summon creatures above his level - essentially, insufficient player level.
"Fourth-tier Angel Summoning" failed!
This so-called "judgment" was Tang Zheng's way of understanding it through gaming terminology.
Natives of this world wouldn't encounter this situation, as they wouldn't have a caster level exceeding their personal level like Tang Zheng did.
"For natives, mastering higher-level magic is a learning process - improving their professional level."
"While I could cast 'Third-tier Angel Summoning' because I already knew 'Second-tier Angel Summoning,' using my higher caster level to drive it to success."
Tang Zheng gave a peculiar smile. "So this is the faith-based magic system of this world?"
The magical energy mass he perceived was likely the world's natural energy.
The foundation of faith-based magic casting probably involved combining personal magic with natural energy to produce spells.
Perhaps "faith" served to align the caster more closely with certain aspects of natural energy?
Tang Zheng speculated internally, though he remained uncertain. In games, these were just background settings, and in this world, he hadn't conversed with practitioners of this magic system.
However, through this firsthand experience, Tang Zheng had gained clearer understanding of faith-based magic.
Suddenly, a faint magical vibration snapped Tang Zheng back to attention.
The Guardian Angel summoned via magic scroll began dissolving into particles of light.
Startled, Tang Zheng quickly checked the pocket watch on the table.
"Just over 29 minutes - roughly half an hour."
"Normally sufficient for one battle."
Mentally calculating the duration, Tang Zheng looked up at his own Flame Archangel, which showed no signs of dissipating.
Unless destroyed, his personally summoned angel should last significantly longer.
Tang Zheng reached out and summoned the "Silencing" short staff.
An invisible magical barrier rapidly expanded, enveloping the entire room.
The inn room, designed for adventurer parties, was relatively spacious with just a bed and small wooden table as furniture.
Tang Zheng commanded the Flame Archangel.
The previously motionless Flame Archangel's red eye visor flashed crimson as its bright yellow wings beat once.
The Flame Archangel charged at incredible speed, its flaming sword slashing downward.
Tang Zheng crouched to evade the fierce strike while pushing off with his back foot to create distance.
"Average speed, comparable to an adult Hellhound."
Tang Zheng impassively assessed while flicking his wrist to produce an iron sword, raising it defensively.
The Flame Archangel closed the distance, its flaming sword clashing violently with the iron sword, sending sparks flying.
The contact point between the swords emitted piercing metallic shrieks.
Tang Zheng adjusted his arm position closer to his chest, bending his knees slightly, but his eyes brightened: "Impressive strength."
Glancing at the opponent's flaming sword - it likely contained both flame and holy attributes, advantageous against undead, though the fire damage would be more effective against other foes.
Tang Zheng tightened his grip on the iron sword and suddenly kicked straight at the Flame Archangel's chest.