"What a strange Formation Art Did they collect all the Mystic Formation Nodes to produce this?" Marcus III remarked after he realized that his senses could pass through the illusion, but his physical body could not.

It means that if they didn't deliberately go through this path, they would've missed this place entirely It was such an amazing Formation Art!

As Marcus III touched the strange barrier, he started analyzing its structure, hoping to find its weakness.

Although he was already touching it, he could only feel a faint trace of a formation that was camouflaged among the trees, rocks, and the mountain itself. It was a complex and intricate formation that used several Mystic Arts to create an illusion.

It was a formation that could only be made by a master of Formation Arts.

If he wasn't mistaken, this Formation Arts was simply an outer barrier. Once they'd broken through this, they would still have to pass through another barrier where they could really enter the castle.

'What an amazing Formation Art They must have an incredible source of energy to make this.' Marcus III remarked as he continued to analyze the barrier and illusion...

After a few more inspections of it, the Pontiff became even more surprised and impressed by the formation.

He couldn't help but wonder who had made this Perhaps, if not for his Divinity, he would be clueless on how to destroy this barrier.

However, now that he had completed his examinations, he decided to break it, and to reveal the secret.

"Move back"

Marcus said softly, and the Storm Knights immediately acted. They moved away from the Pontiff, but they were still on guard in case the Pontiff needed help.

After all, anything could happen when dismantling a Formation Art.

As the Pontiff gathered his power, a huge fluctuation of energy spread out, alarming all the animals and even Evil Creatures around the area.

Soon, he unleashed a bolt of lightning followed by a pulse of mysterious energy that tried to burst the illusions and the barrier.

Bang!

The Pontiff didn't just randomly hit the Formation, but he aimed at the nodes that were powering the barriers! He also hit several spots where he sensed a weak point.

He hoped to destroy the Formation in this attack!

But he was wrong!

The Formation was stronger than he expected. It absorbed his attack, and then retaliated. It sent out a wave of Dark Energy, that countered his Lightning Bolt!

Boom!

It was a formation that could also attack!

The Pontiff and the Storm Knights were caught off guard, and they were hit by the wave. They felt a sharp pain, and a dizzying sensation.

Luckily, the Pontiff's attack didn't end there. His Staff activated and released another piercing force of Lightning Energy that tore through the barrier! This time, the barrier was unable to defend!

The attack created a hole big enough for them to pass through!

"We're going to enter first, Your Holiness!" The leader of the Storm Knights immediately said as he stood in front of Marcus III.

Although he was also affected by the barrier's counterattack, he was able to quickly recover thanks to his high-level armor.

"Very well I will follow behind." Marcus III said as he looked at the torn barrier. It was slowly recovering, but it might take three to four hours before it could repair itself, so he wasn't in a hurry.

It didn't take long before their group passed through the outer barrier of the castle.

Indeed, the Pontiff was right!

As the Storm Knights looked around, they saw that the forest had changed.

The trees from afar had turned into walls, and the muddy ground and rocks had disappeared.

As they looked behind the walls, they saw the grand silhouette of the castle, its towering spires reaching toward the sky, exuding an aura of formidable strength and ancient majesty.

The walls, adorned with intricate carvings and imposing battlements, stood as a testament to the castle's rich history.

Amidst this awe-inspiring sight, the Merchant Airship, the subject of many stories they heard in towns and cities, lay docked to the left of the castle, its sleek frame and ethereal design casting a mesmerizing allure.

This Merchant Airship was certainly better-looking than their Church's Airship!

Nevertheless, their attention was abruptly drawn to a figure standing at the gate of the castle.

"Welcome, Intruders... I am Magnus. I would normally entertain a visitor, but not for today. If you don't want to die, fix the barrier and leave this place." His voice resonated through the air, carrying an enigmatic and foreboding weight that left an unsettling impression on the group.

As they gazed upon Magnus, they beheld a figure of imposing stature, clad in regal attire that seemed similar to the nobles of this country.

What made the Pontiff dislike this man was his piercing gaze that was trying to penetrate the very core of their beings

Suddenly, a surge of potent energy radiated from Magnus, enveloping the Pontiff and the Storm Knights in a suffocating aura that sought to force them into submission!

But the Pontiff was not an easy target.

He was Marcus III, the Pontiff of the Church of the Eminence of the Sea, a Half-Immortal! He had faced many enemies and dangers, and he had never bowed to anyone.

Thud!

He struck his Staff on the ground, gathered his own force, and unleashed his Divinity!

He aimed at Magnus, hoping to break his aura and challenge him.

With a solemn yet unwavering voice, he declared.

"You're not the Dragon Summoner or the Immortal I'm looking for We shall not yield to your malevolent influence, Magnus. Our purpose here transcends any obstacle you may place in our path."

The Pontiff's attack clashed with Magnus' aura, creating a bright flash and a loud noise.

It was a clash of mixed Arcane Energy against the Pontiff's Divinity!

Nevertheless, the two forces were evenly matched, and neither of them could gain the upper hand.

Magnus was surprised by the Pontiff's resistance. He had expected him to be overwhelmed by his power, and to surrender without a fight.

After all, he was also using the castle's barrier when defending against the Pontiff's attack!

Needless to say, without the protection of the Formation Barrier powered by the two Dragons, he would be utterly defeated by the Pontiff!