《The Most Powerful Mage Reincarnates After 1500 Years Sealed by a Demon Lord》 ?Chapter 0 : The Fall of the Supreme Mage I had never known defeat. For 1,500 years, I stood unchallenged, defeating every threat that crossed my path. Demonic hordes, vile creatures¡ªnone could withstand my magic, my unmatched power. I was the Supreme Mage, the ultimate guardian of this world. But that day, everything changed. Facing the Demon Lord Valtharis, I felt something new for the first time¡ªfear. His burning red eyes pierced through me, and his oppressive aura wrapped around me like a suffocating fog. I had never encountered such raw, overwhelming power. Our battle shook the very foundations of the citadel. Spells collided with explosive force, sending waves of destruction across the battlefield. But his dark energy surged against mine effortlessly, pushing me back despite everything I had. I was overwhelmed, outmatched by his savage might. Caught in a storm of black magic, my strength drained away. My spells faltered, my focus shattered. It was as if Valtharis could see into my soul, predicting my every move. "You¡¯ve reached the top, Supreme Mage, but your reign ends today," he taunted, his deep, sinister voice echoing through the hall. "Your arrogance has sealed your fate. This world is mine now." His monstrous, clawed hands closed around my throat, lifting me off the ground like I weighed nothing. I gasped for air, my struggles useless against his unyielding grip. His demonic aura burned into me, and it felt as though my very essence was being scorched away. "Farewell, Supreme Mage. May you rot in chains for a thousand years!" A flash of light tore through the air. Pain, white-hot and all-consuming, ripped through my body. It felt as though my soul itself had been torn in half. My screams echoed through the chamber as my strength ebbed away completely. And then... nothing. Just void. When I opened my eyes again, there was only darkness. I was alone in an endless, oppressive emptiness. No sound, no light¡ªonly silence. I was trapped, sealed in a formless prison, condemned to drift in this void forever. The Demon Lord had succeeded. I had been defeated, stripped of my power. My soul was doomed to endless torment, cut off from the world I once protected. How long did I remain there? Days? Years? Centuries? Time lost all meaning in the icy grip of that nothingness. Even my mind began to fray, fragments of who I was eroded by the darkness. But then, one day¡ªor perhaps an eternity later¡ªa glimmer of hope pierced the void. A faint spark of light appeared, fragile and flickering, but enough to break the suffocating monotony. It grew brighter, warmer, until it surrounded me with a comforting glow. It felt like a second chance, a renewal. The shadows receded, and a sensation I thought I¡¯d lost forever began to return¡ªlife. My dulled senses slowly came back to me. I could feel again, think again. Where was I? What had happened? Could it be... was I alive? After all this time, had my soul somehow escaped that wretched prison? My thoughts cleared, and my resolve hardened. I couldn¡¯t stay here. I had to free myself. I had to find the Demon Lord. He would pay for what he¡¯d done. Focusing on the light that surrounded me, I reached for its source, seeking to unravel its mysteries. To my amazement, I discovered a new form of magic¡ªdifferent from anything I¡¯d known before. This magic connected me to something greater, something I couldn¡¯t yet understand. I felt the bonds of my prison weaken. Cracks spread across its surface. One last surge of effort, and I broke free, roaring in triumph as I escaped the darkness. The blinding light of the outside world greeted me. My eyes, unused to brightness, struggled to adjust. The air felt heavy, my surroundings strange and unfamiliar. I tried to move, but my body was weak, fragile. I couldn¡¯t even lift myself from the soft, warm surface beneath me. What had happened to me? Then, a gentle voice broke through the haze. "Shh, little one. You¡¯re safe now." A figure leaned over me, her features coming into focus¡ªa woman, beautiful and serene, smiled down at me with the kind of tenderness I¡¯d never known. Her gaze held warmth, her voice soothing. "Welcome to the world, my little angel," she whispered, cradling me close. Angel? Her words made no sense. Confusion washed over me as I realized something horrifying: I wasn¡¯t myself anymore. I wasn¡¯t the Supreme Mage. My once-mighty body, my power, everything I had¡ªit was gone. Instead, I was... a baby. A helpless, fragile newborn, cradled in the arms of this woman. How could this be? How had I gone from eternal imprisonment to this? What cruel twist of fate had brought me here, stripped of all I¡¯d known and thrown into an existence so foreign? I had no answers, only questions. Yet I could do nothing. My new body was too weak, my mind too clouded. All I could do was nestle into the warmth of her embrace and surrender to exhaustion. Her soft lullaby carried me into sleep. Days turned to months, and gradually, I grew. My frail body became stronger, my senses sharper. Slowly, I began to understand what had happened. I had been reincarnated. My soul, once bound to the void, had been reborn into this strange new life.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The woman who held me on the day of my birth was my mother, Eliana. By her side was Kiran, my father. They showered me with love and care, cherishing me as their only child. For them, I was everything. Life here was simple. My parents were humble villagers, living on the edge of a sprawling forest. Their days revolved around farming and helping their neighbors. It was a life far removed from the grand battles and monumental power I¡¯d once known. Part of me felt restless, frustrated by this mundane existence. Yet another part¡ªa quieter, deeper part¡ªfound peace in it. This life, with its quiet rhythms and gentle joys, was something I¡¯d never experienced before. As the years passed, my body grew stronger. My senses became more attuned, and my mind began to awaken to the truth. The Supreme Mage I once was had not disappeared completely. Deep within me, I could feel it¡ªa slumbering power, waiting to be called upon. And then, on my ninth birthday, everything changed. While playing in the fields near our home, I felt something stir inside me. A strange energy coursed through my body, electric and alive, igniting every nerve. My surroundings seemed to shift, as if the world itself was responding to me. My parents, watching from a distance, froze. Their expressions were a mix of shock and awe. My father, Kiran, approached, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. His gaze burned with intensity. "My son," he said, his voice steady, "it¡¯s time you learned the truth about magic." Kiran, my father, handed me a thick, leather-bound book with great solemnity. "Son, this book holds the secrets of ancient magic. The time has come for you to begin your training." I grabbed the precious tome eagerly, sensing an odd energy radiating from its worn pages. Kiran¡¯s eyes shone with pride as he continued, "This book has been passed down through our family for generations. Inside, you¡¯ll find foundational magic¡ªfrom rank C to A. I know you¡¯ll make the most of it." He smiled warmly before leaving me to study in peace. The moment I opened the book, a strange sensation surged through me. Out of nowhere, a mysterious interface appeared, as if it had been summoned by the book itself.
Name: Griffith Magic: 0
Age: 9 Life: 100
Level: 1 Endurance: 80
Race: Human
Strength: 10
Speed: 12
Defense: 9
Intelligence: 15
Mana: 35
I stared at the floating display, dumbfounded. Mana? Magic? What did all of this mean? It felt as if I had stepped into an entirely different reality¡ªone governed by rules I didn¡¯t yet understand. My fingers turned the pages of the book nervously, revealing a catalog of spells and techniques, each ranked by difficulty. As I prepared to dive into the first lessons, another notification blinked before me. [Unlocked Skills: None.] What was that supposed to mean? Why didn¡¯t I have any skills? Frowning, I scanned my stats again, searching for a clue. Then it hit me. There was a key difference between ¡°Mana¡± and ¡°Magic¡± listed on the display. While I had a decent mana reserve¡ªa kind of energy pool¡ªmy magic stat was set at zero. Completely empty. Was that why I couldn¡¯t access any skills? Did my ability to use magic depend on this stat? And if so, where was my mana coming from if I didn¡¯t have magic to wield it? Frustration bubbled up, and I slammed the book shut. Clearly, this wasn¡¯t going to be as straightforward as I¡¯d hoped. But giving up wasn¡¯t an option. I¡¯d been the Supreme Mage before, and I wasn¡¯t about to let this setback stop me now. I leapt to my feet, determined to figure this out. Kiran watched me with an amused expression as I retreated to a quiet corner of the house. There, I reopened the book, fully committed to unraveling its mysteries. For hours, I devoured its contents, carefully absorbing its explanations about the different types of magic. I started to grasp that mana was the raw essence needed to shape and cast spells. But no matter how much I studied, the problem remained: I couldn¡¯t activate any magical skills. It was as if the door to actual magic was locked, and I didn¡¯t have the key. Then, something in the text caught my eye. "Mastery of magic requires consistent practice and natural talent. Only those with innate abilities can unlock skills from an early age." My fingers trembled as I reread the line. Innate abilities? Did that mean I didn¡¯t have the natural gift required to wield magic? My heart sank. How could this be? I had once been the Supreme Mage, feared and revered across worlds, and now I couldn¡¯t even cast a simple spell. I sighed deeply, my disappointment weighing heavy. But just as I was about to close the book, a sudden notification flared in front of me, making me jump. [Detected: Disturbance in mana flow. Analyzing..."] My eyes widened as the interface displayed a countdown. Moments later, another message popped up: "Disturbance detected. Special ability identified: Mana Perception." For a moment, I could only stare, stunned. A special ability? How was that possible if I couldn¡¯t even access basic skills? Heart pounding, I closed my eyes and focused, trying to tap into this newfound ability. To my astonishment, the air around me seemed to shift. A faint glow appeared, and shimmering threads of energy began weaving through the space, surrounding me like an intricate web. It was incredible. For the first time, I could see the mana coursing through everything¡ªthe walls, the plants nearby, even the faint traces left by my own breathing. It was as if a hidden layer of the world had suddenly revealed itself to me. Maybe I didn¡¯t need traditional magical skills to begin my training after all. This ability to perceive mana might be exactly what I needed to truly understand the foundations of magic. With renewed determination, I started to explore this power, paying close attention to every subtle ripple and shift in the energy around me. I was certain that within these delicate threads lay the key to unlocking my true potential. One thing was certain: I wasn¡¯t going to stop here. No matter how long it took, I would master magic once again. And when that day came, the Demon Lord who had cast me down would face the full force of my wrath. His defeat would be my greatest triumph! ?Chapter 1 : First Steps The next morning, I woke up buzzing with excitement. After discovering my newfound ability to sense Mana, my determination to learn more was stronger than ever. As soon as I finished breakfast, I rushed back to the quiet corner where I had studied the day before. Sitting cross-legged, I opened the treasured book of magic, running my fingers over its leather cover like it was a prized artifact. This time, I ignored the spells and techniques in the book. Instead, I focused on the theoretical explanations about mana itself. I¡¯d come to realize that this vital essence wasn¡¯t just a tool to channel magic¡ªit was the cornerstone of it all, with applications far beyond just being a catalyst. "Mana is raw energy flowing through the universe, much like blood flows through a living being. It can be shaped and controlled by the will of its wielder to create countless abilities." I read that passage with eager eyes, a spark of hope igniting inside me. If mana was such a versatile energy, perhaps I could use it even without fully mastering magic. With that thought in mind, I began to focus. Drawing on my newfound ability to perceive mana, I allowed myself to sense the luminous aura that surrounded me. Once again, I could see the delicate streams of energy coursing through the air, and I marveled at their intricate beauty, trying to figure out how to control them. And then, unexpectedly, a notification appeared before my eyes: [New Skill Unlocked: Mana Amplification] I froze, staring at the message. A new skill? Without wasting a second, I dove into its description: "Mana Amplification enhances the flow of energy within the user¡¯s body, temporarily boosting physical capabilities." A grin spread across my face. This was exactly what I needed! If I couldn¡¯t use magic yet, why not lean into the raw potential of mana itself? Eager to try it out, I stood and moved to a clear space outside. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and focused, using pure instinct as my guide. I visualized the mana flowing through me, willed it to gather, and pushed it into every corner of my body. A pleasant warmth spread through my limbs, like pure energy coursing through my veins. My muscles felt tighter, my vision sharper, and for a fleeting moment, I felt... unstoppable. Tentatively, I began testing my newfound strength. I leaped into the air, stunned at how light and fast I felt. Then, brimming with confidence, I struck the ground with all my might, cracking the wooden floor beneath me. My physical power was amplified beyond anything I had experienced before! Excitement coursing through me, I tried movement after movement¡ªjumping, dodging, striking¡ªeach with a newfound fluidity and control that felt almost alien. I¡¯d never been so in tune with my body before. But all too soon, the warmth began to fade. My limbs grew heavy, and my vision blurred slightly. Exhausted, I stopped to catch my breath. [Skill Active: Mana Amplification] (Duration: 2 minutes, Mana Cost: 20) Temporary Boosts: Physical Resistance: +50% Movement Speed: +30% Strength: +40% Even though the effect was temporary, I was thrilled. This new ability opened up so many possibilities¡ªmore speed, more strength, more resilience. The potential applications were endless! But what if I could make it last longer? Or intensify it further? That thought filled me with fresh determination, and I threw myself into more training, eager to push this skill to its limits.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. I cycled through practice sessions, alternating between activating Mana Amplification and resting to recover. Over time, I started getting the hang of it¡ªfine-tuning the ability and figuring out how to manage it more efficiently. After hours of intense effort, I felt a faint burning sensation in my chest. Surprised, I paused to check my status and realized my mana reserves had dropped significantly. [Skill Active: Mana Amplification] (Duration: 5 minutes, Mana Cost: 50) Temporary Boosts: Physical Resistance: +75% Movement Speed: +40% Strength: +50% I was stunned. Not only had I managed to extend the skill¡¯s duration, but its benefits had also grown stronger. The trade-off? It drained far more mana. Curious, I flipped back through the book for answers. According to the text, repeated use of a skill could naturally enhance its effects over time¡ªbut at the cost of higher energy demands. This was fascinating. If I trained hard enough, I could keep leveling up this ability. But I¡¯d have to be careful not to overextend my mana reserves. While I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, I saw my father, Kiran, watching me with a proud smile. "How¡¯s the training going, son?" he asked as he walked closer. Standing quickly, I greeted him respectfully. "Father, I¡¯ve unlocked my first skill!" I said, excitement spilling into my voice as I explained Mana Amplification in detail. Kiran listened attentively, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Impressive, Griffith! You¡¯re making remarkable progress. It¡¯s clear you have a natural gift for harnessing mana." Placing a firm hand on my shoulder, he added, "Let¡¯s keep working together. I¡¯m confident you¡¯ll become a mage worthy of our lineage." I nodded enthusiastically, a renewed sense of determination swelling within me. With my father¡¯s support, I knew I could push my abilities even further. But just as we were about to continue training, a loud crash echoed from outside, followed by panicked screams. Kiran and I exchanged alarmed looks before racing out to see what was happening. Bursting onto the village square, we were met with a terrifying sight. A massive centipede, far larger than any creature I¡¯d ever seen, was wreaking havoc among the homes. Its sharp, clawed legs struck wildly, while its snapping mandibles tore through anything in their path. Without hesitation, my father drew his sword and charged at the beast. But despite his formidable strikes, the creature¡¯s exoskeleton seemed impervious. "It¡¯s no use! My attacks aren¡¯t doing anything!" Kiran shouted in frustration. I realized then that even my father¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t enough to take this monster down. We needed a different kind of power. Focusing hard, I activated Mana Amplification once more. That familiar warmth spread through me as my strength and speed surged. [Skill Active: Mana Amplification] (Duration: 5 minutes, Mana Cost: 50) My father¡¯s eyes widened as he saw the glow of energy surrounding me. Wasting no time, I darted toward the giant centipede, my enhanced reflexes allowing me to dodge its attacks effortlessly. Channeling my energy, I formed a glowing sphere of mana in my hands. "Concentrated Mana Strike!" I shouted, hurling the energy straight at the creature. The impact was explosive. The centipede reeled back, its exoskeleton cracking under the force. For a moment, I thought the fight was over¡ªbut the beast roared angrily and charged at me again. This time, however, I was ready. With precise movements, I evaded its strikes and fired a barrage of smaller mana projectiles, each one carving deeper into its armor. Finally, as the creature weakened, I gathered all my remaining energy for one final attack. "Supreme Mana Blast!" I cried, releasing a devastating wave of power that obliterated the centipede completely. As silence settled over the village, the stunned onlookers broke into cheers. My father approached, pride radiating from his expression. "Griffith, that was extraordinary," he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You¡¯ve shown incredible potential today. With training like this, there¡¯s no doubt you¡¯ll become a mage unlike any other." Humbled but proud, I nodded. I¡¯d just taken my first step toward reclaiming the greatness I¡¯d once known¡ªand I couldn¡¯t wait to see what came next. ?Chapter 2 : The Journey to the Academy Six years had passed since the day I defeated the giant centipede that had threatened my hometown. During all that time, I had trained relentlessly under the guidance of my father, Kiran, honing my mana-related abilities. Now, at fifteen, I was proud of how far I¡¯d come. Through disciplined practice, I¡¯d mastered Mana Amplification to a degree that increased both its effectiveness and duration significantly. My mana reserves had grown, allowing me to wield this skill with greater flexibility. Beyond this initial ability, I had also explored and developed other mana-based techniques. I could now cast basic elemental spells, such as fireballs and razor-sharp wind blades, earning myself the status of an amateur mage. But my father believed I had reached the limits of what I could achieve on my own. To grow further, he said, I would need formal training at a specialized magic academy. And so, on that early morning, as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, I stood at the door of our humble family home, ready to embark on a new chapter in my life. My parents, Kiran and Eliana, stood before me, their eyes bright with emotion. Despite the sadness of seeing me leave, their expressions were warm and proud. ¡°My son,¡± my father began solemnly, ¡°today, you stand on the threshold of an important milestone in your life. Over the past six years, your progress has exceeded all of our expectations.¡± He placed a firm, reassuring hand on my shoulder. ¡°Now, you¡¯re ready to leave the safety of our home and join the Academy of Magic in the capital. There, you¡¯ll continue your training under the kingdom¡¯s finest mages.¡± My mother stepped forward, wrapping me in a gentle embrace. ¡°Be careful on your journey, my dear. Make sure to eat and rest well, and don¡¯t forget to write to us often.¡± Swallowing hard against the lump in my throat, I hugged them both tightly. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best¡ªI won¡¯t let you down,¡± I whispered, my voice unsteady. Kiran handed me a pouch of gold coins and a bag of provisions. ¡°This will cover your needs during the journey. Take care of yourself, Griffith.¡± I nodded solemnly, fully aware of the gravity of the moment. After one last hug, I reluctantly stepped back and approached the horse waiting nearby, saddled and ready for the trip. With one final look at my parents, I mounted, gripping the reins tightly. ¡°I¡¯ll come back¡ªI promise!¡± I called out as I turned the horse around. Under their watchful and teary-eyed gaze, I set off down the road leading to the capital, my heart pounding with both excitement and nervousness. After spending my entire life in our small village, I was finally about to see the wider world. As I rode across the countryside, I pulled a magic book from my bag and carefully opened it to study the kingdom¡¯s map. [Interface:]
Kingdom Map
Your Location: Golden River Village
Destination: Kingdom¡¯s Capital (2 days by horseback)
Taking a deep breath, I closed the book and tightened my grip on the reins. Over the next two days, I traveled winding roads, passing through lush forests and rolling green plains. My eagerness to reach the capital, a place brimming with opportunity, only grew stronger. A few hours into the journey, I reached a fork in the road. Deciding to take a short break, I allowed my horse to graze while I reopened my magic book, poring over its maps and notes. I soon realized the fastest route to the capital passed through a region known as the Shadow Forest. This area was infamous for being home to dangerous creatures. I hesitated for a moment but eventually chose to take that path. After all, I was no longer defenseless¡ªI was a mage who could use mana to my advantage. Whatever awaited me in the forest, I believed I could handle it. Climbing back onto my horse, I urged it forward along the narrow, winding trail that disappeared into the dense woods. The atmosphere quickly turned heavy and oppressive as shadows lengthened all around me. Gripping the hilt of my travel sword, I stayed on high alert, watching and listening for any sign of danger. Suddenly, a sharp cracking noise came from my left, making me jolt. Whipping my head toward the sound, I scanned the underbrush, my heart racing. A pair of glowing eyes appeared in the gloom, followed by the slow emergence of a menacing figure. [Interface:]
Enemy Detected: Shadow Wolf
Level: 12
HP: 400/400
Attack: 45
Defense: 30
Grinding my teeth, I focused and activated my Mana Amplification skill. [Interface:] [Skill Activated: Mana Amplification (Duration: 5 min, Mana Cost: 50)] As the wolf lunged at me, baring its fangs, I unleashed a powerful gust of slicing wind from my hands. The attack sent the creature hurtling backward with a pained howl. Not wasting a moment, I leaped from my horse and drew my sword. Enhanced by Mana Amplification, my movements felt sharp and seamless. My blade cut through the air with deadly precision. The wolf didn¡¯t stand a chance. Before it could recover, I struck the final blow, and it collapsed with a pained wheeze. Taking a moment to catch my breath, I surveyed the scene, relieved by my victory. My skills had saved me this time. Climbing back into the saddle, I pressed on, even more vigilant now. Deeper into the forest, I encountered other threats¡ªgoblins, giant spiders, and more¡ªbut my Mana Amplification allowed me to fend them off with relative ease. I could feel my command of the skill improving with each battle.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. After what felt like an eternity, and as the sun began to sink in the sky, the first outlines of the capital¡¯s buildings appeared on the horizon. A wave of relief and excitement washed over me. Spurred by anticipation, I urged my horse to quicken its pace. I couldn¡¯t wait to explore this sprawling city that would soon become my new home. When I finally entered the capital¡¯s gates, I was struck by the bustling energy that filled the streets. Merchants hawked their goods to passing customers, while laborers hurriedly carried crates and bundles. Guards patrolled with watchful eyes, maintaining order amidst the lively chaos. I marveled at the grandeur of the towering buildings¡ªhomes to nobles and wealthy traders, no doubt. Everything about the city exuded wealth and power. Making my way through the crowded marketplace, I eventually arrived at the entrance to the Mage Academy, my ultimate destination. A grand arch crowned with an ornate crest loomed above the massive iron gate. Drawing a deep breath, I dismounted and handed my horse¡¯s reins to a stable boy. Then, with purposeful strides, I approached the academy¡¯s entrance, ready to face the challenges awaiting me. This academy was my gateway to achieving greatness. Here, I would become a skilled mage, capable of surpassing my limits and forging my destiny. As I approached the entrance to the Mage Academy, I was greeted by two armored guards standing watch in front of the grand gate. Arms crossed, they eyed me suspiciously as I stepped forward. ¡°Halt there, boy,¡± one of the guards barked in a deep voice. ¡°State your identity.¡± Straightening my posture, I tried to appear confident. ¡°My name is Griffith, and I¡¯m here to enroll in the Mage Academy.¡± The two guards exchanged an amused glance before bursting into mocking laughter. ¡°Griffith? Really?¡± the second guard sneered. ¡°And what exactly are you planning to do here, kid? Play wizard for fun?¡± Caught off guard by their attitude, I felt frustration bubbling up inside me. ¡°Listen, I¡¯m an amateur mage, and I¡¯m here to refine my skills. I have strong mana-handling abilities.¡± Their laughter only grew louder, to the point where I feared they might choke. ¡°An amateur mage? That¡¯s rich!¡± the first guard guffawed. ¡°You don¡¯t even look like you could lift a piece of straw with your mana!¡± Wounded by their ridicule, I clenched my fists, struggling to remain composed. ¡°I assure you, I¡¯m skilled! Just let me in, and you¡¯ll see what I¡¯m capable of!¡± But the guards continued to stare at me with disdain, their booming laughter echoing across the courtyard. ¡°Sorry, kid, but the Academy isn¡¯t a playground for crybabies like you. You¡¯d better head back home!¡± Grinding my teeth, I bit back my anger. How dare they treat me like this? I was the same person who had defeated a giant centipede to protect my village! Never before had I been so thoroughly humiliated. Still, I knew I couldn¡¯t afford to lose my temper. I was on the cusp of entering this prestigious academy, and I had to make a good impression at all costs. Swallowing my wounded pride, I took a deep breath. ¡°Listen,¡± I said, trying to keep my tone calm, ¡°I assure you I have real mana mastery. I defeated a fearsome creature in my hometown using my powers. Just let me speak with the director, and I¡¯ll prove my worth to you.¡± But the guards remained unfazed, looking at me with an air of scorn. ¡°Oh, sure,¡± the first one said sarcastically. ¡°And I¡¯m the king of the elves. Get out of here before we have to throw you out, kid!¡± Helpless against their arrogance, I finally backed away, my head hanging low. My hopes of glory and recognition had been crushed so abruptly. How was I supposed to prove my worth if no one even gave me a chance? As I turned to leave, I could still hear the guards¡¯ derisive laughter behind me. My fists tightened, and shame burned in my chest, mingling with my anger. One day, I swore, I¡¯d show them what I was capable of. No one would ever belittle me like this again! Blinking back the frustrated tears stinging my eyes, I made my way to the stable, where my horse was being tended by a stable hand. He gave me a sympathetic look, likely guessing the humiliation I¡¯d just endured. ¡°Don¡¯t let those idiots in armor get to you, kid,¡± he said with a shrug. ¡°Everyone around here knows they¡¯re jerks. You¡¯ll figure out another way into the Academy.¡± I nodded in gratitude, gripping my horse¡¯s reins. Casting one last glance at the Academy¡¯s towering structures, I made a silent vow not to give up. No matter what, I would find my way in¡ªand become the most powerful mage. Mounting my horse again, I turned it around and rode away from the Academy. For a long time, I traveled in silence, replaying the events in my mind. How could I convince the Academy¡¯s director to accept me when those guards had already dismissed me as useless? Despite my abilities, I hadn¡¯t managed to earn their respect. Suddenly, an idea struck me. If the guards wouldn¡¯t take my word for it, maybe I could prove my worth through action. Yes, that was my best shot! Pulling on the reins, I brought my horse to a stop and turned it around. With renewed determination, I rode back to the Academy gates, where the guards were still standing, their smug expressions unchanged. ¡°Well, look who¡¯s back already,¡± one of them jeered. ¡°Come to cry some more?¡± I met their mocking gazes with confidence, a small smirk playing on my lips. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving. Let me show you what I can do, and you¡¯ll see I deserve a place in the Academy.¡± The guards exchanged a surprised look, then burst out laughing again. ¡°You¡¯re serious? You want to put on a show for us?¡± the second guard chuckled. ¡°Exactly,¡± I replied firmly. ¡°If I impress you, you¡¯ll agree to let me speak with the director. Deal?¡± The two men glanced at each other, seeming to hesitate. Finally, one shrugged with a mocking grin. ¡°Alright, kid. Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got. But don¡¯t expect us to go easy on you!¡± Nodding, I felt a surge of satisfaction. At last, I would get the chance to prove myself. Taking a deep breath, I focused and activated my Mana Amplification ability. [Interface] [Skill Activated: Mana Amplification (Duration: 5 min, Mana Cost: 50)] Immediately, an aura of power enveloped me, and the guards¡¯ expressions shifted to astonishment. Taking advantage of their surprise, I raised my hands, gathering a brilliant sphere of pure energy. ¡°Concentrated Mana Technique!¡± I shouted, hurling the projectile toward a distant target. The impact was explosive, kicking up a thick cloud of dust. When it cleared, the guards gawked at the massive crater I had created. ¡°Impossible¡­¡± one of them murmured, his eyes wide. Seizing the moment, I launched into a series of demonstrations, weaving elemental spells and mana-handling techniques with precision. Each display left the guards more and more dumbfounded, their admiration clear despite themselves. When I finally finished, I stood before them with a triumphant smile. ¡°So, do you still think I¡¯m just a useless kid?¡± The guards exchanged an uneasy look, clearly struggling to compose themselves. At last, one of them cleared his throat and addressed me with newfound respect. ¡°I¡­ I have to admit, we underestimated you. Your mana control is¡­ genuinely impressive. I think the director would be interested in meeting you.¡± Relief washed over me as I nodded confidently. ¡°I¡¯m sure of it. Now, will you escort me inside?¡± Without hesitation, the guards stepped aside, opening the gates for me. ¡°Of course. Follow us. We¡¯ll take you to the director.¡± With a calm certainty, I entered the Academy grounds at last, knowing I had overcome my first hurdle. My mastery of mana had earned me this opportunity. Now, I just had to convince the director to give me a chance. Soon, I would take my first steps on the path of magic¡ªand prove to everyone just how much I was worth. ?Chapter 3 : A New Life at the Academy Guided by two guards, I stepped into the grounds of the Mage Academy, completely in awe of the scene unfolding before me. Compared to the quiet and simple world outside, this was like entering a bustling miniature city, with towering buildings, lively streets, and countless busy students. Everywhere I looked, young people from all walks of life were rushing about. Some proudly wore battle gear, while others were dressed in mage robes adorned with mystical symbols. In one corner, students were locked in magical duels within specially designed arenas, and in another, groups trained with swords on practice fields. It was overwhelming¡ªso much energy, so much purpose. Coming from a modest village, I couldn¡¯t help but feel intimidated. But beneath the nervousness, a flicker of excitement grew. I was about to learn from the greatest mages in the kingdom! As we moved through different sections of the Academy, my attention was drawn to a group of students gathered around an older apprentice. He seemed to be offering advice, and curiosity pulled me closer. "...and remember, balance between the elements is key when casting spells," he said, his tone firm but encouraging. "Mastering fire without understanding water could lead to disastrous results." The young mages nodded, their expressions focused and eager. I found myself listening just as intently, utterly captivated. Was this what a real magic lesson looked like? "That¡¯s all for today," the mentor concluded. "Practice regularly, and don¡¯t forget¡ªmagic isn¡¯t mastered overnight!" The group thanked him and dispersed. A few students bumped into me as they passed, and I quickly stepped aside, hoping to avoid drawing attention. Unfortunately, the mentor had already noticed me and approached with a warm smile. "Ah, a new face," he greeted. "I haven¡¯t seen you among the students before. You must be new here, yes?" I nodded, feeling slightly shy. "Yes, that¡¯s right. My name is Griffith. I¡¯ve just been accepted into the Academy." "Welcome, Griffith," he replied, shaking my hand firmly. "I¡¯m Archibald, one of the elemental magic professors here. It¡¯s a pleasure to have you." Relieved by his friendly demeanor, I smiled. Maybe this new life at the Academy wouldn¡¯t be as daunting as I¡¯d feared. "Tell me, Griffith, have you already chosen a specialty?" Archibald asked. "Or are you planning to explore the different paths first?" I hesitated, unsure how to express myself. "Honestly, I¡¯m not sure yet. I¡¯ve always been fascinated by mana manipulation, but I haven¡¯t found my true calling." He nodded thoughtfully. "That¡¯s perfectly fine. My advice? Experiment with as many disciplines as you can. It¡¯s the best way to discover what suits you." "Thank you," I replied earnestly, grateful for his guidance. Archibald gave me a playful wink. "I won¡¯t keep you any longer¡ªthe headmaster is likely waiting to welcome the new students. Best of luck, Griffith!" After thanking him again, I followed the guards toward a grand building that towered over the rest of the Academy. "This is the headmaster¡¯s office," one guard explained. "He¡¯s waiting to officially welcome you and the other new students." My heart raced as we entered the majestic hall. Dozens of students were already gathered, waiting for the ceremony to begin. The room fell silent when an elderly man entered. He wore a long white robe embroidered with intricate designs, and his calm yet piercing gaze seemed to look straight through me. "Welcome, my young friends," he began, his deep voice commanding respect. "I am Headmaster Eleazar, and I will be your guide throughout your journey here at the Mage Academy."A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. A heavy silence settled over the hall as his words hung in the air. "You are the future masters of magic, entrusted with preserving the balance of our world," Eleazar continued. "Your role will be critical in maintaining peace and prosperity across the realms." A wave of excitement mixed with anxiety washed over me. Preserving the balance of the world? Such a responsibility felt overwhelming. "But," the headmaster added, "you will need more than mastery of the arcane. You must also show wisdom, discernment, and courage. These are troubled times, and trials await you all." His grave tone sent shivers down my spine. What kind of trials did he mean? "During your time here, you will learn not only to channel mana but also to use it responsibly," he said. "Power comes with great responsibility." He paused, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. "Some of you will take up arms to protect the kingdoms. Others will heal, defend, or delve into the mysteries of magic. Whatever path you choose, remember: your purpose is to serve and protect." I nodded slowly, deeply moved by his words. Whatever path I chose, I would need to approach it with wisdom and restraint. Magic wasn¡¯t just power¡ªit was a responsibility. "You will now be assigned to your sections," Eleazar announced. "There, you will receive training tailored to your skills and aspirations. Rest assured, we will do everything to help you reach your full potential." He ended with a kind smile. "Lastly, my door is always open. Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to come to me. I am here to guide you." With that, he bowed slightly, prompting a wave of applause from the students. His speech had clearly left a strong impression on everyone. As the excitement in the room grew, I felt a surge of determination. I was ready to give my all and prove that I deserved my place here. After Eleazar¡¯s speech, a young woman in a mage¡¯s robe stepped forward. Her clear, confident voice silenced the crowd. "Welcome, new students of the Mage Academy! My name is Elise, and I¡¯ll be guiding you through the registration process." She smiled warmly. "As you¡¯ve just heard, your role here is vital for maintaining balance in the world. That¡¯s why it¡¯s crucial for us to assess your abilities and mana levels." From her pocket, Elise pulled out an ornate wand and raised it toward a large crystal sphere. "One by one, you¡¯ll step forward and place your hand on this sphere. It will evaluate your potential and assign you a rank and class." She paused, letting her words sink in. "Ranks range from E to S+, with D, C, B, and A in between. Classes will reflect your specialization: mage, warrior, healer, or even archaeologist." A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. What if I didn¡¯t measure up? Elise called the first student forward, and one by one, the others placed their hands on the sphere. Some seemed satisfied with their results, while others appeared less so. When it was my turn, I stepped forward with steady resolve and pressed my hand to the crystal. Warmth enveloped my palm as the sphere began to glow. After what felt like an eternity, a result appeared. [Crystal : Griffith]
Mage
level 67, rank B+.
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to me in shock. Even Elise looked stunned. "Incredible!" she gasped. "A level 67 at rank B+? You¡¯re one of the most talented students we¡¯ve ever seen!" Every gaze in the room bore into me¡ªsome admiring, others envious. Even a striking young woman named Seraphina, who had earlier drawn attention for her impressive rank, seemed intrigued. Taking a deep breath, I kept my composure. "It¡¯s no surprise, really. I¡¯ve spent years mastering mana and honing my skills." Elise nodded, still in awe. "It¡¯s clear you¡¯ve worked hard. You¡¯re bound to be one of the Academy¡¯s brightest stars." Pride swelled in my chest. Finally, my efforts had been recognized. I wouldn¡¯t let anyone look down on me again. As the evaluations wrapped up, Elise read out the assignments. "Seraphina, mage-priestess division. Griffith, elemental mage division." I smiled. Elemental magic¡ªit felt like the perfect fit. Fire, ice, lightning... I couldn¡¯t wait to dive in. Elise assured me I¡¯d excel, and I promised myself I wouldn¡¯t disappoint. As I joined my group, I caught Seraphina¡¯s curious gaze once more. Maybe this new life at the Academy would hold more than just magical challenges. ?Chapter 4 : First Encounters Following Elise with steady steps, I made my way toward the Elemental Mages¡¯ section, eager to meet my future classmates and begin learning everything the Academy had to offer. But before I could get far, I was surprised to see Seraphina approach me. Her striking features were softened by a hint of shyness. "Excuse me¡­ Griffith, is that right?" she asked in a soft, melodic voice. For a moment, her beauty left me a little flustered, but I quickly gathered myself and responded naturally. "Yes, that¡¯s me. How can I help you?" Seraphina hesitated for a second, nervously twirling a strand of her ebony hair. "I¡­ I was hoping to get to know you better, if you don¡¯t mind." A small smile tugged at my lips. It seemed the young mage-priestess was curious about my surprising evaluation results. "Of course, I¡¯d be happy to chat." Her face lit up with a radiant smile, and she fell into step beside me, walking gracefully as we followed the group. "Thank you, Griffith. I must admit, your results during the evaluation were very impressive." "Oh, it¡¯s really not that extraordinary," I replied modestly. "I¡¯ve just worked hard to get where I am." "But that¡¯s exactly what¡¯s extraordinary!" she exclaimed. "Achieving such a high level at your age is truly remarkable." I felt my cheeks flush slightly at her praise. "You flatter me, Seraphina. But tell me, what made you choose the path of a mage-priestess?" Her eyes brightened with passion. "Oh, it¡¯s a calling I hold very close to my heart. I¡¯ve always been fascinated by the healing and protective powers of sacred magic." A dreamy smile crossed her face. "My greatest dream is to one day heal and protect those who need it most. To save lives with my magic¡ªthat¡¯s what drives me every day." I nodded in admiration. "That¡¯s a noble ambition. And tell me, what other paths can students pursue here at the Academy?" "Well, there are several," she explained. "Besides mages like us, there are the warrior-mages, who combine mastery of weapons with magical power. They often serve as the first line of defense for the kingdoms." She paused thoughtfully. "There are also archaeologist-mages, who specialize in studying ancient civilizations and magical relics. Their work is essential for understanding the foundations of our world." "I see," I said, listening intently. "And what about the other classes?" "There are also healers, or mage-priests like me," Seraphina continued. "And then there are combat mages, fierce warriors who excel in offensive spells." She gave me a playful glance, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "And of course, there are elemental mages¡ªlike you. Your affinity with mana will likely make you a master of fire, ice, or lightning." I returned her smile, impressed by her depth of knowledge. "You seem to know a lot about this. I assume you¡¯ve already chosen the path you want to follow?" "Absolutely," she said confidently. "As I mentioned, my heart is set on being a mage-priestess. I hope to one day heal and protect those in need." She paused, giving me a teasing look. "And you, Griffith? Do you know what you want to do?" I considered her question for a moment before answering. "Well, I¡¯ve always been fascinated by elemental spells. I¡¯m excited to master them and use that power to protect the kingdom." "That¡¯s an excellent choice," she said with enthusiasm. "With your exceptional abilities, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll become one of the most powerful mages in this academy!" Feeling a little embarrassed by her compliments, I quickly changed the subject. "And how is your training as a mage-priestess going so far?" Her face lit up, and she spoke passionately about her lessons. "Oh, it¡¯s absolutely fascinating! We learn to channel sacred energy to heal wounds and create magical barriers to protect our allies."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "And then there are the ancient rituals we have to master, which let us invoke the power of the divine to aid our comrades." I listened, captivated by the complexity of her studies. "That sounds incredibly demanding. You must have an extraordinary level of focus and discipline." "It¡¯s true," she admitted modestly. "But it¡¯s a challenge I love taking on every day. Becoming a skilled mage-priestess is my greatest dream." Just then, Elise¡¯s voice called out, gathering us in front of a large door. "Alright, everyone, we¡¯ve arrived! Beyond this door lies your new home¡ªthe Elemental Mages¡¯ section." She smiled encouragingly. "Here, you¡¯ll find your rooms as well as your classrooms. Feel free to explore and start getting to know your fellow students." Seraphina turned to me with a regretful look. "Well, I guess we¡¯ll have to part ways here. But I hope we¡¯ll see each other again soon!" "Of course," I replied with a smile. "I¡¯d like that." With one last radiant smile, she joined her group. For a moment, I stood there, my heart racing, fascinated by her grace and kindness. Then, taking a deep breath, I turned toward the door that was opening before me, ready to discover my new home. The Elemental Mages¡¯ quarters were a series of grand buildings designed for both study and training. Classrooms and research labs sat alongside vast outdoor spaces for practicing spells. Elise guided us through the section, explaining enthusiastically as we went. "Here, you¡¯ll learn to master the arcane forces of fire, ice, and lightning. You¡¯ll also have the chance to explore rarer elements, like earth and wind." She stopped in front of an intricately carved wooden door. "And here are your personal quarters. Each of you will have your own room to study and rest in peace." When she opened the door, I couldn¡¯t help but let out a low whistle of admiration. The interior was tastefully decorated, blending elegance with functionality. A large canopy bed stood at the center of the room, surrounded by a desk and shelves lined with books. "It¡¯s beautiful," I said, unable to hide my amazement. Elise nodded with satisfaction. "We make sure our students have the best possible conditions for learning. After all, you represent the future of our kingdoms!" She left us to settle in, giving us time to familiarize ourselves with our surroundings. I sat on the edge of my bed, marveling at the thought that this room was now mine. Just days ago, I was a simple villager, dreaming of adventure and magic. And now, here I was¡ªa student at the prestigious Mage Academy, with a mana level that had already set me apart. A confident smile spread across my face. Yes, I belonged here. And I was determined to prove I deserved it. As I unpacked, my thoughts drifted back to Seraphina. Her striking beauty and passion for sacred magic intrigued me deeply. I sincerely hoped our paths would cross again. Perhaps we could become friends¡ªor even allies¡ªhelping each other along this incredible journey. Just as I finished organizing my things, Elise approached with a serious expression. "Griffith, I have an important announcement," she said. "Tomorrow morning, all of you will take part in an evaluation test at the Elemental Mage training center." Excitement surged through me. A test? This was the perfect opportunity to prove my skills. "Of course, your performance in this test will heavily influence the rest of your curriculum," she continued. "You¡¯ll need to give it your all." I nodded firmly. "You can count on me, Elise. I¡¯m ready for the challenge." She gave me an approving smile. "I have no doubt, Griffith. You¡¯ve already impressed us all with your abilities." With that, she left, leaving me to prepare for what lay ahead. I quickly donned the brand-new uniform I¡¯d been given, admiring its sleek design and the dark colors that symbolized the Elemental Mages. As I tightened the belt around my waist, I was interrupted by a smug voice behind me. "So, the new guy thinks he¡¯s top class already?" Turning around, I faced a young man in his twenties with messy brown hair and a cocky grin. "I¡¯m not sure what you mean," I replied calmly. "Oh, don¡¯t play innocent," he said, his grin widening. "We all know you¡¯ve got freakishly high mana levels. But that doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re automatically the best here." He stepped closer, looking me up and down with disdain. "Don¡¯t get too full of yourself, rookie. There are mages here with far more experience than you." Instead of letting him rattle me, I shot him a smug smile of my own. "Maybe. But I doubt their experience will hold up against my mastery of the elements." His grin faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "We¡¯ll see about that tomorrow during the test. I can¡¯t wait to see what you¡¯re really made of." With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, throwing me one last challenging look. I watched him go, amused by the exchange. ?Chapter 5: Mastery of the Elements "How interesting," I murmured to myself. "I can¡¯t wait to see his face when I outclass him tomorrow." With that small boost of motivation, I focused on preparing for the upcoming test. The next morning arrived quickly, and the energy around the Elemental Mages'' training center was electric. The building was enormous, filled with every tool and environment necessary for honing magical skills¡ªtargets, obstacle courses, and even elemental simulation chambers where students could test their abilities under extreme conditions. As the students gathered, we were greeted by a stern-looking woman with sharp silver hair tied tightly into a bun. Her robe shimmered faintly, as if alive with magic. "Welcome, students," she announced, her voice sharp and authoritative. "I am Eira, the head tutor for the Elemental Mage division." Her piercing gaze swept over us, lingering briefly on me, as if trying to assess my worth with a glance. "Today, you will prove whether you have what it takes to succeed in this section. The evaluation will test your control, speed, precision, and creativity with elemental magic. Remember, this is not just a competition¡ªit¡¯s a reflection of your potential." She gestured toward the training grounds, where various magical targets and challenges were laid out. "You will face obstacles designed to test your mastery over fire, ice, wind, and earth. You must demonstrate your ability to adapt, strategize, and execute spells under pressure." Then, her sharp eyes landed on me. "And Griffith¡­ I¡¯ve heard about your performance during the initial assessment. Let¡¯s see if you can live up to the expectations." Her tone was measured but carried a hint of skepticism, as if daring me to prove her wrong. "Of course, Professor Eira," I replied confidently, meeting her gaze. "I¡¯ll do my best." She nodded curtly, and the evaluation began. One by one, students were called to step forward and face the challenges. Some performed admirably, while others struggled, their spells fizzling or missing their targets. The air buzzed with tension as everyone tried to size up their peers. Finally, my name was called. I stepped forward to the center of the arena, feeling every pair of eyes on me. Eira stood at the edge of the field, clipboard in hand, watching me intently. "Show us what you¡¯ve got, Griffith," she said. The first set of challenges activated: moving targets made of wood and stone sprang to life, darting unpredictably across the field. Without hesitation, I summoned a flame to my palm. Interface: [Skill Activated ¨C Flame Burst (Level 2)] A surge of mana flowed through me, and a ball of fire shot forward, striking the first target dead-on. It burst into flames and collapsed to the ground. I pivoted quickly as another target appeared. Interface: [Skill Activated ¨C Ice Spear (Level 2)] A shard of ice materialized in my hand and launched toward the second target, shattering it into icy fragments. The third target emerged¡ªthis one zigzagging erratically. I took a deep breath, feeling the mana course through my veins. Interface: [Skill Activated ¨C Wind Blade (Level 2)]Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. A sharp gust of wind sliced through the target, cutting it clean in half. The pieces clattered to the ground, and the audience murmured in amazement. But the final challenge was the trickiest yet: a series of stone pillars shot up from the ground, creating an intricate maze. Somewhere inside, a glowing orb awaited retrieval. "Let¡¯s see if you can adapt, Griffith," Eira called out, her expression unreadable. I entered the maze, summoning a small flame to light my path. The walls were high and jagged, and I could feel the mana in the air shifting¡ªtraps were waiting for me. Sure enough, as I turned a corner, an earth spike shot up from the ground. Interface: [Skill Activated ¨C Lightning Reflex (Passive)] I sidestepped just in time, the spike barely grazing my arm. Gathering my focus, I retaliated with a precise lightning bolt, shattering the trap. Deeper into the maze, a wall of ice suddenly formed in front of me, blocking my path. I smiled. Interface: [Skill Activated ¨C Flame Surge (Level 3)] A wave of heat erupted from my hands, melting the ice into a puddle. As the steam cleared, I spotted the glowing orb ahead. I rushed forward, only for the floor beneath me to crumble, revealing a pit below. Reacting instinctively, I leaped and cast a wind spell to propel myself across the gap. I landed smoothly on the other side and grabbed the orb, raising it triumphantly. The maze dissolved, and I emerged back into the training field, greeted by stunned silence. Eira approached me slowly, her clipboard forgotten at her side. "That¡­ was remarkable," she said, her voice tinged with awe. "Your control, precision, and creativity were beyond what I expected. You didn¡¯t just pass the evaluation¡ªyou set a new standard." A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd, and I caught the challenging stare of the cocky student from yesterday. His smug grin was long gone, replaced by a look of disbelief. "Thank you, Professor Eira," I said, bowing slightly. "I¡¯ve trained hard to be ready for moments like this." Eira¡¯s lips curved into a rare smile. "And it shows. You have an exceptional gift, Griffith. But remember, raw talent is only the beginning. Your discipline and determination will determine how far you go." "I understand," I replied seriously. "I¡¯ll continue to work hard." She nodded and turned to the other students. "Take note, everyone. This is the level of excellence you should strive for." As the evaluation continued, I returned to the sidelines, feeling a surge of pride and satisfaction. But I also knew that this was only the beginning. If I wanted to truly stand out at the Academy, I¡¯d need to keep pushing myself. Later that evening, as I relaxed in my room, there was a soft knock at my door. When I opened it, I was surprised to see Seraphina standing there, her usual serene expression replaced by one of excitement. "I heard about your performance today," she said, her voice warm with admiration. "Everyone¡¯s talking about how incredible you were." "Thank you," I said, scratching the back of my neck. "It was¡­ intense, but I¡¯m glad I did well." She smiled, her eyes sparkling. "You didn¡¯t just do well, Griffith. You shone. I can tell you¡¯re going to accomplish amazing things here." Her words filled me with a renewed sense of determination. "And I can say the same for you, Seraphina. You have a passion for magic that¡¯s inspiring. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll become an extraordinary mage-priestess." She blushed slightly and glanced down, but her smile remained. "Thank you, Griffith. That means a lot." For a moment, we stood there in comfortable silence, a sense of mutual respect and understanding passing between us. Then she straightened and said, "Well, I won¡¯t keep you any longer. I just wanted to congratulate you. Goodnight, Griffith." "Goodnight, Seraphina," I replied, watching as she walked gracefully back down the hall. As I closed the door, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that this was just the beginning¡ªnot only of my journey as a mage but of a friendship that might shape the days to come. Lying back on my bed, I stared at the ceiling with a quiet smile. Whatever challenges awaited, I was ready to face them head-on. ?Chapter 6 : A Letter of Support After a grueling yet exhilarating training session, I returned to my room with a sigh of relief. My body ached from head to toe, but my mind was still alight with the thrill of my earlier triumph. As I collapsed onto my bed, a quiet knock at the door caught my attention. Dragging myself upright, I opened it to find one of the academy guards standing there, holding out an envelope with a polite nod. "A message for you, Mr. Griffith," he said. I thanked him with a small nod of my own and closed the door, curiosity piqued by this unexpected delivery. Who could be writing to me? Once I was alone, I carefully unsealed the envelope. Inside was a handwritten letter, penned in an elegant, flowing script. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the familiar handwriting. It was from my parents. They¡¯d taken the time to write to me! _"My dear Griffith, It has already been three days since you left the village to join that prestigious academy. Your father and I can¡¯t stop thinking about you and wondering how you¡¯re doing. We sincerely hope your transition has gone smoothly and that you¡¯re settling into this new life. We know how much this opportunity means to you, and we are so proud to see you chasing your dream. Your father has been telling everyone in the village about you. They¡¯re all amazed by your exceptional talent and determination. Rest assured, you have the full support of our entire community. We¡¯re following your progress closely, and every bit of news we hear about your achievements fills us with joy. Keep working hard, dear Griffith. I¡¯m certain your efforts will pay off. Remember, no matter what happens, your father and I will always be here for you. Please don¡¯t hesitate to write us often¡ªwe want to hear everything about your new life at the academy! With all our love, Your parents who think of you every day."_ When I finished reading, I stayed motionless for a long moment, clutching the letter tightly to my chest. A wave of affection and gratitude washed over me, leaving me breathless. My parents¡­ Even though I was far away now, they hadn¡¯t forgotten me. They still cared, still supported me with all their hearts. A lump formed in my throat, and it took everything I had to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. Their kindness and unwavering support warmed me to the core. I read their words again, letting the comfort and encouragement seep into my spirit. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew I could count on them. With a deep breath, I carefully folded the letter and placed it in a drawer alongside other cherished keepsakes. Their words had lifted my spirits and reignited my determination to succeed. Exhausted by both my emotions and the day¡¯s efforts, I let myself fall back onto my bed, closing my eyes for a moment. A peaceful smile spread across my face.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Even though we were miles apart, my parents were still with me in spirit. And that certainty filled me with a quiet, steady joy. Slowly, I felt myself drifting into a deep, restorative sleep, cradled by the warmth of their love. But deep in the night, I was jolted awake by an urgent need. Groaning in protest, I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled toward the shared restroom. Just as I reached for the door, a strange sound caught my attention. Pausing, I strained to listen¡ªa soft gurgling noise, followed by a long sigh of relief. Curious, I pushed the door open slightly and peeked inside. In the dim light, I could make out the silhouette of someone leaning casually against the wall. Another student. From his posture, it was obvious what he was doing. Clearing my throat to announce my presence, I startled him. He jerked upright, clearly caught off guard. "Who¡¯s there?" he snapped, his tone defensive. "It¡¯s me, Griffith," I replied calmly. There was a pause, and then his voice rang out again, laced with irritation. "Oh, it¡¯s you. The so-called prodigy of the B+ rank." I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his biting tone. "Well, good evening to you too. Sorry if I interrupted you." "Interrupted? Yeah, that¡¯s putting it lightly," he grumbled. "What are you doing here at this hour?" "I came to use the restroom, same as you," I said evenly. "I didn¡¯t mean to intrude." He let out a derisive snort. "Yeah, well, let¡¯s hope you¡¯re not here to steal the spotlight again, huh?" I frowned, confused by the hostility in his voice. "I¡¯m not sure what you mean by that. I¡¯ve no intention of¡ª" "Shut up!" he snapped, cutting me off. His voice was sharp, almost venomous. "I know exactly what you¡¯re up to. The professors love you, don¡¯t they? With your flashy performances, you make the rest of us look like nobodies!" He stepped closer, his dark gaze boring into mine. "Listen, newbie. Stay out of my way if you don¡¯t want trouble." Taking a steadying breath, I met his glare without flinching. "I understand your frustration," I said carefully, "but your progress is your own. I¡¯m just doing my best, like everyone else." He narrowed his eyes, clearly annoyed by my calm response. "Yeah? Well, keep your ¡®best¡¯ to yourself. Because I won¡¯t let you overshadow me again." I couldn¡¯t help the faint smile that tugged at my lips. "If that¡¯s the case, I look forward to seeing what you¡¯re capable of in the next training sessions." His fists clenched, and for a moment, I thought he might take a swing at me. But instead, he let out a low growl and turned on his heel. "We¡¯ll see, prodigy. Just stay out of my way, or you¡¯ll regret it." With that, he stormed off, leaving me alone in the quiet of the night. Watching him go, I shook my head, a wry smile on my face. It seemed this student had decided I was his rival, whether I liked it or not. But I had no intention of letting his hostility shake me. Shrugging it off, I finally attended to my pressing need and made my way back to my room. As I lay in bed, my mind lingered on the strange encounter. Why did he seem to hate me so much? Was it simple jealousy, or was there something deeper at play? I didn¡¯t have the answers, but one thing was clear: I wouldn¡¯t let his animosity intimidate me. I¡¯d come here to prove myself, and no one was going to stand in my way. With that resolve firm in my heart, I let out a sigh and closed my eyes, staring at the vague outline of the ceiling. This academy had already proven to be full of challenges¡ªboth physical and emotional. But I wasn¡¯t about to falter. My parents¡¯ unwavering support reminded me why I was here. They believed in me, and I wouldn¡¯t let them down. A determined smile curled my lips. No matter what lay ahead, I would keep pushing forward. For them. For myself. For my dream. ?Chapter 7 : Into the Unknown The next morning, we gathered in the academy courtyard before being quietly led to the edge of the forest that bordered the grounds. As we walked beneath the trees, I couldn¡¯t help but feel captivated by the untamed beauty of the place. Eventually, we reached a large clearing where our guide, Elise, motioned for us to gather around. The serious expression on her face made it clear that what was coming was no small matter. "Listen carefully," she began, her voice carrying over the murmur of the crowd. "Today, you will take part in an exercise that will test your skills in a real-world situation." She gestured broadly at the trees surrounding us. "Beyond this forest lies an ancient dungeon, crawling with dangerous creatures. Your objective is to enter it as a team and make your way to the end." A ripple of excitement swept through the group, and I felt a wave of anticipation rise within me. Finally, a chance to put everything I¡¯d been training for to the test! "However," Elise continued, her tone growing sharper, "this dungeon is no playground. The dangers are very real, and you will need to exercise extreme caution." Her gaze swept across the group, lingering on each of us. "That¡¯s why you¡¯ll be divided into teams of four, with each team comprising members of different classes. Your success will depend on your ability to complement one another." She turned and pointed to a board behind her, where four distinct icons were displayed. "Mages, Warriors, Priests, and Archaeologists. Each class has a critical role to play." As she outlined the responsibilities of each role, I listened intently. Having teammates with diverse skills would be a major advantage¡ªand likely the key to survival. "Now, I will assign the teams," Elise announced. "Pay attention, as you won¡¯t be able to choose your partners." Glancing at the list in her hand, she began reading out names. [Team 1]:
Griffith : Mage Level : 67/Rank: B+
Seraphina : Priestess mage Level : 27/Rank: C+
Liam : Battle mage Level : 20/Rank: C+
Kenzo : Archaelogist Level : 10/Rank: D-
I flinched slightly at hearing my name and glanced around curiously. My new teammates were eyeing me with varying degrees of curiosity and apprehension. Among them, my attention was immediately drawn to a girl with jet-black hair¡ªSeraphina. I¡¯d noticed her the day before, and once again, I found her presence strangely magnetic. Our eyes met briefly, and a faint warmth crept into my cheeks. Quickly looking away, I forced myself to focus on Elise¡¯s instructions. "Now that the teams are set," she continued, "let me explain how this exercise will proceed." Her voice rang out clearly across the clearing. "Each team will enter the dungeon one at a time, at regular intervals. Your goal is to reach the final chamber, overcoming any threats that stand in your way." She paused for effect, her tone growing grave. "Be extremely careful. Your lives are truly at stake in this dungeon. Trust your teammates and stick together¡ªthat will be your best chance of making it through alive."Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. A shiver of both excitement and unease ran through the group. The stakes were high, and the challenge ahead felt all too real. Elise gestured toward a section of the forest. "The dungeon entrance is over there. Team 1, you will be the first to enter. Head to your starting position now." Turning to face my teammates, I saw a mix of expressions. Kenzo, the boy with brown hair, looked calm and composed, while Liam, the rebellious-looking one, seemed more tense. As for Seraphina, her face showed intense focus, tempered by a flicker of nervousness. When our eyes met again, I gave her a reassuring smile. "Alright, let¡¯s do this," I said cheerfully. "Stick together, and we¡¯ll crush this challenge!" Liam snorted, unimpressed. "Yeah, we¡¯ll see how confident you are once we¡¯re inside." I simply gave him an amused look, refusing to be rattled by his attitude. Seraphina offered me a small, appreciative smile, while Kenzo nodded with quiet determination. Together, we made our way to the starting point and stepped into the shadowy depths of the forest. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a rush of excitement for the adventure ahead. As we moved cautiously through the trees, I found myself constantly glancing around, captivated by the forest¡¯s eerie beauty. The dense canopy overhead muted the daylight, and the humid air felt almost alive. A sudden crack startled us, and our hands instinctively flew to our weapons. After a tense moment, we realized it was just a small animal scurrying away. "Stay sharp," Kenzo murmured. "We have no idea what we¡¯ll face in there." Seraphina nodded solemnly. "Yes, appearances can be deceiving. We need to keep our senses on high alert." Liam rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Yeah, yeah, we get it. No need to make a big deal out of it." I shot him a disapproving look, but he ignored me completely. It seemed this guy was determined to play the rebel no matter what. Finally, we reached a massive cavern opening in the rock, leading deep into the earth. An aura of danger and mystery radiated from it, filling me with both excitement and trepidation. "This must be the dungeon entrance," Kenzo said gravely. "Stay sharp, everyone." Nodding, I stepped forward, leading the way into the shadows that slowly swallowed us whole. My teammates followed close behind, their footsteps echoing softly in the oppressive silence. As we were engulfed by the darkness, a sudden burst of light blinded me momentarily. Squinting, I made out a massive, glowing screen floating in mid-air, exuding an almost mystical energy. "This will be the system you¡¯ll rely on," said a familiar voice. I turned to see Elise standing behind us, a faintly enigmatic smile on her face. "As I explained earlier, each class has a specific role to fulfill," she continued. "Mages handle offensive magic, Warriors provide physical protection, Priests manage healing and recovery, and Archaeologists solve puzzles and uncover hidden paths." She gestured toward the glowing screen. "Your task is to work together to overcome the challenges ahead. Only by combining your strengths will you be able to survive." Seraphina nodded with determination. "Understood. We¡¯ll give it our all." Elise gave her an approving nod before vanishing in a sudden flash of light, leaving us alone to face the unknown. Liam snorted. "Alright, let¡¯s get this over with. Try not to die, alright?" I couldn¡¯t help but grin at his sarcasm. "Don¡¯t worry, buddy. With a team like ours, we¡¯ve got this in the bag!" He rolled his eyes but didn¡¯t argue, and I thought I caught a glimmer of reluctant hope in his expression. Kenzo and Seraphina gave me small nods, and together, we ventured deeper into the dungeon¡¯s shadowy corridors. As we moved cautiously, the air grew colder, and the silence became almost deafening. My pulse quickened, and I felt a surge of adrenaline. Who knew what kind of horrors waited for us in the depths of this ancient place? No matter. With my teammates by my side, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Nothing would stop us from conquering this trial! ?Chapter 8 : Battle with the Eight-Headed Serpent To ensure we were safe, I discreetly activated my [Skill: Mana Perception] through my interface. This ability allowed me to detect even the faintest fluctuations or traces of magic in the area. For a few moments, I focused, sweeping my sharpened senses across our surroundings. Strangely, I couldn¡¯t pick up anything unusual. The dark corridors of the dungeon seemed calm, almost too peaceful. "Hey, Griffith, you look a little lost," Liam quipped sarcastically. "You know, if you¡¯re not sensing anything, maybe it¡¯s because you¡¯re just terrible at magic." Turning to face him, I felt a flicker of embarrassment. "No, no, it¡¯s not that. I activated my [Mana Perception], but there¡¯s nothing to detect right now." Seraphina placed a calming hand on my arm. "Don¡¯t worry, Griffith. Some people are just naturally better at magic than others. That¡¯s normal." Kenzo nodded in agreement. "She¡¯s right. What¡¯s important is staying vigilant and working as a team. Everyone brings their own strengths to the table." Liam scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "Yeah, yeah, let¡¯s all hold hands and sing about teamwork. Are we done? Maybe we can actually move forward now?" I opened my mouth to respond, but Seraphina stopped me with a quick gesture. "Let it go, Griffith. Don¡¯t let him get to you." With a resigned sigh, I nodded, and we resumed our path, Liam leading the way with his usual impatient stride. Suddenly, he froze mid-step, his brow furrowing. "Wait. You don¡¯t hear that?" We stopped immediately, straining our ears. A faint, almost imperceptible scraping noise echoed through the oppressive silence. "There are magical traces on the ground," Liam muttered as he crouched down to inspect them. "It¡¯s like something¡ªor someone¡ªpassed through here recently." Once again, I felt a twinge of frustration at myself for failing to notice it first. "I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t sense anything with my [Mana Perception]..." Seraphina gave my arm a reassuring squeeze, her smile gentle. "Don¡¯t apologize, Griffith. Everyone has different talents, and yours may not lie in magic. What matters is that we stay united and alert." Kenzo nodded silently, his gaze steady. "She¡¯s right. Your other skills will definitely come in handy when the time comes." Liam rolled his eyes dramatically. "Great, glad we¡¯re all one big happy family. Now, judging by these tracks, it looks like something big was here. Stay sharp." Straightening up with his sword at the ready, he led the way as we continued down the dimly lit corridors. It wasn¡¯t long before a greenish glow began filtering through the darkness, growing stronger with every step. A strange rustling sound reached our ears, setting us all on edge. "There!" Kenzo shouted, pointing at a massive shape emerging from the shadows. My eyes widened in horror as I made out the towering form of a gigantic eight-headed serpent. Its glistening fangs dripped with a venomous liquid, and an overwhelming aura of menace radiated from its scaled body. The creature¡¯s eight pairs of eyes glowed with malice as it fixed its gaze on us. "So, these are the little intruders who dare trespass in my domain," the serpent hissed, its voice slithering like venom. "You have no hope of surviving against me. My scales are impenetrable!"Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Liam let out a derisive laugh. "Oh yeah? We¡¯ll see about that, you oversized pile of scales!" With a shout, he charged forward, sword raised high. But before he could even close the distance, one of the serpent¡¯s heads lashed out with terrifying speed, slamming him against the wall with bone-rattling force. "Liam!" Seraphina cried, rushing to his side while Kenzo and I immediately took up defensive positions. [Skill Activated: Monster Analysis], I commanded through my interface. The information poured in, painting a grim picture of what we were up against.
[Name: Eight-Headed Serpent]
[Level: 70]
[Traits: High resistance to physical damage , Poison and corrosion abilities , Extremely fast and powerful attacks ]
HP: 1200/1200
MP: 600/800
???
Swallowing hard, I turned to my teammates. "It¡¯s a Level 70 Eight-Headed Serpent. Its scales are highly resistant to damage, and it has deadly poison and corrosive abilities. This is going to be tough." Seraphina¡¯s face paled slightly, while Kenzo¡¯s expression hardened with determination. "It doesn¡¯t matter. We don¡¯t have a choice. Stay on your toes, everyone!" Liam staggered to his feet, rage burning in his eyes. "Fine. This time, I¡¯m going to smash its ugly heads into the ground!" The serpent hissed ominously, its venom-coated fangs glinting in the greenish light. "You won¡¯t stand a chance. My poison will paralyze you, and my scales will crush your fragile bones." Kenzo inhaled deeply. "Alright, team, attack!" We sprang into action, each of us darting in a different direction to avoid the serpent¡¯s snapping jaws. [Skill Activated: Flaming Arrows] Channeling my energy, I fired a volley of blazing projectiles at one of the serpent¡¯s heads. The creature hissed in pain, but its scales absorbed most of the damage with ease. Liam, meanwhile, charged head-on, his sword slicing through the air with ferocious intent. However, every time he tried to land a blow, one of the serpent¡¯s heads intercepted his attack, swatting him away like an insect. Seraphina stood back, chanting an incantation as her hands glowed with a soothing light. I watched as she moved toward Liam, casting a healing spell to tend to his injuries. Kenzo darted nimbly between the serpent¡¯s massive coils, unleashing bursts of magic that momentarily forced the creature to recoil. Despite our best efforts, the serpent¡¯s relentless movements and impenetrable defense rendered our attacks almost useless. "This isn¡¯t working!" Liam shouted, his voice laced with frustration. "Nothing we¡¯re doing is getting through to this thing!" Seraphina frowned, her expression intense. "There has to be a weakness. Think! There¡¯s always a way to bring down a monster like this." I bit my lip, my mind racing. Physical and magical attacks were barely scratching it, but if we could pinpoint a specific weak spot... An idea suddenly clicked into place. "[Skill Activated: Weak Point Analysis]." My interface lit up with new data, and a faint smile tugged at my lips. "I¡¯ve got something!" I called out, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. "Its scales are nearly indestructible, but its heads are more vulnerable. If we focus our attacks there, we might be able to take it down!" Kenzo nodded, his eyes lighting up with hope. "Good plan! Everyone, aim for the heads!" Liam let out a savage grin. "Finally, some good news. I¡¯m gonna slice off every last one of those ugly heads!" The serpent hissed furiously, its reptilian eyes narrowing in challenge. "You¡¯ll regret this. My poison will stop you in your tracks, and my jaws will finish you!" Gripping my weapon tightly, I charged forward alongside my teammates, determined to defeat this monstrous foe. Our survival depended on it¡ªand I wasn¡¯t about to let us fail. ?Chapter 9 : Battle with the Eight-Headed Serpent (Part 2) As we charged toward the colossal Eight-Headed Serpent, a foul, suffocating stench suddenly filled the air. An overwhelming wave of nausea hit me, and I watched in horror as my teammates collapsed one by one, overcome by the toxic fumes. ¡°What... what is this?¡± I gasped, feeling my own strength slipping away. The serpent let out a guttural laugh, its reptilian eyes gleaming with malice. ¡°My soporific gases can break even the strongest of wills. Soon, you¡¯ll all drift into an eternal sleep.¡± I gritted my teeth, fighting the numbness spreading through my body. I couldn¡¯t afford to fall here- not when my friends needed me. Desperately scanning my interface, I found two skills that might help. Interface : [Poison Resistance ¨C Level 1: Activated] [Sleep Resistance ¨C Level 1: Activated] Relief flooded through me as the effects of the toxic gas slowly began to fade. I looked around at my unconscious teammates, then turned my gaze to the monster towering above us, its grotesque heads swaying mockingly. "How could you create something so vile?" I demanded, anger building in my chest. The serpent hissed with amusement. "I was designed this way by my creator. A demon forged me to be the perfect instrument of destruction." The word "demon" sent a surge of irritation¡ªand hatred¡ªthrough me. "You disgusting, stinking beast! I''ll crush you with my own hands!" My voice was sharp, tinged with a darkness I didn''t recognize. My will to defeat this creature burned hotter, transforming into a fiery, almost murderous resolve. I felt mana surging through my body, ready to erupt. "Oh?" the serpent hissed, a wicked grin curling its lips. "You must be one of those humans who despise demons. How delightful¡ªit will make your defeat even more satisfying." A low growl escaped my throat as I tightened my grip on my weapon. "Prepare to face my wrath, you filthy worm. I''ll destroy every last one of your wretched heads!" [Mana Amplification - Level 2: Activated] A torrent of energy coursed through me, amplifying my speed and reflexes beyond their limits. The world around me seemed to slow, as though I were moving in a dimension of my own. [Lightning Reflexes - Level 2: Passive Activated] My movements became fluid, precise¡ªalmost effortless. I dashed toward the serpent, evading its snapping jaws with ease. "What... what is this?" the creature hissed, its heads swiveling frantically to follow me. A dark smile spread across my face. "Let me show you the true meaning of terror, monster." [Flame Surge - Level 3: Activated] Concentrating my mana, I unleashed an intense wave of heat, the air itself crackling as the temperature surged past 10,000 degrees Celsius. The serpent''s scaled hide began to smoke and sizzle, twisting under the searing heat. The beast let out a deafening roar of agony, its heads writhing chaotically. "Impossible!" it shrieked. "My scales are supposed to be indestructible!" I didn''t give it the satisfaction of a response. My fury drove me forward, unrelenting. "You dared to attack us, to threaten us, and worse still-you serve the whims of a demon!" With a superhuman leap, I landed on one of the serpent''s heads, raising my gleaming blade. "Die, you vermin!"Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. In a swift motion, I severed one of its heads, the grotesque mass hitting the ground with a sickening thud. The serpent roared in pain, thrashing wildly in a futile attempt to dislodge me. "You filthy creature! I''ll burn you to ashes!" it bellowed, its fanged maw snapping dangerously close to me. But it was no match for my enhanced speed and agility. Leaping from one head to the next, I struck them down one by one. Each severed head tumbled to the ground, leaving the serpent screaming in agony. By the time I landed back on the ground, the serpent was reduced to a mutilated trunk, its lifeblood pooling around its massive body. Its eyes, once filled with malice, now reflected pure hatred¡ªand fear. "What... what are you?" it gasped, its voice reduced to a ragged whisper. Standing over the dying creature, I stared down at it with cold contempt. "I am your worst nightmare. An avenger sworn to eradicate every last trace of demons from this world." With one final swing of my blade, I severed the serpent''s final head. Its body convulsed violently before collapsing into stillness, its existence snuffed out. Panting heavily, I scanned the battlefield. My teammates still lay unconscious, victims of the serpent''s toxic fumes. I needed to help them¡ªfast. I hurried to their sides, examining them for any signs of life. Relief washed over me as I realized they were still breathing. But how could I wake them? An idea struck me. [Emergency Healing - Level 2: Activated] Channeling my mana, I allowed a soothing warmth to flow from my hands, enveloping my friends in a gentle, golden glow. Slowly, their tense features relaxed, and their eyes began to flutter open. "What... what happened?" Liam muttered groggily, sitting up and rubbing his head. "Feels like I got trampled by a herd of orcs..." "The serpent," Seraphina murmured, blinking as she regained her bearings. "It must''ve knocked us out with its gas..." Kenzo pushed himself upright, glancing around the battlefield. His eyes widened as they landed on me. "Griffith? What... what happened to you?" I looked down at myself, noticing for the first time my torn and bloodstained clothing. "I... I defeated it." "You what?" Liam exclaimed, staring at me in disbelief. "You mean to tell me you took down that monster by yourself?" I quickly explained how I had activated my mana amplification and resistance skills, which allowed me to withstand the serpent''s toxic gases and fight back. Their expressions shifted from shock to amazement. "Incredible," Seraphina whispered, her eyes shining with admiration. "You managed to defeat such a terrifying creature on your own?" Kenzo nodded, a newfound respect evident in his gaze. "I always knew you had potential, Griffith. But this... this was extraordinary." Liam snorted, his tone laced with mock sarcasm. "Alright, fine, you''re amazing. But don''t expect us to throw you a parade or anything." I raised an eyebrow at him, but Seraphina placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "Don''t mind him, Griffith. He''s just a little jealous." Kenzo chuckled. "What matters is that we''re all alive, thanks to you. Great job, Griffith." I felt my face heat up at their praise. "Thank you, everyone. But this isn''t over. The serpent revealed something... disturbing." Their smiles faded as I recounted the serpent''s words. "So that monster was created by a demon..." Liam muttered, his brows furrowed in thought. Seraphina shivered. "It''s terrifying to think about. If demons can create such abominations, what else might they be capable of?" Kenzo nodded grimly. "It means we need to be more cautious than ever. Who knows what other horrors are waiting for us in this dungeon?" I clenched my fists, a wave of hatred surging through me. "It doesn''t matter. No matter what they throw at us, I swear I''ll destroy every demon in our path. Even the Demon King himself, if it comes to that!" My companions stared at me, startled by the intensity of my words. "Griffith..." Seraphina began hesitantly. But I didn''t let her finish. "We don''t have time to waste. Let''s move forward and wipe out every trace of demonic influence in this dungeon!" Without waiting for their response, I marched into the dark corridors ahead, my resolve burning like a flame that could not be extinguished. Hesitant but determined, my friends followed close behind. They shared my goal, even if my newfound rage gave them pause. This fight wasn''t just about survival anymore. It was about vengeance - about ensuring that no demon, no matter how powerful, would ever threaten our world again. ?Chapter 10 : Troubling Revelations After defeating the fearsome Eight-Headed Serpent, a wave of exhilaration washed over me. My companions and I were safe, and I had managed to take down that monstrous creature on my own. Opening my interface, I discovered that the victory had earned me a significant amount of experience. [Experience Gained: 1800 XP] [Level 67 ¡ú Level 72] I couldn¡¯t help but smile, satisfied. My hard work had paid off, and I had just reached an important milestone in my growth. But as I was about to share the good news with my friends, I noticed something strange¡ªmy health, mana, and stamina had dropped drastically. Interface:
Name: Griffith
Age: 15
Level: 72
Race: Human
Strength: 152/152 ¡ø
Speed: 225/225 ¡ø
Defense: 151/151 ¡ø
Intelligence: 86/86 ¡ø
Health: 350/810 ¨‹
Mana: 100/390 ¨‹
Stamina: 200/435 ¨‹
"Strange¡­ My reserves have weakened considerably," I muttered, confused. Seraphina stepped closer, her eyes scanning my interface with concern. "You must have used an incredible amount of energy during that battle. Your body is probably exhausted and needs time to recover." Kenzo nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, we shouldn¡¯t linger here any longer. Let¡¯s move forward carefully." I agreed and prepared to press on when my interface suddenly lit up. [Notification] Incoming magical call¡­ Miss Elise (Guide) Frowning, I accepted the call. Immediately, Elise¡¯s panicked voice filled the air. "Griffith! My apologies, but there¡¯s been a major development in the dungeon!" she exclaimed. "This was never supposed to be so dangerous! It was meant to be a routine mission¡ªjust a basic test against a few goblins!" My brow furrowed as unease crept in. "What do you mean, Miss Elise? What happened?" "The mission was intended to evaluate your abilities," she explained frantically, "but the dungeon has been infiltrated by a demon! Even the lowest-class demon is far beyond what mages, warriors, or priests at your level can handle. You need to leave the dungeon immediately!" My blood ran cold at her words. So, this wasn¡¯t a simple test¡ªit was a full-blown demon incursion? That would explain the serpent¡¯s absurd strength and why I felt so drained. "We understand the situation, Miss Elise," I replied firmly. "We¡¯ll make our way out as quickly as we can." "Be extremely cautious, Griffith!" she urged. "Under no circumstances should you face a demon head-on. Run if you encounter one¡ªthat¡¯s an order!" I nodded gravely. "Understood. We¡¯ll do everything we can to make it out safely."This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Elise sighed, her voice trembling with relief. "Take care of yourselves, all of you. Call me if you need help." The connection ended, leaving me with a growing sense of dread. My companions were watching me intently, waiting for answers. "So? What¡¯s going on?" Liam asked, his brow furrowed. I relayed Elise¡¯s warning, watching their reactions as I revealed the truth. Their faces paled with every word. "A demon?" Seraphina whispered, fear flickering in her eyes. "How is that even possible?" Kenzo shook his head, his expression grim. "This is worse than we thought. If even the weakest demons are this dangerous¡­" Liam let out a dry, cynical laugh. "Well, that¡¯s just great. What now?" I looked at each of them in turn, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. "Elise made it clear¡ªwe need to get out of here immediately. Facing a demon directly isn¡¯t an option." Seraphina nodded, her relief evident. "Yes, that¡¯s the smartest thing to do. Let¡¯s stay alert and get out of here as quickly as possible." Kenzo gestured for us to follow. "Let¡¯s go. The sooner we leave, the better." Casting one last glance at the serpent¡¯s lifeless body, I hurried after my companions. As much as I wanted to track down and eliminate any demonic presence in the dungeon, I knew caution was the wiser choice. We moved quickly through the dark, twisting corridors, tension radiating through the group as we stayed on high alert. My thoughts churned, the revelation of a demon¡¯s presence filling me with both dread and fury. I silently vowed that if we did encounter this creature, I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to confront it, no matter the cost. My resolve to wipe out every trace of demonkind had only grown stronger, and I wouldn¡¯t back down from that goal. But for now, survival took priority. We needed to escape the dungeon before it was too late. As we ran, the oppressive silence was broken by a sudden crack. Seraphina tripped, and for a brief, embarrassing moment, her pink underwear was visible. My cheeks burned as the unexpected sight caught me off guard. "Ah! Don¡¯t look!" Seraphina cried, scrambling to her feet, her face flushed with mortification. I quickly averted my gaze, my heart racing. "S-Sorry! I didn¡¯t mean to!" We resumed our hurried escape, but before long, a figure appeared in the distance. It was a young man I vaguely recognized¡ªthe same one I had encountered near the Academy¡¯s restrooms a few days earlier. He had warned me not to cross his path. His Academy uniform was tattered, and his body was covered in injuries. A surge of resentment welled up in me¡ªthis unexpected encounter felt like the perfect chance to settle the score. "Well, well," I said with mock cheerfulness, "isn¡¯t this a surprise? What are you doing here, looking so¡­ pathetic?" I paused, pretending to search my memory. "What was your name again?" "Varon," he spat. "I was promoted to rank B-." "But you look seriously injured," I remarked, feigning concern. He glared at me, his expression sour. "Griffith¡­ Still sticking your nose where it doesn¡¯t belong." "Oh, don¡¯t mind me," I said, flashing a smug grin. "Feel free to tell us what happened. You seem to be in quite the predicament." Varon grimaced, clutching his side, but his pride wouldn¡¯t let him crumble completely. "My team was wiped out by a demon. We thought we could handle it, but it was far stronger than we expected." Raising an eyebrow, I feigned shock. "A demon, you say? How¡­ fascinating." "It was humanoid," Varon continued, his voice trembling slightly. "With sharp horns, jagged teeth, and a long, whip-like tail. Even our strongest warriors and mages couldn¡¯t stand against it." My friends and I exchanged uneasy glances. His description matched what Elise had warned us about. "Well, it seems we¡¯re in the same boat," I said grimly. "We also need to get out of here as soon as possible." Varon¡¯s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What are you suggesting, Griffith? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re inviting me to join you." I shrugged. "What do you say to a truce, just until we escape this dungeon? Our odds of survival are better together." My companions stared at me, stunned by the suggestion. Varon, meanwhile, seemed to weigh his options before letting out a reluctant sigh. "Fine, Griffith," he grumbled. "We¡¯ll call a truce¡ªfor now. But the moment we¡¯re safe, I¡¯ll go back to being your sworn rival." I smirked. "Deal, Varon. Now let¡¯s move. Time is of the essence." And so, Varon joined our group, his hostility temporarily set aside. Together, we pressed forward, the shadow of the demon¡¯s presence looming ever larger. ?Chapter 11 : The Demon鈥檚 Revelations We barely had time to resume our frantic run when a violent gust of dark mist slammed into us, sending us tumbling backward. Struggling to keep our footing against the sudden onslaught, we were met with an ominous sight as the mist began to clear. Standing before us was a creature of pure monstrosity. There was no mistaking it¡ªthis was the demon Elise had warned us about. He was tall and skeletal, with a humanoid frame encased in dark, sinister armor. His features were grotesque and inhuman: sharp horns jutted from his head, a prominent jaw full of jagged teeth gave him the look of a predator, and a long, whip-like tail curled menacingly behind him. But it was his glowing, malevolent eyes that sent a shiver down my spine. "Welcome, pathetic humans," he growled, his deep, cavernous voice vibrating through the air. "I am Xanatos, the Demon of Darkness. I was sent here by the Demon Lord himself to oversee this dungeon." We stared at him in stunned silence, too paralyzed by fear to speak. Only Liam, ever the reckless one, dared to act¡ªhe hurled a fireball directly at the demon. To our horror, the attack had no effect. The flames struck Xanatos¡¯s armor and were absorbed effortlessly, as if they had never existed. "What a pitiful attempt," Xanatos sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Your feeble mage tricks are worthless against me. My body is immune to such pathetic low-level magic." A wave of dread washed over me. How could we possibly hope to defeat something so overwhelmingly powerful? "What do you want from us?" I demanded, forcing my voice to sound stronger than I felt. "Why have you invaded this dungeon?" The demon¡¯s lips curled into a wicked grin. "The Demon Lord has grand plans for the Golden River kingdom," he said, his tone mocking. "This golden river holds powerful artifacts and priceless treasures that we desire." He paused, his glowing eyes scanning us with disdain. "As for you insignificant pests¡­ you¡¯re nothing more than insects in our way. But since you were foolish enough to venture into this dungeon, I¡¯ll take great pleasure in eradicating you." Xanatos lingered for a moment, clearly relishing the terror on our faces. "You mortals should know that we demons are not bound by the same limitations as you. We don¡¯t need to eat, sleep, or breathe. Our bodies are pure negative energy¡ªa gift from the Demon Lord himself." I clenched my fists, anger bubbling up inside me. "So you¡¯re nothing more than an abomination created by this so-called Demon Lord. You¡¯re nothing but livestock serving his whims!" The demon let out a deep, guttural laugh. "Insolent fool! The Demon Lord existed long before this miserable world was even conceived. He is a singularity, a being of absolute power who surpasses even the gods!" Xanatos leaned in closer, his rancid breath nearly suffocating us. "Soon, this kingdom and everything in it will belong to us. Your pitiful little realm will soon be nothing but a distant memory."The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. "Never!" Seraphina shouted, her voice trembling but resolute. "We¡¯ll fight to the very end to protect our home!" The demon laughed again, a cold, spine-chilling sound. "Oh, how precious. You na?ve little creatures actually think you can resist us. Your world is nothing more than the prologue to something far greater¡ªthe rise of the Demon Lord¡¯s dominion!" I couldn¡¯t contain my rage any longer. "You bastard!" I roared, stepping forward. "We won¡¯t stand by and let monsters like you destroy us! I swear on my life that I¡¯ll destroy you and your so-called Demon Lord!" Xanatos¡¯s laughter echoed through the chamber, dark and cruel. "Foolish mortal. Your arrogance will be your undoing. Prepare to taste the true power of darkness!" With those words, he raised a skeletal hand, and a violent surge of black magic blasted toward us. The force struck us like a tidal wave, knocking us off our feet. The sheer weight of the attack left us struggling to stand, utterly overwhelmed by the demon¡¯s relentless assault. Xanatos continued his grim revelations, his twisted grin dripping with contempt as he towered over us. "The inhabitants of this pitiful Golden River kingdom think themselves strong and brave," he sneered. "But know this¡ªyour kingdom is nothing more than the weakest of the four realms that make up this world." We stood frozen, paralyzed by fear, unable to muster any response in the face of his overwhelming power. "Yes, there are four kingdoms in total," he continued, his tone dripping with disdain. "But Golden River is by far the frailest, the least powerful of them all. Your so-called elite warriors and mages are nothing compared to the might of demons!" I clenched my fists, struggling to keep my anger in check despite his provocations. "Even if we are fewer or weaker, we won¡¯t go down without a fight!" Xanatos let out a guttural laugh. "Foolish little insect. You still dare to defy me? Let me show you the true power of darkness!" With those words, he raised a skeletal hand, and a sinister, black aura began to emanate from his body. The air around us grew heavy, thick with an oppressive malice. Kenzo and Liam, ever reckless, launched offensive spells at him in a desperate attempt to turn the tide. To our horror, their attacks were absorbed effortlessly by the dark aura surrounding him. Worse still, the same aura began to eat away at their bodies, as if a malevolent force were tearing them apart from the inside. "This can¡¯t be!" Kenzo gasped, his eyes wide with panic, just before he collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony. Liam¡¯s screams followed, his body visibly breaking down as if it were being consumed before our very eyes. Seraphina and I stood rooted to the spot, utterly horrified by what we were witnessing. "H-How¡­?" Seraphina stammered, tears streaming down her face as her voice trembled with despair. Xanatos smirked, his expression dripping with satisfaction. "Your pathetic magic is useless against the Aura of Darkness. Your fragile mortal bodies are being devoured by the abyss of my power." Panic clawed at my chest as I realized the full scope of his strength. Every effort we made seemed utterly meaningless against this demonic monstrosity. How could we possibly hope to stop him? "You are nothing more than pitiful insects," Xanatos sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "You can¡¯t even begin to grasp the true nature of power. Your world is nothing but a pale shadow of the Demon Lord¡¯s greatness!" Helplessly, we watched our friends succumb to his devastating power. Kenzo¡¯s voice, weak and raspy, broke the heavy silence one last time. "Griffith¡­ run¡­ save yourself¡­" he choked out before his body disintegrated into ash. Liam let out one final, heart-wrenching scream before meeting the same fate, his form reduced to nothingness. Seraphina and I stood frozen, paralyzed by fear and grief. We couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t speak. Xanatos¡¯s chilling laughter echoed in the air, a sinister sound that seemed to wrap around us like a suffocating shroud. "This is the fate of all who dare to oppose the Demon Lord," he declared, his voice cold and mocking. "Your pathetic kingdom will soon be nothing more than a distant memory. Prepare to suffer the same fate as your worthless comrades!" His words struck us like a hammer, our hope crumbling under the weight of his cruel power. There we stood, surrounded by despair, as the oppressive shadow of Xanatos bore down on us. ?Chapter 12 : The Arrival of Reinforcements Xanatos loomed over us, his malicious grin twisting into a mocking smirk. "So, pitiful insects, how would you prefer to die? Slowly and painfully, or shall I grant you a quick end to your misery?" His words sent a chill through my veins, but I refused to give in. Gritting my teeth, I channeled the last reserves of my mana, determined to make him pay for Kenzo and Liam¡¯s deaths. "I¡¯d rather die than bow to a monster like you!" I spat, gripping my glowing magical blade and charging straight at him. "Griffith, no!" Seraphina screamed, panic in her voice. But I was too focused to hear her. Pouring every ounce of strength into my weapon, I shouted, "[Magic Amplification: Blade x50 Sharpness]!" The sword erupted with devastating energy, its edge glinting with lethal brilliance. I pushed my body even further. "[Mana Amplification: Physical Speed x50]!" I roared, my movements becoming impossibly fast, my form nearly a blur as I closed the gap between us. With a single, powerful strike, I severed Xanatos¡¯s head in one clean motion, the blade slicing through him before he could react. Seraphina and Varon stared at me in stunned disbelief. "I-It can¡¯t be¡­" Seraphina whispered, her voice trembling. But to my shock, the demon¡¯s body didn¡¯t collapse. Instead, his severed head began to laugh¡ªa cold, haunting sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "Well done, you pitiful little worm," Xanatos sneered, his voice as sharp as the blade I had just used against him. "But let me give you a lesson: before you face an enemy, it¡¯s wise to understand their abilities first." I froze, my heart pounding, as I instinctively pulled up his interface to see what I was dealing with. The details left me stunned. [Interface] :
Name: Xanatos
Level: 102
Race: Demon
Rank: B+
HP: 2400/2600
MP: 1300/1500
Traits: [Regeneration, Duplication, Dark Energy, Corruption, Disintegration, Fear, Metamorphosis, Paralysis]
Resistances: [Physical Impact, Fire, Corruption, Paralysis, Mental Control, Perception, Cognitive]
My throat tightened as I read. My attack had barely scratched him. He wasn¡¯t just strong¡ªhe was nearly invulnerable, immune to most of my abilities. "As you can see," Xanatos said mockingly, his severed head reattaching itself to his shoulders, "your pathetic little blade can¡¯t harm me. I¡¯m far more than an ordinary demon. My regenerative and duplicative powers are unmatched!" Seraphina and Varon stared at me, their eyes wide with fear. Xanatos was right¡ªI didn¡¯t have the tools or knowledge to defeat him. My body was drained, and I had almost no mana left. One more spell could render me unconscious, and yet I couldn¡¯t give up. Kenzo and Liam had given their lives so we could escape. I couldn¡¯t let their sacrifice be in vain. Summoning the last remnants of my strength, I raised my blade once more. "I won¡¯t go down without a fight!" I shouted, charging toward him again. Xanatos¡¯s smirk widened. "Such admirable tenacity. But it won¡¯t be enough to save you, pitiful human." As I prepared to strike him with all my might, a violent burst of dark magic slammed into me, knocking me off my feet and sending me crashing to the ground. Pain exploded through my body as I struggled to move, my limbs trembling from the shock. I lay there, battered and broken, my consciousness slipping away. Glaring up at the triumphant demon towering over me, I managed to whisper, "This¡­ can¡¯t be¡­" before the darkness swallowed me whole.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The deafening sound of an explosion jolted me out of unconsciousness. Groaning, I slowly opened my eyes, my body still numb from the devastating attacks of Xanatos. To my surprise, the demonic creature was gone, leaving behind only Seraphina and Varon, who sat nearby, dazed and shaken. From the distance, I could hear the clamor of cavalry and the metallic clash of battle. It didn¡¯t take long for me to realize what was happening¡ªGolden River¡¯s army had arrived. The noise of combat echoed through the dungeon as soldiers in shining armor moved around us, securing the area. "What happened?" I asked, my voice raspy and weak. Seraphina turned to me, relief softening her features. "The demon fled as soon as he saw the sheer number of troops arriving," she explained. "When he saw you unconscious, he must have decided to retreat." I exhaled in relief, though the weight of Kenzo and Liam¡¯s deaths pressed heavily on my chest. Surviving had come at a steep cost, and the price was almost too much to bear. As the soldiers continued their work, an imposing man in his thirties approached us. His face was grave, and he wore the royal knight¡¯s uniform, proudly bearing Golden River¡¯s colors. "Are you injured?" he asked, his tone laced with concern. "We¡¯ll take you to the healers¡¯ camp so you can recover." I nodded, aware that my body desperately needed rest. "Yes¡­ Thank you. But¡­" My voice faltered, my throat tight as I forced out the words. "Our companions¡­" The knight¡¯s expression darkened, and he bowed his head solemnly. "We saw. We¡¯ll make sure they are honored properly." Seraphina and I exchanged a sorrowful glance. Kenzo and Liam had sacrificed themselves so that we could live. Their bravery and sacrifice would not be forgotten. Without another word, the soldiers carefully lifted us and carried us toward the healers¡¯ camp. My body felt heavy, my mana and stamina depleted, but I was alive¡ªand for that, I silently thanked the timely arrival of the reinforcements. When we reached the camp, we were laid on cots while skilled healing mages worked to mend our wounds and restore our strength. Warmth spread through my body as their magic seeped into me, soothing the pain and replenishing my energy. As I lay there, the battle with Xanatos played over and over in my mind. The demon¡¯s overwhelming power had been terrifying, and the bitter realization hit me hard: I wasn¡¯t strong enough. I had been arrogant, too confident in my abilities, and it had nearly cost us all our lives. If the reinforcements hadn¡¯t arrived in time, Seraphina, Varon, and I would have likely shared the same tragic fate as Kenzo and Liam. The thought sent chills down my spine. "Griffith?" Seraphina¡¯s soft voice broke through my dark thoughts. She rested a comforting hand on my arm. "How are you feeling?" I looked up at her and managed a faint smile. "Drained, but relieved to be alive," I admitted. "For a moment there, I thought¡­ I thought it was over." She nodded, her expression tinged with sadness. "Kenzo and Liam¡­" she whispered, her voice trembling. Reaching for her hand, I squeezed it gently, sharing her grief. "Their sacrifice won¡¯t be in vain," I said, my voice firm despite the ache in my chest. "We¡¯ll fight to honor their memory." She gave me a small, wavering smile, then turned her attention to the mage tending to me. Bit by bit, I felt my strength returning, the weariness lifting as my mana and vitality were gradually restored. Once the healers finished their work, I was able to stand, though I still felt slightly unsteady. One of the knights approached us, a look of relief crossing his face when he saw us on our feet. "Are your injuries healed?" he asked. "We need to get you out of this dungeon immediately. The demon may have fled, but there¡¯s no guarantee he won¡¯t return with reinforcements." I nodded, resolute. "Yes, I can follow you now. But¡­ what happened while I was unconscious?" The knight¡¯s expression darkened. "When we heard the explosion, we rushed to your location as fast as we could. By the time we arrived, the demon had you at his mercy. But as soon as he saw us, he chose to retreat." He paused, his eyes studying me with a mix of respect and concern. "You showed incredible bravery facing him alone. But that creature¡­ its power is devastating. We must get you out of this dungeon before it returns." I swallowed hard, the memory of Xanatos¡¯s overwhelming strength still fresh in my mind. "You¡¯re right. We need to leave immediately," I agreed. Then, my voice grew firmer. "But I refuse to leave without Kenzo and Liam¡¯s bodies." The knight nodded gravely. "Of course. We won¡¯t leave them behind. Their families deserve to honor their sacrifice." He gestured to his men, who carefully retrieved the remains of our fallen comrades. I watched them with a heavy heart, grief and determination warring within me. Xanatos was unlike anything I had ever faced before¡ªhis power was far beyond what I could have imagined. But I knew one thing for certain: I couldn¡¯t afford to fail again. For Kenzo and Liam¡¯s sake, and for the sake of the kingdom, I had to become stronger. Once their bodies were secured, the knight motioned for us to follow. "We need to get you to safety immediately. Stay close, and we¡¯ll guide you out of this dungeon." I nodded, my resolve hardening with each step. As we moved toward the exit, I silently vowed to never let another tragedy like this happen again. ?Chapter 13 : Return to the Academy Under the protection of Golden River¡¯s valiant knights, we finally emerged from the dark depths of the dungeon. As we stepped through its ominous gates, we were greeted by an emotional Elise, tears streaming down her face. "Griffith! Seraphina! Varon! You¡¯re alive!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around us in relief. Her joy quickly turned to dread as she scanned the group and noticed Kenzo and Liam¡¯s absence. Her expression fell, and she looked at us with trembling anxiety. "But¡­ where are the others? What happened?" she stammered. I lowered my gaze, unable to meet her eyes. "Kenzo and Liam¡­ they¡¯re gone," I said, my voice heavy with grief. "We faced a demon of overwhelming power. We barely made it out alive." Elise¡¯s face crumpled as she raised a hand to her mouth to stifle a sob. "No¡­ that¡¯s horrible¡­" she whispered, her voice breaking. Before anyone could say more, a stern and authoritative voice rang out behind her. "This is what happens when you entrust a mission to incompetent recruits." Elise turned, startled, as an older man approached us with a grim expression. "Doyen Eleazar¡­" she murmured, bowing her head. Eleazar, the dean of the academy, fixed us with a cold, disapproving stare. "I warned that this mission was far beyond your capabilities. And now, look at the outcome: lives lost for no reason." Anger boiled within me at his harsh words. Kenzo and Liam had given their lives to save us, and here he was dismissing their sacrifice so callously. "With all due respect...," I said, clenching my fists, "your men did their best against an enemy that defied all expectations. Kenzo and Liam died as heroes, giving us a chance to survive!" Eleazar¡¯s eyes narrowed, his expression unwavering. "Heroes, you say? They were nothing more than inexperienced recruits, sent to the slaughter. Their deaths are the result of your failure and incompetence." Seraphina and Varon exchanged outraged glances, as did the knights who had escorted us back. But Eleazar wasn¡¯t finished. "You were fortunate to survive, thanks to the timely intervention of our troops," he continued mercilessly. "But that doesn¡¯t change the fact that you were ill-prepared for this mission." I gritted my teeth, struggling to contain my anger. "Kenzo and Liam sacrificed everything to save us! They deserve your respect, not your scorn!" I snapped. Eleazar raised a hand to silence me. "Enough! Your failure has tarnished the reputation of the Golden River Academy. You are nothing more than novices, unfit to face such threats!" His icy gaze locked onto me. "And as for you, young man, you may be the most capable among them, but your arrogance and inexperience led you to failure. You still have much to learn." I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off with a sharp gesture. "That being said, your actions did reveal potential," he admitted begrudgingly. "The Council wishes to speak with you." I blinked, caught off guard by his words. Seraphina and Varon looked just as surprised. "Follow me, boy. The Council is waiting," Eleazar ordered, turning on his heel without sparing me another glance.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Hesitant, I glanced at my companions. They gave me encouraging nods, despite their own weariness. With a heavy sigh, I followed Eleazar, the weight of Kenzo and Liam¡¯s deaths still pressing down on me. As I walked through the academy¡¯s grand halls, I felt the stares of the other students bearing down on me. Their gazes were heavy with judgment, as though they held me personally responsible for the tragedy. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn¡¯t shake the guilt that clung to me. When we reached an imposing wooden door, Eleazar stopped and turned to face me. "The Council is waiting for you inside," he said curtly. "They wish to speak with you in private." I nodded, my stomach twisting with unease. What did the Council want from me? Did they know about my status as a Legendary Hero? Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the heavy doors and stepped into a vast chamber that resembled a throne room. Around a long, ornate table sat several men and women in regal attire, their gazes fixed on me with quiet intensity. "Step forward, young man," a deep voice commanded. Summoning every ounce of courage I had, I walked toward them, stopping just short of the table. "You¡¯re Griffith, correct?" asked a grizzled man with a gray beard. "We¡¯ve heard much about you." I swallowed hard, doing my best to appear composed. "Yes, that¡¯s me, honored members of the Council." A stern-looking woman seated nearby spoke next. "We¡¯ve been informed of your confrontation with the demon Xanatos in the dungeon. Your bravery and determination are commendable." I lowered my head, guilt twisting in my chest. "Unfortunately, two of my companions lost their lives," I said, my voice tight with emotion. A murmur spread through the room, and the bearded man nodded solemnly. "Yes, we were told. Their loss is a tragedy, but their sacrifice will not be in vain," he said gravely. His sharp gaze locked onto me. "However, Dean Eleazar has raised concerns about your capabilities. It seems you were overwhelmed by the sheer power of your opponent." I stiffened, struggling to suppress my frustration at the dean¡¯s criticisms. "With all due respect, Lords and Ladies of the Council, Kenzo and Liam fought valiantly. They died as heroes, ensuring the rest of us could escape." Another council member, a woman with flowing white hair, raised a hand to calm me. "We do not question their bravery, young man. But it seems your group was gravely underestimated in the face of such a threat," she said gently. Her piercing gaze softened slightly as she continued. "Tell us, Griffith¡ªwhat do you know about this demon? What are its abilities?" Grateful for the opportunity to share what I had learned, I quickly recounted the details of my encounter. "Xanatos is a demon of devastating power. His abilities include regeneration, duplication, and numerous dark magic skills," I explained. "Even my strongest attack only managed to wound him superficially." The Council exchanged worried glances. "This confirms our worst fears," the gray-bearded man muttered. "This demon is far stronger than we initially believed." The white-haired woman studied me intently. "And what have you learned from this confrontation, Griffith?" I took a deep breath before answering. "I¡¯ve realized that my arrogance and lack of experience led to our failure. Despite my best efforts, I wasn¡¯t strong enough to protect my companions from such an overwhelming enemy." My voice faltered, grief creeping in. "Kenzo and Liam died because of my shortcomings. I couldn¡¯t save them." The woman nodded slowly. "It¡¯s a hard lesson, but an important one. Facing threats like this requires far more than raw talent." She leaned forward, her expression both curious and thoughtful. "Tell me, Griffith¡ªwhat do you intend to do now?" I raised my head, the determination in my eyes clear. "I want to become stronger. I want to be able to protect the people I care about and honor Kenzo and Liam¡¯s memory." A murmur of approval rippled through the room, and Eleazar, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "That¡¯s an admirable goal, young man," he said, his tone measured. "Your potential is undeniable, and the Council has decided to entrust you with a new mission of great importance." My heart raced. A new mission? So soon after the devastating failure of the last one? Eleazar¡¯s piercing gaze bore into me as he continued. "Griffith, we need you to eliminate the threat posed by the demon Xanatos. Are you prepared to take on this challenge?" ?Chapter 14 : The Demonic Threat When Dean Eleazar informed me that the Council had a crucial new mission for me, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a wave of apprehension. After the crushing failure of our previous expedition against Xanatos, I wasn¡¯t convinced I was up to the task. And yet, there was a fire burning within me. I wanted¡ªno, needed¡ªto become stronger, more capable, so I could protect the people I cared about and honor the memory of Kenzo and Liam. Steeling myself, I straightened up, my gaze firm and unwavering, ready to face this new challenge. "Yes, honored Council members. I am ready," I declared with determination. Dean Eleazar gave a small approving nod, then raised his hand toward the center of the chamber. Suddenly, a shimmering light appeared, growing and expanding until it formed an enormous three-dimensional map. My eyes widened in awe as the virtual representation of the Golden River kingdom unfolded before me. "As you can see, our kingdom is just a small fragment of a much larger whole," Eleazar explained calmly. With a wave of his hand, the map expanded, revealing three additional landmasses of similar size floating in a dark void. "These four distinct realms make up our inner world. Each one holds its own version of reality, complete with unique inhabitants, history, and secrets," he continued. I swallowed hard, stunned by the revelation. Our kingdom was merely one piece of a much greater world? And there were three other realms, each with its own reality? "But¡­ why have we never been told about these other realms?" I asked, my confusion evident. Eleazar raised a hand in a gesture of reassurance. "This knowledge has always been kept secret to preserve the stability of our world. Only the highest-ranking leaders are privy to it." He pointed to one of the neighboring landmasses. "That one, for instance, is the realm of Silverwind. And the one further north is Stonehaven." My eyes widened further as the names he mentioned struck a chord. They matched the ones Xanatos had alluded to during our confrontation. "So¡­ Xanatos was telling the truth? There really are four distinct realms in this world?" I exclaimed, still struggling to process it all. Eleazar nodded gravely. "Yes, it¡¯s true. And each of these realms exists as its own unique reality, complete with its own people and history." His expression darkened. "Unfortunately, it seems Xanatos has become aware of the existence of these four realms. He now poses a threat to the entire fabric of our world." A chill ran down my spine. So this demon¡¯s ambitions were far greater than I had imagined. If he set his sights on the other realms, the entire world would be at risk. "What can we do to stop him?" I asked, my voice tight with unease. Eleazar¡¯s piercing gaze locked onto mine. "That is where you come in, young Griffith. The Council has decided to entrust you with a mission of utmost importance." With another wave of his hand, the map zoomed in on an eastern region of the Golden River kingdom. A cluster of ruins appeared on the display.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! "According to our intelligence, there is an artifact capable of destroying any demon. This artifact, known as the Demon Vein, is said to be hidden in an old, abandoned castle in this remote area," he explained. Leaning forward, I studied the map intently. "The Demon Vein? What kind of artifact is it?" "It¡¯s a relic of unimaginable power, forged by the ancients to counteract demonic threats," Eleazar said. "If we can obtain it, we may have a chance to defeat Xanatos once and for all." His gaze bore into mine. "This is your mission, Griffith. You must venture to that castle and retrieve the Demon Vein. It¡¯s our only hope of saving this world." A mixture of apprehension and determination churned within me. After my last encounter with Xanatos, I knew I was no match for him. But this time, I had no choice. "I understand, honored Council members. I will do my best to complete this mission," I affirmed, my heart pounding. Eleazar nodded. "Good. But be warned, young man. The castle is likely riddled with traps and demonic creatures. You¡¯ll need to exercise extreme caution." "I won¡¯t forget the lessons of my last confrontation," I replied with conviction. "I won¡¯t make the same mistakes again." A flicker of approval passed through Eleazar¡¯s eyes. "Very well. Then prepare yourself and leave as soon as possible. May the blessings of the gods be with you, Griffith." I bowed respectfully before turning to leave the Council chamber. As I made my way through the academy¡¯s halls, my thoughts churned with everything I¡¯d just learned. Our kingdom was just one small piece of a vast world, composed of four distinct realms. And Xanatos seemed intent on threatening the very fabric of this interconnected reality. The stakes were higher than I¡¯d ever imagined. If I failed to retrieve the Demon Vein, our entire world could be plunged into chaos. But beyond the mission, my mind kept returning to Kenzo and Liam. Their sacrifice couldn¡¯t be in vain. I had to become stronger, more capable, so I¡¯d never repeat the mistakes that led to their deaths. When I reached the academy courtyard, I found Seraphina and Varon waiting anxiously for me. "So, what did the Council say?" Seraphina asked, her voice laced with concern. I took a deep breath and explained everything I¡¯d learned. Their expressions shifted from shock to disbelief as I recounted the Council¡¯s words. "Four distinct realms? And an artifact that can defeat Xanatos?" Varon exclaimed, wide-eyed. "This is insane!" Seraphina shook her head, her worry evident. "And they¡¯ve sent you on another mission? Alone?" I nodded solemnly. "Yes. They want me to retrieve the Demon Vein from an abandoned castle in the eastern region of the kingdom." Varon frowned, his arms crossed. "This is madness! After what happened last time, you shouldn¡¯t be going alone!" I raised a hand to calm him. "I know, Varon. But the Council believes this is the best course of action. And I can¡¯t afford to fail again." Seraphina placed a comforting hand on my arm. "Griffith, we understand your desire to honor Kenzo and Liam¡¯s memory. But you can¡¯t throw your life away recklessly." I gave her a faint smile. "Don¡¯t worry. This time, I¡¯ll be ready. I won¡¯t make the same mistakes again." Varon eyed me skeptically. "And how do you plan to prepare, genius? Xanatos completely outmatched you last time!" I winced, knowing he was right. "I admit I wasn¡¯t strong enough before. But I¡¯ll train relentlessly. I have to become stronger, no matter what it takes." Seraphina nodded reluctantly, though her worried expression didn¡¯t fade. "Alright. But promise us you¡¯ll be careful, okay?" Placing my hand over hers, I smiled. "I promise." With those words, I bid them farewell and headed to the academy stables. There, I quickly saddled a horse, preparing to embark on my journey to the eastern castle. As I mounted the horse, I caught sight of Dean Eleazar watching me from the academy¡¯s entrance. His expression was as stern as ever, but there was a faint glimmer of approval in his eyes. Without a word, I turned my gaze eastward and spurred my horse forward. Determined, I rode toward the unknown, vowing to retrieve the Demon Vein and stop Xanatos once and for all. ?Chapter 15 : On the Road As I rode swiftly eastward across the Golden River kingdom, a flicker of doubt crept into my mind. Holding the reins firmly, I allowed my thoughts to wander for a moment. Had I truly prepared everything I needed for this long journey? After Dean Eleazar''s revelation about the existence of the four realms and the looming threat of Xanatos, I had rushed to set out without really pausing to think about the equipment or supplies I might need. I frowned, sifting through my memories. Sure, I had made sure to saddle a strong horse and check that my sword was sharp. But what about the rest? Did I have enough provisions? And money¡ªdid I have enough of that? A small sigh escaped me as I thought back to my virtual wallet. Since joining the Academy, the Council had ensured it remained stocked with gold coins to cover my needs. Curious, I opened my interface to check the exact balance. My eyes widened slightly at the sum displayed. [Virtual Wallet: 15,000 Gold Coins] A satisfied smile crossed my lips. With that much gold, I¡¯d have no trouble managing this long journey. After all, the road to the abandoned castle in the eastern part of the kingdom was far from an easy stroll. According to Dean Eleazar, the journey would take about a month on horseback, or three months on foot. I grimaced at the thought. A month of nonstop riding wasn¡¯t going to be easy, but I had no choice. Time was against me, and I needed to reach the castle as quickly as possible to recover the fabled Demon Vein. My gaze shifted toward the horizon as I scanned the landscape ahead. Though I had never left the borders of Golden River before, I knew this journey would be fraught with danger. I would have to traverse wild landscapes, shadowy forests, and perhaps even treacherous mountains. And who knew what creatures or threats I might encounter along the way? Eleazar had warned me clearly¡ªthis castle would likely be riddled with traps and crawling with demonic entities. I would need to stay vigilant every step of the way. A slight movement from my horse pulled me out of my thoughts. Refocusing on the path ahead, I noticed a small town appearing on the horizon. A wave of relief washed over me. Perhaps I could stop there to stock up on provisions and additional gear before continuing on my journey. Gripping the reins tightly, I urged my horse to pick up the pace. The sooner I reached that town, the better. There was no time to waste. A few minutes later, I entered what seemed to be the heart of the small settlement. At first glance, it was nothing remarkable¡ªa handful of modest houses, a tavern, and a farm on the edge of the road. But it would likely have everything I needed. I dismounted and tied my horse securely to a post in front of the tavern, then pushed open the door. The interior was relatively quiet, with only a few regulars seated at tables, sipping their drinks. The tavern keeper, a jovial-looking man with a round belly, glanced up at my entrance. A wide grin spread across his face as he sized me up. "Well, well! A traveler passing through our humble town!" he exclaimed in a booming voice. "What can I do for you, young man?" I approached the counter, trying to project confidence. "Good day, sir. I¡¯m looking for provisions and equipment for a long journey. Would you have what I need?" The tavern keeper nodded enthusiastically, his eyes twinkling. "Of course, of course! We¡¯ve got everything you need right here. Let me show you!" He disappeared behind the counter for a moment, then reappeared with a sturdy canvas bag, which he placed before me. "Here you go¡ªeverything you¡¯ll need for a journey lasting several weeks! Rations, water, blankets, all the essentials!" he declared proudly. I inspected the contents of the bag carefully, a satisfied smile forming as I realized it was exactly what I needed. "This is perfect. How much do I owe you?" I asked, reaching for my virtual wallet. The tavern keeper raised a placating hand. "Oh, not much, my boy! Let¡¯s say¡­ 50 gold coins?" I nodded and summoned the coins into my hand. The tavern keeper let out an impressed whistle at the sight of the shiny currency.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "Well, you¡¯ve got enough here to buy yourself a few nights of well-earned rest!" he said with a knowing wink. I chuckled softly. "Thank you, but I don¡¯t really have the luxury of staying long. I need to head east as quickly as possible." The tavern keeper¡¯s smile faltered slightly. "Ah, I see. Well, in that case, let me give you some advice for the road. This isn¡¯t a journey to take lightly, especially on your own." I nodded gravely. "I expected as much. This is a mission of great importance." He studied me for a moment, as if assessing my resolve, before nodding slowly. "Very well. In that case, listen carefully. The road east is long and full of dangers. You should make regular stops, if only to let your horse rest." He gestured toward the door behind him. "Just outside, there¡¯s a farm. The folks there can probably offer you a place to stay for the night and fresh provisions." I inclined my head in thanks. "Noted. I¡¯ll pay them a visit." The tavern keeper offered a small smile. "Take care out there, young man. And don¡¯t hesitate to stop back here if you need anything else!" "You have my thanks," I replied sincerely. With that, I left the tavern, my bag of provisions in hand. As the tavern keeper had mentioned, a small farm stood not far from the road, its wooden buildings nestled under the shade of trees. I made my way toward it, hopeful for a warm reception. A few days of rest would be welcome before venturing into the wild lands to the east. As I approached the farm, I saw a woman busy with chores around the property. She looked up as I neared, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of me. "Good day, ma¡¯am," I greeted politely. "I¡¯m sorry to bother you, but the tavern keeper said you might be able to offer me a place to stay for the night?" The woman smiled warmly. "Of course, young man! We¡¯d be happy to host you here. Come in, I¡¯ll show you where you can settle." Wiping her hands on her apron, she motioned for me to follow. As I entered the farmyard, I couldn¡¯t help but admire the peaceful surroundings. It was a stark contrast to the bustling chaos of the capital. "This is the barn¡ªyou¡¯ll find it plenty comfortable to rest in," she said, gesturing toward a wooden structure slightly set apart. I thanked her with a nod and headed inside. The faint scent of hay and wood greeted me as I pushed open the door, drawing a sigh of contentment from my lips. Setting down my bag of provisions, I settled onto the fresh hay, savoring the comforting silence of the place. Closing my eyes for a moment, I let my mind wander, replaying the events of the past few days. Who would have thought that what began as a simple reconnaissance mission would transform into such a monumental quest? Four interconnected realms, and a demon hungry for power, poised to destroy them all¡­ A chill ran through me. I wasn¡¯t ready to face such a threat again¡ªnot yet. But I had no choice. The fate of our entire world rested on my shoulders. I couldn¡¯t afford to fail. I had to recover the Demon Vein, no matter the cost. For Kenzo, for Liam, and for everyone I cared about. The sound of soft footsteps pulled me from my turbulent thoughts. Looking up, I saw the farm woman standing in the doorway, her expression kind. "You look troubled, young man," she said gently. "Is something weighing on your mind?" I hesitated for a moment, then sat up slightly. "Yes, ma¡¯am. I¡¯ve been tasked with a mission of great importance for our kingdom, and I¡¯m afraid I might not be up to the challenge." She stepped closer, resting a reassuring hand on my arm. "Is your mission truly so dangerous?" I nodded gravely. "Yes. I have to travel to an abandoned castle in the east to retrieve an artifact capable of stopping a terrible threat to our world." Her eyes widened in shock. "My poor child¡­ What a heavy burden you carry." I lowered my gaze, my throat tightening. "I know. And I nearly failed in my last encounter with this enemy. I can¡¯t afford to make the same mistakes again." The farm woman studied me for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "You know, young man, sometimes it¡¯s not physical strength that matters most¡ªit¡¯s determination and belief in oneself." I looked up, meeting her wise gaze. "What do you mean?" She smiled kindly. "Surely you realize you¡¯re not the first to face such a daunting challenge. And yet, those who succeeded did so not because of sheer power, but because of their unshakable conviction." Her grip on my arm tightened slightly. ¡°Believe in yourself, young man. Your friends believe in you, and so do I. You have the strength within you to see this through.¡± Her words were simple, but they carried a weight that resonated deeply. For a moment, I sat in silence, letting them sink in. Was she right? Was I so focused on my failures that I was overlooking my own potential? A faint smile tugged at my lips. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am. Your words bring me comfort and clarity.¡± She nodded, her expression warm. ¡°It¡¯s what you need most on a journey like yours¡ªclarity and faith in yourself. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow, you¡¯ll need your strength for the road ahead.¡± With that, she gave my arm a gentle pat and stepped out of the barn, leaving me alone with my thoughts. ?Chapter 16 : Resurgences of the Past When I woke the next morning, a deep sense of peace washed over me. The calm of the barn, with its faint smell of fresh hay and aged wood, had gifted me a restful sleep¡ªfree from nightmares, free from turmoil. Sitting up slowly, I stretched and let out a contented sigh. My reflections from the night before had done their job; I felt a newfound clarity, a calm determination to see my mission through to the end. I stood, dusted myself off, and made my way outside. It was time to thank the kind farmer one last time for her hospitality. As I stepped into the yard, I saw her tending to the animals near the enclosures, her hands deft and deliberate. She glanced up as I approached, a radiant smile breaking across her face. "Ah, there you are, my young friend! Did you sleep well?" "Yes, I did, thanks to your generosity," I replied warmly. "I can¡¯t thank you enough for all you¡¯ve done." She waved a hand dismissively, humility etched into her every gesture. "Oh, nonsense! There¡¯s no need for thanks. Hospitality is simply what we do. We farmers know how important it is to help those passing through." She stepped closer and rested a reassuring hand on my arm. "I mean it, though¡ªI truly hope you succeed in your quest. And don¡¯t forget what I told you last night." I nodded solemnly. "I won¡¯t forget. Your advice has done more for me than you know. It¡¯s helped me find my footing again." Her smile deepened, and her weathered face lit up with warmth. "Good! Now go on, young man. Be brave, and charge ahead! The world needs your courage." I nodded in gratitude, then made my way to where I had tied my horse the night before. The loyal animal was waiting patiently, letting out a cheerful whinny as I approached. Gently, I stroked its neck, checking to make sure it was ready for the long journey ahead. Then, climbing into the saddle, I cast one last look at the farm. "Goodbye, brave lady! May the gods bless you for your kindness!" I called out. She waved back, her face glowing with benevolence. "Good luck, my young friend! May the gods watch over you!" With that, I urged my horse forward, and we rode off into the untamed landscapes of the Golden River kingdom. As we traveled, my thoughts kept drifting back to the farmer¡¯s parting words. They had stirred something within me, reigniting a determination I had almost forgotten¡ªa belief in my own strength, buried beneath layers of doubt. After all, I wasn¡¯t just anyone. In a life long past, I had been known as Greyfus, the Supreme Mage, a formidable vanquisher of demons. And while that era seemed like a distant memory, I knew that power still lingered within me, dormant but alive.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. A shiver ran through me at the thought. Yes, I could feel it¡ªdeep in my veins, the strength remained, waiting for the right moment to resurface. With discipline and purpose, I could reclaim that mastery, wield it once more to defeat Xanatos and defend our world. Lost in these thoughts, I almost didn¡¯t notice the stone monument standing at the edge of the road. My horse slowed slightly, drawing my attention to it. Intrigued, I dismounted and walked closer to examine the sculpture. It was intricately carved, depicting a scene of a mighty mage standing against an army of demons. Despite the wear of time, the details were startlingly vivid, as if the scene itself had been frozen in stone. Something about it felt eerily familiar, tugging at the edges of my memory. Then, all at once, a wave of recollection swept over me, leaving me breathless. I saw myself standing on a ravaged battlefield, my mage¡¯s robes billowing around me. A monstrous horde of demons screamed and charged toward me, their twisted forms relentless. But with a single motion of my hand, I unleashed a surge of energy so fierce it obliterated everything in its path. The demons crumbled into ash, their cries silenced by the sheer force of my attack. All around me, the surviving soldiers rose to their feet, their faces etched with awe as they beheld the devastation I had wrought. I turned to them, a faint smile playing at my lips. "The threat has been vanquished, my friends. Go home now, and live in peace." Their cheers filled the air, a triumphant roar of gratitude. But I knew this victory was only the beginning. More battles lay ahead, more demons to defeat to keep our world safe. When the memory faded, I stood frozen in place, my breathing unsteady. My hands trembled slightly as I relived the echoes of that long-ago war. This monument¡ªit wasn¡¯t just art. It was a record, a witness to an event I had lived through centuries ago. Swallowing hard, I tried to gather my thoughts. For so long, I had underestimated the depth of my own power, the truth of who I really was. I wasn¡¯t just a student of the Academy. I wasn¡¯t merely an apprentice mage. I was Greyfus, the Supreme Mage¡ªa warrior who had once decimated legions of demons with a single gesture. And that strength, dormant though it was, was still mine to reclaim. A spark of determination flared in my chest. I had to awaken that power again. I had to master it. If I was to stand a chance against Xanatos, I would need every ounce of that ancient might, every scrap of the wisdom I¡¯d once wielded. Drawing a deep breath, I turned my gaze away from the monument and remounted my horse. There was no time to linger. But as we rode on, a fresh resolve burned within me. I was no longer the frightened student I had once been. I was becoming Greyfus again, and I would stop at nothing to protect this world from the forces of darkness. No matter the cost, I would recover the Demon¡¯s Vein. I would face Xanatos, and I would bring him down, just as I had defeated so many enemies before him. Gripping the reins tightly, I urged my horse into a faster pace. The abandoned castle was waiting, and with it, the next stage of my journey. This time, nothing would stand in my way. As I disappeared into the wild expanse, I couldn¡¯t help but glance back at the monument one last time. It had awoken something in me¡ªa piece of myself I thought I had lost to the sands of time. ?Chapter 17 : The Black Market As I continued my journey, something unexpected caught my eye. Down the path, through a break in the dense foliage, I could make out small tables set up under makeshift canvas shelters. Around these stalls, figures moved¡ªstrange, mysterious figures that seemed oddly out of place. Curious, I slowed my horse to a trot, watching the scene unfold with growing interest. It looked like an impromptu market, hidden in the heart of this remote wilderness. What could possibly draw so many people to such an isolated spot? After a moment of hesitation, I dismounted and led my horse cautiously toward the entrance of this peculiar marketplace. As I got closer, the shapes I had seen from afar became clearer. The vendors here sold everything¡ªweapons, jewelry, fine fabrics, and other rare goods. But what struck me most was the exotic look of these merchants. Their clothes were cut in unfamiliar patterns, adorned with strange motifs, and they moved with a fluid, almost feline grace. One man caught my attention, haggling animatedly with a potential buyer. Mustering some courage, I approached them, determined to learn more about this place. "Excuse me," I asked politely, "could you tell me what this place is?" The man turned, giving me a once-over with sharp, wary eyes. After a moment, a thin smile crept across his face. "Well, my young friend," he drawled, "you¡¯ve stumbled upon the Black Market. A place where you can find all sorts of rare and valuable items." He finished with a wink, revealing teeth stained yellow from years of use. I blinked, taken aback by his words. A Black Market? I¡¯d only ever heard about such places in rumors and old tales. Supposedly, they were where outlaws and smugglers traded in secret, far from the prying eyes of the authorities. Yet, here it was, right in front of me, in this desolate, untamed land. And from the looks of it, the rumors were true. ¡°A Black Market, you say?¡± I repeated, hoping for more information. ¡°What exactly can one buy here?¡± The man chuckled. ¡°Oh, just about anything, my boy! Weapons, rare jewels, magical artifacts... anything your heart desires.¡± His voice lowered conspiratorially. ¡°Of course, nothing here comes cheap. But trust me¡ªthese are treasures you won¡¯t find anywhere else.¡± I nodded slowly, absorbing what he¡¯d said. This place, as unsettling as it was, piqued my curiosity. If I could find something magical here, maybe it could help me in my quest. ¡°I see... Thank you for the information,¡± I replied politely. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± He gave me another knowing wink. ¡°No problem, lad. Come back if you need something... exclusive.¡± With that, he turned back to his buyer, resuming their heated negotiations. I stood there for a moment, contemplating what I¡¯d just learned. A Black Market... intriguing, to say the least. I wasn¡¯t exactly comfortable with the idea of getting involved in anything illegal, but I couldn¡¯t ignore the potential benefits. If there were magical items here, they might just give me an edge in my fight against Xanatos. Taking a deep breath, I resolved to explore the market. Who knew what treasures I might find? Tightening my grip on my horse¡¯s reins, I wandered deeper into the maze of stalls. Everywhere I looked, vendors showcased a dizzying array of goods¡ªfrom simple daggers to opulent jewels. Some merchants eyed me warily, while others called out eagerly, boasting about their wares.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Despite the slightly oppressive atmosphere, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of wonder. This place was like a gateway to a hidden world, where anything seemed possible¡ªfor the right price. As I strolled through the stalls, something caught my eye: the gleam of a sword resting on a merchant¡¯s table. Intrigued, I stepped closer for a better look. The blade was exquisite, finely crafted and razor-sharp. I picked it up, admiring its elegant curves and the craftsmanship evident in every detail. "Ah, you¡¯ve got a good eye, young man!" the merchant exclaimed, grinning broadly. "This sword was forged by the finest smiths in Valoria." I nodded, impressed. ¡°It¡¯s truly magnificent. How much are you asking for it?¡± The man stroked his beard thoughtfully. ¡°Hmm... for a piece like this? I¡¯d say one hundred gold coins.¡± My eyes widened in shock. A hundred gold coins? That was far beyond anything I could afford! Sensing my dismay, the merchant chuckled. ¡°Ah, the price has you worried, doesn¡¯t it? Well, that¡¯s what you pay for the best steel in the region!¡± He leaned in, lowering his voice. ¡°But perhaps... you¡¯re open to some negotiation?¡± I frowned, uneasy. ¡°Negotiation?¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± he said, rubbing his hands together. ¡°Here at the Black Market, everything¡¯s negotiable. Tell me what you have to offer, and maybe we can strike a deal.¡± I thought for a moment, considering my options. Aside from a few coins, I didn¡¯t have much of value on me. Then, an idea struck. Reaching to my belt, I pulled out a dagger I¡¯d taken from a recent battle. ¡°How about this?¡± I offered, holding it out. ¡°It¡¯s a solid blade, well-made. You might find it useful.¡± The merchant examined the dagger, turning it over in his hands. After a moment, he shook his head. ¡°Not bad, not bad at all. But it¡¯s not enough for the sword, I¡¯m afraid.¡± He handed the dagger back with a regretful sigh. ¡°I wish we could do business, but this sword is truly exceptional.¡± Disappointed, I prepared to put the dagger away when he stopped me. ¡°Wait a second,¡± he said, his eyes glinting with interest. ¡°Does this blade hold any special value for you?¡± I hesitated. ¡°Special value? Not really. I just picked it up after a fight.¡± The merchant nodded slowly, a sly smile forming. ¡°In that case... would you consider a trade?¡± ¡°A trade?¡± I asked, intrigued. ¡°What do you have in mind?¡± ¡°Well,¡± he began, ¡°since you can¡¯t afford the sword, perhaps you¡¯d be willing to exchange your dagger for another weapon.¡± I mulled it over. The dagger didn¡¯t mean much to me, and if trading it meant getting a better weapon, it might be worth it. ¡°Alright,¡± I said, nodding firmly. ¡°Let¡¯s make a deal. What do you have to offer?¡± The merchant grinned, clearly pleased. ¡°Perfect! Let me show you something special.¡± He rummaged under his table, eventually pulling out another sword. It was a beauty¡ªsleek, with a polished blade that gleamed in the light. ¡°This,¡± he announced proudly, ¡°is a masterpiece from Valoria. Razor-sharp, with a silver-inlaid hilt.¡± Awestruck, I took the sword, marveling at its balance and craftsmanship. ¡°It¡¯s... incredible! Are you really willing to trade it for my dagger?¡± He chuckled. ¡°Of course! Everything¡¯s negotiable here, remember? Consider it a welcome gift.¡± Smiling broadly, I handed over the dagger and accepted the new sword. A thrill ran through me as I tested its weight, imagining the battles ahead. With this weapon in hand, I felt ready for anything. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said sincerely. ¡°This sword is amazing.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± the merchant replied with a wave. ¡°We traders always look out for good customers. And something tells me you¡¯ll be back.¡± I nodded, understanding the implication. The Black Market, for all its risks, might become an essential part of my journey. If I had to bend the rules to defeat Xanatos, so be it. Gripping my new sword tightly, I mounted my horse and rode off, ready for whatever came next. ?Chapter 18 : Stealing from Thieves I had barely slipped my new treasure back into its sheath when, out of the corner of my eye, a suspicious movement caught my attention. I spun around, only to see a hooded man sprinting away at full speed¡ªwith my sword in his hands! For a moment, I stood frozen, stunned into inaction. ¡°Hey! Come back here! That¡¯s my sword, you thief!¡± I finally shouted, snapping out of my daze. But it was too late. The man darted into the crowd and disappeared before I could even process what had just happened. Swearing under my breath, I took off after him, determined to get my weapon back. Before I had taken more than a few steps, the vendor called out to me with an amused expression. ¡°Relax, young friend! No need to get so worked up,¡± he said with a sly grin. ¡°This sort of thing happens all the time here at the Black Market.¡± I stared at him, dumbfounded. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®happens all the time¡¯?! That man just stole my sword! You can¡¯t seriously be okay with this!¡± The vendor shrugged, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°Oh, calm down. It¡¯s just part of doing business around here. Honestly, you should consider yourself lucky¡ªit could¡¯ve been worse.¡± He leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice. ¡°See, this area is crawling with mercenaries. They have an unfortunate habit of targeting our customers¡­¡± His words sent a chill down my spine. Mercenaries? That didn¡¯t sound good. ¡°Mercenaries?¡± I repeated, feeling my stomach knot. ¡°Then how am I supposed to get my sword back?¡± The vendor chuckled softly. ¡°Well, my young friend, you don¡¯t have much of a choice. If you want it back, you¡¯ll need to steal it yourself.¡± He pointed lazily toward the forest in the distance. ¡°They¡¯ve probably holed up in the woods of Valoria. Their camp is about three hours from here.¡± Panic prickled at me. Three hours? What if they ambushed me along the way? Was it worth risking my life for a sword? But this wasn¡¯t just any sword¡ªit was an exceptional weapon, one that could prove invaluable on my quest. If I let it go, who knew what those mercenaries might do with it? Taking a deep breath, I straightened up, resolve hardening in my chest. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll get it back. But tell me¡ªdo you know of any way I can neutralize them without putting myself in too much danger?¡± The vendor raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by my determination. Then, a cunning smile crept across his face. ¡°Well, since you¡¯re asking so nicely¡­¡± He rummaged under his stall and pulled out a small vial of shimmering blue liquid. ¡°This might come in handy.¡± I took the vial cautiously, examining its contents. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°A powerful sedative,¡± he said with a conspiratorial wink. ¡°A single drop in their food or drink, and those mercenaries will be out cold. You¡¯ll have plenty of time to grab your sword and leave unnoticed.¡± I nodded slowly, impressed. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ very clever. How much is it going to cost me?¡± The vendor laughed quietly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that! Consider it a welcome gift from the Black Market.¡± He winked again. ¡°We value our reputation, you see. And we always appreciate loyal customers who know how to play by our rules.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. I blinked at him, surprised by his generosity. Maybe the Black Market wasn¡¯t all bad after all. Tucking the vial safely into my pocket, I thanked him warmly. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll do my best to recover my sword¡ªand prove my gratitude.¡± The vendor gave me a satisfied nod. ¡°I¡¯m sure you will. Good luck, young friend!¡± With that, I climbed onto my horse, gripping the reins tightly. Taking another deep breath, I spurred my mount forward, heading straight for the forest of Valoria. As I galloped across the countryside, nerves began to creep in. These mercenaries were surely experienced fighters, likely armed to the teeth. Could I really take them down with just a vial of sedative? But the sword¡ªit was worth the risk. Its craftsmanship was unmatched, and it could be the key to completing my quest. There was no way I was letting it slip through my fingers. Jaw set, I focused on the road ahead, determined to retrieve what was mine. No way was I letting those thieves keep my prize. After a grueling ride, I finally reached the outskirts of the Valoria forest. Following the vendor¡¯s directions, I entered the woods cautiously, alert for any signs of danger. The forest was eerily quiet, save for the occasional chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves under my horse¡¯s hooves. Slowing my pace, I scanned my surroundings with care. Then I heard it¡ªa faint crack of a twig nearby. Instantly, I froze, ears straining for any other sounds. That¡¯s when I saw them: two hooded figures crouching in the underbrush, weapons at the ready. They hadn¡¯t spotted me yet, but their tense posture made it clear they were watching for something¡ªor someone. Without hesitation, I activated my interface. [Mana Amplification!] A surge of energy coursed through me, sharpening my reflexes and slowing the world around me. My enemies¡¯ movements seemed sluggish, almost as if time itself had been stretched thin. Using the advantage, I leapt from my horse, drawing my blade in one fluid motion. I struck the first mercenary with the hilt of my sword, knocking him out cold. The second man barely had time to react before I disarmed him with a quick slash and drove a knee into his stomach, sending him sprawling. ¡°Where¡¯s my sword?¡± I demanded, pointing my blade at him. The mercenary stammered, clearly dazed by the assault. Frustrated, I grabbed him by the collar, forcing him to look at me. ¡°Answer me, or I swear you¡¯ll regret it!¡± Under pressure, he finally cracked. ¡°Th-The camp¡­ under the dead tree,¡± he gasped. A cruel smile tugged at my lips. ¡°Good. Stay put if you know what¡¯s good for you.¡± Leaving him on the ground, I mounted my horse again and headed toward the camp. The camp was a simple setup¡ªa single tent, a few scattered bags, and, just as promised, my sword leaning against a gnarled, lifeless tree. I dismounted and approached carefully, retrieving the blade with a sense of relief. It was undamaged, its polished surface gleaming even in the dim light. ¡°Finally,¡± I murmured, running my fingers along its edge. ¡°I missed you.¡± As I admired the weapon, something caught my eye¡ªan inscription etched into the blade. Squinting, I read it aloud: ¡°Sword of the Dark Lord¡­ Valoria.¡± Valoria? The name sent a shiver through me. This sword was more than just a weapon¡ªit was a relic. Curious, I used my interface to analyze its properties. [Weapon Equipped: Sword of the Dark Lord Valoria] [Effect Active: Absorbs Light] I stood there for a moment, letting the information sink in. A sword that absorbed light? This could be incredibly useful against the demons of Xanatos, who thrived in darkness. A grin spread across my face. Yes, this was worth every ounce of effort. With this blade, I was ready to face any challenge. Securing the sword in its sheath, I climbed back onto my horse and turned toward the road ahead. As I left the camp behind, I couldn¡¯t resist one final jab at the sleeping mercenaries. ¡°Thanks for keeping it safe, boys.¡± A rustling sound behind me made me pause, but when no threat appeared, I relaxed and rode on. This time, I was prepared for whatever came next. ?Chapter 19 : The Shadow of a King After leaving the mercenaries camp, I didn¡¯t waste time reaching the outskirts of Valoria. Pulling on the reins of my horse, I slowed down, taking in the breathtaking view before me. The city stretched majestically at my feet, its towering gray stone walls proudly overlooking the valley. Roofs of gleaming red tiles reflected the setting sun, giving the city a warm, welcoming glow. I couldn¡¯t help but whistle in admiration. This was nothing like the small villages I¡¯d passed through so far. Valoria had an entirely different scale¡ªa city that felt alive with purpose. Just as I was about to move forward, my interface activated suddenly, the hum of magical communication ringing in my mind. ¡°Griffith? This is Dean Eleazar. Can you hear me?¡± Startled by the unexpected call, I tensed. ¡°Yes, Eleazar. It¡¯s me. What¡¯s going on?¡± I replied, keeping my tone steady. ¡°I wanted to check on you,¡± his brusque voice came through. ¡°It¡¯s been two days since you left. Have you encountered any trouble on the road?¡± I nodded to myself, even though he couldn¡¯t see me. ¡°Nothing too serious, don¡¯t worry. Actually, I managed to pick up an extraordinary sword from the Black Market.¡± A flicker of excitement crept into my voice. ¡°It¡¯s a fascinating weapon with incredible properties. Let me explain...¡± I launched into an enthusiastic description of my new gear¡ªits ability to absorb light, its mysterious origin. Eleazar listened without interrupting. When I finished, there was a pause before he finally spoke, his tone thoughtful. ¡°I see¡­ That¡¯s quite intriguing. But tell me, where are you now?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just outside the city of Valoria,¡± I said with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful place. I can¡¯t wait to explore it in detail.¡± A low grunt reached me through the magical connection. ¡°Valoria, huh? Be careful, Griffith. That city has a bad reputation these days.¡± I frowned at the warning. ¡°What do you mean? What¡¯s wrong with Valoria?¡± ¡°The king who rules there isn¡¯t well-liked,¡± Eleazar sighed. ¡°He¡¯s a cruel, tyrannical man who oppresses his people without mercy. Keep your guard up.¡± A chill ran down my spine at his words. A tyrant king? That didn¡¯t bode well. But, in this world, rulers like him weren¡¯t exactly rare. ¡°I understand your warning, Eleazar,¡± I said calmly. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be cautious. I have no intention of stirring up trouble.¡± ¡°Good,¡± he said curtly. ¡°And remember your responsibilities, Griffith. The Academy doesn¡¯t wait.¡± I suppressed a sigh. Here we go again. That man just couldn¡¯t let me breathe. ¡°Of course, Dean Eleazar. I haven¡¯t forgotten my duties,¡± I reassured him with a wry smile. ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯d like to explore Valoria a bit.¡± ¡°Very well, very well,¡± he grumbled. ¡°Take care, Griffith. And let me know if you discover anything.¡± ¡°Understood. Have a good evening, Eleazar,¡± I concluded, cutting the connection. A short sigh escaped me as I deactivated the interface. Eleazar was relentless when it came to my obligations. Still, he had a point¡ªif this king was truly as oppressive as he claimed, I needed to tread carefully. Tightening my grip on the reins, I nudged my horse toward the gates of Valoria.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! As I approached, two armed guards stepped forward, blocking my path. ¡°Halt! State your business,¡± one of them barked. I stopped my horse and raised my hands peacefully. ¡°Good evening, gentlemen. My name is Griffith, a mage from the Academy of Golden river,¡± I said calmly. The second guard narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing my attire. ¡°A mage, huh? Let¡¯s see your identification card, then.¡± I nodded, reaching into my pocket to retrieve the card. Handing it over, I watched as he examined it carefully, his face impassive. After a few moments, he nodded in approval. ¡°All right, you may pass. Welcome to Valoria, Mage Griffith.¡± He gave me a polite smile and stepped aside, his colleague following suit. I let out a breath of relief as I entered the city. That had gone much smoother than I expected. Despite Eleazar¡¯s warning, the guards hadn¡¯t been much trouble. That was good news¡ªit meant I could slip into Valoria unnoticed. Looking around with curiosity, I couldn¡¯t help but be impressed by the lively energy of the streets. Merchants shouted their wares, people bustled back and forth, and the air was filled with chatter and laughter. Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the air, making me flinch. Whipping around, I spotted a man jeering loudly, his face twisted in mockery. ¡°Ha! Did you hear that? That fool of a king really thinks he can keep fooling us with his empty promises!¡± he shouted, drawing chuckles from a few passersby. Frowning, I edged closer, intrigued by the commotion. The man continued his antics, mocking the king¡¯s authority, until a royal guard, silent and stoic, stepped forward. Without a word, the soldier drew his sword and, in one swift motion, slit the man¡¯s throat. Gasps erupted from the crowd as the man collapsed in a choking heap, blood pooling on the cobblestones. I froze, horrified, unable to process the brutality of what I¡¯d just witnessed. When I finally regained my senses, I turned to a nearby bystander, my voice shaky. ¡°What just happened? Why was he killed like that?¡± The man looked at me, sorrow clouding his eyes. ¡°You must not be from around here, young man,¡± he sighed. ¡°In Valoria, criticizing the king is a crime punishable by death. That poor soul just paid the price.¡± Another chill ran through me. A death sentence for speaking out? What kind of despotic kingdom had I stumbled into? ¡°You¡¯re saying the king allows this kind of execution?¡± I stammered, stunned. The man nodded grimly. ¡°Yes. King Gaspar is a cruel tyrant. He¡¯s turned Valoria into a living hell for its people.¡± He glanced around nervously, lowering his voice. ¡°You¡¯d best be careful, young man. Even speaking ill of the king in private could cost you your life. The walls here have ears...¡± Swallowing hard, I nodded, my mind racing. Eleazar¡¯s warning hadn¡¯t been exaggerated. This city was suffocating under the iron grip of a despot, and defiance was met with merciless punishment. Looking around again, I noticed the fear etched into the faces of the townsfolk. They avoided eye contact, their expressions weary and resigned. For the first time, I felt deeply uneasy, as if the city¡¯s walls themselves were closing in on me. Was this really a safe place to stay? Just as I considered leaving, my eyes landed on a nearby sign that read ¡°Royal Inn.¡± A flicker of hope stirred within me. Perhaps I could find some peace there¡ªa place to rest and gather my thoughts. Taking a deep breath, I guided my horse toward the inn, determined to remain inconspicuous. For now, keeping a low profile was my best option. After handing my horse over to a stable hand, I stepped into the inn. Warmth and the smell of hearty stew enveloped me, easing some of my tension. At the counter, a cheerful older man greeted me. ¡°Evening, young man! What can I do for you?¡± ¡°Good evening,¡± I replied politely. ¡°I¡¯d like a room for the night, please.¡± ¡°Of course!¡± he said enthusiastically, rummaging behind the counter. ¡°Ah, here we go!¡± He handed me a heavy metal key. ¡°Room 7, upstairs.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, passing him some gold coins. After locking myself in my room, I slumped against the door, a wave of exhaustion washing over me. This city was more dangerous than I¡¯d anticipated. As I lay down, my thoughts raced. Tomorrow, I¡¯d have to navigate Valoria carefully. The king¡¯s shadow loomed large over this place, and I needed to avoid its wrath at all costs. Whatever lay ahead, one thing was certain¡ªmy stay here would be anything but peaceful. ?Chapter 20 : An Unexpected Tournament After a restless night at the inn, I woke to the first rays of sunlight streaming through the window. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I got up slowly, my muscles aching slightly from the previous day. Opening the door to my room, I shuffled toward the shared washroom, hoping to find some hot water to freshen up. After everything that happened yesterday, a relaxing bath felt long overdue. Fortunately, luck was on my side. I managed to find a basin with water still warm enough to soothe my tension. As I washed, I let my mind wander, contemplating my next steps in Valoria. Once I was clean and feeling more energized, I returned to my room to dress. Slipping into my mage attire brought back a sense of confidence, as though my robes provided an extra layer of protection against whatever lay ahead. Downstairs in the bustling main hall of the inn, I claimed a corner table and ordered a hearty breakfast. The inn was coming alive with the chatter of other travelers, mostly merchants and artisans judging by their clothes and demeanor. None of them seemed threatening, which was reassuring. As I ate, my thoughts drifted. Elder Eleazar had warned me about the dangers of this city, so staying here too long didn¡¯t seem wise. My goal was still to reach the eastern part of the kingdom as soon as possible. Yet, something about Valoria intrigued me¡ªthe king¡¯s oppressive rule, the brutal execution I witnessed yesterday. This city was shrouded in secrets begging to be uncovered. Perhaps, if I tread carefully, I could learn more about the situation here. Who knows? Maybe I could even help these people break free from their tyrant king. With renewed determination, I finished my meal and stepped out into the busy streets of Valoria. Wandering aimlessly, I took in the sights¡ªthe colorful shops, the stone buildings, the throng of citizens going about their lives. Suddenly, a commotion ahead caught my attention. A crowd had gathered around an impressive royal procession. At the center of the entourage stood a man dressed in regal splendor, a red cape flowing over his shoulders and a crown gleaming on his head. There was no doubt¡ªthis was King Gaspar himself. Holding my breath, I slipped into the crowd, careful not to draw attention. The king was preparing to make an announcement. ¡°People of Valoria!¡± he bellowed, his voice commanding and resonant. ¡°Hear me, for I bring important news!¡± The crowd fell silent, every eye fixed on the monarch. After a brief pause, he continued, his tone solemn: ¡°Tomorrow, within the walls of my palace, a grand tournament will take place! Men and women from across the kingdom, regardless of their station, are invited to compete!¡± Whispers of surprise rippled through the crowd, and I frowned, intrigued. A tournament organized by the king? That was unexpected. ¡°This tournament will test your skills in combat, strategy, and endurance!¡± Gaspar declared dramatically. ¡°The victor shall claim a prize of unimaginable value¡ªa treasure worthy of a champion!¡± He paused again, his piercing gaze sweeping over the crowd. ¡°So, what are you waiting for? Come to the palace courtyard tomorrow to register!¡± With that, he turned, his retinue falling into step behind him as they moved away. The crowd erupted into excited murmurs, speculating about the upcoming event.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. As for me, I remained rooted in place, deep in thought. Why would a king notorious for oppressing his people suddenly host a tournament? Was this an olive branch or a trap? Before I could ponder further, a soldier in armor approached me, his expression sharp with suspicion. ¡°You there! Did you hear the king¡¯s announcement?¡± he barked. I stiffened slightly, forcing myself to remain calm. ¡°Yes, I heard it. And I can¡¯t help but wonder what¡¯s motivating His Majesty to organize such an event.¡± The soldier let out a derisive chuckle. ¡°Hah! The king¡¯s likely trying to curry favor with the people. But don¡¯t be fooled¡ªthere¡¯s always something shady behind his schemes.¡± He leaned closer, narrowing his eyes. ¡°So, are you planning to participate?¡± I hesitated for a moment, unsure how much I should reveal. Trusting the king¡¯s guards felt unwise, but entering the tournament could offer a way into the palace¡ªand a chance to learn more about this tyrant. Taking a deep breath, I nodded slowly. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m considering it,¡± I said firmly. The soldier¡¯s eyes flashed with suspicion, but he only nodded in return. ¡°Fine. Do as you will, mage. But remember, the king is always watching. One misstep, and¡­¡± He made a slicing gesture across his throat before walking away, his heavy boots echoing on the cobblestones. A shiver ran down my spine. That wasn¡¯t exactly reassuring. I¡¯d have to be extra careful if I wanted to compete in this tournament. Still, my curiosity outweighed my fear. If this was a chance to uncover King Gaspar¡¯s secrets, I couldn¡¯t let it pass. As I considered my next steps, a group of mercenaries caught my eye. They were speaking heatedly with one of the royal guards near the platform where the king had stood. ¡°¡­stolen, you say?¡± the guard growled, irritation evident in his tone. One of the mercenaries, a grizzled man with a weathered face, nodded gravely. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. The Sword of the Dark Lord of Valoria was taken from our reserves last night.¡± A jolt of panic shot through me. The Sword of the Dark Lord of Valoria? Could they mean the weapon I¡¯d acquired at the Black Market? ¡°Impossible!¡± the guard exclaimed, visibly shocked. ¡°That sword belongs to King Gaspar himself! Who would dare steal it?¡± The mercenary spread his hands helplessly. ¡°We don¡¯t know. But the king must be informed immediately. This is an insult that cannot go unanswered!¡± The guard nodded grimly. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll relay the message to His Majesty. Rest assured, he¡¯ll deal with this swiftly.¡± As he strode away, the mercenaries exchanged worried glances. Meanwhile, my mind was racing. So the sword I had was a royal relic, and King Gaspar wanted it back. If anyone discovered I had it, I¡¯d be in serious trouble. Taking a steadying breath, I forced myself to think clearly. My best chance was to act quickly and discreetly. Perhaps entering the tournament could provide an opportunity to slip into the palace and return the sword without drawing suspicion. Resolving to see this plan through, I secured the sword carefully in my bag, making sure it was completely hidden. There was no way I could let it fall into the wrong hands. As I crossed the square, a strange sensation washed over me¡ªa prickling at the edge of my senses. Frowning, I instinctively reached for the sword at my side. It felt as though¡­ something dark and menacing was nearby. Scanning my surroundings, my eyes landed on King Gaspar, still surrounded by his entourage. And then I felt it clearly¡ªan aura of sulfur and corruption radiating from him. My breath caught. No. This couldn¡¯t be¡­ Could it? The king¡¯s aura was unmistakably demonic. Gripping my sword tightly, I clenched my jaw. This explained so much¡ªhis cruelty, his iron grip on the city. If he was possessed by a demon, then his tyranny was just a symptom of something far more sinister. In that moment, my decision solidified. I had to enter the tournament, infiltrate the palace, and stop King Gaspar¡ªwhatever the cost. Raising my head high, I walked toward the registration platform with purpose. This was no longer just about curiosity. This was about protecting the kingdom from the clutches of a demon. ?Chapter 21 : The Mage鈥檚 Deception Without wasting any time, I strode purposefully toward the platform where one of King Gaspar¡¯s soldiers was handling tournament registrations. When I reached him, I cleared my throat politely to get his attention. ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯d like to sign up for your tournament,¡± I announced, keeping my tone confident. The guard looked up, scanning me with a wary expression. ¡°Oh, really? And who might you be, to just waltz in like that?¡± I straightened my shoulders and met his gaze with steady resolve. ¡°My name is Griffith. I¡¯m a mage from the Academy of golden river, and I want to participate in your tournament.¡± A flicker of surprise crossed the soldier¡¯s face. For a moment, he looked caught off guard. Then, just as quickly, his expression hardened. ¡°A mage, huh? Interesting¡­¡± he muttered, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll register you. But don¡¯t forget what I told you earlier¡ªone wrong move, and¡­¡± He traced a finger across his throat in a sharp, cutting motion, his glare dripping with menace. I gave him a calm nod, doing my best to hide my irritation. Intimidation tactics weren¡¯t going to work on me. Once my registration was confirmed, I stepped away from the platform and started scanning my surroundings. That¡¯s when I spotted King Gaspar himself, standing a bit away from the crowd, deep in conversation with one of his mercenaries. Making sure to stay out of their sight, I edged closer, straining to catch what they were saying. ¡°What?! You couldn¡¯t recover my sword?¡± Gaspar¡¯s voice rang out, sharp with fury. The mercenary gave a helpless shrug. ¡°We¡¯re sorry, Your Majesty. But the artifact was stolen from our reserves. We don¡¯t know who¡¯s behind it.¡± Gaspar¡¯s hands clenched into fists, his face contorting in a mix of rage and frustration. ¡°Useless fools! That sword is a family heirloom, passed down for generations! I won¡¯t allow it to be tainted by unworthy hands!¡± He growled, his glare drilling into the mercenary. ¡°Find that sword immediately! Whoever dares keep it will pay with their life!¡± The mercenary nodded quickly, then scurried off, clearly rattled by the king¡¯s wrath. As for me, I stood frozen, my throat tightening. So, Gaspar knew his sword was missing. And he seemed more than ready to kill for its return. This left me with no choice: I had to act fast and stay under the radar. If they discovered I had the artifact, I¡¯d be as good as dead. Reluctantly, I tore my gaze away, taking advantage of the fact that the king was now surrounded by his entourage. It was time to slip away and figure out my next move. I wandered aimlessly through the streets of Valoria, my mind racing. I needed a quiet place to think. Eventually, my eyes landed on a small, bustling square. Several men were gathered around tables, engrossed in what appeared to be a game of chess.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. A faint smile crept onto my lips. Maybe this could help me unwind. I¡¯d always had a soft spot for strategy games, and chess was a particular favorite of mine. Cautiously, I took a seat at an empty table, watching the players closely as they battled it out. After a few moments, I raised my hand to catch the attention of one of them. ¡°Excuse me, mind if I join?¡± I asked. The man, a broad-shouldered fellow, looked up and studied me with curiosity. ¡°Well, well, a new face? Sure, you¡¯re welcome to join. Just so you know, we play for money. That a problem?¡± I shook my head calmly, settling into the seat across from him. ¡°Not at all. How much are we betting?¡± ¡°Usually, it¡¯s 100 gold pieces per game,¡± he replied, smirking. ¡°But if you¡¯re feeling particularly confident, we can raise the stakes.¡± I paused for a moment, weighing my options. 100 gold wasn¡¯t exactly a small amount, but I trusted my skills. Besides, after this morning¡¯s events, I could use a distraction. I locked eyes with my opponent, a confident smile forming. ¡°Let¡¯s make it 14,000 gold.¡± A wave of murmurs rippled through the onlookers. My opponent raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. ¡°14,000 gold, huh? You¡¯ve got guts, I¡¯ll give you that. Fine, I accept.¡± He moved one of his pawns, signaling the start of the game. I leaned in, carefully analyzing the board and plotting my moves. The minutes ticked by, each turn punctuated by the sharp clack of a piece hitting the board. Around us, the tension among the spectators was palpable, their eyes glued to the high-stakes match. Then, in just ten moves, I made my final play, toppling his king. I leaned back with a satisfied smile. ¡°Checkmate. I win.¡± A stunned silence settled over the crowd. My opponent stared at the board, his mouth agape. ¡°What?! That¡¯s impossible! Nobody beats me that fast!¡± I shrugged, beginning to gather my winnings. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve met your match. Chess isn¡¯t just about luck, you know.¡± The man¡¯s hands balled into fists, his face red with anger. ¡°You cheat! There¡¯s no way you didn¡¯t cheat!¡± I sighed, rolling my eyes. ¡°Oh, come on. Don¡¯t be a sore loser. I simply outplayed you.¡± But he wasn¡¯t having it. He shot to his feet, towering over me with a threatening glare. ¡°You¡¯re going to give me back that money, or I¡¯ll make you choke on it!¡± His friends stood too, closing in around me. I let out a slow breath, shaking my head. ¡°Alright then, if that¡¯s how you want to play¡­¡± I murmured, raising one hand. Interface: [Skill Activated¡ªWind Blade, Level 2.] A fierce gust of wind exploded outward, sending the men flying back. They crashed to the ground, groaning in pain. While they scrambled to recover, I stood up, adjusting my cloak with deliberate calm. Then, with an amused smirk, I stepped forward, addressing the crowd. ¡°Gentlemen, no need to take this loss so personally,¡± I said, my tone dripping with mockery. ¡°Next time, maybe think twice before challenging someone like me.¡± The men struggled to their feet, their eyes burning with fury. But none of them dared to come closer, clearly shaken by my magical display. Satisfied, I walked away with a relaxed stride, threading my way through the crowd. I needed to clear my head, and I definitely didn¡¯t want to stick around with these goons. As I counted my winnings, my thoughts drifted back to what lay ahead. King Gaspar¡¯s tournament was fast approaching, and I had to be ready. but to face a king possessed by a demon. A chill ran down my spine at the thought. Battling a demonic entity was no small task. But I had no choice. It was my duty as a mage to cleanse these lands, no matter the cost. Clutching my sack of gold tightly, I quickened my pace. I needed a quiet place to think, and fast. ?Chapter 22 : Preparations As I strolled away from the square, a soft beep suddenly echoed in my ear. Curious, I instinctively raised a hand to check¡ªmy interface had just sent me a new notification. ¡°Well, what now?¡± I muttered, activating the message. Interface: [Daily Objectives] ? Find two rare plants. ? Enter a mental math tournament. I couldn¡¯t help but let out an exasperated sigh as I read the instructions. A mental math tournament? Seriously? That seemed downright ridiculous. But I didn¡¯t have much of a choice. These tasks were clearly part of my quest, and completing them was the only way to make progress. With another sigh, I turned my attention back to the interface. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s figure out how I¡¯m supposed to find these rare plants first,¡± I murmured. A new window popped up, explaining the different features of my scanner. Skimming through the instructions, I quickly noted that it would not only help me locate plants but also analyze their properties. ¡°Good. In that case, let¡¯s get started,¡± I decided. Activating my scanner, I carefully surveyed the area, my eyes sweeping the streets and buildings for any sign of the elusive plants. It didn¡¯t take long. Within seconds, I spotted the first target just a few meters away. I walked over quickly, crouching down to inspect it more closely. The plant had delicate, pearl-white flowers and gave off a subtle, intoxicating fragrance. Once the scan was complete, my interface displayed its properties. ¡°Interesting¡­ These Lunaris flowers have healing and regenerative qualities. Could come in handy,¡± I remarked, carefully collecting them. Continuing my search, I soon came across another specimen: luminescent mushrooms with glowing caps. A quick scan revealed their identity¡ªNoctis Mushrooms, notorious for their hallucinogenic effects. ¡°Yeah, probably not the kind of help I need,¡± I muttered, grimacing as I pushed them aside. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on plants with more practical uses.¡± After a bit more exploring, I managed to locate two additional rare finds: Solaris Berries, packed with antioxidants, and Zenith Vines, known for their potent regenerative properties. Feeling satisfied with my haul, I added them to my inventory and reviewed their detailed stats. ¡°That should do it,¡± I concluded, storing my discoveries carefully. ¡°Now, time to deal with this so-called mental math tournament...¡± Closing the interface, I resumed my walk, making my way through Valoria¡¯s bustling streets in search of the event location. It didn¡¯t take long to find. A noisy crowd gathered in a lively square, pointing me in the right direction. As I approached, I confirmed it was indeed a tournament. Men were seated at tables, locked in battles of arithmetic prowess. ¡°Well, this looks¡­ promising,¡± I muttered skeptically, watching the scene unfold. The participants¡ªmostly rough-looking men with colorful vocabularies¡ªwere shouting at each other, throwing down challenges and placing increasingly absurd bets. ¡°You absolute oaf! You can¡¯t even solve a simple first-degree equation!¡± one man bellowed, slamming his fist on the table. ¡°Shut your mouth, idiot! I¡¯ll make you eat those numbers!¡± the other snapped back, fists clenched and ready to brawl. I couldn¡¯t suppress a grimace of disgust at the chaotic display. Clearly, this wasn¡¯t my kind of environment. But a challenge was a challenge, and I had to see it through. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, approaching one of the tournament organizers¡ªa burly, bald man who was keeping a close eye on the proceedings.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯d like to sign up for the mental math competition,¡± I said confidently. The man turned to face me, his expression immediately hostile. ¡°Oh, really? You think you¡¯ve got the guts for this, kid?¡± he sneered, his yellowed teeth on full display. ¡°This ain¡¯t for little boys!¡± Around us, the other participants erupted in laughter, throwing me mocking glances. I ignored them, keeping my composure. ¡°I assure you, I¡¯m more than capable of beating your best,¡± I replied coolly. ¡°Now, are you going to sign me up or not?¡± The organizer squinted at me, clearly unconvinced. But after a moment¡¯s hesitation, he gave a begrudging nod. ¡°Fine, kid. But you¡¯d better back it up, or you¡¯ll regret it,¡± he growled, scribbling my name onto the roster. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± I said with a confident smile. With my registration complete, I stepped aside, casually observing the ongoing matches. The challenges mostly involved solving increasingly complex equations within a tight time limit. I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the mediocre level of the participants. Most of them were struggling with the simplest calculations, stumbling over their answers as the crowd jeered. ¡°This is almost painful to watch,¡± I muttered. ¡°With my interface, I could solve these blindfolded.¡± Honestly, this tournament was shaping up to be more of a formality than a real challenge. I couldn¡¯t see what my interface thought was ¡°difficult¡± about this. Finally, my turn came. I calmly took my seat at the designated table, facing off against an opponent with a particularly intimidating scowl. ¡°Ready to get crushed, kid?¡± he taunted, flashing a menacing grin. I just smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s see about that.¡± The organizer stepped forward, holding up a sheet filled with equations. ¡°Alright, you two! First challenge: solve this quadratic equation in 30 seconds. Ready? Go!¡± As soon as the timer started, I dove into the problem. My hands moved swiftly, working through the calculations with practiced efficiency. Ten seconds later, I set down my pencil and leaned back, giving my opponent a confident look. ¡°All done,¡± I said simply. The man stared at me in disbelief, his jaw practically hitting the floor. His eyes darted back to his own sheet, scanning it frantically before he slammed it down in frustration. ¡°Cheater! There¡¯s no way you did that legit!¡± he shouted, leaping to his feet. The crowd erupted in shocked murmurs, everyone clearly stunned by my performance. The organizer approached cautiously, eyeing me with suspicion. ¡°You serious, kid? You solved that in ten seconds?¡± he asked, skeptical. I nodded calmly. ¡°That¡¯s right. I told you¡ªI¡¯m more than qualified.¡± A wave of disbelief rippled through the onlookers, some of whom glared at me with open hostility. But I couldn¡¯t care less. I knew my skills were light-years ahead of these brutes. After a moment of hesitation, the organizer let out a grudging grunt and raised his hand. ¡°Alright then. The kid wins. Congratulations¡ªyou¡¯ve earned the prize of 5,000 gold pieces.¡± He handed me a heavy pouch of coins, which I quickly stashed in my inventory, smiling in satisfaction. ¡°Thanks. It¡¯s been a pleasure beating you,¡± I said, throwing a smug glance at my still-fuming opponent. He clenched his fists, shooting daggers at me with his eyes. But with the crowd watching, he didn¡¯t dare make a move. Taking advantage of the awkward pause, I slipped away, eager to leave behind the noisy, rowdy square. I was ready to enjoy the peace and quiet of the inn. Once I was safely out of sight, I allowed myself a relieved sigh, glancing over my winnings. ¡°Not bad for a day¡¯s work,¡± I mused, closing my inventory. ¡°Now all that¡¯s left is to prepare for tomorrow¡¯s tournament. I¡¯ll need all my strength to face that demon-possessed king.¡± I quickly checked my mana levels and smiled, satisfied to see they were still high. The plants I¡¯d gathered earlier had fully replenished my reserves. ¡°Perfect. In that case, it¡¯s time to rest,¡± I decided, picking up my pace toward the inn. Back in my room, I collapsed onto the bed with a contented sigh. My muscles ached, begging for a break, and I was more than willing to oblige. Tomorrow would be a turning point. I had to free him from the demon¡¯s grip. Failure wasn¡¯t an option. Taking a deep breath, I focused on steadying my mind, letting the tension and fatigue melt away. Before long, I drifted into a restful sleep, my thoughts fading into quiet darkness. Because tomorrow, the real battle would begin. And no matter the cost, I couldn¡¯t afford to lose. ?Chapter 23 : The Obstacle Race The morning sun gently filled my room, its warmth softly brushing my face. Slowly opening my eyes, I stretched with a satisfied groan, savoring the soothing feeling of a full night¡¯s rest. After yesterday¡¯s eventful day, this sleep had done wonders for me. I felt ready to tackle whatever challenges awaited me today. Pushing aside the covers, I got up with determination and began gathering my belongings. The tournament hosted by King Gaspar was about to begin, and I couldn¡¯t afford to delay. Once dressed and prepared, I left the inn and hurried to the stables, where my faithful steed was waiting. My horse neighed happily as I approached, clearly eager to hit the road again. ¡°All right, my friend, time to go,¡± I said, stroking his neck affectionately. After ensuring that all my gear was securely in place, I mounted my horse and set off, riding through the streets of Valoria toward the royal palace. On the way, I noticed many others heading in the same direction, most of them on horseback and armed. Clearly, these were the other participants in the tournament. A confident smile spread across my face. Perfect. This would give me a chance to size up the competition. While I had little doubt about the outcome, it never hurt to know who you were up against. As I reached the palace¡¯s outskirts, I was led with the other participants to the entrance of the royal arena, where a man in ceremonial attire awaited us. ¡°Welcome, noble champions, to King Gaspar¡¯s grand tournament!¡± he announced loudly. ¡°Please enter and take your places¡ªthe event will begin shortly.¡± With those words, the arena gates opened, inviting us inside. Urging my horse forward, I followed the other participants, taking in the surroundings with curiosity. The arena was a vast circular structure, its stands richly adorned. At its center stretched a racecourse that led into a nearby forest. The stands were packed with a cheering crowd, their excitement palpable. At the very top, in a private box, sat King Gaspar himself. His dark, unreadable gaze swept over us, exuding an aura of authority. A shiver ran through me despite myself, and I quickly looked away, focusing instead on the instructions being given by the announcer. ¡°Well, my friends, here is the first challenge of our tournament!¡± he declared solemnly. ¡°It will be an obstacle race through Valoria¡¯s forest. Your goal is to cross the finish line as quickly as possible without touching or damaging any of the obstacles along the way.¡± He paused, his stern gaze scanning the gathered contestants. ¡°Of course, the use of magic is strictly forbidden. Anyone caught using their powers will be immediately disqualified. Understood?¡± A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, and I nodded firmly. There was no way I was getting caught breaking the rules. I needed to stay focused on my physical abilities alone. ¡°Excellent. In that case, step forward and select your mounts for the race,¡± the announcer continued, gesturing toward a row of finely equipped horses. Moving deliberately, I approached the lineup, carefully inspecting the available horses. They were strong and well-trained, perfectly suited for this type of challenge. Yet, I couldn¡¯t help but glance at my own horse, whom I¡¯d left aside. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my friend,¡± I whispered, patting his neck reassuringly. ¡°I¡¯ll only use these horses for the race. You¡¯ll be by my side for the rest.¡± Satisfied with my decision, I chose one of the provided mounts and quickly equipped myself. Once ready, I joined the other contestants, waiting for the signal to start with barely contained anticipation.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. When the announcer raised his arm to signal the start of the race, a thrill of excitement shot through me. Digging my heels into the horse¡¯s sides, I surged forward, weaving my way through the group. The race quickly took us onto a winding path through the forest, where a series of obstacles awaited: fallen logs, trenches, rocks¡­ Each one demanded sharp focus to navigate without error. Dodging and weaving skillfully between the other riders, I soon made my way into the leading pack. But just as I was about to seize the lead, something unexpected happened. Suddenly, my horse reared up, kicking violently before veering off course. Taken by surprise, I clung on with all my strength, narrowly avoiding being thrown off. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?!¡± I exclaimed, struggling to regain control. To my shock, I noticed that one of the horse¡¯s shoes was broken, causing it to limp. Someone had clearly sabotaged my mount. Fuming, I scanned the crowd of riders around me, searching for the culprit. ¡°Damn it! Who did this?!¡± I growled under my breath, but in the chaos of the race, it was impossible to pinpoint anyone. Left with no other choice, I slowed down, relinquishing my position at the front. Frustrated, I made a snap decision to dismount and continue the race on foot. ¡°So be it,¡± I muttered, activating one of my abilities. [Skill Activated: Mana Amplification] Drawing from my reserves of energy, I felt a surge of mana course through my body, instantly enhancing my speed and reflexes a hundredfold. With this newfound acceleration, I could easily catch up to the others. Tightening my grip on my weapon, I dashed into the forest, moving at a superhuman pace. Trees and obstacles blurred past me as I sped through the course, maintaining perfect control over my movements. Leaping with precision, I cleared trenches and rocks effortlessly, barely touching the ground. In no time, I overtook the other competitors, passing them one by one like they were standing still. Only a few riders managed to keep up, but I soon outpaced their mounts as well. Breaking free of the forest, I reentered the arena far ahead of the others, crossing the finish line in a flash. Coming to an abrupt halt, I took a moment to catch my breath. Around me, the crowd erupted into applause, stunned by my performance. The other participants arrived much later, their faces showing clear signs of exhaustion. The announcer, visibly astonished, approached me with wide eyes. ¡°My¡­ my friends, here is the winner of the first challenge!¡± he stammered, dramatically raising my arm. ¡°Young Griffith, who has achieved an astonishing feat!¡± The applause swelled again, though I could feel a mix of admiration and hostility in the spectators¡¯ gazes. In the royal box, King Gaspar watched me with a dark, inscrutable expression. I met his gaze without flinching, refusing to be intimidated. I had conquered the first challenge despite attempts to sabotage me. Now, it was time to move on to the next. ¡°Well done, young man! A truly remarkable performance!¡± came a sudden voice beside me. Turning, I saw a well-dressed man with a friendly face and an approving smile. His lavish attire suggested he was one of the nobles involved in organizing the tournament. ¡°I must say, we didn¡¯t expect such a display of your abilities,¡± he continued, eyeing me with a mix of surprise and admiration. ¡°You¡¯ve left us all speechless!¡± I nodded modestly, though a flicker of pride stirred within me. ¡°Thank you, my lord. But I can¡¯t take all the credit. Someone sabotaged my horse, forcing me to finish the race on foot,¡± I explained calmly. The noble¡¯s smile faded into a frown. ¡°Sabotage? That¡¯s most unfortunate. Rest assured, we will investigate this matter thoroughly and punish the culprit,¡± he declared firmly. I gave him a respectful nod, feeling somewhat reassured. It seemed the tournament organizers wouldn¡¯t tolerate such dishonesty. ¡°Well then, congratulations once again on your victory,¡± the noble said with a smile. ¡°Take this time to rest. The next challenge will be even more grueling.¡± With that, he walked away, leaving me alone in the center of the arena. Glancing at the other competitors struggling to cross the finish line, I couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°Looks like I¡¯ve gained a serious advantage,¡± I thought, returning to my horse, who waited patiently nearby. Patting its neck, I inspected it closely, relieved to find it unharmed. ?Chapter 24 : Test of Will Once the cheers from the crowd died down, I quietly joined the remaining participants, waiting for instructions for the next trial. After conquering the obstacle course, my confidence was soaring. Despite the sabotage attempt, I had managed to come out on top. Now, I knew I could rely on my physical abilities to surpass my opponents. As we gathered, the announcer stepped forward onto the platform, signaling for silence with a wave of his hand. ¡°My dear friends, congratulations to all of you for completing the first trial!¡± he proclaimed loudly. ¡°You¡¯ve shown remarkable courage and excellent performances. However, only the top six will advance to the next round of the tournament.¡± A murmur rippled through the group, with some participants exchanging worried looks. I nodded firmly, certain that I was among the chosen few. ¡°Now, if you¡¯re among the top six, please step forward, champions!¡± the announcer continued. ¡°As for the rest, thank you for participating. You¡¯re welcome to join the audience to watch the remainder of the competition.¡± At his words, about twenty contestants stepped away from the group, walking off with resigned expressions. As for the six of us who had advanced, we gathered near the platform, awaiting further instructions. To my surprise, King Gaspar himself descended from his royal box and approached us, his dark, piercing gaze fixed directly on me. Instinctively, I straightened up, bracing myself under the weight of his scrutiny. ¡°Congratulations, young champions,¡± he said in a deep, commanding voice. ¡°You¡¯ve displayed remarkable qualities in this first trial.¡± His gaze lingered on me briefly, and I caught a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. ¡°However, there is something that concerns me,¡± he continued, his tone sharp. ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but notice that one of you may have used magic to secure their victory.¡± All eyes turned to me, and I swallowed hard. So, the king had noticed my enhanced speed during the race. I had expected suspicion, but I refused to back down or avert my gaze. ¡°Your Majesty, if you¡¯re referring to me, I assure you that I used no magic,¡± I replied calmly. ¡°I simply relied on my physical abilities to make up for the damage done to my mount.¡± The king studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. ¡°Your physical abilities, you say?¡± he repeated, doubt lacing his tone. ¡°Forgive me, but I find it hard to believe that an ordinary human could move at such a speed without the aid of magic.¡± Anger bubbled beneath the surface, but I kept my composure. I knew better than to lose my temper in front of the king. ¡°Your Majesty, I understand your skepticism, but I assure you, I have nothing to hide,¡± I replied firmly. ¡°Unlike most, I don¡¯t use mana to cast spells. Instead, I channel it to enhance my physical capabilities.¡± Gaspar¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, curiosity flickering across his face. ¡°What exactly do you mean by that?¡± he asked sharply. ¡°What I mean, Your Majesty, is that mana isn¡¯t just a source of magical energy,¡± I explained calmly. ¡°It can also be used to amplify physical attributes¡ªstrength, speed, endurance¡­ essentially, all physical capabilities.¡± The king seemed to ponder my words for a moment, weighing their validity. Then, with a curt gesture, he motioned to one of his guards, who quickly stepped forward holding a radiant crystal. ¡°Very well, prove it,¡± Gaspar commanded coldly. ¡°Place your hand on this crystal. If it doesn¡¯t react, it will confirm that you did not use magic during the race. If it does¡­¡± He let the sentence hang, but I didn¡¯t need him to finish. I knew exactly what would happen if the crystal detected even a trace of magical tampering. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward confidently and pressed my hand against the smooth surface of the crystal. For a few tense moments, nothing happened. Then, suddenly, the crystal began to emit a soft blue glow. A murmur of surprise swept through the crowd, and I saw King Gaspar¡¯s lips curl into a satisfied smirk. ¡°Well, well¡­ it seems you were telling the truth, young man,¡± he said, his tone tinged with mockery. ¡°You didn¡¯t use magic during the race.¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. I stifled a sigh of relief, though my body remained tense. The king¡¯s sharp gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, a glint of interest in his eyes. ¡°However, I must admit, your ability to channel mana in this manner is¡­ intriguing,¡± he said thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯ve never encountered anyone who could manipulate mana for physical enhancement without relying on magic.¡± I inclined my head slightly, knowing this revelation wouldn¡¯t work in my favor. King Gaspar wasn¡¯t the type to look kindly upon extraordinary abilities. ¡°Very well, since you haven¡¯t cheated, you may proceed in the tournament,¡± he concluded. ¡°But be warned¡ªI¡¯ll be watching you closely, young man. The slightest infraction will result in your immediate expulsion.¡± With that, he turned on his heel and strode back to his royal box. I watched him go, a knot of apprehension forming in my stomach. It was clear that I had drawn the king¡¯s attention¡ªand not in a good way. Refocusing on the announcer, I steeled myself for whatever lay ahead. Regardless of the king¡¯s suspicions, I had to stay focused on my goals and avoid being drawn into his schemes. ¡°Now that this little¡­ incident has been resolved, let¡¯s move on to the second trial!¡± the announcer declared, once again commanding the crowd¡¯s attention. ¡°This time, it will be a test of willpower and mental endurance.¡± A ripple of tension passed through the six of us. Each finalist cast wary glances at one another, sizing up the competition. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. While I was confident in my physical abilities, my mental resilience was less tested. ¡°You¡¯ll face off in pairs for a duel of endurance,¡± the announcer explained. ¡°Each of you will bear a weight of ten kilograms, and every ten minutes, that weight will triple.¡± He paused, letting his words sink in. ¡°The one who lasts the longest without collapsing wins the trial. Do you understand the rules?¡± We all nodded solemnly, our fists clenching instinctively. This trial promised to be far more grueling than the last. ¡°Excellent! Now, let¡¯s draw the matchups!¡± the announcer said, unrolling a scroll. Moments later, the pairings were announced. I was matched against two burly men who eyed me with disdain. ¡°All right, duelists, step forward!¡± the announcer called. ¡°The first match is about to begin!¡± I stepped forward confidently, ignoring the hostile glares of my opponents. Moments later, I was handed a heavy harness fitted with metal plates, which I quickly strapped on. ¡°Ready?¡± one of the men asked in a gruff voice. ¡°Ready,¡± I replied simply, tightening the straps. At the signal to start, the duel began. My two opponents grunted with effort, struggling to keep their balance under the weight. Meanwhile, I stood perfectly still, breathing calmly. As the tension mounted, I decided to activate my ability. Interface : [Skill Activated: Mana Amplification] A warm sensation spread through my body, filling me with a surprising sense of lightness. My muscles tensed as my endurance skyrocketed. Around me, my opponents were already faltering, their knees buckling under the strain. In contrast, I felt no difficulty bearing the weight. When the first ten minutes elapsed, the announcer announced the weight increase. The metal plates grew heavier, and my opponents¡¯ struggles became even more apparent. Sweat poured down their faces, and their trembling arms threatened to give out at any moment. Meanwhile, I remained calm and composed, showing no sign of strain. Finally, one of the men collapsed, unable to bear the weight any longer. His companion followed shortly after, conceding defeat. The announcer raised my arm triumphantly, his voice booming. ¡°And there you have it! Young Griffith wins this test of willpower with flying colors!¡± The crowd erupted into applause, impressed by my display of strength. ¡°His opponents were no match for his exceptional mana control!¡± the announcer added. I nodded modestly, though I couldn¡¯t hide a small smile of satisfaction. This trial had been effortless for me, thanks to my enhanced physical capabilities. Returning the heavy harness to the announcer, I made sure to conceal just how much power I truly possessed. I couldn¡¯t risk drawing more suspicion, especially after King Gaspar¡¯s earlier doubts. ¡°Well done, young man. You¡¯ve shown extraordinary resilience,¡± the announcer praised, shaking my hand warmly. ¡°Thank you, but it was nothing,¡± I replied calmly. ¡°I simply did my best to succeed in the trial.¡± With a nod, the announcer turned his attention to the next pair of duelists. As for me, I stepped away, letting my gaze wander over the gathered crowd. My eyes landed on the royal box, where King Gaspar was watching me with an expression I couldn¡¯t decipher. A shiver ran down my spine, and I quickly looked away. The king remained an enigma to me, but one thing was certain: he wouldn¡¯t make things easy. Sighing inwardly, I refocused on the upcoming trials. Whatever lay ahead, I couldn¡¯t afford to be distracted. Too much was at stake for me to falter now. The test of will had proven to be an easy victory, but the unease lingering in the air reminded me that this tournament wasn¡¯t just about skill or strength¡ªit was also about navigating the unknown dangers that came with being in King Gaspar¡¯s sights. ?Chapter 25 : The Final Duel After my resounding victory in the test of mental endurance, I took a moment to observe my remaining opponents. Among them stood an imposing man, towering at nearly two meters tall. His massive frame and wild, unyielding gaze marked him as the favorite for this challenge. When his turn came, he strode forward with heavy, confident steps, parting the crowd without hesitation. His bulging muscles looked as though they could crush anything in their path. I couldn¡¯t help but study him discreetly, intrigued by this display of raw power. As soon as the starting signal was given, the man, whom the announcer had introduced as Brutus, effortlessly lifted the heavy metal plates. His two opponents, though physically strong, struggled to bear the imposed weight. Yet Brutus stood perfectly still, his rugged face betraying no sign of effort. Minutes passed, and eventually, the other two participants collapsed, unable to continue. Brutus remained upright, a satisfied grin on his lips. He had won the challenge with ease, without even breaking a sweat. When the announcer declared him the victor, a wave of applause echoed through the stands. Clearly, this man had captured the crowd¡¯s admiration with his incredible strength. As Brutus retrieved the weight he had carried, he slowly turned toward me, his piercing eyes locking onto mine. A chill ran down my spine as I felt the primal aura of savagery radiating from him. ¡°So, the skinny black-haired kid with the sharp eyes,¡± he said in a deep, gravelly voice. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re my next opponent.¡± I met his gaze unflinchingly, refusing to be intimidated by this mountain of muscle. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± I replied evenly. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to seeing what you can do.¡± A guttural laugh escaped Brutus¡¯s throat, and he stepped closer with deliberate heaviness. ¡°Well, little twig, you¡¯d better prepare to eat dirt,¡± he sneered. ¡°I¡¯m going to crush you like a bug.¡± I merely nodded, keeping my composure. After all, I knew my physical strength could rival his, thanks to my ability to amplify my capabilities with mana. As Brutus returned to his place, the announcer once again took the stage, raising his arms to command silence. ¡°My friends, we¡¯ve reached the final trial of this tournament!¡± he proclaimed loudly. ¡°As you all know, only the winner of this ultimate duel will earn the honor of joining the royal army of Valoria!¡± The crowd buzzed with excitement, their energy palpable. All eyes were on Brutus and me, eagerly awaiting the start of our clash. ¡°This final challenge will be a duel with melee weapons,¡± the announcer continued. ¡°Each of you will choose a weapon, and the fight will end when one of you is unable to continue.¡± I nodded slowly, a deep sense of determination settling over me. Melee weapons, huh? That was perfect¡ªI already had the ideal weapon in mind. ¡°Contestants, prepare yourselves!¡± the announcer declared. ¡°You have a few minutes to select your arms. Remember, the use of magic or mana is strictly forbidden in this final stage.¡± As I walked away from Brutus to collect my thoughts, I considered the best strategy to use against him. Sure, this man was an overwhelming force of nature, but I knew my speed and dexterity could give me a decisive edge. However, one rule loomed over my thoughts: I couldn¡¯t use mana for this fight. I bit my lip in frustration. Without my enhanced abilities, how could I hope to overcome such a powerful opponent? Suddenly, an idea struck me. Digging through my belongings, I pulled out a familiar object, a confident smile spreading across my face. Yes, this was the perfect solution. When the announcer called us back, I stepped forward confidently, weapon in hand. Opposite me, Brutus stood with a smug expression, a massive battle axe strapped across his back. ¡°So, twig, have you picked your weapon?¡± he jeered. ¡°I hope it¡¯s sharper than you are.¡± I didn¡¯t bother to respond, keeping my gaze locked on him with unwavering focus. The announcer raised his arms again, calling for silence. ¡°All right, my friends! Let the final duel¡­ begin!¡± As soon as the words left his mouth, Brutus charged at me, his axe raised high above his head. I remained perfectly still, waiting for the right moment to act.Stolen novel; please report. At the last second, I leapt to the side, dodging his attack with ease. Brutus, thrown off balance by his own momentum, struggled to turn around, growling in frustration. ¡°What?! How did you dodge that so easily?¡± he roared, astonished. Without answering, I launched my counterattack, spinning my weapon in a fluid motion. Brutus raised his axe to block, but the force of my strike sent him stumbling back several steps. Taking advantage of his momentary instability, I pressed my offensive, landing swift, precise blows. Brutus struggled to keep up with my movements, his heavy weapon slowing him down considerably. ¡°Damn you, you little bastard!¡± he snarled, frustration etched across his face. Suddenly, he managed to land a brutal swing of his axe, forcing me to retreat. To his shock, however, the only sign of damage was a small tear in my sleeve. ¡°What?! Impossible!¡± Brutus bellowed, stunned. I couldn¡¯t help but smile at his reaction. It seemed he hadn¡¯t realized the nature of my weapon. ¡°Come now, Brutus, surely you know that an adamantium blade isn¡¯t as easily damaged as regular steel,¡± I said with a hint of amusement. Brutus glared at me in disbelief, the realization of my advantage finally sinking in. With my adamantium sword, I could block his attacks effortlessly and land my own strikes without fear of dulling the blade. Taking a deep breath, Brutus reset his stance, his eyes blazing with determination. It was clear he wasn¡¯t going to go down easily. I tightened my grip on my sword¡¯s hilt, ready to meet his next attack. Despite the restriction on mana use, I trusted in my finely honed swordsmanship. To my surprise, Brutus didn¡¯t attack immediately. Instead, he began circling me, studying my movements intently. His sharp eyes seemed to search for any weakness in my defense. I furrowed my brow slightly, intrigued by this change in strategy. Was he more cunning than I¡¯d initially thought? Suddenly, Brutus lunged at me, his axe carving a deadly arc through the air. Anticipating his strike, I prepared to block¡ªbut at the last moment, he feinted, changing direction to throw me off balance. I narrowly deflected the blow, stepping back to regain my footing. Brutus didn¡¯t let up, following with a relentless series of attacks, trying to overwhelm me with sheer aggression. I pushed myself to the limit, parrying each swing with precision, but the strain began to take its toll. My movements slowed as fatigue crept in. Brutus, on the other hand, seemed tireless, his raw strength compensating for his lack of finesse. He knew that his best chance lay in wearing me down. Then an idea struck me. If I could unbalance him for just a moment, I might be able to turn the tide. But how could I do that without mana? It was then I remembered the interface my system provided. Closing my eyes briefly, I accessed it. Interface :
[Enemy Analysis: Brutus]
Level: 51
Traits: [High Physical Strength, Resilience, Bestial Instincts]
HP: 345/345
MP: 0/0
My eyes widened slightly at the information. This man was a true monster of physical strength. No wonder he struggled to match my speed and agility. But the complete absence of mana in his energy core told me something important¡ªhe had no way to counter my precision. A smile crept onto my lips. I had found his weakness. Opening my eyes again, I adjusted my stance, ready to execute my plan. Brutus charged at me once more, but this time, I didn¡¯t just defend. I countered with rapid, calculated strikes, forcing him to step back. Caught off guard by the shift in momentum, Brutus faltered, his movements becoming erratic. Now was my chance. Springing forward, I darted around him in a complex pattern. Brutus struggled to follow my movements, his cumbersome axe hindering his reaction time. Seizing the opportunity, I landed a series of precise strikes at the joints of his armor. Each blow rang out with a heavy clang, drawing a pained grimace from him. Gradually, I felt his pace slow, his attacks becoming increasingly desperate. Brutus was clearly outmatched by my strategy. As he swung his axe one final time, I slipped behind him with fluid grace, pressing the edge of my blade to his throat. ¡°It¡¯s over, Brutus,¡± I said calmly. The giant froze for a moment, his ragged breathing loud in the sudden silence of the arena. Then, with a heavy sigh, he let his axe fall to the ground with a resounding clang. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, chanting my name with enthusiasm. The announcer rushed to my side, raising my arm in triumph. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the winner of this tournament¡ªyoung Griffith!¡± I nodded humbly, knowing that my victory was largely due to my strategic thinking. Without the aid of my interface and precise execution, defeating Brutus would have been nearly impossible. As the announcer continued his jubilant speech, my gaze drifted toward the royal box. There sat King Gaspar, his expression inscrutable. Yet, I could detect a faint glimmer of intrigue in his eyes. Clearly, my performance had caught his attention. I quickly looked away, choosing to focus on what lay ahead. This was only the beginning. The real challenge would come later when I would face the deeper dangers lurking behind the throne¡ªand the demon within King Gaspar himself. ?Chapter 26 : A Royal Invitation After my resounding victory in the tournament, King Gaspar himself approached me, his expression a mixture of surprise and intrigue. ¡°Young man, I am impressed by your performance,¡± he said in a grave tone. ¡°Your talent and strategy are worthy of the finest warriors in my kingdom.¡± I bowed respectfully, fully aware of the honor being bestowed upon me. ¡°Your Majesty, I am deeply flattered by your kind words,¡± I replied humbly. ¡°It was a privilege to participate in this tournament and to now join your ranks.¡± The king nodded slowly, his piercing eyes scrutinizing me intently. ¡°Indeed, young Griffith. For this reason, I would like to invite you to dine with me at the royal palace.¡± I had to stifle my surprise at this unexpected offer. Dining at the palace with the king himself? It was an honor few could claim. ¡°I would be delighted, Your Majesty,¡± I said with a polite smile. ¡°It is an invitation I could not possibly refuse.¡± King Gaspar gave a brief, satisfied smile. ¡°Excellent. Come with me, Griffith.¡± He turned and began walking with a confident stride, gesturing for me to follow. Tightening my grip on the hilt of my sword, I hurried after him, doing my best to hide the excitement bubbling within me. As we made our way through the palace corridors, I couldn¡¯t help but be awestruck by the grandeur and magnificence of the place. The walls were adorned with intricately detailed tapestries, and crystal chandeliers cast a radiant glow over every room we passed. After a few minutes of walking, we arrived at an imposing wooden door, carved with intricate patterns. Two armored guards stepped aside respectfully as we approached, allowing us to enter what appeared to be a grand hall. Portraits of monarchs lined the walls, their solemn poses frozen in time. I couldn¡¯t help but pause briefly to study them, captivated by the fine craftsmanship. ¡°These are the portraits of my ancestors, the kings and queens of Valoria,¡± Gaspar explained in a solemn voice. ¡°Each one of them played a role in shaping the history of our kingdom.¡± I nodded, absorbing his words carefully. One portrait, in particular, caught my eye: a man with a kind expression, his crown and royal regalia clearly marking him as a ruler. ¡°This is Theodore, the very first king of Valoria,¡± Gaspar continued. ¡°He built this palace and unified the various regions of the kingdom under one banner.¡± I listened in silence, fascinated by the history of this realm. It was true that Valoria seemed to be a prosperous and powerful nation, forged through centuries of tradition and sacrifice. Once Gaspar finished his explanation, he led me to the royal dining hall. My eyes widened slightly at the sight of the lavish feast laid out before me. A long table draped in a pristine white cloth was laden with a dazzling array of dishes: exquisite delicacies and fine wines from renowned vineyards. Seated around the table were knights and dignitaries, all dressed in their finest attire. ¡°My friends, allow me to introduce Griffith,¡± Gaspar announced loudly. ¡°The winner of our tournament and the newest member of our royal army.¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. All eyes turned toward me, and I worked hard to maintain a dignified and confident demeanor. After all, I was the guest of honor at this banquet. ¡°Come, Griffith, take a seat beside me,¡± the king said, gesturing to a chair on his right. I obeyed with deference, fully aware of the privilege I had been granted. Once seated, the lively conversations resumed around the table as everyone indulged in the sumptuous meal before them. Gaspar turned to me, his gaze warm and curious. ¡°So, young Griffith, where do you come from? Tell us a bit about your story.¡± I took a deep breath, striving to sound natural despite the tension hanging in the air. ¡°Well, Your Majesty, I was born in the small village of Golden River, in the western part of your kingdom,¡± I began in a calm voice. ¡°My parents, Kiran and Eliana, were simple farmers, but they always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and develop my skills.¡± I paused, carefully gauging the king¡¯s reaction. He listened intently, clearly intrigued by my story. ¡°Recently, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the academy in Golden River,¡± I continued. ¡°There, I honed my combat skills and discovered my true calling.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Gaspar murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. ¡°And what brought you to the capital? Did your academy assign you a particular mission?¡± I suppressed a shiver, knowing I needed to tread carefully. I couldn¡¯t reveal the true reason for my presence in Valoria. ¡°Well, Your Majesty, my academy did indeed send me on a mission to the eastern part of your kingdom,¡± I answered cautiously. ¡°But it was merely to retrieve a valuable artifact for the institution.¡± Gaspar nodded slowly, as though pondering my words. ¡°I see... And this artifact, what exactly is it?¡± I discreetly swallowed, feeling the tension rise. ¡°It¡¯s an ancient relic, Your Majesty,¡± I replied as nonchalantly as I could. ¡°Unfortunately, I¡¯m not at liberty to disclose further details about it.¡± The king stared at me for a moment, his piercing gaze searching for any sign of deceit. Then, after a few seconds, an amused smile spread across his face. ¡°Very well, Griffith. I won¡¯t press you further,¡± he said indulgently. ¡°After all, some secrets are meant to remain buried.¡± I relaxed slightly, relieved that he didn¡¯t pursue the matter further. Gaspar was clearly an intelligent man, one who understood the value of discretion. ¡°However,¡± he added suddenly, ¡°I hope you won¡¯t hesitate to share your future exploits with me. Your performance in the tournament has piqued my curiosity, and I would be delighted to learn more about you.¡± I nodded respectfully, grateful for his words. ¡°I will gladly do so, Your Majesty,¡± I said sincerely. ¡°And I thank you once again for this invitation. It is a privilege I will not forget.¡± Gaspar smiled once more, seemingly satisfied with my response. He then turned his attention back to his guests, rejoining the animated discussions around the table. As for me, I focused on staying alert, careful not to let my true intentions slip. After all, I was here as the king¡¯s guest, and I needed to prove myself worthy of the trust he had extended to me. Discreetly, I glanced around the table, studying the knights and dignitaries surrounding me. Some cast curious glances in my direction, while others seemed entirely indifferent to my presence. I shifted my attention to the extravagant feast before me, marveling at the opulence of the dining hall. Despite my modest background, I was unaccustomed to such luxury. As I savored the delicious dishes, my thoughts turned to the future. But above all, I had to keep my true objective in mind: finding the Demon¡¯s Vein and using it to fulfill my mission. To achieve this, I needed to remain cautious and discreet, avoiding unnecessary attention. Taking another bite, I glanced up at King Gaspar, who was engaged in a lively conversation with one of his generals. Yes, I would do whatever it took to achieve my goals, no matter the cost. Even if it meant eventually striking down King Gaspar himself. ?Chapter 27 : The Truth Revealed As I tried to savor the lavish feast before me, my gaze suddenly locked with that of King Gaspar. His piercing eyes seemed to probe my very soul, searching for even the faintest trace of deception. And in that moment, something inside me snapped¡ªa deep-seated rage, a visceral hatred I had been suppressing for far too long. After all, I had known the truth from the start: King Gaspar was no mere man. He was a demon disguised as a king. My expression hardened, any pretense of courtesy vanishing from my face. Slowly, I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword, ready to act. Seizing a brief moment when the king¡¯s attention wavered, I abruptly rose from my seat. With a single mental command, I activated my [Mana Amplification] ability. The world around me seemed to slow, granting me all the time I needed to strike. I launched myself at Gaspar, my blade slicing through the air with superhuman speed. Before anyone at the table could react, my sword found its mark, cutting clean through the king¡¯s throat. Blood erupted in a violent spray, splattering the horrified nobles seated nearby. Gaspar¡¯s body slumped lifelessly onto the table, his severed head tumbling onto the floor with a dull thud. A suffocating silence fell over the room as every pair of eyes turned to me, wide with disbelief. Then, as the gravity of my actions set in, I let out a chilling laugh¡ªdevoid of humanity and dripping with malice. ¡°Hahaha! Don¡¯t you fools understand anything?¡± I exclaimed, my voice cold and detached. ¡°Your precious king was nothing more than a demon! A monster disguised as a man who has manipulated you for years!¡± The faces of the nobles contorted in horror, some letting out screams of terror. A few knights seated at the table began to reach for their swords, but I halted them with a single commanding gesture. ¡°Don¡¯t bother, you stupid humans,¡± I sneered with disdain. ¡°None of you stand a chance against me.¡± Bending down, I grabbed Gaspar¡¯s severed head, lifting it high for all to see. ¡°Behold this wretched thing! This is the true face of your demon king!¡± The nobles recoiled in disgust, some choking back sobs of terror. Only one man, dressed in luxurious robes, dared to speak. ¡°You despicable assassin! How dare you strike down our sovereign?¡± he shouted, his face twisted in fury. I offered him a mocking smile, letting Gaspar¡¯s bloodied head drop slightly. ¡°Your sovereign, you say? Can you not see how thoroughly this tyrant has deceived you?¡± I retorted, my voice sharp and unyielding. ¡°Under his so-called just and benevolent rule, the people of Valoria have lived in fear and oppression! Even a whisper of dissent was punishable by death!¡± I paused, letting my words sink in as I scanned the horrified faces of the aristocrats. ¡°This is the truth that demon hid from you all these years! Valoria was nothing but a kingdom of terror, enslaved by a bloodthirsty monster!¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. A ripple of outrage and disbelief swept through the assembly, some finally beginning to grasp the magnitude of my revelation. ¡°But¡­ why? Why would you do something like this?¡± a woman cried, tears streaming down her face. I shrugged nonchalantly, a cynical smile playing on my lips. ¡°Why, you ask? Because my mission was of the utmost importance. I couldn¡¯t afford to let that foolish demon king interfere with my plans.¡± I paused briefly, savoring the shock that rippled through the room. ¡°You see, I was sent here to retrieve an ancient artifact¡ªthe Demon¡¯s Vein. And dear Gaspar, with his obsession for control, would have been quite the thorn in my side.¡± The faces of the nobles grew even paler, some letting out horrified gasps. ¡°The Demon¡¯s Vein?¡± one man choked out, panic written across his features. ¡°You¡¯re mad!¡± I chuckled darkly, entirely unfazed by their reactions. ¡°Mad? Perhaps. But at least I¡¯m not blind to the true nature of this world,¡± I shot back, my voice laced with scorn. ¡°Unlike you naive humans, I¡¯ve long understood that the only way to survive is to become stronger than the demons that surround us!¡± I tightened my grip on Gaspar¡¯s severed head, a glint of mania flashing in my eyes. ¡°And that¡¯s why I won¡¯t hesitate to use the Demon¡¯s Vein to achieve my goals, no matter the cost!¡± An eerie silence gripped the room, the nobles paralyzed by the sheer horror of my revelations. Only a few dared to meet my gaze, their terror palpable. Suddenly, the sound of heavy boots echoed through the hallway. Moments later, a squad of royal guards stormed into the dining hall, their swords drawn. ¡°Stay where you are, traitor!¡± one of them commanded, pointing his blade at me. ¡°By order of King Gaspar, you are under arrest!¡± A derisive smile curled my lips, and I let out a hollow laugh. ¡°Too late, fools,¡± I said coldly. ¡°Your precious king is already dead.¡± Before they could respond, I raised Gaspar¡¯s severed head, presenting it as irrefutable proof of my deed. ¡°See for yourselves! Your king is nothing but a lifeless corpse now!¡± The guards recoiled in shock, their faces twisting in revulsion at the grisly sight. Some looked as if they might vomit, horrified by the gruesome display. ¡°Monster!¡± one of them cried, his voice trembling with rage. ¡°You¡¯ll pay for this abomination!¡± I laughed again, my tone mocking. ¡°Oh, but I have no intention of paying for anything,¡± I replied coolly. ¡°You see, my mission is far from over.¡± Without warning, I hurled Gaspar¡¯s head toward the guards, forcing them to dodge. Seizing the moment of chaos, I vaulted over the table, leaping over overturned dishes and shattered porcelain. ¡°Stop him!¡± one of the soldiers shouted, but it was already too late. With a swift motion, I reactivated my [Mana Amplification], pushing my speed far beyond human limits. In the blink of an eye, I darted past the guards, racing toward the exit at a breakneck pace. The screams of terrified nobles mingled with the frantic orders of the soldiers, creating a cacophony of chaos. But I paid no mind. My sole focus now was on securing the Demon¡¯s Vein¡ªno matter what it took. As I sprinted through the palace corridors, a single thought burned in my mind. Yes, today I had crossed a line, one I could never return from. Nothing would stand in my way now. A twisted smile spread across my face. After all, wasn¡¯t this the price of reclaiming my title as the supreme mage? ?Chapter 28 : Shocking Revelations As I was about to leave the royal palace, a subtle movement caught my eye. Instinctively, my hand went to the hilt of my sword as I turned, ready for anything. What I saw froze me in place. The decapitated body of King Gaspar lay sprawled on the floor, his severed head rolling a few feet away. My breath hitched. I stood there, paralyzed, unable to look away from the gruesome sight. But before I could even process what had happened, something unbelievable occurred. The king¡¯s head began to reattach itself, the flesh and bone knitting back together before my very eyes. Within moments, Gaspar stood whole again, as if nothing had happened. ¡°Well, Griffith,¡± he said with a mocking grin, ¡°it seems you¡¯ve witnessed something rather... unique.¡± I couldn¡¯t find the words. My mouth hung open in shock as I tried to make sense of what I¡¯d just seen. ¡°How... How is this possible?¡± I finally managed to stammer. Gaspar chuckled, his voice carrying an unsettling edge. His eyes gleamed with a sinister light. ¡°Oh, my dear Griffith, you haven¡¯t seen anything yet,¡± he sneered. ¡°Allow me to share a little story about my family...¡± He paused, savoring the moment, clearly enjoying my discomfort. ¡°You see, I was married once. I had a wife, a beautiful daughter... a family I cherished deeply,¡± he said, his tone laced with false nostalgia. ¡°But as fate would have it, the previous king of Valoria deemed me unworthy of the throne. And so, I was left... powerless.¡± His expression darkened, his eyes smoldering with barely-contained fury. ¡°So, I made a deal,¡± he spat, venom dripping from his words. ¡°With a demon named Xanatos. In exchange for the lives of my wife and daughter, he granted me the power I needed to claim the throne.¡± A cold shiver ran down my spine. So, that was Gaspar¡¯s terrible secret¡ªa pact with a demon for the sake of power. ¡°But there¡¯s a catch, of course,¡± Gaspar continued, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. ¡°This power came at a price. I¡¯m cursed to walk this world as a shadow of myself, unable to die. My body will always rebuild itself, no matter what.¡± He let out a guttural laugh that echoed through the corridor, sending an unpleasant chill through the air. ¡°So, what do you think, Griffith?¡± he asked, his tone dripping with mockery. ¡°Not exactly the noble king of Valoria, am I?¡± I hesitated, struggling to process everything he¡¯d just revealed. Gaspar wasn¡¯t just a king¡ªhe was a cursed, undying wretch bound by his own treachery. But as I stood there, an idea began to form in my mind. If Gaspar was tied to some demonic power, perhaps he could lead me to the Vein of the Demon. Taking a deep breath, I carefully chose my words. ¡°That¡¯s... quite the story, Your Majesty,¡± I said, keeping my voice steady. ¡°But I must admit, I¡¯m surprised. You had everything¡ªfamily, status¡ªand yet, you chose to make a deal with a demon?¡± Gaspar tilted his head, scrutinizing me with a hint of amusement.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°Well, Griffith, when you¡¯re faced with losing everything you hold dear, you might find yourself making... questionable decisions,¡± he replied, his voice tinged with a sinister edge. I nodded slowly, feigning understanding. ¡°I see. And this demon, Xanatos¡ªwhat did he ask of you in return for his... assistance?¡± I asked innocently, as if making casual conversation. A wicked grin spread across Gaspar¡¯s face. ¡°Oh, nothing too extravagant,¡± he said with a shrug. ¡°Just my soul... and the souls of my family.¡± I fought the urge to grimace. Sacrificing his own wife and daughter for power? The thought made my stomach churn. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s one way to ensure you get what you want,¡± I said neutrally. ¡°Though, I can¡¯t imagine making such a choice myself.¡± Gaspar¡¯s eyes bore into mine, as if trying to read my thoughts. ¡°Ah, but that¡¯s what makes you so... righteous, isn¡¯t it, Griffith?¡± he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°I¡¯m sure someone like you would never stoop so low, even if it meant achieving your greatest ambitions.¡± I held his gaze, refusing to rise to his bait. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I said calmly. ¡°I don¡¯t need demonic power to accomplish my goals. My actions will speak for themselves.¡± Gaspar let out a bark of laughter, clearly amused by my response. ¡°Ah, the naivety of youth!¡± he jeered. ¡°It¡¯s... refreshing, really. But trust me, Griffith, when you¡¯re faced with the same trials I endured, you might find your principles... flexible.¡± I forced a polite smile, hiding my revulsion. ¡°Perhaps. But I hope I never have to make such choices,¡± I replied simply. Gaspar studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. ¡°We¡¯ll see, my young friend,¡± he said cryptically. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± With that, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor. I stood there, heart pounding, trying to process everything I¡¯d just learned. So, the King of Valoria wasn¡¯t just a tyrant¡ªhe was a cursed immortal, bound by a pact with a demon. The revelation was as horrifying as it was fascinating. But more importantly, it raised new questions. Did Gaspar know anything about the Vein of the Demon? And if he did, could he be persuaded to share that knowledge? Clenching my fists, I made a silent vow. Whatever it took, I would uncover the secrets of the Vein of the Demon. "Tell me, Your Majesty," I asked in a deliberately casual tone, "did Xanatos ever mention anything about the Demon¡¯s Vein?" Gaspar stopped abruptly, his gaze narrowing, a sudden glint of intrigue flashing in his eyes. "The Demon¡¯s Vein, you say? Hmm, that name does ring a bell," he replied, his tone thoughtful. "From what I know, it¡¯s said to be an artifact of immense power, capable of conceptually erasing demons, no matter their form." He paused, his piercing eyes studying me closely. "However," he continued, "I never managed to get my hands on it. Xanatos only promised me the power I needed to rule over Valoria." His lips twisted into a faint smirk. I nodded slowly, absorbing every detail. So the Demon¡¯s Vein could erase demons¡ªcompletely and utterly, regardless of their nature. That kind of power was beyond comprehension. "I see¡­ And this power he gave you, what does it entail exactly?" I pressed, feigning mere curiosity. Gaspar¡¯s smirk widened into something darker, more cryptic. "Let¡¯s just say," he began, his voice carrying an unsettling calm, "it allows to alter or erase anything related to demons, be it words, abilities, or even their very existence." He leaned in slightly, his tone lowering conspiratorially. "But, alas, I can¡¯t reveal more. Xanatos keeps his secrets locked tighter than any vault." A chill ran down my spine as I began to grasp the sheer magnitude of this artifact¡¯s power. If it truly could manipulate reality in such a way, then it wasn¡¯t just a weapon¡ªit was an existential threat in the wrong hands. And there was no way I could allow it to fall into Xanatos¡¯s clutches¡ªor anyone else¡¯s, for that matter. I had to find it. I had to claim it before it was too late. ?Chapter 29 : The Decisive Battle Just as I prepared to continue my path, Gaspar abruptly rose, his face twisted into an expression of pure rage. ¡°So, you¡¯re after the Demon¡¯s Vein, Griffith?¡± he growled, his voice low and menacing. ¡°I can¡¯t let you walk away with that knowledge.¡± He raised a skeletal hand, his bony fingers cracking ominously. ¡°Since you know too much, I have no choice but to eliminate you,¡± he hissed. ¡°And you¡¯ll make a perfect offering to Xanatos.¡± I took a step back, my hand instinctively gripping the hilt of my sword. I knew I stood little chance against Gaspar¡¯s demonic power, but I wasn¡¯t about to fall without a fight. Suddenly, I noticed the shadows around us come alive, twisting and writhing in an unnatural dance. The soldiers and knights nearby turned as one, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. ¡°As you can see,¡± Gaspar sneered, ¡°all these men are under my control. They¡¯re ready to die for me. You¡¯re alone, Griffith.¡± A chill ran down my spine. The situation was even more dire than I had imagined. An army of thralls stood ready to strike me down at their master¡¯s command. Taking a deep breath, I summoned an interface screen, analyzing my foe in detail. Interface:
Name: King Gaspar
Level: 60
Traits: [Cursed Regeneration, Charm, Shadow Manipulation]
HP: 900/900
MP: 500/500
So, Gaspar¡¯s powers were tied to shadows and regeneration¡­ This would not be easy. ¡°Well, Griffith, what are you waiting for?¡± Gaspar taunted, his tone dripping with mockery. ¡°Afraid to attack me?¡± I narrowed my eyes, tightening my grip on my sword¡¯s hilt. ¡°Believe me, Your Majesty, I¡¯m not afraid of you,¡± I replied, my voice steady. ¡°But I¡¯m not reckless either.¡± With a swift motion, I summoned a new weapon to my hand: a black blade that glinted ominously under the flickering light. ¡°You recognize this sword, don¡¯t you?¡± I asked with a sly grin. ¡°It¡¯s the Dark Lord¡¯s blade, the one your mercenaries failed to recover.¡± A flicker of rage crossed Gaspar¡¯s eyes. ¡°Impossible! How did you get your hands on that weapon?¡± he snarled. I let out a short, sharp laugh. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I have my ways,¡± I said calmly. ¡°And believe me, this sword is perfectly suited to face you.¡± Without another word, I launched myself at Gaspar, my dark blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. Gaspar countered my attack with a swift movement, his skeletal fingers clutching the blade tightly. Around us, the shadows quivered violently, as if drawn to the sword¡¯s dark power. ¡°So, you intend to face me with that cursed weapon?¡± Gaspar hissed through clenched teeth. ¡°Very well, have it your way!¡± With a powerful thrust, he shoved me backward, sending me skidding several meters across the ground. I landed on my feet, spinning the sword deftly back into position. The shadows surrounding us surged, darting toward me like serpents. Yet each time one touched me, it seemed to dissolve, consumed by the dark energy radiating from my blade. ¡°Impossible!¡± Gaspar roared, his face contorted with fury. ¡°How are you resisting my power?¡± A triumphant smile crept onto my lips.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°As I said, this sword is perfectly suited to facing you,¡± I replied confidently. ¡°It absorbs dark energy and neutralizes your shadow-based abilities.¡± Gaspar glared at me, his murderous intent clear in his glowing eyes. ¡°Very well,¡± he growled, ¡°if the shadows are useless against you, then I¡¯ll use my full strength!¡± He extended his hand abruptly, the surrounding shadows condensing into a massive reptilian beast with glowing eyes. ¡°Destroy him!¡± Gaspar bellowed. The beast lunged at me with a deafening roar, its gaping jaws poised to crush me. With a steady hand, I raised my blade and slashed downward with all my might. The dark blade cleaved through the shadow beast effortlessly, reducing it to nothing with a bone-chilling shriek. The remaining shadows writhed and recoiled, as if in pain. ¡°Impossible!¡± Gaspar howled, his features contorted in rage. ¡°How can you wield such power?¡± I met his furious gaze, spinning my sword confidently in my hand. ¡°I told you, Your Majesty. This weapon was made for this fight,¡± I said, my tone unwavering. ¡°Your shadow powers are useless against it.¡± Gaspar stared at me, his face a mask of rage and frustration. Then, his expression shifted, and a sinister grin spread across his lips. ¡°Fine,¡± he said softly. ¡°If my shadows can¡¯t defeat you, then I¡¯ll have to take this to the next level.¡± He raised his hand again, and I felt an ominous energy gather around him. The shadows thickened, forming a dark aura that seemed to pulsate with malice. ¡°Prepare yourself, Griffith,¡± he growled. ¡°You¡¯re about to witness the true power of Xanatos¡¯ curse!¡± A wave of black energy erupted from his hand, slamming into me with devastating force. Pain shot through my body, searing every nerve as if my very cells were being consumed. Despite the agony, I forced myself to remain upright, gripping my sword tightly. ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got, Gaspar?¡± I gasped, my voice defiant. ¡°I¡¯ve endured worse than this!¡± Gaspar¡¯s eyes narrowed, surprise flashing across his face. ¡°Impressive, Griffith,¡± he admitted, his voice dripping with venom. ¡°But I still have plenty left to show you.¡± He extended his hand once more, unleashing a storm of shadows that surrounded me in a suffocating vortex. Gritting my teeth, I swung my sword furiously, carving through the darkness with every ounce of strength I had left. Yet the shadows seemed endless, as if Gaspar were drawing from an infinite well of power. Another wave of black energy struck me, and I staggered under the impact. My strength was waning, and I knew I couldn¡¯t keep this up much longer. Gaspar¡¯s lips curled into a sadistic grin as he watched me struggle. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Griffith? Feeling weak?¡± he taunted. ¡°Soon, you¡¯ll be nothing more than a puppet under my control!¡± Clenching my jaw, I refused to give in. I had faced worse horrors in the past, and I would not fall to this cursed king. Gathering my last reserves of strength, I focused on the energy coursing through the Dark Lord¡¯s blade. Suddenly, a wave of power surged from the weapon, blasting away the suffocating shadows. Gaspar stumbled back, shock etched onto his face. ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡± he stammered, his voice trembling. The shadows around him began to twist and crumble, drawn into the sword¡¯s dark energy. Even his own body started to deteriorate, wisps of black smoke rising from his flesh. ¡°Impossible!¡± he screamed, his eyes wide with terror. ¡°How can you wield such power?¡± I straightened, my blade steady in my hand. ¡°I told you, Gaspar,¡± I said, my voice calm and firm. ¡°This sword was made to defeat you. Your darkness holds no power over it.¡± Gaspar¡¯s expression twisted with panic as he stumbled backward. ¡°No¡­ no, this can¡¯t be! I am immortal! Invincible! Xanatos promised me ultimate power!¡± I advanced toward him, the dark blade glowing ominously. ¡°It seems your demon lied to you, Gaspar,¡± I replied coldly. ¡°Your power is nothing compared to this weapon.¡± With a final, anguished scream, Gaspar¡¯s body dissolved into ash, carried away by an unseen wind. For a moment, I stood in silence, gazing at the aftermath of our battle. Despite Gaspar¡¯s formidable demonic power, he had been no match for the Dark Lord¡¯s blade. As the soldiers and knights around me began to stir, their minds freed from Gaspar¡¯s control, I offered them a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± I said calmly. ¡°It¡¯s over now.¡± They nodded hesitantly, retreating to their posts. Once alone, I let out a quiet sigh of relief. Gaspar was finally defeated, his cursed reign brought to an end. But as I prepared to leave the palace, one question lingered in my mind. If Gaspar didn¡¯t have the Demon¡¯s Vein, where was it? Surely in the castle to the east of Golden River, as the council said? I tightened my grip on my sword and strode confidently toward the palace gates. My journey was far from over. ?Chapter 30 : A New Adventure Begins After my decisive victory over the tyrant Gaspar, I stepped out of the royal palace, resolute in my decision to address the people of Valoria. Using a magical amplifier, I raised my voice to ensure it would echo across the entire city. ¡°People of Valoria, listen to me!¡± I announced, my voice clear and commanding. ¡°The reign of King Gaspar, your cruel and tyrannical ruler, has come to an end!¡± A murmur of disbelief and cautious hope rippled through the crowd gathering before me. ¡°For too long, you have lived under oppression, deprived of your freedom and your right to prosper,¡± I continued, my determination evident in my tone. ¡°But today, that changes! From this day forward, you are free! Free to speak your minds, to pursue your dreams, and to shape your own destiny!¡± The faces of the people began to light up, hope gradually replacing the fear and despair that had once clouded their expressions. ¡°It is now up to you, people of Valoria, to determine your future!¡± I proclaimed, raising a fist dramatically. ¡°Choose a new leader, someone who will listen to you and guide this kingdom toward a brighter tomorrow!¡± A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd. They raised their fists in unison, their voices filled with newfound resolve. A swell of pride and accomplishment washed over me¡ªI had freed these people from Gaspar¡¯s cruel grasp. As the cheers subsided, the people turned to me with gratitude in their eyes. ¡°Thank you, Griffith!¡± cried a woman, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Thank you for ending the reign of that monster!¡± I gave her a small, reassuring nod, a kind smile on my lips. ¡°It was the least I could do,¡± I replied humbly. ¡°Now, the rest is up to you. Build a future where Valoria can thrive.¡± The crowd nodded enthusiastically, their expressions glowing with hope and determination. As I prepared to leave, my interface suddenly activated, displaying new information before my eyes. Interface:
Name: Griffith
Age: 15
Level: 72 ¡ú 74
Race: Human
Strength: 170/170
Speed: 245/250
Defense: 167/170
Intelligence: 90/90
Health: 430/1000
Mana: 120/600
Magic: 0/0
Stamina: 122/500
I frowned slightly as I noticed the significant level increase. How had I gained two levels so quickly?Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. After a moment of reflection, it became clear. My battle against Gaspar must have granted me an extraordinary amount of experience. Defeating such a formidable opponent was bound to result in rapid growth. I smiled, pleased to see my efforts paying off. I felt stronger, more attuned to my abilities. Closing the interface, I made my way to the stable where I had left my loyal horse. The steadfast creature greeted me with a joyful whinny as I approached. ¡°Well, my friend,¡± I said, gently stroking his neck, ¡°ready for another adventure?¡± He snorted eagerly, his energy seemingly renewed. Taking his reins, I led him out of the stable and gave one final wave to the people of Valoria, who continued to cheer with gratitude. ¡°Safe travels, Griffith!¡± they called out in unison. ¡°Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for us!¡± I gave them one last smile and nod before climbing into the saddle. Without delay, I set off toward the east, following the road that led out of the kingdom. The journey was long and grueling. The path took me through barren, sun-scorched landscapes, the heat sapping both my strength and my horse¡¯s endurance. But I pressed on, driven by the determination to reach my next destination. At last, after hours of relentless travel, a shimmering expanse of water appeared on the horizon. A massive lake stretched as far as the eye could see, its distant shores fading into the horizon. Curious, I urged my horse forward, eager to explore this new region. As we neared the shoreline, I spotted a small wooden canoe, seemingly abandoned by its owner. Dismounting, I approached the vessel cautiously, inspecting it closely. It was in good condition, large enough to carry both me and my horse. Suddenly, a low growl came from my left. Whipping around, my hand instinctively went to the hilt of my sword. Standing at the water¡¯s edge was a burly man, his rugged appearance and wary eyes giving him a menacing air. ¡°What¡¯s your business here, stranger?¡± he barked, his voice gruff and commanding. Raising my hands in a gesture of peace, I adopted a calm and non-threatening tone. ¡°I mean no harm,¡± I said evenly. ¡°I¡¯m merely passing through and need to cross this lake. Would you allow me to use your canoe?¡± The man studied me for a long moment, his sharp gaze filled with suspicion. After a tense pause, he let out a reluctant grunt and nodded. ¡°Fine, you can use it,¡± he growled. ¡°But don¡¯t you dare try anything funny.¡± I thanked him sincerely, relieved by his cooperation. Tying my horse to the back of the canoe, I climbed aboard and began paddling carefully across the vast lake. The water stretched endlessly, calm and deep, reflecting the stark, arid landscape surrounding it. Despite the desolation, there was something captivating about this tranquil expanse in the middle of such a harsh environment. As I navigated, my thoughts drifted back to recent events. My victory over Gaspar and the liberation of Valoria had filled me with pride and a sense of accomplishment. But new questions loomed ahead. What awaited me on the other side of this lake? What would become of Valoria now that its tyrant was gone? And most importantly, where was the elusive Demon¡¯s Vein? I clenched my fists, determined to uncover the answers. I was stronger now, more experienced, and finally free to act without fear of retribution. This was an opportunity I couldn¡¯t waste. Lost in thought, I barely noticed the canoe bumping gently against the far shore. Quickly stabilizing the vessel, I secured my horse and stepped onto solid ground. The landscape on this side of the lake was just as barren and dry, but far in the distance, something caught my eye¡ªa silhouette rising against the horizon. Squinting, I focused on the distant shape. When I finally recognized it, my heart skipped a beat. It was a city¡ªa sprawling metropolis that stretched as far as the eye could see. Its pointed rooftops and towering spires stood proudly against the backdrop of the setting sun. ?Chapter 31 : Confrontation at the City Gates Riding my loyal horse, I approached the grand city looming on the horizon with steady resolve. Its towering spires and sharp rooftops rose proudly against the sky. As I neared the walls, two winged figures suddenly appeared in the sky, gliding toward me with effortless grace. I stopped in my tracks, watching in awe as these creatures, who seemed to be city guards, descended with precision. When they landed before me, I could make out their details more clearly. They looked human but with powerful wings sprouting from their backs, allowing them to hover above the ground. Their gleaming armor caught the rays of the setting sun, giving them a commanding, almost intimidating presence. "Stranger, what is your business here?" one of them boomed in a deep, authoritative voice. "This city is under the protection of the Empire. Only those with permission may enter." I steadied myself, determined to appear calm and confident despite their intimidating demeanor. "Greetings, my friends," I replied in an even tone. "I am Griffith, a traveler on a mission from the eastward kingdom of Golden River. I need to pass through your city to continue my journey eastward." The two paladins exchanged a knowing glance, deliberating silently. After a tense pause, one of them stepped forward with a menacing air. "A mission from Golden River, you say?" he questioned, his piercing eyes scrutinizing me with suspicion. "What is the nature of this mission?" I took a deep breath, fully aware of the need to tread carefully. "My mission is to recover a mysterious artifact known as the Demon¡¯s Vein," I explained calmly. "It¡¯s vital for maintaining the balance of the kingdom, and I must retrieve it at all costs." The moment those words left my mouth, the paladins stiffened, exchanging alarmed glances. In unison, they unsheathed their gleaming swords, their stances turning openly hostile. "The Demon¡¯s Vein, you say?" one of them growled, his wings flaring wide with force. "That artifact is extremely dangerous! We cannot allow anyone to gain access to it." I instinctively stepped back, my hand gripping the hilt of my sword. It was clear they weren¡¯t going to let me pass without a fight. Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the air, making the paladins flinch. Within moments, a swarm of winged figures descended upon me, surrounding me completely. I found myself facing a hundred paladins, their swords and lances all aimed in my direction. "Griffith, you are deemed a threat to the Empire!" one of them declared, his voice reverberating with authority. "By order of His Majesty the Emperor, we are placing you under arrest!" I clenched my teeth, realizing my quest for the Demon¡¯s Vein had triggered far more resistance than I¡¯d anticipated. These paladins seemed dead set on stopping me.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. But I wasn¡¯t about to let myself be captured without a fight. Glancing at Rutger, I gave him a reassuring nod, signaling that I was ready for action. "Listen to me, my friends," I said, raising my hands in a final attempt to reason with them. "I mean no harm. I¡¯m simply on a mission to protect the balance of this world. Please, let me pass!" But their resolve didn¡¯t waver. Their swords rose with unwavering determination. "It¡¯s too late for negotiations, Griffith," one of them replied coldly. "You are too dangerous to be allowed freedom. By the Empire¡¯s decree, you are condemned!" Without another word, the lead paladin charged at me, his sword held high. I reacted instantly, summoning my power. "[Wind Blade ¨C Level 2]!" I shouted, focusing my mana to unleash a razor-sharp gust of wind. The attack shot forward with devastating speed, striking the paladin head-on and knocking him out of the fight. Seizing the moment of shock among his comrades, I bolted forward with Rutger galloping by my side. However, the paladins quickly regrouped, forming an impenetrable cage around me with their spears and swords. I skidded to a halt, realizing I couldn¡¯t take on all of them without risking serious injury. Frustrated, I exhaled sharply and raised my hands in surrender, understanding that resistance was futile. The paladins closed in, binding my wrists with enchanted shackles before dragging me away. As we passed through the city gates, I caught Rutger¡¯s worried gaze. Forcing a small smile, I silently reassured him to wait for me. I would find a way to escape and continue my quest, no matter the cost. The paladins led me through the bustling streets of the city, drawing curious stares from the townsfolk. Some whispered nervously at the sight of me, while others glared with open hostility. It seemed my reputation as the seeker of the Demon¡¯s Vein had preceded me. Eventually, we arrived at a massive fortress in the heart of the city. Its heavy iron gates creaked open, and I was shoved inside, into a labyrinth of dimly lit corridors. I was marched past numerous guardrooms until, finally, I was thrown into a damp, shadowy cell. The paladins locked the door behind me and left without another word. Sinking onto the straw mattress that passed for a bed, I tried to think through my predicament. Being imprisoned was far from ideal, but I had no one to blame but myself. My quest for the Demon¡¯s Vein had stirred up far more trouble than I¡¯d imagined. Still, I had no intention of giving up. I¡¯d come too far and overcome too many obstacles to stop now. There was no way I was abandoning my mission. Rising to my feet, I inspected the cell bars carefully. They were solid and reinforced with magic, making escape difficult. But I wasn¡¯t without resources. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a small, shimmering stone I¡¯d found during my travels. I¡¯d discovered it in the ruins of a dungeon back during my academy trials. From what I understood, it could disrupt magical locks. Smiling with renewed determination, I pressed the stone against the lock, channeling my mana into it. The stone glowed brightly, emitting waves of energy that caused the bars to crackle. With a loud creak, the cell door swung open. "Well, let¡¯s see what awaits me outside," I murmured, stepping cautiously into the hallway. Sticking to the shadows, I moved carefully through the dark corridors, avoiding the guards¡¯ patrols. My top priority was to reunite with my horse and escape this fortress as quickly as possible. The road ahead was long, and my journey was far from over.