‘Necklace?’
Layana’s abrupt shift left Vivian confused, and Wendy and Astreia were also caught off guard by the seemingly random remark.
“Headmistress, do you mean this?”
Despite her confusion, Vivian reached up and unclasped a necklace from her slender, pale neck.
It was a chain woven from countless fine golden filaments. At its center hung a teardrop-shaped pure white gemstone, ringed by a circle of tiny diamonds that refracted a holy and gentle halo against the dreamy starry-sky backdrop of the office. Just looking at it brought a sense of peace and serenity.
Yet the moment Layana spoke the necklace’s name, Wendy’s heart felt as if it were gripped by an invisible hand.
“[Goddess Veil].”
That was the name!
In Wendy’s mind, it was as if a bolt of lightning had struck, and a long-buried memory from the game surged forth like a tide!
In Witch Hegemony, it was one of only two legendary-grade accessories. One was worn by the Pope, a divine gift, unshakable. The other required players to pour countless efforts into completing the Church’s epic quest line—”The Saint’s Endless Expedition”—before it could possibly be obtained.
Wendy had personally seen the most hardcore grinder in his past life’s guild, who, after spending over a year getting this necklace, was so excited he didn’t sleep for three days and nights. He had grinded his reputation to Revered and then completed that despairingly long epic quest line.
Aside from its ridiculously overpowered base stat bonuses, its only passive effect was simple, yet tyrannically overbearing.
[Divine Immunity: Immune to all abnormal statuses.]
Curses, poison, petrification, freezing, burning, confusion, charm… All negative effects would turn to nothing in the face of this necklace.
Immune… abnormal statuses…
Wendy’s breath caught for a moment.
Astreia’s “sickness” that turned her into a Witch—wasn’t that also an “abnormal status”?!
This thought instantly split open his confused mind.
If… if Astreia wore this necklace… what would happen to her?
Would she directly revert to her normal personality and completely shake off the Witch state?
Or would she not only return to normal but also perfectly control that terrifying Witch Power?
And Layana’s next words confirmed Wendy’s thoughts.
“Vivian, could you lend your [Goddess Veil] to Astreia to try on?”
Layana’s tone carried a scholar’s curiosity.
“I want to see if wearing this necklace will return her to normal. That will help me determine if this condition of hers falls under the category of abnormal status, and then I can prescribe the right treatment…”
Vivian was taken aback.
She held the necklace, momentarily unsure how to react.
Lend it?
This is the [Goddess Veil]!
It’s a holy relic personally placed on her by His Holiness the Pope!
It’s the symbol of a Temple Guard’s identity!
Its value even exceeds the national treasures of some kingdoms!
Just casually lend it to a woman with a notorious reputation and loose behavior?
Vivian’s first instinct was to refuse.
But just as the words reached her lips, the image of Wendy in the dining hall, his eyes red from bullying, humiliated and helpless, involuntarily surfaced in her mind.
Those clear eyes were filled with struggle and brokenness.
If… if this necklace could really cure Astreia’s “sickness”…
Then Prince Wendy would no longer have to endure that… that utterly shameful “treatment,” would he?
He could be freed!
Then I could—
The moment this thought emerged, Vivian’s heart began to pound fiercely.
On one side, there was the Pope’s blessing, the dignity of the holy relic.
On the other, there was the Prince’s innocence, a man’s dignity.
She subconsciously looked at Wendy.
The Prince was currently looking down, his expression unreadable, but his slightly trembling body and the whitening of his knuckles from clenching told of his inner torment and unease.
He must… he must be hoping for this too, right?
Hoping to be rescued from that woman’s clutches.
At that moment, an unprecedented sense of mission surged within Vivian.
Rescue the Prince!
Defend his dignity!
This thought overwhelmed all hesitation and doubt.
“Alright.”
Vivian took a deep breath and said decisively.
“I’ll lend it.”
With that, she hesitated no longer.
Clutching the [Goddess Veil] tightly, she strode directly toward Astreia, who was still clinging to Wendy.
Here it comes.
Wendy felt like his heart was about to leap out of his throat.
He was sweating all over from nervousness, yet he dared not show any anticipation.
However, as the other main character in this event, Astreia’s reaction completely surprised everyone.
She showed no resistance or fear whatsoever.
In fact, when Vivian reached her and prepared to personally put the necklace on her, Astreia suddenly let go of Wendy.
She slowly straightened up, detached herself from Wendy, and then leisurely adjusted her slightly disheveled clothes, her movements as elegant as if attending an evening banquet.
Then, under everyone’s shocked gaze, she voluntarily extended her pale, slender neck toward Vivian.
The pose was less cooperation and more a silent provocation, as if saying: “Come on, let me see what your little toy can do.”
Seeing this, suspicion grew in Wendy’s mind.
Astreia should currently be in a chaotic state where her main personality and Witch personality are merging.
Putting on the necklace would, to some extent, suppress or even kill the Witch personality.
Is the current “Astreia” not afraid at all?
Yet he only saw undisguised mocking amusement in Astreia’s emerald star-like eyes…
Vivian was even more irritated by her brazen attitude, but the belief in saving the Prince sustained her.
She set her pretty face in a stern expression, cast aside all hesitation, and extended her slightly trembling hand, reaching behind Astreia to fasten the necklace’s clasp.
Just as the teardrop-shaped pure white gemstone was about to touch the skin on Astreia’s chest,
Hummm—!!
A soft and holy white light suddenly burst forth from the gemstone!
The light was pure beyond measure, carrying a sacred aura of purification, instantly illuminating the entire office.
It’s working!
Wendy’s heart skipped a beat, overwhelming hope flooding through him!
Vivian was also invigorated; her movements quickened, and she was about to close the clasp!
But just then, a bizarre change occurred!
A low, ambiguous laugh escaped Astreia’s throat.
“Heh…”
A dark purple-black anomalous energy erupted from within her without any warning!
The energy was filled with chaos, brutality, and corruption, transforming into countless twisted tentacles that lashed out toward the holy white light.
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