Aphrodite’s original plan was to temporarily stabilize the situation with Bella’s help, then slowly guide and absorb the core power that originally belonged to her.
This approach would not only resolve the crisis but also replenish her severely damaged soul power.
It was truly a perfect two-pronged strategy.
But plans can’t keep up with changes!
The recent battle, especially the mixed power she used to detonate the magic array and kill the monster, seemed to be the last straw that broke the camel’s back—completely triggering the raging and restless Dark Corruption within!
Now, this core was like a bomb about to explode at any moment!
Even if this power was only a fragment of the original force, and even if Aphrodite had once been its owner, she might not survive the next eruption—let alone Bella and the unconscious Alice!
There was no time left!
Aphrodite suddenly broke free from Bella’s embrace.
“Bella!” Aphrodite said decisively, pointing toward the unconscious Alice in the distance. “Go to her immediately! Protect her! Use all your strength to shield her! Hurry!”
Bella froze for a moment before her expression changed drastically. “Mistress?! Where are you going?! That thing is too dangerous!”
Seeing Aphrodite moving toward the core, she instantly understood her intention.
“No! It’s too dangerous! You can’t go!” Bella grabbed Aphrodite’s arm desperately. “Let’s leave together! Get out of here!”
“It’s too late!” Aphrodite shook off her hand, speaking sternly. “That thing is about to explode! Its power can wipe out this entire forest! We can’t escape! We have to deal with it here!”
“Listen carefully, Bella! This is an order! Go protect Alice right now! Use your power to hold up the strongest defense possible! Trust me! I’ll handle this!”
“But—”
“No buts!” Aphrodite interrupted her. “Go! Didn’t you say you listen to me the most?”
Bella trembled all over.
Looking into Aphrodite’s unwavering blue eyes, she knew she couldn’t change her decision.
Since childhood, whenever Aphrodite showed that look, it meant she was resolute—no one could sway her.
“…Yes, Mistress!” Bella bit her lip and nodded, turning to rush toward Alice.
But that did not mean she would obediently follow everything.
Aphrodite took a deep breath, suppressing the storm of emotions inside, then turned to face the black sphere that looked like an apocalyptic beast.
“How could my own power become like this…” Aphrodite muttered bitterly, shaking her head in self-mockery.
This was supposed to be a part of her own power, but now it had become a deadly weapon.
There was no turning back.
She approached the core and slowly raised her hand, sensing the faint and pitiful holy radiance within her.
But compared to the core on the verge of eruption, that little power was like a firefly beside the full moon.
“I have no choice… but to take a gamble.”
Aphrodite tried to mobilize the holy radiance, carefully reaching toward the core, attempting to guide and calm this uncontrollable power as she had done in the tunnels.
However, the moment her power touched the boiling Dark Corruption sphere, it was swallowed up like a drop of mud in the sea—vanished instantly!
The raging energy showed no signs of taming; instead, it roiled even more violently, with the surface cracks widening further!
“Tch!” Aphrodite grunted.
So it really wouldn’t work… Although she had already anticipated this outcome…
Watching the core become increasingly unstable, its destructive aura nearly reaching a breaking point, Aphrodite took a deep breath.
Since she couldn’t control it, she would forcibly absorb it!
Though her body was fragile now, absorbing such a violent power was akin to walking into the fire—but this was the only way to stop the explosion!
The worst result would be her alone torn apart by the uncontrollable force—at least Bella and Alice could survive!
Steeling herself, Aphrodite pressed both hands onto the scorching, turbulent black sphere!
Buzz—!!!
An extremely violent Dark Corruption force surged into her body like a dam bursting.
Excruciating pain stabbed through her as if millions of needles were piercing and twisting inside!
Her body trembled violently; beneath her skin, it felt like countless black worms writhed madly, while a trickle of fresh blood leaked uncontrollably from the corner of her mouth!
“Ugh—!” Aphrodite let out a stifled groan of pain, swaying unsteadily.
“Mistress!” Bella, holding up a shield to protect Alice from afar, instinctively wanted to rush over!
“Don’t come!” Aphrodite snapped, turning sharply and shouting, “Protect her! That’s an order!”
Bella’s footsteps came to a hard halt.
But that was only temporary.
If Aphrodite’s life was truly at risk, no order would stop her!
Even if Aphrodite hated or punished her afterward, she would accept it!
Aphrodite was the entire meaning of Bella’s existence!
At that moment, a thought flashed through Bella’s mind.
But what if… Aphrodite was only seriously injured? And serious injury meant…
The idea carried a twinge of guilty sweetness, making her breath quicken.
This was an opportunity!
Serious injury meant she would need care—long-term, meticulous care! She could legitimately stay by Mistress’s side, becoming her only support!
This was no mere fantasy—Aphrodite’s current forced guidance of power was just too strong, far beyond what she could fully control!
Forcing control over such power was fraught with risk… even a slight misstep could cause… Magic Circuit backlash!
Bella knew very well: if a powerful force’s guidance failed or spun out of control, the first victim would be the caster’s own Magic Circuits.
This kind of injury from within could even harm the soul’s origin, necessitating a lengthy recovery period.
Yes! Magic Circuit damage! Bella’s heart pounded nearly uncontrollably at her own “premonition.”
Or… an internal explosion caused by power attribute conflict?
Or perhaps… just a tiny mistake during guidance?
After all, Aphrodite was enduring intense pain, and even under high concentration, a slip was natural.
Even more—
A darker thought emerged: maybe she could deliberately cause a small accident? Like “rescuing” her a little late?
No matter the scenario, the outcome pointed in one direction—severe injury! Loss of mobility! Needing constant care!
Mistress might scold her rashness later, but as long as she said, “I was just too worried about you,” Aphrodite would surely forgive her!
Mistress was always so soft-hearted, wasn’t she?
Feeding her by hand? Cleaning her body? Just imagining these daily cares made Bella’s heart race.
Controlling every detail of Mistress’s recovery—from diet to daily routines… even… more private matters.
This thought made her cheeks flush, a twisted sense of satisfaction spreading inside.
That way, Mistress would… belong only to me.
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