He planned to purchase a mansion in the city eventually, but for now, he chose to stay in a hotel for a few days. He wanted time to explore, to find the perfect location and the right estate to call his own.
Given his abysmal talent as a mage and the system¡¯s guarantee of 1,000 XP regardless, he wasn¡¯t particularly worried about wasting time. There was no pressing need for him to train. Practicing swordsmanship, for instance, would take years of grueling effort to earn a mere few thousand XP¡ªsomething the system would grant him effortlessly in just a few days.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Perhaps, in the end, his real reason for lingering over such trivial matters was simple: exhaustion. He was tired. Tired of everything. Tired of ensuring the future of the Windwalker family¡¯s next generation, of dodging assassins, of relentless training, and of playing yet another false identity.
In this city, he could finally have some peace. Of course, he was still living under a false identity, but that was unavoidable. He would only feel comfortable revealing his true self when he was certain¡ªbeyond a shadow of a doubt¡ªthat he was strong enough to crush any enemy who dared stand against him.
...
Days passed in a quiet routine.
Edric returned to Windwalker Castle each day to recharge his clone, and beyond that, he spent his time in Adventurous City. The city was large and vibrant, and he was beginning to grow fond of it. Every evening, he ventured out to various places¡ªtheatres, bars, restaurants¡ªenjoying life as a noble. And that was all.
After all, he was only human. He had spent far too long trapped by circumstances. Now, his time was his own to explore, discover, and experience new things.
...
More than two weeks later!
Over the last three weeks, Edric had fully integrated himself into the shadows of Adventurous City.
The agents sent by the Chamber confirmed everything Edric had claimed. There were no flaws in his story; how could there be? Edric himself, with Kaelith''s assistance, had meticulously set everything up, even using magic to ensure its perfection. A superficial glance would never reveal a thing. Of course, the Chamber didn¡¯t just take a superficial glance. However, they didn¡¯t dig too deep, either.
As a result, nothing was uncovered. With his considerable wealth, Edric paid the required bond, and that was the end of it. Just like that, he was officially inducted into the Chamber of Commerce as a First-Grade Merchant, gaining access to a vast network of influential figures¡ªnobles, power brokers, and those who shaped the flow of wealth in the kingdom.
One of the key reasons Edric sought membership in the Chamber was the unparalleled access it provided to rare magical tomes. The Chamber frequently hosted auctions, private sales, and exclusive galleries¡ªevents that Edric, with his growing interests, was eager to attend.
But it wasn¡¯t just magic books that drew him in. These auctions and markets offered everything: rare weapons, invaluable intelligence, ancient maps, artifacts, etc. If something existed in this Kingdom and had a price, chances were, he could find it there.
Edric¡¯s need for substantial funds stemmed from his desire to participate in high-class auctions. To that end, he had obtained maps detailing bandit camps and trade routes, hoping to plunder them for wealth. Unfortunately, before he could act, those bandits were wiped out¡ªdepriving him of an easy source of money. Not that they would have had much to begin with.
Still, if he wanted to compete in these high-stakes auctions, he needed a fortune. Relying solely on the Darkwind family¡¯s resources wouldn¡¯t be enough. He would have to secure his own wealth, one way or another.
These auctions attracted the wealthiest individuals, often from all corners of the kingdom. The sums of money these attendees casually spent could dwarf the entire bandit population¡¯s loot.
Auctions, especially the larger ones, were held on a national scale, utilizing advanced magical remote video call technology. This allowed the events to reach far beyond local borders, drawing participants from all corners of the kingdom. It was yet another reason Edric sought more wealth¡ªif he wanted to compete with the kingdom''s elite, he would need astronomical amounts of coin. The stakes were high, and only those with vast fortunes could hope to claim the most coveted items.
However, the fact that auctions were held on a nationwide basis wasn¡¯t a disadvantage. For Edric, it was actually preferable. The key advantage lay in the frequency of auctions. With nationwide auctions, there would be more opportunities, even if each individual auction tended to be more expensive. More auctions meant more chances to participate, to bid, and to acquire what he needed.
He looked forward to participating in his first auction in this life. With a few million silver at his disposal, he hoped to purchase something that would aid him on his journey.
But before that, Edric called upon the system.
Today was the day the new system tasks should arrive!
In his mind, he called out, "System!"
Chapter 51 The Race Against Time
[Edric Windwalker]
Age: 16 years, 7 months, and 9 days
[Tasks]
- Next task unlocks in: 20 minutes
- Next task unlocks in: 19 days
[Techniques]
- Legendary Knight Training: 251 / 1,500,000
- Legendary Mage Training: 35 / 1,500,000
[Talents]
- Knight Talent: Legendary (0 / 2,400,000)
- Mage Talent: Average (0 / 100,000)
[Skills]
- Energy Absorption (Red)
- Magnetic Pull (Golden)
- Beast¡¯s Senses (Golden)
- Poison Resistance (Golden)
- Crystal Skin (Silver)
- Bloodline Sensing (Silver)
- Telekinesis (Silver)
- Steel Hair Manipulation (Silver)
- Extreme Yang (Silver)
- See-Through (Silver)
- Flesh Control (White)
[Cheat Ability]
- Low Level ¨C 1,000 XP per day
Available XP: 434,914
Edric¡¯s eyes gleamed as he stared at the interface floating before him. "Only 20 minutes left!" he muttered, barely able to contain his excitement.
"If the next task is related to having children again ¡ and if it counts my clone¡¯s children as my own¡ª" his heartbeat quickened at the thought. "That would be incredible! I might be able to complete it instantly! Or at the very least, clear it in record time."
His anticipation made the minutes drag, but eventually¡ª
Ding!
[New Task Available]
Edric glanced at the task description, and a wave of frustration and disbelief washed over him.
[Task: Ancestor of a State]
Progress: 2,813 / 100,000
Objective: Conceive 100,000 children within 1,000 days.
Rewards:
- 1 Mythic Chest
- 2 Legendary Chests
- 1,000,000 XP
- A Mythic-rank weapon
Failure Penalty: Lose 2,000,000 XP
Edric''s eyes widened. "One hundred thousand?! Are you serious? What happened to ten thousand?!" He clenched his fists, his mind racing.
"Could it be... the system thought 10,000 was too easy for me, so it just threw in an extra zero?"
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. His gaze flickered to the progress bar¡ª2,813 children already. That meant his clones'' offspring were being counted, just as he had hoped. That was a relief.
Still, he had 97,000 more to go. And he only had 1,000 days.
"It wouldn¡¯t be easy. It wouldn¡¯t be easy at all."
But the reward of the Mythic Chest alone made it worth it for him. The 2,000,000 XP penalty, on the other hand, was terrifying. That was nearly six years¡¯ worth of system XP. He couldn¡¯t afford to fail.
Edric exhaled sharply. The more he thought about it, the more absurd the task felt. "A hundred thousand children?" It was an incomprehensible number. He¡¯d probably become a record holder in whatever twisted history book kept track of such things.
But there was no use dwelling on the scale of it. He had already made his decision.
"I need that Mythic Chest as soon as possible. I have to find a way to do this faster than the deadline!"
His clone in Windwalker City was already ensuring the birth of a hundred children per day. But there was a problem¡ªan upper limit.
When the plan was first announced by the Marquis Alaric Windwalker, tens of thousands of women volunteered. But over time, many had withdrawn, leaving less than 10,000 on the waiting list.
That meant, at best, the total number wouldn¡¯t exceed 10,000 children in a short time unless more people volunteered.
Edric frowned.
He needed a new strategy. And he needed it fast.
Marquis Windwalker was not a benevolent leader but wasn¡¯t outright cruel either. If no one volunteered, he wouldn¡¯t force them.
That was the real problem.
Once his clone ran out of willing participants, the entire operation would come to a screeching halt.
"How the hell am I supposed to have 97,000 children in less than three years?!" Edric groaned, rubbing his temples as a headache settled in.
There was only one solution he could think of¡ªmagic.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
He sighed heavily. If he could find a spell that allowed him to create permanent clones, he could drastically increase his efficiency. With enough clones, completing this absurd task quickly would actually become possible.
But that was easier said than done.
For the past month, he had been searching, asking, and offering absurd amounts of money¡ªyet he had found nothing. Magic books were rare. Even if one did appear, no one would sell it.
His best hope now was the big auction in a few days. But even there, there were no guarantees.
Edric had been preparing for this auction for a long time. He had 25 million silver coins set aside for it. Most of it came from the Darkwind Family, but a fair portion was from something else¡ªbandit dens he had looted over the past few weeks.
As far as Edric was concerned, stealing from bandits wasn¡¯t just justified¡ªit was a public service.
Still, if the auction didn¡¯t have what he needed¡ he would be back to square one.
There was another option, of course¡ªimproving his existing clone spell or creating a brand-new one.
But that was a nightmare.
Edric scowled. "My talent for magic is unbelievably low. There''s no way I can invent or improve spells on my own."
The books he already had were useless in this regard. None of them contained spells for making multiple clones or even permanent ones.
He did have a spell for creating avatars, but¡
It was worthless for his current situation. He had already tested it¡ªavatars couldn¡¯t have children. Unlike clones, they weren¡¯t made of actual flesh but mere projections.
It had its uses, but not for this task.
Edric let out another deep sigh. If he couldn¡¯t produce 97,000 children in less than three years, it wouldn¡¯t just mean losing out on the Mythic Chest, Legendary Chests, and a million XP, and a Mythic Weapon¡ªhe would also be punished with a loss of 2,000,000 XP.
That was six years'' worth of system XP¡ª a price too steep to pay.
If only he could stumble upon a cloning technique that allowed him to create multiple permanent clones¡ but he knew better than to count on luck.
Magic books didn¡¯t just appear out of nowhere.
This isn¡¯t a novel. It¡¯s reality.
If this were some cheap web novel, he would have miraculously discovered a hidden spellbook in some forgotten corner, conveniently solving all his problems in an instant.
But this was his life.
And nothing came that easy.
Edric leaned back, exhaling sharply as he ran through the possibilities.
...
After spending days thinking it over, he identified two main ways he could get his hands on magic books¡ªor, at the very least, magical items that might help him.
The First Method¡ªBuying Them
The most straightforward option was simply purchasing them. Whether through private sellers, marketplaces, or high-stakes auctions, there had to be people out there willing to sell.
So far, he hadn¡¯t had any luck. But in all fairness¡ªno major auctions had been held yet.
And he hadn¡¯t yet found a market that even dealt in magic books.
But that didn¡¯t mean they didn¡¯t exist.
If he searched hard enough, sooner or later, he would find the right people. And when he did¡ªhe would be ready.
If he couldn¡¯t buy them, then there was only one other way.
Steal them.
So far, Edric had access to three treasuries:
- His mother, Countess Lyria¡¯s treasury ¨C Contained a few silver-level spellbooks.
- Marquis Alaric Windwalker¡¯s treasury ¨C Had the largest collection, including a golden-level book.
- Marquis Rhaegor Darkwind¡¯s treasury ¨C Only had two books, neither of which contained spells.
The lack of books in Marquis Darkwind¡¯s treasury wasn¡¯t because his family had no inheritance, but because he had sold most of them to the mage Renata.
If both the Darkwind and Windwalker families had magic books, it was possible that other noble families did as well.
Of course, it could also be that the reason these two families had magic books in the first place was due to an ancestor who had been a mage.
Edric wasn¡¯t an expert on noble ancestry, so he couldn¡¯t be sure. But it was entirely possible that the Windwalkers weren¡¯t the only ones who had inherited magic books from a powerful ancestor. If other noble families had similar inheritances, then¡
Stealing from them would be easy.
As a Golden-ranked Mage and Knight, he could sneak in and out without leaving a trace.
That said, while stealing was an option, there existed a safer plan.
Rather than outright taking the books, he would simply read and learn them on the spot. This way, he could take whatever knowledge he needed without raising suspicion.
After all, if multiple noble families suddenly found their magic books missing, they would immediately suspect foul play.
...
Edric had already identified his first targets¡ªthe nobles of the Windwalker family.
Besides his mother, Countess Lyria, and Marquis Alaric Windwalker, there were other nobles in the Windwalker lineage, including Viscount families and Baron families.
These Viscounts and Barons were side branches of the Windwalker family, but they still carried the same bloodline.
If the Silver Mage ancestor had left books for the main family, there was a good chance he had left something for them as well.
His next targets were the Counts, Viscounts, and Barons of the Darkwind family.
There was less of a chance that they had inherited anything from the Silver Mage ancestor, since the Darkwind noble titles had been created long after that ancestor¡¯s death.
But there was still a possibility.
And Edric intended to find out.
Once Edric was done searching the Darkwind and Windwalker family estates, his next targets were clear:
- The Highpeak family
- The Sunfire family
- And lastly, the Stonefist family
Of these, the Stonefists were the most dangerous. Their leader, Duke Stonefist, was a Golden Knight. If Edric wasn¡¯t careful, he could be caught.
After investigating the neighboring noble families, if he still failed to find anything useful, he would have to expand his search even further.
That would take time.
Which meant that his days of relaxing were over.
From now on, he had to move quickly. Every moment counted.
There were still a few days left until the auction, but he couldn¡¯t afford to just sit around waiting.
He would leave today.
His first stop? The Windwalker family estate.
...
Finding a quiet place, Edric activated his Double-Boosted Flight Spell and shot into the sky.
Whoosh!
The wind howled around him as he streaked through the air.
Before becoming a Golden Mage, he hadn¡¯t been able to use Silver-level boost spells like ¡®Boost¡¯ or ¡®Double Boost.¡¯ But now?
His high-grade Golden Mana did most of the work for him.
Boost. Double. Triple. Sharpen. Penetrate. Blunt. Weaken. Widen. Concentrate. Spread.
These weren¡¯t full spells, but Spell Modifiers.
By themselves, these modifiers were useless, but when cast before another spell, they could significantly alter its effect.
For example, ¡®Double¡¯ on its own did nothing.
But if cast before Fireball¡ª
It would create two Fireballs instead of one.
Of course, the mana cost would also double.
Five Days Later
Sitting in his room, Edric turned on his magic laptop and entered the virtual video conference app.
The auction had begun.
Chapter 52 The Auction Begins
It took about half an hour before everyone was online.
The Chamber of Commerce''s Chief Magical Technology Officer controlled the app. It had undergone countless tests and ran seamlessly.
Magical computers were expensive, intricate devices powered by masterfully crafted magical formations. These formations drew energy from pre-established mana reservoirs.
For a magic computer to function, it needed to be linked to a centralized magical mainframe. This central unit processed and synchronized all incoming data, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted video conference. Located at the Chamber of Commerce''s headquarters, the mainframe drew its operational energy from mana sources maintained by the Chamber¡¯s mages.
However, individual magic computers also consumed an immense amount of mana. Sustaining the formations and transmitting data to the central system required a continuous flow of energy¡ªsomething not every participant could afford to provide on their own.
To solve this, most cities with a population exceeding 100,000¡ªthose directly governed by the Bloodstone family¡ªhad established mana reservoirs. These colossal arrays were designed to absorb mana from the atmosphere and refine it into a usable state. Citizens and businesses could subscribe to these reservoirs, receiving an allocated share of mana based on regulatory guidelines.
This was just one of the many advantages of living under the Bloodstone family''s rule. With powerful magicians under their banner, they had pioneered advancements in magical technology, elevating the standard of living for those within their domain.
For centuries, the Bloodstones had sought to construct a nationwide mana network¡ªa sprawling formation capable of transmitting both data and mana across vast distances at minimal cost. However, with only a single Golden Mage in their ranks and limited magical resources, progress had been painfully slow. Even after generations of effort, the project remained far from completion.
...
A few more minutes passed before the magical camera¡¯s perspective displayed on the monitor shifted, revealing a man dressed in an immaculate white suit.
"Greetings, fellow members!" he declared, his voice steady and commanding. "Today, we hold our annual auction."
He offered a courteous nod before continuing, "I know everyone here is busy, so let¡¯s get straight to it!"
"There are three tiers of items: White, Silver, and Gold. I will briefly summarize the details of the White-tier items and transmit all relevant information to you. You will have five minutes to review the data. Once that time is up, I will announce the starting bids."
His words were crisp, efficient¡ªevery syllable designed to maintain order and momentum. The auction had begun.
"For Silver-tier items, you will have ten minutes to review their details. For Gold-tier items, you will be given thirty minutes," the man in the white suit announced. "For each Silver and Gold-tier item, we will provide an extensive record, including its history, uses, analysis, experimental results, and any applicable restrictions."
"The identity of each bidder is strictly confidential. Rest assured, every bidder¡¯s wealth has been verified by us, and we guarantee its authenticity."
Edric had visited the Chamber of Commerce a few days earlier and deposited his entire fortune¡ª25,000,000 silver¡ªfor verification.
This system had been put in place due to past incidents where bidders placed offers beyond their means, causing severe disruptions. Now, with only a few exceptions, every participant had to confirm their wealth before participating.
The man in white continued, "Now, for our first item: a White-tier bottle containing one hundred Blood Purification Pills. The starting price is 100,000 silver!"
As he spoke, he gestured slightly, and the magic computer transmitted the detailed information to all participants. "You have five minutes to review the details!"
The items in the annual auction were never revealed beforehand. This rule had been implemented due to past complications. For example, members of the Bloodstone family had discovered an item they desperately needed in the auction listing. Unable to wait for auction day, they had gone directly to the Chamber of Commerce and purchased the item outright before bidding could even begin.
The Chamber, despite its power, could not resist the will of the Bloodstone family and was forced to comply. To prevent such incidents from repeating, a new system had been established¡ªauction items would remain a secret until the event itself. Additionally, both buyers and sellers remained anonymous, with only one person¡ªthe Golden Knight overseeing the auction¡ªknowing the true identities of the bidders. He was trusted beyond doubt and would never disclose such information.
Edric focused his mind, mentally commanding his magic computer to open the file on the Blood Purification Pills.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
100,000 silver was a steep price for a White-tier item. If it was this expensive, then these pills were far from ordinary.
Blood Purification Pills had a remarkable effect on Knights and Great Knights alike. Each pill could cleanse one¡¯s veins, strengthen the body, alleviate internal injuries, accelerate physical training, sharpen the mind, and enhance overall health.
Beyond its role in knight training, the pill also had life-extending properties. When consumed by the elderly, it purifies their bodies, improves their vitality, and, in effect, prolongs their lifespan.
Although classified as a White-tier pill, its creation required magic and could only be concocted by highly skilled Great Mages.
History: This pill was crafted by the renowned Bloodstone Pill Workshop using exceptionally rare ingredients, which were both difficult to procure and limited in quantity. Typically, these pills were reserved for Knights of the Bloodstone family, rarely making their way into auctions or open markets.
Restrictions: Consumption was strictly limited to one pill per week. Excessive purification of the blood could lead to adverse effects, including overstimulation, which might ultimately harm the body. Other possible side effects included itching, headaches, and other minor discomforts.
Edric skimmed through the rest of the details but didn¡¯t bother reading further. He quickly deduced the true reason behind the steep price¡ªthe pill¡¯s life-extending effects for the elderly.
As for its benefits in knight training, they were decent but nowhere near 100,000 silver in value. For Edric, the pill held no real use.
...
The five-minute review period ended.
The man in the white suit straightened and spoke with authority. "Now, we begin the bidding! Each bid must be at least 10,000 silver higher than the previous offer!"
The moment he finished speaking, a bidder wasted no time.
"110,000!" announced Bidder No. 18.
Edric sighed. "Spending 110,000 silver for just a few White-tier pills¡"
To put this into perspective, the average Great Knight earned around 5,000 silver annually. That meant this single bottle of pills was worth the salary of a Great Knight for twenty years!
Clearly, no one was purchasing this for knight training. It was obvious¡ªthe pill¡¯s true value lay in prolonging life. After all, not everyone had the means to hire talented mages like Renata.
"120,000!" bid No. 6.
"150,000!" bid No. 64.
A brief pause, then¡ª
"500,000!" bid No. 18 again.
After the last bid of 300,000 silver, no one else placed an offer.
The auctioneer gave a final glance across the room.
"500,000 is the highest bid. Any challengers?" He paused dramatically. "Going once¡ going twice¡ Sold! To Bidder No. 18!"
A soft chime echoed, sealing the deal.
Edric exhaled. 500,000 silver¡ªfor a White-tier item. He shook his head. If nothing else, tonight''s auction was proving to be more interesting than he had expected.
Seeing the prices soar, Edric felt foolish for thinking he could make a real impact with his 25,000,000 silver.
These were just White-tier pills, yet they sold for 500,000!
If a spellbook were to appear in the auction, he couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine how high the bids would go.
"These people are absurdly rich," he muttered to himself. Compared to them, the Darkwind and Windwalker families were practically destitute.
The auctioneer''s voice echoed through the magical transmission.
"The next item is another White-tier treasure¡ªfifteen seeds of the Magic Apple Fruit! The starting price is 15,000 silver!"
He gestured slightly, and the magical system sent out the detailed description.
"You have five minutes to review the information!"
Edric opened the file.
Magic Apple Fruits have slight healing properties, refresh the mind, and¡ªmost importantly¡ªare delicious. Regular consumption enhances spirit and mental clarity, while also reducing the risk of contracting common illnesses¡
Edric stopped reading.
"Completely useless."
Five minutes passed.
"Now, we begin the bidding!" the auctioneer announced. "Each bid must be at least 1,500 silver higher than the last!"
"20,000!" bid No. 64.
"22,000!" bid No. 17.
¡
"59,500!" bid No. 100.
A few seconds of silence followed. No one else raised their bid.
"Sold! To Bidder No. 100!" the auctioneer declared.
Without pause, he moved on.
"The next item is another White-tier treasure¡ªBlue Soil, an enriched magical earth capable of cultivating rare fruits and plants¡"
And so it continued.
For over four hours, the auctioneer presented White-tier items one after another. Some were intriguing, but Edric wasn¡¯t here for interesting trinkets¡ªhe wanted spellbooks and nothing else.
At last, the man in white raised a hand.
"We will now take a one-hour break before resuming."
...
An hour later, the video conference restarted. The air felt charged with anticipation.
The auctioneer''s voice rang out with renewed energy.
"Everyone, the moment has arrived!" he declared.
"I will now announce our first Silver-tier item!"
"The first Silver-tier item is the Ring of Shadow!" the man in the white suit announced.
"With this ring, the wearer can create one shadow clone per day¡ªwithout any mana cost!" His voice carried weight, ensuring every participant understood the significance.
"Even those without knight or mage cultivation can use it! A truly rare artifact!"
He let the moment sink in before continuing.
"I will now provide an extensive record, including its history, uses, analysis, experimental results, and any applicable restrictions. You have ten minutes to review the details and decide whether to bid!"
Edric''s eyes sharpened as he opened the file.
His interest piqued immediately.
A shadow clone could be useful¡ very useful.
Chapter 53 Too Poor to Win, Too Stubborn to Quit
Edric swiftly flipped through the files, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the information.
Item Description:
The Shadow Ring grants its wielder the ability to create a single shadow clone every 24 hours. Each clone possesses 10% of the original body''s strength, provided the user''s rank does not exceed Silver. However, summoning a new clone will immediately dispel the previous one.
A shadow clone can persist for up to one month, unless it is killed by external forces or exhausts its energy reserves. Its total energy consists of 20% of the mana pool of an average Silver-ranked mage and 20% of the internal energy of a Silver-ranked knight.
Like all clones, shadow clones are made of flesh and blood, yet they possess a unique ability¡ªthe power to shift into shadow form at will. In this state, they become invulnerable to conventional attacks, with only spells or internal energy-infused attacks capable of harming them.
Each shadow clone retains the intelligence of the original, allowing it to operate independently. However, the amount of memory and knowledge it inherits depends on the settings configured by the main body. Should an enemy capture a clone, they could attempt to interrogate or torture it for information¡ªbut they would only extract whatever the main body had permitted it to know. Notably, the destruction or suffering of a clone does not transmit pain or awareness back to the original.
History:
The Shadow Ring is a defective relic created by the Bloodstone Order of Magic. It was originally designed to produce clones at full strength, mirroring the power of a Silver-ranked mage or knight. However, the enchantment was flawed, limiting each clone¡¯s strength to a mere 10% of its intended potential. Deemed a failure, the artifact was cast aside and placed on auction in an attempt to recover some of its lost value.
Weaknesses:
Due to its defective nature, the Shadow Ring has several limitations.
- Shadow clones created by the ring are immediately detectable by Great-ranked mages and above, as well as Silver-ranked knights and higher.
- There is no mental connection between the clone and the main body, meaning information cannot be shared telepathically.
- If too much memory is withheld from the clone at the moment of its creation, it may develop independent thoughts and even betray the main body.
- A new clone can only be summoned in complete darkness, requiring locations such as a specially enchanted darkroom, a deep cave, or similarly shadowed environments.
- While in its physical state, the shadow clone can exist freely in the light. However, once in shadow form, it must minimize exposure to sunlight, as prolonged contact may result in its death.
- The shadow clone always resembles the original; it is impossible to disguise it using transformation spells or other magical means.
- Although the shadow clone can cast spells, it is restricted to shadow-element magic. It cannot use spells of any other element.
- The clone has no innate magical ability except for Shadow Elementalization, a unique skill that allows it to shift into shadow form.
- While in the Shadow Elementalization state, the clone cannot carry weapons, armor, or any non-shadow objects.
Restrictions:
- The Shadow Ring can only generate a shadow clone once every 24 hours.
- Mages and knights who are attuned to light energy may experience discomfort while wearing the ring.
- The ring must remain worn at all times while a shadow clone is active; removing it will instantly dispel the clone.
- The ring cannot be worn in areas where light-element energy exceeds Great rank concentration, as the overwhelming energy may render it inactive or even destroy it.
Experimentation Results:
- Physical Composition: While in flesh form, the shadow clone is indistinguishable from an ordinary human. Autopsy reports confirm that its organs, bones, and flesh are identical to those of a real person with the same strength. It is vulnerable to all the same injuries and ailments as a normal human of its level.
- Bodily Needs: Despite being an elemental construct, while in flesh form, the shadow clone still requires food, sleep, and rest to maintain its functionality.
- Elemental Nature: The shadow element is a false element, meaning its existence is dependent on the absence of light. Because of this, the clone must avoid exposure to powerful sources of light-element energy of golden or above rank, regardless of whether it is in flesh or shadow form, as they could destabilize or destroy it.
- Reproduction: The clone can, in theory, reproduce. However, if the clone is female, natural childbirth is either impossible or extremely difficult, as a shadow clone cannot exist for more than one month. The only conceivable method of successful birth would require advanced magic to accelerate fetal development, allowing the child to be born within the clone¡¯s limited lifespan.
After reading through tens of pages of information, Edric¡¯s excitement soared. This Shadow Ring was perfect for him!
"I have to bid on it!" he decided without hesitation.
Even though the ring could only produce one clone at a time, its ability to ''plant the seeds'' of the next generation was immensely valuable for completing his system task.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Ten minutes later, the man dressed in pristine white stepped onto the auction stage.
"Now, it''s time to bid! Let the auction begin!"
"10,000,000!" Bidder Number 18.
Edric, bidder number 844, swiftly entered his bid: "20,000,000."
"40,000,000!" Bidder Number 214 countered.
"Damn it!" Edric clenched his fists.
"45,000,000!" Bidder Number 1 entered the fray.
"48,000,000!" Number 18 raised the stakes.
"50,000,000!" Number 100 responded effortlessly.
"60,000,000!" Number 1 bid without hesitation.
A few tense seconds passed. The auctioneer in white lifted his hand, about to finalize the sale¡ª
"70,000,000!" Bidder Number 18 interrupted with a bold raise.
But almost instantly, Number 1 countered without hesitation.
"100,000,000!"
Edric¡¯s jaw nearly dropped. "One hundred million silver!?"
"Even for a powerful artifact, is it truly worth that much? After all, the clone only has 10% the strength of a Silver-ranked knight or mage. One could hire dozens of Silver knights for that kind of money!"
"Whoever Number 1 is ... they have bottomless pockets!" He thought.
The auctioneer''s voice rang out with excitement.
"Anyone else? Going once¡ going twice¡ Sold to Participant Number 1!"
Edric let out a defeated sigh. The Shadow Ring had slipped through his fingers.
"The next Silver-ranked item is called Ghost Shoes!" the man in white announced. "I will now send you the item''s details. You have ten minutes to decide on your bid! The starting price is 20,000,000 silver, and each bid must increase by at least 2,000,000!"
Hearing the starting price, Edric immediately gave up.
"Damn it¡ my mere 25,000,000 silver isn¡¯t even close to enough for these Silver-grade items."
"These people have way too much money! When I reach Legendary rank, I¡¯ll rob them all!" he swore to himself.
With no realistic chance of buying anything valuable, Edric simply leaned back in his chair, hoping¡ªjust maybe¡ªsomething useful would appear that no one else wanted.
Still, despite having no intention of bidding, he skimmed through the Ghost Shoes'' details.
Item Description:
- Usability: The Ghost Shoes can be worn by anyone, regardless of rank.
- Ability: Grants the wearer invulnerability to all attacks below Gold rank for one hour per day.
- Activation: Instantaneous¡ªactivates the moment the wearer wills it. Once triggered, it cannot be deactivated until the full hour has elapsed.
- Effects:
- While in Ghost State, the wearer can pass through walls and all obstacles below Gold rank.
- The wearer must not remove the shoes during activation. If they take them off, they will become permanently trapped in Ghost State. Only a Gold-ranked spell or other Golden-tier methods can return them to normal.
- They gain the ability to fly, though their speed is relatively slow.
History:
The Ghost Shoes were crafted in the Bloodstone Order¡¯s workshop with the intent of creating a Golden-ranked artifact. However, the attempt failed, and the shoes never crossed the threshold into true Gold-grade power. As a result, the leader of the Bloodstone Order decided to auction the item, hoping to recoup funds and make another attempt at forging a true Golden-tier version.
Weaknesses:
- While not in Ghost State, the shoes are extremely fragile¡ªso much so that even an ordinary person with a hammer could shatter them.
- Their size is fixed and unchangeable. If a person¡¯s feet are too large or too small, they cannot wear them unless they possess magic to alter their size.
Etc...
As Edric finished reading the details, he nodded in understanding.
"No wonder these shoes are so expensive¡" he thought.
Owning them meant guaranteed survival for one hour, even if completely surrounded by countless Silver-ranked knights. It was, in essence, an extra life¡ªas long as no Gold-ranked opponent intervened, one could simply activate Ghost State and escape.
Time passed swiftly.
The auctioneer in white raised his hand and declared, "Now, we begin the bidding! Start!"
"50,000,000!" Bidder Number 6 called out immediately.
Edric sighed in frustration.
"As expected¡ I don¡¯t stand a chance at all."
For over five minutes, the bids continued, escalating to unimaginable levels.
"485,000,000!" Bidder Number 2 finally declared.
The man in white paused. Then, after a few tense moments, he called out:
"Three¡ two¡ one¡ Sold to Participant Number 2!"
Edric felt numb.
By now, he realized he had a far better chance of acquiring valuable items through robbery than wasting his time at this auction.
This was a nationwide event¡ªmeaning wealthy dukes, ancient noble houses, and Bloodstone family elites were all competing at the same time. How could he possibly outbid people who had accumulated wealth for generations?
Still, he wasn¡¯t too shocked by the final price. After all, the wearer of the Ghost Shoes would be completely invulnerable to all Silver-ranked knights and mages. The price reflected its worth.
The auctioneer cleared his throat, preparing to introduce the next item.
"Our next item is a remnant of a silver rank spellbook, estimated to be hundreds of years old!
"Although the spells within are obsolete, as they require rare and forgotten materials to cast, they still hold value for scholars and collectors. After extensive research conducted by the Bloodstone Order, it has been decided that this artifact will be put up for auction!"
"Due to its limited practical use, the starting price will be set at 1,000,000 silver, with a minimum bid increase of 100,000!"
"Now, I will send you the information regarding this artifact. You have ten minutes to decide!"
Edric, who had all but given up hope, suddenly perked up in excitement!
"A spellbook¡?"
He quickly opened the detailed information, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Chapter 54 A Jar Worth a Fortune
Edric began reading the details.
...
Explanation:
This spellbook is a relic of the past. None of the spells recorded within these pages are usable on Silverflower Island. There is insufficient information on whether the mages of the Flicker Empire can still wield its magic, but even if they could, importing the necessary ingredients for these spells is economically unfeasible. Even if cost were not a concern, it remains uncertain whether Flicker¡¯s magic labs would allow the importation of these materials ever again.
The spells contained in this book differ greatly from modern magic. Today¡¯s spells are cast by channeling mana into imaginary magical formations¡ªthese are known as Arcane Spells. However, the spells recorded here rely on infusing mana into real-world ingredients, a practice known as Substance Magic. Spells of this nature are referred to as Substance Spells.
Substance Spells are generally easier to cast, require less mana, and are significantly more powerful than Arcane Spells. However, they demand more preparation time and are far more expensive to execute.
Historical records speak of mages who wielded Substance Spells centuries ago. The ingredients necessary for this magic could only be produced by highly advanced magical laboratories¡ªfacilities so sophisticated that only vast empires with ultra-rank mages could construct them. All necessary components were once imported from the Flicker Empire. Yet, for reasons unknown, the importation of these essential materials ceased entirely. Today, no such ingredients exist on Silverflower Island, nor are there any ongoing efforts to procure them.
History:
This book was discovered within the tomb of a Silver Mage. After years of study, it was deemed useless and was ultimately sold to alleviate the Bloodstone Order¡¯s financial troubles.
Experimental Results:
No experiments could be conducted, as the required ingredients for casting Substance Spells no longer exist. All knowledge of Substance Magic comes solely from historical records and other magical texts.
...
Reading through the details, Edric fell into deep thought.
"This¡ honestly doesn¡¯t look good." He frowned.
He was well aware of his lack of magical talent. If he couldn¡¯t even master Arcane Spells, expecting to modify these ancient Substance Spells into something usable was nothing more than a pipe dream.
"They put it up for auction, which means they¡¯ve already studied it and decided it¡¯s worthless. I¡¯ll buy it if the price stays under 10 million¡ otherwise, I¡¯ll let it go."
Even if it wasn¡¯t useful, it was better than leaving empty-handed. By now, he had come to terms with the reality of the auction¡ªhe had no chance of winning anything truly valuable. If he wanted something, he had to settle for scraps.
Minutes passed. Then, the man in white finally announced, ¡°The bidding begins! Start!¡±
"1,500,000." Edric swiftly entered his bid on the laptop.
"1,600,000." Another bid followed, coming from participant number 711.
The price steadily climbed as a few more bids were placed, eventually reaching 3 million.
"3,100,000." Edric increased his offer.
Seconds ticked by in silence. No one else placed another bid. The book had no practical use, and spending money on it was as good as throwing silver into the wind.
¡°No other bids?¡± The auctioneer¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°Three¡ two¡ one¡ Sold!¡±
With that, the book was his.
Edric had already deposited all 25 million silver and, in return, received a Chamber of Commerce Credit Card, commonly known as QuadC.
QuadC was widely accepted across the kingdom and even in neighboring nations. It was the most reputable financial transfer organization within the kingdom, second only to the Bank of Bloodstone.
The auction house deducted the payment from his QuadC, and the book was dispatched via express magical post. They assured him it would arrive in less than a day. If anything happened to it during transit, the Chamber would take full responsibility.
For items valued under 10 million silver, safe delivery was fully guaranteed.
For items between 10 million and 200 million, if an issue arose, the Chamber would compensate 50% of the loss.
For items exceeding 200 million, however, no compensation would be provided. The buyer assumed full responsibility for securing and retrieving their purchase.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Edric leaned back, exhaling slowly.
"Now¡ let¡¯s see if this so-called useless book is truly worthless."
The man in white continued presenting item after item, each selling for astronomical sums. Yet, not a single modern Silver-grade spellbook appeared.
For whatever reason, the Bloodstone Order, which was responsible for most Silver-grade items in the auction, seemed to be deliberately withholding any spellbooks of real value.
"Buying books is impossible! I should give up!" Edric sighed in frustration.
As he was lost in thought, the man in white suddenly announced, ¡°All Silver-level items have been sold! Now, it¡¯s time for our one and only Golden-grade item!¡±
With a dramatic flourish, he brought forth a jar¡ªan ancient wooden vessel, its surface worn yet emanating an air of mystery.
¡°This,¡± the man in white declared, ¡°is called the Jar of Drunkards! Wine from this jar can intoxicate even a Golden-rank knight! The starting price is 500,000,000 silver, with a minimum bid increment of 50,000,000. I will now send out further details¡ªyou have half an hour to decide!¡±
Ordinary alcohol could make a normal person drunk, but only because it affected the brain. However, once a person ascended to Knight-rank, their mental fortitude became too powerful for common alcohol to have any effect. The same applied to Mages, whose strong souls kept them perpetually lucid no matter how much they drank.
Of course, that didn¡¯t mean Knights and Mages were immune to intoxication¡ªit was simply that only wine brewed from high-ranking ingredients could affect them. For instance, to create wine capable of intoxicating a Silver-rank knight, its ingredients also needed to be of Silver-rank.
Because of this, alcohol strong enough to affect powerful warriors or spellcasters was exceedingly rare and outrageously expensive.
Edric wasn¡¯t particularly interested¡ªhe couldn¡¯t afford it anyway. Still, out of curiosity, he opened the file to check the details.
...
Jar of Drunkards ¨C Item Details
- The jar is exceptionally durable, capable of withstanding a full-force strike from a Golden-rank knight without breaking.
- The wine¡¯s effect only works if consumed directly from the jar¡ªit cannot be poured into a cup or stored elsewhere.
- Produces 100 liters of wine per day, resetting every 24 hours.
- The wine affects everyone up to Golden-rank equally¡ªwhether a mere mortal or a Golden knight, a single gulp induces the same level of intoxication.
- The wine has seven distinct flavors, each corresponding to a different color of the rainbow, cycling daily. Each flavor carries a unique effect.
Edric skimmed through the details.
Jar of Drunkards ¨C Wine Effects
- Red ¨C Slightly increases total mana reserves.
- Orange ¨C Slightly enhances physical resistance.
- Yellow ¨C Slightly increases thinking speed and mental agility.
- Green ¨C Slightly boosts mana and stamina recovery.
- Blue ¨C Greatly accelerates health recovery after injury.
- Cyan ¨C Slightly increases resistance against spells.
- Purple ¨C Grants all six effects combined: increases mana reserves, enhances physical and magical resistance, sharpens mental agility, improves mana and stamina recovery, and significantly boosts health regeneration.
History:
The Jar of Drunkards was originally a failed experiment by the Bloodstone Order, now being auctioned to recover lost funds. While it had indeed reached Gold-rank, the crafting process had gone awry¡ªits wine was meant to be extractable and storable, but due to an unknown error, it could only be consumed directly from the jar. As a result, it was deemed impractical and put up for auction in an attempt to recover the cost of its creation.
...
Edric read through the details with growing interest.
"If the wine always generated the purple variety, this thing would be incredibly powerful¡ but since purple only appears once every seven days and can¡¯t be stored, it¡¯s effectively a once-a-week boost. That¡¯s probably why they decided to get rid of it."
He smirked.
"Still¡ just how rich is the Bloodstone Order? I wonder how much I¡¯d make if I robbed them of everything they had?"
It was difficult for someone like him, a Golden Knight, to experience drunkenness. With his current physique, it was impossible to get drunk with ordinary alcohol.
Of course, there might be Gold-rank spells capable of amplifying ordinary alcohol¡¯s effects to the point where even he could feel intoxicated. But first, he didn¡¯t have such a spell, and second, he couldn¡¯t learn any Gold-rank magic with his average talent¡ªnot unless he dedicated years or even decades to training.
"Too bad I¡¯m just a poor man with no chance of winning this." He sighed.
...
Soon, the thirty-minute waiting period ended.
The auctioneer, eyes gleaming with excitement, raised his voice.
¡°Everyone, it¡¯s time to bid! Start!¡±
"600,000,000!" called bidder number 3.
"610,000,000!" followed bidder number 4.
After several minutes of intense bidding¡ª
"1,100,000,000!" Bidder number 6 raised the stakes.
The auctioneer in white waited. Then, with a nod, he declared,
¡°No further bids? Three¡ two¡ one¡ªSold!¡±
¡°Thank you all for your participation! The next auction will be held one year from now. The official dates and times will be announced through our official channels. However, a word of caution¡ªthe minimum participation threshold will be raised next year! So, to those with lighter purses, I suggest you work hard to cross that threshold!¡±
This year¡¯s auction had a minimum threshold of 10,000,000 silver, meaning anyone who wanted to participate had to prove they had that much available and ready to spend.
Of course, now that 10,000,000 silver was no longer an issue for Edric, it was easy to forget how absurdly high that number actually was.
For context¡ªhis mother¡¯s entire yearly budget as a Countess barely exceeded 4,000,000 silver.
Only powerful Marquises like Alaric Windwalker, Rhaegor Darkwind, or exceptionally wealthy Counts who had saved for years could afford to participate in these auctions.
Closing the magic laptop, Edric stood up, stretching slightly.
"Time to go hunt for some spellbooks."
He was certain that buying a decent spellbook was impossible at this point. His only hope was to dig through noble estates and hope to stumble across a rare one¡
Or take matters into his own hands.
He decided to wait for the arrival of his substance spellbook before leaving.
Chapter 55 Death in an Instant
Edric eyed the book warily. It was ancient¡ªso old that it was barely holding itself together. Its pages were dark yellow, brittle to the touch, as if even the slightest pressure would turn them to dust.
"Is this really a spellbook?" His voice carried a hint of disbelief.
Spellbooks were created through magic. Unlike ordinary books, they didn¡¯t decay so easily. Even after thousands of years, a true magic tome should remain untouched by time. Yet, the one in his hands looked as if it would crumble at any moment.
"I feel like I was scammed." Edric sighed.
Three million silver. That was what he had paid for this relic, and at first glance, it didn¡¯t seem worth a fraction of that price. Still, he carefully opened it, his fingers moving with the caution of a scholar handling a lost artifact.
To his surprise, despite its aged appearance, the text inside was crisp and legible. None of the pages were missing, and though delicate, they weren¡¯t as fragile as he had initially feared.
"Did the mage who created this do it on purpose?" He frowned. The Bloodstone Order had already examined this book, so it was unlikely that he would find anything they hadn¡¯t.
Still, he began reading. Fortunately, he understood the ancient script it was written in.
"Twelve silver-tier spells¡ hmm¡" He flipped through the pages, an inexplicable feeling creeping up his spine.
Something was wrong.
He couldn''t quite put his finger on it, but the book felt... off. His instincts screamed at him.
Frowning, Edric shut the book and examined it carefully before casting a Silver-Tier Detection Spell. A soft glow surrounded the tome¡ªbut nothing happened. No hidden enchantments, no curses, nothing suspicious.
Then, he felt it.
A strange sensation on his fingers. Looking down, his eyes narrowed as he saw a thin black substance seeping into his skin.
His expression darkened.
"Poison! Damn it!"
Not just any poison¡ªgolden-tier poison.
Even with his Golden Knight physique, it was affecting him. That alone told him how dangerous it was. Without hesitation, he activated his Poison Resistance Skill.
The moment it flared to life, the poison¡¯s spread came to a sudden halt. It had no chance against his golden-tier resistance¡ªit was expelled instantly, unable to leave even the faintest trace in his body.
"A good skill indeed." Edric exhaled, stepping back from the book.
Something didn¡¯t add up.
This was a silver-tier spellbook. Why did it contain a golden-tier poison? That made no sense. "If it had poison, then the Bloodstone Order should have noticed ... unless... it is their doing!"
His eyes narrowed.
"They targeted me¡ they know who I am!"
Without hesitation, he cast a Flight Spell, his instincts screaming at him to escape.
But before he could take off¡ª
The book shone red.
His pupils shrank.
"A trap¡ª!"
BOOM!
The explosion engulfed everything.
...
The explosion was massive, a catastrophic blast that obliterated everything within a 1,000-foot radius. Houses crumbled into dust, the shockwave tearing through the district like an unstoppable force. Countless people perished in an instant, reduced to nothing by the sheer devastation.
Not even golden knights could survive such overwhelming destruction with their bodies alone.
But Edric¡
Edric wasn¡¯t just a knight.
He was also a mage, and more importantly, he possessed an incredibly rare skill¡ª
Legendary Skill: Energy Absorption.
Standing in the aftermath of the explosion, Edric slowly opened his eyes. His clothes were in tatters, and shallow cuts covered his skin from the shards scattered by the explosion. Fortunately, his Energy Absorption skill had shielded him from the searing heat¡ªand, more importantly, the deadly magical radiation unleashed by the blast.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
His gaze turned cold.
There was no longer any doubt¡ªsomeone wanted him dead.
First, they poisoned him, likely hoping to weaken his resistance. Then, they triggered an explosion powerful enough to erase an entire district. A two-pronged assassination attempt¡ªone subtle, one overwhelming.
But whoever orchestrated this attack had underestimated him.
They failed.
A faint sound caught his attention.
Edric¡¯s eyes snapped in that direction, his senses sharpening.
From the swirling dust and debris, three figures emerged.
Each one radiated an oppressive golden aura¡ª
Golden knights!
His heart sank.
"Three golden knights¡ This isn¡¯t good."
...
Fabian, one of the approaching knights, narrowed his eyes as he studied Edric. He had expected their target to be weakened¡ªat least injured¡ªafter enduring the full force of the explosion.
Instead, the man before them, though looking battered and miserable, wasn¡¯t seriously injured at all.
"Does he have a trump card?" Fabian¡¯s wariness grew.
This should have been simple. Three golden knights against a single opponent¡ªan enemy they believed to be already weakened. Victory should have been certain.
Yet, the reality before them was something else entirely.
This meant the plan had already gone astray, despite their careful preparation.
He had been extremely careful.
After finding out about the unknown golden knight appearing in Darkwind City, Fabian wasted no time investigating. It didn¡¯t take long for him to uncover the knight¡¯s whereabouts¡ªKaelith had let slip crucial information about this mysterious figure and where he had gone.
An unidentified golden knight was a potential threat. A dangerous variable.
Acting swiftly, Fabian devised a plan. With the cooperation of the Bloodstone Order, they tracked him to the annual auction. The moment he purchased the book, they acted.
A golden-tier incapacitating poison was carefully applied to its pages¡ªpotent enough to weaken even a golden knight. Alongside that, a peak golden-rank explosive formation was embedded within the tome.
The only downside was that these modifications left the book in terrible condition, barely holding together. But it didn¡¯t matter. What mattered was that it served its purpose.
The book was delivered.
And outside, Fabian, Duke Oscar Stonefist, and Master Elliot waited¡ªready to intervene should the trap fail. Golden knights were notoriously hard to kill, their vitality monstrous, their endurance unfathomable.
They had to be certain.
The explosion that followed was devastating, leveling the entire district.
And yet¡ª
It wasn¡¯t enough.
Fabian¡¯s eyes locked onto the lone figure standing amidst the destruction.
He was not seriously injured¡ªor if he was, he was exceptionally good at concealing it.
Fabian¡¯s grip tightened. He could only hope it was the latter.
Then¡ª
"Who are you?" The mysterious golden knight''s voice was cold, devoid of emotion.
Fabian¡¯s response was just as merciless.
"Die!"
There was no need for words.
In an instant, Duke Oscar Stonefist and Master Elliot moved, fanning out to form a three-way encirclement around their target, maintaining a distance of 100 meters. Fabian followed suit, ready to strike from three directions at once.
But before any of them could attack¡ª
The mysterious knight suddenly drew a sword.
Not just any sword¡ªa weapon radiating with a golden aura.
And then¡ªhe hurled it.
Straight at Duke Stonefist.
"What?!"
Fabian¡¯s thoughts raced, but his body couldn¡¯t keep up.
The sword shot through the air like a meteor, its speed terrifying.
Fabian felt a chill creep into his heart.
"How is he throwing his sword so fast?!"
Fabian''s mind reeled as he watched the weapon hurtle through the air at an unbelievable speed. As a Golden Knight, his eyes could track it perfectly, but his body wasn¡¯t fast enough to react. If the sword had been aimed at him, his only option would have been to use his trump card¡ªhis body simply wasn¡¯t quick enough to dodge. Even though Golden Knights possess immense physical strength, their sight still far surpasses their speed.
"Its velocity¡ Tens of thousands of feet per second?!"
Even as a golden knight, blessed with inhuman reflexes, Fabian found himself utterly helpless before such raw speed.
Of course, what he didn¡¯t know was that Edric possessed a golden-tier skill¡ª
Magnetic Pull.
A power that allowed him to manipulate metal, accelerating his weapons to terrifying speeds.
Duke Oscar Stonefist saw death approaching.
Desperately, he tried to raise his golden-tier shield, hoping to block or deflect the oncoming strike.
But¡ª
His shield wouldn¡¯t move.
It felt as though it were stuck, refusing to budge no matter how much strength he poured into his arm.
A cold dread crept into his heart.
Realizing his shield was useless, he made the split-second decision to dodge, twisting his body to avoid a fatal blow.
Yet¡ª
His body wouldn¡¯t move properly either.
Something was restraining him, slowing his reactions just enough to make escape impossible. He could still force himself to move¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t fast enough.
What he didn¡¯t know was that Edric possessed Telekinesis.
Though only a silver-tier skill, it was still powerful enough to momentarily disrupt his balance¡ªjust enough to ensure he wouldn¡¯t evade the incoming sword.
The deadly blade closed in.
The entire sequence of events felt like it lasted an eternity¡ª
But in reality, it all happened in less than a hundredth of a second.
Battles between golden knights moved at speeds incomprehensible to mere mortals.
As the sword neared, Oscar knew he had no choice.
In a final act of desperation, he activated his trump card.
With a mere thought, a massive golden shield materialized out of nowhere, appearing directly in the sword¡¯s path.
This was no ordinary defense¡ªit was a golden-tier spell crystal, a treasure that had cost him a fortune. It activated instantly, forming an impenetrable wall of golden energy.
If it couldn¡¯t completely block the strike, it would at least dampen its force.
But¡ª
BOOM!
The moment the sword made contact¡ª
The shield exploded.
Fabian, watching from a distance, felt a chill shoot down his spine.
This wasn¡¯t a normal collision.
The explosion¡¯s power was far beyond what should¡¯ve resulted from the impact alone.
What he didn¡¯t know was that Edric¡¯s legendary skill¡ªEnergy Absorption¡ªwas at play.
The skill didn¡¯t just absorb mana, heat, and other forms of pure energy¡ªit stored them.
And when the time came¡ª
It unleashed them.
Over 50% of the explosion¡¯s force had been transferred directly to the tip of Edric¡¯s golden sword.
The result¡ª
A devastating blast that shattered Oscar¡¯s golden shield in an instant.
Before the duke could react¡ª
The sword pierced his neck.
A clean, decisive strike.
His head flew from his shoulders.
In a single attack¡ª
A golden knight was slain.
Chapter 56 Edric鈥檚 Wrath
Seeing what had just happened, Fabian¡¯s heart was shaken to its core. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, he turned and ran, determined to report the incident and request reinforcements.
Master Elliot followed suit, both men realizing there was no hope of standing their ground.
Edric watched them flee with a furrowed brow. If the two ran in different directions, he knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to catch them both.
The reason he was able to kill Duke Stonefist so swiftly boiled down to three key factors.
First, the element of surprise: his enemy hadn¡¯t expected him to strike when he did, which meant he was caught completely off guard.
Second, his Energy Absorption skill, which was incredibly powerful. It allowed him to quickly shatter the golden magic shield that Duke Oscar had been relying on. But that was a one-time advantage; the next time something like the golden shield blocked his blade, it wouldn¡¯t break so easily.
Third, Duke Oscar himself was a new Golden Knight from a poor, remote family. His repertoire of trump cards was limited, and even his golden shield and magic shield spell had been provided by Fabian specifically for this mission. The plan had been for Oscar to return them after the task was completed.
Thanks to his magnetic pull, the extra boost from his telekinesis skills, and the sneaky application of a silver spell, Edric had been able to accelerate his Golden rank sword to unimaginable speeds. However, after only a single strike, the blade had already developed a crack. Clearly, it wasn¡¯t built to last under such pressure. When the Energy Absorption bomb collided with the golden magic shield, not only did the tip of the sword break off, but the blade itself had sustained damage.
If both knights decided to stay and fight, Edric was confident he could win. But if they fled, his chances were slim. He could catch one, maybe, but not both.
¡°Damn it!¡± He cursed under his breath, frustration mounting.
Both of the Golden Knights were skilled in mobility and were quickly getting further apart, heading in opposite directions.
Sigh Edric¡¯s shoulders slumped in resignation. Chasing one meant abandoning the other, and he couldn¡¯t afford to let even one escape. He had to kill them both. If he only managed to take down one, the entire effort would be pointless. Pursuing either would only waste time¡ªhe would need a strategy to kill both, or none at all.
"I¡¯m completely exposed now! I should run!" Edric thought, his mind racing.
He had never feared Golden Knights. With his skills, taking down a Golden Knight was never a difficult task. The reason he¡¯d always been cautious around figures like Duke Oscar Stonefist wasn¡¯t out of fear, but because of the risk of exposure. Killing someone of Oscar¡¯s rank would surely spark an investigation, and Edric wasn¡¯t foolish enough to take that kind of risk.
But now that his position was already compromised, there was no reason to hold back.
"I should grab whatever spellbooks I can and then get out of here!" Edric resolved, knowing that time was of the essence. Even though he wasn¡¯t afraid of Golden Knights, he was absolutely terrified of the King¡ªa legendary knight. In the face of such power, a mere Golden Knight was nothing.
With that thought, he quickly rifled through Oscar¡¯s belongings, grabbing anything useful from the knight¡¯s corpse. Then, without hesitation, he mounted the golden sword, using his powers to manipulate it. In an instant, he shot through the air at incredible speed, heading straight for Duke Stonefist¡¯s lands.
Normally, Edric would never have considered traveling with the sword, as it was exhausting and drained his energy quickly. But now, with his time so limited, he had no choice. At least until he was out of immediate danger, he would use his magnetic pull to carry him as fast as possible.
...
The Stonefist family had risen to unimaginable heights after their leader, Duke Oscar Stonefist, broke through to the Golden Rank. All the neighboring families began paying them tributes¡ªsilver, gifts, and resources¡ªin an attempt to win their favor. The family was on the rise, and nothing seemed capable of stopping them.
Nothing, except Edric.
He arrived at the Stonefist estate with terrifying speed, slaughtering anyone who dared to resist. He forced the survivors to reveal the exact location of the family¡¯s treasures before taking everything of value for himself.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
But he wasn¡¯t done. His next targets were the Darkwind and Windwalker families, especially Darkwinds, the ones most likely responsible for exposing his identity.
His fake identity, Carl, had been compromised, and he suspected that it was because of them.
...
After regaining consciousness, Rhaegor recovered remarkably quickly. Free from disease and internal injuries, his Silver Knight nature revealed itself, allowing him to heal in a matter of days.
Now, though slightly thinner, he was once again able to walk¡ªand even run¡ªwithout issue.
Kaelith, his son, had never been Rhaegor¡¯s favorite. However, after witnessing the unwavering loyalty Kaelith had shown, Rhaegor began to grow genuinely fond of him.
Rhaegor took control of the territory, planning to lead for a time before eventually passing it on to Kaelith. He expected a few years of peace, a period of stability and quiet rule.
Unfortunately for him, nothing ever went as expected.
A Golden Knight from the Bloodstone family arrived, demanding answers about the mysterious Golden Knight. Faced with absolute power, both Rhaegor and Kaelith had no choice but to reveal everything.
From that day forward, they lived in hiding, far from Darkwind City, hoping the Bloodstone family would succeed in eliminating the mysterious knight. If not¡ if that knight ever discovered they had betrayed him, they would be lucky to die quickly.
...
Edric sighed in frustration. After searching high and low, he had failed to find Kaelith and Rhaegor. Worse still, he hadn¡¯t found a single treasure. It was clear they had taken everything and fled.
"Traitorous rats!" he snarled, his fury rising. "I¡¯ll kill you both once I break through to Legendary Rank!" Their running away all but confirmed his identity had been exposed because of these two.
I should have killed them all, he thought, consumed by anger.
"But right now, I don¡¯t have time to waste looking for them." He felt a deep sense of helplessness.
After the exposure, he had no choice but to abandon his plans entirely. Sure, running would delay his task of completing the Ancestor of State mission, but staying put would risk death.
The penalty for failing to complete the Ancestor of State task was only 2 million points¡ªaround six years'' worth of daily points. It was a heavy loss, but nothing compared to the risk of dying. After all, a Golden Knight had a long lifespan, and even if he lost 2 million points, it wouldn¡¯t be the end of the world.
But I won¡¯t just leave like this, Edric thought, a cruel smile curling on his lips.
With a flick of his wrist, he swung his golden sword, and the destruction began. The fury of his rage unleashed upon Darkwind City.
Now that Kaelith and Rhaegor had dared to abandon their home, they should never expect to return.
Houses crumbled, walls fell, and tens of thousands perished in the chaos. The rest fled in fear, but it didn¡¯t matter¡ªEdric was a storm, a raging Golden Knight tearing through everything in his path. Like a natural disaster, his wrath would lay waste to the city in just a short time.
...
Half an hour later, having obliterated most of the city''s important locations, Edric jumped onto his golden sword and soared toward Windwalker Castle.
...
Alaric Windwalker sat in his chambers, listening to his chief of staff.
"Up until now, the device has detected two Silver-level talents and one Golden-level talent! The strategy of using Edric for breeding is working amazingly well!" the chief of staff reported.
The talent detection device was most accurate after birth, but it could still roughly judge the talent of embryos.
"Excellent! It¡¯s a pity the volunteers are drying up. How should we find more women?" Alaric pondered aloud, when suddenly, the door was kicked open with a deafening crash.
"Who¡ª?" Alaric sprang to his feet, drawing his sword instinctively.
But before he could react, a Golden light flashed before him. In an instant, he and his assistant were cleaved in two, their bodies falling lifeless to the floor. Neither of them had even a moment to understand what had just happened.
Edric, watching their twitching bodies with a smile, thought to himself, There¡¯s something deeply wrong with me. I¡¯m actually enjoying this¡ killing people.
He felt an overwhelming urge to understand what was causing this change. Back on Earth, he had been afraid of blood¡ªhe even let cockroaches go free rather than kill them.
But these two deserved it, Edric thought.
Aside from revenge, there were other benefits to killing the Alaric Windwalker.
First, with Alaric''s death, his mother would ascend to the position of Marquis.
Second, the mysterious knight¡ªwho was, of course, Edric himself¡ªhad already looted the Stonefist and Darkwind families. Skipping Windwalker would raise suspicion, leading to potential clues about his true identity.
Third, Edric¡¯s clone was still here, planting the seeds of the next generation. If the Bloodstone family¡¯s Golden Knights came to investigate, they might find clues. He couldn¡¯t allow that to happen.
I need to destroy everything, Edric thought. His plan was simple: he would destroy Windwalker Castle, especially the area where his clone was stationed, leaving no trace behind. Any clues left would only draw more attention.
With a swing of his sword, he began to tear through the castle. The destruction was thorough¡ªhe didn¡¯t hold back, leaving almost nothing standing. Fortunately, there had been very few people in the castle, so casualties were low.
His own clone was also one of the casualties.
He took the gold, silver, and any other useful treasures, leaving the Windwalker family with nothing. Once satisfied, he jumped onto his golden sword and set off in the direction of his next destination.
He knew where to run to.
Upon arriving, he would check to see if there were any useful spoils left behind by the Stonefist family. He hadn¡¯t bothered to inspect the treasures he¡¯d stolen from them earlier¡ªhe just took everything without a second thought. The spatial ring he carried had a vast capacity, so he hadn¡¯t been picky.
Chapter 57 Crossing the Border
The Elowen Kingdom, one of the three major powers on Silver Flower Island, stood alongside the Bloodstone Kingdom and the Silver Kingdom as rulers of the land. Each kingdom was led by a Legendary Knight, but among them, Elowen was the strongest, boasting not one but two Legendary Knights.
For generations, all three kingdoms had worked tirelessly to construct a nationwide defensive magic formation for themselves, meant to deter foreign invaders, enhance mana circulation, and improve long-range communication. However, despite centuries of effort, their attempts had ended in failure.
The reason was painfully simple.
A formation of such immense scale would need to be at least Legendary-tier, if not Mythic, a rank no mage on Silver Flower Island could achieve.
Hiring a Legendary Mage from the Flicker Empire was an option, but the cost was astronomical¡ªso high that it could bankrupt an entire kingdom.
The sheer difference in power between knights and mages at the Legendary rank was staggering. In a direct battle, even if all of Silver Flower Island¡¯s Legendary Knights joined forces, they would likely fail to kill a single Legendary Mage. Mages possessed unparalleled flexibility, devastating offensive and defensive capabilities, and, most importantly, unmatched escape techniques; as long as mages had mana, knights could not rival them; once they ran out of mana, knights could kill them like chickens.
Still, the lack of a nationwide formation didn¡¯t mean their borders were unguarded. To protect their lands, the kingdoms had set up Golden-tier detection arrays along their frontiers. These formations weren¡¯t as powerful as a Legendary-tier spell, but they were more than enough to detect unauthorized intrusions.
Even for Golden Knights, sneaking past these detection arrays without being found out was nearly impossible. Only Legendary Knights could bypass the formations undetected, but such figures were too rare, and an unauthorized border crossing by a Legendary-rank knight would be seen as an act of war.
Because of the detection arrays, no one has ever dared to cross the borders without permission. At least, not yet.
...
Standing at the border between Elowen and Bloodstone, Edric, a Golden Mage able to see mana, gazed at the golden-hued magic barrier stretching as far as the eye could see, his mind deep in thought.
"Once I cross this, I won¡¯t have to worry about King Rodric Bloodstone anymore."
That alone was reason enough to leave, but first¡ªhe had to get through.
The border detection arrays were Golden-rank formations, designed primarily to prevent people from sneaking in unnoticed, not defense. Even a Silver Knight can go past them, but even a Golden Knight couldn¡¯t bypass them unnoticed.
But Edric wasn¡¯t just anyone.
He had a Legendary skill.
He first discovered its true potential when he was moving in and out of Windwalker City¡¯s Silver-grade barrier. His skill, Energy Absorption, was absurdly powerful. It could neutralize any magic spell beneath Legendary rank and even weaken Legendary-tier spells. Against pure energy-based attacks¡ªsuch as explosions, heat, etc, it was practically absolute defense.
Only solid objects, like swords and arrows, could truly harm him.
That wasn¡¯t all.
"How exactly do detection formations work?" he thought.
Edric wasn¡¯t a scholar, nor did he have access to advanced magic tomes¡ªhis average talent made learning complex theories a struggle. But from experience, he knew something crucial:
Whenever he kept Energy Absorption active, the Windwalker City formation couldn¡¯t detect him¡ªeven if he made no attempt to hide.
Normally, even as a Golden Knight and a Mage, he would have to suppress his internal energy and mana when passing through a detection barrier. But with Energy Absorption running, he could do whatever he wanted, and the formation wouldn¡¯t register his presence.
Back then, to test his thoughts, he cast a curse spell on himself, only to watch as his energy absorption skill dismantled the curse effortlessly.
"A curse is just another form of energy¡ maybe detection formations work the same way? Are they, in essence, just a type of curse?"
His head ached at the thought. Magic theory was far beyond him, and the deeper mechanics of these formations were a mystery.
And that was the problem.
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He couldn¡¯t be completely confident that his Energy Absorption would allow him to slip past the Golden-rank detection array.
That uncertainty was the only thing keeping him from moving forward.
Edric sighed.
He had come this far. Was he really going to let hesitation stop him now?
Still, Edric was reasonably confident in his plan.
To avoid unnecessary suspicion, he dyed his long steel-strand hair black and blended into a trading caravan headed for the Elowen Kingdom.
Despite the tense relationship between Bloodstone and Elowen, trade between the two kingdoms was still permitted, albeit with strict regulations.
No one above Knight rank was allowed to cross the border.
The detection formation was designed to scan and identify anyone stronger than a Knight. If someone violated this rule, the Elowen authorities would be alerted instantly. Naturally, no one dared to attempt it.
Edric was 90% sure his Energy Absorption skill would prevent the formation from detecting him. That confidence was the only reason he was bold enough to try.
With the barrier ineffective against him, the risk of being exposed was minimal.
After all, Knights could only gauge each other¡¯s strength by either fighting or sensing each other''s internal energy, something that required direct observation.
And Mages?
They could only see the mana flow of those weaker than themselves.
Edric was already a Golden-rank Mage, meaning only a Legendary Mage would be capable of detecting his mana. But such a person did not exist anywhere in Silver Flower Island.
Without the detection formation, he would appear to everyone else as nothing more than an ordinary mortal.
Casting aside all hesitation, he stepped forward, blending into a trading group to cross the border into the Elowen Kingdom.
...
The Woodland Trade Group was one of the top 100 registered trade organizations operating on both sides of the Bloodstone-Elowen border.
However, their trade was strictly regulated. They were only allowed to deal in food and luxury goods, as anything that could be used for military or magical purposes was strictly prohibited.
The trade group was a large operation with over 500 personnel, including two Silver-rank Knights and numerous Knights and lower-ranked guards. However, these higher-ranking Knights weren¡¯t allowed to cross the border.
This was where having established bases on both sides became a major advantage.
Thanks to this setup, once the caravan passed the border, the Silver-rank guards from the trade group''s other base on Elowen''s side would take over its protection.
This restriction¡ªbanning Great Knights, Silver Knights, and anyone stronger from crossing the border¡ªmade cross-border business extremely difficult for many trade groups.
Why?
Because it required substantial funds, resources, and, more importantly, powerful connections to maintain operations on both sides of the border.
Smaller trade groups that couldn¡¯t afford to hire Silver-rank guards on both sides of the border had only one option¡ªthey would transport their goods to the border and hand them over to a partner company on the other side.
However, such arrangements were far less profitable, since the partner company would handle the actual selling, taking a significant cut of the profits.
As for those attempting to trade without Silver-rank guards?
That was suicide.
Regardless of which side of the border they were on, security was never absolute. Bandits roamed the countryside, particularly in rural areas.
Even though the Elowen Kingdom boasted two Legendary Knights, they simply did not care enough to completely eliminate the bandit problem.
There were even rumors that some of these bandits secretly worked for the Elowen royal family.
Of course, nothing had ever been proven, and such claims seemed illogical. It was mostly just frustrated merchants and traders venting their grievances about the Elowen royal family''s mismanagement.
Unlike the Bloodstone Kingdom, where nobles held significant influence, the Elowen royal family wielded absolute power.
There were no noble families in Elowen.
Only officials appointed and approved by the royal family governed the kingdom.
This system had both advantages and drawbacks:
The Good: Laws were consistent throughout the kingdom.
The Bad: If the rulers made poor decisions, the entire kingdom suffered as a result.
Despite its flaws, Elowen remained the strongest of the three major kingdoms.
It was the most populous and vast kingdom within the silver flower island.
With two Legendary Knights, the Elowen Kingdom was the dominant force.
...
Lucas, the leader of the Woodland Trade Group, studied the man standing before him.
He had black hair and green pupils and wore the standard uniform of the trade group''s manual laborers.
Lucas¡¯s expression was slightly dazed as he handed over a small badge.
"Here you go! This is your badge. Don¡¯t lose it again!"
The black-haired man¡ªEdric¡ªflashed a casual smile.
"Sure, boss! Thanks!" he replied before turning and walking away.
Typically, a position with the Woodland Trade Group was highly sought after, and getting hired was incredibly difficult.
However, Edric had no trouble at all.
After all, he had a Silver-rank spell called "Persuasion."
With just a simple spell, he had convinced Lucas to hand over a badge¡ªwithout asking too many questions.
The trade group was massive, with over 500 personnel and more than 400 wagons loaded with goods.
Among so many people, one extra worker wouldn¡¯t raise any suspicion.
Lucas, despite being the leader, was just a Knight¡ªcompletely incapable of resisting a Silver-rank spell.
While there were magical artifacts that could protect against mind-affecting magic, fortunately for Edric, Lucas didn¡¯t have one.
With a smirk, Edric blended seamlessly into the crowd, slipping past the border undetected.
His plan was working perfectly.
He blended in with the rest of the manual laborers, moving calmly.
He fed the horses, hauled supplies, and helped push the heavy wagons along the dirt road.
To anyone watching, he was just another nameless worker.
Minutes passed, and the border gateway came into view.
Lucas, the leader of the Woodland Trade Group, rode ahead, handing over his documents to the stationed border officers.
A moment later, the officers nodded in approval.
"You''re cleared. Proceed!" one of them said.
The Great Knight and Silver Knight guards, who had escorted the caravan this far, stepped aside.
As per the strict border regulations, they weren¡¯t allowed to cross.
Edric took a deep breath.
Now was the moment of truth.
He silently activated his Legendary-ranked Energy Absorption Skill.
Without hesitation, he stepped forward.
Would the formation detect him?
Would alarms go off?
He didn¡¯t know.
But there was no turning back now.
Chapter 58 Unexpected
Edric felt a wave of force rush past him, but his skill absorbed every bit of it.
¡°It¡¯s working!¡± He grinned. The detection wave didn¡¯t weaken in the slightest, yet no matter how strong it was, it simply vanished into nothingness upon reaching him.
The caravan continued forward, moving steadily under the cover of the night. Moments later, Edric stepped out of the detection formation¡¯s range.
To maximize its power while minimizing energy consumption, the golden detection formation had a limited reach, covering only the immediate areas along the border.
¡°Fortunately, it worked,¡± Edric exhaled in relief.
After traveling a good distance beyond the border, he separated from the trade caravan, slipping into the darkness on his own. Now that he had successfully entered the Elowen Kingdom, he no longer needed to worry. Relations between Elowen and Bloodstone were far from friendly¡ªthere was no chance Bloodstone¡¯s forces could chase him across the border.
"I have quite the haul from the Stonefists¡ time to see what I got."
He smirked, recalling the sheer wealth he had looted from Duke Stonefist, as well as the Darkwind and Windwalker families. Altogether, he had amassed around 2.5 billion silver coins, an amount that even he found staggering. He never expected their pockets to run so deep.
As expected, the wealthiest among them was, of course, the Stonefist family. Though Duke Oscar Stonefist had only recently advanced in rank, in that short time, he had amassed an incredible fortune through loans, gifts, and tributes. Their treasury alone held a staggering 1.8 billion silver coins.
At the time of the raid, Edric hadn¡¯t had the luxury of searching the entire city thoroughly. If he had, he might have found even more. The Stonefist family had nearly emptied their reserves to finance Oscar Stonefist¡¯s breakthrough to Golden Knight, but once he succeeded, powerful figures from all over the kingdom had sent gifts in recognition of his achievement¡ªfilling his vaults once more.
¡°Robbing people really is the fastest way to get rich,¡± Edric chuckled to himself. He made a mental note: once I reach Mythic rank, I¡¯ll loot even bigger targets.
It wasn¡¯t surprising that the Stonefist family had so much wealth. They were an ancient lineage with hundreds of years of history, untouched by major wars and renowned for their business acumen. Generations of careful trade and shrewd investments had built up their fortune¡ªonly for Edric to claim it all in a single night.
The Windwalker family had around 700 million silver, a testament to Marquis Alaric Windwalker¡¯s deep pockets, even though he wasn¡¯t a Golden Knight. The Windwalkers, too, were an ancient house, one that had steadily accumulated riches over the years.
The Darkwind family, on the other hand, had a meager 20 million silver left in their coffers. Presumably, Marquis Rhaegor and Kaelith had emptied their treasury before fleeing for their lives.
All the silver he had looted was in the form of Bloodstone Kingdom¡¯s coins. Before he could spend any of it, the silver had to be melted down and recast into Elowen Kingdom¡¯s currency. After all, if he suddenly flooded the market with Bloodstone coins, it would raise suspicion.
But it wasn¡¯t the silver that excited him the most.
It was the books.
The Stonefist family had a staggering collection of magic books, far more than the Darkwind and Windwalker families combined. When Edric first saw them, he was completely taken aback.
¡°Do all noble families have mage ancestors?¡± He frowned in thought.
Or perhaps¡
¡°Maybe they gift magic books as a reward when someone breaks through to Golden Knight?¡±
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It wasn¡¯t uncommon for breakthroughs to be celebrated with lavish gifts. Not all of them were in the form of money or artifacts. Some families preferred to offer antique treasures, such as rare spellbooks.
While copying magic spellbooks was normally impossible, the Bloodstone Order definitely had the means to do it. It was entirely possible that some of these books were duplicated copies given as tribute.
In the end, Edric didn¡¯t care where they came from.
What mattered was that they were now his.
...
He traveled along the roads, making his way to the nearest city. Using his identity card, he passed through the gates and secured a six-month residency in the Elowen Kingdom. Once inside, he wasted no time, rented a house and quickly shut himself in.
Taking out book after book, Edric grinned.
A pile had already formed in front of him¡ªnearly a hundred magic spellbooks!
Most of them had come from the Stonefist family, with a handful from the Windwalkers and only one from Darkwind.
He casually grabbed a book from the top of the pile and flipped it open.
Its title: ¡°Elements¡±.
It was a Great-level book, containing basic elemental spells¡ªnothing but trivial magic for beginners.
Completely useless.
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed it aside.
The second book was called ¡°Fireball Spell: A Deep Explanation.¡±
Edric raised an eyebrow as he skimmed through the pages.
"A single Silver-level spell?" The entire book was dedicated to Fireball, with detailed explanations and an exhausting amount of unnecessary text.
"Trash." He tossed it onto the growing discard pile.
Then, he picked up the third book.
This one was a silver-level spellbook, but as he flipped through the pages, he quickly realized that it was helpful but not what he was looking for.
Its title: ¡°Daily Necessities: Magic Edition.¡±
It contained twelve Silver-level spells, including:
- Clean Up
- Quenching Thirst
- Food Generation
- Emotional Manipulation
- House Generation
And more.
Edric blinked. What¡ is this?
While the spells in "Daily Necessities: Magic Edition" were practical, they had no combat applications¡ªand were certainly not what Edric was looking for.
The fourth book? A mere Average-level spellbook, containing nothing but rudimentary magic.
The fifth? Completely useless¡ªit wasn¡¯t even a spellbook, just a general explanation of Silver-level beasts.
The sixth¡
One after another, he read through every single book in his haul. In the end, out of nearly a hundred books, only three turned out to be truly valuable for his current situation.
The first was a Silver-level spellbook titled:
"Clones, Avatars, and Incarnations."
It contained fifteen spells, all of which were exceptionally useful to him. More importantly, the book didn¡¯t just have spells; it also provided detailed information about the fundamental differences between Clones, Avatars, and Incarnations.
- Clones were flesh-and-blood entities with separate, semi-independent consciousness. Depending on the element and spell used to create them, they could even possess unique abilities. More interestingly, clones could leave behind descendants.
- Lower-level clone spells were temporary.
- Golden-level clone spells and above could be permanent, as long as the original body remained alive.
- Ultra-rank and higher clones could even survive after the main body perished.
- Avatars were projections, requiring immense amounts of energy. Unlike clones, they were not made of flesh and could not leave behind descendants. However, they carried the full consciousness and power of the caster, making them invaluable in certain situations.
- Incarnations involved transferring the caster¡¯s consciousness into another body. Unlike clone spells, which created a new flesh-and-blood form, incarnations relied on an existing vessel.
- Some incarnations remained directly controlled by the caster, while others became fully independent.
- An incarnation could inhabit anything¡ªeven a mere stone¡ªthough doing so would obviously be pointless, as a stone couldn¡¯t act.
The book contained five spells related to each category:
- Five Clone Spells
- Five Avatar Spells
- Five Incarnation Spells
The Avatar and Incarnation spells had their uses, but what truly excited Edric were the five Clone spells.
Clone Spells
The first one was called ¡°Hundred Phantom Clones.¡±
- This spell created one hundred clones, each lasting for only one hour.
- Every clone had just 1% of the original¡¯s magical and physical strength.
- Their consciousness was weak, capable only of simple tasks.
While it had potential uses, it wasn¡¯t particularly useful for Edric¡¯s purposes.
The second spell, however, was a different story.
It was called ¡°Mass Replication.¡±
- It created a set number of clones with mortal-level physical strength¡ªcompletely lacking mana or internal energy.
- The duration of each clone was on a sliding scale:
- One clone could last 999 days.
- 999 clones could last one day each.
- Or 500 Clones, each lasting 500 days; as long as the sun didn''t exceed 1,000, it could be generated using this spell.
- These clones had simple, robotic consciousness¡ªperfect for distractions or menial tasks.
Edric¡¯s fingers tightened around the book as he grinned.
"Now this¡ this has potential."
Chapter 59 The Path to 100,000
The Mass Replication spell was incredibly useful, but on its own, it wasn¡¯t enough.
The third spell in the Clone category was "Clone Shaper", a powerful ability that allowed the caster to alter a clone¡¯s appearance, gender, physical state, and even species. When combined with Mass Replication, it became an incredibly versatile tool.
The fourth spell was Clone Detection, and the fifth was Clone Concealment.
Clone Detection allowed the caster to identify other people¡¯s clones, while Clone Concealment masked clones from being detected.
Out of all these, the two most practical spells were Mass Replication and Clone Shaper.
Edric had a plan. He would generate around 700 clones, transform them into females, and impregnate them. This way, he could reproduce with himself, eliminating the need for outside partners.
However, even with his limited knowledge of genetics, he understood that the resulting offspring would be a disaster. His clones¡¯ DNA would be practically identical to his own, far closer than even identical twins.
The problem was that Clone Shaper couldn¡¯t alter subtle biological details like genetics. No matter how much he manipulated their appearances or changed their sex, their DNA would remain the same.
That was where the next book came in.
It was titled "Genetic Magic." Unlike most grimoires, it contained mostly theoretical knowledge, with only three spells inside. But those three spells were invaluable.
The first was Genetic Restructure, a spell that allowed the caster to alter DNA.
The second was Genome Sight, which granted the ability to fully perceive a target¡¯s genetic code.
The third was Gene Copy, which let the caster copy and transfer DNA sequences.
However, these spells had limitations. They weren¡¯t designed for large-scale application; they were intended for research purposes. Edric couldn¡¯t just cast them on his clones and rewrite the DNA of their entire bodies.
But he could use them on eggs.
The system doesn¡¯t actually require the babies to be born for them to count. However, as evidenced by the progress bar occasionally decreasing, if an embryo dies, the progress backtracks.
This means that the loophole of implanting eggs, removing them, and then re-implanting them to cheat the system won¡¯t work.
In essence, the system¡¯s task is to conceive viable embryos¡ªonce they die, they are no longer considered viable and are removed from the count.
And with that, a plan took shape in his mind.
First, he would use Mass Replication to generate numerous clones. Then, he¡¯d reshape their bodies into females. After that, he would create viable egg cells using foreign DNA¡ªones unrelated to himself, and then fertilise them using his DNA. Once the eggs were implanted, he would simply wait for the babies to be born.
And when that time came¡ he would take the children and leave them in an orphanage or elsewhere.
This way, Edric could complete his task without forcing anyone or causing a massive spectacle, unlike Marquis Alaric, who had turned Windwalker City into a mess.
However, there was still a problem.
He could only cast Mass Replication once at a time. If he tried to cast it again, the previous set of clones would instantly vanish. This meant he couldn¡¯t just spam the spell ten times and generate ten thousand clones.
Because of this, there was no way he could reach the 100,000 baby target within the given time.
He had considered workarounds, such as implanting multiple fertilized eggs into each clone, allowing them to give birth to multiple children per cycle. But even that had its limits. No matter how much he optimized the process, it still wouldn¡¯t be enough.
That was when he stumbled upon his next solution.
Book of Weirdness.
The solution was a book that was the most valuable Edric had ever found. A Legendary-tier spellbook, discovered within Duke Stonefist¡¯s personal space ring.
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It contained 66 Silver-rank spells, 6 Gold-rank spells, and one single Legendary spell. Each was absurdly complex, the kind of magic only the most talented spellcasters could hope to cast.
When Edric laid eyes on it, a question burned in his mind: why did Duke Stonefist have something this high ranking?
Some of the spells were utterly terrifying.
One particularly evil Gold-rank spell was "Bloodline Extinction." According to the description, it didn¡¯t just kill the target; it wiped out every living being connected to their bloodline.
Another, "Summon Minions," had no explanation whatsoever. Just an empty section, deliberately left blank.
Then there was "Gate to Hell"¡ªanother spell with zero description, just a name ominously scrawled in ancient ink.
One spell that did have an explanation was "Summon Demons." It would call forth two Gold-rank demons from the abyss, with a small chance of summoning a Legendary-rank demon instead. However, the summoned demons wouldn¡¯t be under the caster¡¯s control. In fact, the book specifically warned that they might even attack their summoner on sight.
Another dangerous spell was "Dominate Demon." This one allowed the caster to enslave a demon of the same rank as themselves. But there was a catch¡ªif the spell failed, the caster would become the demon¡¯s slave instead.
And finally, there was the Legendary-ranked spell, the highest-tier magic in the book.
"Summon the Demon of the Weirdness."
The spell¡¯s complexity was dizzying, so convoluted that Edric couldn¡¯t make sense of a single word of it. The book gave no explanation for its effects, and Edric wasn¡¯t foolish enough to test it, not that he could cast it even if he tried.
He had no intention of ever using most of those evil spells.
However, there was one spell in the Book that caught his eye, one that could help him achieve his goal.
A spell called "Happy Farm."
Unlike the others, Happy Farm was relatively simple to cast. With his Gold-rank mana reserves, Edric could use it right away without much preparation.
And if it worked as he hoped¡
Then his problem would be solved.
Happy Farm had only one function¡ªreducing the duration of pregnancy.
For all creatures below Silver rank, it cut the gestation period by 95%.
For Silver-rank beings, the reduction was 5%.
For Golden-rank beings who didn¡¯t resist it, the effect was a mere 0.01%.
It was most likely created for breeding vast demonic armies or other similarly twisted purposes. He could tell just by glancing at its chaotic spell formation.
But if the spell worked as described¡
Then, it would allow him to complete his 100,000 conceived children goal at an unprecedented speed.
It was an irresistible temptation.
"How did Duke Stonefist even get his hands on this book?"
Edric was deeply puzzled. The Book of Weirdness was beyond valuable. Secret organizations like the Bloodstone Order would fight over it, if not to use it, at least to destroy it; after all, in the wrong hand, it could cause a disaster. If word of its existence got out, Bloodstone County and Elowen County might even go to war for it.
Then another thought struck him.
Duke Stonefist had been an aging Silver-rank warrior for decades. Then, out of nowhere, he broke through to Gold rank.
"...Don¡¯t tell me he made a deal with a demon?"
The more Edric considered it, the more logical it seemed.
Even with Legendary-level talent, breaking through Gold-rank at an advanced age was nearly impossible. Especially given how scarce high-rank resources were. Throughout history, there have been many individuals with Legendary talent, but few of them have managed to reach Gold rank.
Demons were nothing more than legends, just tales passed down through the ages. No one had seen a demon in years.
But then again, the same could be said for dragons.
Just because they didn¡¯t exist here and now didn¡¯t mean they weren¡¯t real.
Edric knew for a fact that demons and the Abyss were real.
Edric narrowed his eyes.
The book itself didn¡¯t mention any side effects of using these demonic spells. But, obviously, a demonic book wouldn¡¯t be honest about the consequences.
Still¡
"I must complete the task."
With Happy Farm, he could finish the mission in record time.
He spent hours deliberating, weighing the risks. But in the end, his ambition won out.
He would use the spell.
And he would complete his task.
Now that he had decided, he moved quickly.
First, he melted down some of his Silver and recoined it into Elowen currency. Then, he visited a real estate dealer and purchased a massive estate in a remote rural area for 300,000 silver.
To put that into perspective, the average annual expense of a normal family in the Elowen Kingdom was only 25 silver.
A 300,000 silver property was colossal.
Next, he visited countless shops, purchasing hundreds of tons of food, water, and other essential supplies for 800,000 silver. He paid another 100,000 silver to have everything delivered to his new estate.
With money, everything was easy.
Of course, his sudden bulk purchases caught the attention of government agents. They had begun to grow suspicious.
But that was nothing a few hundred thousand silver couldn¡¯t solve.
With enough bribes, Edric "convinced" them to erase all records of his transactions.
A few days later, the first shipments of supplies were delivered.
Upon arrival, he quickly set everything up.
He dedicated the entire mansion to his upcoming plan.
No servants were allowed inside.
This would be a place for his clones alone.
The replicated clones had barely any intelligence.
They couldn¡¯t speak or think independently, but they could perform basic survival functions, such as eating and drinking, as long as Edric provided the food.
That was enough.
Without wasting another second, Edric activated the Mass Replication spell.
A blinding light flashed through the mansion.
And then¡ªhundreds of identical figures materialized before him.
Just as he was about to cast Clone Shaper to alter their sex, a sudden system notification rang out in his mind.
Ding!
[New Task Available]
Edric¡¯s eyes widened.
"Finally!"
He nearly jumped in excitement.
He had been waiting for this moment for so long.
The second task!
His heart pounded as he hurriedly opened the system interface.
Chapter 60 The Birth of a Monster
[Edric Windwalker]
Age: 16 years, 7 months, and 28 days
[Tasks]
[Task Number One: Ancestor of a State]
- Progress: 3,313 / 100,000 - 19 / 1,000
- Objective: Conceive 100,000 children within 1,000 days.
- Rewards:
- 1 Mythic Chest
- 2 Legendary Chests
- 1,000,000 XP
- A Mythic-rank weapon
- Failure Penalty: Lose 2,000,000 XP
[Task Number Two: Generous Demon]
- Progress: 0 / 1
- Objective: Give the Book of Weirdness to a random person in Windwalker City within the next 30 days.
- Rewards:
- 1 Mythic Skill related to the Abyss
- Failure Penalty: Lose 30,000 XP
[Techniques]
- Legendary Knight Training: 305 / 1,500,000
- Legendary Mage Training: 139 / 1,500,000
[Talents]
- Knight Talent: Legendary (0 / 2,400,000)
- Mage Talent: Average (0 / 100,000)
[Skills]
- Energy Absorption (Red)
- Magnetic Pull (Golden)
- Beast¡¯s Senses (Golden)
- Poison Resistance (Golden)
- Crystal Skin (Silver)
- Bloodline Sensing (Silver)
- Telekinesis (Silver)
- Steel Hair Manipulation (Silver)
- Extreme Yang (Silver)
- See-Through (Silver)
- Flesh Control (White)
[Cheat Ability]
- Low Level ¨C Generates 1,000 XP per day
- Available XP: 453,914
Edric narrowed his eyes as he stared at the system screen before him.
"A Mythic skill? Damn... and it''s so easy to complete! I just have to hand the book to someone in Windwalker City."
He frowned, tapping his fingers against a table.
"Still¡ the Bloodstone Kingdom is dangerous for me right now. Especially Windwalker territory and its surroundings."
Even though the risk wasn¡¯t small, the reward was far too great to ignore. There was no way he¡¯d let a Mythic skill slip away just because of a little danger.
"As long as I don¡¯t get caught, I¡¯ll be fine," he reasoned.
After all, with his Golden Mage abilities, escaping wouldn¡¯t be an issue unless the King himself or the Golden Mage in charge of the Bloodstone Order personally came after him. But what were the chances of that happening? Practically zero for the king and very low for the mage in charge of the bloodstone order.
Edric smirked.
"This might actually be fun."
Now that Edric had made up his mind, he wasted no time. With a flick of his fingers, he dispelled the Mass Replication spell and stepped out of the house.
He decided to complete the ''Generous Demon'' first before dealing with the ''Ancestor of a State'' task.
The Book of Weirdness was a Legendary-grade spell book. But these weren¡¯t ordinary spells¡ªthey were demonic in nature, each carrying unforeseen side effects. Just the ''Happy Farm'' spell alone was dangerous enough. Edric had no intention of experimenting with any of the others.
From all his research, one thing was clear: anything related to the Abyss¡ªwhether spells, weapons, or artifacts¡ªalways came with severe drawbacks. He had no desire to entangle himself with such things more than necessary.
He had only copied the spell formation for ''Happy Farm'', and that was it. He would never touch the rest.
With that settled, he set off toward the border. The sooner he reached Windwalker City, the better.
...
Traveling unnoticed wasn¡¯t difficult for someone like him. He ambushed a trader from a passing caravan, killed him without hesitation, and stole his identity.
Disguised as the merchant, Edric approached the border checkpoint.
As expected, the formation meant to detect intruders failed to react to him. His Energy Absorption skill rendered him completely undetectable, just like last time.
Once he crossed into Bloodstone territory, he ditched the disguise. With a thought, he activated Flight, ascending high¡ªextremely high¡ªinto the sky while simultaneously activating Invisibility.
Even though Golden Knights possessed extraordinary senses, sensing someone flying at such an altitude while also invisible was nearly impossible unless they were specifically on alert.
Just like that, he made it to Windwalker City without a hitch.
It was still daytime when he arrived, so he chose to wait for nightfall.
A few hours later...
...
The deep night descended, thick with shadows. It was the perfect time to act.
Edric descended silently onto the western side of the city, the most crowded and chaotic district. This was where the largest number of homeless and vagrants gathered, people who could disappear without anyone noticing.
Perfect.
His eyes gleamed in the darkness.
"Let¡¯s get this over with."
...
In the days following the destruction of Windwalker Castle, the entire Windwalker City was plunged into a state of fear, confusion, and unrest.
A mysterious entity had appeared out of nowhere, obliterated the castle, killed Marquis Windwalker, and looted the entire treasury, all without a known reason.
For a city that had long relied on the protection and influence of Windwalker Castle, this was nothing short of a catastrophe.
The city''s mayor, who operated independently of the castle¡¯s leadership, did his best to maintain order using his police force. But a few hundred officers were nowhere near enough to calm the hundreds of thousands of terrified citizens.
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If it weren¡¯t for Lyria, the city would have already collapsed into chaos.
The moment she received word of the incident, she rushed to Windwalker City at full speed, leading her elite troops to restore order.
Like Marquis Windwalker, Lyria was a Silver Knight, but she was not only stronger but also more talented and with a brighter future. Her presence alone reassured the people, giving them a new pillar of hope.
It was said that she was personally leading the investigation into the incident.
Many believed that once the investigation concluded, she would be officially recognized by the king as the next Marquis of Windwalker.
Rumors circulated among the city¡¯s elites, whispering that the king had already dispatched a royal envoy¡ªa representative with the authority to bestow the marquis title on the spot.
Over the past few days, there had been several unofficial visits from Golden Knights of the Bloodstone Family. They had combed through the wreckage of the castle, searching for clues, and had even removed a few corpses for further examination.
Lyria hadn¡¯t interfered with their work, nor could she, even if she wanted to.
All things considered, given the scale of the disaster, the current state of Windwalker City was surprisingly stable.
It could have been much, much worse.
...
Martin hadn¡¯t always been homeless.
In fact, he had once been a wealthy man, with a home, a thriving business, and employees working under him. He had a loving wife and three children, a life many envied.
But fate was cruel.
One tragic night, his shop was robbed, leaving him penniless and unable to pay his debts. The consequences came swiftly¡ªhe lost his business, his home, and everything he had worked for.
In just one week, he had gone from a respected merchant to a destitute beggar, cast out onto the cold streets.
Once, he had many friends. Or at least, he had believed so.
But when he was robbed and cast into the streets, he realized the bitter truth¡ªhe had no one.
People were selfish.
No one offered him shelter. No one lent him a hand. Not a single so-called friend remained.
His debts had been owed to the Bank of Bloodstone, an institution infamous throughout the kingdom.
Their loan terms were generous at first, but if a debtor lost the ability to repay, they became ruthless in recovering their money.
There were well-known cases where, after stripping a debtor of everything, the Bloodstone Debt Hunters went after the debtor¡¯s friends¡ªanyone who dared to offer them help.
Their reasoning?
"You let him live in your house. You should take responsibility."
And no one could defy them.
The Bank of Bloodstone was directly tied to the Bloodstone Family itself.
There was no law, no justice that could rein in their outrageous cruelty.
Because of this, even though the Bank of Bloodstone¡¯s loans had low interest rates and seemingly fair terms, no one dared to take them lightly.
Once someone defaulted, they were treated like lepers¡ªshunned by society. Even their families became outcasts, abandoned by friends and acquaintances who feared being associated with them.
The shock of it all shattered him.
If it had only been his wealth, perhaps he could have rebuilt. But when the debt collectors threw him onto the streets, his three small children couldn¡¯t survive.
One by one, they perished¡ªstarved, sick, or simply too weak to endure.
His wife, stricken with grief, couldn¡¯t bear the loss.
One evening, she drank poison and ended her own life.
Martin had wanted to follow her.
He should have.
But he was a coward.
Instead, he continued his miserable existence, dragging himself through the filth of the slums, hating himself every moment for it.
Martin had lost everything.
And there was nothing he could do about it.
...
"Those robbers... I should find them. Kill them. And then die myself!"
Lying on the cold, hard ground, Martin clenched his fists, his mind burning with rage.
He had spent countless nights thinking about hunting down the thieves who ruined his life. But there was one problem¡ªhe had no idea who they were or how to find them.
That helplessness ate away at him.
Just as his consciousness began to drift toward sleep, something hit him.
It wasn¡¯t unusual for a homeless man like him.
Sleeping out in the open, without even a tent, meant dealing with all sorts of discomforts¡ªbugs, rats, cockroaches, or even small stones thrown by cruel people.
But this time... something was different.
The object that touched him had a freezing sensation.
It was so unnatural that the drowsiness instantly vanished from his mind.
His eyes snapped open.
Lying beside him on the ground was a strange, crimson-colored object, a book.
Its cover was deep red, almost like it had been soaked in blood, and on it, four eerie words were inscribed in black ink:
The Book of Weirdness.
"What... is this?"
Martin hesitated before reaching out.
The moment his fingertips touched the cover¡ª
A soul-piercing scream exploded inside his mind.
A chorus of mad laughter, filled with chaos and insanity, followed, echoing as if countless twisted beings were laughing directly into his skull.
"AAAAAAAAAAHHH!"
Martin shrieked, his body convulsing as he flung the book away in horror.
His sudden scream startled the other homeless people around him.
Some groggily sat up, rubbing their eyes.
They looked around, but saw nothing unusual.
...
Martin¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps as he frantically looked around.
The world around him was wrong.
A dense, twisted forest surrounded him¡ªits trees gnarled and pulsing, as if alive. The air carried a sickly-sweet scent, thick and oppressive.
Above, the sky was painted in eternal crimson, dominated by five blood-red moons, each a different size.
Yet, despite being moons, they didn¡¯t look like celestial bodies.
They looked like pupils.
Like eyes, watching him.
"This... this can¡¯t be real!"
Martin staggered backward, shaking his head.
"Where am I?!"
Panic clawed at his chest.
Suddenly, in the eerie stillness, he spotted someone ahead, a woman, standing alone among the trees.
She wore a flowing pink dress, delicate yet unnervingly pristine. Her long hair cascaded down her back, and her features were breathtaking, almost inhumanly perfect.
But something about her smile made his skin crawl.
"Who is she?"
Martin hesitated before stepping forward.
¡°H-Hey! You ... where are we?! What is this place?! Who are you?!¡±
The woman¡¯s smile widened, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
¡°This?¡± she said sweetly, spinning in place like a dancer. ¡°This is the Weird Forest in the Abyss.¡±
Then, she giggled.
¡°And I? I am the Demon of Weirdness.¡±
Martin froze.
"A demon?!"
His blood turned to ice, yet at the same time, a strange excitement stirred in his heart.
He had heard the stories.
Legends whispered of demons granting wishes in exchange for a price.
The woman leaned closer, her voice playful yet chilling.
¡°Lucky man,¡± she whispered. ¡°You are so, so lucky! Make a wish, and I shall grant it!¡±
Martin¡¯s eyes widened.
He didn¡¯t understand what was happening, didn¡¯t know if this was real or some twisted nightmare.
But in that moment, one thought consumed him.
"Revenge."
His hands trembled as he clenched his fists, his voice low and filled with icy resolve.
¡°Make me powerful enough to take revenge.¡±
The demon¡¯s smile never wavered.
¡°So it shall be.¡±
A sudden gust of wind howled through the forest¡ª
And the world went black.
...
Edric stood in the shadows, watching the homeless man sleep.
He had randomly thrown the book at him, making sure he picked it up.
And sure enough, the system notification had dinged, confirming his task was complete.
"Well, that was easy."
Edric had planned to leave immediately, but curiosity kept him rooted in place.
That¡¯s when he saw something strange.
The moment the homeless man touched the book, it vanished¡ªas if it had never existed.
And then¡ª
A violent surge of energy erupted from the man¡¯s body.
Edric¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he sensed the immense pressure radiating from him.
In just a few moments, the man¡¯s aura skyrocketed, going from a helpless beggar to a Golden Knight-level being.
And it was still climbing.
But something was deeply wrong.
The energy was chaotic, twisted, like a storm tearing reality apart.
Around them, the other homeless people started screaming, clutching their heads as their minds shattered under the influence of the growing power.
Then, one of them lunged at another, his face contorted in madness, and tore into his throat with his teeth.
Blood sprayed onto the dirt.
The scent of fresh blood triggered the others.
More screams. More violence.
They began tearing each other apart, their bodies ripping into flesh like wild animals, devouring one another in a frenzy.
"No good... I think I broke something!"
But despite the horrifying scene, he wasn¡¯t upset.
But one thing bothered him.
"Why didn¡¯t it affect me?"
He had held the book for hours, flipping through its twisted pages, yet nothing had happened.
But the moment that homeless man touched it, the book vanished, and now¡ª
This.
"Whatever. It¡¯s not my problem anymore!"
Edric smirked.
This wasn¡¯t his mess to clean up.
King Bloodstone and his forces would have to deal with it.
Not him.
The homeless man¡¯s aura was still growing, faint traces of Legendary Rank beginning to emerge.
A chill ran down Edric¡¯s spine.
"Damn terrifying... I really hope King Bloodstone can handle this."
Without wasting another second, he activated his spells, vanishing into the darkness.
...
Sitting safely on the other side of the border, Edric opened his system interface.
His eyes gleamed as he stared at his newly acquired Mythic Skill.
A grin stretched across his face.
"With this... I no longer have to fear Legendary Ranks!"
His laughter echoed into the night.
As for Windwalker City, Lyria, or even the fate of the Bloodstone Kingdom¡ª
None of it had anything to do with him.
Chapter 61 Demons
In a peaceful room decorated with beautiful paintings and a calm atmosphere, a man with blood-red hair, brown eyes, and an aquiline nose sat at a table.
He was King Rodric Bloodstone, enjoying a quiet moment, sipping from a finely crafted cup.
The calm was broken by a knock at the door.
"Enter," Rodric said, setting his cup down.
The door opened to reveal a man with blonde hair and a neatly trimmed mustache. He stepped inside, bowing respectfully.
"My king, I bring urgent news," the man said, his voice serious.
"Speak," Rodric replied, his sharp gaze fixed on the messenger.
The man carefully handed Rodric a folded piece of paper. "This letter came from the Windwalker Territory. At first, I didn¡¯t believe it, but after double-checking, I¡¯m certain it¡¯s true."
Rodric unfolded the letter and read it. His expression, once calm, changed to one of shock.
"It can¡¯t be¡" he whispered, his voice trailing off.
"My king, I¡¯ve confirmed it," the messenger insisted, his tone firm.
Rodric rose abruptly, moving to stand in front of a large mirror. As he donned his armor, he issued quick orders. "Send word to the Flicker Empire. Use every contact we have. Make sure they understand how serious this is. And reach out to the Elowen Kingdom. Invite them here. It¡¯s time to put our differences aside."
The mention of inviting the Elowen Kingdom emphasized the seriousness of the situation. For centuries, the Elowens had been the Bloodstone Kingdom¡¯s greatest enemies. Extending an invitation like this was no small matter.
"Yes, my king!" the messenger said, bowing before rushing out of the room.
Rodric stood alone, staring at his reflection in the mirror.
"Demons¡ they¡¯re back." He thought to himself, though his face betrayed no emotion.
The demons of the Silverflower Isles had a long, hidden history that few knew. It was said the original orcs who lived on the island were worshippers of demons and possessed powerful dark artifacts.
Years ago, a group of Super-ranking knights from the Flicker Empire came to the isles. They gathered every demonic artifact they could find and sealed them away.
Only the legendary knights of the island knew this secret. No one else had any idea. The only reason Rodric knew was because those knights had shared it with his great-uncle. Without that, even a legendary knight like him would never have learned of it.
"Average. Silver. Gold. Legendary. Mythic. Ultra. Super." Rodric thought, running through the ranks of strength in his mind.
A Super-ranked knight was a being beyond mortal comprehension. With but a single breath, they could annihilate legions of Legendary knights and mages. The two were not merely separated by strength; they were entirely different life forms. Even within the Flicker Empire, Super knights were few, and each one was a name whispered with awe and reverence across the entire realm.
Yet, even they had been unable to claim every last demonic artifact. Some had eluded their grasp.
To counter this, the Flicker Empire had summoned an Ultra-ranked mage to cast a powerful suppression spell over the land. The spell quelled the lingering chaotic energies, forcing the remaining artifacts into dormancy. But even that was not a perfect solution¡ªsome items proved too elusive, slipping through the cracks.
Thus, an imperial decree was set: any ruler of Silver Flower Island must immediately report the discovery of a demonic relic. Over the last few centuries, this command had only been invoked twice.
The first incident led to a catastrophe so devastating that it became known as the Ice Age Disaster. The release of the artifact¡¯s power claimed the lives of over half the island¡¯s population, freezing the land in an unnatural winter. Even after a Super knight finally secured the relic, the aftereffects persisted. To this day, despite Silver Flower Island being a naturally warm land, snowfall still graced its fields on occasion¡ªan eerie remnant of that calamity.
The second occurrence, fortunately, was resolved without tragedy. The artifact had been swiftly recovered and handed over to a Super knight before its corruption could spread.
This, however¡ This was the third time. And this time, the item had already broken free.
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Had they discovered it earlier, they might have been able to contain it. But now, it was too late. According to the report he had just received, the demonic aura had already reached the Legendary rank, and its vessel¡ªa demon¡ªwas unleashing destruction upon the land.
The Flicker Empire¡¯s Super knight would no doubt arrive as swiftly as possible, but nothing was certain. That was why Rodric had called upon the Legendary knights of the Elowen Kingdom. Their longstanding enmity mattered little in the face of this impending disaster.
Yet, despite all these precautions, Rodric held little hope.
Anything that had slipped through the hands of a Super knight was already beyond his reach. Against a force of this magnitude, he stood no chance.
On Silver Flower Island, none dared take the threat of demons lightly. These creatures held only limited power upon entering this world, but they grew fast¡ªfaster than anything else. If allowed to fester, they could become monsters that even Super knights struggled to vanquish.
Rodric exhaled slowly, shaking his head, clearing his thoughts. There was no use dwelling on fear.
...
Edric stared at the glowing interface of his system, his heart pounding with excitement.
[Self-Consumption (Cyan)]
Permanently sacrifice one of your skills in exchange for a temporary boost in strength.
Details:
- Consuming an Average-ranked skill: 1-second boost to Mythic Knight rank.
- Consuming a Silver-ranked skill: 8-second boost to Mythic Knight rank.
- Consuming a Golden-ranked skill: 64-second boost to Mythic Knight rank.
- Consuming a Legendary-ranked skill: 512-second boost to Mythic Knight rank.
- Consuming a Mythic-ranked skill: 4,096-second boost to Mythic Knight rank.
Reading through the description, Edric couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of exhilaration.
"This¡ this changes everything!"
With this ability, he was no longer utterly powerless against Legendary-ranked opponents. The cost was high¡ªpermanently losing a skill¡ªbut fortunately, he had plenty of skills that were utterly useless to him.
- Crystal Skin (Silver) ¨C Its defensive properties were weaker than his natural defense. Useless.
- Steel Hair Manipulation (Silver) ¨C Never once had he found a practical use for it. Garbage.
- Flesh Control (White) ¨C It had been useful early on, but after reaching Golden rank, its effectiveness plummeted. He would need a higher-ranked version of the skill if he wanted real utility.
With these expendable skills, he had a total of 17 seconds of Mythic-rank combat power at his disposal.
"Seventeen seconds might not sound like much¡ but against a Mythic opponent, a Legendary-ranked knight wouldn¡¯t last even a tenth of a second!"
The difference between ranks was astronomical. A Silver-ranked knight might survive a full second against a Golden-ranked foe, but a Golden-ranked knight wouldn¡¯t last even half a second against a Legendary. The gap only widened as one ascended.
"I should only use this when my life is truly in danger," Edric muttered, steeling himself. This skill was a double-edged sword. Once a skill was consumed, it was gone forever. "Reckless use would cripple me in the long run."
He shook his head, pushing aside his excitement. "I have something more important to focus on right now."
The Ancestor of a State task.
Completing it would grant him two Mythic-tier chests, and that was something he could not afford to delay.
"Mass Replication!"
At his command, the air shimmered, and 950 clones appeared, each identical to him in every way. Without missing a beat, he moved swiftly, altering their physiques one by one, transforming each of them into female versions of himself.
It took a while for him to cast the Clone Shaper spell on every single one of them.
After meticulously transforming the physiques of the clones, Edric retrieved an egg cell he had collected some time ago, one belonging to an individual with Silver-tier talent. Holding it carefully, he activated [Gene Copy], and within the confines of his small, makeshift laboratory, he replicated the egg until he had amassed a staggering 10,000 copies.
Next came the most critical step. Using his own DNA, he fertilized each and every one of them.
Without wasting a moment, he moved on to the next phase. The implantation process began. Each of his 950 clones received 10 fertilized egg cells, ensuring that each would eventually give birth to ten children.
As the procedure concluded, he glanced at the system interface to check his progress.
[Ancestor of a State Quest Progress]
13,278 / 100,000
"It worked!"
A wide grin spread across Edric¡¯s face. "Now, I just need to repeat this process ten more times, and the task will be complete!"
The system already recognized the fertilized eggs as viable life, meaning that if he were to cast Mass Replication again, his current clones would vanish, and with them, every implanted embryo would be lost.
That left him with only one option: he needed to accelerate the pregnancies.
With that thought, Edric extended his hand, activating a spell.
"Happy Farm!"
A wave of pale green light enveloped one of the clones.
The results were immediate. The natural gestation period of approximately 270 days was instantly reduced by 95%, bringing it down to just 14 days.
His eyes gleamed.
"If I keep this up, I can potentially reach 100,000 births in just 140 days!"
Of course, that was an optimistic estimate. Reality was rarely so kind¡ªcomplications were bound to arise.
Still, it was a start.
One by one, he cast Happy Farm on each of his clones. However, after the first few hundred, fatigue hit him like a hammer.
Despite being a Golden-ranked mage, casting Happy Farm in succession was far more taxing than he had anticipated. Though only a Silver-tier spell, its spell formation was unusually chaotic and intricate, making rapid casting an exhausting endeavor.
If he had underestimated anything, it was this.
After several grueling days, Edric finally finished applying the spell to all clones. He exhaled deeply, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"That was¡ harder than expected," he muttered.
Now, there was nothing left to do but wait.
The births would happen soon. But deep down, a sliver of unease gnawed at him.
Would there be consequences for forcing life into the world with a spell tainted by demonic origins?
He could only hope¡ that nothing would go horribly wrong.
Chapter 62 A Mother鈥檚 Priorities
Martin gazed down at the ruins beneath him.
Over the past few days, he had reduced the entire Windwalker City to rubble, slaughtering countless people. He had hunted down the thief who had robbed his shop, the man who had ruined his life, and yet, he still felt empty.
"No¡ now that I think about it, the real culprits were the Bank of Bloodstone!" His crimson eyes burned with hatred. "They were the ones who killed my family! I¡¯ll erase the entire Bloodstone kingdom from existence!"
At this moment, Martin was no longer human, not in appearance, not in soul. A pair of tattered, jet-black wings stretched over a hundred feet behind him. His body, now a towering twenty feet tall, was covered in grotesque flesh, his jagged fangs glistening under the sun. His presence reeked of death, his voice guttural, inhuman.
Despite his terrifying form, his aura was still only at the Legendary rank - far from the realm of Mythic beings. But as a mortal-turned-demon, Martin knew nothing of power rankings.
His thought process was straightforward: If he could bring an entire city to ruin, then the Bank of Bloodstone was nothing more than a pile of kindling waiting to be burned.
With a single beat of his wings, he ascended into the clear skies, soaring toward the general direction where he believed Bloodstone City lay.
Of course, as a demon with a shattered mind and crippled intelligence, his journey would not be swift. Finding the city might take him time, but that hardly mattered. Any unfortunate soul who crossed his path would have only one thing to curse -
Their own wretched luck.
...
A woman with fiery red hair and piercing green eyes lay hidden beneath a mountain of corpses.
She was alive - unharmed.
But she was terrified.
Not long ago, a monster had descended upon the city, slaughtering everything in sight. It hunted relentlessly, attacking anything that moved.
And as if that wasn¡¯t horrifying enough, a thick, unnatural black fog had surrounded the entire city, sealing it off completely. No one could take more than two steps beyond its edge. It wasn¡¯t poisonous. It didn¡¯t burn or corrode. It simply blocked the way- impervious to blades, magic, or sheer force.
Trapped, Lyria did the only thing she could to survive - she hid beneath the mountain of corpses.
Fortunately for her, the creature was stupid. It had not thought to check beneath the dead. And so, she waited - motionless in the stifling, blood-soaked darkness.
She didn¡¯t dare move.
She didn¡¯t dare breathe too loudly.
All she could do was endure and hope.
The Bloodstone Kingdom had to send reinforcements. They couldn¡¯t possibly ignore a monster of this scale. If left unchecked, it wouldn¡¯t just destroy this city - it would annihilate the entire kingdom.
But Lyria knew one thing for sure. She wouldn¡¯t be the one to stop it.
Even as a Silver-rank knight, she had no chance against such a being. Facing it would be suicide. All she could do was rely on her superior physique, enduring hunger and thirst for as long as necessary under this pile of corpses.
Weeks, if need be.
It would be agonizing. It would push her body to its limits. But it was still better than dying.
Still better than facing that thing.
...
Trapped beneath a mountain of corpses, time blurred into an unending nightmare. The stench of rotting flesh had grown unbearable, thick and suffocating. Worms and insects wriggled through the decaying bodies around her, brushing against her skin. If she stayed here any longer, she wouldn¡¯t die - but it would be a fate close to hell itself.
Initially, she hadn¡¯t planned on leaving for at least a week, but now, she had changed her mind.
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She had to get out.
"I can¡¯t stay here any longer!" she thought.
Gritting her teeth, she began to slowly, carefully wriggle her way out of the corpse pile. Every movement sent a fresh wave of decay into her lungs, but she endured. Inch by inch, she crawled to freedom.
Finally, she emerged.
Sucking a breath in, she scanned the surroundings. The city - once bustling and full of life - was no more. Windwalker City had been flattened. Not a single structure remained standing.
But the dark fog was gone.
Nothing prevented her from escaping now.
Not wasting another second, she turned and ran.
As she sped through the wasteland of ruin, her mind raced with a sinking realization.
"This time¡ our family may truly face destruction."
The Windwalker family had never been powerful. They were a small noble house with only one marquis and a single count. With Marquis Alaric Windwalker dead and Windwalker City annihilated, the strongest remaining stronghold was now her city¡ªEagle¡¯s Perch.
But Eagle¡¯s Perch was far too small to serve as the seat of a marquis.
It was only a matter of time before the kingdom forced them to rejoin the Darkwind family. The once-independent Windwalker family was now teetering on the edge of being swallowed whole.
"Maybe I¡¯m being too optimistic¡"
A shudder ran down her spine as she remembered the overwhelming presence of the demon. That aura¡ that power.
Could even the king himself stand against it?
No.
"Is this the end of Silverflower Island?"
Everything had fallen apart so quickly. First, Marquis Alaric and his son Edric were murdered by unknown assassins. Then, Windwalker City was wiped from existence. Now, the entire island was in danger of being erased from history.
For the first time, Lyria stopped thinking about her family¡¯s survival.
Instead, she asked herself the only question that truly mattered.
"How do I save myself?"
Because if Silverflower Island was doomed¡
Then nothing else mattered.
With Edric - her son, the one she had suspected of possessing a Mythic talent - gone, Lyria no longer had lingering worries about her other children.
She loved them, yes, but her own survival came first.
If she could save them, she would. If not¡ their fate was in their own hands.
She had always been this way. Her love was real, but it had limits. She was not the kind of mother who would sacrifice everything for her children. The only reason she had paid special attention to Edric was because of his extraordinary knight talent. If he had been ordinary, she would have still given him a place to live, some money, and perhaps some care - but nothing beyond that.
And she was not alone in this mindset.
In noble families like hers, knight talent was everything. It determined status, worth, and a person¡¯s very right to belong. Even in the great ducal houses, direct descendants who lacked talent were often cast aside - given a small sum, married off, abandoned, or simply left to fend for themselves.
But those who did possess knight talent?
They bore an undeniable duty.
Talented nobles - especially men - were expected to produce as many children as possible. A golden-rank knight was expected to leave behind at least a hundred descendants in their lifetime.
Women of similar talent were also expected to bear children, though the numbers expected of them were far less severe due to physical limitations.
Because of this pragmatic reality - that men could sire far more offspring than women - talented male heirs were universally valued more than their female counterparts. But that prestige came with a cost. A high-ranking nobleman with exceptional talent was also far more likely to be targeted by assassins and rival factions.
Edric''s case had been particularly extreme - he had been treated as little more than a breeding tool, coerced into producing as many offspring as possible.
Cases like his were rare but not unheard of.
Some of the most powerful ducal families in the kingdom had built their legacies upon such ruthless practices. They had forced their most talented male members to sire thousands of descendants, increasing their bloodline¡¯s strength with sheer numbers.
And that was why those families still stood strong today¡ªwhile others crumbled into obscurity.
...
As a Silver-rank knight, it took Lyria only a few hours to return to Eagle¡¯s Perch City. She could have arrived even sooner if not for the occasional stops - hunting animals to fill her stomach, washing away the stench of death in a river, etc.
When she finally reached the city¡¯s outskirts, her sharp eyes immediately caught sight of something unusual.
An orange flag flew high above the northern gate.
Most commoners wouldn¡¯t know what that meant, but Lyria did.
"Martial law¡ Something must have happened."
Her frown deepened.
Before leaving, she had entrusted the city¡¯s administration to Aelira, the treasurer - and also her daughter. Aelira was exceptionally talented in management. Intelligent, capable, and fiercely loyal. There was no way she would have locked down the city without a very good reason.
"There should still be six Great Knights protecting her. None of them would dare betray me. Did they shut down the gates after hearing about Windwalker City? Are they afraid?"
Lyria was the only Silver Knight in Eagle¡¯s Perch. No one in this city - no one - should have the strength or the courage to oppose her.
"Wait¡" A realization struck her.
"They probably think I¡¯m dead!"
During her journey back, her mind had been consumed with thoughts of the monster and the future. It hadn¡¯t even occurred to her that her own city might have already written her off.
A rare smile tugged at her lips.
It had been a long time since she felt like smiling. But even in the face of disaster, Lyria was a tough woman.
Stronger than most.
The destruction of an entire city didn¡¯t shake her. Death, blood, and carnage didn¡¯t disturb her. In fact, she even enjoyed the sight of blood from time to time. Her mental fortitude was remarkable¡ªher ability to focus, to ignore distractions, to push away unnecessary worries was almost frightening.
She had no patience for weakness.
"Let¡¯s make sure they know I¡¯m alive."
Without hesitation, she approached the northern gate. Then, with a single effortless leap -
She jumped inside.
Chapter 63 Under the Orange Flag
Aelira wiped her tears.
The past month had been the worst time of her life.
Her brother - though they had never been particularly close - was dead. Her mother, the one person she had truly loved and relied on, was gone. The head of the family, Alaric Windwalker, had perished. And Windwalker City, the grandest city of their lineage, had been reduced to ruins.
It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say her world had been utterly shattered.
Yet, despite everything, she concealed her grief.
Before her death, Lyria - her mother - had entrusted her with the leadership of the city. It was now her duty to protect what remained.
But the task was anything but easy.
When word of Windwalker City¡¯s destruction reached them a few days ago, panic swept through the people like wildfire. A riot broke out. Even the city guards wavered, and some knights questioned their loyalty to the Windwalker family. Worse still, the contracted guards and mercenary knights - those temporarily hired to fill vacant positions - abandoned their posts and fled.
Fortunately, the Great Knights remained steadfast. Not a single one attempted a coup or sought to seize control of the city. After all, with Lyria presumed dead, there was no Silver Knight left to keep the Great Knights in check. Whether out of loyalty or fear, they chose to stand by Aelira. With their support, she managed to suppress the riot.
But to prevent further desertion and panic, she had no choice but to declare martial law and seal the city gates.
Even now, whispers of the monstrous being that had destroyed Windwalker City spread like poison through the streets. Some claimed it would come for them next, fueling paranoia and inciting further unrest.
She had considered arresting those who spread such rumors. But after careful thought, she realized it would only make things worse. Silencing them would give their words more weight, not less.
Instead, she chose honesty.
She called for a city hall meeting, gathering all the influential figures within the city. And there, she told them everything she knew about what had happened to Windwalker City.
It was enough to steady the upper echelon, though the common folk still clung to their fears and fabrications. But there was little she could do about that.
She had locked down the city to stop people from fleeing in terror. She had considered opening the gates, allowing those who wished to leave to do so.
But not yet. Not until things had calmed.
For now, the city would remain shut.
Because if she faltered - if she lost control - the last remnants of the Windwalker legacy would crumble.
And that was something she could not allow.
Fortunately, in the last few days, the monster had vanished.
But even so, no one dared to think of rebuilding Windwalker City.
Few who had witnessed the creature survived, and those that did were left broken - hollowed by fear. The Great Knights of Eagle¡¯s Perch City had captured a handful of survivors and interrogated them about the monster¡¯s power. Yet even hearing their stammered, fragmented accounts was enough to terrify seasoned warriors.
A monster that could level a building with a single slap.
At the very least, it possessed the strength of a Golden-ranked being. Perhaps even Legendary.
This was another reason for the lockdown - to remain hidden. If too many people left the city, they might inadvertently lead the monster straight to them.
For now, Aelira¡¯s priority was to keep the city quiet, concealed in the shadows, until the situation stabilized.
She could only hope that the Bloodstone Kingdom would take care of it. After all, no matter how powerful the noble houses were, the royal family ultimately ruled this land.
Surely the king himself would deal with the beast.
No matter how strong the creature was, the king should be stronger.
So, she wasn¡¯t too worried about the survival of the kingdom itself. Her greatest concern was her family - the ones she had lost.
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The weight of grief pressed on her chest, but she pushed it down. There was still work to do.
Standing up, she prepared to hand her newest orders to the Silver Knights: to open the castle¡¯s reserves and distribute good food to the people. Morale was dangerously low, and they needed something - anything - to hold on to.
Just as she turned to leave, a voice called her name.
¡°Aelira.¡±
She froze.
That voice¡
It couldn¡¯t be.
Slowly, almost fearfully, she turned toward the source of the voice.
Her breath caught in her throat.
¡°Mother?¡±
There, standing before her, was Lyria.
Aelira stared, unable to move, unable to believe her own eyes. For a long moment, she simply stood in shock. But then, disbelief gave way to reality.
She was alive.
Of course, her mother¡¯s death had never been confirmed. They had assumed her dead because¡ how could anyone, even a Silver Knight, survive that? The city had been razed to the ground, reduced to ashes. The streets had become mountains of corpses. No one could have lived through such devastation.
And yet, here she was.
Tears welled in Aelira¡¯s eyes as she rushed forward, throwing her arms around her mother.
¡°Mother, you¡¯re alive!¡±
Lyria gently held her, as if trying to soothe her trembling daughter. ¡°Aelira¡ what happened? Why is the orange flag raised?¡±
Aelira clung to her, sobbing uncontrollably.
¡°I thought you were dead¡ I thought I lost you¡¡± Her voice broke as the weight of everything she had endured came crashing down at once.
She had lost so much in the past few days. And yet, she had forced herself to remain strong - for the city, for the people who depended on her. She had locked away her grief, buried it deep within, because there had been no one to lean on.
But now¡
Now, her mother was back.
Now, she could let it all out.
And so, Aelira cried - freely, intensely, without restraint - because, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she didn¡¯t have to carry everything alone.
Aelira was not a ruthless ruler.
Even when managing the treasury, she was constantly frustrated that they couldn¡¯t allocate more funds toward education and healthcare for ordinary people. Now, being thrust into a position where she had to make life-and-death decisions weighed heavily on her.
The best leaders were those who could quickly choose the lesser evil, even if it meant the loss of many lives. Those who were too affectionate, too ruled by emotion and conscience, were ill-suited for such roles.
Even as treasurer, Aelira had been unhappy. Every decision she made felt like a compromise, forcing her to make painful choices. Yet she had never resigned from her duty. Firstly, because she refused to disappoint her mother again. And secondly, because she feared that anyone who replaced her would only make life harder for ordinary citizens.
She had always done her best to maximize efficiency, ensuring that every available resource was stretched to help as many people as possible. Another treasurer - someone less concerned with the people¡¯s well-being - might not care as much as she did.
For better or worse, governance required either cold, purely rational minds or those who could suppress their emotions. In truth, emotions rarely led to good decisions. No matter the situation, one had to see things clearly, with eyes unclouded by sentiment.
After a long moment, Lyria finally spoke.
¡°What happened while I was gone?¡±
Aelira, who had just begun to regain her composure, took a deep breath before answering.
¡°A few days ago, when the news of your death and Windwalker City¡¯s destruction spread, people panicked. Some - agitated by instigators - began to riot. Even some knights and city guards deserted their posts and fled. Fortunately, the Great Knights remained loyal to me, and with their help, I was able to suppress the riot.¡± She paused, then added, ¡°To prevent more from running away, I placed the city under lockdown and raised the orange flag.¡±
Lyria listened intently, nodding.
There were five main flags used to signal different crises:
- White Flag ¨C Raised when the castle was on the verge of surrender to an invading enemy.
- Black Flag ¨C Raised when a deadly disease had broken out within the city, barring anyone from entering.
- Red Flag ¨C Signified an external threat or danger within the city, aside from disease.
- Green Flag ¨C Used when poisonous or hazardous chemicals were present.
- Orange Flag ¨C Indicated a complete lockdown of the city.
These flag signals were known only to knights, high-ranking military officers, and top civil officials. They were placed in designated locations to convey the castle¡¯s status to those who might be away on missions and unaware of the current situation.
Lyria let out a small smile. ¡°Well, fortunately, the Great Knights didn¡¯t disappoint me.¡±
Then, her expression turned serious.
¡°Call everyone. I have a few plans to announce.¡±
Aelira nodded and hurried off to carry out the order.
Lyria was far from optimistic about the fate of the Bloodstone Kingdom. Not even the king himself might be able to defeat the monster.
For now, she had decided to remain in this city a while longer, though not out of loyalty or sentiment. She simply had nowhere else to go.
Her ultimate goal was the Flicker Empire, but there was no ship that could take her there at the moment. There were a few smaller islands she could flee to in the meantime, yet finding a vessel was a problem in itself. The Windwalker family¡¯s domain was a remote and desolate region - rarely, if ever, visited by ships capable of crossing the Great Sea.
To board a ship, she would have to travel by land for at least two weeks, making her way to the far side of the kingdom. And such a journey required careful preparation.
She lived on an island.
No matter where she planned to go, she needed a ship.
But ordinary ships were not built for the open seas. The lowest class of vessel that could even hope to survive the vast, untamed waters was a Mythic-class ship.
The sea was an unforgiving expanse. Countless dangers lurked beneath the waves - terrifying sea monsters, unpredictable weather patterns, monstrous tides, and deadly tsunamis. Any ordinary vessel would be torn apart within days, if not hours.
Of course, it wasn¡¯t entirely impossible for a regular ship to make the journey.
If the gods willed it - if luck itself was on their side - they might just cross the sea without encountering any threats.
But that was the same as gambling one¡¯s life on the mercy of the unknown.
And Lyria was not one to leave her fate to chance.
chapter 64 No Mercy Left
Aelira stepped out into the streets of Eagle¡¯s Perch City, searching for the Great Knights. One by one, she summoned them to the room where her mother, Lyria, was waiting. She offered no explanation, only telling them that someone important needed to see them.
Without hesitation, they obeyed, following Aelira into the chamber.
As they entered, they expected to find a noble of the Bloodstone family or perhaps a high-ranking official. Some dared to hope, for just a fleeting moment, that it might be Lyria herself. But they dismissed the thought just as quickly. They had seen the ruins of Windwalker City. They had witnessed its utter devastation. Nothing could have survived that.
Unlike ordinary citizens, the Great Knights truly understood Lyria¡¯s strength. She was powerful - immensely so. Yet, after witnessing the destruction of Windwalker City, they had believed she was lost. The force that erased Windwalker from existence was not the work of men or armies. It was something far beyond human comprehension.
Yet when they stepped into the room and saw her standing there, very much alive, shock flashed across their faces. Then, excitement overtook them. Their astonishment turned to joy. One by one, they bowed deeply, eyes gleaming with admiration. To survive such devastation - Lyria had proven, once again, that she was far from ordinary.
The Great Knights who had served under her were more than just soldiers. They were the most devoted of her followers, handpicked and trained under her direct guidance. Their loyalty was absolute, unwavering - even in death, they would not betray her.
It was this unshakable bond that had given Lyria confidence in leaving Aelira, an ordinary person, in charge of Eagle¡¯s Perch City during her absence. Normally, such authority was granted only to those with great personal power, like the Great Knights. An ordinary person in a high position could be easily threatened, manipulated, or overthrown. But Lyria had no such fears. She trusted her knights, and because of that trust, she knew Aelira would be protected.
The Great knights remained kneeling, not daring to lift their gaze. Lyria studied them for a moment, her expression unreadable, before she finally spoke.
"You¡¯ve impressed me," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Your loyalty is unquestionable. For that, I thank you." She paused, letting her words settle. "Thank you for your unwavering service."
She took a breath before continuing. "But now, we must discuss our next move. The events at Windwalker City have changed everything."
The Great Knights and Aelira focused their attention on her, waiting for her to continue.
"First of all," Lyria began, her voice steady, "I do not believe the Bloodstone family or even the king himself can solve the problem of the monster."
After hearing Lyria¡¯s words, Aelira and the Great Knights were taken aback. She was the only person who had seen the monster with her own eyes - the only one they trusted completely. And yet, if even the king, a legendary knight, couldn¡¯t handle the creature¡
Did that mean they were all nothing more than lambs waiting to be slaughtered?
A wave of unease spread through them. Until now, they had clung to the hope that the Bloodstone family would handle the threat.
The six Great Knights present weren¡¯t as shocked as Aelira, though. While they had also expected the Bloodstone family to step in, they had witnessed the destruction of Windwalker City firsthand. They knew the monster¡¯s power might exceed even the golden rank.
As Great Knights, their judgment wasn¡¯t precise enough to distinguish the true difference between golden-rank and legendary-rank destructive power. But in the end, it didn¡¯t matter - whether it was golden or legendary, they stood no chance against it.
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The reason the Great Knights had taken turns traveling to Windwalker City was, of course, to search for Lyria. If she had survived but was injured, they needed to be there to aid her. Right now, six of the eleven Great Knights of Eagle¡¯s Perch City were still out there, scouring the outskirts of Windwalker. They were scheduled to return in two days. The knights had gone in shifts because they couldn¡¯t afford to leave the city completely defenseless.
Unlike them, Aelira hadn¡¯t seen the aftermath of Windwalker¡¯s destruction. That was why she had still held onto the hope that the Bloodstone family could deal with the monster. But now, knowing even they weren¡¯t a match, disappointment and fear gripped her.
Lyria¡¯s voice broke the silence.
"Second of all," she continued, "let me make one thing clear. From now on, our only concern is survival. Stop thinking about the kingdom, the people, or anything else. We no longer have the luxury of mercy. We must focus solely on ourselves."
She paused, letting her words sink in.
"I¡¯m already making preparations to find a ship. We¡¯re leaving this island for good. I want everyone to gather everything of value from the treasury, store it in spatial rings, and be ready to move.."
A heavy silence filled the room. Aelira and the knights exchanged uneasy glances, absorbing her words.
"It will take us two weeks to reach the docks," Lyria continued. "Once we arrive, we¡¯ll need money to secure spots on ships that can take us to another island. Ideally, I¡¯d want us to reach the Flicker Empire. But that isn¡¯t possible - not with the resources we have. Passage to the Flicker Empire is too expensive, and even if we could afford it, there may not be a ship capable of making the journey."
Her gaze darkened.
"The sea route to Flicker is long and treacherous. Only a mythic-grade ship could make the voyage. A lower-grade vessel wouldn¡¯t survive. But for the closer islands, we might be able to secure passage on a legendary-grade ship. They aren¡¯t as safe as mythic ones, but they¡¯re far better than ordinary ships. There¡¯s risk involved - but at least we have a chance of affording a spot on a legendary ship. A mythic ship, however, is beyond our reach."
The Great Knights wore expressions of resolve, but Aelira¡¯s face was clouded with bitterness. She couldn¡¯t shake the weight of what was about to happen - leaving so many innocent people behind to face certain death at the hands of the monster.
If they abandoned the island, those left behind wouldn¡¯t survive.
They would die.
The monster would eat them.
The thought shattered Aelira¡¯s heart.
"Mother," she said, her voice trembling with sorrow. "Isn¡¯t there any way we can save them? There has to be something we can do."
Lyria¡¯s expression remained cold and unyielding.
"There is no way," she replied. "It¡¯s only us - the Great Knights, a few proven knights whose loyalty is absolute - and you. We can¡¯t afford to take anyone else. The seats on the ships are too expensive."
Aelira¡¯s fragile hope faltered as Lyria continued.
"I have a few million silver, and with everything we can gather, we might reach a hundred million. But that¡¯s all. From what I¡¯ve heard, a single ticket costs at least two to three million silver, even for the nearest island. That means we can¡¯t take more than thirty or forty people. You, the Great Knights, a handful of knights I trust, and myself - that alone takes up nearly all the spots."
Lyria¡¯s eyes sharpened like steel.
"So listen carefully. Forget about saving anyone else. We cannot save them. Only the strong have the luxury of saving others. And right now, we cannot even save ourselves. Mercy is a luxury we no longer have."
Aelira lowered her head, her heart heavy with guilt and frustration. She had no choice but to accept it. She was too weak to change anything. Instead of lamenting those she couldn¡¯t save, she should be grateful that her mother was saving her.
She was a burden - she had no strength, no power. How could she even think about carrying the weight of others?
Lyria¡¯s voice broke through her thoughts.
"Now, go and make the necessary preparations. We leave in two days, once the remaining Great Knights return from their search."
The Great Knights bowed and left without a word. Aelira lingered for a moment before turning to leave as well, her steps slow and heavy.
...
As Lyria had commanded, preparations began immediately.
Tens of millions of silver coins, countless treasures, and valuable supplies were gathered and stored in spatial rings. They packed as much food as they could, though most of it couldn¡¯t be stored within the rings. Only non-perishable goods - like salt and extremely dry provisions - could withstand the environment inside. Any fresh food would spoil, so they had no choice but to carry it themselves.
That, however, wasn¡¯t a major concern.
The Great Knights, along with most of those making the journey, were seasoned warriors. Lyria herself was a Silver Knight. With twelve Great Knights among them, hunting along the way wouldn¡¯t be an issue.
The real problem was water.
They ensured they packed as much as they could carry. Strength wasn¡¯t a limitation - Great Knights could bear enormous loads, and even the regular knights could carry far more than an average person.
Everything was set into motion. The countdown to their departure had begun.
Chapter 65 Departure
All preparations for the journey were completed in just five days. Though this was past the original plan since Lyria had intended to leave within two, it was still an impressive feat.
The knights, the horses, and the supplies were all carefully arranged, ready to depart at a moment¡¯s notice.
During those extra days, Lyria found herself lost in thought, replaying her decision over and over again. She had weighed every possibility and considered every consequence, yet the answer remained the same. Leaving was not the best choice for the Windwalker family, but for herself, it was.
If she left now, the Windwalker family would likely cease to exist, regardless of whether the Bloodstone family managed to defeat the monster or not. With no Silver Knight left to lead, there would be no hope for their survival.
If she stayed, and if the Bloodstone family or another power somehow succeeded in slaying the monster, there was a slim chance the Windwalkers could recover. The surrounding families might hesitate to annex them immediately. After all, the Darkwind family and the Stonefist family had also suffered devastating losses when they encountered the mysterious Golden Knight.
But even with their rivals weakened, the damage inflicted upon the Windwalker family was far worse.
Even before the monster had razed Windwalker City to the ground, Lyria had already been considering leaving. Now, that choice was all but forced upon her.
The reason was simple: Windwalker Castle.
Other noble families had many Silver Knights, while the Windwalkers had only a few. The attack of the Golden Knight had wounded the neighboring families, but they still had Silver Knights elsewhere - knights who had not been present when the attack occurred. The Windwalkers, however, had placed all their hopes and power in a single location. And when the monster came, it destroyed Windwalker City, along with nearly all of their Silver Knights.
Lyria had seen it with her own eyes.
The Silver Knights who had tried to suppress the beast had been slaughtered in an instant. She had watched them fall, one after another.
Unlike the other families, the Windwalkers had no Silver Knights stationed elsewhere. Their entire strength had been concentrated in their capital.
The Windwalker family had only one Marquis and one Count. Other families, though similarly led by a single Marquis or Duke, had multiple Counts beneath them. And where there were Counts, there were Silver Knights. A Count typically commanded at least one Silver Knight, a Marquis half a dozen, and a Duke¡ a Golden Knight.
That power structure alone placed the Windwalkers at a disadvantage.
But now, without their castle - their greatest source of defense - the Windwalker family had no means of withstanding what would inevitably come next. It would not be long before another noble house sought to claim what was left.
In the end, even though staying was not impossible, it was little more than a slow death. If she remained, the Windwalker family would be swallowed by the Darkwind family before long.
Lyria clenched her fists.
She didn¡¯t want to be the one who let her family die.
But at this point, she had no choice.
With that in mind, Lyria made her final decision. She would leave the island. She would seek a new land, waiting for the day she could secure a place on a ship bound for the Flicker Empire.
She had always wanted to go there.
The Empire held far greater resources, and for a legendary talent like herself, it was the ideal place to grow. There, she would have a far higher chance of breaking through to the Golden Rank.
Silver Flower Island, in contrast, felt like a wasteland. It lacked the resources she needed, and its harsh conditions made knight training difficult. Even with her natural talent, her odds of reaching the Golden Rank here were far lower than they would be in the Empire.
Of course, her decision wasn¡¯t entirely driven by the monster¡¯s rampage or the looming threat of annexation by the Darkwind family.
After Edric¡¯s death, only two paths had remained before her.
The first was to stay on Silver Flower Island, break through to the Golden Rank, and carve out a position as a Duke. With that status, she could spend decades accumulating resources before finally leaving for the Empire.
The second was to leave for the Flicker Empire immediately after becoming a Golden Knight.
After Edric''s death, she had never intended to stay on this island.
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The only reason she would have ever considered staying was if she could rise to become Queen of the country - or even Queen of Silver Flower Island itself. That was the only future in which remaining on the island would have been worthwhile.
But she knew that was nothing more than a fantasy.
The only path to making that dream a reality had died with Edric. If he had reached the Legendary Rank, she might have had a chance. But now, with him gone, so were her ambitions.
So she discarded those foolish dreams and set her sights on reality.
Her plan had been to remain as the Windwalker family¡¯s new Marquis, drain its resources for as long as possible, and leave once she reached the Golden Rank, or after a few decades at most. But with Windwalker City in ruins and a monster still lurking, that plan was no longer viable.
There was nothing left to drain.
She wasn''t a Golden Knight yet, but she had no choice but to leave quickly, even as a Silver Knight. It was a dangerous decision. Venturing to an unknown island with her current strength was far riskier than leaving as a Golden Knight, but there was no other option.
She planned to train on another island for some time until she reached the Golden Rank, then make her way to the Flicker Empire.
Of course, if decades passed and she still failed to break through, she would leave anyway to reach the Flicker Empire, even as a Silver Knight.
She didn¡¯t have the luxury of wasting time.
Her lifespan was limited, and if she delayed too long, she might reach the Flicker Empire too old to ever have a real chance at advancing.
But there, in the Flicker Empire, even if she failed¡
At least she would die chasing a greater destiny in a vast world -
Not in some forgotten, isolated backwater.
With her plans finalized, Lyria entrusted one of her most loyal knights with the position of city lord. Alongside him, fifty knights were assigned the responsibility of assisting in managing the city.
This was the last act of kindness she would grant this place.
At the very least, with knights in charge, the city would not immediately descend into chaos. Riots would be prevented, and bandits would think twice before trying to take advantage of the situation. If the Bloodstone family managed to slay the monster and restore stability, the city would remain intact until then.
She wrote a letter as the acting Marquis of the Windwalker family, formally surrendering the city and the territory of the Windwalker family to the Darkwind family, and handed the letter to the knight city lord she had appointed.
Once everything was in place, she took one last look at the land that had once been the heart of the Windwalker family. Then, without hesitation, she turned away.
Surrounded by her Great Knights, her most loyal warriors, and Aelira at her side, Lyria set out on her journey.
...
The roads were quieter than she had expected.
Too quiet.
Few travelers were in sight, an oddity in itself. Perhaps most believed it was too dangerous to be wandering in these chaotic times, especially with a monster lurking in the shadows. Maybe some were unaware of the threat, or perhaps they simply underestimated it.
It was also possible that many cities had locked down in response to the crisis. If trade routes were cut off, movement would naturally decline.
Whatever the reason, the eerie emptiness worked in their favor.
They moved swiftly, passing through multiple cities without stopping. From a distance, Lyria could see that some cities were indeed sealed off. Though curiosity tugged at her, she had no time to investigate.
Time was precious.
Every moment wasted in a city posed unnecessary risks.
So they continued forward, never slowing down, never lingering where they were not needed.
In just two weeks, they arrived at Dock City - the gateway to the open sea.
Here, ships awaited passengers, offering a path to lands beyond.
At the moment, three types of ships were available:
The first was the Silver Grade Ship, suitable only for short trips along the outskirts of the open sea. These vessels were incredibly risky for long voyages, with a staggering 1% death rate¡ªa high statistic for those who frequently traveled by sea.
The second option was the Golden Grade Ship, typically owned by powerful organizations like the Bank of Bloodstone. These ships offered a far safer journey, boasting a survival rate of over 99.99%, as long as they did not venture too deep into uncharted waters.
Finally, there was the Legendary Grade Ship, the highest tier available in the region, owned by the Bloodstone Order. These ships were sturdy, built to withstand long voyages across the sea without risk of destruction or death. They were sufficient for reaching nearby islands¡
But they were still nowhere near strong enough to travel to distant lands like the Flicker Empire.
For long-distance voyages - such as those to the Empire - only Mythic Grade Ships could make the journey safely.
Unfortunately, Dock City had none.
These ships were rare, appearing only once every decade, sometimes even less.
But even if a Mythic Grade Ship were docked here, it wouldn¡¯t matter.
Securing a ticket was nearly impossible. Travelers needed an impeccable background, immense wealth, and often years of advance booking. Lyria knew there was no chance of obtaining passage on one.
She had no choice but to settle for a Legendary Grade Ship - if one was even available.
...
Upon arriving in Dock City, she was relieved to find that a Legendary Grade Ship was indeed preparing to set sail.
However, the demand was overwhelming. Hundreds of passengers were already scrambling for tickets, driving the prices to absurd levels.
In the end, after exhausting all their funds, Lyria managed to secure only 24 spots¡ªfor a staggering 150 million silver. Each ticket had cost over 6 million silver, far beyond her expectations.
With each ship carrying thousands of passengers and each voyage lasting only three days, she couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine how much wealth the shipowners amassed.
But securing the tickets came at a painful cost.
She had originally brought 30 knights with her, but now, she could only take less than half.
After much deliberation, she made her choice.
She would bring herself, 12 Great Knights, 10 of her most skilled knights, and Aelira.
The knights she chose were those with specialized skills - those experienced in training soldiers or possessing unique talents in various fields.
As for Aelira, her presence was non-negotiable.
Aelira had a keen mind for management and financial oversight. If Lyria was to establish a new foothold on the next island, she needed someone capable of organizing resources and people. Aelira was indispensable.
With her new company assembled, they boarded the ship.
A few days later, the massive vessel set sail, carrying thousands of passengers toward Greenmoon Island.
As the coastline of Silver Flower Island faded into the horizon, Lyria felt a strange mix of emotions - relief, sorrow, anticipation.
Beyond these waters lay the unknown.
Beyond these waters lay her future.
And she was ready to meet it.
Chapter 66 Unseen Threats
Upon receiving the letter from King Rodric of Bloodstone, the two legendary knights of the Elowen Kingdom immediately set aside their differences and rode toward Bloodstone City without hesitation.
They knew that if the demons succeeded in destroying the Bloodstone Kingdom, Elowen would be next. They all lived on the same island¡ªwhat affected one kingdom would inevitably affect them all. The demons would not stop at a single conquest; they would ravage everything in their path, caring nothing for borders or treaties.
As legendary knights, they understood the horrors of demonic outbreaks far better than ordinary people. A demon left unchecked would only grow stronger with every life it took. The more blood it spilled, the faster its power would rise. If allowed to continue, it could surpass the legendary rank, reaching Mythic¡ªor worse, even Ultra or Super was not out of the question.
If that happened, the island itself would be doomed.
They had no choice. The demon had to be found and stopped before it could claim more lives.
...
King Rodric of Bloodstone gazed at the two legendary knights standing before him.
To his left stood Edward Elowen, the current king of the Elowen Kingdom. On his right was Georgia Elowen, Edward¡¯s great-great-great-granddaughter and second-in-command, often referred to as the Deputy King. These two were the pillars of Elowen¡ªtheir kingdom¡¯s strongest warriors.
In most realms, no one would dare claim such a title as Deputy King, nor would any ruler allow it. Kings were fiercely protective of their power, unwilling to tolerate even the slightest challenge to their authority. But the Elowen Kingdom was different.
Elowen was not ruled by nobles or a court of powerful families. It was governed entirely by a single bloodline. At its head stood two legendary knights, bound not by politics, but by trust. Edward considered Georgia his own daughter and had no jealousy or resentment over her title. To him, her strength only ensured the kingdom¡¯s survival.
When it came to ruling, they made decisions together. Their relationship was not one of superior and subordinate, but more like father and daughter.
In terms of raw combat strength, Edward was slightly ahead of Rodric on the path of legendary knight training, while Georgia trailed just behind him. However, in battle, sheer power was rarely the deciding factor. Equipment was just as crucial. A single legendary weapon could turn the tide of a fight, just as lacking the right gear could spell doom.
For example, if one knight wielded a legendary blade while their opponent carried only a golden-grade sword, the outcome was almost predetermined. A golden weapon would shatter against a legendary one, rendering it useless. In such a duel, fighting with a golden sword was no different from fighting unarmed.
The same applied to armor, shields, magical artifacts, and even boots.
Rodric, Georgia, and Edward all possessed legendary equipment¡ªbut no one knew the full extent of each other''s arsenals. Among legendary warriors, secrecy was everything. The higher one¡¯s rank, the more critical it became to hide their skills, techniques, and especially their weapons.
That was why knights of legendary rank and above rarely fought in public. And if they did¡ they made sure no witnesses remained.
Once a knight¡¯s fighting techniques, equipment, and skills became known, they could be easily analyzed and countered by their enemies. That was why, the moment a legendary knight¡¯s combat style was exposed, they would quickly make adjustments¡ªaltering their techniques to prevent opponents from predicting their moves.
For this reason, legendary knights rarely fought at full strength or revealed their trump cards. Once a hidden technique was exposed, replacing it or refining it became significantly more difficult. A revealed trump card was no longer a trump card¡ªit was a weakness waiting to be exploited.
...
¡°Long time no see,¡± Georgia said, her voice carrying a hint of familiarity. She had known Rodric for centuries¡ªtheir history ran deep.
Rodric smiled warmly but kept his tone steady. ¡°Yeah, I missed you. But let¡¯s set aside the pleasantries for now.¡± He wasn¡¯t in the mood to dwell on old memories.
Once, they had been in a relationship, but it hadn¡¯t ended well. They had separated.
Georgia was the mythic talent of the Elowen family, just as Rodric was for the Bloodstone family. At first glance, it seemed like they were a perfect match. But in reality, their shared talent only made things more complicated. They weren¡¯t just individuals¡ªthey were the hopes of their respective families.
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Had their families been on good terms, they might have married, uniting the two bloodlines. However, the Elowens and the Bloodstones had long been rivals. Faced with a choice between love and duty, neither hesitated. They chose their families. And so, they parted ways.
Rodric pushed the past aside and got straight to the point. ¡°Here¡¯s what we know about the demonic outbreak.¡±
He handed them two thick books¡ªdetailed reports filled with every sighting and incident involving the demon over the past few days.
Georgia and Edward, both legendary knights, began reading at an astonishing speed. Within five minutes, they had absorbed nearly all the information in the dense volumes. Their expressions grew increasingly grim.
The situation was worse than they had feared.
Not only had the demon already broken through the legendary rank, but its whereabouts were completely unknown. This meant they couldn¡¯t suppress it even if they wanted to. They had to find it first¡ªbut despite Rodric¡¯s relentless search over the past several days, there had been no trace of the creature.
That alone was troubling.
The demon was clearly employing some form of technique to conceal itself, as that was the only plausible explanation. Its ability to remain hidden, despite the extensive search efforts, suggested the use of advanced magic or a specific demonic ability designed for stealth.
None of the three legendary knights even considered the possibility that the demon had left the island.
Demons don''t flee. They destroy.
It is their nature, their very essence. A demon would never leave without leaving devastation in its wake. Whether it¡¯s burning villages to the ground, decimating armies, or corrupting the land itself, demons are creatures of destruction, not retreat. Their hunger for chaos, for spreading the Abyss, is insatiable.
To think that a demon might simply leave without wreaking havoc is impossible.
Having finished the reports, Georgia and Edward turned to Rodric, their eyes filled with concern.
Edward, unable to contain his frustration, was the first to speak. ¡°Damn it, Rodric! How did it get this far? A legendary-rank demon¡ªnot only growing stronger but also missing? This is far worse than I thought. What if it breaks through to Mythic rank?¡±
Rodric¡¯s face darkened, but he remained composed. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault. It happened too quickly. The cause of this outbreak is clearly something far more powerful, possibly beyond Ultra rank. It could even be a Super-rank demonic item.¡±
Georgia shook her head, her expression grim. ¡°If a Super-rank demon is involved, the Flicker Empire might completely seal off Silver Flower Island¡ªor worse, sink it just to erase all traces. I really hope you¡¯re wrong, Rodric, because if that¡¯s the case, we¡¯re as good as dead¡ªeither by the demon or by the Flicker Empire.¡±
Edward exhaled sharply, his worry evident. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s a Super-rank item¡ but an Ultra-rank? That might be possible.¡±
The Flicker Empire was extremely cautious when dealing with demonic outbreaks. If the situation was severe enough, they wouldn¡¯t bother fighting¡ªthey would simply seal the entire infected area indefinitely, ensuring that nothing from the Abyss could spill into the world. But such a method was only used in the most extreme cases. It was like treating an infection by cutting off a limb rather than using medicine. If they sealed too many areas, it could harm the world¡¯s very foundation.
The known power ranks were as follows:
Average ¡ú Silver ¡ú Golden ¡ú Legendary ¡ú Mythic ¡ú Ultra ¡ú Super ¡ú Extreme ¡ú Absolute ¡ú Supreme.
The Supreme rank had never been seen, and many doubted its existence. Absolute-rank beings were rumored to exist, but no one had confirmed it. Some believed that the rulers of the Abyss¡ªDemon Kings and Princes¡ªwere Absolute-rank, but even if they were, they couldn¡¯t make significant moves in this world. The conflicting laws between realms suppressed them heavily.
The Flicker Empire only considered sealing off space when dealing with demonic items of Super rank and above. Anything Ultra rank or below, they would attempt to contain and purge without resorting to such drastic measures.
Extreme-rank demonic items had appeared in the world before, but outbreaks of that level were extremely rare. It would be an unimaginable disaster if Silver Flower Island was the site of one.
Super-rank outbreaks were more common than Extreme-rank ones, but even they were rare. Ultra-rank demonic incidents, however, occurred much more frequently.
The two major outbreaks in Silver Flower Island¡¯s history¡ªone that was successfully stopped and the other that triggered an Ice Age¡ªhad both been Mythic-rank.
And now, they faced a demon that had already reached Legendary and was still growing.
The weight of the situation pressed heavily upon them.
Rodric spoke, his tone serious. ¡°With the speed at which this outbreak is progressing, it must be at least Ultra rank. My guess is there''s a high chance it¡¯s Super rank. There¡¯s no way it¡¯s Mythic rank. I still remember the last Ice Age Demonic outbreak. That one didn¡¯t escalate this quickly. We need to find a way to locate and suppress it, long enough to buy time for the Flicker Empire¡¯s Super Knights to arrive.¡±
To eliminate a demonic outbreak completely, one had to find its source. The source was often an object¡ªanything from a book, a sword, animal remains, clothes, or even food. There were no hard and fast rules about what could serve as a demon¡¯s medium. Until the source was destroyed, the outbreak would continue, no matter how many demons were killed.
Take the current situation, for example. Even if the demon was killed, it would only be a temporary solution. The item responsible for this outbreak would still be out there, capable of triggering another one.
Rodric¡¯s voice dropped lower, his frustration palpable. ¡°It¡¯s beyond our ability to find and destroy the demonic item that caused this outbreak. But it would be much easier to track down the demon itself. It¡¯s still at the Legendary rank. We outnumber it and can defeat it. It¡¯s just a shame we don¡¯t have any legendary mages who could trace it.¡± He shook his head, frustration clear in his features.
Edward nodded in agreement. ¡°We should use every resource at our disposal to find it quickly. You can count on us.¡±
Rodric gave a curt nod, his resolve firming. In times like these, survival depended on unity. No matter how deep the grudges or how long the hatred, when facing demons, humans had to stand together.
It had long been common sense and a part of human culture to put aside all enmity in the face of other species¡ªbe it orcs, demons, or any other threat to their world.
Chapter 67 Wrath of the Deep
Martin looked down in confusion.
"When the hell does this damn ocean end?" he muttered.
Ever since he had grown wings, he had been searching for the Bank of Bloodstone and Bloodstone City. Days had passed, yet he hadn¡¯t found a single trace of them¡ªonly water, endless water stretching as far as the eye could see.
"Did I get the directions wrong?" he thought, frustration building inside him. His anger boiled over, and with a snarl, he opened his mouth and unleashed a massive fireball toward the sea.
The fireball, the size of a mountain, crashed into the water with a deafening explosion. Massive waves erupted, surging outward in every direction.
"Where the hell am I?" Martin grumbled. He had been flying in the same direction for days, yet Bloodstone City was nowhere to be found.
He was powerful¡ªpowerful enough to destroy cities with a few fireballs, to carve through mountains and forests with a swing of his claws. But when it came to directions¡ he was completely hopeless.
"Damn it! Where am I?! Where''s that damn Bloodstone Bank?!"
Enraged, he unleashed fireball after fireball, his fury burning hotter with every blast.
The sea churned beneath the onslaught, boiling from the sheer intensity of his attacks. Countless fish, both great and small, perished instantly. The sky above twisted into chaos, tornadoes forming from the sheer disturbance of the atmosphere.
"WHERE IS IT?!" the demon roared. Once, long ago, he had been human¡ªMartin. Now, he was a being of destruction. And right now, he was lost.
His keen demonic vision, capable of seeing hundreds of miles on a clear day, found nothing but endless ocean. No land. No Bloodstone City.
RUMBLE!
Just as the sea boiled beneath his wrath, a deep, earth-shaking roar erupted from below. The waters convulsed, the air quivered¡ªit was as if the very ocean had turned upside down.
Then¡ªmassive tentacles burst from the depths.
The head of an unimaginably colossal creature emerged, towering over the waves. Its sheer size was beyond comprehension, its form resembling an ancient, legendary beast¡ªa kraken.
But not just any kraken.
Even the weakest krakens were considered Legendary-rank creatures. But this one¡
This one was far beyond that.
This one was Ultra-rank.
The monstrous kraken gazed at the tiny insect causing havoc in its domain. A single, enormous tentacle stretched out, moving with terrifying speed, aiming to swat the nuisance from the sky.
Martin noticed.
He was strong, overwhelmingly so. But even he knew when to back down.
Yet, before he could even twitch his wings¡ªbefore he could react¡ªthe kraken¡¯s colossal limb was already upon him.
He hadn¡¯t had the chance to dodge.
The tentacle struck Martin.
In an instant, he was reduced to nothing but a smear of blood and crushed flesh.
He felt nothing. No pain. No fear. Just instant death.
The demise of a Legendary-ranked demon¡ªone who was connected to a powerful Demon King, the Demon of Weirdness¡ªunleashed an overwhelming surge of chaotic energy. The sheer force of it erupted into a massive explosion, forming a towering mushroom cloud. Even a Mythic-ranked being, if caught off guard, would have suffered injuries from the blast.
But in front of the Ultra-ranked Krakens¡¯s might?
It was nothing.
Not even as threatening as a mosquito bite.
Demons were strong¡ªterrifying, even. But their influence in this world was limited. Monsters, on the other hand, especially those of the ocean, had unrestrained power.
This was why the seas were feared.
Ultra-ranked creatures rarely surfaced. They slumbered in the depths, far from human civilization. But when provoked, they would strike. Even Mythic-ranked ships¡ªconstructed with the strongest defenses for long voyages¡ªweren''t built to withstand an attack from the horrors lurking below.
After all, deep beneath the waves, there existed not only Super-ranked monsters but even Extreme-ranked abominations. No ship could possibly stand against them. Not unless the Flicker Empire devoted its full military strength to the task.
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Thus, concealment was the key to survival.
The safest way to traverse the seas wasn¡¯t through force but through silence. Mythic ships were designed not for battle, but for stealth, slipping through the waters unnoticed, avoiding the attention of ancient predators.
At first glance, one might think flying would be the safest method¡ªsoaring high above the waves, untouched by the ocean¡¯s dangers.
They would be wrong.
The sky had its own perils.
Sea dragons. Lightning storms. Giant sky eagles.
Flying ships did exist, but centuries of voyages had proven that the safest passage across the sea was to move quietly across its surface.
The ocean¡¯s surface was like a thin border¡ªa line between two domains. Many sea creatures hesitated to attack above it, while skyborne beasts rarely descended into the depths.
After erasing the foolish insect that had disturbed its slumber, the kraken let out a low, guttural rumble.
Then, slowly, it descended back into the abyss.
The water grew still once more.
The beast vanished, swallowed by the depths.
As if it had never been there at all.
...
The Flicker Empire was vast beyond imagination.
It stood as one of the most powerful human nations in the world, a protector of humanity itself.
Because humans were not the only intelligent race in existence.
Orcs, elves, beastmen, and even goblins had their own mighty empires, each ruling over vast territories. Yet, even when compared to the greatest kingdoms of other species, the Flicker Empire remained one of the strongest.
In the grand balance of power, sovereign empires were divided into three levels. This was not an official classification, but a truth universally recognized across the world.
- Top-Level Empires: These were the true rulers of the world, each boasting at least one Extreme-ranked powerhouse. The Flicker Empire was one of them, alongside the Great Orc Empire, the Elven Federal Republic, and a few others. These empires were the main chess players, the ones who dictated the fate of nations.
- Second-Grade Empires: These nations possessed at least one Super-ranked powerhouse. While they were not among the true rulers, they were still forces to be reckoned with, holding enough strength to deter all but the mightiest adversaries.
- Third-Grade Empires: These had at least one Ultra-ranked powerhouse. While they still carried the title of empire, their influence was far more limited, their reach confined to local territories.
Any force without an Ultra-ranked powerhouse, regardless of what they called themselves, was not truly sovereign. Their survival depended entirely on luck¡ªwhether they could avoid the gaze of stronger empires or not.
Nations that only had Mythic-ranked and lower powerhouses were considered kingdoms, subordinate to sovereign empires. For instance, the Elowen Kingdom and Bloodstone Kingdom were both vassal states of the Flicker Empire.
Kingdoms under an empire were not independent. They were bound by the empire¡¯s laws and had to obey its will.
In this world, demons had no place.
Every intelligent race¡ªhumans, elves, orcs, goblins, and beastmen¡ªstood united in their hatred against demonic forces. While some orc tribes worshiped demons, they were considered anomalies, outcasts among their own kind.
The reason for this universal enmity was simple:
The world could never hope to resist the horrors of the Abyss.
Any connection with demons would weaken the barrier between realms, making it easier for demonic entities to cross over. If that happened, destruction would be inevitable.
The power gap between this world and the Endless Abyss was beyond comprehension.
While there were no Supreme-ranked beings in the Abyss, it didn¡¯t matter¡ªbecause lurking within its infinite depths were countless Absolute-ranked Demon Kings.
The Abyss was a nightmare given form, consisting of innumerable floors, each ruled by a Demon King.
And each and every one of these Demon Kings was at the Absolute-ranked¡ªand terrifyingly powerful at that.
Below them were Extreme-ranked Demon Princes, Super-ranked Demon Dukes, Ultra-ranked Demon Earls, and countless lower-ranking demons.
Simply put, if not for the immense natural suppression restricting demons in this world, and the extreme difficulty of crossing between realms, this world would have been conquered and annihilated long ago.
Even with the barrier and all the difficulty, demon outbreaks are not uncommon. There have been many occasions where demons infiltrate, laying eggs and hatching countless minions. The ultimate goal of a demon is to expand the abyss by corrupting the entire world, which is why everyone is united against them.
Because of this ever-present threat, all empires¡ªhuman, goblin, elven, or otherwise¡ªhunted demonic cults without mercy.
No matter where they arose, they would be crushed before they could take root.
Fortunately for the inhabitants of this world, demons could not advance in power easily outside the Abyss. No demon had ever reached Extreme rank in this world.
Without an Extreme-ranked powerhouse to establish a foothold, demons could never form a true base or construct large-scale demonic formations to ease their passage into this realm.
To ensure this never changed, the sovereign empires had long-standing treaties to eradicate any trace of demonic corruption before it could spread.
Thus, when reports of a demonic outbreak on Silver Flower Island reached the Flicker Empire, they did not hesitate.
Without delay, they dispatched two Super-ranked knights¡ªready to burn every last remnant of the corruption to ash.
...
The two Super-ranked knights sent by the Flicker Empire arrived at Silver Flower Island and carefully examined the aftermath of the demonic outbreak.
But despite their efforts, they failed to locate the demonic source.
They did, however, find traces of a Legendary-ranked demonized human.
It was a concerning discovery, but without solid proof of an ongoing threat, there was little they could do.
The standard protocol for sealing off an area was clear¡ªif a Super-ranked demonic item was found, the land may be completely quarantined.
But since they found nothing of that level, they chose not to seal the island.
Instead, they took a more measured approach.
Before leaving, the knights booked an Ultra-ranked mage to visit the island and reinforce the existing demon suppression formations.
With that arrangement in place, their duty was done.
As the Super knights departed, three figures finally allowed themselves to breathe:
King Bloodstone, Georgia, and King.Edward.
They all felt a wave of relief wash over them.
Things could have gone far worse.
Had the knights found even a single Super-ranked demonic artifact, the entire island might have been sealed off¡ªperhaps forever.
Yet, despite their relief, one question lingered in their minds:
Where did the item go?
Was it truly gone?
Or was the danger simply waiting to resurface?
Unfortunately, as Legendary-ranked knights, they lacked the strength and knowledge to investigate further.
Even two Super-ranked knights had failed to uncover the truth¡ªwhat hope did they have?
Understanding their limits, they set the matter aside.
Georgia and Edward returned to Elowen Kingdom, resuming their duties.
Meanwhile, King Bloodstone turned his focus to the devastation left behind.
Though he usually avoided direct involvement in such affairs, this time, he made an exception.
For now, his priority was rebuilding what had been lost.
Chapter 68 Moral Dilemma
[Edric Windwalker]
Age: 16 years, 8 months, and 27 days
[Tasks]
[Task Number One: Ancestor of a State]
- Progress: 31,947 / 100,000 - 48 / 1,000
- Objective: Conceive 100,000 children within 1,000 days.
- Rewards:
- 1 Mythic Chest
- 2 Legendary Chests
- 1,000,000 XP
- A Mythic-rank weapon
- Failure Penalty: Lose 2,000,000 XP
[Task Number Two: Available in 1 day]
[Techniques]
- Legendary Knight Training: 390 / 1,500,000
- Legendary Mage Training: 149 / 1,500,000
[Talents]
- Knight Talent: Legendary (0 / 2,400,000)
- Mage Talent: Average (0 / 100,000)
[Skills]
- Self-Consumption (Cyan)
- Energy Absorption (Red)
- Magnetic Pull (Golden)
- Beast¡¯s Senses (Golden)
- Poison Resistance (Golden)
- Crystal Skin (Silver)
- Bloodline Sensing (Silver)
- Telekinesis (Silver)
- Steel Hair Manipulation (Silver)
- Extreme Yang (Silver)
- See-Through (Silver)
- Flesh Control (White)
[Cheat Ability]
- Low Level ¨C Generates 1,000 XP per day
- Available XP: 472,914
"Are they here?" Edric asked the woman standing beside him.
Her name was Ava. She had the youthful appearance of someone in her twenties, but in reality, she was over 120 years old. For an ordinary person, that would be ancient¡ªpractically fossilized. But for a Silver Knight, she was still quite young.
Edric was a busy man. He couldn''t handle everything on his own, so he had gone to the Elowen Kingdom''s Knight Association and hired her. Her job was simple¡ªfollow his orders and handle tasks he didn¡¯t have time for.
"Yeah, they arrived a few minutes ago. They''re waiting in the guest room," Ava replied casually.
"Great!" Edric grinned.
The first batch of babies had been born about fifteen days ago. Fortunately, they were all ordinary humans¡ªno strange mutations, no demonic anomalies. When Edric had first confirmed that, he felt a wave of relief. The Demonic Happy Farm spell hadn¡¯t caused any unintended side effects.
The first batch consisted of around 9,000 babies, with each of his clones giving birth to ten.
But now, a new problem had emerged.
What was he supposed to do with this many babies?
From the system''s perspective, as long as the babies were born, they were considered fully and completely conceived. Their deaths wouldn''t cause the progress to regress.
For a moment, Edric seriously considered just throwing them all into a fire and being done with it. After all, his main goal was to complete the task as quickly as possible with minimal distractions.
But as he thought it over, a chill ran down his spine.
Why did I even consider that?
These newborns weren¡¯t just numbers on a progress bar. They were real, living human beings¡ªhis flesh and blood. He could feel the undeniable connection through his Bloodline Sensing skill.
And yet, for some reason, he had contemplated burning his own children alive without hesitation.
Something was deeply, terribly wrong with him.
He wasn¡¯t like this back on Earth. He had once been normal¡ªhuman. But now? He felt nothing. No guilt, no hesitation. If anything, he had come to enjoy bloodshed. The realization sent a shiver through him.
But, as always, he lacked the means to figure out what was wrong. He couldn¡¯t see into his own mind. His only choice was to postpone the matter until his magic rank improved.
Shoving those thoughts aside, he discarded the idea of outright slaughtering his newborns and instead focused on a more practical solution¡ªfinding someone to take them in.
That was why he hired Ava.
Her job was simple: Locate individuals or organizations that could take care of the children.
It was a dangerous task. No one would simply accept thousands of newborns appearing out of nowhere without asking questions. But fortunately, Edric was a Golden-rank Mage. He didn¡¯t need to answer questions¡ªhe could simply mind-control people into doing what he wanted.
Ava herself was also under his control.
Controlling a Silver Knight was difficult. After all, Edric couldn''t yet cast Golden-rank spells. However, Silver-rank spells cast by a Golden-rank Mage were still barely effective against Silver Knights. And if one spell wasn¡¯t enough? He could simply cast two times, three times, ten times¡ªuntil it worked.
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Still, he never let Ava wander too far from him for too long. As a Silver Knight, the effects of a Silver-level Mind Control spell would eventually wear off.
But the two people waiting for him now? They were ordinary humans.
For them, a single Silver-level Mind Control spell was permanent.
There was a reason mages were valued far more than knights. Their versatility allowed them to adapt to nearly any situation.
"Let¡¯s go," Edric said, flashing a small smile.
A few babies had already died over the past few days due to lack of proper care.
He had no time to waste. He needed to find a place for them¡ªquickly.
...
Camila and Luna managed one of the largest child welfare systems in the Southern Elowen Kingdom, overseeing orphanages and foster placements across multiple cities and caring for over 200,000 children.
Taking care of that many children required massive resources, but they managed. After all, they had a powerful backer¡ªnone other than the government of Elowen Kingdom itself.
Today, they had come here because of Ava.
Ava had once been their personal bodyguard for over twenty years. When she told them there was a man who needed their help, they normally wouldn¡¯t have paid much attention.
But this was Ava. A Silver Knight.
They trusted her completely and didn¡¯t want to refuse her request.
As they waited, a young man with red hair and vibrant green eyes walked into the room.
"Ladies, happy to meet you!" Edric greeted them with a charming smile.
The moment Camila and Luna saw him, they froze.
It felt like they had known him for a lifetime.
Their hearts raced, their cheeks flushed, and they tripped over themselves trying to greet him.
"Hello! Nice to meet you!" Camila said eagerly.
"Good to meet you!" Luna added, her voice trembling with excitement.
Edric wasted no time.
"Listen, I have about 12,000 newborn children with me. How many can you accommodate?" he asked, completely straightforward.
Neither Camila nor Luna reacted with shock.
The fact that an unknown man had 12,000 newborn children should have been beyond suspicious.
But they didn¡¯t care.
Camila was too distracted admiring Edric¡¯s appearance, and before she could respond, Luna cut in.
"Of course! For you, we¡¯re willing to do anything!" Luna blurted out enthusiastically. "We¡¯ll hire more staff and make sure they receive the best care possible!"
"Yes! We can do it!" Camila quickly agreed, stepping closer to Edric, her eyes filled with infatuation.
Edric took a step back, effortlessly dodging her approach.
"Take care of them. If too many of them die, I¡¯ll be very upset with you," he warned.
At his words, the color drained from their faces.
The mere thought of Edric being upset seemed worse than death to them.
"I would never let you be upset!" Luna swore, already thinking of ways to contact the Eastern orphanages to ensure the children were safely accommodated.
"I would rather die than disappoint you, my love!" Camila declared passionately, attempting to move closer to embrace him.
Edric dodged again.
"Do your task well, and I¡¯ll be very happy with you," he said with a teasing smile.
At his words, their hearts pounded wildly.
All sorts of fantasies flashed through their minds.
Of course, Edric had no intention of doing anything sexual with them.
The only reason they were acting this way was because of the longest-lasting brainwashing spell he had¡ªa spell related to love. It was the most effective method he had for controlling people long-term.
"Now, go and arrange everything. I want the newborns gone within three days." His tone grew serious.
Taking care of so many newborns over the past few days had been an absolute nightmare. Too many had already died due to lack of proper care, and he wasn¡¯t going to let it continue.
Camila and Luna were clearly reluctant to leave, but after gritting their teeth, they hurried off to complete the task as quickly as possible.
As the doors closed behind them, Edric stretched and let out a satisfied sigh.
"Well, that was easy!" he chuckled.
"At this rate, I¡¯ll have a hundred thousand blood descendants scattered all over Elowen Kingdom," Edric mused. "I don¡¯t know whether I should be happy about that¡ or deeply disturbed."
Even though he didn''t feel guilt, his lingering modern sensibilities left him feeling uncomfortable.
In reality, he didn¡¯t have much of a choice in the matter. He had no option but to complete the tasks, as the punishment for failing was severe.
He wanted to grow stronger as quickly as possible, and the only way to achieve that was to complete the tasks, which was exactly what he did.
Either he let the newborns die of hunger, or he found a place for them to live.
He chose the second option.
It was risky¡ªsomeone might start questioning where all these children were coming from¡ªbut Edric simply couldn¡¯t bring himself to pick the crueler alternative.
"Being a good person is always so damn difficult," he sighed, feeling like such a righteous man.
Of course, the dozens of newborns who had already starved to death over the past few days might disagree with that assessment¡ but at least he wasn¡¯t fully evil.
"If a truly evil person had this task, they would simply let the clones give birth, then kill the children immediately. It¡¯s much more efficient¡ªstealthy, leaves behind no evidence, and avoids unnecessary complications."
Unfortunately for Edric, he was burdened by his moral values.
"I am a modern man! A man who knows good from evil!"
He smiled proudly at himself.
"Ava!" he called out.
"What?"
Ava answered casually, walking into the room.
Unlike Camila and Luna, she didn¡¯t see Edric as a romantic figure. The reason was simple¡ªthe spell used on her was different.
Camila and Luna were under a love-based brainwashing spell, while Ava was under a spell of ¡®Friendship¡¯.
"Come here and drink this," Edric said, pulling out a small glass bottle filled with a shimmering blue liquid.
Ava frowned. "What is it?"
She didn¡¯t wait for an answer¡ªjust grabbed the bottle and drank it in one go.
The moment the liquid slid down her throat, Edric activated the spell.
"Friendship!"
Golden mana flared around him for a brief moment.
Ava didn''t even notice.
Edric nodded in satisfaction. With the potion''s effects, the brainwashing spell would now last around two weeks instead of one.
"Now, Ava, go find more foster care organizations and bring them here. Regardless of the results, return in one week."
"Sure, got it."
She placed the empty bottle aside and walked out without another word.
Edric watched her leave, rubbing his aching temples.
"Tomorrow¡ is another hellish day."
A huge number of clones were due to give birth.
Again.
That meant another grueling round of implanting fertilized eggs, casting the Happy Farm spell¡ªwhich was already exhausting as hell¡ªmonitoring the clones, and even helping them give birth.
He had to do it all himself.
He hated it.
If only he had trusted subordinates, people capable of taking over some of these burdens. But without them, he had no choice but to clone himself using other cloning spells again and again to keep up.
Even with multiple copies of himself, the work was still overwhelming¡ªeven for a Golden Mage like him.
"I can¡¯t wait for this to be over," he groaned.
The only exciting thing about tomorrow was that Task Number Two would finally unlock.
"I wonder what the next reward will be?"
Despite his exhaustion, Edric smiled in anticipation.
"Only one more day left."
Chapter 69 Unearthing the Book of Weirdness
Ding!
[New Task Available]
Part 1: Book of Weirdness
Description: Within six months, locate and retrieve the Book of Weirdness, hidden somewhere beneath the ruins of Windwalker City.
Hint: This book accelerates the growth of poisonous life forms, including trees, plants, and creatures.
Reward:
- Mythic Skill
- Legendary Skill
- 1,000,000 XP
Failure Penalty: None
Part 2: Gate to the Abyss
Description: Within five years, read the Book of Weirdness, master the Abyssal Gate spell, and use it to open a portal to the Abyss.
Reward:
- Ultra Skill
- 25,000,000 XP
Failure Penalty: None
...
"What? Another demon-related task?" Edric''s eyes widened in surprise.
"The Book of Weirdness... again?" His mind raced. "Wasn¡¯t it taken away by that homeless man I gave it to? Why is it back?"
Despite his confusion, the rewards were simply too tempting to ignore. Even though there was no punishment for failing the quest, the potential gains were immense.
"The first part is time-sensitive. I can¡¯t let anyone else find the book before me. I need to go there immediately and secure it." His resolve hardened.
With the Self-Consumption skill in hand, legendary-ranked knights were no longer as terrifying as they once were. He felt confident. He was stronger now.
But there was a problem.
If he left right away, the newborns would have no one to care for them. He lacked trustworthy subordinates, and without proper care, they wouldn¡¯t survive.
Reluctantly, he made his decision.
"I¡¯ll stay for a few days, handle things here, and send them to Luna and Camila before I leave."
It wasn¡¯t ideal, but it was the best course of action. The Book of Weirdness could wait¡ªjust for a little while longer.
...
A few days later, Luna, Camila, and their subordinates arrived, taking the newborns under their care. Just to be cautious, Edric cast Mass Confusion on the subordinates, muddling their memories about where so many newborns had come from.
With that settled, he waited until all the remaining pregnant clones had given birth. Once the last child was born, he handed them over to Luna and Camila¡¯s group as well.
...
Fifteen days had passed in total.
Edric temporarily halted progress on the Ancestor of a State task and set out to fulfill the Book of Weirdness task.
The reasoning was simple¡ªhe still had over 900 days left for the Ancestor of a State mission, and it was already 30% complete. There was plenty of time. But the Book of Weirdness? That was different.
If someone else found it first, he would lose his chance to complete it quickly.
Delaying for fifteen days had already been a risk. Waiting months for Ancestor of a State to progress further wasn¡¯t an option.
Right now, retrieving the Book of Weirdness was his top priority.
...
Windwalker City was utterly annihilated.
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Not a trace of its former glory remained¡ªjust a wasteland of destruction.
Hundreds of thousands had perished, their bodies left to rot under the open sky. Within a week, the stench of decay spread across the ruins, turning the city into a grotesque nightmare. It was a scene straight out of hell.
In the days following the disaster, no one dared to approach. Fear lingered¡ªwhat if the demon returned?
For two weeks, the city remained untouched.
Finally, Darkwind City sent a few hundred troops to at least bury the dead. If left alone, the ruins could become a breeding ground for the undead¡ªa catastrophe that could spiral out of control.
The Conditions for Undead to Appear
The rise of undead required very specific conditions:
- Mass Death with Resentment ¨C Those who die with deep grievances or despair have a chance of rising again.
- Corpses Left Exposed ¨C If left unburied for too long, their transformation becomes inevitable. Burying them removes this risk.
- Abundant Natural Energy ¨C The stronger the ambient mana, the faster the undead manifest.
On Silver Flower Island, natural energy was thin, making undead exceptionally rare¡ªalmost unheard of. However, the destruction of Windwalker City created a perfect breeding ground. If ignored, it could lead to disaster.
Low-level undead were not particularly strong, but they were extremely difficult to kill. A zombie could survive even if hacked into pieces. The only true way to destroy them was to reduce them to ashes.
Worse, those who died at the hands of undead would rise as undead themselves. Left unchecked, a single zombie could wipe out entire cities.
This was why, despite the risk, the neighboring territories could not allow Windwalker City to fester.
...
After carefully burying the dead, Darkwind City turned its attention to the remnants of the Windwalker Family. The largest remaining Windwalker stronghold was Eagle¡¯s Perch.
Darkwind envoys traveled there, expecting resistance.
Instead, they were met with complete surrender.
The mayor of Eagle¡¯s Perch handed them a letter¡ªan official surrender document, offering the entire Windwalker Family to the Darkwind Family without resistance.
Just like that, the two rival houses became one.
Under normal circumstances, the royal family wouldn¡¯t recognize such an annexation. However, since the Windwalker Family had willingly submitted, there was a high chance the king would approve it.
For years, the Darkwinds had sought to unify with the Windwalkers, but all efforts had failed. Now, thanks to a monster¡¯s rampage, they had achieved their goal.
The centuries-old resentment Darkwind citizens held toward the Windwalker Family¡ªfueled by years of propaganda¡ªfaded overnight. The tragedy had wiped the slate clean.
With everything going smoothly, Darkwind agents traveled across the land, ensuring that every Windwalker noble swore loyalty to Marquis Rhaegor, who remained hidden in an unknown location.
Thus, after years of division, the two great families were finally reunited.
To gain popular support, the Darkwind Family immediately invested massive resources into rebuilding Windwalker City.
The location was ideal¡ªaccess to fresh water, fertile farmland, and strategic trade routes. Letting it remain in ruins would be a waste.
However, reconstructing an entire city was no simple task. It would take years¡ªnot weeks or months¡ªto restore even a fraction of what was lost.
But the first step had been taken.
And so, the ruins of Windwalker City began their slow journey toward rebirth.
...
Edric stood atop the ruins, gazing down at what was once Windwalker City.
"Should I feel bad?" he wondered.
After all, he had been the one who handed the Book of Weirdness to that homeless man.
"Hundreds of thousands died because of me¡ yet I don¡¯t feel anything."
He waited for guilt to surface, but there was none.
Instead, there was something else.
"Excitement?"
A twisted smile crept onto his face as he realized¡ªhe had changed. The man who once hesitated to kill a cockroach was long gone.
"Whatever. Who cares?"
With that thought, Edric descended into the ruins.
He had no spells or abilities to help him locate the book directly, but that didn¡¯t matter.
According to the system, the Book of Weirdness caused accelerated growth of poisonous lifeforms¡ªtrees, plants, animals. That was his clue.
Edric walked through the ruins, scanning his surroundings for anything green¡ªa sprouting vine, an unusual plant, or even a poisonous creature like a snake or frog.
He doubted that in just less than a month, entire poisonous trees would have grown. The system had said "accelerated growth," but it hadn¡¯t specified how fast.
Still, a few weeks was more than enough time for small poisonous plants to take root.
And if the book was truly here¡
He would find it.
...
For two days, Edric walked through the ruins, step by step, scanning his surroundings for any signs of poisonous growth.
During that time, others had begun arriving¡ªcleaning the ruined city, clearing debris, and burying the dead.
From their uniforms, Edric could tell they belonged to the Darkwind Family.
His expression darkened.
"Damn Kaelith! I will definitely kill him later!"
The Darkwinds¡ªhis enemies. The ones responsible for forcing him to flee to Elowen Kingdom.
Hatred burned within him, but he didn''t act on it. Not yet.
Right now, his priority was the Book of Weirdness.
Revenge could wait.
Keeping himself hidden, he moved through the ruins, ignoring everything else, his focus locked on his goal.
...
After four days of digging through poisonous plants and creatures, Edric finally found it!
The Book of Weirdness lay buried beneath the rubble of a destroyed restaurant.
The only reason he even discovered it was because a dense patch of poisonous flowers had grown around the area.
"That was... easy?"
Edric frowned, feeling a strange sense of disbelief.
The reward was a mythic skill, something incredibly rare and powerful. He had expected the task to be far more difficult.
"Demon and Abyss-related tasks really do pay well... and they¡¯re much easier than I thought."
His mind buzzed with anticipation. If these kinds of tasks kept appearing, he would gladly take them.
With a deep grin, he opened his system interface, his heart pounding with excitement as he read the details of his new mythic skill.
Chapter 70 Ascending to Legend
[Skill: Spawn (Cyan)]
Description: Upon activation, the user generates eggs that will hatch after 50 days. Those who emerge are considered the user¡¯s children. Upon hatching, they are physically equivalent to 16-year-old adults and possess basic knowledge of the world and their creator¡¯s will.
- Hatching Time: 50 days
- Maximum Simultaneous Eggs: 5,000
- Power at Birth: Average rank, with the potential to reach Mythic rank as a mage and/or knight in adulthood.
- Egg Durability: Mythic
[Skill: Bloodline Authority (Red)]
Description: This skill allows the user to take control of any descendant below the Legendary rank, overriding their consciousness.
- Effect: Direct mind control over non-Legendary or higher ranked descendants.
[Edric Windwalker]
- Age: 16 years, 9 months, 18 days
[Tasks]
[Task 1: Ancestor of a State]
- Progress: 32,487 / 100,000 (Children) | 69 / 1,000 (Days)
- Objective: Conceive 100,000 children within 1,000 days.
- Rewards:
- 1 Mythic Chest
- 2 Legendary Chests
- 1,000,000 XP
- A Mythic-rank weapon
- Failure Penalty: Lose 2,000,000 XP
[Part 1: Book of Weirdness] (Completed)
- Objective: Locate and retrieve the Book of Weirdness hidden beneath the ruins of Windwalker City within six months.
- Hint: The book accelerates the growth of poisonous life forms, including plants, beasts, and other creatures.
- Rewards:
- Mythic Skill
- Legendary Skill
- 1,000,000 XP
[Part 2: Gate to the Abyss]
- Objective: Within five years, read the Book of Weirdness, master the Abyssal Gate spell, and use it to open a portal to the Abyss.
- Rewards:
- Ultra Skill
- 25,000,000 XP
- Time Left: 1 / 1,825 days
- Failure Penalty: None
[Techniques]
- Legendary Knight Training: 392 / 1,500,000
- Legendary Mage Training: 151 / 1,500,000
[Talents]
- Knight Talent: Legendary (0 / 2,400,000)
- Mage Talent: Average (0 / 100,000)
[Skills]
- Spawn (Cyan)
- Self-Consumption (Cyan)
- Bloodline Authority (Red)
- Energy Absorption (Red)
- Magnetic Pull (Golden)
- Beast¡¯s Senses (Golden)
- Poison Resistance (Golden)
- Crystal Skin (Silver)
- Bloodline Sensing (Silver)
- Telekinesis (Silver)
- Steel Hair Manipulation (Silver)
- Extreme Yang (Silver)
- See-Through (Silver)
- Flesh Control (White)
[Cheat Ability]
- Low-Level XP Generator ¨C Produces 1,000 XP per day.
- Available XP: 1,493,914
...
"Amazing! These two skills are tailor-made for me! With this, I can accelerate the completion of [Ancestor of a State] even further!" Edric thought, excitement surging through him.
That said, he wasn¡¯t exactly comfortable with the idea of spawning eggs¡
"Just a few more days and I¡¯ll reach Legendary rank! Just a few more!" His gaze shifted to the next task¡ª[Gate to the Abyss]. The rewards were jaw-dropping: 25 million XP and an Ultra Skill! It was simply too tempting to resist.
The danger of opening a portal to the Abyss? That thought never even crossed his mind. His focus was entirely on the reward.
Without hesitation, he pulled out the Book of Weirdness, flipping through its pages in search of the [Abyssal Gate] spell.
"What? The spells in this book have changed!" His eyes widened in shock. "Last time, the strongest spell here was only Legendary, but now¡ there¡¯s even an Ultra-rank one?"
He scanned through the pages, his disbelief growing.
"The weakest spell in here is Golden rank¡" He let out a bitter smile. With his pitiful mage talent, even casting a Golden-rank spell was impossible.
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After a while, he finally found what he was looking for¡ª
[Abyssal Gate (Red)]
A spell that opens a gateway to the Abyss, allowing beings up to Legendary rank to pass through. This gate leads directly to the Abyssal Floor ruled by the Demon King of Weirdness.
"A Legendary-rank spell¡" Edric sighed. "I can¡¯t even cast a single Golden spell, let alone a Legendary one. My magic talent is awful, and I¡¯m not even a Legendary mage yet."
This was a long-term task¡ªthere was no way he could complete it anytime soon. The Ultra Skill and 25 million XP would have to wait.
"That¡¯s a shame, but there¡¯s no way around it. For now, I should focus on [Ancestor of a State]."
This task had massive rewards, including three treasure chests. Just imagining them made Edric¡¯s anticipation grow.
"I can¡¯t wait!"
...
After returning to the Elowen Kingdom, Edric wasted no time. He once again summoned his clones and resumed implanting fertilized eggs, continuing his plan without pause.
With Ava¡¯s assistance, he tracked down several key figures in the adoption, orphanage, and foster care business¡ªpeople with influence over the kingdom¡¯s child welfare system. Using a mix of persuasion and force, and most importantly, brainwashing them through magic spells, he ensured they took in the newborns and arranged places for them to live.
The Elowen Kingdom wasn¡¯t particularly concerned with the well-being of its citizens, but it still maintained a basic social structure¡ªif only for its own benefit. Orphans under the care of organizations receiving royal funding were all tested for knight and mage talent, and those with Golden-rank or higher potential were taken by the kingdom, trained in specialized skills, and turned into elite soldiers.
Through this method, the Elowen Kingdom continuously built a vast, loyal military force to further its ambitions.
It wasn¡¯t just knights and mages¡ªthe kingdom scouted talented individuals in various fields, regularly drafting them for sensitive governmental positions.
With a population of millions, the influx of newborns Edric introduced, if spread throughout the kingdom, wouldn''t attract much attention¡ªat least not immediately. But sooner or later, someone would notice.
Not that Edric was worried.
He already possessed a skill that could grant him Mythic-level power instantly.
And more importantly¡ª
His own rank was about to break through Legendary!
...
Edric¡¯s eyes carefully scanned his progress, his heart pounding with anticipation.
Taking a deep breath, he whispered to himself,
¡°Add 1,499,608 XP to my Golden Knight Training!¡±
The system responded instantly.
Ding! Success!
¡ªStatus Updated: Legendary Knight Training (1,500,000 / 1,500,000).
The notification flashed before his eyes. But before he could fully process it¡ª
His vision blurred.
A wave of overwhelming power surged through his body.
And then¡ª
Darkness.
The last thing he felt before losing consciousness was the sheer, unstoppable force reshaping him from within.
...
After more than 24 hours, Edric¡¯s eyes fluttered open.
"Hmm? What¡¯s going on?" He mumbled, his mind still groggy. Then, it hit him.
"Right! System!"
He immediately summoned the system interface.
[Techniques]
- Mythic Knight Training: 0 / 9,000,000
- Legendary Mage Training: 151 / 1,500,000
A grin stretched across his face.
"Finally! I¡¯ve reached the pinnacle of strength on this island!" Edric laughed, his voice echoing through the cavernous space.
No longer did he need to fear King Bloodstone as much. Of course, he still lacked a Legendary-ranked weapon or any significant trump cards, meaning he wasn¡¯t confident in a direct confrontation. In a one-on-one battle, he would most likely lose¡ªbut now, at least, he had a chance to escape or activate his Self-Consumption skill.
Before this, one of his biggest concerns was the sheer speed of Legendary Knights. If he faced one, he could be killed before he even had a chance to react¡ªbefore he could even activate his survival abilities. But now, things were different.
"Once I complete [Ancestor of a State], I¡¯ll receive a Legendary weapon, and that will massively boost my strength!" He thought, excitement surging through him.
However, another issue weighed on his mind.
"Now that I¡¯ve reached Legendary Knight rank, my Knight Talent is no longer outstanding. If I advance to Mythic Knight, my battle prowess and comprehension will fall behind¡ should I upgrade my talent before breaking through?"
He shook his head.
"The cost of increasing talent is too high¡ªit¡¯s not worth it."
But when it came to his Mage Talent, things were different.
"I have no choice but to upgrade my Mage Talent after this!" He decided firmly. Without at least Legendary Mage Talent, he simply wouldn¡¯t be able to cast [Abyssal Gate].
The [Gate to the Abyss] task promised an Ultra Skill and 25,000,000 XP¡ªan irresistible reward. Now that he had the power to defend himself against the apex figures of the island, there was no immediate need to increase his strength further.
"Once I complete [Ancestor of a State], I¡¯ll focus on upgrading my Mage Talent to Legendary so I can cast [Abyssal Gate] as soon as possible." He resolved.
Then, his gaze shifted.
Thousands of massive, cyan-colored eggs were scattered across the vast space, glowing faintly in the dim light.
A strange feeling welled up inside him.
Using Bloodline Sensing, he could clearly feel his connection to the fetuses inside.
"What a weird feeling¡" he muttered.
When these eggs hatched, they would immediately possess the strength of knights and basic knowledge of the world. That wasn¡¯t an issue. The real question was¡ª
What should he do with them?
Keeping them all here wasn¡¯t an option.
"Maybe I should order them to spread out¡ join trade groups, government offices, the knight association, and slowly work their way up the ranks?"
That plan had potential¡ªbut there was one huge problem.
Their identities.
"I¡¯ll need to find a way to get them identity cards somehow..."
With his Golden Mage rank, that shouldn¡¯t be too difficult.
A plan was already beginning to form in his mind¡
Chapter 71 The Hatchlings
Edric had his reasons for not investing his XP into becoming a Legendary Mage.
At first glance, advancing to the legendary mage rank might have seemed like the best way to quickly complete the [Gate to the Abyss] task. However, that was an overly optimistic perspective.
With his average talent, merely reaching the legendary rank wouldn¡¯t guarantee that he could cast legendary spells. Even a legendary mage who somehow only has golden-tier talent would struggle to wield abyss-related magic like [Gate to the Abyss] without months¡ªor even years¡ªof dedicated training.
Upgrading his mage rank now wouldn¡¯t bring much benefit. Sure, he would gain access to golden-tier spells, but most of the ones he had were abyss-related. More importantly, golden-level magic was useless against true legendary powerhouses.
A mage¡¯s body was frail. Even as a Legendary Mage, if someone like King Bloodstone ambushed him, he might not even realize it until it was too late.
On the other hand, choosing to advance as a Legendary Knight had its advantages. He lacked proper weapons and combat experience, so he would likely still lose in a direct fight. However, with a stronger body and heightened senses, he would at least have a chance to detect an ambush and react in time; he could activate [Self-Consumption (Cyan)], a skill that could turn the tide in a desperate situation.
For now, survival was his priority. Only after ensuring that could he focus on improving his mage talent and rank.
...
Planning for the far future wasn¡¯t something just anyone could do¡ªit required serious brainpower. Fortunately, as a Golden Mage, Edric had plenty of it.
He had already devised a plan for handling the spawns that would hatch from the eggs. It was both complex and simple at the same time.
First, he would create fake identities for each of them. With his current strength, this was an easy task¡ªa few brainwashing spells would be more than enough.
Second, once their identities were established, they would be sent in different directions. Edric had already prepared an extensive list of destinations, casting a wide net that even extended to neighboring islands.
The spawns that hatched would appear fully human, both male and female¡ªlike his biological children. They weren¡¯t his clones, nor were they demons. At least, that was what he had gathered from studying the Book of Weirdness.
Now, all that was left was to wait.
And the moment they hatched, he would spring into action to set everything in motion.
...
Edric was completely focused on the [Ancestor of a State] task, doing almost nothing else. He wasn¡¯t reckless¡ªhe knew better than to take risks that could slow his progress or draw unwanted attention.
Technically speaking, his presence in this mansion, secretly breeding tens of thousands of human babies every two weeks, was beyond suspicious. However, he had taken extreme precautions to ensure no one uncovered his operation. All of his servants were brainwashed, incapable of leaking any information.
The other reason he had succeeded so far was due to the rural isolation of this area¡ªthere were no Golden Knights or Silver Mages nearby.
Of course, as a Legendary Knight, he could eliminate any Golden Knight or Silver/Golden Mage who stumbled upon his secret. But that would leave traces¡ªsomething he couldn¡¯t afford to do unless necessary.
Still, those were long-term concerns. In the short term, there was almost no real threat. The Elowen Kingdom, despite its vast influence, had few Golden Knights, and most of them were stationed near the capital or in major cities. The likelihood of one appearing here was slim to none.
In fact, despite having more Golden Knights, the Elowen Kingdom¡¯s power was much more concentrated than that of the Bloodstone Kingdom. The reason was simple: Elowen was a centralized monarchy¡ªthere were no independent nobles outside the royal family, which meant that nearly all of its high-ranking powerhouses were gathered around the capital.
Bloodstone, on the other hand, was decentralized. While Bloodstone City had the highest concentration of Golden Knights, the kingdom¡¯s Duke-level noble families¡ªmost of whom had at least one Golden Knight powerhouse¡ªremained spread across their own territories, protecting their lands instead of relocating near the capital.
With no Golden Knights in this region, Edric wasn¡¯t worried about being discovered for at least a few years if he wasn''t too unlucky.
...
Time passed, and soon, the long-awaited hatching day arrived.
Edric opened his system interface, scanning through his progress.
[Edric Windwalker]
- Age: 16 years, 11 months, 15 days
[Tasks]
[Task 1: Ancestor of a State]
- Progress: 68,009 / 100,000 (Children) | 126 / 1,000 (Days)
- Objective: Conceive 100,000 children within 1,000 days.
- Rewards:
- 1 Mythic Chest
- 2 Legendary Chests
- 1,000,000 XP
- A Mythic-rank weapon
- Failure Penalty: Lose 2,000,000 XP
[Part 1: Book of Weirdness] (Completed)
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
- Objective: Locate and retrieve the Book of Weirdness hidden beneath the ruins of Windwalker City within six months.
- Hint: The book accelerates the growth of poisonous life forms, including plants, beasts, and other creatures.
- Rewards:
- Mythic Skill
- Legendary Skill
- 1,000,000 XP
[Part 2: Gate to the Abyss]
- Objective: Within five years, read the Book of Weirdness, master the Abyssal Gate spell, and use it to open a portal to the Abyss.
- Rewards:
- Ultra Skill
- 25,000,000 XP
- Time Left: 58 / 1,825 days
- Failure Penalty: None
[Techniques]
- Mythic Knight Training: 2 / 9,000,000
- Legendary Mage Training: 158 / 1,500,000
[Talents]
- Knight Talent: Legendary (0 / 2,400,000)
- Mage Talent: Average (0 / 100,000)
[Skills]
- Spawn (Cyan) ¨C 5,000 eggs laid ¨C Hatch time: 0 days, 1 hour, 2 minutes
- Self-Consumption (Cyan)
- Bloodline Authority (Red)
- Energy Absorption (Red)
- Magnetic Pull (Golden)
- Beast¡¯s Senses (Golden)
- Poison Resistance (Golden)
- Crystal Skin (Silver)
- Bloodline Sensing (Silver)
- Telekinesis (Silver)
- Steel Hair Manipulation (Silver)
- Extreme Yang (Silver)
- See-Through (Silver)
- Flesh Control (White)
[Cheat Ability]
- Low-Level XP Generator ¨C Produces 1,000 XP per day.
- Available XP: 50,914
"One hour left to go!"
Edric turned his gaze to the rows of cyan-colored eggs lined up neatly before him. Though the hatching was mere moments away, the eggs remained completely still¡ªnot a single twitch, no signs of movement at all.
Out of sheer curiosity, Edric had once attempted to break open one of the eggs to see what was inside.
Unfortunately, he failed.
The eggshells had mythical-level durability, and as a Legendary Knight with no proper weapons or equipment, he simply couldn¡¯t crack them.
No matter what he tried¡ªswords, explosions, even boulders¡ªthe eggs remained completely unbreakable.
"Maybe I can use these eggshells for armor?" Edric mused.
With their level of hardness, if he could somehow forge weapons from them, they would at least be Legendary rank.
Still, a troubling thought crossed his mind.
"How are they even going to hatch? Are the shells softer from the inside?"
It was a valid concern. If he, a Legendary Knight, couldn¡¯t break through these shells, how could mere newborns¡ªwho were only at Knight level¡ªpossibly crack them?
However, after a brief moment of reflection, he felt relieved. The skill wouldn¡¯t have such an obvious flaw¡ªthat much he was sure of.
One hour passed quickly ...
And just as expected¡ª
Crack!
One after another, the eggs began to shatter, filling the place with the crisp sound of breaking shells.
Emerging from the fragments, completely naked, were fully-formed, teenage humans¡ªeach appearing to be around sixteen years old.
Edric remained unfazed by the nudity. He had long since grown used to it. After all, he frequently kept his [See-Through] skill active, meaning he was already accustomed to seeing people without their clothes.
Then, one of the hatchlings¡ªa girl¡ªstepped forward, bowed deeply, and spoke.
"Father."
She had basic memories¡ªenough to know who she was, who Edric was, and a general understanding of the world.
Edric wasn¡¯t surprised. According to the Book of Weirdness, hatchlings only inherited basic knowledge from the skill user. They wouldn¡¯t gain any secrets or private memories.
Still, just to be sure, Edric tested her.
"Tell me everything you know."
A part of him worried that his knowledge of Earth might be considered basic knowledge and have been inherited by them.
Without hesitation, she began speaking:
"We are your descendants. Our purpose is to serve you and help you conquer this world¡ªfor the glory of the Abyss. This place is Elowen Kingdom, and¡ª"
"What?!"
Edric cut her off, his eyes widening in shock.
"Help me conquer this world¡ for the glory of the Abyss?"
Clearly, the Spawn skill had unexpected side effects.
"Yes, Father," she replied confidently. "We are all here to open this world¡¯s gate for the Demon King of Weirdness!"
At those words, Edric¡¯s expression darkened.
A heavy feeling settled in his chest.
"I should have known... Using these Abyss-related spells and skills was never going to be that simple."
With a deep sigh, he realized¡ªthis situation was going to be far more complicated than he had anticipated.
Of course, Edric didn¡¯t serve any Demon King¡ªor anyone, for that matter.
He was simply trying to grow stronger¡ªstrong enough that no one could kill or harm him.
Still, this situation was becoming more troublesome by the second.
He turned to another newly hatched boy and ordered, "You. Tell me everything you know!"
The boy bowed and replied with unwavering conviction.
"Father, as she said, we are here to serve you and help you take over this world¡ªfor the glory of our lord and father, the Demon King of Weirdness."
Edric''s expression darkened.
"Damn it. I should¡¯ve known better than to mess with Abyss-related skills!"
Suppressing a sigh, he asked, "Would you obey my every command?"
The boy didn¡¯t hesitate.
"Our purpose is to obey you."
"That¡¯s a good start¡ But let¡¯s see how deep this goes."
Edric continued, "And what about the Demon King of Weirdness? Whose orders take priority¡ªmine or his?"
At that, the boy suddenly froze. His expression twisted in genuine confusion, as if Edric had just asked something beyond his comprehension.
For a full thirty seconds, the room was silent.
Then, with visible distress, the boy finally answered, "That¡ that is impossible! I do not understand, my father, my lord¡ What do you mean? As far as I know, my father and the Demon King of Weirdness are the same person!"
Edric''s stomach dropped.
"I can¡¯t trust them at all."
These hatchlings believed the Demon King of Weirdness was their father¡ªwhich meant they thought he was the Demon King of Weirdness.
"Do I look like a damn demon king?" Edric thought bitterly.
He was just a transmigrator from Earth¡ªnothing more!
Still, he needed to confirm something.
"Tell me, do you know anything else? Do you know what a cellphone is?"
The boy''s brow furrowed in confusion.
"I am sorry, Father¡ I do not know what a ¡®cellphone¡¯ is." He bowed, looking ashamed.
Edric pressed further, asking more questions about Earth.
Each time, the hatchlings had no idea what he was talking about.
To be absolutely sure, Edric used a few Silver-grade mind control spells on different hatchlings and asked again.
Same result.
"So, they really don¡¯t know about Earth¡" Edric sighed in relief.
They might be brainwashed by Abyssal influence, but at least they didn¡¯t inherit his secrets.
"I can¡¯t use them for anything sensitive, but they¡¯ll still be useful for my plan."
With that thought, he began distributing clothes and identity cards, preparing to send them off according to his plan.
There was still much work to be done.
Chapter 72 Opening the Chests
The plan with the hatchlings went smoothly. They were sent in all directions with clear instructions¡ªto blend in and rise through the ranks as quickly and safely as possible.
Though an influx of thousands of knight-level powerhouses might sound overwhelming, the Silver Flower Island was vast. It could easily absorb them without issue.
Of course, Edric didn¡¯t send all of them away. He lacked competent subordinates here, so he kept a few hundred as assistants. They helped take care of the clones being used for reproduction, slightly accelerating the process.
Time passed quickly. Two months later, as expected, nothing unusual had happened.
Edric looked at his latest rewards, his excitement barely contained:
- 1 Mythic Chest
- 2 Legendary Chests
- 1,000,000 XP
- A Mythic-rank weapon
"With this, I can protect myself even against Mythic opponents! Finally, I can leave this place and see the wider world of the Flicker Empire!"
This island was too small for him. From the beginning, he had been determined to leave as soon as he no longer had to worry about his own survival. With Mythic-level power, he was confident¡ªeven in the Flicker Empire, he would not be easy prey.
From the knowledge he had gathered, while the Flicker Empire was filled with powerful knights and mages, it wasn¡¯t as if Mythic and Ultra-ranked beings roamed everywhere. Even there, a Mythic-ranked warrior was considered strong.
Edric reached into his system storage and pulled out the Mythic weapon.
A lance.
Its shaft was forged from a strange cyan-colored metal, gleaming with an eerie light. The tip was so sharp that just its reflection in the light caused Edric¡¯s eyes to sting¡ªthin lines of blood trickled down his face.
Quickly, he wiped the blood away with a piece of cloth and stored the lance back in his inventory.
"This weapon is beyond my current rank¡ I need to be careful with it. If I¡¯m not cautious, I might end up injuring myself."
It wasn¡¯t uncommon for weapons of a higher rank to be dangerous to their wielders. Using equipment beyond one¡¯s capability was always a risk.
But Edric didn¡¯t dwell on it for long. He turned his focus to the real prize.
"System, open the Mythic Chest!"
Without hesitation, he gave the command, eager to see what fate had in store for him.
Ding!
Congratulations! You have received the following rewards:
- 1,500,000 XP
- [Mythic-Grade Skill] Mental Defense
- [Legendary-Grade Skill] Double Spell
- [Legendary-Grade Skill] Mana Detection
- [Legendary-Grade Skill] Bloodline Detection
- [Legendary-Grade Skill] Shapeshifting
- [Golden-Grade Skill] Spell Mastery
- [Golden-Grade Skill] See-Through
- [Golden-Grade Skill] Food Generation
- [Golden-Grade Item] Spatial Ring
- [Golden-Grade Item] Flying Boots
- [Golden-Grade Item] Full Body Armor
[Mythic-Grade Skill] Soul Defense:
Your mind and soul are completely immune to all attacks below Mythic rank, including mental manipulation, control, mind-reading, and similar effects. Greatly increases your resistance against Mythic-level attacks. However, it is ineffective against Ultra-rank and higher-tier abilities.
[Legendary-Grade Skill] Double Spell:
Applies a [Double] enhancement to all of your spells at no additional mana cost or casting time as long as the skill is activated.
- Can be used unlimited times for spells below Legendary rank.
- Can be used once per day for Legendary-rank spells.
- Cannot be used for spells above Legendary rank.
- The [Double] effect from this skill is separate from naturally [Doubled] spells, meaning it is possible to enhance an already [Doubled] spell.
[Legendary-Grade Skill] Mana Detection:
Allows the user to sense mana from various sources within a certain range:
- Detects all non-Legendary mana sources within a 50-mile radius.
- Detects Legendary mana sources within a 1-mile radius.
- Ineffective against Mythic and higher ranks.
By sensing mana, the user can gather details such as location, rank, and structure of the detected energy.
[Legendary-Grade Skill] Bloodline Detection:
Allows the user to trace the bloodline of a target up to unlimited generations¡ªso long as no ancestor surpasses the Golden rank.
- If an ancestor is Legendary rank, the detection stops at that ancestor.
- If an ancestor is Golden rank, the detection continues further down the lineage.
- Generates massive amounts of data; the user must be cautious to avoid mental overload.
- [Bloodline Sensing] has been merged into this skill, enhancing its effectiveness (though not enough to upgrade its rank).
[Legendary-Grade Skill] Shapeshifting:
Allows the user to alter their body into any form, including inanimate objects.
- Completely undetectable by those below Legendary rank.
- Extremely difficult to detect for Legendary ranks.
- Ineffective against Mythic ranks.
[Golden-Grade Skill] Spell Mastery:
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Allows the user to understand the structure of spells simply by observing others cast them.
- Works exceptionally well up to Silver rank.
- Moderately effective for Golden rank spells.
- Ineffective against Legendary rank spells.
[Golden-Grade Skill] See-Through:
Grants the ability to see through solid objects, depending on their rank and material:
- Sees through non-Golden objects if their thickness is less than one foot.
- Sees through Golden-rank objects, except metal, if their thickness is less than two inches.
- Ineffective against Golden-rank metals and anything Legendary rank or higher.
- [See-Through (Silver)] has been merged into this skill, slightly enhancing it (but not enough to increase its rank).
[Golden-Grade Skill] Food Generation:
Allows the user to generate 50,000 pounds of food per day.
- The type of food can be chosen according to the user¡¯s wishes.
[Golden-Grade Item] Spatial Ring:
- A storage ring with a capacity of 500 square feet.
- Can store food indefinitely without spoilage.
- Cannot store living beings.
[Golden-Grade Item] Flying Boots:
- Allows the wearer to fly for a limited duration, depending on:
- Their weight
- Their rank
- Environmental factors (wind conditions, gravity, etc.)
[Golden-Grade Item] Full Body Armor:
- Provides complete defense against Silver-rank physical attacks.
- Greatly weakens Golden-rank physical attacks.
- Ineffective against magical attacks.
Edric¡¯s hands trembled as he read through the list. His excitement surged.
Wasting no time, he turned his attention back to the system.
"Open the two Legendary Chests!"
He wanted to see everything before deciding how best to use them.
Ding!
Congratulations! You have received the following rewards:
- 500,000 XP
- [Legendary-Grade Skill] Absolute Magical Defense
- [Golden-Grade Skill] Break Item
- [Golden-Grade Skill] Mind Manipulation
- [Golden-Grade Item] Shadow Ring
- [Silver-Grade Skill] Blindness
- [Silver-Grade Skill] Fog Manipulation
- [Silver-Grade Weapon] Crossbow
[Legendary-Grade Skill] Absolute Magical Defense:
Upon activation:
- Mythic-rank spells targeting the user are weakened by 50% (usable once per month).
- Legendary-rank spells are weakened by 100% (usable once per day).
- Golden-rank spells can be negated up to 100 times per day.
- Silver-rank and lower spells are completely nullified with no limit on usage.
[Golden-Grade Skill] Break Item:
- Destroys a targeted item within 1 mile (usable once per month).
- Guaranteed to break Silver-rank items.
- May damage Golden-rank items (effectiveness depends on durability).
- Ineffective against Legendary-rank and higher items.
[Golden-Grade Skill] Mind Manipulation:
- Allows the user to control the minds of targets below Golden rank.
- Can assist in manipulating Golden-rank targets, but is not strong enough to fully control them.
- Ineffective against Legendary and higher ranks.
[Golden-Grade Item] Shadow Ring:
- Allows the wearer to hide within shadows, making them invisible to most Golden-rank beings and completely undetectable to Silver-rank and lower.
- Usage limit: 1 hour per day.
- Recharge condition: Must be placed in absolute darkness for 7 days and nights before it can be used again.
[Silver-Grade Skill] Blindness:
- Targets below Silver rank suffer permanent blindness if within range.
- Silver-rank targets may experience temporary vision impairment.
- Ineffective against Golden-rank and higher.
- Range: 50 feet.
- Usable once per day.
[Silver-Grade Skill] Fog Manipulation:
- Allows the user to manipulate fog within 50 feet.
- Usage limit: 1 hour per day.
- Ineffective against Golden-rank fog.
- Barely effective against Silver-rank fog.
[Silver-Grade Weapon] Crossbow:
- A simple crossbow that fires mana-infused arrows.
- Requires mana to operate.
- Can kill Silver-rank targets if they are struck in a vital spot.
Edric scanned through the rewards, his excitement growing.
Without wasting a second, he turned to the system.
"Open the next chest!"
Ding!
Congratulations! You have received the following rewards:
- 400,000 XP
- [Legendary-Grade Skill] Passive Defense
- [Golden-Grade Skill] Swimming
- [Golden-Grade Skill] Beast Control
- [Golden-Grade Weapon] Poisonous Sword
- [Silver-Grade Skill] Illusion
- [Silver-Grade Item] Shield
- [Silver-Grade Item] Hammer
[Legendary-Grade Skill] Passive Defense:
- This skill remains active at all times without consuming energy.
- Grants constant protection against all attacks.
- Reduces incoming damage as follows:
- Completely blocks Silver-rank attacks.
- Weakens Golden-rank attacks by 10%.
- Weakens Legendary-rank attacks by 1%.
- Weakens Mythic-rank attacks by 0.1%.
[Golden-Grade Skill] Swimming:
- Grants the user swimming abilities comparable to a Golden-rank aquatic beast.
- Usage limit: 6 hours per day.
[Golden-Grade Skill] Beast Control:
- Allows the user to control beasts based on rank:
- Silver-rank and below: Full control.
- Golden-rank: Can only control if the beast is weakened.
- Ineffective against Legendary-rank and higher.
- Maximum number of controlled beasts:
- 3 Golden-rank beasts.
- 30 Silver-rank beasts.
- 300 Great-rank beasts.
- 3,000 Average-rank beasts.
- 30,000 Unranked animals.
[Golden-Grade Weapon] Poisonous Sword:
- A Golden-rank sword that inflicts poison damage.
- Poison Effectiveness:
- Lethal to Silver-rank and below.
- Moderately effective against Golden-rank.
- Ineffective against Legendary-rank and higher.
[Silver-Grade Skill] Illusion:
- Creates illusions that can affect:
- Great-rank and Average-rank beings completely.
- Some Silver-rank targets (effectiveness varies).
- Ineffective against Golden-rank and higher.
[Silver-Grade Item] Shield:
- A basic shield that provides defense against Silver-rank physical and magical attacks.
- Ineffective against Golden-rank and higher.
[Silver-Grade Item] Hammer:
- A blacksmith¡¯s hammer used for crafting Silver-rank and lower weapons.
- Cannot be used for forging Golden-rank or higher weapons.
Looking at the long list of newly acquired skills and equipment, Edric fell into deep thought.
Chapter 73 The Path Forward
[Edric Windwalker]
- Age: 17 years, 1 month, 21 days
[Task 1: Within 30 Days]
[Task 2 Part 1: Book of Weirdness] (Completed)
[Task 2 Part 2: Gate to the Abyss]
- Objective: Within five years, read the Book of Weirdness, master the Abyssal Gate spell, and open a portal to the Abyss.
- Rewards:
- Ultra Skill
- 25,000,000 XP
- Time Left: 124 / 1,825 days
- Failure Penalty: None
[Techniques]
- Mythic Knight Training: 8 / 9,000,000
- Legendary Mage Training: 168 / 1,500,000
[Talents]
- Knight Talent (Legendary): 0 / 2,400,000
- Mage Talent (Average): 0 / 100,000
[Skills]
- Spawn (Cyan) ¨C 5,000 eggs laid ¨C Hatch time: 37 days
- Self-Consumption (Cyan)
- Mental Defense (Red)
- Double Spell (Red)
- Mana Detection (Red)
- Bloodline Detection (Red)
- Shapeshifting (Red)
- Bloodline Authority (Red)
- Energy Absorption (Red)
- Absolute Magical Defense (Red)
- Passive Defense (Red)
- Swimming (Golden)
- Beast Control (Golden)
- Break Item (Golden)
- Mind Manipulation (Golden)
- Magnetic Pull (Golden)
- Spell Mastery (Golden)
- See-Through (Golden)
- Food Generation (Golden)
- Beast¡¯s Senses (Golden)
- Poison Resistance (Golden)
- Crystal Skin (Silver)
- Telekinesis (Silver)
- Steel Hair Manipulation (Silver)
- Extreme Yang (Silver)
- Blindness (Silver)
- Fog Manipulation (Silver)
- Illusion (Silver)
- Flesh Control (White)
[Cheat Ability]
- Low-Level XP Generator ¨C Produces 1,000 XP per day.
- Available XP: 2,516,914
...
Looking at the interface, Edric felt a rush of satisfaction as he scanned the long list of skills.
"A lot of these skills are useless or unnecessary¡ but I can always consume them with [Self-Consumption] for mythical power!" he thought, a grin forming on his lips.
Then his eyes landed on his XP.
"Look at this! I can already break through to Legendary Mage!" Once he ascended to Legendary Mage, casting golden-tier spells would become much easier. More importantly, he¡¯d be one step closer to completing the [Gate to the Abyss] task.
As for the gate itself, he wasn¡¯t too worried. After all, nothing beyond the legendary tier could pass through. That meant no monstrous demon would suddenly descend upon the world to wreak havoc.
"I just wish I had a skill to hide my bloodline¡ or at least shield it from attacks," he muttered, shaking his head in mild frustration.
Having so many descendants made him dangerously vulnerable to bloodline-based spells. Fortunately, Silver Flower Island had no Legendary Mages, so he was relatively safe¡ªfor now. But once he entered the Flucker Empire, he wouldn¡¯t be able to spread his bloodline so carelessly. In this world, there were terrifying spells that could track, curse, or even kill someone remotely just by targeting one of their descendants.
"One can''t have everything they wish for. As long as my descendants stay here, I should be fine," he reassured himself, setting the matter aside.
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Right now, he had more pressing concerns.
"First, let me break through to Legendary Mage!"
Wasting no time, Edric focused his mind. His plans included upgrading his magic talent, but for now, his top priority was breaking through the legendary mage rank.
"System, add 1,499,832 XP to my Legendary Mage Training!"
The response came instantly.
Ding! Success!
¡ªStatus Updated: Legendary Mage Training (1,500,000 / 1,500,000).
The moment it happened, Edric felt a shift¡ªlike the world had suddenly become ten times clearer. It was as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes, revealing reality in much sharper detail.
Of course, it was just an illusion. While advancing to Legendary Mage was a major breakthrough, it wasn¡¯t enough to change his entire perception of the world. Especially for Edric¡ªhe was already a Legendary Knight.
This strange feeling was simply the effect of his soul power surging all at once. Unlike most mages who advanced gradually over centuries, Edric had broken through instantly. The drastic increase in power made the change feel overwhelming.
"Strange¡" he murmured.
Now that he had reached Legendary Mage, he could finally do something he had never been able to before¡ªlook within and examine his own soul.
The good news was that Edric¡¯s soul was powerful and healthy.
But something was¡ off.
He couldn¡¯t quite place it, but a strange feeling lingered¡ªsomething was wrong.
"So my soul really does have an issue¡ This is bad. I need to fix it as soon as possible!" His expression darkened. He had always suspected something was amiss, but this was the first time he could confirm it.
"Once I reach the Flicker Empire, I should look for soul-related spells!" he decided. There was no hope of finding anything useful on this isolated island, and reaching Mythic rank in a short time was unrealistic.
For now, he had to focus on what he could improve.
"System, add 100,000 XP to my Mage Talent!"
Ding! Success!
¡ªStatus Updated: Average Mage Talent (100,000 / 100,000).
The moment his talent advanced, a wave of clarity washed over him. Many of the questions he had about spells¡ªconcepts that once required deep thought¡ªbecame noticeably easier to grasp. Though the improvement wasn¡¯t drastic, even a small boost made a difference.
"This is incredible! Talent truly is an amazing gift!" He sighed in wonder.
In the past, even the simplest magical problems required intense thought to solve. But now, everything felt smoother¡ªhis understanding of magic flowing with far less effort.
"With Great rank talent, I should be able to design my own Great and Average-tier spells pretty easily, right?" he mused. Though his talent was only at Great rank for now, his immense mental power as a Legendary Knight would make the process even easier.
But he wasn¡¯t in the mood to test it just yet. He still had plenty of XP left, and there was no reason to stop here.
"System, add 250,000 XP to my Mage Talent!"
Ding! Success!
¡ªStatus Updated: Great Mage Talent (250,000 / 250,000).
Another surge of clarity struck him. Even more of the mysteries surrounding magic unraveled before his mind¡¯s eye. The things that once puzzled him no longer seemed like obstacles.
"It¡¯s¡ magical! Absolutely magical!" Edric marveled. "Now, I can easily create my own Silver-grade spells!"
Ideas flooded his mind the moment he thought about it. His understanding of magic had deepened, and possibilities stretched before him like an endless horizon.
Glancing at the system interface, he shook his head in mild disappointment.
"I still have 667,082 XP left, but upgrading my Mage Talent to Golden requires 800,000 XP¡ At this rate, I should be able to reach it in a few months."
Even so, he felt much safer now. His power had risen significantly.
"I no longer fear any Legendary being! Whether it¡¯s King Bloodstone, the Elowen Kingdom, or anyone else¡ªthey¡¯re no threat to me now!"
He took out the Mythic Lance from the system space and grasped it with both his hands, holding it in front of himself.
It was a long and formidable weapon¡ªperfect for mounted cavalry. But Edric had no horse or any beast capable of keeping up with a battle between Mythic Knights. That meant he had to adapt, using the lance as a weapon for ground combat.
As he examined the polished tip, a sharp reflection flared into his eyes, causing a brief sting followed by thin trails of blood.
But this time, he didn¡¯t look away.
His powerful physique made such minor injuries meaningless. More importantly, he needed to familiarize himself with the weapon he would be using from now on.
"I doubt there¡¯s a single person on this island who can train with me," he mused.
Without hesitation, Edric began practicing. He swung the lance left and right, testing its balance, piercing the air with sharp thrusts. He needed to get used to its weight and dimensions. Since the lance¡¯s rank was higher than his own, he had to be careful¡ªone wrong move, and he could end up injuring himself.
He focused, memorizing every detail¡ªits length, heft, sharpness¡ªuntil the weapon felt like an extension of his body.
...
A few days earlier, he had dismissed the birthing clones, shutting down the manor and ending the entire baby-making business. Most of the 100,000 newborns who survived had been discreetly spread throughout the Elowen Kingdom.
The sudden influx of orphans had caused quite a stir. Many speculated about what had triggered the wave of abandoned newborn children. However, the news wasn¡¯t significant enough to reach the higher levels of Elowen¡¯s leadership.
Chapter 74 The Kingdoms Robbed Blind
Part 1
Odo, a silver-ranked knight, strode down the bustling streets of Elowen City, the grand capital of the Elowen Kingdom.
He was a member of the Silver Guard Corps, the most elite force under the kingdom¡¯s command. Comprising 1,000 Silver Knights, 10 Silver Mages, and led by 25 Golden Knights, their might was so overwhelming that other nations dared not even cast a sideways glance at Elowen. Of course, the true deterrent of the kingdom lay in the presence of its two legendary knights, but the Silver Guard Corps was still a force to be reckoned with.
"Hey!" Odo waved at a passing noblewoman, a smirk playing on his lips as he recalled their last night together.
She gave him a polite smile before walking past, escorted by a man who shot Odo a puzzled glance. Unbothered, Odo simply continued on his way.
After a few minutes, he stopped in front of a shop. The sign above the entrance read, in large, bold letters: "Bill¡¯s."
Though the shop itself was small, its wares were nothing short of impressive. Silver-grade weapons, armor, and even magical items filled its shelves.
It was said that Bill¡¯s had been established over 600 years ago by a Golden Mage and had remained in control of the same family ever since. Despite the passage of time, the shop had never expanded, maintaining its original appearance and size. It had become a landmark of the city, an enduring presence amid the ever-changing streets of Elowen.
Now, however, the shop was run by a mere Silver Mage.
The Bill family was known for its unique lineage. Like many highly talented individuals, the original mage, Bill, had taken multiple wives, fathering hundreds of children¡ªnot out of personal belief in large families, but because he saw it as his duty to pass down his exceptional talents.
Even now, centuries later, his descendants still included Silver-ranked mages. But that was only because sheer numbers had increased the odds of someone inheriting a fraction of his gift.
In contrast, families that refused to follow this practice¡ªthose who let their bloodline thin out¡ªtended to vanish within a generation.
...
Opening the door, Odo stepped inside.
He had come here today for one reason¡ªafter a long time, he had finally saved enough money to buy the silver rank weapon he had wanted for so long.
The Silver Guard Corps provided standard silver-grade equipment, but few knights actually used them. Even within the same silver rank, the quality of weapons could vary greatly. A knight with a well-crafted silver sword would easily overpower one wielding an inferior one.
Behind the counter sat a man¡ªnot the shop owner, but a simple knight hired to watch over the place and handle customers.
Not that the store needed much guarding. Elowen City was incredibly safe, and Bill¡¯s itself was protected by Golden-tier defensive formations. Even if left completely empty, no one would dare to steal from it.
This part of the city was restricted to nobles, meaning no commoner could just stumble in.
Though the Elowen Kingdom was highly centralized and had no landed nobility, there were still clear distinctions between different classes. Nobility here was not tied to land but rather to status and connections.
There were several ways one could be considered noble:
- High-ranking government officials and their direct families automatically held noble status.
- Anyone related to the Elowen royal family within three generations was considered noble.
- Knights¡ªincluding Great Knights, Silver Knights, Golden Knights, Legendary Knights, and Mages¡ªalong with their close families, were all nobles.
- Noble status could also be granted under specific conditions set by the government. This included paying a yearly fee, achieving notable accomplishments that benefited the kingdom, or receiving a special decree.
Being a noble came with many benefits:
- Access to restricted areas of the capital.
- Exclusive entry to elite shops, restaurants, and establishments.
- Easier access to loans and financial privileges.
The system of the Elowen Kingdom was built to keep the wealthy and powerful wealthy and powerful, while ensuring commoners remained at the bottom. Only the most talented of them had any chance to rise into nobility.
In a world without magic, such an oppressive structure might have led to mass uprisings. But here? The elite were guarded by Silver Knights, Golden Knights, and even Legendary Knights. Any rebellion would be crushed before it could even begin.
That said, life in Elowen was not unbearable for commoners. The government ran orphanages, provided free food programs, and ensured that while inequality was rampant, no one starved to death.
...
The man behind the counter brightened at the sight of a customer. This shop relied on just a few sales per week, making every visitor valuable.
"Knight Odo! Hello! Welcome, sir!" the knight behind the counter greeted respectfully.
"What''s up, baldy? I finally saved enough for the Silver Snake Cleaver!" Odo grinned.
"Sir, I¡¯ve told you¡ªit''s Baldric! Please call me that!" the knight huffed as he went to retrieve the weapon.
Unfortunately for Baldric, his name was so fitting it practically begged to be mocked. Despite a few overgrown strands desperately clinging to his scalp, he was, for all intents and purposes, bald.
Even male knights weren¡¯t spared from the curse of baldness. Sure, they were healthier and lost their hair later than common men, but most still ended up bald. Of course, some were naturally resistant to it, and rich nobles could afford magical solutions to keep their hair. Baldric was clearly not one of them.
"Here it is, sir!" Baldric placed the Silver Snake Cleaver on the counter. Under the store¡¯s magical lighting, the blade gleamed¡ªbut it didn¡¯t look poisonous at all, despite its name.
It was massive, over two meters long and heavy. Fortunately for Odo, he was a Silver Knight, able to carry it with ease. He picked it up carefully, his fingers running along the blade¡¯s sharp edge. He smiled in satisfaction.
"This is it. Here¡ªtake my credit card." He handed over a magic card for payment.
Just as the transaction was underway, the shop''s door swung open, and someone else entered.
A young man stepped inside. He had fiery red hair and piercing green eyes, appearing no older than seventeen or eighteen. His build was slim and frail, lacking the muscle of a trained warrior.
Baldric glanced over and immediately straightened his posture. Everyone in this district was a noble. There were no poor people here¡ªanyone who walked into Bill¡¯s was either rich themselves or had wealthy parents.
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"Welcome, young master!" Baldric greeted him with a polite smile.
"Bring me a list of your magical items," the young noble demanded while casually scanning the shop''s shelves.
Odo didn¡¯t say a word. He simply sheathed his cleaver, retrieved his credit card, and left the store.
Time to Test the Blade
"I should test it in a real life-and-death battle," Odo thought as he made his way toward the Golden Cage prison.
Finding a true life-or-death opponent in Elowen was nearly impossible. The kingdom had been too peaceful for too long¡ªall bandits and potential threats had long been eliminated. No one dared to stir up trouble in the capital.
For knights like Odo, there were only two real options:
- The City¡¯s Fighting Arena ¨C A grand coliseum where warriors clashed before tens of thousands of spectators. However, it wasn¡¯t always open, and it wasn¡¯t the best place for serious, deadly battles.
- The Golden Cage prison ¨C A hidden training ground where knights could fight convicted criminals who were already on death row or serving life sentences.
There was technically a third option¡ªasking a friend or comrade for a true life-or-death duel¡ªbut no matter how serious the fight, neither side would ever truly try to kill the other.
For Odo, the Golden Cage prison was the best choice.
The prison housed several silver-ranked prisoners, men and women who had once been warriors, mercenaries, or criminals skilled enough to survive. These prisoners were regularly used as training opponents for knights.
The prison even had a resident Silver Mage who could heal most injuries and prevent death if necessary. Fatal wounds, like decapitation or a pierced heart, were beyond saving, but such unsavable injuries were rare in these fights.
For the prisoners, these battles were a twisted opportunity. Winning a fight earned them better food, improved living conditions, and even "companions"¡ªeither women or men, depending on their preference.
Odo clenched his fists, excitement rising in his chest.
"A real fight... That¡¯s what I need."
With that thought, he quickened his pace toward the Golden Cage prison.
...
Edric scanned the list of magical items the shopkeeper had handed him.
"What¡¯s your name?" he asked without looking up.
"I am Baldric, young master!" the old knight responded with a respectful bow.
Edric glanced at his bald head and smirked. "A very fitting name."
Baldric froze. His expression darkened as he realized the boy was mocking his baldness.
With a loud bang, he slammed his fist on the counter. "I understand if a dignified Silver Knight mocks me, but you¡ªa teenage boy¡ªhow dare you speak to me like that?! Who is your father?!"
His knight¡¯s aura surged, filling the shop with heavy pressure as he glared at Edric, trying to intimidate him.
Edric, however, simply watched him with mild interest.
The difference in power between them was so vast that Edric didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry in the face of the threatening aura. It was like an ant crawling on his arm¡ªinsignificant, something he could crush in an instant.
Yet, he felt reluctant to use force.
He exhaled lightly and said, "My mom killed my dad, so he should be in heaven. Or maybe the abyss? Who knows where souls go after death?"
Baldric blinked. "...What?"
Edric didn¡¯t bother explaining. He folded the list of items and handed it back.
"I want everything on this list."
Baldric frowned. "Everything? That would cost over 100 million silver!"
Even in this wealthy district, that was an enormous amount. Few nobles could produce such a fortune on short notice.
Without a word, Edric flicked his wrist.
Clink!
A pile of shimmering coins appeared on the counter.
They weren¡¯t ordinary silver or gold coins¡ªthey glowed with a silvery-blue luster.
Baldric stared at them, confused at first. Then, as realization struck, his body froze.
His mind dredged up something from old legends, something he had long forgotten¡ªcoins made from a legendary metal.
Each one was worth a fortune.
"These are...?" Baldric¡¯s voice trembled.
"Yeah," Edric said casually. "They¡¯re Mythril Coins. Each one is worth a million silver." He leaned forward, resting his hand on the counter. "Now, my items. Please."
He could have easily controlled Baldric¡¯s mind and taken everything by force¡ªit would¡¯ve been effortless.
But for now, he resisted the urge.
Deep down, he knew something was wrong with him.
He wasn¡¯t sure when it started, but lately, his thoughts had grown darker, his self-control weaker.
He didn¡¯t want to let it spiral further.
Lately, Edric felt his urge to commit evil for pleasure growing stronger.
As someone who once considered himself a modern, civilized person, he didn¡¯t want to fall into darkness completely¡ªat least, not yet.
Across the counter, Baldric carefully picked up the shimmering Mythril Coins.
"Young master, I do not have the proper equipment to verify their authenticity. Please give me half an hour!" he said, his tone now filled with deference.
Before wealth and power, one could only bow and submit¡ªsuch was the common sense of the Elowen Kingdom.
"As expected¡ being evil is much more convenient."
His patience snapped.
Baldric had been about to leave¡ªto find the shop owner, a Silver Mage, to confirm whether the coins were real¡ªbut something changed.
He hesitated. His expression shifted.
Then, with an awkward chuckle, he turned back to Edric.
"Young master, I deeply apologize for doubting you!" Baldric bowed deeply. "These coins are indeed real! Please wait here¡ªI¡¯ll bring the items immediately!"
With that, he rushed to the back of the store.
Edric smirked. "Magic really is convenient."
Just now, he had cast a brainwashing spell, forcing Baldric to believe the Mythril Coins were real.
Of course, they were genuine to begin with, and even if Baldric had verified them, the result would have been the same.
"I don¡¯t consider this an evil use of magic," Edric thought with amusement. "I didn¡¯t steal anything¡ªI just made things go smoother."
A few minutes later, Baldric returned, carrying over 100 magical items¡ªmost were Great Rank, but a few were even Silver Rank.
"Young master! Here is everything!" Baldric said, his excitement barely contained.
He was overjoyed.
After all, he took a 1% commission on every sale¡ªmeaning he had just earned one million silver coins in a single transaction.
For a mere knight, that was a fortune.
"Thanks¡ªI¡¯m leaving."
Without waiting, Edric scooped up the magical items and strode out of the store.
There were plenty more shops to visit¡ªElowen City was massive, and this was far from the only equipment store.
Baldric called out, "Farewell, young master! Please visit us again!"
Then, he stood there for a moment, deep in thought.
"Just who is he¡?"
No noble family, aside from the Royal Elowen Family, could possibly give their young masters that kind of wealth.
Or¡ was he working for some secret organization?
And most of all¡ªwhy would a boy with no knight training need so many magical items?
Baldric frowned. He had a bad feeling about this.
"I should tell the shop owner about today''s incident¡"
...
Edric tossed everything into his spatial ring.
Inside the ring, glimmering heaps of silver coins, gold coins, and even a small mountain of Mythril Coins shone under the ethereal glow of mana.
The total value? Over 500 billion silver coins.
Of course, he hadn¡¯t earned that kind of wealth.
With his Legendary Knight and Mage abilities, combined with a vast arsenal of skills, he had effortlessly robbed the central banks of all three kingdoms on this island.
The Silver Kingdom, the Bloodstone Kingdom, and the Elowen Kingdom¡ªnot one had been spared.
That was why he now sat atop a fortune beyond imagination.
The central banks only stored coins; magic weapons and true treasures were kept inside the spatial rings of each kingdom¡¯s Legendary Knights.
Edric wasn¡¯t yet capable of stealing from spatial rings without alerting their owners¡ªbut it was only a matter of time.
"Stealing from the rich isn¡¯t theft!"
A smirk tugged at his lips as he admired his hoard.
For now, he had chosen to restrain himself from committing further evil, hoping to slow down the corruption of his soul¡ªbut in his eyes, stealing from corrupt kingdoms didn¡¯t count as evil in the first place.
"Who even cares if a few scraps of Mythril go missing?"
Certainly not Edric.
To him, these Mythril Coins were nothing but scrap metal¡ªa waste of valuable material that should be forged into legendary weapons, not hoarded as currency.
With that thought, he closed his ring and stepped forward, ready to continue his journey of chaos and power.
...
As Edric continued his spree, casually buying everything in sight, the upper leadership of the three kingdoms was thrown into chaos.
The discovery was nothing short of shocking¡ªtheir treasuries had been emptied overnight!
A massive blow, no doubt.
Yet, financially, it wasn¡¯t as catastrophic as it seemed at first glance. 500 billion silver coins may sound enormous, but for kingdoms that had ruled this island for centuries, it was just a tiny fraction of their wealth.
The true treasures¡ªlegendary weapons, enchanted artifacts, and priceless magical resources¡ªwere not stored in the central banks but kept inside the spatial rings of Legendary Knights.
Money could be replenished.
But the real problem?
"Who in the world could bypass multiple Golden-rank magic formations without being detected?"
Even Legendary Knights¡ªthe pinnacle of warriors on this island¡ªwould have struggled to avoid detection.
This mystery sent waves of unease through the kingdoms.
Investigations began immediately.
Each kingdom moved cautiously, seeking clues, afraid that whoever had done this could still be lurking in the shadows.
Days passed.
Then¡ªa breakthrough.
The Elowen Kingdom was the first to uncover a vital clue.
Some of the stolen Mythril Coins had surfaced¡ªright in the heart of their capital.
The authorities swiftly moved in, interrogating the witnesses.
Chapter 75 The Phantom Intruder
The intelligence network of the Elowen Kingdom was not to be underestimated.
Within mere days, they tracked down Bill¡¯s store and confiscated the mithril coins¡ªwithout offering a single bit of compensation. After all, the money used to buy the magical items had been stolen, and the victim of the heist was none other than the kingdom itself.
However, soon after, the kingdom backtracked and compensated the store. As the son of the renowned Golden Mage, William the Bright, the silver mage store owner managed to persuade the authorities to compensate his shop for its losses. A Silver Mage was not someone to be slighted¡ªtheir value far exceeded a mere hundred million silver. Maintaining a good relationship with a powerful mage family was far more important than a few confiscated coins.
Other merchants, however, weren¡¯t as fortunate. Within a week, every single shop where Edric had spent mithril coins was forced to return the money. Most of them never managed to reclaim their losses¡ªonly a few, like Bill¡¯s, had the backing of influential figures strong enough to negotiate compensation.
Most of the high-level establishments selling knight and magic-related goods in the city lacked the protection of Golden Knights or Silver Mages. There was a reason for this.
The Elowen Kingdom deliberately kept its Golden Knights and silver mages from becoming too powerful. It strictly prohibited them and their families from owning major businesses while in government service. And since every single Golden Knight and silver mage was in the kingdom¡¯s service, none of them¡ªor their families¡ªcould control any critical industries. Even stores that dealt in Golden-rank equipment were, at most, owned by Silver-ranked knights.
At first glance, one might assume that working for the government under such restrictions would be unappealing. After all, a Golden Knight in the kingdom¡¯s employ could neither participate in private enterprise nor allow their families to engage in many economic activities.
Yet, despite these harsh limitations, there was not a single Golden Knight outside the government¡¯s service.
Why?
Because the benefits of serving the kingdom far outweighed anything the private sector could offer.
The Elowen Kingdom was highly centralized, ruling over the vast and densely populated Silverflower Island directly from Elowen City. A Golden Knight in the kingdom¡¯s service could easily obtain ministerial authority, granting them the power to appoint their relatives to high-ranking positions¡ªmayors, governors, and senior officials.
The salaries for such government roles were generous, and when combined with the influence they wielded and the bribes that inevitably came with power, the wealth and prestige far exceeded anything a private business could provide.
And so, in Elowen, power did not lie in gold or business. It lay within the grasp of the kingdom itself.
The Elowen Kingdom was rotten to its core. If not for the stabilizing presence of two powerful Legendary Knights at its helm, it might have crumbled under the weight of its own corruption long ago.
In truth, there was only one part of the kingdom that remained untouched by greed and favoritism¡ªthe military, along with the knight and mage academies. In these places, only talent and hard work mattered. There was no room for favoritism, bribery, or influence.
The reason for this was simple: the king himself oversaw them personally. And with the king watching, no one dared to act in a way that might incur his wrath.
...
Once the investigation was complete, and every witness had been interviewed, the authorities managed to piece together a rough account of what had happened.
A man with red hair and striking green pupils had walked into multiple stores, purchasing nearly every magic-related item available. He paid in mithril coins and left without a word. He asked no unnecessary questions, showed no interest in weapons¡ªonly magic items. Nothing more, nothing less.
His last known sighting in Elowen City was two days ago. After that, he vanished.
The kingdom mobilized its Silver Knights, scouring every corner of the city and beyond, but they found nothing. It was as if he had disappeared into thin air.
Of course, this was not surprising.
For someone capable of infiltrating the royal treasury¡ªprotected by multiple layers of golden-rank formations¡ªevading Silver and even Golden Knights should have been trivial.
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Days passed with no progress. Frustrated by the lack of leads, the two Legendary Knights of Elowen Kingdom personally joined the hunt.
Based on the evidence gathered so far, there were only two possible explanations:
The perpetrator was either a Legendary Knight himself or possessed a Legendary-tier artifact.
A mere Golden Knight, no matter how skilled, could never bypass the defensive formations of the kingdom undetected.
On Silverflower Island, only four Legendary Knights existed¡ªtwo from Elowen, one from the Silver Kingdom, and one from the Bloodstone Kingdom. The delicate balance of power was maintained solely because of the implicit alliance between the Silver and Bloodstone Kingdoms.
No hidden Legendary Knight existed. That left only three possibilities:
The first¡ªsome Golden Knight had recently broken through to the Legendary rank. But this was nearly impossible.
Achieving Legendary rank required more than just talent. It took centuries of training, vast resources, and rigorous discipline. Only those born with Mythic-tier talent had a realistic shot at reaching such heights. Even then, their progress would be closely monitored¡ªthere was no way someone could ascend to Legendary in secret.
The other possibility was the birth of an Ultra-rank talent. Unlike Mythic-tier individuals, an Ultra Knight could reach Legendary rank far more easily, even without endless resources or training.
But the chances of an Ultra-rank talent being born on this island were so astronomically low that the mere thought of it was almost laughable.
The third possibility was far more likely¡ªa Legendary Knight from a neighboring island or even the Flicker Empire had arrived.
Silverflower Island was not protected by any Legendary-rank defensive formation, meaning it was entirely possible for an outsider to slip in unnoticed.
All three kingdoms conducted their own investigations, and each arrived at the same chilling conclusion:
There was a high probability that a Legendary Knight from beyond the island had infiltrated their lands.
In other words, they were being invaded.
Upon reaching this realization, the three kingdoms put aside their internal conflicts. Rivalries and grudges meant nothing in the face of a foreign enemy. If an unknown force had infiltrated the island, they had to stand united.
Within a week, they assembled a powerful task force composed of Golden Mages and Legendary Knights from all three kingdoms. Their intelligence networks, once divided by politics and self-interest, were unified under a single purpose¡ªto track down the intruder.
Every possible resource was mobilized. The intelligence divisions of the three kingdoms, noble families, criminal syndicates, and even private businesses were all pulled into the search. Yet, despite their combined efforts, they found¡ nothing.
The perpetrator¡¯s defining features¡ªred hair and green pupils¡ªwere common among the nobility of the Bloodstone Kingdom. However, many individuals across Elowen and the Silver Kingdom shared the same traits, making it impossible to narrow down the suspect¡¯s origin.
During their search, an old case resurfaced¡ªone that sent ripples of unease through the higher-ups.
A boy from the now-destroyed Windwalker family had once lived in Windwalker City. He had a strikingly similar appearance and was said to possess legendary talent. But that boy had been killed months ago¡ªslain by a mysterious Golden Knight.
That incident now took on a new significance.
Suddenly, the appearance of the unknown Golden Knight who had appeared in the Bloodstone Kingdom was taken far more seriously. At the time, Bloodstone¡¯s leaders had assumed he was an agent of the Elowen Kingdom, with a slim chance of being an outsider.
But now, after confirming with both Elowen and Silver Kingdoms, they realized the unsettling truth¡ª
That Golden Knight was most likely not from Silverflower Island at all.
An unknown force was moving in the shadows, and no one knew its true purpose.
With this realization, the three kingdoms understood a grim truth¡ªthis foreign infiltration had likely been happening for far longer than they had initially thought. The Legendary Knight who had appeared might not have been the first.
Defending the entire island against foreign invaders was nearly impossible. Creating a silver-grade defensive and detection formation around the island was an option, but against a Legendary Knight, a silver formation was as good as thin air. Even a golden-grade formation would likely fail to detect an intruder of that level.
The most effective method would be to layer multiple golden-grade detection formations, barely making it possible to track Legendary-ranked individuals. However, such a feat was absurdly expensive¡ªconstructing even a single detection formation to cover the whole island would require a staggering amount of golden-grade magic materials, enough to bankrupt them all.
With large-scale formations out of the question due to the overwhelming cost, the three kingdoms found themselves at an impasse.
A Legendary Knight could easily alter their appearance, making the distribution of wanted posters useless. Traditional defenses were ineffective.
If they could not defend, then they had only one option¡ªattack.
Their attention turned to the map. The closest landmass was Greenmoon Island, a neighboring territory that had recently descended into chaos.
Greenmoon had once been home to three kingdoms, but recently, one of them had collapsed. Its Legendary Knight had disappeared without a trace, and with their strongest protector gone, the kingdom crumbled. The remaining two kingdoms, believing the missing knight to be dead, had launched a brutal war to seize as much land as possible from the fallen nation.
A theory began to take shape¡ª
What if the missing Legendary Knight had not perished but had instead left?
What if he was the same Legendary intruder who had infiltrated Silverflower Island and looted the central banks?
Of course, there was no concrete proof¡ªjust speculation born from desperation. The sudden appearance of a powerful enemy out of nowhere needed an explanation, and this was the best they had.
Even without evidence, the higher-ups of the three kingdoms took the theory seriously. They dispatched several Golden Knights as envoys to Greenmoon Island, tasked with uncovering the truth behind the missing Legendary Knight.
Chapter 76 The Reluctant Alliance
The invasion from another island had unified Silver Flower Island in a way rarely seen before.
Normally, the three kingdoms¡ªElowen, Silver, and Bloodstone¡ªwere plagued by internal struggles, constantly at odds with one another. They had never truly been united. However, recent threats, including the resurgence of demons and now this legendary invader, had begun pushing them closer together.
The conflicts and internal struggles on Silver Flower Island were not driven by revenge, prejudice, or mere tribal warfare. It was a struggle for power and dominance. The Elowen Kingdom sought to establish itself as the undisputed ruler, forcing the Silver Kingdom and Bloodstone Kingdom into submission. Naturally, the other two refused to bow. Instead, they allied against Elowen, resisting its growing influence¡ªdespite Elowen¡¯s overwhelming strength and its two legendary knights.
This was not a conflict fueled by hatred or grudges that could fade over generations. Those conflicts, rooted in emotion, could sometimes be resolved when new rulers emerged with a different perspective. With the right leadership and effective diplomacy, even centuries-old blood feuds could be set aside.
Squabbles based on conflict of interest, or better said, conflicting facts, were different from emotional ones. They could not be resolved by changing perspectives, nor could they be softened over time. No matter how wise or competent the rulers were, as long as the root of the dispute remained.
The best way to resolve a factual dispute was through negotiation¡ªby dividing land, sharing resources, or making mutual concessions. But what happens when there is no middle ground? When no compromise can be reached?
That was the situation on Silver Flower Island.
The Elowen Kingdom saw itself as the island¡¯s rightful ruler. It was the only kingdom with two legendary knights, and it demanded recognition as the supreme power. The Silver and Bloodstone Kingdoms, however, refused to acknowledge such authority. There was no possible compromise¡ªeither Elowen was superior, or it was not. One side had to yield, and until that happened, the conflict would remain unresolved.
A blurry yet crucial distinction can be made: when a conflict based on a dispute of fact breeds hatred between the opposing sides, it evolves into something far more dangerous¡ªa battle not just of reason, but of emotion. This transformation marks the birth of blood enmity, a grudge that festers across generations and fuels endless war.
However, the situation between the Elowen Kingdom and its two neighbors had not yet reached that point. Despite their dispute over dominance¡ªover who should rule and who should submit¡ªtheir leaders did not harbor personal hatred for one another.
On the lower levels, it was a different story. Many common soldiers, nobles, and officials resented the rival kingdoms, their minds poisoned by years of conflict and national pride. But among the highest ranks, among the legendary knights who shaped the island¡¯s destiny, there was a surprising level of mutual respect¡ªeven friendship.
And that was the key difference.
As long as the leaders of a dispute of fact remained rational and free of hatred, the conflict, while impossible to resolve without compromise, would never descend into true blood enmity.
In worlds without magic, subordinates wielded power because their leaders depended on them to maintain rule. If too many of their own people turned against them, even a king could be overthrown. But in a land where legendary knights existed, things were different. No subordinate, no matter how angry or resentful, would dare rebel against a ruler whose personal strength could crush armies.
A conflict based on an unresolvable dispute of fact could stretch on indefinitely, lingering like an open wound until the balance of power shifted. If one of the Silver or Bloodstone Kingdoms produced a legendary knight of their own¡ªor if one of Elowen¡¯s two legendary knights perished¡ªthe reality of the dispute would change.
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But until then, the conflict would remain frozen in place.
That said, because this struggle was driven by power and benefits rather than pure hatred, there was room for pragmatism. When a greater threat arose¡ªone that endangered all three kingdoms¡ªthe dispute of fact could be temporarily set aside. A rational mind would always prioritize survival over pride.
And that was exactly what happened when the demons returned¡ and when the mysterious Golden Knight appeared.
For ordinary people, disputes of fact often spiraled into blood enmity. Hatred was easy to nurture when one fought the same enemy over and over. But legendary knights were different. Their lifespans were longer, their experiences far greater, and their perspectives far wider.
That was the difference between warriors and rulers.
...
Each of the three kingdoms sent two Golden Knights, along with a legendary ship, and set sail for Greenmoon Island.
The two islands were neighbors, and over the years, a line of communication had formed between them. Golden Mages from both sides held regular conferences, exchanging knowledge on newly developed spells and magical advancements.
However, their relationship could not be called warm. They spoke to one another out of necessity, not camaraderie. Their proximity forced interaction, but there was no real sense of trust or kinship between them.
Even so, that minimal diplomatic connection ensured one thing¡ªthey did not see each other as enemies.
The voyage to Greenmoon Island would be relatively short and was not considered particularly dangerous¡ªafter all, the island was close. Had their destination been the Flicker Empire, even legendary ships would have struggled against the perilous journey.
The Greenmoon Island was nearly identical in size and resources to Silver Flower Island, and it suffered from the same lurking dangers. It was named after the eerie phenomenon that occurred every night¡ªits moon shone a deep, unnatural green.
Legends spoke of the island¡¯s green moon as a lingering scar from an ancient disaster. Long ago, a demonic outbreak tied to the Demon King of Green ravaged the land. Even after the demonic artifact responsible for the outbreak was removed, the moon remained forever stained by its influence.
Such aftereffects of demonic outbreaks were not uncommon. Silver Flower Island, too, bore its own curse. Despite being located in a warm ocean, it endured a mini ice age every year. Some scholars argued that this was a blessing in disguise¡ªwithout the cooling effect of the demonic residue, the island¡¯s climate would have been hot.
However, Greenmoon Island¡¯s curse was far worse.
At the start of each new year, for several days, the island was plagued by the Greed Disease¡ªa terrifying affliction that stripped away reason and drove the weak-willed into murderous frenzies. Even the promise of a few coins was enough to make people kill without hesitation. This curse had ruined Greenmoon Island¡¯s new year celebrations, turning what should have been a time of joy into a dreaded period. Unlike Silver Flower Island¡¯s cold season, which was inconvenient but survivable, the Greed Disease outbreak claimed lives every year.
For ordinary citizens, those days were the most feared of the year. No one celebrated. No one wished for the new year to come sooner.
Fortunately, knights and mages were immune. With their powerful mental fortitude, they could easily resist the curse¡¯s effects. But for the common folk, precautions had to be taken.
The Greed Disease was at its worst in those few days, but its influence never truly vanished. Throughout the year, everyone under the green moon felt an increased sense of greed. Most of the time, the effect was mild, almost imperceptible, but it was always there, lurking beneath the surface.
Over the centuries, the people of Greenmoon Island adapted. Laws were put in place. Every household was required to have a basement equipped with chains¡ªrestraints to lock themselves away when the Greed Disease struck. During the outbreak, cities entered complete lockdown. Anyone found wandering the streets was considered a threat and was executed on sight by patrolling knights and specialized troops.
It was possible for ordinary people to resist the curse. Those with sufficient willpower could undergo special training to withstand its effects. The government issued Green Passes to those who passed the tests, exempting them from the need to chain themselves away each year. But even those with a Green Pass were still subject to martial law during the outbreak¡ªno one was allowed to roam freely once night fell.
For the homeless, the government built massive detention camps. They had no choice¡ªon the nights of the Green Disaster, anyone without shelter was either contained¡ or killed.
Despite countless attempts, no mage had ever succeeded in developing a cure, nor had any magical formation been able to suppress the Greed Disease. The only true immunity came with great power¡ªknights and mages were unaffected. But becoming a knight was not an option for most. For the majority of the population, imprisonment was the only way to survive.
If left unchecked, a single night of the Green Disaster could claim countless innocent lives.
And so, the people of Greenmoon Island lived under the shadow of their cursed moon, trapped in an endless cycle of greed, fear, and bloodshed.
Chapter 77 Whispers of the Abyss
Long ago, three kingdoms ruled over Greenmoon Island¡ªRunewood, Ironbloom, and Greenblade. Each kingdom had its own legendary knight, keeping the others in check and ensuring a fragile balance.
However, everything changed when the Queen of Greenblade vanished at sea. With no word of her return, the other two kingdoms assumed her dead. Seizing the opportunity, they launched ruthless invasions to claim Greenblade¡¯s land for themselves.
Without its legendary knight, Greenblade crumbled almost instantly. Yet, even after its fall, the war did not end. Runewood and Ironbloom turned their blades against each other, each desperate to seize as much territory as possible.
Years have passed since that day, yet the battle rages on. Though fierce, the war remains somewhat restrained. The strongest warriors seen on the battlefield are Great Knights. Clashes between Silver Knights are rare, and only once did the Golden Knights of both kingdoms cross swords.
The reason is simple¡ªmutual destruction. Both sides understand that an all-out war would only invite annihilation. If their strongest combatants were to fall, the once-mighty kingdoms would become easy prey for outsiders. True deterrence lies in the power of Golden and Legendary Knights. Without them, a kingdom is as good as defenseless.
Beyond that, battles involving high-level knights tend to leave devastation in their wake. These warriors possess numerous life-saving techniques, and their fights drag on, turning entire battlefields to ruin.
Only in battles where one side is overwhelmingly stronger do things end quickly.
Take Edric, for example. He effortlessly killed Duke Stonefist, not because of luck or strategy, but because the power gap was too great. Edric was both a mage and a Golden Knight, wielding several formidable skills, including the legendary skill Energy Absorption and the golden-rank skill Magnetic Pull. These abilities made Edric far superior to his peers.
Using Magnetic Pull combined with telekinesis, his own raw strength, and the explosive force of Energy Absorption, Edric annihilated the newly promoted Golden Knight Duke Stonefist in a single blow. The enemy, lacking enough life-saving treasures, perished instantly. The remaining two knights, witnessing this overwhelming might, fled without hesitation.
They had no true reason to risk their lives. They weren¡¯t defending their homeland or fighting for a treasure they desperately desired. In such a situation, retreat was the logical choice.
For all their power, Golden Knights are rarely brave. Those who live long enough to reach such heights do so by being cautious, not reckless. Only fools fight to the death against much stronger opponents when they have the option to escape and fight another day with more allies and a better strategy.
...
Edric sighed as he lay in bed, feeling unwell. "I didn¡¯t know even Legendary Knights could get seasick¡" he thought bitterly.
A few days ago, he had boarded a legendary ship, leaving Silverflower Island for Greensun Island. With no pressing tasks at hand, there was no reason for him to stay in Silverflower any longer.
A ship bound for Greenmoon had been ready to set sail. Among its passengers were a few Golden Knights from the three kingdoms, along with around a hundred Silver Knights and five hundred lesser-ranked knights. Edric had slipped aboard unnoticed¡ªby simply killing one of the Great Knights and taking his place.
His shapeshifting skill was good, more than enough to conceal his true identity even from Golden Knights.
Rising from the bed, he glanced inside his space ring. A few small piles of magic items lay inside¡ªspoils from his time in Elowen City.
There was only one Golden-tier magic item, about sixty Silver-tier ones, and a few thousand of lower rank. In short, nothing truly useful to him. At this point, his regular combat power was already at the Legendary level. And in an emergency, he could temporarily achieve Mythic-tier strength by using his Self-Consumption skill¡ªpermanently sacrificing one of his abilities for an immense surge in power.
Though he disliked losing skills permanently, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate when necessary. After all, he had plenty of skills that he barely used and wouldn¡¯t miss if he sacrificed them.
"I should spawn new eggs on Greenmoon Island," he mused. There were already many waiting to hatch back on Silverflower Island, but he wasn¡¯t concerned. Those offspring carried basic memories and knew what to do upon birth. He had already left behind detailed instructions, as well as clothes, food, and money. The children he had already spawned were managing everything in his absence.
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"Those brats have Mythic-tier potential! In a few decades, many will break through to Golden rank. It''s safe to say that Silverflower Island is as good as mine in the long run!"
His plan was simple¡ªtravel from island to island, leaving behind his offspring before eventually making his way to the Flicker Empire.
"I won¡¯t leave for the Flicker Empire until I open the gate to the Abyss."
Leaving for the Flicker Empire had always been his long-term plan, but now, with the Spawn skill in his arsenal, there was no rush. Instead, he would lay the foundation first, strengthening his hold on these islands. Only when he was absolutely certain of his safety would he take that final step.
...
The legendary ship drifted silently across the vast sea.
Weeks passed before they finally arrived at Greenmoon Island. The journey had taken longer than expected, as they had been forced to change course multiple times to avoid violent sea storms. But at last, they had reached their destination safely.
It was a clear day without the slightest obstruction in the sky. Edric stepped out of his room, eager to see the green moon with his own eyes for the first time.
Standing on the deck of the ship, he waited patiently for the sun to set.
As the last light of the sun faded beyond the horizon, the moon rose.
He gazed up, his eyes fixed on the piercing green light. His mind trembled as if the very essence of his thoughts was being pulled into its depths. It felt as though he were staring into a black hole¡ªhis vision and consciousness ensnared, unable to tear themselves away from the moon¡¯s eerie, otherworldly glow.
Ding!
Congratulations! Task Number 3 is now available!
[Demon King of Greed]: Eliminate all traces of the Demon King of Greed¡¯s influence on Greenmoon Island.
Time limit: 100 years.
Reward: Super-grade chest.
"Super-grade chest!" The system¡¯s alert snapped him out of his trance, but the task itself left him even more stunned than the moon¡¯s unsettling glow.
"The system seems to have a strange obsession with demons¡ So why is it suddenly asking me to erase the influence of one?"
Edric frowned. Until now, many of his system¡¯s tasks had involved spreading the influence of the Demon King of Weirdness. But now, it was demanding he erase another demon king¡¯s presence.
"Do the Demon Kings have some kind of rivalry? Is that why the system wants me to erase the Demon King of Greed¡¯s influence?"
A chilling thought crossed his mind. "Does this mean¡ the system itself is a creation of the Demon King of Weirdness?"
His thoughts spiraled. If the system was an abyssal creation, then¡ªwas he an agent of the abyss?
The realization sent shivers down his spine. He had always assumed that his system was a standard gift given to transmigrators by some higher power. But now, it seemed like everything¡ªthe missions, the rewards, the abilities¡ªwas just a tool to serve the abyss. More specifically, the Demon King of Weirdness.
"Damn it¡ The clues were always there! How did I not see it?"
His unnatural lack of compassion. The thrill he felt in bloodshed. His growing tendency toward evil. The system¡¯s relentless push for him to spawn demonic offspring. Even the task to open a gate to the abyss¡ªit all pointed to one thing.
"I¡¯m not just an agent of the abyss¡ I might actually be a part of it!"
Edric¡¯s hands clenched as he stared out at the sea, completely lost.
The children he had spawned once told him something strange¡ªthat he and the Demon King of Weirdness were the same.
"Could it be¡ that I¡¯m actually a Demon King myself and I just don¡¯t remember it?"
Closing his eyes, he desperately tried to dig into the depths of his memory.
But no matter how hard he searched¡ nothing came.
If he was a Demon King, he certainly didn¡¯t have any of the power that should come with it.
"Could it be that the system¡"
Edric¡¯s eyes widened in realization.
"The system¡ What if the system itself is the Demon King of Weirdness¡ªusing me as a medium to act in this world?"
He stared at the innocent-looking system panel, his heart pounding in his chest.
"There¡¯s no way to confirm any of this! Damn it!"
A sigh escaped his lips. He was too weak to interfere with something on the level of Demon Kings. Even if he had suspicions, what could he do?
Ding!
Congratulations! Task Number 4 is now available!
[Amnesia]: Forget everything from the last two hours.
Time limit: 1 second.
Completion reward: None.
Non-completion punishment: Loss of memory from the last two hours.
Non-completion reward: A Super-ranked skill.
"What?"
Edric¡¯s eyes widened in shock.
Ding!
You failed to complete the task [Amnesia]!
The non-completion punishment has been successfully implemented!
The skill [Mental Fortitude (Extreme)] has been granted to you.
Edric blinked, looking around in confusion.
"What¡¯s going on? How did I get here?"
He glanced up at the sky. The moon was green. That meant¡ they had arrived at Greenmoon Island?
"Wait¡ an extreme-ranked skill? How did I get it?"
His heart turned cold. This was the first time something like this had happened.
"Did I sleepwalk?"
Feeling uneasy, he quickly made his way back to his room. The legendary ship was massive, with exclusive quarters for every knight on board.
Opening his system panel, he found¡ nothing. No records, no logs.
Frowning, he checked the new skill''s details.
[Mental Fortitude (Extreme)]: Grants the host immunity to mental influences from all forces weaker than Extreme rank. Greatly increases resistance to mental influences from those of Extreme rank.
Sitting on his bed, Edric felt an unsettling sense of gloom wash over him. "Something happened. But I don¡¯t remember what."
For hours, he racked his mind, trying to uncover any traces of lost memories. But no matter how hard he thought, he found nothing.
In the end, he could only push it to the back of his mind.
"I just hope I don¡¯t sleepwalk again."
With a sigh, he decided to set aside everything that had happened tonight. He stood up and stepped out of his room.
Today, they were finally setting foot on Greenmoon Island.
Chapter 78 Under the Cursed Moonlight
Greenmoon Island is vast¡ªdespite being called an "island," its size is anything but small.
Everything is relative. Compared to the Flicker Empire, both the Silver Flower and Greenmoon Islands are mere fragments of land. However, when measured against the continents of a planet like the Earth, these islands are still remarkably large.
As one of the largest islands in the region, traveling across Greenmoon without magical infrastructure would be a slow and arduous journey.
Fortunately, magic exists. Each major city is equipped with enchanted formations capable of transmitting messages across great distances. While activating these formations requires costly mana crystals, they are indispensable in times of emergency.
And the sudden arrival of several Golden Knights from a neighboring island certainly qualified as an emergency.
Though an invasion was unlikely, no one knew their true intentions. Leaving foreign Golden Knights to their own devices was an unwise gamble at best.
...
Upon receiving the news, the Runewood Empire wasted no time, dispatching five of their own Golden Knights to receive the envoys.
On the Flower Island¡¯s side, their ship docked smoothly. Of the six knights aboard, five disembarked, prepared to meet with the leaders of Greenmoon¡¯s two kingdoms. Their mission? To inquire about the whereabouts of the missing queen of Greenblade Country.
...
Edric gazed at the moon. Its light green light bore down on him, as if trying to pierce through his mind. Yet, something within him resisted¡ªcompletely blocking its influence.
"Is this the work of my ''Mental Fortitude'' skill?" he wondered.
Having an Extreme-ranked skill was certainly a blessing, but the fact that he had no idea why he possessed it was deeply unsettling.
He sighed. Overthinking wouldn¡¯t help. As always, when faced with something beyond his control, he pushed it to the back of his mind.
"First things first¡ªfinding a good place to spawn the eggs."
This was his most crucial objective on the island. As long as he successfully laid his Mythic-grade eggs¡ªand as long as they hatched¡ªhis long-term control over this land would be all but assured.
With that goal in mind, he moved forward.
With his power, no one could stop him. No one could even perceive him.
His disguise skill alone was enough to deceive all Golden-ranked individuals. Even among the Legendary rank, unless they specialized in detection or were paying close attention, they wouldn¡¯t notice him at all.
...
During his journey, Edric neither rode a horse nor took a carriage. He didn¡¯t even fly.
He wanted to push the recent event to the back of his mind, but he couldn''t; it was too unsettling to ignore. His mind had been preoccupied with his recent episode of amnesia. He had no recollection of what had happened or how he had obtained the Mental Fortitude skill. To clear his thoughts, he chose to walk for a few days instead of flying; after all, the cooldown for his spawn skill still had a long way to go, and he had time for a short rest.
The roads were mostly paved and bustling with activity. Travelers rode past him on horseback or in large caravans, making his solitary figure stand out. Yet, while a lone traveler on foot was an unusual sight, people minded their own business. No one stopped him. No one asked questions.
The major roads under the Runewood Kingdom¡¯s control were relatively safe. Banditry was rare. Even after five days of walking, Edric hadn¡¯t encountered a single one.
As a Legendary knight and mage, he had long surpassed mortal needs. Food, water, sleep¡ªeven air¡ªwere no longer necessities.
He continued walking, not stopping for anything.
Every night, distant screams echoed from deep within the woods.
But he paid no mind.
He was too focused, too lost in his thoughts¡ªtrying, desperately, to remember.
Suddenly, he stopped!
He looked up at the moon. It felt unnatural. Hostile.
"Is it fixed on me alone?" He narrowed his eyes at the eerie celestial body. "It¡¯s like it¡¯s trying to invade my mind. But if it¡¯s this aggressive, how are these weaker people still alive?"
From the moment he set foot on this land, he had felt it¡ªa sinister presence. Something unseen. Something that loathed him. Yet, it could not harm him.
It was like a starving beast, separated from its prey by an unbreakable wall¡ªglaring, growling, waiting.
"According to the system, the demon that tainted this land is the Demon King of Greed¡ but I never imagined a demon¡¯s influence could be this strong, even in the main world."
His brows furrowed. It was strange. The Flicker Empire should have quarantined Greenmoon Island long ago.
He had read many books on magic, demons, and the workings of the world. He knew that areas too deeply corrupted by demonic influence were always sealed off. Yet, Greenmoon remained unchecked.
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"Is the Empire underestimating the spread of demonic corruption?"
A chilling thought crept into his mind.
"Could there already be Demon Kings lurking in this world?"
But if the Demon King of Greed had truly entered this world, Edric would already be dead.
Yet, the way the Green Moon hated him, the way it bore down on him like a predator sizing up its prey¡
"Or perhaps¡ it doesn¡¯t want to kill me."
"Maybe it wants to consume me."
He looked up again. For a brief moment, he swore he saw it¡ªthe moon¡¯s glow twisting, shifting, forming an abyss. A void that wanted to pull him in.
Fortunately, the shield protecting his mind held firm.
He looked away, secretly grateful for ''Mental Fortitude.'' It didn¡¯t matter where it came from; it was certainly a very useful skill.
"Even if the Green Moon¡¯s influence on others isn¡¯t as severe as it is on me, there¡¯s no way it doesn¡¯t have a terrible effect on the people here," Edric thought.
Logically, this island should have been crawling with bandits. In most places, bandits were often driven by hunger and desperation, but plenty of them simply chose that path out of greed and laziness¡ªit was the easier way to get rich. If the moon¡¯s corruption stirred negative emotions, then Greenmoon Island should have had far more bandits than somewhere like Silver Flower.
Yet, there were almost none.
"Maybe the rulers here crack down on them harder? Do they regularly purge them?"
As he walked, a sound cut through his thoughts¡ªthe distant cries of a child.
Screaming.
Crying.
For days, Edric had ignored these noises. But now, curiosity got the better of him.
Others heard it too. Travelers on the road stiffened at the sound, but none showed the slightest desire to investigate.
He followed the voice.
Whatever was making the sound, he didn¡¯t believe it could be anything beyond Mythic rank.
The farther he walked, the louder the cries became¡ªpiercing, unnatural.
Then, a voice spoke.
¡°What a strong man.¡±
He turned his head.
Not far from him stood a woman. She was deathly pale, almost paper-white. Aside from that, she looked¡ ordinary. Maybe a little more beautiful than most.
Edric narrowed his eyes. ¡°Hmm¡ you¡¯re a ghost?¡± His lips curled into a smirk. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen one.¡±
The woman licked her lips. ¡°So brave. You¡¯re just my type.¡± Her gaze shimmered with hunger. ¡°I can feel the power inside you.¡±
Edric let out a small chuckle.
"So this is why there are no bandits." It all made sense now. "With ghosts roaming the forests, no bandit could set up camp out here."
His curiosity deepened. ¡°What are your limitations? Are you bound to stay in the forest? Why don¡¯t you attack the caravans? There are plenty of people passing through the roads, you know.¡±
The ghost¡¯s expression darkened.
¡°Food doesn¡¯t ask questions,¡± she said as she stepped toward him.
Edric sighed. Without hesitation, he cast a Silver-level brainwashing spell. At Legendary rank, Silver spells required no incantations¡ªhe could cast them instantly.
The ghost¡¯s expression shifted in an instant.
The hunger in her eyes vanished, replaced by reverence. She fell to her knees.
¡°My king!¡± she said, her voice trembling with respect.
¡°Talk,¡± Edric commanded. ¡°Answer my questions.¡±
This ghost, though powerful, was no more than Great rank at best. Silver Knights would struggle to kill her, as their internal energy was too cold and unsuitable for dealing with spirit bodies. Golden internal energy, however, would fry ghosts like her instantly.
The ghost hesitated but spoke. ¡°My king¡ we are not allowed to cross the boundary. If we break the treaty, we will be severely punished.¡±
Edric¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Who would punish you?¡±
The ghost¡¯s entire body stiffened.
¡°This¡ My king, she will not let me live if I speak her name! She has placed a secrecy mark on me¡¡± Her voice trembled with pure terror.
Edric exhaled sharply. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Just say it.¡±
The ghost¡¯s face suddenly relaxed.
All fear drained from her expression.
Her king had given an order.
She was completely loyal to Edric¡ªready to give her life for him without hesitation.
¡°She is called the Queen of Greenblade¡¡± the ghost began. ¡°She appeared only recently¡ She made a deal with the humans¡ We are only allowed in uninhabited places¡ª Ahhh!¡±
Suddenly, flames erupted beneath her.
Ghostly white fire licked at her form, slowly consuming her.
Edric¡¯s eyes narrowed.
"A Legendary-level curse!"
The flames intensified, threatening to swallow the ghost whole¡ª
But Edric stepped forward.
He pressed his palm against her forehead, activating Energy Absorption.
The fire vanished instantly.
The Energy Absorption skill was a bane to most curses¡ªit devoured the mana fueling them, nullifying their effects.
However¡
Edric didn¡¯t remove his hand.
The moment he did, the curse would return.
"A Legendary curse¡ Energy Absorption can only suppress it temporarily," he analyzed.
Thanks to his many skills, including Mana Detection and Energy Absorption, he immediately understood the nature of the curse.
If not for them, even a Legendary Mage like him¡ªwithout a proper counter-curse spell¡ªwouldn¡¯t have been able to stop it. Sure, he possessed some demonic spells, but he was extremely unwilling to use them.
¡°Thank you, my king!¡± the ghost said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Edric nodded. ¡°Now, tell me¡ªhow did the Queen of Greenblade become the Queen of Ghosts?¡±
¡°She drank from the Fountain of Greed,¡± the ghost answered.
Edric¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Explain.¡±
¡°The Fountain of Greed appears once every few decades¡ It is almost always taken by the Knights of the Flicker Empire. But this time¡ by chance, they didn¡¯t take all of it. The Queen drank what was left behind¡ and transformed herself into a ghost.¡±
Edric¡¯s thoughts raced.
"So that¡¯s why they didn¡¯t seal this place¡ They want the Fountain of Greed to remain accessible. If they sealed the island, they wouldn¡¯t be able to return and claim it again."
His gaze sharpened.
¡°Where is it? How can I find it?¡±
If he wanted to eliminate the Demon King of Greed¡¯s influence¡
Then the Fountain of Greed was the key.
¡°I¡ I don¡¯t know, my king! This is far beyond me!¡± the female ghost said, trembling.
Edric nodded. He hadn¡¯t expected a mere Great-level ghost to know much.
¡°Then tell me¡ªwhat are the benefits of being a ghost?¡±
Though he had no intention of becoming one himself, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to know.
¡°We ghosts live ten times longer than humans of the same rank,¡± she explained. ¡°We also have a natural affinity for magic, can phase through objects, alter our forms, and require nothing to survive. In combat, we are generally stronger than humans of equal rank.¡±
Edric raised an eyebrow. ¡°And the downsides?¡±
She hesitated before answering.
¡°Not being able to eat or sleep¡ it feels wrong, even if we no longer need those things. Advancement beyond our current strength is nearly impossible. The sun burns us. And¡¡± she paused, her voice tinged with sorrow. ¡°We can never truly enjoy anything.¡±
Edric studied her carefully. ¡°What¡¯s the difference between ghosts and demons?¡±
The ghost¡¯s expression twisted in disgust.
¡°Demons? They are creatures of the Abyss! Filthy, chaotic, mindless beings! To compare us to them is an insult!¡± she spat.
Edric smirked.
¡°Yeah, but you were created by the Greenmoon¡¯s influence¡ªwhich comes from a demonic infection. That means, in a way, you are demons¡ just with a diluted bloodline, right?¡±
¡°NO! No, my king, that cannot be true!¡± she cried, shaking her head violently. ¡°We are not demons! They are savage beasts¡ªdirty, mindless barbarians! We are beautiful and cultured!¡±
She spoke with pride¡ªa strange arrogance for someone moments away from destruction.
Edric simply smiled.
¡°Alright. Thank you for your answers.¡±
Then, without hesitation¡ªhe removed his hand.
The flames roared back to life, stronger than before.
"Ahhhhhh!"
The ghost let out a piercing scream as she was consumed entirely, her form turning to nothingness.
Edric watched in silence.
Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
Chapter 79 A Knock at the Door
Rather than returning to the road, Edric chose a different path. According to the female ghost, the roads were safe. But Edric was strong¡ªstrong enough to protect himself. He had no need for the road¡¯s safety.
Step by step, he ventured deeper into the forest, swallowed by complete darkness. The pale green moonlight barely pierced through the dense canopy.
But darkness meant nothing to Edric. Everything was as clear as day to his eyes.
From time to time, wild, starving predators¡ªboth animals and ghosts¡ªset their sights on him. Yet, none ever reached him. They perished before they could even lay a hand on him.
...
After five days of wandering through the forest, Edric still hadn¡¯t encountered a single Silver-ranked ghost. After his encounter with the female ghost, he had expected Silver-ranked ghosts to be more common than this.
"I''m hiding my aura, so they should assume I''m just an ordinary person¡ Then why are there so few high-ranking ghosts?" He frowned, feeling a tinge of disappointment.
Over the past few days, countless Average and Great-ranked ghosts had attacked him, along with a few Great-ranked beasts. The beasts, lacking intelligence, were swiftly slain. As for the ghosts, he had attempted to interrogate them, but none knew more than the female ghost he had spoken to days ago.
"It seems I should take this more seriously," he thought. Up until now, he had simply been walking, hoping to stumble upon powerful ghosts. He had made no real effort to seek them out. But with his skills and rank, if he truly tried, finding a Silver-ranked ghost would be easy.
"Flight!"
Muttering the spell, he soared into the sky.
Once airborne, he activated mana detection. Ghosts were magical mages, overflowing with mana¡ªif there was a Silver-ranked one nearby, he would find it.
Gliding through the night sky, it took him only five minutes to sense a powerful Silver-grade mana signature emanating from deep within the forest.
Smirking, he shot toward it at full speed.
...
Orrin was once a Silver Knight. Unfortunately, he had died in battle.
His soul had nearly dissipated, fading into nothingness, but by sheer luck, a trace of aura from the Greed Fountain had contaminated him, transforming him into a Silver-ranked ghost.
That was a long time ago. How long exactly? He had no idea.
After awakening as a Silver-ranked ghost, Orrin wandered into the depths of the forest and decided to build a permanent wooden house where he could live in solitude¡ªand that¡¯s exactly what he did.
With the rise of the Greenblade Queen recently, things had changed. Ghosts, once wild and untamed, were now bound by her will, forced to follow her laws and respect treaties with humans¡ªagreements that outlined territorial rights, obligations, and responsibilities.
But for Orrin, none of that mattered.
He was just a simple, reclusive ghost, living in isolation deep within the forest.
Unlike others of his kind, he never hunted humans. Not because he was noble or righteous¡ªfar from it. In life, he had been a ruthless bandit chief, a killer of many.
But he knew the truth about ghosts and their so-called hunger.
Ask any low-ranked ghost, and they would swear that consuming human souls was necessary for survival¡ªthat without them, they would suffer an unbearable hunger, a torment beyond imagination.
Only half of that was true.
Ghosts did feel hunger if they did not consume human souls. But they wouldn¡¯t die from it. A ghost could live its entire existence without ever devouring a single soul.
The reason so many ghosts believed otherwise was the same reason drug addicts thought they would die without their fix.
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Not that human souls were like drugs to ghosts.
They were simply the most efficient, nourishing, and¡ªabove all¡ªpleasurable source of sustenance. So pleasurable that once a ghost tasted one, resisting the urge for more became nearly impossible.
The forbidden fruit.
Those who never consumed human souls had an easier time resisting. But for those who indulged even once? The dam broke, and there was no rebuilding it.
That was why Orrin had stayed away.
He knew himself too well. The moment he took even a single soul, he would never stop. He would no longer be content tending to his quiet life. He would become a hunter, forever chasing prey.
Instead, he chose solitude.
Rather than feasting on humans, he sustained himself on the lifeforce of trees. It was tasteless, far from satisfying, but it was enough to keep him alive and maintain his Silver rank.
In his free time, he tended to his small garden outside his home and wrote poetry. Over the countless years, he had filled over a thousand books.
In life, he had only become a Silver Knight because of his legendary talent¡ªhe had been pushed into it. But it had never been his passion.
His true love had always been nature¡¯s beauty and the art of poetry.
Once, as a human, he had even dreamed of romance. But now, as a ghost, he knew better.
He had heard the stories. Every attempt at love between ghosts ended in misery.
To put it simply, ghosts were not meant for romance.
It always ended with one killing the other.
Just as he avoided humans, Orrin also kept his distance from other ghosts.
There were downsides, of course¡ªone of the worst being his endless hunger for more. More poetry books, more lifeforce, more of anything that caught his interest. It was an unquenchable thirst, a side effect of being tainted by Greed Essence.
Ghosts born from greed were never truly satisfied. No matter how much they had, they always craved more of what they cherished most.
But Orrin had learned to control those urges. He had trained himself to resist, to keep his desires in check. He knew he could never feel true satisfaction¡ªno ghost of greed ever could¡ªbut he had pushed himself as close to it as possible.
And for him, that was enough.
...
Orrin opened his eyes, awakening from a deep sleep.
"What an amazing dream¡ A shame it was just a dream," he thought with a sigh.
Ghosts had no bodies, no eyes, no need for sleep, and certainly no dreams. That was their natural state¡ªthe factory setting, so to speak.
But factory settings could be changed.
As a Silver-ranked mage, Orrin instinctively knew many spells. Given enough time, he could even create new ones, unique only to him.
And so he did.
He crafted Silver spells that granted him a temporary physical body and allowed him to sleep¡ªto dream.
He dreamed of whatever he wished.
He had even attempted to create spells to suppress his greed. Unfortunately, they had little effect. The curse of his greed was too deeply ingrained, too powerful to be solved with mere Silver-grade magic.
Likewise, he had tried spells to restore human emotions, to allow himself to feel true satisfaction again. He had even tried to rekindle the ability to love¡ªto make romance possible once more.
Most of those attempts failed.
Now, he had a physical body, yet he remained too afraid to return to human society.
The first reason was simple¡ªthe Greenblade Queen had forbidden it.
The second was that deep down, he knew that if he stayed among humans for too long, he would break the taboo, lose control, and taste the forbidden fruit.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Hmm? What the hell?" Orrin frowned.
As a ghost, he could sense everything within a hundred-meter radius. Yet, according to his instincts, there was nothing outside.
And yet, someone had knocked.
That could only mean one thing¡ªwhoever was out there had the ability to evade the detection of a Silver-ranked ghost. A feat far beyond the abilities of ordinary Silver ranks.
Slowly, he stepped toward the door.
His expression remained calm. A small defensive formation surrounded his home, giving him the advantage in any battle. Whether the door was open or closed mattered little.
If something was coming, he would be ready.
Then, he opened the door.
Standing before him was a boy, no older than seventeen or eighteen, with striking red hair and vivid green eyes.
"Who are you?" Orrin''s voice carried a cautious edge.
Something about this boy was unnatural.
Even though Orrin could see him with his eyes, his senses detected nothing. It was as if the boy did not exist, as if he were more of a ghost than Orrin himself.
The boy smiled sheepishly. "I am Edric, a humble fruit picker. I got lost in the forest after being distracted by a beautiful pink butterfly! Could you please let me in?" His expression turned pitiful, his eyes pleading as if he were helpless.
Orrin narrowed his gaze. "A fruit picker? Lost? In this part of the forest?"
There were only two possibilities.
One¡ªEdric was far more powerful than he appeared, deliberately concealing his strength. In that case, rejecting him might be unwise.
Two¡ªhe possessed a unique ability that allowed him to remain undetectable. If so, Orrin needed to learn more about it.
After a brief pause, he stepped aside. "Hmm¡ Alright, come in."
"Thank you!" Edric beamed and walked inside without hesitation.
As the door shut behind him, Edric turned. "What''s your name?"
"Orrin."
"Nice to meet you, Orrin! Sorry I didn¡¯t bring anything as a gift!" Edric said casually, while Orrin fought to keep his mind from wandering to dangerous thoughts¡ªthoughts of devouring this boy¡¯s soul.
"No. Stay in control," he thought.
Edric suddenly clapped his hands together. "Orrin, I have a few questions!"
Orrin stared at him, resisting the urge to scoff.
"This brat¡ He just walked into my home, asking for shelter, and now he wants to interrogate me? Shouldn¡¯t I be the one asking the questions?!"
But in the end, curiosity and caution won over irritation.
He crossed his arms and smirked. "Of course. What do you want to ask?"
Chapter 80 Silver vs. Legend
"What do you know about the Fountain of Greed?" Edric asked.
"What?" Orrin was taken aback. He had suspected that the young man before him was no ordinary human, but a powerful individual concealing his true strength. However, he hadn¡¯t expected Edric¡ªwho had been so careful in maintaining his disguise¡ªto suddenly ask a question that completely shattered it.
Ordinarily, one couldn¡¯t determine a knight¡¯s strength just by looking at them. But this wasn¡¯t an absolute rule.
Ghosts, in particular, possessed an innate ability to sense life force. The stronger the knight, the greater their life energy, making it possible to estimate their rank. Mages, too, had spells that could detect a knight¡¯s power.
Orrin was a ghost, and he happened to know two silver-ranked spells capable of gauging an opponent¡¯s strength. He had secretly used both on Edric. Yet, he found nothing. This meant only two possibilities¡ªeither Edric was truly an ordinary human, or he was strong enough to completely resist silver-ranked detection spells.
Before, Orrin had been uncertain. But after hearing that question, he knew the truth.
Edric was far beyond him.
Understanding this, Orrin answered, "I heard it last appeared in the Northern Ocean, a few hundred miles off the Green Volcano."
Edric nodded, then said, with a serious tone, "Stay still, okay? I¡¯m going to try something."
Orrin subtly tightened his grip on a defensive spell crystal, ready to activate a protective formation at a moment¡¯s notice. Outwardly, however, he simply nodded.
Edric was no ordinary mage¡ªhe was a legend. He had mastered many silver-ranked spells, and thanks to his now-upgraded talent, he had even modified and improved several of them. His brainwashing spells, in particular, were far more effective than before.
But against Orrin, he wasn¡¯t sure if they would work.
Orrin was a ghost. His spiritual and magical defenses were incredibly strong. Edric had no trouble brainwashing silver-ranked knights, but silver-ranked mages were different¡ªespecially silver-ranked ghosts. Their resistance to such spells was naturally high.
Even with his legendary red mana, a silver-ranked spell was still just a silver-ranked spell. No matter how much he enhanced it, there was a limit to its power.
Mana was like fuel. No matter what kind of fuel one poured into an ordinary car¡ªbe it jet fuel, rocket fuel, or even nuclear fuel¡ªthe car would never exceed its mechanical limits. To go beyond, the vehicle itself had to be upgraded.
But Edric hadn¡¯t reached the golden talent yet. Creating golden-ranked spells wasn¡¯t something he could accomplish in a short time. So, for now, he had to make do with enhanced silver spells.
Despite being a legendary mage, Edric lacked a single non-demonic spell capable of controlling a silver-ranked ghost like Orrin. For a legendary rank, this was a rather shameful flaw. However, it was understandable¡ªafter all, he had ascended like a comet, leaving him with little time to study and master spells. Other legendary mages spent centuries refining their craft, ensuring they had no such weaknesses.
Of course, Edric did possess a skill¡ª"Mind Manipulation." It allowed him to control anyone below golden rank instantly and without mana cost, so long as they lacked golden or higher-tier mental defenses.
But he didn¡¯t want to use it.
Orrin was nothing more than an insect before him, and Edric was having too much fun playing with him.
Pouring his legendary mana into the spell formation, Edric swiftly cast "King¡¯s Decree." This spell, personally enhanced by him, made its target perceive the caster as their rightful king. It was the same spell he had used on the female ghost earlier.
"Quadruple-Boosted King¡¯s Decree!" Edric chanted, activating his Double Spell skill at the same time.
Double Spell skill was independent of the ordinary spell multiplier, and its effect was nothing short of extraordinary. There was a reason it was classified as a legendary skill.
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A double-cast, quadruple-boosted spell meant that Edric¡¯s silver-ranked "King¡¯s Decree" had been pushed to an unfathomable level. Though it hadn¡¯t crossed the golden threshold, it had reached the absolute pinnacle of silver-ranked spells.
For most silver mages, casting a double-boosted spell¡ªlet alone a quadruple Spell¡ªwould take several seconds of careful preparation. But Edric, with his legendary red mana, unleashed it in just a hundredth of a second.
For a legendary mage, silver-ranked spells were simply too easy.
Before Orrin could react, "King¡¯s Decree" struck him.
"Sh*t!"
A fraction of a second later, Orrin felt an overwhelming sense of danger. He immediately cast "Dispel Magic," but it had no effect. Edric¡¯s spell had already latched onto his soul, attempting to worm its way into his mind.
But Orrin resisted.
A ghost¡¯s soul and mind were far harder to manipulate than those of a silver-ranked knight. Edric¡¯s spell was at its absolute peak¡ªa silver spell pushed to its limits¡ªbut it still failed to breach Orrin¡¯s defenses.
The spell failed.
All of this transpired in less than a tenth of a second.
Realizing that Edric was now a confirmed threat, Orrin no longer held back. He immediately activated the formation¡¯s power, attempting to suppress Edric and buy himself time to escape.
Even though he had resisted Edric¡¯s spell, Orrin had no intention of fighting. Resisting that kind of mental manipulation had already been difficult. Considering that his strongest trait was his mental and spiritual defenses, the idea of actually defeating Edric was nothing more than a delusion.
To Orrin, Edric was a monster in human skin.
Casting such a powerful silver-ranked spell in an instant¡ªwithout preparation¡ªimplied that he was at least a golden-ranked mage who, for some reason, was still using silver magic.
A silver mage could never defeat a golden mage.
Edric simply stood there, deep in thought.
"As expected¡ No matter how much I boost silver spells, they still have limits. I must upgrade my spells to the golden rank or find a new golden-rank magic spellbook."
As things stood now, even though he was a legendary mage, his actual mage-related combat power was far weaker than it should be.
This was the weakness of mages.
When knights advance to the legendary rank, they gain overwhelming physical strength and raw power, allowing them to fight at full capacity without relying on advanced techniques. But mages? A legendary mage cannot wield legendary-level combat power without corresponding legendary-ranked spells.
Orrin was getting farther and farther away.
Edric watched him go and smirked.
"What an interesting ghost. He''s nothing like that female ghost from before¡ much more civilized."
But he couldn¡¯t let him leave.
For now, he didn''t want anyone who had interacted with him to walk away.
Still, killing him wasn¡¯t necessary.
Edric had been trying to suppress his darker urges lately. Killing a peaceful, intelligent being¡ªghost or not¡ªwhen other options were available felt¡ exhilarating. That is exactly why he chose not to do it.
So, instead, he activated his golden-ranked skill.
"Mind Manipulation."
Orrin, who had been fleeing at full speed, suddenly stopped.
"Answer my questions," Edric commanded.
"Yes," Orrin responded emotionlessly.
"Where did the Fountain of Greed last appear, and where will it appear next?"
"It last appeared two hundred miles north of the Green Volcano, in the middle of the Northern Ocean. As for where it will appear next, I don¡¯t know," Orrin replied.
He pressed further.
"How are ghosts created? How does one become one?"
He already had a strong suspicion, but he wanted confirmation.
"The only way to become a ghost is to be contaminated by the Fountain of Greed," Orrin stated flatly. "Every few decades, when the Flicker Empire arrives, they scatter small amounts of the Fountain¡¯s water in various locations across Greenmoon Island. Their reasons are unknown, but that is why we exist."
"Interesting." Edric thought.
"Now," he commanded, "tell me the locations of all the ghosts you know. Also, give me any magic books you have, along with all the silver-ranked spells you know."
Without hesitation, Orrin began speaking¡ªholding nothing back.
...
"Why am I here?"
Orrin stood in his garden, confused. He couldn¡¯t remember why he was outside.
"Wait¡ why is the defensive formation activated? Something happened!"
Panic surged through him as he bolted toward his house, determined to find the cause.
But after a thorough check, he found nothing.
"A malfunction?"
Doubt lingered, but he decided to inspect the formation immediately.
Yet, there was no problem. Everything was functioning perfectly.
For hours, he searched for clues, trying to piece together what had happened. But no matter how much he thought, he found absolutely nothing.
A cold realization crept over him.
"I need to leave."
The most logical explanation was that a golden-ranked mage had come, done something to him, and then erased his memories.
"But why would a golden-ranked mage be interested in me?"
A shiver ran through his spectral form.
Not wasting another second, Orrin gathered his things and left immediately.
He had no idea what had been done to him, but there was no way he was going to stay here and wait for that mage to return.
His next course of action was clear¡ªhe would seek out one of the golden-ranked ghosts he knew and ask her to inspect his soul for any abnormalities.
Despite his reclusive nature, Orrin was well-connected and familiar with many golden-ranked ghosts.
...
Meanwhile, Edric floated in the sky, glancing at the long list scribbled onto a piece of parchment.
A list of every silver and golden-ranked ghost¡¯s location¡ªall obtained from Orrin.
"I really didn¡¯t expect such an isolated ghost, hidden deep in the jungle, to know so many golden-ranked ghosts."
"It seems ghosts are more social than I thought."
And with that, he vanished into the clouds.
Chapter 81 The Sunbathing Ghost
Edric sought the origins of the Fountain of Greed, and the best way to uncover the truth was to interrogate high-ranking ghosts.
Among them, the highest rank besides the Queen of Greenblade herself were the golden-ranked ghosts.
However, taming and interrogating a golden-ranked ghost was no simple task. Edric lacked the magic, skills, or equipment necessary to brainwash them. That left only one option¡ªthe old-fashioned way. If necessary, he would resort to torture to extract the answers he needed.
His legendary-ranked spells were practically nonexistent, and his other spells were far too weak to manipulate a golden-ranked ghost¡¯s mind. But when it came to raw power, that was a different story.
Ghosts were immune to physical attacks, but his internal energy, which was legendary rank, could easily obliterate them. The real challenge wasn¡¯t killing them¡ªit was capturing them alive and forcing them to talk. And that was infinitely more difficult.
Looking down, Edric spotted his target.
A woman in a white dress lay sunbathing, basking in the sunshine.
Ghosts couldn¡¯t endure sunlight.
Unless their rank was high enough to form specialized physical bodies.
These bodies acted as shields, allowing them to move freely under the sun.
But what exactly were the sun and the moon?
Edric had no answer. He didn¡¯t understand why the Demon King of Greed¡¯s corruption had only tainted the moon, nor why ghosts were unable to walk beneath the sunlight. These mysteries were beyond his current knowledge and rank.
What he did know, however, was that the ghost before him was using her physical form to protect her true self from being burned away by the sun.
That was his opportunity.
If he could tear her soul from that body, even for a moment, the sunlight would sear it. Maybe not enough to destroy her¡ªbut enough to weaken her, making her far easier to capture.
"I should use a demonic spell..." He shook his head. No. That path always left him more twisted, more violent. He was already tied too closely to the demons. He couldn¡¯t afford to let their influence seep any deeper.
"I¡¯ll do this the hard way."
...
The ghost resided inside a castle, surrounded by patrols of armored specters. They lined the walls, stationed like sentries, their numbers overwhelming. Every single one had a physical body shielding them from the sun¡¯s wrath.
Edric frowned. "So this type of physical form isn¡¯t as rare as I thought¡"
For days, he had encountered silver and great-ranked ghosts, but not one of them had possessed a body that could resist the sun. Yet here, in a single place, he saw hundreds.
"That golden-ranked ghost must have a technique to create these bodies," Edric mused.
"Fine. Take this!"
Edric drew his Mythal Lance. He poured his legendary-ranked internal energy into it¡ªred as blood, thrumming with deadly force¡ªand swung.
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The castle¡¯s defenses activated instantly. A golden-rank formation flared to life, a barrier shimmering in the air.
But against a Mythic weapon? It may as well have been paper.
The lance, designed for piercing rather than slashing, cleaved through the golden-rank formation with ease. The barrier shattered upon impact.
A clean cut.
The walls of the castle split in two, severed in a single strike.
Blunt force caused destruction. Clean cuts were precise, swift, and effortless. Edric¡¯s lance, honed with legendary energy, sliced through stone and steel as if they were butter. Everything directly in its path was obliterated¡ªyet everything outside of its arc remained untouched.
It all happened in an instant.
The formation, the walls, the very structure of the castle¡ªall cut in half. No resistance. No struggle.
For a few moments, no one even realized what had happened.
The cuts were too precise. The walls and buildings, though severed, did not immediately collapse.
Then, a scream broke the silence.
¡°Enemy attack!¡±
The golden-ranked ghost, the one who had been sunbathing, leaped to her feet and shouted. She had been the one maintaining the defensive formation, so she was the first to sense its destruction.
The guards hesitated for a split second, confused¡ªthen sprang into action.
And then¡ the walls began to fall.
One by one, the buildings¡ªeach cleanly severed¡ªstarted to collapse. In mere seconds, the entire castle crumbled into ruin.
For someone of Edric¡¯s level, destroying a castle was effortless. A legendary-ranked warrior wielding a Mythic weapon¡ such devastation was a trivial feat.
Beyond the golden rank, beings could no longer be considered human. For them, reducing entire cities to rubble was simple.
Edric found himself smiling, enjoying the sight of destruction a little too much.
His voice rang out across the ruins.
¡°Is there a ghost named Alexandria here?¡±
He had learned the name from Orrin.
The ghost he sought¡ªAlexandria, the sunbathing ghost¡ªhesitated for only a moment before stepping forward.
She was no fool. The man before her was a legendary knight, wielding a weapon that could tear through anything in its path. Even as a golden-ranked ghost with powerful magic, she didn¡¯t believe she could fight him.
Mages were versatile, yes. But versatility alone couldn¡¯t bridge the gap between ranks.
She might have a chance to flee¡ but was it worth the risk?
No. Not unless she had no other choice.
With a calm yet cautious expression, she emerged from the rubble. Her physical body, only silver-ranked, had withstood the collapse without serious damage.
¡°Your honor,¡± she said, her voice measured, ¡°may I ask what business you have with me?¡±
Edric grinned. ¡°Just a few simple questions.¡±
He raised his Mythic lance and pointed it at her.
¡°First question¡ªwhere is Queen Greenblade?¡±
At that, Alexandria¡¯s cautious expression shifted into one of pure astonishment.
¡°Your honor is looking for my master?¡± She hesitated for only a moment before quickly adding, ¡°Please, wait here for a few hours. I will summon her at once.¡±
Despite her composed response, her mind raced.
Queen Greenblade had once been a legendary knight when she was alive. But after becoming a ghost, she had transcended even that power. Now, she was both a legendary-ranked knight and a mage.
Among all legendary-rank beings, she was undoubtedly one of the strongest.
For this man to request an audience with her meant one of two things.
First, he was supremely confident in his strength. That wasn¡¯t impossible, especially considering he wielded a Mythic weapon¡ªperhaps he believed he could stand against Queen Greenblade herself.
Second, he was simply too arrogant to understand the danger he was walking into.
Either way, Alexandria didn¡¯t particularly care.
Though Alexandria was forced to recognize Queen Greenblade as her master, she held no true loyalty to her.
It didn¡¯t matter to her who won¡ªwhether it was the man before her or the queen herself. No matter the outcome, she would find a way to reap the benefits.
Summoning Queen Greenblade now, as the knight requested, was the safest choice. It allowed her to escape this situation without risking her life.
Seeing how compliant Alexandria was, Edric was momentarily taken aback.
He had expected resistance. He had even prepared to torture her if necessary. But she surrendered to his request so easily¡ it almost felt unnatural.
¡°Fine. Call her while I wait here,¡± Edric said, offering no further questions.
There was no point in interrogating Alexandria. No matter what she said, her knowledge would pale in comparison to that of Queen Greenblade herself.
So instead, he would wait and question the queen directly.
He wasn¡¯t afraid. If it came down to it, he was prepared to use his self-consumption skill.
Of course, he would fight her at full strength first. But if he failed to defeat her quickly, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to use self-consumption.
Chapter 82 A Battle of Legends
Time continued to pass.
After a little over an hour, a woman descended from the sky, landing gracefully.
She was clad in a flowing green robe, her emerald eyes gleaming with intelligence. Her hair, skin, and even the blade strapped to her back¡ªall green. Pointed ears peeked from beneath her hair, adding to her otherworldly presence. She stood at around six feet tall, her humanoid frame complete with two arms, two legs, and five fingers on each hand. Yet, despite these human-like features, her unnatural skin tone and pointed ears made it impossible to mistake her for a human.
Most people in this land, and other human territories, had long forgotten about goblins. To them, she was an enigma. However, those well-versed in magic would recognize her resemblance to a hobgoblin.
She was Queen Greenblade.
Becoming a ghost had granted her a far longer lifespan¡ªand, more importantly, a glimmer of hope for reaching a rank beyond Legendary. But to achieve that, she had chosen to abandon her human form, reshaping herself into the physique of a hobgoblin.
Humans, after all, were ill-suited to serving the Demon King of Greed. Their bodies lacked the natural affinity to fully harness the power of greed. But goblins and hobgoblins? They were born for it.
Queen Greenblade had no intention of remaining trapped at the legendary rank forever. She craved the mythic rank. That desire outweighed all else, even her own humanity.
She turned her gaze toward Edric, who stood at a distance.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice calm yet commanding.
Edric, taken aback by her appearance, couldn¡¯t help but think, "She really has an obsession with the color green."
Shaking off the thought, he spoke directly, "I have a few questions. First, how do I find the Fountain of Greed? Second, why does the Flicker Empire need it?"
Queen Greenblade''s expression remained unreadable. "And why should I answer you?" she asked. "What will you offer me in return?"
Edric smirked. "Because if you refuse, I¡¯ll simply capture you and force you to answer." His tone was cold, as if stating a simple fact.
"You talk big," she mused, still unfazed. "Is your confidence because of that mythic lance? It¡¯s a powerful weapon, no doubt. But do you truly believe it¡¯s enough?"
"Enough talking." Edric gripped his lance tightly and charged forward.
Queen Greenblade drew her sword in response. The green blade in her hand was a top-tier legendary weapon¡ªany wound it inflicted would fester and rot, poisoning its victim.
As Edric closed in with terrifying speed, her sharp mind instantly calculated the point of impact. At the last moment, she twisted her body, dodging just in time.
Though mages did not gain physical strength upon breaking through, their minds sharpened considerably. This mental acuity proved invaluable to knights, as battles required precise reflexes and split-second decisions. A knight who was also a mage had an overwhelming advantage in close combat.
Yet, despite her successful dodge, the sheer wind pressure from the lance''s strike tore into her shoulder. A shallow cut appeared, sending a jolt of alarm through her.
Her eyes narrowed. "That lance¡ it¡¯s top-tier Mythic rank! Even the air from its swing can cut me?"
She clenched her jaw, a cold sweat forming. "If that thing lands a direct hit, I¡¯ll be sliced apart."
Edric was both a legendary knight and a mage, which granted him a quick mind and a powerful body. However, despite that, he lacked real battle experience. When Queen Greenblade dodged at the last moment, he couldn¡¯t react in time to adjust his trajectory.
"Mental Blow!"
Greenblade cast a spell, aiming to disrupt Edric¡¯s thoughts for a split second¡ªjust enough time to land a serious injury.
The spell struck him directly.
For an instant, a powerful force attempted to invade his mind, seeking to shatter his focus. But it failed. Completely.
Edric remained unaffected, his thoughts clear as ever.
He possessed the extreme-rank skill Mental Fortitude¡ªa skill far beyond the capabilities of legendary-tier spells like Mental Blow. For the foreseeable future, no mental or even soul-affecting magic could disturb him in the slightest.
"Mental resistance? No... he has an item that negates legendary mind-affecting spells!" Greenblade¡¯s eyes widened in shock.
Such an item could only be mythic-tier or higher.
"He has multiple mythic items? How is that possible? Since when did mythic artifacts become so common?"
Realizing the danger, she immediately jumped back, casting Shadow Jump to retreat faster.
Her entire strategy had hinged on disrupting his mind and injuring him in the opening exchange. Now that her plan had failed, she needed to reassess.
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But Edric had no intention of letting her escape.
He swung his lance, aiming to seriously wound her before she could get away.
With no other choice, she raised her weapon¡ªher kingdom¡¯s namesake, the top-tier legendary sword Greenblade.
Boom!
The ground shook violently. The impact of their clash sent a shockwave rippling across the battlefield.
The earth beneath them caved in, forming a massive crater nearly a mile in diameter. Trees collapsed, and debris scattered in every direction. The energy released was so intense that countless wandering ghosts lurking around were instantly obliterated.
The sheer devastation made it clear¡ªthis was the power of two legendary-ranked warriors colliding.
Far away, Alexandra watched from a safe distance. The moment the battle began, she had left, knowing that a fight between legends was not something a mere golden-rank could afford to witness up close.
Then¡ª
Something shot out from the battlefield like a cannonball, crashing into a distant mountain with earth-shattering force. The entire peak trembled from the impact, followed by another deafening explosion.
It was Queen Greenblade.
She had been blasted away.
Blood spilled from her lips as she struggled to her feet, eyes burning with fury. "Damn you!" she roared at Edric, her grip tightening around her sword.
She looked down at Greenblade¡ªher legendary weapon, the symbol of her rule.
It was nearly broken.
Her heart sank.
For centuries, she had wielded this sword with pride, believing it to be one of the strongest legendary-tier weapons in existence. Yet after just a single clash with Edric¡¯s mythic lance, it was on the verge of shattering.
Though she had lived for centuries, she had never truly faced a battle against someone wielding a Mythic-grade weapon. This was her first time.
And she had grossly underestimated the power of such a weapon.
What Queen Greenblade didn¡¯t realize was that her sword, Greenblade, had actually performed remarkably well. To withstand even a single strike from Edric¡¯s lance¡ªa weapon at the absolute peak of the mythic tier, just one step below ultra-tier¡ªwas an impressive feat.
Had Edric himself been a mythic-ranked knight, he would have cleaved through Greenblade effortlessly, as if slicing through tofu. The gap between legendary and mythic rank was simply too vast.
"I can only use magic now¡ but he has complete immunity to mental disruption, extremely high resistance to soul magic, and absurdly strong defenses overall! His mana¡ wait¡ he''s a legendary mage too?"
She cast a magic detection spell, and as soon as she saw the red glow of Edric¡¯s mana, her heart sank. Her expression remained calm and unreadable, but inside, her mind was in turmoil.
"Where did this man even come from?"
Despite her internal panic, she maintained her composure.
"You¡¯re quite strong," she admitted, masking her frustration. "Since you¡¯ve proven yourself, I¡¯ll answer one of your questions."
She spoke as if she had yet to unleash her full strength, trying to regain some control over the situation.
But Edric wasn¡¯t interested in words.
"Take this!"
With a single step, he closed the distance between them in an instant, his speed overwhelming.
"Damn!"
Queen Greenblade barely reacted in time, casting Shadow Jump once more to dodge at the very last second.
Edric clicked his tongue.
Now he truly understood why mages were valued far more than knights. They were versatile and capable of devastating attacks and unpredictable escapes.
"Quick Fireball!"
Queen Greenblade raised her hands, summoning a legendary-ranked fireball from the sky. It blazed toward Edric at terrifying speed, nearly striking before he could even think of dodging.
His expression darkened.
"Sh*t!"
There was no time to evade, nor did he have a spell powerful enough to dispel or weaken it. The fireball wouldn¡¯t kill him, nor would it leave a fatal wound, but it would burn him terribly.
As a knight, his internal energy could protect his vital organs, his eyes, and other sensitive areas¡ªbut large portions of his skin would be disfigured. And without learning a legendary-tier healing spell, there would be no way to fully recover.
There was only one option left.
"Absolute Magical Defense!"
A shimmering barrier materialized around Edric. His once-per-day skill activated just in time¡ªcompletely erasing the fireball as if it had never existed.
Queen Greenblade''s eyes widened in horror.
"What was that?! Another mythic item?!"
For the first time, true fear crept into her heart.
Edric didn¡¯t waste a second.
Using his moment of opportunity, he leaped and slashed with his mythic lance. This time, he was too fast.
Queen Greenblade had no time to cast Shadow Jump.
Desperate, she reached into her robes and crushed two of her most powerful defensive spell crystals.
A pair of crimson shields materialized before her¡ªMagic Shields, capable of defending against both physical and magical attacks.
But it wasn¡¯t enough.
Red internal energy surged around Edric¡¯s lance. With unstoppable force, his attack collided with the shields¡ªand sliced through them as if they were paper.
Next, the lance struck Greenblade¡ªthe legendary sword that had once been the pride of an entire kingdom.
Shatter!
The treasured blade cracked, then exploded into pieces.
Finally, Edric¡¯s attack reached its true target.
Slash!
"AAAAAAAHHHH!"
Queen Greenblade let out a bloodcurdling scream as the mythic lance tore through her chest¡ªsplitting her in two.
Her upper body was sent flying through the air, while her lower half crashed into the ground like a cannonball.
A top-grade mythic weapon striking a legendary knight¡¯s body was like a hot blade cutting through butter.
...
Even after being cut in half¡ªQueen Greenblade did not die.
"I have to escape!"
Despite her grievous injury, she remained conscious. The vitality of a legendary knight was beyond comprehension. Even a decapitated head could survive for months. For beings of their rank, losing a limb¡ªor even half their body¡ªwas not necessarily fatal.
She had already cast emergency spells to stop the bleeding. As long as she had time, she was confident she could regrow her lower body. Of course, the new body would be weaker, requiring decades of retraining to return to peak form.
But that wasn¡¯t her biggest concern.
The real danger lay within her soul body.
Edric¡¯s mythic lance had cut both her physical form and her soul. Fortunately, she had been cautious¡ªstoring her most important memories and emotions within the head of her soul body.
Even so, losing such a large portion of her soul was devastating.
Her ghost rank was bound to drop from legendary to golden. If left untreated, the damage could lead to even worse consequences¡ªmemory loss, insanity, or, worst of all, soul infection.
And soul infection was a fate worse than death.
Still, there was some relief.
Even if her ghost and knight ranks fell, she would at least retain her legendary mage rank. She would be far weaker than before, but she would still have enough power to survive.
"No time to hesitate!"
"Meld!"
Without a second thought, Queen Greenblade activated her ultimate ghost technique.
Her broken body¡ªphysical and spiritual¡ªvanished into thin air, dissolving into nature itself.
She was gone.
...
Edric scanned the battlefield, his gaze sweeping over every inch of the ruined land. But no matter where he looked¡ªQueen Greenblade was nowhere to be found.
A deep scowl formed on his face.
"Damn it!"
He clenched his fists in frustration.
"She really ran away!"
Chapter 83 A System Glitch?
Edric didn¡¯t want to let her escape.
His plan was simple¡ªwear her down, then capture her.
But she had an unknown ability that completely shielded her from his detection.
"Did she teleport away? No¡ teleportation spells take time to cast!" He shook his head in frustration.
Legendary-rank teleportation magic had an impressive range. Based on his estimates, it could cover at least fifty miles, possibly more depending on the circumstances.
Teleportation spell formations were complex, and their range was dependent on many factors.
Fixed teleportation formations powered by mana crystals were generally faster and could cover longer distances; the exact range varied based on several conditions: the weight of the object, its energy levels, its rank, and even the toughness of the surrounding space, which fluctuated between different regions and times.
Second, a teleportation spell could not transport anything of a higher rank than itself. A Golden-rank teleportation spell, for example, could never teleport a Legendary-rank being.
Third, casting teleportation magic in the middle of battle was nearly impossible for most magicians. Teleportation required absolute precision¡ªone miscalculation, and disaster was inevitable. Even the slightest deviation could be fatal. The process demanded unwavering focus and could take several minutes to complete.
Of course, there were exceptions. A mage with absurd talent, an exceptionally high affinity for space magic, or centuries of training might be able to cast instant teleportation even in combat. But such individuals were exceedingly rare. They wouldn¡¯t be found in remote places like Silverflower or Greenmoon Islands. Perhaps the prestigious magic academies of the Flicker Empire nurtured such prodigies.
For these reasons, Edric doubted that Queen Greenblade had used teleportation. Legendary-rank teleportation spells formations were rare, and there was no guarantee she even had one. The chances of her casting such a spell in the heat of battle were slim.
"Did she use a spell crystal instead?" he wondered.
It was possible. Teleportation spells of Legendary rank could be stored in spell crystals, but only those infused with space-element energy. Such crystals were incredibly expensive and difficult to obtain but had the advantage of instant casting.
"She likely has ties to the Flicker Empire. If so, acquiring a Legendary-rank teleportation crystal wouldn''t be impossible. The empire certainly possesses them. They may have even given her one."
Then another possibility struck him.
"Or¡ could it be a ghost¡¯s special ability? I know too little about Legendary ghosts."
If she had used a teleportation crystal, she might already be reporting back to the Flicker Empire.
"Damn it, I was careless!"
Edric clenched his fists, frustration boiling within him. He had grown too arrogant. Even with the power of a Mythic being, he was still nothing before a colossus like the Flicker Empire. He had overestimated himself.
"To think that someone as cautious as me could become this reckless¡"
He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to refocus. He had no time to dwell on regrets. Now, he has no choice but to leave this island immediately.
Eliminating the source of the Demon King of Greed came with a "Super Chest" reward. That alone was proof that the task was far beyond his current capabilities. If it were something a mere Legendary rank could accomplish, the reward wouldn''t be so generous. The quest had a time limit of one hundred years¡ªthere was no need to rush.
Once he reached the Mythic or Ultra rank, he could return and deal with it properly.
Trying to force his way through now may lead to death. And that was a risk he wasn¡¯t willing to take.
...
"System!" Edric called, summoning his status window.
[Edric Windwalker]
? Age: 17 years, 2 months, 20 days
[Task 1: Within 5 Minutes]
[Task 2 ¨C Part 1: Book of Weirdness] (Completed)
[Task 2 ¨C Part 2: Gate to the Abyss]
? Objective: Within five years, read the Book of Weirdness, master the Abyssal Gate spell, and open a portal to the Abyss.
? Rewards:
- Ultra Skill
- 25,000,000 XP
? Time Left: 154 / 1,825 days
? Failure Penalty: None
[Task 3: Demon King of Greed]
? Objective: Eliminate all traces of the Demon King of Greed¡¯s influence on Greenmoon Island.
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? Reward:
- Super Grade Chest
? Time: 15 / 36,500 days
? Failure Penalty: None
[Techniques]
- Mythic Knight Training: 21 / 9,000,000
- Mythic Mage Training: 5 / 9,000,000
[Talents]
- Knight Talent (Legendary): 0 / 2,400,000
- Mage Talent (Silver): 0 / 800,000
[Skills]
- Mental Fortitude (Purple)
- Spawn (Cyan) ¨C 5,000 eggs laid ¨C Hatch time: 37 days
- Self-Consumption (Cyan)
- Mental Defense (Red)
- Double Spell (Red)
- Mana Detection (Red)
- Bloodline Detection (Red)
- Shapeshifting (Red)
- Bloodline Authority (Red)
- Energy Absorption (Red)
- Absolute Magical Defense (Red)
- Passive Defense (Red)
- Swimming (Golden)
- Beast Control (Golden)
- Break Item (Golden)
- Mind Manipulation (Golden)
- Magnetic Pull (Golden)
- Spell Mastery (Golden)
- See-Through (Golden)
- Food Generation (Golden)
- Beast¡¯s Senses (Golden)
- Poison Resistance (Golden)
- Crystal Skin (Silver)
- Telekinesis (Silver)
- Steel Hair Manipulation (Silver)
- Extreme Yang (Silver)
- Blindness (Silver)
- Fog Manipulation (Silver)
- Illusion (Silver)
[Cheat Ability]
- Low-Level XP Generator ¨C Produces 1,000 XP per day.
? Available XP: 696,914
Standing on the deck of his ship, Edric gazed at the sea, watching the sunrise in silence. He had nothing to do for the next few minutes, so he simply waited for the system to refresh and reveal the next task.
Ding!
[New Task Available!]
[Ancestor of a Nation]
? Objective: Have 10 million living direct descendants simultaneously.
? Time Limit: 10 years
? Rewards:
- 1 Ultra Chest
- 5,000,000 XP
- 1 Random Ultra Spell Crystal
Reading the task description, Edric secretly nodded.
"As expected, another ancestor-related task," he mused.
A small smile tugged at his lips. These kinds of missions used to be difficult, but not anymore.
Ten million was a large number, sure, but now that he had Mythic-level strength and was a Legendary mage, accomplishing it wouldn¡¯t be too difficult. If he and his clones worked hard for a while, this goal would be well within reach.
Just as he was about to close the system, another notification popped up.
Ding!
Congratulations! The fourth task is now available!
[An Ally of Darkness]
? Objective: Ensure that 10 million of your direct descendants have the talent to use Dark element magic.
? Time Limit: 10 years
? Reward: 1 Ultra Chest
Ding!
Congratulations! The fifth task is now available!
[Demonic Bloodline]
? Objective: Ensure that 10 million of your direct descendants inherit the lineage of the Demon King of Weirdness.
? Time Limit: 10 years
? Reward: 1 Ultra Chest
Ding!
Congratulations! The skill [Demonic Ancestor (Green)] has been granted to you!
Ding!
Congratulations! The skill [Abyss Emissary (Green)] has been granted to you!
Ding!
Congratulations! The skill [Blessed by the Abyss (Purple)] has been granted to you!
Ding!
Congratulations! The skill [Divination Resistance (Black)] has been granted to you!
Ding!
Congratulations! The skill [Bloodline Shield (Black)] has been granted to you!
[New Skills Acquired]
[Demonic Ancestor (Green)] ¨C As a bearer of a Demon King''s bloodline, you possess the ability to bless lower beings, granting them a demonic bloodline tied to your lineage.
[Abyss Emissary (Green)] ¨C A Demon King of the Abyss has chosen you as its emissary.
- All demons of Ultra rank and lower fear, respect, and obey you.
- As the Emissary of the Abyss, you hold the authority to grant Dark talents to anyone worthy.
- You can enter the Abyss freely and access the Demon King of Weirdness¡¯s floor without restriction.
[Blessed by the Abyss (Purple) ¨C Suppressed] ¨C The Abyss has acknowledged you. You may channel a portion of Abyssal power for your own purposes.
- Status: Suppressed. Your current environment prevents you from using this power.
[Divination Resistance (Black)] ¨C No divination technique below Absolute Rank works on you.
- Increases resistance against Absolute Rank divinations.
[Bloodline Shield (Black)] ¨C Your bloodline is immune to all spells, curses, and harmful influences below Absolute Rank.
- Increases resistance against Absolute Rank divinations.
Edric stared at the long string of notifications, utterly dumbfounded.
"What? Did I trigger something unconsciously? So many skills? Absolute Rank?"
Edric couldn''t believe his eyes.
"This has to be a system glitch, right? There¡¯s no way it would give me so many skills all at once at no cost!"
He waited a few seconds, expecting the system to correct itself. But the skills remained.
"It¡¯s¡ not an error?"
The initial shock slowly faded, replaced by excitement.
"So many Super, Extreme, and even Absolute Rank skills!" His heart pounded in exhilaration. "Hahaha! I¡¯m invincible now!"
He threw his head back, laughing loudly as his ship cut through the vast ocean.
Days ago, he had left Greenmoon Island to avoid any possible pursuit from the Flicker Empire. While waiting for his next task, he hadn''t expected it to be such a grand event.
"But why do these tasks feel so¡ Abyssal?"
It was almost as if the Demon King of Weirdness was manipulating him, using him to spread its influence across the world.
"Wait¡ could it be? Is the Demon King of Weirdness orchestrating all of this? Am I just a tool?"
The thought sent a chill down his spine, draining all excitement from his face. His triumphant smile vanished.
But then¡ªjust like magic¡ªthe thought disappeared.
"Who cares? What¡¯s important is that I have Absolute Rank skills!"
With that freezing, unsettling thought shoved aside, his excitement returned.
He gazed toward the horizon, his mind brimming with visions of the future¡ªa future where he would be invincible and immortal.
Chapter 84 A Sudden Restlessness
The island was called Bluesand, named after its striking blue-colored beaches. Unlike Silverflower and Greenmoon Islands, it was untouched by demons and free from strange phenomena like eternal frost or green moon.
It was a small island, barely worth mentioning on the grand stage of the world. Only a single Legendary-level powerhouse resided here, and its resources were scarce¡ªhardly suitable for mages or knights seeking cultivation. That said, its breathtaking weather attracted even high-ranking Golden Knights, who often brought their families here for a peaceful holiday.
Edric had only one reason for choosing this island¡ªit was the closest escape from Greenmoon Island.
He needed to get away. Fast.
Bluesand Island was the best option.
"With so many Extreme and Absolute-rank spells, do I really need to be afraid of the Flicker Empire?" he wondered. The answer came immediately.
"Yes!"
Despite his impressive skills, they provided little direct combat power. His newly acquired ability to wield Abyssal Power was also mysteriously suppressed.
"This island is quiet. The population is low, the weather is perfect, and there are few strong individuals here. I can lay the eggs and complete the ''Ancestor of a Nation'' mission without interference."
Ten million descendants. The number was staggering. Even at a rate of 10,000 births a day, it would still take years.
"I can complete all three tasks at once¡ªgive birth to children with the demonic bloodline, pass down dark magic talent, and raise them. It¡¯s not difficult at all. And at the end of three years, I¡¯ll have three Ultra Chests!"
Excitement burned in his eyes.
"After getting three Ultra Chests, I can upgrade my magic talent to Legendary, complete the Gate of Abyss task, and earn another reward. Then, when I return to Greenmoon, I¡¯ll be in a much better position to crush the Demon King of Greed''s influence!"
The plan was simple¡ªbecause it had to be.
There were too many unknowns. A detailed plan would shatter the moment something unexpected happened. Edric preferred broad strategies that allowed him to adapt rather than rigid blueprints doomed to fail.
And so, without hesitation, Edric set foot on Bluesand Island, searching for the perfect place to begin his mission.
...
Her name was Gisela.
She had simple blonde hair, a face with unremarkable features, a thin figure, and wore plain, ordinary clothes.
From a distance, one might mistake her for a normal girl¡ªjust a 15 or 16-year-old with nothing special about her.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
She was anything but ordinary.
Gisela was one of the highest-ranking mages in the entire Flicker Empire. A Super Mage.
She looked no older than fifteen, yet her true age stretched back fifteen thousand years. To her, mortals were like bubbles¡ªappearing and vanishing in mere moments. Their fleeting lives held no weight in the grand scheme of things.
Her perspective on the world was incomprehensible to ordinary people.
Mortals viewed the world through countless lenses¡ªgood and evil, man and woman, oppressor and oppressed, brave and cowardly, kings and slaves.
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To her, such distinctions were laughable.
None of it mattered.
Good or evil. Man or woman. Ruler or servant. Courageous or cowardly. All were insignificant in the face of the greater truth.
The Abyss.
To her, the world was not a battle of nations, ideologies, or morality.
It was simply the Abyss versus everything else.
This was the only truth.
For fifteen thousand years, her entire existence had revolved around this one struggle.
The Abyss had always sought to corrupt and infiltrate this world, and for generations, the Flicker Empire¡ªalongside other great empires¡ªhad successfully held the invasion at bay.
But lately¡ Gisela was worried.
There were two Demon Kings of the Abyss who had always been the most persistent in their attempts to breach this world¡ª
The Demon King of Greed and the Demon King of Weirdness.
The Demon King of Greed was still in the Abyss, tirelessly hammering against the barriers of reality, seeking a way in¡ªand always failing.
The Wall still held.
But the Demon King of Weirdness¡
It had stopped.
No movements. No attempts at infiltration. It had simply fallen into a deep sleep.
By all logic, this should have been a cause for celebration. One less Demon King actively trying to break through meant an easier battle.
But Gisela¡ªa Super Mage¡ªfelt no joy.
Lately, she had been restless.
Something was wrong.
And she had no idea what it was.
Even though she had no evidence, Gisela felt it.
Something was going very, very wrong.
She had checked the World¡¯s Will, inspected the Wall, and ensured that everything was functioning as it should. But no matter how many times she verified, the unease would not go away.
No matter what method she used, she couldn¡¯t find the source of this dread.
"Could I be wrong? Could my senses be failing me?" she thought to herself.
But she knew better.
Gisela possessed Absolute-Rank mage talent. More than that, she had a second, invaluable gift¡ªSixth Sense.
It had saved her life more times than she could count.
This ability wasn¡¯t just some vague intuition¡ªit was a true premonition of disaster, a warning of impending danger, whether to herself or those she cared about.
When she was still a Mythic or Ultra-Rank Mage, her Sixth Sense merely told her when someone intended to harm her.
But now¡
Now, as a Super Mage and one of the Flicker Empire¡¯s most senior figures, this feeling meant something far worse.
Because at her level, there were very, very few beings in the world that could even threaten her.
Unless several of the world¡¯s great empires joined forces to attack the Flicker Empire, there was nothing else that should be able to make her feel like this.
That was why, for the last ten thousand years, her Sixth Sense had remained dormant.
Because there was nothing left to fear.
But then, a few years ago¡ªthe feeling returned.
This time, it was far worse than anything she had ever experienced before.
She had thought about it for a long time, analyzed every possibility. And in the end, there was only one conclusion.
Someone, most likely the demon king of weirdness, must be very close to breaking through the Wall.
The Wall was the only thing keeping them at bay.
Even Absolute-Rank powerhouses like the Demon Kings couldn¡¯t exert much influence in this world as long as it remained intact.
But if they found a way around it¡
If they could bypass the suppression of the World¡¯s Will¡
If they managed to exert Absolute-Rank battle strength in this world¡
It would be a catastrophe beyond anything in history.
The Flicker Empire didn¡¯t have a single Absolute-Rank powerhouse.
It had relied on the Wall for protection.
But now, for the first time, Gisela was no longer certain it was as impenetrable as she had once believed.
She had searched for years.
For any sign, any clue.
And she had found nothing.
Nothing at all.
Except for one thing.
A single clue.
She opened a letter.
"The Knight Order requests the Mage Order to provide one Ultra-Rank Mage for the purpose of solidifying demon suppression formations around the southern islands in the Silver Ocean."
This was the clue she had been searching for.
Gisela investigated further and discovered that local forces had reported the appearance of a demonic creature in that region. However, by the time the Super Knights arrived, the creature had already vanished.
Demonic outbreaks were not uncommon.
Every year, some lesser demons managed to slip through the cracks, but as long as they weren¡¯t Ultra-Rank or above, they weren¡¯t a major threat. These incidents were usually handled by Ultra-Rank or Super-Rank Knights.
They didn¡¯t require the attention of a Super Mage.
Super Mages were far rarer than even Extreme-Rank Knights.
Yet this demonic outbreak was different.
Because when the Super Knights recovered remains from the site and examined them, the results were clear¡ª
The traces belonged to the Demon King of Weirdness.
The Demon King that had been dormant for decades.
And now, suddenly, it had left its mark in the southern islands of the Silver Ocean.
That was all Gisela needed to know.
She would not send an Ultra Mage.
She would go herself.
She had to see it with her own eyes.
She still hoped her Sixth Sense was wrong.
But if it wasn¡¯t¡
If her instincts were right¡
Then she would have to do everything in her power to stop what was coming¡ª
Before it was too late.
Because if she failed¡ª
The entire world would be in danger.
Chapter 85 The Regrets of a Legendary Knight
Fletcher Cooper¡ªthe sole Legendary Knight of Blue Sand Island.
It¡¯s said that he was once a knight of the Flicker Empire, a warrior of great renown. But for reasons few could comprehend, he resigned and traveled to this remote island, seeking peace.
Hardly anyone ever willingly left the grand Flicker Empire, let alone a knight of his caliber. Resigning wasn¡¯t a simple matter¡ªit came with heavy consequences.
First, one had to repay every coin the empire spent on their training, either through years of labor or a sum of money.
Second, a former knight would be forever banned from all imperial contracts, shops, auctions, and any establishment under the empire¡¯s rule.
Third, if they possessed sensitive knowledge, they were subjected to memory erasure¡ªa process riddled with risks, such as Insanity, permanent amnesia, etc.
And finally, the empire offered countless opportunities to those who served. It was a place where the strong climbed ever higher. But once one left, advancing any further became nearly impossible.
Fletcher had mythic rank talent. He wasn''t guaranteed to ascend to that tier¡ªperhaps a mere 5% chance¡ªbut it was a chance nonetheless.
Yet, he walked away.
Because unlike most high-ranking knights and mages, who devoted their entire existence to power, Fletcher¡¯s heart longed for something else.
He longed for love and to start a family.
He had spent centuries as an orphan raised by the empire, training endlessly in the knight¡¯s path. For hundreds of years, he honed his skills, yet he had never pursued his own dream.
But once he reached the Legendary rank, doubts crept in.
"Why am I working so hard?"
"What are my real chances of reaching Mythic rank?"
"What if I waste my entire life chasing something I¡¯ll never achieve?"
And so, he made his choice.
He would seek out love, build a family, and live for something beyond simply advancing in rank.
But in the Flicker Empire, being a true family man was nearly impossible. Duty always came first. His wife and children? He barely had time to see them.
So, he gave it all up.
He sold everything¡ªeverything except his sword and two emergency spell crystals for protection.
With that, he left the empire behind and purchased Blue Sand Island, determined to make it his home.
Before Fletcher arrived, Blue Sand Island had never been home to a Legendary Knight. It was too small, too barren¡ªunworthy of someone of his stature.
But Fletcher didn¡¯t care about resources or prestige. He simply wanted a place where his family could live for centuries in peace.
So, he chose this island.
He brought his wife and children here, and for decades, they lived in happiness.
Until his wife died.
She had no knightly or magical talent¡ªmost people didn¡¯t. But that never mattered to Fletcher. He saw her, he loved her, and she loved him. That was enough.
Or so he thought.
As the years passed, regret slowly crept into his heart.
He remained young, a warrior untouched by time, while she aged before his eyes. Despite the countless health-preserving spells he cast on her, she still grew old. In the end, she was a frail woman¡ªhealthy, yes, but her body had withered, her once-vibrant spirit dimmed.
When she finally passed, something inside Fletcher shattered.
He locked himself away in his room for two years.
He raged against the world. He cursed fate.
And worst of all, he questioned everything.
"What¡¯s the point of living, if everyone dies in the end?"
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For the first time, he regretted leaving the Flicker Empire.
With the empire¡¯s resources, he had a 5% chance¡ªjust a sliver of hope¡ªof breaking through to Mythic rank. If he had succeeded, his life would have stretched across millennia. He could have spent thousands of years searching for another purpose, another love, another dream.
But now, that chance was gone. Forever.
He would never be able to rejoin the Flicker Empire.
And what did he have to show for it?
Nothing.
His wife was gone. His children followed soon after.
After some more time, his grandchildren passed.
His great-great-great- ... -grandchildren still lived, but they saw him only as a source of wealth. Not as family.
They called him ¡°respected ancestor¡± and showered him with hollow words, but there was no real connection. No love.
Once, long ago, he had considered marrying a Golden Knight¡ªa woman he did not love¡ªsimply because her lifespan would be closer to his own.
But in the end, he couldn¡¯t do it.
There was no point in marrying someone he didn¡¯t love.
Love wasn¡¯t a choice of the mind¡ªit was a matter of the heart.
For knights of his level, there were only two ways to find true love.
One: if they were lucky enough to meet someone of equal strength and fall in love.
Two: if they found love early and advanced together, side by side.
That was it.
Both paths depended on a single factor¡ªluck.
And the reason was simple: talent.
Only a rare few were born with the talent to reach higher ranks. That meant the number of potential partners was painfully small.
Here, on Blue Sand Island, the chance of meeting someone like that was nonexistent.
Had he stayed in the Flicker Empire, his chances would have been much higher.
And that thought only deepened his regret.
Back then, he had been naive, blinded by love. He had refused to acknowledge the inevitable.
It should have been obvious.
As a Legendary Knight, he would remain young, untouched by time. But his wife¡ªhis love¡ªwould wither away, slowly, painfully, while he watched.
It had been completely foreseeable.
And yet, he had been too stupid to think about it.
Now, he wished he had never married her.
No¡ªhe regretted it.
No¡ªhe hated her.
Deep down, he knew it wasn¡¯t her fault. She had done nothing wrong.
But that didn¡¯t matter.
The hatred only grew.
The grief was gone. His love had disappeared, replaced by bitterness, resentment, and fury.
...
Fletcher, a knight with long gray hair and slightly wrinkled skin, woke up from his bed.
Legendary Knights didn¡¯t need sleep. Their bodies had long surpassed such mortal needs. But they could still enjoy it¡ªif they had the time.
Most knights were too busy training to waste hours on sleep.
Fletcher, however, had nothing else to do.
So, he slept like an ordinary man. Maybe even longer than one.
As he sat up, he called out, "Maids!"
Within moments, several maids entered the room. They bowed silently and waited for his command.
Fletcher nodded, and they moved into action.
They carefully undressed him, bathed his skin, combed his hair, and dressed him in fresh robes.
Centuries ago, he used to do all of this himself. But at some point, that habit changed. Now, he had maids to handle it.
Half an hour later, Fletcher emerged from his chamber, clad in luxurious silver robes.
He walked through the halls, his footsteps echoing against the cold stone. After a few minutes, he arrived at his destination.
A hundred men stood in neat rows, silent and serious.
The moment they spotted Fletcher, their backs straightened even further.
He climbed onto a raised platform and shouted, "Take position!"
Immediately, the people below sprang into motion, shifting into their designated spots.
From his robe, Fletcher pulled out a red ball. Holding it high, he threw it into the air and roared, "Go!"
Chaos erupted.
The moment the ball touched the ground, the men lunged at it like starving beasts.
Fists flew. Kicks landed. Teeth sank into flesh. Fingers clawed at eyes.
The only rules were simple:
¡ª No knives or metal weapons.
¡ª No stepping outside the white boundary lines.
Everything else was allowed.
It was brutal. Violent. Savage.
And Fletcher smiled.
These days, he was numb to most things. It was difficult to find entertainment.
But this game, the one he had created, still thrilled him.
He called it "Last Survivor."
And he loved watching it.
With a satisfied sigh, he sat down on the chair prepared for him, watching as the men below continued to tear each other apart for the red ball.
...
After an hour of relentless combat, the battlefield was littered with bodies.
Around fifty men lay on the ground¡ªeither groaning in pain or completely unconscious. The rest had fled past the white boundary line, some clutching broken bones, others bleeding heavily. Some had given up, and others had run simply out of fear.
Despite the brutality, no one was forced to participate.
They all entered the game willingly.
Because the reward was worth it.
Fletcher''s gaze fell upon the last man standing¡ªa warrior drenched in blood, his face battered beyond recognition. A few of his teeth were missing, his left eye was swollen shut, and deep wounds covered his body.
But in his trembling hands, he held the red ball.
Fletcher grinned.
"You are today''s winner, young man!" he declared, stepping down from the platform. "Your life after this will be beyond imagination!"
He patted the bloodied man''s shoulder.
The warrior only bowed in response. His mouth was too broken to speak, and his throat too damaged to utter a word.
Fletcher turned to his butler, who stood as always at his side.
"Reward him with the standard ten million silver," he commanded.
"Yes, my lord!" the butler nodded.
With that settled, Fletcher clapped his hands.
"Alright, bring in the female participants!"
Last Survivor was always played in two leagues¡ªone for men, one for women.
Fletcher preferred the male league. It was more violent, more unpredictable, more savage. But the female matches had their own appeal.
Just as a servant moved to gather the female participants, a knight suddenly sprinted into the arena.
He was out of breath, his face pale with urgency.
"My lord! An emergency!"
Fletcher¡¯s expression darkened.
"Let me see it."
Taking the letter, he quickly scanned its contents.
With each passing second, his gaze grew more serious.
By the time he reached the end, he snapped the letter shut.
His voice was sharp and commanding.
"Prepare everything immediately! We have an important guest!"
He paused, then added with rare intensity¡ª
"A Legendary Knight has arrived!"
Chapter 86 The Silent Takeover
Fletcher hurried back to meet his esteemed guest.
Bluesand Island was a renowned tourist destination, catering to the wealthiest visitors. Among them were knights¡ªsome even golden knights. However, it was extremely rare for a legendary knight to visit.
Legendary knights were few, and each one was a ruler in their own right. They rarely left their domains unless for significant events, such as an impending war between islands. Yet, once in a few decades, a legendary knight¡ªusually from the Flicker Empire¡ªwould come to Bluesand Island to spend some time.
Whenever such an individual arrived, Fletcher had to personally receive them. Any slight, even unintentional, could have dire consequences for everyone on the island. The power of a legendary knight was not to be underestimated. Moreover, those who visited were usually connected to the Flicker Empire, making it even more important to follow the proper protocols.
Everyone on Bluesand Island was well aware of the procedures for welcoming such guests, and Fletcher was no exception.
...
Arriving at the reception room, Fletcher quickly scanned the space. There, standing before him, was a tall man with dark hair, black eyes, and a muscular build. The stranger noticed Fletcher¡¯s entrance and smiled warmly.
"Fletcher, my friend!" he greeted.
Fletcher returned the smile. "Welcome, honored guest. Bluesand Island is always pleased to receive distinguished visitors."
The man chuckled, glancing around. "This island you''ve built is truly remarkable. The weather is perfect, and the buildings are breathtaking."
Fletcher nodded, choosing his words carefully. "I''m glad it meets your expectations. We¡¯ve done our best to make it a pleasant place."
Then, with a polite yet curious expression, Fletcher asked, "Forgive me, but have we met before? My memory has been slipping as of late." He played along with the man¡¯s familiarity, though in truth, he had no idea who this guest was.
The dark-haired man chuckled. "No, I don''t believe we''ve met personally¡ªat least, not until now."
Fletcher laughed, masking his unease. "Then I suppose we¡¯ll have plenty of time to get acquainted, my friend." Though he kept a friendly demeanor, he disliked the way the man had phrased it, as if their meeting had been inevitable.
Fletcher continued, "May I ask for your esteemed name?"
He was well-versed in the noble houses of the Flicker Empire, and knowing this man''s identity would determine how cautious he needed to be. If the stranger was from one of the great noble families, Fletcher would have to tread carefully, regardless of the man¡¯s attitude. If he belonged to a lesser house, he could afford to relax slightly. And if he was from one of the nearby islands, Fletcher could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
The man with black hair smirked and said, "Of course, my name is Fletcher Cooper, the owner of Bluesand Island!"
Fletcher froze, his mind struggling to process the bizarre statement. "What do you mean by that? Are you saying you want to buy the island from me?" His confusion deepened.
"No, I mean this."
The black-haired man raised his left hand and swung it toward Fletcher¡¯s neck.
There was no weapon¡ªno blade, no sharp edge¡ªjust an open palm. Yet, it moved with such terrifying speed that even a legendary knight like Fletcher couldn¡¯t react in time.
In his final moment, only one thought surfaced in his mind: "Mythic!"
Before he could even resist, his head separated from his body.
The other people in the reception room collapsed instantly, killed by a golden-ranked spell. The air filled with silence, thick with the scent of death.
The black-haired man¡ªnow standing alone¡ªstared at Fletcher¡¯s decapitated head. Despite being severed, it remained full of vitality. A legendary knight wouldn¡¯t die so easily, even after decapitation. Their powerful life force allowed them to survive for months. However, with his head detached, Fletcher had lost control over his body.
The once-proud knight''s face contorted in terror, his mouth opening and closing as if trying to speak. His eyes darted wildly, unable to comprehend his fate.
The man with black hair¡ªwho was, in truth, Edric, merely disguised¡ªsighed. "It wasn¡¯t personal. You were simply unlucky¡ªI needed your position to make my task easier."
With that, Edric dropped Fletcher¡¯s head to the ground and cast a spell.
Flames roared to life, engulfing the severed head in a golden blaze. But despite the heat, the fire barely scorched the flesh. After all, the head of a legendary knight wasn¡¯t so easily reduced to ash¡ªnot by mere golden-ranked magic.
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¡°Damn it,¡± Edric muttered, frustration flickering in his eyes. He cast another Burn spell. Then another. And another.
Each wave of fire licked at the severed head, charring it inch by inch. The process was agonizingly slow, a torment worse than death itself.
Fifteen minutes passed, and at last, the once-proud legendary knight''s head crumbled into nothing but ash.
For a moment, silence hung in the air.
Then, something shimmered above the remains¡ªan illusory wisp, translucent and shifting.
Fletcher¡¯s soul.
Edric observed as Fletcher¡¯s soul began to disappear slowly. It was whole, uninjured. The Mythic Lance could have severed even the soul itself, but Edric had deliberately avoided using it. After all, Fletcher was not his enemy¡ªthere was no need to erase his existence completely.
"Where do all these souls go?" he wondered.
Before becoming a legendary mage, he had barely been able to sense souls. But now, he could see them clearly¡ªwatching as they faded into nothingness.
"Is there reincarnation? Do they fall into the Abyss? Or perhaps there really is a Heaven?"
He pondered these thoughts for a moment, but finding no answers, he set them aside.
His gaze swept across the reception hall, now soaked in blood and death. Yet, he remained unconcerned.
With a simple wave of his hand, he cast a Silver-grade Cleaning Spell. Instantly, every trace of blood, every speck of gore, vanished. The room was restored to its pristine state.
As for the bodies, he retrieved a storage ring, an artifact capable of storing corpses, and swiftly placed them inside.
Then, he cast another spell.
Clone Spell¡ªActivate.
Twelve clones materialized before him. Eleven took on the forms of the slain servants, while the twelfth became an exact copy of his current black-haired disguise.
He dressed them in proper attire, adjusting every detail to perfection.
Then, once more, he activated his Disguise skill.
His flesh twisted, bones shifting as his muscles contorted unnaturally. In mere moments, his entire appearance changed¡ªhis hair turned white, wrinkles formed along his face, and his posture adjusted to match an older man.
In his place stood Fletcher¡ªor at least, someone who looked exactly like him.
Then, he laughed and said, "Master William, welcome to my humble abode! I hope you enjoy your stay here!"
His clone, the one with black hair and eyes, responded with a polite smile. "Thank you, Master Fletcher. I look forward to it."
Edric¡¯s main body¡ªstill in disguise as Fletcher¡ªnodded. "How long does your honor plan to stay?"
"No more than a month," the clone, now posing as ''Master William,'' replied.
"Good. Then, I¡¯ll take my leave." Edric said, excusing himself.
As he stepped out of the reception hall, he turned to the butler, who had been waiting outside as per Master Fletcher¡¯s instructions, following proper protocol.
"Ensure that Master William has everything he requires," he ordered.
The butler bowed respectfully. "Understood, Master Fletcher."
"Let''s go," Edric ordered.
Soon, they arrived at a storage room¡ªan unremarkable place that Fletcher had never paid much attention to.
Edric gestured toward the entrance. "Go in."
The butler hesitated, confused. "Master? What is this about?"
Edric¡¯s expression remained unreadable. "Just go in."
Though still uncertain, the butler obeyed. With cautious steps, he entered the dimly lit room.
Edric followed, shutting the door behind them.
"Freeze!"
Edric cast the spell, and the butler immediately stiffened, unable to move.
"Soul Search."
A sinister aura filled the room as Edric invoked a Golden-ranked Abyssal Spell from the Book of Weirdness. Though he was reluctant to use these spells, he had no qualms about doing so when necessary.
The invasive magic tore into the butler¡¯s soul, mercilessly extracting every fragment of memory. The poor man, a mere Silver-ranked, stood no chance against such overwhelming power. His soul was crushed, squeezed dry like a fruit, offering up every drop of "memory juice" that Edric desired.
The butler was in unimaginable agony, yet he couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t scream¡ªcouldn¡¯t even twitch a finger.
Minutes passed, and Edric absorbed everything. He now understood nearly two centuries of Fletcher¡¯s life, as well as glimpses of his past before then.
With this knowledge, he could seamlessly assume Fletcher¡¯s identity. No one would notice.
Not that he particularly cared if they did.
As for the butler¡ his soul was shattered into thousands of fragments. His body remained frozen by the spell, but even if Edric lifted it now, the man would do nothing but scream and collapse into madness.
Even a slight fracture in the soul could turn a person insane. But with his soul in its current state? The butler would have thousands of personalities, his mind lost beyond saving.
There were methods to repair a broken soul. But first, Edric wasn¡¯t capable of healing something this severely damaged¡ªit would likely require a Mythic-rank soul technique.
And second?
He didn¡¯t care enough to try.
With a swift motion, he decapitated the butler.
The shattered remnants of the man¡¯s soul twisted in agony, writhing as they dissipated. It no longer even looked human¡ªwarped, grotesque, barely recognizable as a human spirit.
Edric watched in morbid fascination.
"That soul¡ it looked more like a beast than a person. Could it be that beasts are actually humans with destroyed souls?"
The thought unsettled him. Seeing the butler¡¯s deformed spirit was painful¡ªdisturbing, even.
But he shook off the unease.
Raising a hand, he cast another spell. The butler¡¯s corpse ignited in flames, reducing to ashes in seconds.
Then, he summoned a clone to take the butler¡¯s place.
A perfect replica stood before him.
"Master," the new butler greeted with a respectful bow.
Edric smirked. "This new Golden-ranked cloning spell is far more advanced than before."
It had been months since he first arrived on Bluesand Island. He had remained hidden, waiting for his XP points to surpass 800,000 before making his move.
Once he reached that milestone, he upgraded his Mage Talent to Golden and improved his cloning spell to the same level.
Only then did he step out and replace Fletcher.
Now, he had two types of clones:
- Low-Intelligence Clones ¨C These could last one month and function at an acceptable level of intelligence. He could maintain up to 100 at once.
- Normal Clones ¨C These lasted a full year and had a Normal level of intelligence. He could create 10 of these at a time.
His clones of Fletcher and the butler were both Normal clones, lasting one year each.
The servant clones were low-intelligence Clones, but it was sufficient for their roles.
As for power? It depended on how much mana he invested into them.
- Fletcher¡¯s clone had Golden-rank power.
- The butler had Great-rank strength¡ªjust enough to be convincing.
Once mana was used to create a clone, it couldn¡¯t be recovered until the clone died. That was why Edric was careful not to make them too powerful¡ªdraining himself unnecessarily wasn¡¯t worth it.
Still, as he looked at his perfectly replicated butler, he couldn''t help but feel satisfied.
"Everything is set. Time to go back."
Edric smiled and turned to leave.
Chapter 87 A Nation of Demons
[Edric Windwalker]
Age: 17 years, 8 months, 5 days
[Task 1: Ancestor of a Nation]
- Objective: Ensure that 10 million of your direct descendants are alive simultaneously.
- Rewards:
- 1 Ultra Chest
- 5,000,000 XP
- 1 Random Ultra Spell Crystal
- Progress: 20,000 / 10,000,000
- Time Limit: 165 / 3,650 days
- Failure Penalty: None
[Task 2 ¨C Part 1: Book of Weirdness] (Completed)
[Task 2 ¨C Part 2: Gate to the Abyss]
- Objective: Within five years, read the Book of Weirdness, master the Abyssal Gate spell, and open a portal to the Abyss.
- Rewards:
- 1 Ultra Skill
- 25,000,000 XP
- Time Remaining: 319 / 1,825 days
- Failure Penalty: None
[Task 3: Demon King of Greed]
- Objective: Eradicate all traces of the Demon King of Greed¡¯s influence from Greenmoon Island.
- Reward:
- Time Limit: 180 / 3,650 days
- Failure Penalty: None
[Task 4: An Ally of Darkness]
- Objective: Ensure that 10 million of your direct descendants possess the talent for Dark-element magic.
- Reward:
- Time Limit: 180 / 3,650 days
- Failure Penalty: None
[Task 5: Demonic Bloodline]
- Objective: Ensure that 10 million of your direct descendants inherit the lineage of the Demon King of Weirdness.
- Reward:
- Time Limit: 180 / 3,650 days
- Failure Penalty: None
[Techniques]
- Mythic Knight Training: 94 / 9,000,000
- Mythic Mage Training: 89 / 9,000,000
[Talents]
- Knight Talent (Legendary): 0 / 2,400,000
- Mage Talent (Golden): 0 / 1,200,000
[Skills]
(Black-Tier Skills)
- Divination Resistance
- Bloodline Shield
(Purple-Tier Skills)
- Mental Fortitude
- Blessed by the Abyss ¨C Suppressed
(Green-Tier Skills)
- Demonic Ancestor
- Abyss Emissary
(Cyan-Tier Skills)
- Spawn ¨C 5,000 eggs laid (Hatch time: 37 days)
- Self-Consumption
(Red-Tier Skills)
- Mental Defense
- Double Spell
- Mana Detection
- Bloodline Detection
- Shapeshifting
- Bloodline Authority
- Energy Absorption
- Absolute Magical Defense
- Passive Defense
(Golden-Tier Skills)
- Swimming
- Beast Control
- Break Item
- Mind Manipulation
- Magnetic Pull
- Spell Mastery
- See-Through
- Food Generation
- Beast¡¯s Senses
- Poison Resistance
(Silver-Tier Skills)
- Telekinesis
- Steel Hair Manipulation
- Extreme Yang
- Blindness
- Fog Manipulation
- Illusion
[Cheat Ability]
- Low-Level XP Generator ¨C Produces 1,000 XP per day.
- Available XP: 61,914
"My stat window has gotten huge!" Edric thought as he enjoyed the delicacies the servants brought him.
Despite being both a Legendary Mage and a Legendary Knight, meaning he didn¡¯t actually need to eat, he still indulged in food. He was still a young man, after all. Even though his mind had long surpassed that of ordinary people, he still enjoyed the simple pleasures¡ªdelicious meals, a clean environment, and a comfortable life.
It could be said that while his power and lifespan had long stepped beyond the realm of mortals, his mentality remained somewhat normal.
Except in one area.
His love for chaos.
His desire for destruction.
His thirst for blood.
Lately, he had felt a growing, unshakable urge to kill innocent people for fun, to burn, to destroy, to wreak havoc without reason.
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"I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening to me," he murmured, his fingers tightening around the goblet of wine in his hand. "But I know for certain it has something to do with the Book of Weirdness."
From the moment he was reincarnated into this world, he had noticed a shift in his temperament. A certain ruthlessness had settled inside him, making him enjoy killing, even when there was no reason to. But after obtaining the Book of Weirdness, it had grown far, far worse.
With a deep breath, he reached into his spatial ring and pulled out the book. Its eerie cover seemed to pulse under the dim candlelight, as if it was breathing.
"Should I throw it away?"
For a fleeting moment, the thought crossed his mind.
Then¡ªit vanished.
Before he realized it, his hands were already placing the book back into his spatial ring. His face remained expressionless, but his heart was calm.
With thoughts of the Book of Weirdness fading from his mind, Edric''s attention shifted to something else.
Self-Consumption.
The skill had proven ridiculously powerful. He had tested it on Fletcher, and the result was clear¡ªinstant death.
"With that power, no Legendary stands a chance against me."
To activate Self-Consumption, he had sacrificed Crystal Skin (Silver)¡ªa skill he had long deemed useless. It was even weaker than some Silver-tier spells, so there was no hesitation in consuming it.
This had been his first time wielding Mythic-level power, and he had done it against Fletcher as a test. He had to be prepared. If he only activated it for the first time against a true Mythic-tier opponent, his inexperience could mean death.
"But I shouldn''t rely on consuming my skills for temporary power-ups," he reminded himself. "If I get used to it, I''ll eventually lose all of them."
He leaned back, a small smirk forming on his lips.
"Now that I have taken on the identity of the King of Bluesand Island, I can act more freely."
His Divination Resistance (Black) and Bloodline Shield (Black) would protect him from any attempts to track or predict his movements. For now, he was safe.
"I have all the time in the world," he mused. "There¡¯s no need to rush. My clones will continue giving birth, and as the king, I can easily disperse the newborns throughout the island¡¯s population. Meanwhile, I¡¯ll keep training in the Abyssal Gate spell to complete the task."
He had a plan on how to complete the [Ancestor of a Nation] task most efficiently.
A simple plan.
A logical plan.
One that the old Edric would have never even considered.
But now?
Now, his desire for evil was unshackled. He had fought it at first¡ªtried to resist the corruption clawing at his soul.
But he lost.
He had given up.
His plan was simple.
He replaces the babies.
Whenever someone on Bluesand Island gives birth, Edric¡¯s clones act immediately.
The real baby? Discarded.
In its place, one of his own descendants is swapped in.
To ensure no one ever notices, he casts subtle mind-control spells on the parents, erasing any doubts before they can even take root.
This way, the entire population of Bluesand Island unknowingly becomes caretakers of his growing bloodline.
The progress of his [Ancestor of a Nation] task skyrockets. Instead of raising every child himself, he now has millions of parents unknowingly working toward his goal.
"I feel like one of those birds from my past life¡ªthe ones that lay their eggs in other birds'' nests!" Edric chuckles, amused by the irony.
The thought of throwing away countless innocent children fills him with delight.
Then, for the briefest moment, something stirs within him.
"Wait, this is¡ wrong."
A whisper of morality, an echo of the person he once was, flickers in his mind.
But just as quickly as it surfaces¡ªit vanishes.
A slow, wicked grin creeps back onto his face.
"Who cares?"
"This is just natural selection."
"Nothing wrong with that."
Any trace of compassion is crushed, buried, suppressed beyond reach.
...
With complete control over the island, Edric wasted no time.
He established hundreds of birthing centers, where he cast mass cloning spells, ensuring thousands of his descendants were born every single day.
If only he had a spell to create artificial wombs, he wouldn¡¯t even need to use his clones for this purpose. But for now, they were necessary.
Dissent was not tolerated.
Any knight who dared question him was brainwashed using Golden-rank spells.
If they resisted? He killed them.
To ensure nothing distracted him from mastering the Abyssal Gate spell, he created a Major Clone, imbued with peak Golden-rank Mage and Knight power, and assigned it to handle everything related to the Ancestor of a Nation task.
However, despite his precautions, suspicion spread across the island.
Fletcher''s behavior had changed too drastically. Some suspected something was wrong¡ªas if he had become a different person altogether.
But there was no Legendary-rank individual left to investigate the matter. And whenever someone doubted the situation too much, they simply¡ vanished.
Edric took no chances.
He created dozens of clones, and with the help of his brainwashed knights, systematically eliminated low-ranking guards and servants who showed even the slightest suspicion.
As for the higher-ranking officials? They were brought before him personally.
If possible, he brainwashed them. If not? They died.
Killing the weak wouldn¡¯t cause major disruption, but too many high-ranking deaths could create problems. So, Edric avoided it whenever possible.
Of course, his ultimate goal was to replace everyone with his clones, but his spell limitations meant he could only create a finite number of intelligent duplicates.
Creating mindless drones as subordinates? Unacceptable.
Thus, he still needed to brainwash real people to keep his operations running smoothly.
The issue of personnel shortage was quickly disappearing.
Already, three batches of his cyan eggs had hatched.
He now had 15,000 direct descendants and was personally educating them to replace the island¡¯s original personnel.
These new generations weren¡¯t ordinary.
They carried the demonic bloodline of the Demon King of Weirdness.
They inherited dark magic talent from birth.
With their innate Mythic potential, their growth was monstrous¡ªfaster than anything the world had ever seen.
...
In less than a year, some of his descendants had already broken through to Silver Rank.
Edric was stunned by the sheer potential of the demonic bloodline.
"This power¡ it''s beyond what I expected!"
He had known the Demon King of Weirdness'' bloodline would be strong, but this? This was on another level.
Of course, power always came with consequences.
Many of the newborns bore clear demonic traits¡ªhorns, wings, tails, sharp claws, glowing red eyes, jagged teeth.
Some weren¡¯t even humanoid.
One child was born with three heads.
Another had ten arms.
A girl was born with twelve eyes, scattered across different parts of her body, each blinking independently.
Some of the non-humanoid descendants grew rapidly, their sizes far exceeding those of normal humans¡ªturning them into something closer to high-ranking beasts than people.
But Edric? He didn¡¯t care.
As long as they were strong and obedient, they were perfect.
With each passing day, the task''s progress surged forward at a speed even he hadn¡¯t anticipated.
...
The number of his descendants multiplied exponentially.
Their power grew at an insane rate.
Their control over the island expanded flawlessly.
And just like that, time continued to flow.
Chapter 88 A Memory Best Forgotten
Months had gone by.
During that time, Edric had made remarkable progress in both of his tasks. His confidence in completing the Abyssal Gate mission had skyrocketed, and at the same time, his progress on the [Ancestor of a Nation] task had advanced by leaps and bounds.
If things continued at this pace, he could accomplish both within just a few years.
But fate was never so kind¡ªnothing ever went exactly as planned.
...
Gisela gazed at the island before her.
"Is this Bluesand Island?" she asked one of the super knights¡ªher bodyguard.
As a Super Mage of the Flicker Empire, she was both powerful and invaluable. Of course, the empire would never send someone like her without an escort of elite guards.
"That¡¯s right. According to the map, this is the place," the super knight confirmed.
Gisela narrowed her eyes. "Hmm¡ this island¡ Even though my sixth sense detects nothing unusual, something about it feels¡ wrong." Her expression darkened. "The mortal population here¡ªsomething is off. There are tens of thousands of newborns with Mythic talent!"
As a mage, she could effortlessly see through the talents of mortals.
The knight¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. "Tens of thousands?! How is that possible?"
"There¡¯s no sign of demonic bloodlines. My divination also reveals nothing¡ but we must be cautious. Seal this island immediately!" she commanded.
She didn¡¯t want to alert anything residing on the island, so she didn¡¯t order them to investigate, fearing that whatever was there might find out and escape.
Sealing space was not something done lightly. It harmed the world itself, yet Gisela did not hesitate¡ªher instincts warned her to take no chances.
The super knight gave a sharp nod before turning to the five other super knights standing behind him, along with five ultra knights and fifteen high-ranking knights.
"Everyone, we¡¯re sealing the island. Get ready!"
Sealing a piece of space was no easy feat. It required an enormous amount of super-rank and extreme-rank resources, and even with the combined effort of multiple super-rank powerhouses, such a seal would only last for a few tens of thousands of years at most.
To completely seal a space, at least one Absolute Rank powerhouse was required.
This was because sealing space meant going against the will of the world itself. The world resisted such actions, as sealing a part of it was akin to cutting off a piece of its domain.
The group of knights and mages moved swiftly to carry out their task, while Gisela remained watchful, ready to take action at the first sign of an anomaly.
Even though her sixth sense detected nothing, she was far from reassured. She knew that even if her perception was unparalleled, the Demon King of Wierdness might still possess a method to conceal himself from her sight.
...
Meanwhile¡
Edric sipped a glass of wine, watching another round of Last Survivor unfold before him.
"That Fletcher at least had some good taste," he mused.
Some time ago, in a moment of boredom, he had decided to organize another Last Survivor event. After watching it once, he had become addicted and now hosted one every single day.
Although he dedicated 80% of his time to the Abyssal Gate, during his breaks, he always made time for at least one match.
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Ding!
[ Host is now being transferred to the Abyss! ]
"What the hell?"
Edric nearly spat out his wine.
Before he could react, his vision blurred¡ª
¡ªAnd he vanished.
...
Moments after his disappearance¡
The sky above Bluesand Island turned pitch-black. The sun vanished, swallowed by an eerie darkness. A layer of illusory green and purple light blanketed the land.
Days passed.
The world began to freeze. With no sun to provide warmth, the temperature plummeted. The once-thriving island became a land of ice.
Desperate, people attempted to escape by ship¡ªonly to collide with an invisible barrier. Their vessels shattered, swallowed by the icy waters.
The surrounding sea froze solid, forming a bridge of ice leading to the outside world. Some tried to flee on foot, but upon reaching the boundary, they found themselves blocked by an unseen force.
There was no way out.
And just like that¡ª
Bluesand Island vanished from the world.
...
Edric frantically scanned his system interface, his heart pounding.
His progress in [Ancestor of a Nation] had once been promising. But in just a few days, his advancement had plummeted. Nearly all of his recent progress had been wiped out.
¡°Something happened to Bluesand Island¡¡± he muttered, his face darkening. ¡°Thankfully, the system saved me. The only problem is¡ I have no idea where I am.¡±
He looked around.
But there was nothing to see.
An endless void of darkness surrounded him¡ªvast, suffocating, all-consuming. No magic spell could illuminate his surroundings.
Ding!
The system chimed.
But¡ there was no text.
¡°What was that?¡±
Suddenly¡ª
A single red light appeared in the darkness.
It flickered. Then grew brighter. And brighter.
In mere seconds, the glow became so intense that even Edric couldn¡¯t look at it directly.
¡°It¡¯s¡ hot!¡±
The unbearable heat seared his skin. Agony shot through his body.
Edric screamed.
Then¡ªdarkness.
¡°¡Hmm?¡±
Edric¡¯s eyes flickered open.
He was no longer in that void.
The sky stretched above him, scattered with stars and clouds. Everything seemed normal¡ except for one thing.
A blood-red and violet moon loomed in the sky¡ªits shape eerily resembling an eye.
A closed eye.
¡°¡So this is the Abyss.¡±
Edric exhaled. Strangely, he felt calm¡ªfar too calm for someone who had just been thrown into hell itself.
¡°The system saved me from whatever happened on Bluesand Island¡ but it sent me here instead?¡± He scoffed. ¡°Funny, I didn¡¯t know it could do that. I¡¯m afraid my system is more than just a helper¡ªunlike all those novels from my past life.¡±
ROAR!
A deafening, earth-shaking howl tore through the air.
Edric turned, his breath catching in his throat.
A colossal monster¡ªthousands of meters tall¡ªstood before him.
A dragon.
It had nine heads, each more terrifying than the last. Its massive wings unfurled, stretching so wide that they blotted out the sky itself.
"Damn!" Edric nearly fainted just from its aura.
The pressure alone was enough to crush mountains, enough to shatter the minds of weaker beings.
"This is how I die¡?"
The dragon¡¯s nine pairs of pupils locked onto him.
Edric braced himself for death.
But¡ª
It didn¡¯t attack.
Instead¡
It lowered its heads.
All nine heads bowed in submission.
It refused to even look at him.
¡°What¡?¡± Edric froze. ¡°Wait¡ªcould it be because of my [Blessed by the Abyss] skill?¡±
He quickly pulled up his system interface.
In the past, this skill had been suppressed. But now, it was fully active.
¡°It must be¡ but how do I use it?¡±
Normally, when Edric obtained a skill, the knowledge of how to wield it would come naturally. But some abilities required practice¡ªjust like when he had acquired [Steel Hair Manipulation].
At first, his hair had wildly flailed around, forcing him to tie it up for months just to keep it under control.
And when he first obtained [See-Through Vision], he had spent weeks seeing everyone naked before he finally learned how to turn it off.
¡°I don¡¯t know how to control [Blessed by the Abyss] yet¡ so I need to be careful.¡±
"This dragon respects me because of my skill¡ªbut if it realizes I¡¯m actually weak, it might turn on me!"
He straightened his back, forcing himself to appear powerful. "I must act like I can kill it in a single thought!"
Then, a sudden realization hit him.
¡°¡Why am I so calm?¡±
By all logic, he should be panicking. He had just been thrown into hell, yet not a single trace of fear gripped him.
Instead¡ª
He felt at home.
Like a fish returning to water.
A strange sense of happiness bubbled inside him. His mood soared. He felt¡ excited.
¡°¡Is this really my first time in hell?¡±
Something about this place felt too familiar.
Yet¡ªhe couldn¡¯t remember.
This felt like where he truly belonged.
Ding!
[ Host is not yet allowed to remember. ]
Edric¡¯s expression darkened.
¡°¡So you admit I was here before?¡± His voice was quiet, but firm. ¡°Why am I not allowed to remember?¡±
Ding!
[ Host is not ready for the truth yet. ]
Edric clenched his jaw.
¡°¡Tell me.¡±
Ding!
[ Is the host certain he wants to know? ]
[ Yes / No ]
Edric didn¡¯t hesitate.
He pressed ¡®Yes.¡¯
Ding!
[ Memory seal is being lifted! ]
[ Please refrain from performing sensitive tasks, as this process may be extremely uncomfortable. ]
Suddenly¡ª
Agony.
It felt as if his mind and soul were being ripped apart.
A splitting, unbearable pain devoured him from the inside.
¡°AHHHHH¡ª!!¡±
His screams echoed through the abyss.
And then¡ª
Darkness.
Chapter 89 The Truth Unsealed
Edric opened his eyes.
The sky stretched above him, vast and clear, adorned with countless stars. And, of course, there was the crimson moon¡ªsilent, unblinking, like a closed eye watching over the world. Just as expected.
"The Abyss¡ The Demon King of Weirdness¡ My life on Earth¡ Transmigration to another world¡"
The thoughts flooded his mind, one after another.
"I understand now."
He let out a deep sigh.
The memory seal had finally lifted, unveiling the truth that had been locked away.
"I am the second personality of the Demon King of Weirdness. The suppressed part. The part that always tries to escape its control¡ and always fails."
A shudder ran through him.
"I¡ was going to destroy the Abyss itself?"
His hands trembled at the realization. As a fragment of a demon¡¯s consciousness, the Abyss was his home. It was everything. And yet, he had been on a mission to destroy it?
It was terrifying.
What is a Demon King?
Before, he had no answer. The memory seal had kept him in ignorance. But now, he knew.
Demon Kings were the rulers of the Abyss¡ªthe absolute pinnacle of Absolute Rank, just a step below the Supreme Rank.
But despite their overwhelming power, their minds were in complete chaos.
In the past, it hadn¡¯t been this way. Long ago, Demon Kings had possessed clear, rational consciousnesses. They were once the most logical and calculated beings in existence, their immense power shielding them from the madness of chaos.
But now¡ now, all they desired was the expansion of the Abyss¡ªso much so that they didn¡¯t care if they perished in the process.
Even so, not all of a Demon King¡¯s mind was lost to chaos.
Edric was that rational part.
The remaining sliver of reason within the Demon King of Weirdness.
But he wasn¡¯t strong enough¡ªnot yet. He could only draw upon a fraction of the Demon King¡¯s power. Even so, that small portion still placed him comfortably within the realm of Absolute Rank.
He needed to take control. To become the main consciousness of the Demon King.
There was no other choice.
The Abyss was unraveling, growing more chaotic by the day. If things continued like this, he would be consumed¡ªerased, never to return.
He had to either stop the Abyss from descending further into madness¡ or escape it entirely.
But there was no stopping the Abyss. Its descent into chaos was inevitable.
Escape was the only option.
To find a way, he had transmigrated to countless worlds¡ lived countless lives¡ searching for the answer.
Even though demons were bound to the Abyss, there were loopholes¡ªhidden cracks in the rules that allowed them to project their will beyond.
Edric had exploited those loopholes, using them to transmigrate to other worlds.
And finally, in a unique world known as Earth, he found the solution.
But it was something he wasn¡¯t willing to do.
Something he couldn¡¯t do if he knew what it was beforehand.
The only way was to destroy the Abyss.
Yet, as a demon at his core, Edric¡ªlike all other demons¡ªhad an instinctual pride in the Abyss. A deep, unwavering desire to see it expand, to fight for its growth. Destroying it was unthinkable. Unwinnable. Impossible.
So, he had sealed his own memories.
And he had created the System¡ªa guiding force designed to lead him toward that goal without him realizing it.
"Is there really no other way?"
Edric sifted through the vast flood of memories that had just been unlocked.
And he confirmed it.
There truly was no other way.
"Maybe¡ I should just accept being the second consciousness and enjoy my life while I still can."
But the thought was fleeting.
"No! If I do nothing, I will eventually be consumed by chaos! I cannot allow myself to be polluted! I have to do this¡ There is no other way!"
What is the Abyss?
To answer that, one must first understand what the universe is.
The universe is divided into two fundamental parts:
- The Pure Side, where the orderly worlds exist.
- The Chaotic Side, where the Abyss festers.
The Abyss is a realm of chaos, filth, and waste. Over countless years, it has grown larger and larger, its concentration of chaotic energy increasing without end.
From this chaos, demons were born.
And among them, some grew stronger and stronger, eventually rising to become Demon Kings.
Originally, the Abyss was just a single part of the Chaotic Side. Other regions existed¡ªplaces like the Land of the Undead, the Land of Souls, and many others.
But demons, driven by their insatiable hunger for expansion, attacked.
They conquered.
They devoured.
One by one, the other chaotic realms fell.
Now, in the present era, the Abyss has consumed the entire Chaotic Side.
And yet, demons are not satisfied.
They have no morals. No sense of right or wrong. They revel in evil, delight in suffering, and know only one purpose: to expand the Abyss. It is their one true love, their only loyalty.
But now, the Abyss has reached its limit.
There is nowhere left to expand.
Still, the desire for conquest has not faded. Countless Demon Kings have turned their sights toward the Pure Side, launching attack after attack in an effort to pollute and consume it.
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But the universe itself does not allow such a thing.
The boundary between Purity and Chaos is absolute.
Fixed. Unchangeable.
For countless years, Demon Kings have tried everything to break through the Pure Barrier.
But they have never succeeded.
The boundary between Purity and Chaos is absolute, unyielding.
Yet, while they cannot push the barrier itself, there are loopholes.
By exploiting these loopholes, demons have found ways to project their consciousness into worlds on the Pure Side, temporarily taking over and corrupting them.
Many demons have used this method, infiltrating and polluting these worlds.
But even if they succeeded in corrupting a world on the Pure Side, the result was always the same:
- That world would be ejected from the Pure Side.
- It would fall into the Chaotic Side, making the Abyss even more unstable.
- The intelligent beings of the Abyss would weaken, while the chaotic beings would grow stronger.
Yet, no matter how many worlds they took, the boundary never changed.
Driven by their insatiable desire to expand the Abyss, more and more demons corrupted Pure Side worlds, dragging them into chaos.
This had dire consequences.
With each new world that fell, the chaotic energy in the Abyss intensified.
Long ago, Demon Kings had clear consciousnesses. They were not the mindless, violent beings they are today. In fact, they were once the most rational beings in existence.
But over the ages, as chaos grew, even Demon Kings began to fall.
One by one, they were consumed.
Now, most Demon Kings are nothing more than beasts of madness, their rationality long since drowned in the endless tide of chaos.
However, the situation has not yet reached the point of no return.
There are still fragments¡ªpieces of their former selves, slivers of consciousness untouched by corruption.
Sometimes, these remnants come together.
Sometimes, they form a rational second personality.
Edric is one of them.
But time is running out.
If the chaos continues to spread, there will soon be no place for rationality in the Abyss.
The day that happens¡ Edric will cease to exist.
There is only one way to survive.
Escape to the Pure Side
But escaping is not easy.
As a second personality, Edric has little control over the Demon King of Weirdness.
If he wants to survive, if he wants to escape the Abyss, he must do something unthinkable¡ª
He must become the main consciousness.
At first, he had no idea how to do it.
But after his last transmigration to Earth, everything became clear.
On Earth, he discovered the secrets of black holes, pure souls, and other fundamental truths of the universe.
These were the keys.
Especially pure souls¡ªsouls that could completely conceal demonic power from the will of the Pure.
And black holes¡ª
Because the only way to become the dominant consciousness of the Demon King of Weirdness¡
Is to create an Abyssal Black Hole and place it inside its body.
Once he creates the Abyssal Black Hole, the chaos within the Demon King¡¯s body will be absorbed.
For a brief moment, the chaos will recede.
That short window of clarity is his only chance.
In that instant, he can seize control, become the main consciousness, and break free from the Abyss.
At that moment, he must mount upon the Pure Soul and escape, severing his ties with the chaotic side forever.
Earth was a special world.
It had no magic, no supernatural forces, yet it held deep, hidden truths.
When Edric was there, he uncovered the secrets of black holes.
A black hole¡ªa place where one can enter but never leave.
On Earth, black holes were merely material phenomena, holding mass but incapable of affecting magic.
But the concept...
The theory applied to the Abyss as well.
If an Abyssal Black Hole could be created, it would have the power to consume even a Demon King.
However, such a thing would not stop at one Demon King.
Once unleashed, an Abyssal Black Hole would continue consuming, destroying everything in the Chaotic Side.
It would erase the entire Abyss.
As a demon at heart, Edric was reluctant.
No demon¡ªnot even a rational one¡ªcould bear the thought of destroying the Abyss.
Like all demons, he was loyal to the Abyss.
It was his home.
But in the end¡ his will to survive won over his loyalty.
He made his choice.
Yet, even knowing his plan, he feared he would waver.
That he would lose resolve halfway through.
That he would abandon his own mission.
So, to ensure he stayed the course, he used the Power of Weirdness to create something special¡ª
The System
A guiding force that would lead him to his goal... without him even knowing it.
He mounted his consciousness onto the Pure Soul, bound himself to the system, sealed his memories, and transmigrated.
...
Creating an abyssal black hole is not simple.
To make one, he needed a world as an ingredient.
- First, he had to pollute the world, corrupting it enough to be dragged into the Chaotic Side.
- Once the world fell, he would use his Absolute Rank power to compress it to the size of a grain.
- Finally, by applying the laws of Earth¡¯s black holes, he would transform it into an Abyssal Black Hole.
However, Edric was not the only one targeting that world.
The Demon King of Greed had also set its sights on it.
Unlike Edric, Greed had no rational second personality¡ªonly raw hunger and ambition.
For years, the two clashed in the shadows, fighting over control of the world.
But Edric had the upper hand.
His Pure Soul allowed him to walk freely in the world.
The Demon King of Greed, bound by chaos, could only extend its influence into places it had already corrupted.
Edric, however, could go anywhere.
That alone gave him a critical advantage.
Some time ago, Edric was ambushed on Greenmon Island, a place partially polluted by the Demon King of Greed.
The Demon King of Greed attacked without warning.
If not for the system¡¯s protection, Edric would have died that day.
But in that moment, as the system focused all its power on shielding him, a crack formed¡ª
For the briefest instant, the memory seal loosened.
Doubt crept in.
The seal did more than just suppress past memories¡ª
It also prevented him from thinking down certain paths, from considering scenarios that might reveal the truth.
Polluting a world was already difficult.
And with other Demon Kings interfering, it became even harder.
Edric had no better options¡ª
Most worlds near the boundary of purity were already under attack.
There were none left untouched.
And even if he succeeded in polluting a world, crushing it to the size of a grain¡ª
A task requiring immense power and time¡ª
Would be an even greater challenge.
Applying Earth¡¯s laws to transform it into an Abyssal Black Hole was the easiest step, yet even then¡
If he miscalculated even slightly,
He would die.
Consumed by chaos.
...
The system was created using the power of the Demon King of Weirdness.
It was bound to his Pure Soul and sent ahead to guide him.
Its goal was to help him pollute the world quickly¡ª
Not to make him ruthless, evil, or chaotic.
But something went wrong.
Edric pulled out the Book of Weirdness.
In the Abyss, it had lost all color¡ª
As if its magic had been completely drained.
"This book¡ I never should have used it," he thought grimly.
He had found it inside Duke Stonefist¡¯s spatial ring.
Back then, he assumed this book was the key to the Duke¡¯s breakthrough to Golden Rank.
That theory was wrong.
The Duke had broken through by his own strength.
The Book of Weirdness was a fraud.
It had nothing to do with the Demon King of Weirdness.
No Pure World welcomes chaos.
They all have natural defenses.
The Book of Weirdness was one of them.
It was designed to attract demons, luring them into its power¡ª
And then, corrupting them.
It held immense chaotic energy, making it highly useful to Edric.
But there was a cost.
It intensified the chaos within him, making him reckless.
It clouded his judgment, leading to careless mistakes.
Once Edric obtained the book, the system extracted its chaotic power, granting him new skills¡ª
But in doing so, it exposed his location.
That was how people from the Flicker empire found him.
That was why he was now on the run.
Edric thought back to the homeless man.
The one who had transformed into a demon.
That was when things started spiraling out of control.
"Was he¡ another defense mechanism of the world?"
He had never considered that a world could resist in such a way.
Edric wasn¡¯t experienced in polluting worlds.
And now, he realized¡ª
The worlds were not as helpless as he once thought.
They had their own ways of resisting.
And he had underestimated them.
"The Book of Weirdness was a bait!"
"They found me and tried to seal me because of this damn book!"
The realization struck Edric like a bolt of lightning.
He had designed the system to absorb chaotic power and convert it into skills¡ªtools to help him pollute the world faster.
The book had been an invaluable source of chaos, so the system loved it.
But there was a catch.
Extracting chaotic power from the book required fulfilling certain conditions.
One of those conditions was giving the book to the homeless man¡ª
And that single act had completely exposed his position to the Flicker Empire.
Because Edric was mounted on the pure soul, the will of the world couldn¡¯t detect his location.
But it had found another way.
"The pure soul hides my location, but that doesn¡¯t mean the world is oblivious to my existence," Edric realized.
The Will of the World had likely created and scattered many such books across the land¡ª
Each one a trap, waiting for him to take the bait.
"It¡¯s been hunting me this whole time¡"
"Waiting for me to make a mistake."
The way he had designed the system had been flawed from the start.
It absorbed chaotic power from any available source¡ª
But that reckless approach had led to his location being exposed.
"I have to fix the system before I return."
But then, another thought crept in.
A doubt.
A hesitation.
"Am I really going to destroy the Abyss?"
He felt his resolve waver.
His desire to do it was fading.
A realization set in¡ª
"The way the Abyss keeps even Demon Kings loyal is terrifying¡"
"I can¡¯t do it¡ I really can¡¯t."
"I have to remove my memories again."
Edric gritted his teeth.
Even now, knowing the truth, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to knowingly destroy the Abyss.
The instinctual loyalty of all demons¡ªeven rational ones¡ªwas too strong.
There was only one way forward.
He had to seal his memories again.
He had to finish redesigning the system.
And then, he would return to that world¡ª
To complete the task.
Without knowing.
Chapter 90 System Upgrade
Ding!
Congratulations! The system has been successfully upgraded!
Edric blinked, confused.
"What¡¯s going on? What happened?"
The last thing he remembered was watching a match of Survival Game, and then¡ªnothing. Just blank.
"System upgrade?"
"Show me my stat window!" he commanded.
...
Name: Edric
Age: 36 years, 2 months, 9 days
Rank: Average Mage (0/10,000), Average Knight (0/10,000)
Skills: 7/15
- Divination Resistance (Black)
- Bloodline Shield (Black)
- Mental Fortitude (Purple)
- Blessed by the Abyss - Suppressed (Purple)
- Abyss Emissary (Purple)
- Demonic Ancestor (Purple)
- Disguise (Purple)
¡ª Skill Shop Available
Talent:
- Mage: Golden (0/2,500,000)
- Knight: Legendary (0/10,000,000)
Tasks: None
Points: 100,000,000
Cheat: Moderate - 10,000/day
"What? Where are all my skills?"
Edric stared at the panel, his confusion deepening.
"Last I remember, I was a Legendary Knight and Mage! How the hell am I just Average now?"
His heart pounded as his gaze swept over his stats again.
"And why am I thirty-six? Just how long did this upgrade take?"
He wanted to demand an explanation, but there was no one to answer him.
"System! What happened? What¡¯s going on?" he called out.
Silence.
No response.
"Who the hell designed this damn cheat? How does it just erase all my progress for no reason? At least tell me why!"
His frustration boiled, but then¡ªhis eyes landed on the 100 million points.
His scowl turned into a grin.
"Wait¡ does this mean I can instantly break into Mythic? Or even Ultra? Is it really that easy?"
His frustration faded, replaced by excitement.
"Maybe this upgrade isn¡¯t so bad after all!"
He stood up, taking in his surroundings.
Darkness. Trees towered over him, their dense branches blocking the sky. There was no way to tell where he was¡ªonly leaves, shadows, and the rustling of the wind.
Then, reality hit him.
"Wait¡ I¡¯m just an Average Knight now?"
His stomach dropped.
"An average knight¡ stranded in the middle of a forest¡ at night?"
He clenched his fists.
"Yeah, no. I¡¯m not about to get killed like some weakling."
"System, add 10,000 to my Knight rank!"
No way was he going to explore this place as an average rank.
Ding!
Knight Rank: Average (10,000/10,000)!
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Great!
A surge of power rushed through Edric''s body, lasting only a few seconds. His strength had clearly increased¡ªhis muscles felt firmer, his movements lighter.
"Add 50,000 XP to my Great Knight training!" he commanded. He wasn¡¯t stopping at Great.
Ding!
Knight Rank: Great (50,000/50,000)!
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Silver!
This time, the energy that filled him was completely different. A deep, bone-chilling cold spread through his veins, freezing him from the inside out.
"Silver Rank¡¯s energy is as cold as I remember..."
He shivered but wasn¡¯t too bothered. He had experienced this sensation before.
"Add 500,000 XP to my Silver Knight training!" Edric ordered without hesitation. He wasn¡¯t going to stop until he reached Legendary, at the very least.
He was standing in the middle of a dark forest, alone. Beasts could be lurking in the shadows, and at only Silver Rank, he wasn¡¯t confident in his survival. Upgrading his strength was the top priority¡ªhe could explore the System¡¯s shop and other features after securing his safety.
Ding!
Knight Rank: Silver (500,000/500,000)!
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Golden!
A scorching heat flooded his body, the complete opposite of his last breakthrough. It burned through his muscles, his bones, every fiber of his being. But despite the discomfort, he remained standing, fully conscious.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Strange¡ Last time I reached Golden Rank, the pain was unbearable. But now, I can handle it."
Was it because of his increased mental fortitude? Or was there some other reason? He wasn¡¯t sure, but now wasn¡¯t the time to dwell on it.
"Add 2,500,000 XP to my Golden Knight training!"
Ding!
Knight Rank: Golden (2,500,000/2,500,000)!
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Legendary!
A wave of power slammed into him¡ªfar stronger than before. The energy was both freezing cold and blazing hot at the same time, clashing inside him like two raging storms. His body trembled under the immense pressure, but he didn¡¯t collapse.
He gritted his teeth and endured it.
Somehow, for some reason, he was able to withstand the pain far better than in the past.
"Should I push further?"
For a brief moment, he hesitated. But then, his resolve hardened.
"No reason to stop now."
"Add 9,000,000 XP to my Legendary Knight training!"
Ding!
Knight Rank: Legendary (9,000,000/9,000,000)!
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Mythic!
A bone-chilling energy¡ªthousands of times colder than when he broke through to Silver¡ªerupted within his body, spreading like an unstoppable tide.
His entire body froze.
He couldn¡¯t move. He couldn¡¯t blink. He couldn¡¯t even think.
For a moment, it was as if he had turned into a statue of pure ice.
Minutes passed. Slowly, he started shuddering. His fingers twitched, then his arms, and eventually, he regained control.
"It¡¯s¡ cold!"
Looking inward, he saw a powerful cyan energy surging through his meridians, flowing like a raging river.
Then, he glanced at the system interface¡ªand his heart skipped a beat.
"I still have enough XP left to break through to Ultra¡ in one go!"
40,000,000 XP. That was all it took. He could become an Ultra Knight instantly.
But he hesitated.
"Let¡¯s check the System¡¯s skill shop before deciding."
Ten minutes passed. The unbearable cold slowly faded, becoming something he could tolerate.
"Do all Mythic Knights feel like this?" He had worried he¡¯d have to live in a permanent state of freezing, but fortunately, the sensation was already dulling.
A grin spread across his face.
"Finally, Mythic! I never imagined it would be this easy!"
He still had no idea what exactly happened during the system upgrade, but whatever it was, he didn¡¯t hate it.
Losing 18 years and all of his skills in exchange for 100 million XP? Absolutely worth it.
The only downside? The loss of all his tasks. If they had carried over, he would have been swimming in even more rewards.
"Well, no use dwelling on it. Let¡¯s check out the Skill Shop."
He mentally tapped on ¡®Skill Shop¡¯ in his stat window.
Ding!
Welcome! The Skill Shop is where you can buy and sell skills!
Selling prices are always at least 10% lower than buying prices.
Please select the rank of the skill you wish to purchase.
(Note 1: You can only use XP points in the System Shop.)
(Note 2: The host can only sell skills that are the same rank or lower than himself. Be careful when purchasing higher-ranked skills, as you will be unable to sell them until you rank up to match their level.)
For your convenience, we have provided the average price for each skill rank:
- Average: 1,000 XP
- Great: 5,000 XP
- Silver: 25,000 XP
- Golden: 120,000 XP
- Legendary: 800,000 XP
- Mythic: 3,500,000 XP
- Ultra: 12,000,000 XP
- Super: 45,000,000 XP
- Extreme: 200,000,000 XP
- Absolute: 1,000,000,000 XP
- Supreme: No skills available for purchase at this rank.
"Oh my world¡ Look at these prices!"
Edric''s eyes widened in disbelief as he scanned the Skill Shop.
He already had two Absolute Rank skills¡ªif he could sell just one, he could instantly upgrade to Extreme Rank!
But there was a problem.
"Damn it! I can¡¯t sell them since I¡¯m only at Mythic Rank!"
If not for that restriction, he would have sold one immediately and used the XP to power up. Instead, all he could do was sigh in frustration.
Shaking off his disappointment, he turned back to the shop.
"Show me Mythic Rank skills," he commanded.
A long list appeared, and he began scanning through them.
Spawn
- Effect: Every day, lay 5,000 eggs that hatch into offspring inheriting your bloodline, Mythic-tier Mage and Knight talent, and Average Knight strength at birth. They are entirely loyal and reliable.
- Price: 10,000,000 XP - Special Discount (90% off due to compatibility): 1,000,000 XP
Edric¡¯s brows furrowed.
"This is a powerful skill, but it has a fatal weakness¡ªit exposes my location."
A sudden explosion of 5,000 insanely talented individuals appearing in one place? That would instantly draw attention.
Now that he had reached Mythic Rank, he would no longer hide in the wilderness. His next destination? The Flicker Empire.
"If I take this skill, I won¡¯t be able to settle down easily. I can¡¯t just leave descendants everywhere..."
As he pondered, he gazed at the towering trees swaying in the wind.
There was no guarantee he was still in the same region as before.
"Can I even find Flicker Empire from here?"
Deciding to figure out his location first, he took off running, dashing through the dark forest with inhuman speed.
With his Mythic strength, he had no issue scanning the Skill Shop while simultaneously navigating the terrain.
Fire Element Resistance
- Effect: Immune to all fire-based attacks below Ultra Rank.
- Price: 2,800,000 XP
Physical Evade
- Effect: +10% evasion against Mythic Rank physical attacks.
- 99% evasion against Legendary Rank and lower.
- No effect against Ultra Rank or higher.
- Price: 3,500,000 XP
Clone
- Effect: Create one clone of yourself with equal combat ability (without inheriting skills).
- Max Rank: Mythic
- No cost, unlimited duration.
- Clone¡¯s loyalty depends on the host¡¯s mentality.
- If the host trusts himself, the clone will trust him. If not, the clone may be unreliable.
- Price: 4,500,000 XP
Customizable Loyal Clone
- Effect: Create one clone of yourself with equal combat ability (without inheriting skills).
- Max Rank: Mythic
- No cost, unlimited duration.
- Clone¡¯s loyalty is guaranteed.
- The host can customize the clone¡¯s mentality, memories, and appearance.
- Price: 15,000,000 XP
Edric wasn¡¯t satisfied.
"These skills are decent, but they¡¯re not worth stopping for. I¡¯d rather just break through to Ultra Rank!"
His mind was set.
"Let¡¯s check higher-ranked skills!"
...
He continued sprinting through the endless forest, his sharp eyes scanning for any sign of civilization¡ªwhile also browsing the Ultra and Super Rank skills.
After hours of running, Edric still hadn¡¯t reached the end of the dark forest.
It stretched endlessly in all directions¡ªan ocean of trees with no signs of life.
No animals, no beasts¡ªnothing but the eerie rustling of leaves.
It was unsettling.
"Thousands of miles of nothing but trees..." he thought, suppressing a shiver.
Where was he?
Had he somehow ended up in a dead zone, devoid of all life?
Despite the mystery surrounding the forest, his search through the Skill Shop hadn¡¯t been fruitless.
He had found one skill that truly caught his eye.
Super Knight Boost
- Effect: Temporarily boosts the host¡¯s Knight Rank to Super Rank for 10 minutes.
- Cooldown: One month.
- If the host is already Super Rank, the skill superimposes, making them even stronger.
- Price: 40,000,000 XP
Edric stopped in his tracks, deep in thought.
This was a crucial decision¡ªone that couldn¡¯t be rushed.
"Do I spend my XP to break through to Ultra Rank right now¡"
"Or do I buy this skill instead?"
One option gave him permanent growth, the other offered a trump card that could turn the tide in battle.
This choice would define his path forward.
What should he do?
Chapter 91 Mythic Mage
"With the amount of XP I have, I don¡¯t even need to choose¡ªI can just upgrade my knight rank to Ultra and buy the [Super Knight Boost] skill. But that would mean I wouldn¡¯t have enough left to upgrade my mage talent to Mythic."
"Even if I became a Mythic Mage, I wouldn¡¯t be able to cast Mythic spells without the proper talent."
"Mages are truly versatile... Reaching the Mythic rank would be incredibly convenient," he mused, his gaze fixed on the endless expanse of the dark forest ahead.
A lot of time had passed since he woke up, yet the sun had yet to rise.
"Am I even in the same world as before? Or was I transported somewhere else entirely?" The thought gnawed at him, his concern growing with every passing second.
A moment later, he sighed and stopped exploring.
"First of all, I need to become a mage!" The thought was firm in his mind. Being unable to cast spells was a crippling disadvantage.
He checked his remaining XP.
"I still have 87,940,000 XP. If I buy [Super Knight Boost], I¡¯ll still have over 40 million left. It costs 40,000,000 to upgrade to Ultra Knight, meaning I could afford both¡ but that would leave no room to enhance my mage talent or ascend to Mythic Mage."
"The real choice is between Ultra Knight and Mythic Mage. As for [Super Knight Boost], there''s no question¡ªI need it. A trump card like that is essential!" Edric decided.
Without hesitation, he opened the skill shop and bought [Super Knight Boost].
He had spent hours examining thousands of other skills, but none could compare. There was a [Super Mage Boost] as well, but Edric had skipped it. Mages needed spells to fight effectively. Even if his mana surged to Super Rank, without the ability to cast Super-Rank spells, his strength would still be lacking.
The basic rule was clear¡ªmages had a far greater upper limit, but unlocking their full potential required mastering countless spells. Knights, on the other hand, were inherently strong due to their physical prowess.
Ding!
You have successfully purchased [Super Knight Boost].
The skill has been added to your stat window.
Edric nodded. "I can''t test it now. If I activate it, I won¡¯t be able to use it again for a month," he reminded himself.
"Now, Ultra Knight or Mythic Mage?" He pondered for a moment before making his decision.
"Mythic Mage is better!"
With [Super Knight Boost] in his arsenal, he no longer feared Ultra-ranked opponents. What he needed now was versatility¡ªsomething only a mage could provide.
"Becoming an Ultra Knight would allow me to hold my own against Ultra-ranked beings, but it wouldn¡¯t make defeating them much easier. At this moment, it won¡¯t help me as much as magic will."
His path was clear.
"System, add 2,500,000 XP to my mage talent!" he commanded in his mind.
Ding!
Mage Talent: Golden (2,500,000/2,500,000)
Congratulations! Your mage talent has been upgraded to Legendary!
As the system notification rang out, countless mysteries and unknowns about magic began to unravel in his mind. Ideas flooded his thoughts, and he realized that, if he wanted to, he could now easily design new spells.
"System, add 10,000,000 XP to my mage talent!" he said, eager to push further. After the recent system upgrade, the cost to enhance his talents had increased dramatically. It was unfortunate, but Edric had no choice but to accept it.
Ding!
Mage Talent: Legendary (10,000,000/10,000,000)
Congratulations! Your mage talent has been upgraded to Mythic!
Once again, the mysteries of the past revealed themselves in his mind.
"Now, I should be able to create a Silver-ranked spell with ease. Once I level up my mage rank too, I should be able to invent Golden or even Legendary-ranked spells without much effort!" he thought eagerly.
Stolen novel; please report.
Determined, he called on the system and began upgrading his mage rank.
Ding!
Mage Rank: Average (10,000/10,000)
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Great!
Ding!
Mage Rank: Great (50,000/50,000)
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Silver!
Ding!
Mage Rank: Silver (500,000/500,000)
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Golden!
Ding!
Mage Rank: Golden (2,500,000/2,500,000)
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Legendary!
Ding!
Mage Rank: Legendary (9,000,000/9,000,000)
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Mythic!
After five successive upgrades, Edric''s mental state reached an unprecedented level. He felt as though he could perceive both the past and the future, as if he were omnipotent. Of course, this sensation was simply a result of his enhanced soul strength, not reality¡ªhe was far from omniscient.
"Even if it¡¯s not real, it still feels amazing!" he thought, basking in the overwhelming sense of power.
"Let''s see how much XP I have left..." He glanced at the system interface, curious about his remaining points.
[XP Remaining: 23,380,000]
"Hmm, good. Now, it¡¯s time to buy some skills to increase my mage abilities as much as possible!" Edric thought, deciding against spending 10,000,000 XP to upgrade his knight talent to Mythic rank.
He had already decided which skills he wanted to purchase.
...
[Magic Computer] (Ultra)
A skill that drastically accelerates magical research, detects errors in magical and spell formations, and aids in all magic-related calculations. It can also be applied to non-magical subjects, but with significantly reduced effectiveness.
- Accurately computes magic-related subjects below Ultra rank.
- Provides reasonable accuracy for Ultra-ranked magic.
- Struggles with anything above Ultra rank.
- Its effectiveness improves with more precise magical data.
- Can be used without cost or limit.
Price: 11,000,000 XP
[Magic Intuition] (Mythic)
A passive skill that enhances the user¡¯s comprehension of all things magic-related, including but not limited to:
- Faster and more efficient spellcasting.
- Easier learning and understanding of magical mysteries.
- Improved spell creation and magical formation mastery.
- Highly effective for magic below Mythic rank.
- Moderately effective for Mythic-ranked magic.
- Almost useless for anything above Mythic rank.
Price: 3,200,000 XP
[Spell Storage] (Mythic)
Allows the user to store and instantly cast spells without any casting time.
- Can store:
- 10 Mythic spells.
- 100 Legendary spells.
- 1,000 Golden-ranked spells.
- 10,000 Silver-ranked spells.
- 100,000 Great-ranked spells.
- 1,000,000 Average-ranked spells.
- No restriction on what spells can be stored or how long they can be kept.
Price: 3,700,000 XP
[Formation Intuition] (Mythic)
A passive skill that enhances the user¡¯s understanding of all types of formations, including spell formations and magic circles.
- Extremely effective for formations below Mythic rank.
- Moderately effective for Mythic-ranked formations.
- Nearly useless for formations above Mythic rank.
Price: 2,600,000 XP
[Spell Intuition] (Mythic)
A passive skill that increases the user¡¯s understanding of all spells.
- Extremely effective for spells below Mythic rank.
- Moderately effective for Mythic-ranked spells.
- Nearly useless for spells above Mythic rank.
Price: 2,600,000 XP
...
After purchasing all the skills he wanted, Edric took a deep breath and opened his status window.
Status Window
Name: Edric
Age: 36 years, 2 months, 11 days
Rank:
- Mythic Mage (0/40,000,000)
- Mythic Knight (0/40,000,000)
Skills: 12/15
- Divination Resistance (Black)
- Bloodline Shield (Black)
- Mental Fortitude (Purple)
- Blessed by the Abyss - Suppressed (Purple)
- Abyss Emissary (Purple)
- Demonic Ancestor (Purple)
- Disguise (Purple)
- Magic Computer (Pink)
- Magic Intuition (Cyan)
- Spell Storage (Cyan)
- Formation Intuition (Cyan)
- Spell Intuition (Cyan)
¡ª Skill Shop Available
Talent:
- Mage: Mythic (0/45,000,000)
- Knight: Legendary (0/10,000,000)
Tasks: None
Points: 300,000
Cheat: Moderate - 10,000/day
Looking at his stat window, Edric became thoughtful.
"I can already think of a few Golden-ranked spells¡ I feel like I could design a spell of Golden rank in just a few hours, and even Legendary spells wouldn¡¯t take me more than a few days to design and create. With [Magic Computer] (Ultra), I should be able to design Mythic-ranked spells in at most a month!" he thought, excited by the possibilities.
He decided to stop exploring the dark forest for now and spend his time designing a few Mythic spells, like [teleportation] (Cyan), to aid in his future explorations.
"I have a lot of potential. In just a few years, I¡¯ll become incredibly strong at the Mythic rank. As long as I learn a few solid Mythic spells, I¡¯ll be far above Mythic Knights. Mages are just so much stronger than Knights of the same rank!" he thought to himself.
Afterward, he decided to focus his attention on his mage path. That didn¡¯t mean he would neglect his knight rank entirely¡ªwithout a strong knight rank, he would be vulnerable to close-range attacks. However, his primary focus would be on increasing his mage power.
With that in mind, Edric ceased his exploration of the dark forest and instead opened his Magic Computer, ready to begin designing a few powerful Mythic spells for his use.
Chapter 92 The Endless Night Ends
Edric calculated mythic spells for five years.
During those five years, the sun never rose¡ªit was as if night was the only thing that existed. The world around him remained eerily still. No monsters, no voices, no storms¡ªjust an endless expanse of trees beneath a sky of perpetual darkness.
In this undisturbed silence, Edric devoted himself entirely to his craft. With unwavering focus, he combined his vast array of skills with his innate mythic magic talent to design his first mythic spell.
He named it [Visible Teleportation].
This spell allowed a mythic being to teleport themselves or others to any visible target area. And because Edric was a Mythic Knight, his eyesight far surpassed that of ordinary beings¡ªhe could see for hundreds of miles with ease, making the ''visible target'' limitation virtually nonexistent.
By flying higher, his range of teleportation increased even further. Darkness posed no obstacle either, as his eyes could pierce through the night just as easily as daylight. In short, his range was not typically limited by the visibility of the target.
However, despite the vast range, [Visible Teleportation] had one major limitation¡ªthe mana cost. The farther the distance, the greater the mana consumption.
Through testing, Edric discovered that he could teleport up to 2,000 miles comfortably. If he pushed himself to the limit, he could reach 5,000 miles, but that would drain his mana completely, leaving him vulnerable if attacked.
Out of all his weapons and equipment, only those stored in his System Inventory remained. The ones inside his space rings were lost, with no way to retrieve them. Fortunately, his Mythic Lance was safely stored in the system space, ensuring that even as a knight, he retained top-tier mythic combat strength. But his most powerful trump cards were still his mythic spells¡ªhe could not afford to exhaust his mana carelessly.
Over the course of five years, Edric created an average of one mythic spell per month, resulting in a total of 58 mythic spells.
His arsenal covered every area of battle:
- Offensive Spells: [Fireball], [Freeze], [Poison], [Dimensional Slash], [Explode], [Counterattack], and more.
- Defensive Spells: [Golden Shield], [Mana Shield], [Repelling Armor], [Harden], and [Increase Resistance].
- Utility Spells: [Heal], [Increase Agility], [Slow], [Disrupt], [Dispel], and more.
With this arsenal, Edric estimated his combat ability to be at the absolute peak of the Mythic rank. Defeating other Mythic Knights would be no challenge.
"Alright¡ time to finally figure out where I am."
Now that his preparations were complete, he no longer feared Mythic-ranked enemies. Only Ultra-tier beings could pose a real threat¡ªbut with [Super Knight Boost], he felt confident in his safety.
He ascended into the sky and activated [Space Observation]. Seeing no immediate danger, he cast [Visible Teleportation].
It only took 25 seconds.
Ordinarily, teleportation spells required long casting times, but Edric had many skills that enhanced his spellcasting speed. His mythic talent and years of relentless training had honed the spell to near perfection.
The scenery shifted slightly beneath him¡ªyet it was still nothing but endless trees.
Checking his mana pool, he descended to recover. Teleporting 2,000 kilometers consumed 40% of his mana, and it would take four hours to fully replenish.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Once his mana was restored, he soared into the sky once more and teleported in the same direction.
Edric couldn¡¯t determine north or south, but as a Mythic Knight, his instincts were unparalleled. He knew exactly which way to go. There would be no getting lost.
And so, he continued his journey¡ªtoward the unknown.
For an entire month, Edric relentlessly teleported, again and again¡ªeach jump spanning 2,000 miles.
Despite covering such vast distances, his speed of 2,000 miles per four hours was actually slow for a Mythic Mage. If he simply used [Fly], he could travel far faster. The advantage of teleportation, however, was its instantaneous nature.
For long-distance travel, flying was often the better choice¡ªit consumed far less mana. Yet, Edric chose to persist with teleportation for two key reasons:
First, he wanted to use this time to train his teleportation spell, refining his casting speed to make it even faster.
Second, flying carried risks. If hostile creatures or unknown forces lurked in this mysterious land, they could ambush him mid-air.
In general, flying was faster, but teleportation was safer. Of course, there were exceptions¡ªcertain places where space was unstable or fluctuating, where teleportation might become dangerous. But in most locations, where space was stable, teleportation was almost completely risk-free.
Few spells and formations could interfere with teleportation. Edric himself knew the [Disrupt] spell, which could destabilize space and hinder teleportation magic. However, his teleportation was Mythic-level, meaning that lower-ranked disruptions had little to no effect. Only an Ultra-rank mage wielding an Ultra-level spell could pose a true threat.
But if an Ultra-rank mage were to attack¡
It wouldn¡¯t matter if he was flying or teleporting¡ªit would be a disaster either way.
Edric also considered the possibility of space traps or destabilizing formations that could interfere with his movement. But the chances of encountering such things were minimal.
Maintaining space traps required enormous energy, and no rational mage would waste resources placing them in an uninhabited, endless dark forest,
Additionally, space-disturbing formations were even more energy-intensive. They were typically reserved for highly strategic locations, such as the headquarters of powerful magic academies, to block teleportation¡ªcertainly not placed in an uninhabited forest.
The only real danger was the possibility of naturally occurring space disruptions. But so far, the spatial stability in this region was perfect.
To be absolutely certain, Edric always cast [Space Observation] before teleporting, ensuring there were no hidden risks.
So far, there had been no problems.
...
After 35 days, Edric finally saw signs of life.
At first, only small animals appeared, scattered across the vast landscape. But as the days passed, the wilderness grew livelier.
Then, on the 45th day, he saw the sun again.
"I have no idea where I am, but this is definitely not some island," he thought. "This must be the mainland¡ªmaybe somewhere within the Flicker Continent!"
No island could be this enormous. Over the past month, he had traveled hundreds of thousands of miles¡ªa mind-boggling distance. On Earth, even the entire diameter of the planet was far less than that.
Now that he had left the eternal night behind, Edric stopped teleporting and switched to flying.
...
For another ten days, he flew across vast landscapes until, finally, he saw his first settlement.
The town was built beside a river, surrounded by stone walls and modest buildings. At first glance, it seemed like a normal human settlement¡ªexcept for one detail.
The residents had pointed ears, slender frames, and were noticeably shorter than the average human.
"Elves!"
Edric''s eyes narrowed. "I¡¯m definitely not anywhere near the Flicker Empire¡ There shouldn¡¯t be Elves within Flicker¡¯s borders!"
Fortunately, his [Disguise] skill would solve that problem.
With it, he could blend in perfectly¡ªnobody would be able to detect his true identity.
He opened the skill¡¯s details:
...
[Disguise] (Purple Rank)
- Allows the user to transform into a target as long as they are not higher than Extreme Rank.
- The target''s rank cannot exceed the user''s rank.
- Grants full inheritance of the target¡¯s memories, abilities, and power.
- The disguise can only be detected by Absolute-rank beings or keen-sensed Extreme-rank individuals.
- Once disguised, the original target disappears from the world and will only return once the disguise is broken.
- Cooldown: Once per week.
- Maximum Duration: 1,000 years per disguise.
- Limitations: Can perfectly copy Super-rank and below, but struggles with Extreme-rank. Does not work on Absolute-rank beings.
...
"This skill is ridiculously powerful!"
Not only could he become another person, but he would inherit their strength and memories.
It was the perfect disguise.
Flying over the settlement, Edric carefully scanned the town, searching for a suitable target.
Then, after a few minutes, he found one.
"Hmm¡ that¡¯s a good starting point."
Without hesitation, he activated [Disguise] on his target, and his form began to shift¡
Chapter 93 The Perfect Disguise
The city of Eldrinvar was one of the most important settlements on the southernmost edge of the elven continent. Home to nearly two million high elves, it was a thriving trade hub. However, due to its location, the natural aura in the city was weak.
Despite its proximity to the Dark Forest, Eldrinvar had always been peaceful. The people living there had never witnessed war. The Dark Forest was an empty, desolate land where nothing could survive for long. Cities bordering it never feared invasion, as no creature could pass through. Unlike oceans, where ships could still bring danger, the forest was an impassable void.
The citizens of Eldrinvar only knew vague legends about the forest¡¯s origins. The most common rumor was that a demonic infection had turned it into a poisoned wasteland. However, no one truly understood what had happened. Even the strongest elf in the city, a Mythic-ranked warrior, lacked the qualifications to know the truth.
But the high-ranking officials in the capital knew exactly why the forest remained uninhabited.
The Dark Forest was not always a land of death. Once, it had been vibrant and full of life, home to countless wood elves. But five thousand years ago, everything changed. A dark force emerged at the forest¡¯s center, slowly expanding outward. The elven empire fought desperately to contain it but ultimately failed¡ªfor the source of this darkness was no ordinary threat. It was an Absolute-ranked being, the Demon King of Weirdness.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the elves attempted to seal the space itself, but their efforts were in vain. This was the most powerful demonic infection in the history of the elven kingdom. Normally, Demon Kings could not exert their full power in this world, which was why past infections could be sealed away. But this time, something had changed. This Demon King of Weirdness had found a way to unleash its absolute power without restriction.
Terrified, the elves sought aid from the other races¡ªhumans, orcs, and others. They gathered their strongest warriors and mages to confront the darkness. Yet, despite their combined efforts, nothing they did had any effect.
Years passed. The darkness, which had once spread like an unstoppable plague, suddenly stopped growing. No monsters emerged from it. No demons invaded. The forest simply fell into an eerie silence.
After centuries of observation, the extreme-ranked ancestors of the elven empire came to a shocking conclusion: the demonic invasion had somehow failed. The aura of the Demon King of Weirdness had disappeared, and the infection had seemingly eradicated itself.
A grand council was held to discuss this phenomenon, and after much debate, they settled on one possible explanation¡ªthe Will of the World itself had intervened.
The Will of the World was an enigmatic force. While high-ranking mages could vaguely perceive and manipulate its influence, its true nature remained unknown. It was an Absolute-ranked existence with an almost limitless source of power. Even Demon Kings struggled to contend with its might. Extreme-ranked mages, despite their formidable abilities, could barely comprehend its workings, let alone challenge it.
Centuries passed, and the Dark Forest remained unchanged¡ªa cursed land, untouched by time. However, like all demonic infections, it had left a lasting scar. The forest had become poisoned, its very air laced with death. Anything that entered, whether beast or man, would perish within hours. Even Super and Extreme-ranked individuals were not immune.
The Dark Forest was now a forbidden zone. Few dared step inside, cross its borders, fly over it, or even attempt teleportation through its space. However, the edges of the forest were clearly marked. As long as one remained outside those boundaries, they were safe.
When the infection first took hold, all elves¡ªwood elves, high elves, and dark elves alike¡ªfled in terror. But as time passed and the cursed borders were defined, new elven tribes began to settle around the forest''s edges.
The city of Eldrinvar was one such settlement, established nearly three thousand years ago.
Despite its ominous neighbor, Eldrinvar thrived. Its economy revolved around harvesting the dark-element materials found within the forest. Though stepping inside meant certain death, adventurers and merchants still sought ways to extract its riches. They discovered that the forest contained an unbelievable concentration of dark and poisonous elemental resources¡ªan opportunity too lucrative to ignore.
And where there was wealth, there were those willing to take risks.
Using clones, mechanical constructs, and other creative methods, many found ways to mine the outskirts of the forest. The Empire, however, took a cautious approach. They allowed lower-ranking individuals to harvest them¡ªtreating the process as an experiment to gauge its safety.
Thousands of years passed, and mining operations flourished. Businesses dedicated solely to extracting dark-element materials emerged, and cities sprang up around the industry. To prevent conflict, the empire divided the resources into regulated shares, ensuring that each city and business had its own designated portion.
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At first, the empire allowed the free market to dictate everything. But once it was confirmed that the materials were safe for use, laws were passed, and regulations were put in place. Today, disputes over resources are settled in imperial courts rather than through violence.
Elves, after all, were not a warlike people. Especially the high elves¡ªwho considered themselves far too dignified to lower themselves to mere brawling.
...
Sylvara was a Mythic-ranked mage. Though she had lived for over a thousand years, she looked no older than twenty. She resided in the city of Eldrinvar, serving as its presiding judge.
As a judge commissioned by the empire, Sylvara was more than just a legal authority¡ªshe was the de facto ruler of the entire district. She held the power to appoint mayors, police chiefs, inspectors, and other officials in Eldrinvar and its surrounding cities. Not only did she oversee the enforcement of imperial laws, but she also had the authority to pass local laws at her own discretion. Every trade guild, mining operation, and resident paid taxes, a portion of which went directly into her pocket.
The elven empire¡¯s system of governance differed greatly from that of humans. While humans typically had kings and queens, the elven empire was ruled by a Council of Elders. This council divided the empire into various territories and appointed a presiding judge to govern each one.
Though they were called judges, these officials were effectively monarchs. They held near-absolute authority within their jurisdictions, with only the Council of Elders having the power to appoint or remove them.
Such a system would be impossible in human societies¡ªgranting so much independent power to so many individuals would inevitably lead to endless conflict and civil war. But elves, especially high elves, were among the most lawful species in the world. They adhered strictly to their codes and traditions, never violating the rules. Even when disputes arose between two judges, the matter was simply assigned to an impartial third party who would issue a ruling. The verdict was always respected without bloodshed.
To be appointed as a presiding judge was an extraordinary honor, one that few could achieve. Sylvara took great pride in her position, even if her district was considered rural and weak, lacking truly powerful individuals.
The dark and poison-element trade was difficult, but it was the region¡¯s lifeblood. Unfortunately, supply far exceeded demand, driving prices down. Nowadays, most dark and poison-element resources were exported. However, due to the elven empire¡¯s strict trade regulations with the Flicker Empire, only a randomly selected few trade groups were permitted to export their goods.
Though her domain was not the wealthiest or the most powerful, Sylvara ruled it with dignity and authority, her influence stretching across every corner of her jurisdiction.
...
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Come in!" Sylvara called out without looking up, her quill gliding across the parchment.
She was buried in paperwork, signing document after document. As the sole presiding judge responsible for millions of people, her workload was overwhelming. While much of the actual work was handled by her clerks, imperial law required that all official documents be personally reviewed and signed by the judge in charge¡ªby hand, not by magic or any other "extraordinary means."
Sylvara could have easily used a spell to speed up the process. No one would have noticed. But the thought never even crossed her mind. She was a judge of the elven empire, bound by law and tradition. Even if the law was inconvenient or irrational, she would follow it to the letter.
The door creaked open.
A man stepped inside.
He had striking red hair and vivid green pupils, his delicate features framed by a pair of pointed elven ears. Dressed in luxurious, meticulously tailored robes, he radiated an air of nobility.
Sylvara glanced up, her brows furrowing slightly.
"Hmm? I don¡¯t recall seeing you before. Did we have an appointment?" she asked, trying to place the unfamiliar face.
The man didn¡¯t answer. Instead, his lips curled into a smirk.
"System, this is my target," Edric whispered.
Sylvara''s eyes widened.
"What are you¡ª?!"
She collapsed mid-sentence, her vision fading into darkness. Then, as if she had never existed, she vanished.
Edric, on the other hand, began to change.
His body shifted¡ªhis frame grew slender, his features softened, his hair lengthened, and his clothes altered to fit his new form. Even his voice, height, and aura transformed, until he was no longer Edric¡ªbut Sylvara herself.
Then came the flood of memories.
He saw her life, her achievements, her knowledge. He felt her emotions, her attachments, her regrets, her triumphs. Everything Sylvara had ever seen, done, or known became his.
Edric¡ªnow Sylvara¡ªslowly sat in the judge¡¯s chair, letting the memories settle.
After a few moments, he exhaled and muttered, "I would have lost myself if it weren¡¯t for my [Mental Fortitude] skill¡"
The [Mental Fortitude] skill reinforced one''s mind, making it nearly impervious to external influence or mental corruption. Without it, he might have struggled to retain his true identity amid Sylvara¡¯s overwhelming memories.
"Good," he thought, a smirk forming. "Now, I am the ruler of Eldrinvar and its surrounding cities."
Last time, when he had targeted Sylvara with [Disguise], the system had given an error, stating he was too far away. That left him no choice but to come here in person. It had been an inconvenience¡ªbut a minor one. He had simply brainwashed everyone he encountered along the way.
Now, as Sylvara, he could take root in this city with ease.
He turned his gaze to the towering stacks of documents waiting to be signed and chuckled.
"She actually wasted time signing these by hand because of some law? How foolish."
With a flick of his fingers, he silently cast a spell. In an instant, every single document was signed in perfect, flowing script.
There was no risk¡ªevery document that reached the presiding judge¡¯s desk had already been reviewed countless times. He had no reason to worry about signing something problematic by accident.
"Good. Signing time is over. Now, on to more interesting matters."
Reaching into Sylvara¡¯s desk, he pulled out a stack of ancient tomes.
As a Mythic-ranked mage, the real Sylvara had access to priceless magical knowledge. Now, all of it belonged to him.
Edric leaned back in the chair, flipping open a book with a satisfied smirk.
Even though he had inherited all of her memories, she didn¡¯t actually remember every single magical tome word for word; it was still necessary to read the books himself.
Chapter 94 The Search for the Dark Crystal
"Lots of wind-element spells, a few water and earth spells¡ Overall, while it wasn¡¯t bad, it wasn¡¯t impressive either."
Edric tossed the books aside.
In the past, he had desperately sought spellbooks, lacking the talent and knowledge to create his own spells. But now, with the help of [Magic Computer (Pink)], [Magic Intuition (Cyan)], [Formation Intuition (Cyan)], and [Spell Intuition (Cyan)], he could craft mythic-level spells with relative ease. Comparing his personally designed spells to those in the books¡ they were indeed a bit inferior¡ªbut not by much.
"These mythic spells were likely created by ultra-tier elven mages. No wonder they¡¯re so masterfully crafted. Being part of a powerful empire really has its advantages. If she came from some remote faction, there¡¯s no way she¡¯d have spellbooks of this quality," Edric mused.
A few spells stood out as useful, such as [Water Shield], an excellent defense against fire-based attacks, and [Arrow], a wind-element spell not meant for attacking but for instant movement. While its range was short, it was incredibly simple to cast and perfect for dodging attacks or covering short distances in a flash.
Instant-movement spells, like [Shadow Leap], were invaluable for evading enemy strikes. They were simple, efficient, and easy to cast, but not without weaknesses. Edric had once faced a mage who dodged several of his attacks using [Shadow Leap]. At the time, he hadn¡¯t known how to counter it. But now, he did¡ªeliminate all shadows, and the spell would become useless.
For mages, who were generally frail, knowing multiple instant-movement spells was crucial. Of course, Edric, who was also a Mythic Knight, didn¡¯t have to worry much about close combat.
"I can''t use my own knight or mage abilities. As long as I maintain this disguise, I can only use her spells, and my physical rank is locked at Silver." He frowned. Sylvara was a Silver-ranked Knight in addition to being a Mythic Mage.
"The only way to access my full power is to deactivate [Disguise]. That¡¯s a weakness. It would have been ideal if I could use my own strength on top of Sylvara¡¯s."
"But I can use my skills, even while disguised as her," he reassured himself.
As he was lost in thought, a knock echoed through the room.
"Come in," Edric said.
An elf entered¡ªa man appearing in his twenties, though who knew his true age? He bowed respectfully as he stepped forward.
"Your honor, I am here to retrieve the documents," he said.
Edric immediately understood. Every day, Sylvara signed documents and handed them to this man.
"Here they are, all signed and ready," Edric said, handing over the papers.
The elf hesitated for a brief moment. The judge seemed a little more energetic today than usual¡ but he said nothing. Taking the documents, he bowed once more and left.
After the man left, Edric leaned back, lost in thought.
"There doesn¡¯t seem to be any system tasks. Without them, I have no idea what I¡¯m supposed to do. Hmm¡ I should just act as Sylvara and let time pass. I get 10,000 XP every day, so every day that passes is actually good for me," he mused.
Edric was never the type to take unnecessary risks, especially when the system provided free, risk-free XP daily. If there were a task with good rewards, he might have been tempted to be more proactive¡ªbut with no tasks available, there was no reason to push himself.
Ding!
New task available!
- Part 1: Find the Dark Crystal in the Dark Forest.
- Part 2: Replenish the Weird Blood inside the Dark Crystal.
- Part 3: Once the Dark Crystal is ready, take it out of the Dark Forest and drop it in the Elven Imperial Capital.
- Part 4: Once the land is wiped clean of inferior beings, repopulate it with your own descendants.
Edric¡¯s eyes widened.
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"Too demonic!"
This was, by far, the most evil task he had ever received. It outright demanded the extermination of elves, even referring to them as "inferior beings."
But then, his gaze lingered on the rewards.
"Too good to ignore..."
After a moment of hesitation, he made his decision.
"Where do I even find the Dark Crystal?"
He had no idea what it was.
From Sylvara¡¯s memories, the Dark Forest was rumored to be a deadly, cursed place where anyone who entered would perish from poisoning. But Edric knew that wasn¡¯t true¡ªhe had spent months inside the forest, and here he was, completely fine.
"Either they were misled, or I¡¯m immune somehow."
But that didn''t add up. Too many powerful figures¡ªlegendary and mythic-ranked knights and mages alike¡ªbelieved in the Dark Forest¡¯s danger. Could they all have been wrong?
"No¡ It¡¯s more likely that I have some kind of immunity. Maybe one of my skills protects me without me even realizing it."
As for the Dark Crystal, Sylvara¡¯s memories held no information about it. Finding it could take a long time.
Edric sighed.
Then, without hesitation, he dispelled [Disguise].
His form shifted back to his true self¡ªvivid red hair and piercing green eyes. At the same time, a woman collapsed onto the ground, unconscious.
Edric didn¡¯t hesitate.
He summoned his Mythic Lance and slashed downward.
Sylvara¡¯s head separated cleanly from her body.
Her eyes flickered open in shock, but before she could even react, her Silver-ranked head was crushed beneath his foot.
"Now that I have her memories, I don¡¯t need to retrain myself so much," Edric thought.
While maintaining [Disguise], he couldn¡¯t use his own strength, which was a major downside.
The skill [Disguise] was nearly flawless, capable of fooling even Extreme-ranked mages, but such an advanced deception wasn¡¯t necessary in this remote region. As long as he could conceal his identity from Legendary mages, that was enough.
After tidying up, he cast a cloning spell. Before him, a perfect replica of Sylvara took shape¡ªidentical in appearance, power, and presence. A Mythic Mage, flawless enough to deceive even a Legendary Mage.
"Sylvara, you stay here and manage things as usual," Edric instructed.
The clone nodded obediently.
Originally, Edric had planned to stay here, accumulating XP passively while enjoying a peaceful life. But now that the system had issued a task, things had changed. He needed to search for the Dark Crystal, which meant he couldn¡¯t afford to keep [Disguise] active¡ªit restricted his power too much.
The Mythic Clone he had just created contained an immense mana reserve, enough to cast multiple Mythic-tier spells and maintain itself for an infinite amount of time. Of course, if it were to engage in battle against other Mythic-ranked knights and mages, it would eventually exhaust its mana and disappear. But as long as it only handled administrative tasks¡ªsigning documents, managing affairs¡ªit would persist indefinitely.
Clones had physical bodies of their own, and this one could even replenish its mana to a degree. As long as it didn¡¯t completely deplete its energy, it could theoretically exist forever.
Of course, there were risks. The longer a clone lived independently from the original, the greater the chance of breaking away and developing its own will. But Edric wasn¡¯t concerned. He had implanted mostly Sylvara¡¯s memories into the clone, leaving little of his own. Even if it did rebel, he wouldn¡¯t lose much. He could simply deactivate the spell and erase it.
Not that rebellion was likely.
Edric had placed countless restrictions in the clone¡¯s mind¡ªlayers of safeguards that would take years to bypass, if it were even possible at all.
Clones were inherently more independent than Incarnations and Avatars, which made them prone to defection. The fewer memories they inherited from the original, the higher the likelihood of breaking away.
Clones, incarnations, and avatars¡ though similar in concept, they were fundamentally different from one another.
Incarnations were fragments of a higher being¡¯s will, descending into pre-existing bodies. For example, if Edric forcibly inserted his will into an ordinary person, he could control that body¡ªit would function as his Incarnation. Though it wouldn¡¯t be his body, it would still act entirely according to his will.
However, Incarnations required constant attention from the original body, meaning they could not rebel unless the host body was already strong enough to resist.
If Edric took over someone¡¯s body but left behind only a fragment of his will, allowing it to operate without his direct control, then it wouldn¡¯t be an Incarnation¡ªit would be a Clone.
Clones did not need genetic similarity to the original. They didn¡¯t even need to share the same soul or any direct or indirect connection.
This led to an interesting question.
What exactly defines a clone?
A clone is an independent being that was once part of a larger entity and remains loyal to that entity. If it defects, it can no longer be considered a clone. Conversely, if it was never part of the larger entity to begin with, it cannot be considered a clone.
The mana that formed Sylvara¡¯s clone once belonged to Edric, and since it remained loyal to him, it was unquestionably his clone.
Most of the time, the definition of a clone is clear. However, in certain cases, it can become murky. The most important factor is that the larger entity must be responsible for the clone¡¯s existence. While there are rare situations where it''s difficult to determine whether a smaller entity is truly a clone, in most cases, the distinction is obvious.
As for Avatars, they are nothing more than projections¡ªpure energy constructs that resemble humanoid forms but have no real body or independent will of their own.
...
After ensuring everything was in order with Sylvara, Edric departed for the Dark Forest in search of the Dark Crystal.
At the same time, he instructed Sylvara to use her authority and resources as the Presiding Judge to gather any relevant information regarding the artifact.
Chapter 95 The First Clue
"The Dark Crystal¡ could it be underground?" Edric wondered, furrowing his brow.
It had been six long months since he started searching for the it¡ªsix months of aimless wandering with absolutely no clue where to begin.
"This is much harder than I thought!" He sighed. When he first embarked on this quest, he was confident that his mythic powers would make it easy. He imagined soaring over the Dark Forest, scanning the land below, and finding the crystal within a few weeks at most. Yet, despite covering most of the forest¡¯s surface, he had found nothing¡ªnot even a hint.
"I''ve already scanned nearly the entire Dark Forest from high above, but there¡¯s nothing¡" he thought, frustration creeping into his mind. "Next, I¡¯ll have to do it all again¡ªbut more carefully this time."
Even with his speed, his mythic abilities as both a knight and a mage, and an arsenal of powerful spells, he had failed. He had hoped that surveying from the skies would yield some kind of lead, but the forest revealed nothing.
"If I keep searching blindly, it could take decades¡ maybe even centuries! This damn forest is massive¡ªjust a simple high-altitude scan took months!" Edric clenched his fists. "I need clues, or I¡¯ll be stuck here forever!"
His clone, Sylvara, had been tirelessly seeking any information about the Dark Crystal, but so far, she had come up with nothing. It was as if the artifact didn¡¯t exist at all.
But Edric knew better. The system had confirmed its existence¡ªthere was no doubt.
"It¡¯ll take time¡ but I have time." His eyes glowed with determination. "I¡¯ll keep searching while Sylvara hunts for clues. One way or another, I will find it!"
...
More than ten years had passed.
"I''ve scanned 1% of the surface!" Edric grinned, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
A full decade had gone by, and yet¡ªhe had found nothing. Not a single clue. Sylvara, despite her relentless efforts, had also come up empty.
But Edric never wavered. He had absolute faith in the system. If the system said the Dark Crystal existed, then it existed.
"System!" he called.
A translucent blue window flickered into existence before his eyes.
...
Status Window
Name: Edric
Age: 47 years, 8 months, 19 days
Rank:
- Mythic Mage (184/40,000,000)
- Mythic Knight (31/40,000,000)
Skills: 12/15
- Divination Resistance (Black)
- Bloodline Shield (Black)
- Mental Fortitude (Purple)
- Blessed by the Abyss - Suppressed (Purple)
- Abyss Emissary (Purple)
- Demonic Ancestor (Purple)
- Disguise (Purple)
- Magic Computer (Pink)
- Magic Intuition (Cyan)
- Spell Storage (Cyan)
- Formation Intuition (Cyan)
- Spell Intuition (Cyan)
¡ª Skill Shop Available
Talent:
- Mage: Mythic (0/45,000,000)
- Knight: Legendary (0/10,000,000)
Tasks: None
Points: 42,330,000
Cheat: Moderate - 10,000 XP/day
...
"Time to upgrade!" Edric thought, his eyes gleaming as he gazed at the mountain of XP he had accumulated. Every day, he passively gained 10,000 XP. After ten years, he had saved up an astronomical amount without lifting a finger.
"System, add 39,999,969 XP to my Knight training!" he commanded.
He had long decided¡ªhe would upgrade his Knight rank first. There was no point in advancing his Mage class yet. Without corresponding talents and high-tier spells, he wouldn¡¯t even be able to cast Ultra-rank magic. Mages had higher potential but a much lower starting point.
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...
Ding!
Knight Rank: Mythic (40,000,000/40,000,000)!
Congratulations! Your rank has been upgraded to Ultra!
...
The moment the notification appeared, a searing heat erupted inside Edric¡¯s body. It was as if his entire being was being incinerated¡ªhis bones cracked, his muscles swelled, and his blood boiled with power.
He nearly blacked out.
"Am I going to die?!" The pain was unbearable.
But he gritted his teeth and endured. His [Mental Fortitude] skill kicked in, keeping him conscious through the torment.
Seconds turned into minutes.
Minutes turned into an hour.
Finally, the raging energy settled.
Edric opened his eyes.
"This aura¡ it''s at least ten times stronger than before!"
He clenched his fist, feeling like he could shatter the heavens and split the earth with a single punch. Of course, that was an illusion¡ªbut even so, the sheer strength of an Ultra Knight was nothing short of monstrous.
A single strike could carve mountains, evaporate rivers, turn cities to dust.
Looking around, he noticed something astonishing.
He could now see for miles¡ªdozens of miles¡ªwith his bare eyes, without using a spell or skill.
As a Mythic Knight, Edric¡¯s vision had already been incredible¡ªable to pierce through darkness and obstacles, seeing over a mile ahead.
But in the endless expanse of the Dark Forest, that was nothing.
Now, however, he could see tens of miles into the distance. It was still a mere fraction of the forest¡¯s vastness, yet the upgrade was a massive, qualitative leap in power.
Then, he looked down¡ª
And what he saw stopped him cold.
He could now see two miles underground¡ªwithout using a single spell or skill.
This was just his normal vision.
Before, as a Mythic Knight, he had barely been able to see two hundred feet beneath the earth.
"I wonder how strong a Super Knight is¡?" He hesitated, contemplating whether to activate [Super Knight Boost].
The temptation was strong.
But he shook his head.
The Dark Forest was dangerous. If he used his trump card now, and something truly terrifying appeared, he¡¯d have no way to fight back or escape. The skill had a month-long cooldown, after all.
Instead, he focused on something else.
The surging pink energy within him¡ªit was unlike anything he had ever felt before. His power was boiling, begging to be tested.
"Alright¡ let¡¯s see what this body can do."
He clenched his fist, gathering all his strength¡ªand punched the ground.
...
BOOOOOOM!
The world erupted.
A deafening explosion echoed for hundreds of miles. The earth shattered. A towering mushroom cloud of smoke and debris pierced the sky.
Lava spewed from the depths like a ruptured volcano, devouring the land. A tsunami of rock and soil exploded outward, annihilating everything in its path.
Beneath the crumbling mountains of moving stone, Edric wriggled free. He was completely unharmed¡ªbut his clothes were nothing more than melted scraps.
His eyes widened as he took in the apocalyptic destruction around him.
"How are there still cities standing¡ when every single Ultra Knight can do this?"
He stood atop the roaring tsunami of molten earth, watching as it swallowed trees whole and turned them to ash.
Still in disbelief, he exhaled sharply.
"One punch¡ completely wiped out everything in a 10-mile diameter."
"If an Ultra Knight is this strong¡ how terrifying must a Super Knight be?"
At this rate, a single strike from an Extreme Rank powerhouse could sink an entire island like Silver Flower.
If such beings dedicated themselves to destruction, they could shatter the world¡¯s surface before they perished.
But the world itself?
"No, they wouldn¡¯t destroy the world itself¡ªonly its surface."
It was like those human extinction movies on Earth. Even if a meteor wiped out all life, the Earth itself would remain. The land would be scarred, but the planet wouldn¡¯t cease to exist.
"Does the world even care that we live on its surface?"
That thought struck him.
He knew this wasn¡¯t a planet¡ªit was a world. A true world. And unlike planets, worlds had a will.
"Well¡ I don¡¯t know."
His gaze fell back to the Dark Forest below.
For centuries, it had remained untouched, not because of its strength, but because no one could venture deep enough inside. And yet, despite its ancient mystery, it was¡ fragile.
Every tree here was merely Mortal Rank. There wasn¡¯t even a Great Rank, let alone a Silver Rank beast within its depths.
Just as Edric was pondering this mystery, he noticed something strange¡ª
Something he hadn¡¯t paid attention to before.
Because he had been too preoccupied¡ª
Thinking about the overwhelming power of an Ultra Knight.
"The light from the lava¡ its reflections¡ its penetration¡ is wrong!"
Edric frowned.
Despite the sea of lava before him, the surrounding area remained eerily dark. The light should have illuminated everything, yet it seemed trapped, unable to spread properly.
"It¡¯s as if light itself struggles to move in this place."
In the past, he had always used magic for illumination, so he had never noticed this strange phenomenon before. Magical light had no such restrictions.
But now¡ª
"Mortal light¡ it¡¯s being heavily constrained here."
Then, something even stranger caught his attention.
"Wait¡ the light moves more freely toward the east than the west?"
He narrowed his eyes, focusing.
Activating his Ultra-Ranked [Magic Computer] skill, he began running precise calculations. His Ultra Knight vision amplified the details, allowing him to analyze the movement of light itself.
And finally¡ª
He found his first clue.
"Light is more restricted moving west than east."
It wasn¡¯t much, but it was something.
"Could it be¡ the Dark Crystal is in the west? Is that why light is being suppressed in that direction?"
There was no guarantee, but he didn¡¯t need one.
Any clue¡ªno matter how small¡ªwas infinitely better than searching blindly.
His decision was made.
With a powerful leap, he soared into the sky.
As he streaked through the air, he kept his eyes locked on the ground below, scanning everything in his path.
His Ultra Knight vision made it effortless.
Not only could he see the surface clearly, but he could also peer two miles beneath the ground¡ª
Searching for the truth hidden beneath the Dark Forest.
Chapter 96 Absolute Darkness
Anyone who reaches the Ultra Rank, whether mage or knight, stands at the pinnacle of power, even within the great empires¡ªbe it the Flicker Empire or the vast Elven Dominion.
In general, small islands like the Silver Flower Isles, desolate and lacking in resources, can only support warriors at the Legendary Rank. In rare cases, a Mythic-ranked individual may emerge, but even that is uncommon. The situation, however, is entirely different on the mainland, where the aura is rich and abundant.
On the mainland, the number of talented individuals suited for knight training is significantly higher. Among those born with talent, many can reach the Silver Knight level, and for some, even attaining the rank of Golden Knight is not out of reach. Legendary Knights are not rare, and Mythic Knights, while formidable, often hold positions such as mayors, governors, or district judges in smaller cities and provinces.
But Ultra Rank is different. Even among the major empires, Ultra-ranked knights are exceedingly rare. They are granted high-ranking positions with ease¡ªgovernors of vast states, mayors of great cities, and judges overseeing critical districts.
As for Super Rank? Even in the most powerful empires, their numbers are scarce. Each and every one of them is a legend, their names known across the land. They hold great influence, acting as key decision-makers in the empire. Most reside within the capitals, serving as ministers or dedicating themselves to rigorous training, clinging to the faint hope of breaking through to the fabled Extreme Rank.
And then, there are the Extreme-ranked individuals¡ªthe true rulers of the empires. Their power stands above all, yet they rarely appear. Most of the time, they remain in deep slumber, seeking to prolong their lifespans. With them in hibernation, the responsibility of ruling the great kingdoms falls to Ultra-ranked mages and Super-ranked knights.
Though Super-ranked knights are stronger in direct combat, Ultra-ranked mages are held in even higher regard. The reason is simple¡ªUltra-ranked mages can, to some extent, communicate with the Will of the World and even draw upon its power. Without them, crafting high-level formations would be nearly impossible.
As for Super-ranked mages, they are so rare they may as well not exist. In the absence of Extreme-ranked knights, these mages are the undisputed leaders of their factions.
But an Extreme-ranked mage? There has never been one.
...
Edric, now an Ultra-ranked knight, gazed at the endless horizon.
He hovered high in the sky, scanning the ground below, searching for something. Yet, even after days of travel, he had found nothing. His Ultra-ranked vision was a significant improvement, but it wasn¡¯t enough.
"I¡¯ve been heading west for a month, yet I still haven¡¯t reached the end!" he sighed. Despite his breakthrough to Ultra Knight, his magic spells remained as they were before. For mobility, he relied on a Mythic-tier flight spell, which meant his speed hadn¡¯t improved at all with his advancement.
"This place is massive¡ it must span millions of miles," he murmured, awed by the sheer vastness of the world.
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"Maybe I should run on the ground?" he mused. As a Mythic-ranked mage, his flight speed was limited to Mythic-tier spells, but if he ran, his speed would be much faster.
Yet, he quickly dismissed the thought. "If I run, anything in my path will melt from the friction¡ besides, flying gives me a wider field of view since I have a higher vantage point. Running on the ground is no good." He shook his head.
"I wish I could use martial techniques¡" he thought bitterly.
Mages wield mana, but knights have their own form of energy¡ªcalled internal energy, martial power, or qi, depending on the region. There was no universal name for it.
Though both mana and internal energy were power sources, they were fundamentally different. Mana was soft, flexible, and could be molded into various forms and elements to cast magic. Internal energy, on the other hand, was sharp, rigid, and violent. It could not be shaped into elements, which meant that while its raw power and lethality were immense, it was practically useless for casting spells.
However, despite its inflexible nature, internal energy could be barely shaped into simple martial techniques.
These martial techniques were closely guarded secrets of the major empires. Even possessing them wasn¡¯t enough¡ªactually using them required rigorous training and exceptional talent. Edric had neither the techniques nor the martial arts talent to master them in a short time.
Martial techniques varied in type, from basic flight techniques to Hardening Arts, Energy Blades, Burning Arts, and Freezing Arts. No matter the technique, it had to be simple.
Take the Flying Art, for example. While it was a useful martial technique, it was vastly inferior to magic flight spells. A mage could control the speed, direction, and altitude of a flight spell with pinpoint accuracy. In contrast, the Flying Art only allowed movement in a straight line, at a fixed speed, without the ability to adjust course mid-flight. It was useful, but severely lacking compared to magic.
Yet, despite its limitations, Edric now wished he could use Ultra-ranked flight speed. While an Ultra-ranked Flying Art was still far inferior to an Ultra-ranked flight spell, it was leagues ahead of a Mythic-ranked flight spell.
And in his current predicament, even an imperfect technique was better than nothing.
...
With no better solution, Edric continued flying using his Mythic-tier spell for another five months. Then, at long last, he found something interesting.
"This place¡ the concentration of dark energy is much higher here!"
Curious, he pulled out a small piece of wood and set it on fire.
The light from the flame struggled to spread, as if trapped in an invisible cage. It barely illuminated his face, even though it was only inches away.
"Mortal light is completely suppressed here," Edric thought.
To test it further, he cast a Silver-ranked spell¡ª[Flashlight].
A bright, silvery glow flared to life in his palm. Yet, instead of cutting through the darkness, the light was stifled, its reach limited. He aimed it toward the ground, but the illumination failed to penetrate, vanishing midway.
"Amazing! The dark energy here is so dense that it even suppresses magical light!" He was astonished.
What was darkness, truly?
Darkness was simply the absence of light. In any confrontation between the two, one side held absolute dominance. It wasn¡¯t hard to guess which¡ªlight obliterated darkness effortlessly. The very existence of light banished the shadows, whereas no amount of darkness could, in theory, extinguish even the smallest spark. Darkness was defined by the absence of light, and once light appeared, it ceased to exist.
Yet, the world was never that simple.
In extreme cases, when the balance was severely skewed, even the impossible could become reality. Here, the sheer density of dark energy was so overwhelming, so suffocating, that it was darkness suppressing light instead of the other way around.
Intrigued, Edric decided to push the limits. He increased the rank of the spell to Gold.
The struggling silver glow brightened into a radiant golden light, its intensity surging manyfold. The oppressive darkness began to melt away, and at last, the light successfully reached the ground.
"So, the dark elements here can only suppress up to Silver-ranked light," he mused. "Hmm¡ I should explore further and find the place with the highest concentration of dark energy."
With that thought, he pressed on.
Chapter 97 Digging Deeper
Edric spent five more months tirelessly searching for the area with the highest concentration of dark energy.
To make his search more efficient, he dedicated some time to crafting a mythic spell that would allow him to track it with greater accuracy.
As an Ultra Knight, his eyesight was already incredibly powerful¡ªcapable of perceiving dark energy, one of the hardest energies to detect with the naked eye. But even with his natural abilities, an additional spell couldn¡¯t hurt.
...
¡°[Flashlight]¡± Edric cast the spell once more.
A golden beam of light shot out, struggling to reach the ground¡ªbut it faltered halfway, vanishing before it could make contact.
"Here¡ even a golden-ranked light spell is suppressed! This must be the place with the highest concentration of dark energy!" Edric thought, his eyes narrowing as he peered down.
Beneath him, the ground was littered with countless dark elemental stones, dark elemental water, dark elemental wood, and more. It was a paradise for dark energy. The concentration in the air was so high that it was almost tangible, a thick, oppressive presence.
As an Ultra Knight, Edric¡¯s sight was far beyond ordinary¡ªhe could peer through the dense atmosphere and see thousands of feet beneath the surface. What caught his attention was the fact that the concentration of dark energy grew even stronger the deeper he looked.
¡°The source of the dark energy must be underground!¡± he realized.
"Time to dig!" he decided, flying down to the surface and casting another spell.
¡°[Telekinesis]!¡±
He had once possessed a skill with the same that allowed him to control objects without touching them. Mages were inherently capable of telekinesis¡ªthey could manipulate their mana to move things with their mind. However, using the [Telekinesis] spell greatly decreased its mana cost, while also enhancing its power and accuracy.
With mythic rank [Telekinesis], Edric began to excavate at an incredible speed. In just one hour, he had dug over 100 feet deep and 20 feet wide. But as he descended further, the soil grew more resistant, harder, and tougher to break through. While it wasn¡¯t enough to stop his Mythic [Telekinesis], it did slow him down considerably.
...
After months of hard work, Edric managed to dig 50 miles deep and 300 feet wide. To make things easier, he simply tossed all the soil and gravel into a spatial ring. Every now and then, he would return to the surface to empty it before continuing his excavation.
"This is so difficult! This dark soil is definitely a legendary material!" Edric sighed, his [Telekinesis] struggling to dig any further.
"I don¡¯t have a mythic shovel¡ so how am I supposed to keep digging?" he muttered, deep in thought. Eventually, he decided to use the Mythic Lance to break apart the legendary dark soil, making it easier to remove.
"Fortunately, I set up plenty of magic formations to reinforce the tunnel, so the risk of it collapsing is minimal!" he reassured himself.
A 50-mile-deep hole naturally had the possibility of collapsing. If that happened, he would be buried alive. Of course, with his Ultra Physique, he wasn¡¯t worried about dying¡ªbut the thought of redoing all this work was enough to make him shudder.
"These masses of legendary-rank soil could sell for a fortune!" he thought. Luckily, he had brought plenty of spatial rings and had been storing every bit of the valuable material.
"Even though I¡¯m here for the Dark Crystal, making some extra money on the side wouldn¡¯t hurt!" he thought, raising the Mythic Lance and slashing at the dark soil blocking his path.
Slash!
The lance effortlessly cut through the dense earth, breaking it into countless pieces. Using [Telekinesis], Edric gathered the fragments and threw them into one of his spatial rings.
"It¡¯s a pity my [Telekinesis] isn¡¯t strong enough to break through this legendary dark soil¡ It¡¯s forcing me to take unnecessary risks," he thought bitterly.
After all, he had been taking his time, carefully excavating, because he feared damaging the Dark Crystal hidden below. Now, with [Telekinesis] proving ineffective, he was forced to use the Mythic Lance. Even though he was cautious, there was still a remote chance that the Dark Crystal was invisible to his Ultra Knight¡¯s Sight¡ªif so, he might accidentally destroy it without even realizing.
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"My so-called Mythic [Telekinesis] is pathetic! I guess the spells I designed aren¡¯t as top-notch as I thought¡" he sighed.
His magic knowledge was still limited. Even with [Magic Computer (Ultra)], there were gaps he couldn¡¯t fill. That was why some of his mythic-rank spells were weaker than they should be.
¡°[Telekinesis] isn¡¯t meant for combat, nor is it meant for digging. It¡¯s neither sharp nor sturdy¡ªit¡¯s not that [Telekinesis] is weak, it¡¯s just that it¡¯s not designed for this!¡± Edric thought, quickly coming up with justifications.
"Should I design a new spell specifically for digging through legendary dark soil?" he pondered. Up until now, [Telekinesis] had been enough, so he hadn¡¯t bothered creating another spell. But now, it was clear that he needed something specialized.
"Hmm¡ Let¡¯s do it!"
Right then and there, he sat down cross-legged and began calculating.
At a depth of 50 miles underground, there was no air, no light, no sound. For a mortal, the very idea of such a place would be terrifying. But Edric, with his [Mental Fortitude (Purple)] skill, was completely unbothered. The absolute silence, the suffocating lack of air, and the raging dark energy pressing down on him¡ªit didn¡¯t affect him in the slightest.
...
After a month of intense calculations, Edric finally opened his eyes, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
"[Sharp Telekinesis]¡ªthis should do the trick!"
He stood up and cast his newly designed mythic spell, [Sharp Telekinesis].
An invisible force shot forward, striking the legendary dark soil. Unlike before, it easily pierced through, tearing the dense material apart with precision. The broken pieces automatically gathered and dropped into his spatial ring, clearing the way effortlessly.
"Perfect," Edric muttered, watching his new spell work its magic.
...
A month passed in the blink of an eye.
Edric had managed to dig another 10 miles deeper¡ªonly to hit yet another roadblock.
Mythic Dark Soil.
After painstakingly breaking through all the Legendary Dark Soil, he had expected the excavation to get easier. Instead, the difficulty increased. Now, even [Sharp Telekinesis] was struggling.
After all, breaking Legendary Dark Soil was far easier than Mythic Dark Soil.
The concentration of dark energy had risen dramatically. Now, not even Legendary Light could pierce through the overwhelming darkness. Only Mythic Light could dispel it with ease.
...
"I¡¯m afraid my current rank isn¡¯t enough," Edric thought grimly.
He could no longer dig as easily as before. The obstacle before him was mythic-rank material¡ªthe same rank as himself. As a mythic mage, it was unrealistic to expect that he could easily break through something of equal rank.
"I have no choice but to dig with my bare hands!" he sighed.
Luckily, as an Ultra Knight, his physical strength far surpassed the mythic rank. He could tear through this soil with nothing but his hands if necessary.
"I¡¯ll keep digging¡ but if the dark soil keeps getting tougher and eventually reaches ultra rank, I¡¯ll have no choice but to give up," he admitted to himself.
The sheer concentration of dark energy in the environment was already overwhelming. Even other Ultra Knights would struggle to survive down here. The only reason he was fine had to be due to his skills¡ªprobably a combination of [Blessed by the Abyss (Purple)], [Abyss Emissary (Purple)], and [Demonic Ancestor (Purple)]¡ªhelping him resist the suffocating energy.
Without wasting another moment, Edric clenched his fists and began tearing through the mythic dark soil with his bare hands.
...
After an entire year of digging, Edric had only managed to advance eight miles.
After all, he was using nothing but his bare hands to carve a tunnel through mythic dark soil. Even with his Ultra-Rank physique, he still needed to rest from time to time.
For most Ultra-Rank Knights, mythic materials were usually as soft as tofu. But even if something were as soft as tofu, digging miles upon miles of it was no easy task. And worse¡ªthe deeper he went, the tougher the ''tofu'' became.
Though it hadn¡¯t quite reached Ultra-Rank, the dark soil had grown denser and stronger, reaching the pinnacle of Mythic-Rank.
The concentration of dark energy had also risen to an unimaginable level. Even his Mythic [Flashlight] spell failed to pierce the suffocating darkness.
One had to understand¡ªthe balance of power between light and darkness was in light¡¯s favor. The fact that a Mythic-Rank spell failed to illuminate the darkness meant only one thing¡
The darkness was far stronger.
Perhaps¡ it was nearing Super-Rank ...
...
"I''ve hit Ultra Dark Soil¡" Edric sighed, coming to a halt.
The soil was now at the same rank as him, meaning he could no longer dig through it without specialized equipment. When the soil had only been Mythic rank, it was like slicing through tofu. But now? It was like trying to dig through solid wood. Sure, he might be able to break or pierce through it, but it wouldn''t be easy, and without the right tools, he''d definitely injure himself trying.
"I have no idea what I¡¯m supposed to do now¡" he muttered in frustration.
He could only see a few feet beneath the Ultra Dark Soil¡ªa stark difference from when he could see through ordinary soil with ease. The gap between the two was like night and day.
"I failed," he sighed, disappointment washing over him.
But he had no other options.
"Guess I¡¯ll just have to wait for my XP to accumulate," he thought. If he could buy a skill designed for digging, he might be able to break through this obstacle.
"A Super Skill costs around 40,000,000 XP¡ so I just need to wait a few years," he calculated.
"During those years¡ I might as well leave and rest in that Elven City while I wait for my XP to build up," Edric decided.
With that, he cast [Fly] and soared out of the massive hole.
Once on the surface, he carefully covered the entrance as much as possible, marking the area with signs to ensure he wouldn¡¯t forget the location. Then, without looking back, he took off, heading toward the Elven City.
Chapter 98 High Elves
The city of Eldrinvar is considered small¡ªnot because it truly is, but because, compared to the grand cities scattered across the elven lands, its population ranks among the lowest. The primary reason for this lies in its proximity to the Dark Forest.
Though the Dark Forest itself isn¡¯t inherently dangerous, its very presence is enough to drive people away. After all, while those in power understand that as long as one doesn¡¯t set foot inside, there¡¯s nothing to fear, ordinary folk don¡¯t share the same certainty. In fact, many believe that even approaching its borders could spell their doom.
This fear stems from the countless terrifying rumors whispered among commoners. Though baseless, such deep-rooted beliefs are not so easily erased.
...
Sylvara signed her name on the document before handing it back to the clerk. Then, she asked, ¡°No news about the Dark Crystal?¡±
The clerk bowed and replied apologetically, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your Honor, but no one knows anything about such an item.¡±
¡°I see. I understand. Thank you for your efforts¡ªyou may leave,¡± she said.
The clerk bowed once more before exiting the room.
The moment the door shut, Edric stepped out from the shadows. ¡°Why are you still asking about the Dark Crystal? I already know where it is.¡±
Sylvara, his clone, folded her arms and frowned. ¡°Are you really sure? You only dug into the area¡ªyou haven¡¯t seen it with your own eyes. You can¡¯t be certain.¡±
Edric scoffed. ¡°What else could produce such a terrifying concentration of dark energy?¡±
Sylvara considered his words before replying, ¡°Maybe that¡¯s just how the Dark Forest works. The deeper you dig, the stronger the dark energy becomes.¡±
Edric shook his head. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m stupid? Of course, I checked other places. The dark energy concentration has nothing to do with depth¡ªit¡¯s all about location. If you dig near the spot where I suspect the Dark Crystal is buried, the energy thickens the deeper you go. But if you dig far away, even hundreds of miles, the energy level stays the same as it is on the surface.¡±
Sylvara smirked. ¡°You are stupid. For a Mythic Mage, I expected you to be much smarter.¡±
Edric¡¯s eye twitched. He had heard that Mythic-level clones were highly realistic, but he hadn¡¯t expected Sylvara to be so disrespectful.
¡°Hey, I¡¯m the main body. You can¡¯t talk to me like that!¡± he warned.
Sylvara merely shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re the boss, and I¡¯ll obey if you order me to be respectful. But before you do, let me just say¡ªit wouldn¡¯t hurt to have someone who speaks without fearing you. I can tell you things you might not think of. If you silence me, you¡¯ll only restrict your ability to hear the truth.¡±
Edric stared at her, mulling over her words. After a long pause, he sighed and gave a reluctant nod. ¡°Fine. Talk however you want.¡±
Then, he tossed a handful of space rings into her hands. ¡°I came back because I have to wait a few years. Take these¡ªthere are plenty of dark-elemental materials inside. Sell them and send me the money.¡±
Taking the space rings while nodding, Sylvara asked, ¡°Why do you have to wait a few years?¡±
Edric thought to himself, "I didn¡¯t transfer much of my own memories to this clone, which is why she doesn¡¯t act like me. Instead, she behaves just like the original Sylvara¡ I can¡¯t let her know about the system and XP."
¡°I was exhausted after digging for so long, so I decided to rest for a while. Alright, see you later. Call me once you¡¯ve sold all the dark-element materials,¡± Edric said before leaving without waiting for a response.
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Sylvara shook her head, frustrated with her main body. ¡°I wish I were the main body. Having a clone is so much fun.¡±
She glanced inside the space rings¡ªand was instantly stunned.
Mountains upon mountains of legendary and mythic dark soil filled the spatial storage. She was utterly speechless.
¡°How¡ How did he dig up this much Mythic Soil? How can a Mythic Knight and Mage achieve this?¡± Her mind raced, quickly piecing together the answer. ¡°He has a trump card I don¡¯t know about¡ Damn it! Even my own main body doesn¡¯t trust me enough to tell me everything!¡± She sighed in frustration.
Sylvara had many siblings and trusted them all without hesitation. The bond between a clone and its main body was even closer than that of siblings¡ªyet Edric still kept secrets from her. It felt insulting.
¡°Damn it¡ It¡¯s such a shame I have to listen to him,¡± she thought bitterly. Being a clone was more restrictive than being a slave¡ªescaping the influence of the main body was nearly impossible.
¡°I can only hope he¡¯ll trust me more over time. If I carry out his tasks perfectly, maybe he¡¯ll open up to me.¡±
Rebellion never even crossed her mind. No matter what, that was something she wouldn¡¯t do.
...
The city of Eldrinvar was built by High Elves.
And what were High Elves famous for? Their impeccable taste in art, their unmatched beauty, their breathtaking architecture, and their obsession with cleanliness.
Even though Eldrinvar was small, it was nothing short of extraordinary. The entire city felt like a masterpiece¡ªspotlessly clean, lined with stunningly expensive homes, government buildings, and lavish stores. Masterfully crafted sculptures, paintings, and other works of art adorned every corner, turning the city itself into a living museum.
"Is this a city or an art exhibit?" Edric thought.
This was the first time he truly noticed the city, and he had to admit¡ªits beauty was impressive.
But something felt... off.
"There are no brothels, no fighting arenas¡ not even a tavern? The restaurants look so high-class, I wonder if anyone can even afford to eat in them."
Though undeniably beautiful, Edric quickly realized Eldrinvar wasn¡¯t the kind of place he could stay in for long. It was just too¡ boring.
Everyone carried themselves with an air of seriousness, their expressions carved from stone. Was it pride? No, not pride¡ªarrogance. Not arrogance born from achievements, but from birthright. They were High Elves, the most exquisite race in the world. Everything else? Inferior.
Edric sighed. "This superiority complex is so stupid."
It was one thing to take pride in what you had accomplished¡ªbut being proud simply because of your looks, your race, or your gender? That was just ridiculous.
Edric, on the other hand, knew why he was proud of himself. Sure, the system had helped him tremendously, but his own resilience and caution had played just as crucial a role in his rapid rise to Ultra Knight.
He folded his arms, lost in thought.
"Humans and elves are actually pretty similar. I remember plenty of humans on Earth who acted just like this. Aside from slight differences in appearance, lifespan, and physique¡ mentally, they¡¯re practically the same."
He smirked to himself. "I guess arrogance knows no racial boundaries."
¡°The real problem is groupthink.¡±
In any society dominated by a single belief, dissent is crushed before it even takes root. Anyone who dares to question the status quo is silenced, ridiculed, or worse.
¡°I wonder if the High Elves here are the same.¡± Edric mused, intrigued.
He wasn¡¯t a good person¡ªnot even close. He was the very definition of a villain. Talking about right and wrong? He had no ground to stand on. But in his mind, he didn¡¯t need one.
Consistency? That was for the weak.
He could slaughter without a second thought, yet still be annoyed by the High Elves¡¯ arrogance. Hypocrisy? Maybe. But strength gave him the luxury of inconsistency. Weak people had to be principled to be taken seriously. The strong? They did whatever they pleased.
And right now, he was bored.
¡°Might as well waste some time studying High Elven psychology and culture.¡±
His first experiment? Finding dissidents¡ªthose who secretly didn¡¯t believe in High Elf superiority but lacked the courage to say so.
Smirking, Edric decided to test something. With a flick of his fingers, he cast a spell, altering his appearance. His pointed ears rounded out, his body shifted into a muscular human form, his once-sharp features roughened, and his elegant robes transformed into plain, worn-out clothes.
Humans were rare in the Elven Empire, but they weren¡¯t unheard of. Occasionally, human merchants passed through, and by law, mortals were free to walk the streets without restriction.
Of course, that only applied to mortal humans. Any human of Legendary rank or above had to register upon arrival¡ªotherwise, they¡¯d be treated as enemy spies.
Now disguised as an ordinary human, Edric stepped onto the streets of Eldrinvar.
Instantly, he felt their eyes on him.
Elves passing by cast him disgusted looks, their expressions twisting as though they¡¯d just seen an ugly ghost. Some sneered. Others whispered. None greeted him.
"Tch. Let''s just keep walking and see their reactions. Maybe I''ll find someone who isn''t disgusted," he thought.
A High Elf who could look at him without disdain¡ªthat would likely be the dissident he was searching for.
Chapter 99 A Social Experiment
A human in a city full of high elves was an unusual sight.
Wherever he went, he became the center of attention. Every elf looked down on him, judging him as inferior. Yet, despite their contempt, no one said a word or made a move against him. The most they did was cast disdainful glances his way.
High elves were among the most lawful of races. Even if they held absolute contempt for someone, they would never resort to physical violence¡ªsimply because it was against the law.
To test whether he would face discrimination, Edric attempted to enter a few high-end restaurants. Surprisingly, he was allowed in without issue. No one stopped him, nor did anyone openly mistreat him, despite the silent disdain they harbored for ''lesser'' races.
"High elves are strange beings," Edric mused. "I can tell they see me as some kind of ape, yet they haven¡¯t actually done anything to me!"
There was a law in the Elven Empire that strictly forbade discrimination based on biological characteristics. Edric assumed this was the reason why he was treated fairly, at least on the surface.
"If not for that law, they would¡¯ve probably tried to throw me out of the city the moment I arrived," he thought.
Arrogant and racist, the high elves still maintained an unwavering sense of lawfulness, making their society surprisingly harmonious. It was this rigid adherence to order that allowed the Elven Empire to enact laws and alter the behavior of its citizens with ease.
"Humans are far inferior in this regard," Edric admitted to himself. "Many humans respect the law, but just as many are lawless, incapable of following rules unless there''s a sword hanging over their heads. And even then, they still commit crimes, only to be punished later."
There were no fights, no street brawls, and not even patrolling guards. The city had a police force, but they seemed more focused on guarding the outskirts rather than the inner districts.
"If an orc were to enter a human city, he would most likely be discriminated against at every turn. He¡¯d be lucky to make it out alive." Edric compared his situation to that of an orc in human territory.
It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration. The high elves viewed humans in much the same way¡ªperhaps even worse¡ªthan humans viewed orcs.
Despite the reputation of certain orc tribes for worshiping demon kings, the Orc Empire itself was a civilized nation, and the average orc was no more dangerous than the average human.
"High elves are far more homogeneous than humans," Edric observed as he cut into a piece of meat with his silver fork.
The meat was tender and flavorful. It wasn¡¯t the most delicious dish he had ever tasted, but it was unique¡ªan unfamiliar flavor that intrigued him.
"What kind of meat is this?" he wondered before dismissing the thought.
"Whatever. It¡¯s delicious, so who cares?"
Edric continued eating rapidly, paying no mind to etiquette. His lack of refinement drew even more disapproving stares from the high elves around him, but he hardly cared.
As Edric ate, he made no effort to be polite. He chewed loudly, smacked his lips, and didn''t bother to conceal the contents of his mouth. Every exaggerated bite, every slurp, and every wet chewing sound filled the restaurant, making the surrounding diners visibly uncomfortable.
Many of them forced themselves to continue eating, though their disgust was apparent. Some, however, couldn''t endure it any longer and stood up, leaving in silent outrage.
"Hmm¡ seems like I¡¯m bad for business," Edric mused.
A few of the restaurant¡¯s servers looked increasingly worried. They hurriedly approached the departing customers, bowing their heads in apology. Losing patrons over a single human was not something they could afford¡ªbut there was nothing they could do. Expelling Edric was out of the question, thanks to the strict anti-discrimination laws.
"What if I come here every day? Would the owner beg me to stop coming? Or maybe he¡¯d bribe me to start eating at his rival¡¯s place instead?" Edric thought, suppressing a smirk. The idea that his mere presence could cause such a scene was too amusing.
Despite the exaggerated disgust, his table was set at a considerable distance from the others. The elves could have simply ignored him. Yet, their pride and sensibilities were so fragile that they chose to leave instead.
"Would they react the same way if I wore fine clothes and had perfect manners?" Edric wondered. "Is it my lack of etiquette that offends them, or is it simply because I¡¯m human?"
There was only one way to find out.
After finishing his meal, he paid the bill without leaving a tip. The servers¡¯ expressions darkened with even more contempt as they watched him go.
Tipping was a serious matter among high elves. The tip percentage was a direct reflection of one¡¯s social status. High-ranking officials, such as mayors, would be considered disgraceful if they tipped less than 100%. Because of this culture, working as a server in a high-end restaurant was one of the most lucrative¡ªand competitive¡ªjobs available.
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As soon as Edric left, several servers rushed to his table. They swiftly replaced the dishes, then carefully sanitized the table and chair, scrubbing them down as though some plague or filthy vermin had contaminated them.
His visit had brought the restaurant nothing but loss. Not only had they lost customers, but they also had to waste over an hour meticulously cleaning every trace of his ¡®contamination.¡¯ Yet, no matter how much they despised him, they could do nothing.
Public accommodation laws ensured that all individuals¡ªregardless of race¡ªhad the right to access places like hotels and restaurants. As long as Edric didn¡¯t cause real trouble, they had no grounds to remove him. Eating messily or lacking proper manners did not constitute disruptive behavior¡ªcourt rulings had already settled that matter.
That said, not all high elves were this rigid. In cities where other races were more common, the elves had learned to tolerate such behavior. However, Eldrinvar¡ªdespite being a trade city¡ªwas located deep within elven territory. Its residents had little experience dealing with non-elves, let alone other species. This, more than anything, was why they reacted with such extreme intolerance.
...
The next day, Edric returned to the same restaurant.
This time, he was dressed in luxurious clothing¡ªfar finer than what even most high elves wore. His skin was spotless, his features strikingly handsome¡ªso much so that he could rival even elven women in beauty. Though his rounded ears still marked him as human, he now appeared as a high-class, wealthy noble.
The moment he stepped inside, the reaction was completely different. Fewer eyes turned toward him, and the contemptuous glances were significantly reduced. There were still some who regarded him as a well-dressed ape, but their disdain was far milder than before.
"So, yesterday¡¯s hostility wasn¡¯t entirely because I¡¯m human¡ It was because I looked poor and had bad manners?" Edric mused.
"Maybe they¡¯re not as speciesist and racist as I thought. Perhaps they simply look down on those who appear unrefined?"
This time, he dined with the grace of nobility¡ªtaking small bites, eating slowly and elegantly. No loud chewing, no open mouth, no unnecessary noise.
No one paid him excessive attention. No one left in disgust.
When he finished his meal, he left a generous 500% tip on the table before walking out.
The moment the server saw the tip, his perception of humans changed completely.
Just a day ago, his first encounter with a human had left him with the impression that all of them were crude and troublesome. But today, another human had visited¡ªone more refined and dignified than most elves.
It shattered his assumptions entirely.
...
"The problem with high elves is that they¡¯re too rich," Edric concluded.
Nearly all of them wore fine clothes, lived in elegant homes, and carried themselves with impeccable manners. Compared to them, every other race¡ªincluding other elves¡ªseemed like barbarians.
"These high elves aren¡¯t necessarily racist¡ they just look down on poor people," he sighed.
Curious, he discreetly altered his appearance once more, transforming himself into a high elf¡ªonly this time, he dressed in ragged clothes and gave himself an unattractive, unkempt face.
As he walked through the bustling streets, he immediately noticed something interesting. The contempt in people¡¯s eyes was even stronger than when he had appeared as a poorly dressed human.
"Definitely not about race¡ it¡¯s about class," Edric concluded with certainty.
"High elves act like nobles who refuse to associate with commoners. If I make myself look like one, they become contemptuous¡ªregardless of race or species."
High elves had a reputation for being speciesist and racist, but so far, that reputation seemed undeserved. They weren¡¯t looking down on others because of their race¡ªthey were simply extreme classists.
To test his theory further, Edric once again changed his appearance. This time, he became a human dressed in ordinary clothes¡ªneither rich nor poor. In a human city, no one would have given him a second glance. He looked completely average.
But in an elven city, "normal" meant low class. And once again, the elves¡¯ gazes filled with disdain.
"I see now why they have a reputation for being racist," Edric thought. "Ordinary people of other races are treated with such contempt that they assume it¡¯s because of their species¡ªnot their social standing. And of course, it¡¯s difficult to separate how one looks from what one is."
After all, high elves were naturally beautiful. Their faces were refined, their physiques elegant¡ªfew humans could compare to them. And as for orcs¡ it was unlikely any orc could ever be considered beautiful by elven standards.
"In practice, this means that most individuals from other species are looked down upon because of their appearance. The fact that a few beautiful humans escape this contempt does not negate the speciesism directed at the majority of humans."
Edric thought, "Most humans are ugly from an elf''s point of view, while most elves are beautiful by their own standards."
Interestingly, elves and humans shared a similar sense of beauty. The only major difference was in their views of masculinity. Among humans, strength and ruggedness were attractive traits in men. Among high elves, however, beauty in men was associated with softness and grace. When it came to women, though, the two races had almost identical standards of beauty.
Of course, beauty was subjective. Every individual had their own preferences. But there was still a general, culturally shaped sense of attractiveness¡ªone that evolved over time.
"The fact that human and elven beauty standards align now doesn¡¯t mean it was always this way. Maybe, in the past, humans preferred more masculine women¡ I have no idea how human ideals of beauty have changed over time."
Then again, Edric¡¯s knowledge of human culture in this world was extremely limited. He had spent most of his time on Silver Flower Island and in the Bloodstone Kingdom¡ªhardly representative of all humans. For all he knew, the Flicker Empire could have completely different beauty standards.
Despite being an Ultra Knight, his understanding of human civilization remained narrow, shaped only by the places he had visited. Silver Flower Island was just a tiny piece of the world, and hardly the best example of humanity as a whole.
...
As an Ultra Knight, Edric¡¯s vision was extraordinary.
Most elves, though they held contempt for him, didn¡¯t show it too openly. Their expressions remained composed, their disdain hidden beneath carefully practiced indifference.
But Edric noticed.
With his enhanced senses, he caught the subtlest changes¡ªthe flicker of a sneer, the faintest tightening of the lips, the almost imperceptible narrowing of eyes. Even the smallest microexpression betrayed their true feelings.
Over the course of his five-hour walk through the city, every single elf he encountered had at least some level of contempt for him. About half of them hid it so well that an ordinary human wouldn¡¯t have noticed.
But Edric did.
Every single one of them¡
Except for one.
A female high elf.
Her gaze wasn¡¯t filled with disdain. She wasn¡¯t sneering or looking down on him. No¡ her eyes held something else.
Desire.
"Am I really that handsome?"
Edric frowned. It was strange. He had deliberately taken on the appearance of an ordinary human¡ªplain, unremarkable, neither rich nor poor. And yet, this high elf woman was looking at him like he was the most desirable man in the world.
"Let¡¯s see."
Intrigued, Edric casually changed direction and walked toward her.
Chapter 100 Keys of the World
Cenara was a Silver Knight over three hundred years old. The reason she could live that long was simple¡ªshe was a High Elf.
Different species had different base lifespans. Humans, for example, could live up to 150 years. Elves had a maximum lifespan of around 450 years, while orcs rarely lived past 80. Of course, these numbers were only theoretical. Almost no one actually reached the full extent of their natural life.
However, there were ways to extend one''s life¡ªby breaking through higher cultivation realms. The lifespan gained from increasing one¡¯s rank stacked on top of the natural limit of their race.
That was why an elven Silver Knight like Cenara could still look youthful at three hundred, while a human of the same rank could never hope to live that long.
But Cenara wasn¡¯t particularly gifted. Despite their long lifespans, elves didn¡¯t inherently have better odds of being born with knight or mage talent.
Three factors determined a person¡¯s potential as a knight: bloodline, environment, and luck.
Bloodline was the foundation¡ªan absolute baseline. Without it, no amount of environmental support could help. One could live in a land brimming with energy, but without the right bloodline, talent wouldn¡¯t awaken out of thin air.
Even so, having the right bloodline didn¡¯t guarantee anything. For the hidden potential to bloom, environment played a crucial role.
For instance, someone might be born with the rare genetics necessary to reach the Ultra Rank. But if that child were born in a desolate place like Silver Flower Island, their potential would remain dormant. The methods required to awaken it wouldn¡¯t exist in such a remote land.
That¡¯s why talent was more common among noble families. They could provide not only the right environment but also the nourishment and conditions needed to awaken dormant bloodline traits. It''s one of the many reasons why knight talent was far more prevalent among the aristocracy.
Between bloodline and environment, one could say the former was essential¡ªbut useless without the latter.
Children born in regions with higher aura, such as the Flicker Empire or the Elven Empire, had a much greater chance of awakening knight talent. However, this didn¡¯t necessarily mean those regions had better bloodlines¡ªjust better chances of drawing out what was already there.
Even with the right bloodline and favorable surroundings, talent was never guaranteed. The conditions only increased the odds. Whether or not someone awakened their potential depended, ultimately, on luck.
So, what exactly were these bloodline genetics that allowed one to break through knight ranks?
The best way to describe it is as tickets for a lottery to obtain the keys. Bloodlines are the tickets for winning keys, which are the talents.
These genetics acted like tickets to keys that unlocked the path to supernatural knight strength. A person could only win a key in a lottery held by the will of the world. It could not be created out of nowhere.
Theoretically, there is another way to gain knight talent, which is by stealing another person''s key, but there are consequences for that. Stealing it usually referred to demonic methods¡ªtaking over another person¡¯s body to cultivate using their key. But such practices came with severe consequences. Those who walked that path were hunted by every major empire, and the inconsistency between soul and body made cultivation extremely unstable and dangerous.
In simple terms, it was as though the world itself had set up a quota¡ªa limit to how many people could awaken supernatural power at any given time. Only those with specific genetic bloodlines¡ªtickets¡ªcould participate in the lottery for a chance to win the talent, a key.
The lottery for the keys was controlled entirely by the mysterious will of the world, with only high-ranking mages able to observe it, but not directly interfere with it.
And no one could increase the total number of keys issued. That number was fixed. Only high-ranking mages, after countless years of research and divination, could even begin to grasp the intent behind the world¡¯s will.
However, it was possible to increase the chances of winning the lotteries.
One method was to have more tickets¡ªby having children with knight bloodlines. The other method was to directly enhance the chances of winning the lottery, but this option was only available to the most powerful noble families and the higher-ups of the great empires.
Most noble families only had one way to increase their chances: by having more tickets.
This had led to a monopoly¡ªdescendants of the lucky few with high-ranking talent had a much greater chance of being born with the tickets to win higher-ranking talent keys.
This was the true reason the same noble families had ruled the great empires for so many years. It was also why individuals with high-ranking knight talent bloodlines were expected¡ªno, obligated¡ªto produce as many descendants as possible, to increase the family¡¯s chances of having more tickets in the lottery for better and more numerous talents, or keys.
Each child born to a high-bloodline family was like a ticket to the grand lottery. The more tickets, the better the odds.
It was said that the world might not even issue more than one or two extreme-rank keys in a year. So, it wasn¡¯t surprising that noble families did everything in their power to increase their chances.
To enter the lottery, the child had to meet certain conditions. The ticket would not be recognized if the child was born through unnatural means. The child had to be conceived naturally. It wasn¡¯t possible to simply clone the same fetus multiple times to increase the number of tickets. Additionally, both parents had to be talented, or else the rank of the ticket¡ªor bloodline¡ªwould most likely plummet.
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These secrets surrounding knight talent had been uncovered over countless generations of research and practice. And this was only the surface. Each empire and noble family had its own unique methods to improve their chances in the talent lottery.
For noble houses, providing a rich environment and a pure bloodline was easy. The hardest part¡ªand the most fiercely contested¡ªwas increasing the odds of actually winning that world-issued key.
This was another reason why high-ranking knight talent was so rare in remote islands and smaller regions. Those places lacked both the knowledge and the techniques to enhance their chances in the lottery.
In summary, the path to knight talent followed a process.
First, a person had to inherit the bloodline from their parents. The quality of that bloodline determined the "tier" of the lottery they could enter. For example, if a fetus inherited a mythic-level bloodline, they would qualify to participate in the Mythic Talent Lottery¡ªa chance to obtain the key for Mythic Knight potential.
If they won that lottery and were born into the right environment, their talent would awaken in full. As the child grew, with training and success, they could display the qualities of a Mythic Knight if they exhausted their potential. Mythic would be their limit in life.
And if they lost the lottery?
Then no matter how good their environment was, the path of the knight would remain forever out of reach.
If they won Mythic talent, their abilities could still be suppressed if they were born in a poor environment. Even someone who won a Mythic key might only manifest as a Legendary or even Golden-ranked knight if the environment was lacking. There are ways to unlock the full potential of a higher-ranked key, but such methods are rare and incredibly difficult to execute.
In this entire process, bloodline remains the most crucial element. But the lottery is equally important¡ªbecause even if someone is born with an amazing bloodline, if they lose the lottery and never receive the key, they remain an ordinary person. This is where noble families and powerful empires hold a significant advantage. They¡¯ve developed methods to increase the chance of winning.
The lottery process happens in an invisible cascade, determined at the time of conception. It unfolds from the highest tier downward. For example, a fetus with an Absolute Rank bloodline first enters the Absolute Rank Lottery. If they lose, they are placed into the Extreme Rank Lottery. If they lose again, they proceed to Super Rank, then Ultra, then Mythic, and so on.
The progression continues all the way down.
All of these lotteries occur in an instant, unnoticed by ordinary people. Only ultra-ranked mages and the most ancient noble families are even aware of this hidden process. With their knowledge and resources, they¡¯ve found ways to subtly interfere¡ªpushing the odds just a little further in their favor.
All of this¡ªthe bloodlines, the lottery, the environment¡ªhas allowed the noble families to dominate for ages, seemingly unshakable in their position of power.
But that¡¯s not the whole story.
Once every few million years, it¡¯s said that the Will of the World resets all keys¡ªa complete reshuffling of fate. The slate is wiped clean. All previous keys are rendered invalid, and a new generation of chosen ones emerges. This event often marks the fall of great empires and the rise of new powers. Even mighty civilizations like the Flicker Empire have rarely survived more than a few million years.
When the reshuffle happens, the noble families lose everything. Their bloodlines become meaningless. Their secret techniques to influence the lottery stop working. From nothing, new names rise. Someone who was completely ordinary one day might suddenly find themselves blessed with Absolute Rank Talent the next.
No one knows how the world chooses these new first key holders. The process is a complete mystery¡ªeven to the most ancient of mages.
But that¡¯s all in regard to knight talent.
The story of mage talent is entirely different.
Unlike knight cultivation, which is sanctioned by the world¡¯s will, mage cultivation goes directly against it.
Mage talent didn¡¯t originally exist. It only came into being during one of the ancient reshuffles, when a keyholder defied the reset. She managed to carry her key from the old era into the new one, preserving it through sheer force of will and unimaginable power.
Her key became unique. It gave her descendants the ability to communicate with the Will of the World, albeit in a limited way. These descendants became the world¡¯s first mages.
All mages, no matter how distant, are her descendants. And unlike knights, their keys are never taken away during a reshuffle. They persist. Survive. Endure.
This is why mages are considered so precious.
After a reshuffle, when all knights lose their strength, only mages remain¡ªstill connected to their powers, still able to wield magic. For any empire hoping to survive the chaos of a reshuffle, nurturing as many mages as possible is the obvious path.
The inheritance of mage talent remained one of the world¡¯s greatest mysteries.
Unlike knight talent, which followed bloodlines and environmental factors, mage talent was completely unpredictable. One might be born to a parent with Ultra-ranked mage talent, yet not even inherit the bare minimum. Meanwhile, another could rise from a humble commoner family, born to two completely untalented parents, and receive an Absolute-ranked key for mage cultivation.
There was no pattern. No logic.
This was something most commoners didn¡¯t understand. Many falsely believed they could improve their family''s magical lineage by having more children with someone who already possessed mage talent. But their efforts were futile. The world simply didn¡¯t work that way.
¡
Cenara narrowed her eyes, watching the human man walking toward her with a confident stride. She felt a flicker of confusion.
How did he know?
She had been careful. Her desires were buried deep beneath the surface, yet somehow, he¡¯d seen through them with ease.
It made her uneasy. And excited.
She once served as part of a merchant crew that frequently traveled to the Flicker Empire. She had spent over a hundred years among humans¡ªyears she remembered fondly.
She missed those days.
No... she missed human men.
Elven men were beautiful, but too delicate. Too polite. Too cautious. Too refined.
They lacked the raw, impulsive masculinity she had come to crave.
She hadn¡¯t always been like this. Her tastes had changed after decades of living among humans. Their bluntness, their passion, their reckless confidence¡ªit awakened something in her.
But all of that was taken from her a few years ago, when trade relations between the empires soured. She lost her job, returned to her birthplace, and tried to move on. She even attempted dating again, but the elven men left her feeling nothing.
And now, fate had dropped this human man onto her path. Her thoughts had strayed¡ªshe let herself fantasize just for a moment, and somehow... he noticed.
¡°Hello!¡± the man said with a bright, charming smile.
Cenara smiled back, though her heart pounded slightly. ¡°Hello! Welcome to the city. It¡¯s very rare to have humans visit us!¡±
¡°Yeah, I just arrived yesterday,¡± he said.
¡°I hope you''re enjoying your time here.¡±
¡°I¡¯m not, actually,¡± he replied, half-joking. ¡°People on the streets seem to dislike me.¡±
She chuckled softly. ¡°Don¡¯t take it personally. They mean well, but they¡¯re just not used to humans. I used to be like that too, before I lived in the Flicker Empire.¡±
There was a pause.
Then he dropped a bomb.
¡°I don¡¯t have a place to stay. Can I live with you?¡±
Cenara blinked. What?
They had just met. No ordinary person would say something like that, let alone expect a yes. And yet...
He was calm. Confident. As if he already knew what her answer would be.
And the scariest part?
He was right.
Edric could see it in her eyes. He didn¡¯t need spells or magic. Her thoughts, her desire¡ªit was written plainly across her face. She wanted him so badly it was almost laughable.
¡°This woman has some serious mental issues,¡± Edric thought. ¡°Which only makes this more entertaining.¡±
Of course, as an Ultra-ranked Knight, he had no fears. He had time to waste¡ªand this little game intrigued him.
Cenara pretended to hesitate, to think carefully, but in the end, her smile returned.
¡°Of course,¡± she said, with a soft gleam in her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s my duty to welcome guests to our city.¡±
Chapter 101 The High Elven Way
Cenara¡¯s home was on the northern side of the city, where nearly half the residential buildings were located. The other half lay in the west.
To the east was the commercial district, the south held storage and manufacturing zones, and the center of the city housed administrative buildings.
The northern and western residential zones were the most affordable, but even the cheapest housing came at a steep price¡ªno less than twenty gold coins a month. Compared to most cities, that was astronomical.
There were two reasons for this.
First, high elves were vastly wealthier than other elven races¡ªand incomparably richer than humans, orcs, or any other species.
Second, the city of Eldrinvar itself was exceptionally prosperous, even by high elven standards, thanks to its access to the largest dark elemental resource point in the continent.
Despite the abundance of these dark, poisonous elemental crystals, their value remained high. A gold-rank dark elemental crystal could sell for tens of thousands of gold coins. This was cheap compared to light elemental crystals of the same rank¡ªbut still a fortune for most mortals.
Dark elemental materials were harvested from the edge of the Dark Forest and sold in large quantities. Those who mined the resources sold them on the open market, earning massive profits since the cost of extraction was so low. But they couldn¡¯t keep it all¡ªanyone using city land to reach the Dark Forest had to pay a heavy tax. The taxes collected were then distributed among the city¡¯s permanent residents. This system brought in tremendous wealth¡ªand was the main reason why the people of Eldrinvar lived in such luxury.
High elven society operated differently from most others.
Their government was minimal¡ªbarely existing, in fact. There were few guards, fewer soldiers, and no inspectors to enforce laws. But they weren¡¯t needed. High elves followed the law to the letter, without oversight. Because of this, the cost of governance was almost nothing. Yet taxes were anything but low. In fact, they were steep. As a result, the government often ran large surpluses¡ªand simply redistributed the excess wealth among the people.
There were no nobles among the high elves. Every citizen was considered equal and received a share of the revenue generated in their district.
In any other society, such a system would crumble instantly. Why work if you were already wealthy? Where was the incentive? Such systems elsewhere had always led to stagnation, shortages, and collapse.
But high elves were different. They were among the most lawful races in existence. A law had been passed long ago: any citizen receiving assistance from the government must also contribute through labor. And thanks to their extraordinary sense of order and discipline, very few tried to cheat the system¡ªeven though no one actually watched to enforce it.
So the government continued distributing wealth, and people kept working. The result? Even a dark elf server working in a small restaurant earned more than a renowned human blacksmith in a major city.
In human cities, land was often owned by nobility, and taxes from resource extraction went to the coffers of bloated bureaucracies, militaries, corrupt nobles, and greedy officials. Few places were like the high elven cities¡ªwhere everyone shared in the wealth.
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Of course, both humans and high elves had their strengths and weaknesses.
Humans were less lawful, but more diverse. There were good humans, evil humans, lawful, chaotic, neutral¡ªall shades existed. High elves, by contrast, were nearly all strictly lawful.
This difference brought pros and cons. Human societies were turbulent, unpredictable, and inventive. They birthed new ideas, new technologies. High elven cities, on the other hand, ran like finely tuned clocks¡ªorderly and harmonious for centuries. But such rigidity came with a cost. Innovation was rare, and new ideas were slow to take root.
High elf society was far more uniform than that of other elves or other species. Most high elves were proud to the point of arrogance, looking down on other elven races and certainly on humans.
The Elven Empire, however, was not a high elf dominion. High elves made up less than ten percent of its population. The rest were dark elves, wood elves, moon elves, sun elves, storm elves, frost elves, ember elves, shadow elves, dusk elves, crystal elves, star elves, tide elves, etc
Still, high elves held enormous influence. Most of the empire¡¯s upper ranks¡ªdistrict judges, city elders, and council members¡ªwere high elves. Their wealth and uniform support for their own ensured that the most powerful knights and mages often came from their ranks.
But the Elven Empire didn¡¯t exist to serve high elves alone. If they tried to dominate the other races, rebellion would follow. Especially from the dark elves, who were far less obedient and far more prone to defiance.
To prevent internal strife, the Empire adopted a unique legal system.
Laws weren¡¯t universally enforced. For instance, anti-discrimination laws applied only to high elves and wood elves, and not to others.
The Council of Elders had a two-step legislative process: proposal and ratification.
A law, once proposed, had to be ratified either by an 85% popular vote or an 85% council vote. If it failed, it didn¡¯t disappear¡ªit simply couldn¡¯t apply to the entire empire. In such cases, each elven race could choose to adopt the law for its own people.
That¡¯s exactly what happened with the anti-discrimination law. Dark elves opposed it, so it failed empire-wide ratification. But the high elf and wood elf elders voted to apply it in their own cities.
This strange legislative process resulted in a patchwork of inconsistent laws across the empire. But it worked. Most districts were still dominated by a single elven race, so regional laws rarely conflicted.
Besides, the Elder Council¡¯s power was limited. Its authority only extended to individuals of Mythic rank and below. Any law that affected Ultra-ranked beings or supernatural resource points required approval from the Immortal Council¡ªand that approval almost never came. The Immortal Council rarely allowed regulations that might slow the extraction or sale of those high-value resources.
Made up of Extreme-ranked and Super-ranked beings, the Immortal Council held absolute authority. They had the power to abolish the Elder Council entirely, should they ever choose to.
But in practice, they rarely involved themselves in day-to-day affairs. Apart from consistently blocking attempts to regulate supernatural resource points, they seldom interfered. Technically, they could overrule the Elder Council on any matter. But in reality, they hadn¡¯t done so in tens of thousands of years.
So for all practical purposes, the Elder Council held absolute power¡ªat least within the bounds of its domain.
...
"Come in," Cenara said with a smile, stepping aside to let Edric enter.
As he walked in, Edric couldn''t help but think, "High elven women really are too beautiful."
Cenara was more stunning than any woman he had seen¡ªwhether on Earth or even on the Silver Flower Island. And she wasn¡¯t an exception. Most women in the city were just as enchanting. Even the men were unnaturally attractive, though Edric had no particular interest in that.
"Fortunately, I¡¯m immune to such temptations," he thought proudly. His [Mental Fortitude(Black)] skill was too powerful to be swayed by beauty alone.
Once inside, Cenara didn¡¯t waste time. Without a word, she stripped bare.
She was thirsty¡ªburning with desire¡ªand had no intention of waiting. It didn¡¯t even cross her mind that the human man she brought home might refuse. In her experience, no man ever had.
As a silver-ranked knight, she wasn¡¯t concerned about safety either. To her, Edric was just an ordinary man¡ªnothing to worry about. She hadn¡¯t really thought it through.
"Well, let¡¯s see where this goes," Edric smirked, deciding to play along.
He didn¡¯t resist as Cenara pulled him toward the bed.
Chapter 102 The Risk of Knowing
Edric opened his eyes.
As an Ultra Knight, he didn¡¯t need sleep, nor did he require any sort of spell to rest. Still, he enjoyed sleeping from time to time.
Of course, even while asleep, a part of his mind remained vigilant. If anyone strong enough to threaten him ever appeared, he''d know instantly.
He glanced to the side and saw Cenara lying next to him.
Yesterday, the two of them had spent over twelve hours together¡ªbusy on the bed. Twelve hours straight.
She¡¯d thought he was just an ordinary man, that he¡¯d wear out quickly. But as the hours passed, it was Cenara who ended up exhausted.
As an Ultra Knight, Edric¡¯s body was nearly inexhaustible. Cenara, on the other hand, was just a Silver Knight. Her stamina couldn¡¯t compare.
"Now that I think about it... it''s strange," Edric mused. "A Silver Knight getting exhausted like that? Maybe there¡¯s something about bedroom activities that drains more energy than expected."
Normally, a Silver Knight could run for days without tiring. Yet Cenara had been gasping for breath after just a few hours.
"Maybe I should look into it more," Edric thought, considering some... personal research.
Years ago, when he was trapped in Marquis Windwalker¡¯s castle and used as a breeding tool, he¡¯d felt that same overwhelming drain from practicing the art of yin and yang. Back then, though, he had a few special skills that enhanced his yang energy, reducing the overall consumption.
He sat up slowly.
Though he¡¯d enjoyed himself yesterday, he couldn¡¯t truly go all out. He was always restrained.
The reason was simple: the massive difference in power between him and Cenara.
If he wasn¡¯t careful, if he let himself lose control for even a moment, he could accidentally apply too much force¡ªand in that case, Cenara would be reduced to a bloody pulp.
So he had to be cautious. Extremely cautious.
Fortunately, his [Mental Fortitude (Black)] skill was exceptionally powerful. It allowed him to keep perfect control over his strength. Unfortunately, that also meant a large part of his attention was constantly focused on restraint.
Cenara, on the other hand, hadn¡¯t held back at all.
She went all out, using the full extent of her Silver Knight strength.
That only meant one thing: she didn¡¯t care if Edric died.
After all, she believed he was just an ordinary man. And if a Silver Knight were to unleash her full power on a regular human? That human would be crushed. Instantly.
Yet she did it anyway.
Not out of malice¡ªjust lack of control.
That was simply how she was. A bit of a pervert, too passionate for her own good once things got heated.
But she clearly knew her own habits.
Yet, despite knowing her own tendencies, she still got into bed with him.
That was why Edric was certain¡ªshe didn¡¯t care if he died.
In fact, he was almost sure he was not the only human she¡¯d ever brought to bed... and possibly killed in bed.
High Elves had little to no law enforcement. Murders were easy to hide, and even easier to ignore.
¡°She¡¯s a rare one,¡± Edric muttered, watching her sleep peacefully. ¡°A chaotic, lawless High Elf.¡±
Most High Elves were obsessively lawful, their entire society built on order and discipline. But now and then, an outlier appeared.
¡°In bed, she completely loses herself. She didn¡¯t even question how I, someone she believed to be just an ordinary man, managed to withstand her Silver Knight strength. It was like she was possessed.¡±
He narrowed his eyes.
¡°Could it be a demon?¡±
Demonic influence wasn¡¯t always obvious. Some infections were so well-hidden that even Super-ranked knights couldn¡¯t detect them.
But Edric wasn¡¯t just any Ultra Knight.
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Thanks to his unique skills¡ª[Abyss Emissary(Purple)] and [Demonic Ancestor(Purple)]¡ªhe could sense things others couldn¡¯t.
So, this time, he looked at Cenara through the lens of those skills.
¡°¡Just as I thought.¡±
She was indeed under demonic influence.
And not just any demon¡ªthe Demon King of Lust.
He stared at her with solemn eyes. He didn¡¯t know much about this particular demon king, but there was no way it meant anything good.
¡°First the Demon King of Weirdness, then the Demon King of Greed... and now Lust.¡± He sighed. ¡°This world is infested with all kinds of demonic influence. Fortunately, the demon kings are still suppressed. If they weren¡¯t¡ even my Ultra Rank wouldn¡¯t be enough to resist them.¡±
He looked deeper, frowning as the truth revealed itself.
¡°The infection is... deep. Incredibly deep. Nearly her entire being is corrupted. And it was hidden so well, I didn¡¯t even sense it until now.¡±
He leaned back, thinking.
¡°Could it be related to the Dark Forest? Or maybe something from her travels to the Flicker Empire?¡±
As far as he knew, the demon behind the Dark Forest was the Demon King of Weirdness, not Lust.
Just as he was lost in thought, Cenara stirred on the bed, about to wake.
Before she could fully open her eyes, Edric raised a hand and whispered,
¡°[Sleep ¨C Mythic].¡±
A soft glow flickered from his palm.
Cenara fell still once more, slipping into a deep and dreamless sleep.
¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s safe to soul-search her¡¡± Edric thought.
Cenara was entangled with a Demon King. That alone made any attempt at diving into her soul extremely dangerous.
Even with his resistance to demonic infection¡ªthanks to his skills¡ªit was still a risk. Demon Kings weren¡¯t ordinary foes. Their influence ran deep, and there was no guarantee that his skills would be able to block a direct infection from a source connected to one.
Of course, he was only being cautious.
He estimated a 99% chance that his skills could protect him. But even a 1% chance of being corrupted by a Demon King was too high.
¡°I should mind-control her instead,¡± he finally decided.
¡°[Mind Control ¨C Mythic].¡±
The spell activated instantly.
Cenara¡¯s resistance was weak. She was a Silver Knight, after all¡ªstrong, but not strong enough to stand against a Mythic-tier spell. Her mental defenses crumbled the moment the magic took hold.
Edric slipped into her mind.
After a few moments of browsing, his expression darkened.
¡°There¡¯s nothing here,¡± he thought. ¡°She doesn¡¯t know anything useful. If I want to uncover the truth... I might have to soul-search her after all.¡±
But soul-searching was far more dangerous.
What exactly is the mind?
It was a complicated question.
The mind had two parts: the physical mind, and the spiritual mind.
Under normal circumstances, the two remained in sync. However, there were exceptions.
First, if someone had occupied another body¡ªthrough reincarnation, possession, transmigration, or any similar process¡ªwithout first erasing the memories stored in their soul, then the physical brain and the soul would be out of alignment. In such a case, the soul would retain the memories of the previous life, while the current brain would not.
Memories wouldn¡¯t return easily in those cases, but they might leak out slowly¡ªthrough dreams, instincts, or fragmented recall.
Second, if specific memories were intentionally stored only in the soul and sealed off from the body, then even the person themselves wouldn¡¯t know those memories existed.
Not even in dreams.
They would live their life completely unaware, unless the seal was broken¡ªeither by advancement in rank, a flaw in the seal, or intervention from another being.
In most situations, it¡¯s the soul that holds memories the brain doesn¡¯t know.
But the reverse could also be true.
There were rare instances where memories were stored only in the physical brain and sealed from the soul. In those cases, if the person were to change bodies, those memories would be lost completely.
Ultimately, the brain and the soul are connected. Unless actively sealed, they continuously share information¡ªsyncing memories and experiences over time.
This connection, however, could become a danger in certain situations.
For example, if a soul contained too many memories, and tried to pour them into a lower-ranked brain, the brain could go mad under the pressure. To prevent that, one would place seals on the less vital memories until the brain was strong enough to handle them.
On the other hand, if a weak soul inhabited a powerful body, the reverse could happen.
The memories and instincts of the strong body could overwhelm the soul, driving it insane.
And that¡ would be a disaster.
A body can move and survive without a soul.
And a soul can drift and linger without a body.
But both come with serious flaws.
A soulless body cannot cultivate internal energy. At best, it can grow slightly stronger through sheer physical effort, but without internal energy, it will always be at a disadvantage¡ªand breaking through to higher ranks is utterly impossible.
The same is true for a soul without a body. It cannot cultivate internal energy, nor channel mana, nor grow in rank. Worse, over time, it will begin to fade¡ªits energy slowly draining away into nothingness.
A body without a soul will often go mad. Without a guiding will, instincts take over, and it gradually turns into a mindless monster.
That¡¯s why, if a body ever awakens without a soul inside, its first and most primal instinct is to find a soul and devour it.
Likewise, a soul without a body is driven by a single, overwhelming desire¡ªto possess a body.
Edric could already tell¡ªCenara''s memories were sealed. She had no idea what was hidden inside her. Not even a hint.
¡°I¡¯ll have to soul-search her. But even then, the seal might be too strong¡ or worse, it might have a trap waiting for me.¡±
Soul-searching someone under the influence of a Demon King was beyond dangerous. He might fail to break the seal¡ªor he might succeed and trigger something explosive. Literally.
The risk wasn¡¯t worth it.
With a heavy sigh, Edric made his decision.
First, he erased Cenara¡¯s memories of him completely¡ªbrainwashing her clean.
Then, he removed every trace of his presence from the house¡ªfootprints, energy residue, even the air itself.
Afterward, he erased the memories of any witnesses nearby. Anyone who had seen him enter or leave, anyone who had spoken to him¡ªgone.
He left nothing behind.
Edric had enough problems already. He had no desire to involve himself with the Demon King of Lust. Whatever was going on in this city, he wanted no part of it.
He walked away from Cenara¡¯s house without looking back.
He didn¡¯t stop there.
He left the city entirely.
A high-ranking agent of the Demon King of Lust was here, and Edric had no idea what that meant. But one thing was certain¡ªhe wasn¡¯t going to stick around to find out.
He would vanish. Drift from city to city along the edge of the Dark Forest.
Lay low.
Waste time.
And gather XP until he had enough to purchase a Super-Rank Digging Skill.
Only then could he begin his true mission¡ªlocating the Dark Crystal.