Chapter 348 The Villain Lady Arrives 177
As Alice finished speaking, a strange and tense atmosphere suddenly spread among the team that had been fighting side by side. In the circle of light, the roars and struggles of the bandits gradually faded, but under this brief silence, there was a more intense undercurrent.
Estella's eyes swept through the team, and she had an ominous premonition in her heart. Bruno held the battle axe tightly, his eyes showing both the desire for victory and a hint of greed. Leah remained silent, but her fingers gently stroked the hidden weapon on her waist, as if she was thinking about something.
Rek'Sai's arrow was still firmly inserted in the quiver, but his eyes were no longer so firm, but flashing with complex emotions. As for Taric, the cold light on his sword seemed sharper than ever, as if he was ready to cut off all obstacles at any time.
"Alice, are you sure we want to do this?" Estella's voice trembled a little. She couldn't believe that the companions who had once shared hardships with her would show such unfamiliar faces at this moment.
Alice took a deep breath and suppressed the turmoil in her heart. She slowly turned around and looked at everyone: "Why did we come here? Isn't it for this 'Tear of the Stars' that can change our destiny? Now, it's right in front of us, are we going to give up?"
Bruno sneered and slammed his battle axe to the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust. "Alice, don't talk so noble. We are all here for our own interests. Now the opportunity is in front of us, and no one wants to miss it."
Leah finally spoke, her voice cold as ice: "Alice, I have always respected your wisdom, but on this issue, I cannot give in. What I need is that power to make up for everything I have lost."
Rek'Sai was more direct. He gently pulled the bowstring and aimed the arrow at Alice: "I'm sorry, friends, but I must make sure I can leave alive and take the gem with me."
Tariq sighed. He knew very well that the situation was irreversible. He could only try to remain calm. "Alice, you and I have always been the soul of the team, but today, we must make a choice. I respect your decision, but please understand my position."
Alice's heart was struck hard. She never expected that this would be the outcome. But she quickly calmed down. She knew that every second was crucial. "Very good, now that everyone has made their choice, let's speak with strength. But remember, no matter what the result is, we have been partners who fought side by side."
As soon as she finished speaking, Alice's figure stretched out, like a nimble wind, and instantly appeared beside the altar. She quickly formed seals with both hands, preparing to launch the final defensive spell. At the same time, Bruno, Leah, Rek'Sai and Taric also launched their own offensives. A decisive battle for the "Tears of the Stars" quietly unfolded in the ancient ruins.
Bruno roared, and his battle axe turned into a black lightning, striking straight at Alice. Alice dodged it easily, and at the same time, she swung her hand back, and a blue magic barrier blocked Bruno's attack. The confrontation between the two made the surrounding air tremble.
Leah used her agility and speed to shuttle through the battlefield, occasionally sending out deadly darts to attack anyone who tried to approach the altar. Each of her attacks was extremely accurate, making it difficult to defend against.
Rek'Sai chose to fight from a distance. He pulled the bowstring to its full extent and shot arrows at everyone like raindrops. Each arrow contained enough power to penetrate armor. His archery skills were so exquisite that people were amazed.
Taric became the guardian on the battlefield. He wielded his sword and guarded every enemy who tried to approach the altar. At the same time, he always paid attention to the movements of his teammates to prevent any accidents.
The battle lasted for a long time, and everyone tried their best, but no one could gain an absolute advantage. Sweat and blood intertwined together, making the entire ruins filled with a strong smell of blood.
At this moment, Alice suddenly discovered a secret mechanism in the ruins. She suddenly decided to use this mechanism to change the situation. She quickly chanted a spell, and the ground around the altar suddenly cracked, and several rays of light shot out from the ground, covering everyone.
"This is..." Estella exclaimed. She found that these lights actually formed a complex magic circle, and the center of the magic circle was the dazzling "Tears of the Stars".
"Alice, what have you done?" Bruno roared, trying to break free from the light, but to no avail.
Alice smiled slightly, with wisdom glittering in her eyes: "This is the protection mechanism of the ruins. Only those who are truly qualified to own the gem can pass the test. Now, let's see who is the real winner."
As Alice finished her words, the magic circle began to rotate, releasing a dazzling light. In the light, different emotions surged in everyone's heart: desire, fear, regret, determination... But no matter what, they could not escape the constraints of the magic circle and could only quietly wait for the final judgment.
Time passed by, and the light finally faded away. When everything returned to calm, they were surprised to find that they were standing in front of the altar safely, and the "Tear of the Star" was still embedded on the altar, as if quietly examining everyone.
"This..." Estella couldn't believe her eyes. She looked at Alice, trying to find the answer.
Alice slowly walked to the altar. She gently stroked the gemstone with a gentle light in her eyes. "In fact, none of us passed the test. The real test is not strength, not wisdom, but the heart. Only those with love and peace in their hearts are qualified to possess this power."
As she spoke, Alice took the gem from the altar. She did not keep it for herself, but held it high up and faced everyone: "This gem does not belong to any one person. It belongs to the entire continent and to all those who yearn for peace and light. Let us use this power together to create a better future."
Estella, Bruno, Leah, Rek'Sai, and Taric were all stunned. They looked at the gem in Alice's hand, and their hearts were filled with unprecedented emotion and admiration. They knew that at this moment, the grudge between them had disappeared, and they became partners fighting side by side again.
"Alice, you are right." Bruno spoke first. He put down his battle axe and walked towards Alice. "We were indeed blinded by greed, but now, I am willing to fight with you for a greater goal."
Leah also nodded. She put away the darts, with a determined light in her eyes: "Me too, let us protect this power together."
Rek'Sai put away his bow and arrow. He smiled slightly: "It seems that my previous decision was wrong. Now, I am willing to become one of you."
Tariq stepped forward and patted Alice on the shoulder: "You have always been the soul of our group. Now, let's fight for peace together."
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