"Now!"
Bosain roared and the silver armour on his body formed again. He also produced a silver longsword, which caused a few ripples in the void around it.
"All out!" Jayden's eyes reddened. He chanted a few ancient incantation and even bit on his finger, letting the blood drip on the green badge.
*Bang!*
Countless vines broke out from the ground. Only that the vines now were all red and the reverse thorns were even denser. On them, there were even a tinge of green and an extremely dangerous aura came permeating from it.
"Since it's become like this!" Leylin waved an arm, and a dozen fire red potion left his hands.
Several more bright flames were exploded on the Black Horrall Snake's body.
Furthermore, there was a flash on Leylin's hands, and the black longbow once again appeared in his palm.
"Frost Runes!"
Leylin chanted an incantation and a layer of frost covered the original black longbow, turning the arrows into icy shards!
"Kill!!!"
The 3 different voices sounded at the same time.
The red vines had a faster speed than before, even bringing a gale of wind. In an instant, it had already bound the Black Horrall Snake which was rolling on the floor.
At the same moment, an icy arrow shot past the void and pierced through the right eye of the black snake.
"Hissssssss!"
The Black Horrall Snake's mouth was set on fire and one of its eyeballs had burst. From the socket, there was a huge amount of resplendent and translucent fluid that poured out. The snake was screeching in agony at this point in time.
"Meet your death!"
During the explosion, Bosain's silver armour turned into a metal liquid, converging onto the longsword in his hands.
After this scene, the silver longsword immediately became five metres long. On the blade, there were even some mystical runes.
"The strongest power! The strongest state! Go to hell!"
Bosain's muscles bulged and there were plenty of flashes of light from the spell.
Leylin only glanced at it and discovered many rank 0 spells which could temporarily increase the physical attributes of strength and vitality.
Under the support of so many spells, right now Bosain's stats had most likely exceeded that of a Grand Knight. It was close to the evolved form of Grand Knights in myths—the Branded Swordsman!
*Pu!*
The longsword easily pierced through the defense of the Black Horrall Snake right into the crucial point of the giant snake, the place where the heart was.
Innumerable fresh blood laced with some blackish blood frothed out. The snake's figure tried to raise itself, yet it was held tightly by the red vines. Also, the giant red vines climbed to where the wound was and, as if it had an intelligence of its own, it bore its way right into the wound.
"Hisssssssssss!"
The giant snake continuously bellowed and twisted as blood constantly splattered onto the muddy ground.
After struggling for a dozen of minutes, the Black Horrall Snake's left eye was completely devoid of lustre and it fell to the ground.
"Is it dead?"
Jayden looked somewhat disbelieving as he asked. The red vines were still writhing on the body of the snake.
[Target is severely injured, its life force waves are continuously declining!]
[Target's life force has fallen to the lowest!]
[Target's life force waves has completely vanished. Dead!]
The indication from the A.I. Chip let Leylin know that the giant snake was indeed dead. However, he still said, "Let's first perform some detection spells!"
Leylin was able to vividly recall the fact that the A.I. Chip could not detect the Black Horrall Snake when it was invisible.
Who knew if this black snake had some secret method which allowed it to hide its life force waves and escape the detection of the A.I. Chip!
After which, the 3 acolytes began casting many spells. Finally, they could confirm that this Black Horrall Snake—which killed two of their party members—was really dead.
After hearing this conclusion, Jayden hurriedly retracted his red vines and collapsed onto the ground.
Leylin noted that there was not a single sign of redness on Jayden's face. His pallid complexion made it extremely obvious that he had just lost a lot of blood.
As for Bosain on the other side, the greatsword had turned back into the liquid metal and was tucked back into his robes. Even the armour could not maintain its form.
Looking at it, his magic artifact seemed to have consumed a lot of energy.
These little tidbits of information had been recorded into the database of the A.I. Chip. Moreover, it had wildly calculated the battle state of the two and came up with a battle success rate.
Of course, in the eyes of those two, Leylin was simply an above average acolyte. Apart from his Potioneering skills, there was only his Frost Alchemy Rune which seemed decent.
This was the false image that Leylin had painstakingly created.
"Also this! Hurry and harvest them!"
Leylin looked at the black snake which was devoid of life. The wounds on its body continuously had blood flowing out from it.
A spell wave with low energy waves was formed on Leylin's hands.
"What are you doing?" Bosain and Jayden immediately pulled their distance away from Leylin, looking at him warily.
Once the threat was gone, under the enticement of benefits, seeds of distrust was unknowingly planted and had already begun to sow between the party members.
"Just collecting the materials!" Leylin's spell never stopped.
"Blood!" After a few chants, Leylin opened his mouth and spat out a Byron language word.
*Hu Hu!*
The blood puddle on the floor seemed to have a direction as they flowed towards Leylin's palms on a few blood traces.
Countless blood few in midair, continuously converging like a bloody ball of light.
*Hua La La!* The void seemed to have an invisible strength that was continuously compressing the blood as it congealed, finally turning into a small rock with the colour of blood.
*Di Di!* The invisible energy was directly applied on the wound of the Black Horrall Snake, and the blood within its body was continuously pulled out.
Minutes later, the Black Horrall Snake seemed to have gotten somewhat smaller, its scales turning pale.
As for Leylin, his hand now held a dozen fist-sized blood-coloured rocks.
All the blood essence of the dozen metres long Black Horrall Snake congealed only to the size of a dozen rocks.
This was one of the rank 0 spell that Leylin had learned, used specifically to harvest the blood from large creatures.
After seeing the spell effect that Leylin cast, Bosain and Jayden then relaxed their guard. However, Leylin could still detect a trace of wariness deep within their eyes.
"The Black Horrall Snake's blood is an ingredient for many potions. I wish to have all of it. As for the other materials on the black snake, I can let go of a portion of them to match the value of the blood!"
Leylin smiled and explained.
The contents of the broken diary that Leylin saw back then in the experiment lab near Extreme Night City surfaced on his mind then. Towards several words such as 'modulate', 'bloodline' and the likes caused him have an unknown instinct to collect the blood, even at the cost of offending these two.
"Blood?" Bosain cocked his head and suddenly laughed.
"Indeed! For many Potion Masters, the blood from powerful creatures was often a necessary ingredient for their potions."
The concept of bloodlines and such did not enter Bosain's train of thoughts at all.
After all, many ancient creatures had been extinct for thousands and thousands of years. In many creatures within the Magus World, only traces of the ancient creatures' reflection could be seen.
As for how to extract the ancient bloodlines, this subject had been extensively researched by many magicians, yet there were no breakthroughs.
To obtain a fragment of gene from the blood and then reforming it into an essence, was well outside the capabilities of magicians.
Only a rank 4 Magus of the legends or above would that have a chance of being possible.
However, a rank 4 Magus on the south coast was just a myth.
"This Black Horrall Snake's ingredients are at least worth 100,000 magic crystals!" Jayden's eyes gleamed and his face revealed an intoxicated expression.
Towards magical snake creatures like these, the part that was the most valuable were their scales, innards, brains and the likes. These were often the good ingredients to synthesize magic artifacts.
As for blood and other stuff, apart from Potion Masters and Alchemists who needed them occasionally, there were not many uses for them elsewhere.
After the circumstance where Leylin acted first, the three acolytes discussed briefly. Jayden and Bosain would then gather the most valuable few parts of the snake, then cast a preserving rank 0 spell before leaving the place.
To them, right now the loot from the snake was just the reward from the outer area of the remnant, who knows how many more good stuff there were inside there.
"This remnant site seems to be of an extremely high grade!"
Jayden sized up the cave to try to search for more clues, "It actually planted a sentinel mechanism right at the very start, even leaving such a dangerous creature… A pity for Roth and Shaya…"
Towards the deaths of these two party members, Leylin and the other two only put on a superficial downcasted expression before recovering very soon.
To be honest, these two acolytes had only been in contact with Leylin for several days, so he did not feel much for them.
Magicians were often apathetic creatures. Very soon, the three diverted their attention back towards the remnant.
"Using powerful creatures to guard the remnants seems to be the style of the Kukeral period!"
Bosain seemed to recall something, "The Kukeral period's constructions were simple and boorish. Even those warning mechanisms were extremely simple, it would not go past two stages!"
"Which is to say, once we get through another mechanism, we should be able to near the heart of the remnant!"
Jayden's eyes gleamed, "Then what are we still waiting for?"
To him, finding information to advance into an official Magus was the most important task. Although collecting advanced ingredients was not bad, it did not have the allure of the inheritance of an official Magus,
The three acolytes used various rank 0 spell to probe the interior of the cave, finally finding a hole in the corner.
The pitch black hole even grew a layer of green rust. It seems to be made of some metal.
*Sssii!*
A green eyeball immediately flew from the hole.
"Pa!" Jayden reached out to grab it and inserted it back into his socket.
"Not many dangers ahead. However, five thousand metres further, my spell seemed to be blocked, as if there has to be a verification of some sorts before going through. "
On the other side, Leylin and Bosain too used their own methods to inspect the cave before giving the same results.
-x-X-x-
"That being so, why don't we all enter together?!"
Bosain looked at the other two.
"Certainly!" Resolve surfaced on Jayden's face.
For him, the exploration, this time, was only considered successful if he found a Magus inheritance!
"I have no objections!" Leylin looked calm on the surface, yet it was contrary to what he felt.
He was aware of the person who left behind this inheritance and what was buried here.
"Rank 4 Magus, a virtuous person in legends, inheritance of the great Magus Serholm!" Leylin's heart blazed in desire.
The three had the same opinion and entered the rusty metal passage.
The tunnel was broad, enough to fit 3 adults walking side by side.
Since they were 3 youths, naturally they had more freedom for movement.
Leylin touched the wall and grey dust fell down, revealing the silver metal wall behind it.
At first, it felt was icy-cold, then again it felt warm. This metal gave a strange sensation when Leylin's fingers touched upon it.
[Discovery of an unknown metal, not registered within database!] After a scan, the A.I. Chip's voice intoned.
"This is the Crying Blood Alloy. It seems that during its casting, it requires the fresh blood of beasts or slaves. Reportedly, there is a certain limit to its effect on the spirit bodies!"
Bosain whispered into Leylin's ears.
If magicians were treated as commoners, then Bosain would belong to nobility within magicians. His knowledge still surpassed Leylin's in certain areas.
Moreover, a few precious materials could only be obtained within such families, Leylin had no access to them at all.
"Blood Crying Alloy?!"
Leylin commanded silently, "A.I. Chip, record composition!"
[Beep! Target information collect, saving in database. Folder: Resource Information—Blood Crying Alloy!]
The A.I. Chip's indicator sounded in Leylin's ears.
"The distance to the protective screen observed earlier is becoming shorter!"
Jayden walked on the right, suddenly speaking, "Since this is a passage constructed by this type of alloy, there may be something appearing ahead…"
"A spirit body!" Leylin and Bosain called in unison, their face looking awful.
For acolytes, they lack effective defensive measures. For spiritual body attacks, they had no good countermeasures for it.
If it were regular acolytes, they would have long since retreated.
However, Leylin and the others were different. Bosain and Jayden had magic artifacts on them, which could be temporarily used for defense. Although those were not defensive magic artifacts like the Fallen Star Pendant, could still protect their spirits from being attacked for the time being.
As for Leylin himself, he had researched on spirit bodies for over two years. Under the aid of the A.I. Chip, his knowledge on spirit bodies had exceeded even a few of his professors.
At this moment, Leylin quivered.
[The negative energy density in the air has increased by an additional 3.14% than regular settings!] The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.
"This environment seemed to be recorded by the A.I. Chip before. It is one of the most suitable environments for spirit bodies to survive!"
A strong fearful instinct rose from Leylin's body.
"It's here!"
Leylin eyes squinted, there was a bright hole appearing in front of them.
After passing through the cave hole, Leylin, and the rest felt a radiant light whose glare bothered their eyes and they could not help but shut their eyes.
When they opened their eyes again, they had already entered a sea of flowers with varying colours.
Tulips, flaming poppies, red large winding chrysanthemum, green calla lily, various flowers that Leylin knew and don't know were blooming in this flower garden.
The garden seemed to be under some spell. Different blooming seasons and different areas of flowers were blooming wildly in this garden.
The secular world flowers were only for decoration. After a quick whiff, Leylin discovered many useful herbs for magicians.
Many were those that even Kroft could never find. Yet now, they were sitting here in this garden.
"Violet Leaves Flower, Nose Root Fruit, Walking Dragonfly, Inverted Sunflower and there is even the Void Flower!"
Jayden and Bosain, too, gasped in amazement.
Towards the end, there were many species of flowers that Leylin could not recognise, but seeing where they were planted, their value must be above that of the Void Flower.
Right now, Leylin finally knew why the Dylan Gardens were named.
This huge garden was at least a dozen square kilometres. How much valuable plants were here? How much worth of magic crystals?
Leylin only thought about it for a while and felt dazed.
"Haha… the Sun Golden Flame! It's actually the Sun Golden Flame!"
Jayden looked at a flaming plant at the middle with a fervent gaze.
"The strength of the Sun Golden Flame can even be combined with Grine Water to help Fire element acolytes to breakthrough. The success rate is increased by 20%!"
Jayden muttered and his hand unknowingly went to reach for the fire red Sun Golden Flame.
"Don't!" Leylin seemed to thought of something and spoke suddenly.
Alas, it was too late. Jayden completely ignored Leylin's warning and reached for the flowerbed.
*Ding Ling!* *Ding Ling!* *Ding Ling!*
A sound similar to chimes sounded, and was extremely melodious to the ears.
The air stopped! The wind stopped!
Leylin and the other two felt nothing below their feet and was immediately shifted to another area.
It seemed to be the interior of a villa. The four walls were displayed with brand new furniture. On the pale yellow desk, there was a lamp which contained an orange-red flame.
"Where is this place?"
Jayden spoke, losing his voice.
"A type of defense mechanism. It seems like we have been transported to another area!" Leylin smiled wryly.
Bosain was looking at Jayden right now, and he no longer appeared friendly.
"However, there is also good news. According to the Kukeral period's traditions, if we solve this mechanism, most of the remnant's defensive mechanism will immediately lose their effect."
Bosain's face darkened, "Originally, we had many opportunities to explore, and this is all because of you!"
He pointed at Jayden. Leylin suspected that if not for the dangers lurking in the area Bosain would most likely attack him.
"Teehee! Who's here to play with Alice?"
A mechanical girl's voice sounded.
At the turn of a corridor, something appeared—a Western Doll?
Leylin noticed the giant mannequin that was in the shadows of the corridor's corner.
This western doll seemed to have to size of a grown adult. The eyeballs were of blue gems sewn in. It wore a pink frock and had beautiful blonde hair. On the chest, there was a red bowknot.
"A vengeful spirit figurine!" Bosain stuttered.
"Vengeful spirit figurine?" Leylin had not heard of this word before.
Obviously, this was a spirit body of some sort. Looking at the physical body of the vengeful spirit figurine, Leylin realised that his research and probes on the spirit aspect had just been on a superficial level.
At the very least, he was completely clueless about these types of vengeful spirits that seemed to border between illusion and reality.
"Hehe! You come play with Alice!"
The blonde girl pointed a finger at Leylin. Her arms were made of fabric and had no palm. Only a naked arm which was a glossy hemisphere.
*Bang!*
A translucent forcefield immediately exploded behind Leylin. He flew up in the air and could not stop himself as he flew towards the cloth doll.
"Come here! My little baby! Let Alice give you a hug!"
The cloth doll spread her arms as if wanting to hug Leylin.
Jayden and Bosain looked at each other and immediately left the cloth doll and retreated. They actually abandoned Leylin and left.
"F*ck!" Leylin tossed two balls of flames on the cloth doll and set it ablaze.
However, the fire was quickly extinguished, and not even a trace of the damage was found on the cloth doll.
*Ding!* Many baby sized arms appeared faintly from the void and seemed to pull on Leylin. A pair of girl's arms was even touching Leylin's waist now.
A numb feeling was immediately spreading from his waist.
Leylin's eyes flashed in viciousness and immediately threw a yellow potion on the ground.
A yellow protection screen immediately appeared around Leylin's body, separating the countless baby sized arms.
Trevor's Revolving Shield Potion!
The only defense potion that Leylin had access to was now duly exhibiting its effects.
"Argh! You have hurt Alice!"
The cloth doll's face split opened, revealing razor sharp teeth, "I'm going to eat you!"
A pair of half transparent beast mouth immediately appeared before Leylin and nipped down.
*Ka-Cha!* Ripples seemed to have formed on the yellow defensive light shield, letting off noises that could no longer endure the attack.
"This attack is quickly exceeding the capabilities of the potion!"
Leylin felt for the item on his neck, "Now is not the right moment to use my trump card!"
After which, a red flaming potion was tossed out by Leylin.
"Intense Blazing Potion! Also this!" Leylin felt for several pink coloured pearls in his sack and threw it into the flames.
During his stay at Extreme Night City, he had some results from researching spirit bodies.
Apart from researching the laws of the spirit bodies, he also obtained some information on what those spirit bodies hated the most and what could hurt them. This pink coloured pearls contained one of the best effects.
*Pu!* The pink pearls very soon exploded in the flames, revealing pink powder.
After this addition, the flame turned pink too. It continued to spread until it filled the jaws of the beast.
The huge jaws of the beast let off a terrifying roar and was very soon burnt to ashes by the flame.
At the same time, the flame seemed to have gone through the void, extending to the face of the cloth doll. The cloth doll covered its face as it let out a loud and indignant howl.
After the final wisp of flame had disappeared, the radiant screen on Leylin's body had completely vanished.
Leylin landed on the floor. On his waist were the scars caused by two tiny hands. His brows furrowed. The clothes on his back had already been corroded, leaving behind two small black imprints on the skin.
"The injury caused by a spirit body must be removed immediately, if not it will continue to spread!"
Leylin hurriedly withdrew several white leaves and applied on the wound. Suddenly a refreshing feeling could be felt from the injury.
*Pa! Pa!*
The windows on the side were broken, and two figures immediately charged in.
Bosain looked at Jayden, the surroundings and then looked at Leylin on the ground. He smiled wryly, "It seems like no matter where we go, we will always return here!"
-x-X-x-
"It seems like we have to get rid of her first!"
Leylin's face was expressionless as he pointed to the cloth doll which was still clutching its face.
Regarding the matter of the other two abandoning him earlier, it seemed like the trio were suffering from selective amnesia.
Leylin understood that if he were to fall out with these two now, it would be a devastating loss.
Concerning this vengeful spirit figurine, they could only work together to even have a chance at defeating or even killing it.
As for that incident earlier, there would be plenty of opportunities later to get back at them!
"Fire! Alice hates fire the most!"
At this moment, the pink flame had already been extinguished on the pink doll's face.
The originally beautiful face of the cloth doll was now charred black. Even an eyeball was now missing.
However the doll still laughed and said, "The three of you, let's play together!"
With a wave of its hand, the tables and chairs began to jump around. Even the lamps and closet seemed to grow a pair of small legs as they danced and sang nursery rhymes, gradually surrounding Leylin and the other two.
"Umbra's Hand!"
"Corrosive Blaze!"
"Acidic Aqua Shot!"
...
The trio constantly cast their spells on the tables and other furniture surrounding them. However, these creatures were too many, even if they killed a couple there was of not much use.
Moreover, even if they used their magic artifacts to attack the doll, it would at most leave behind some scars and was mostly ineffective.
In the end, the 3 acolytes were back to back, already confined by the figurine in an extremely small area.
"There is no other choice!"
Bosain looked at Jayden and Leylin who had pale expressions on their faces, and a hint of viciousness flashed across his own.
"I have a formidable spell which requires time for preparation. Stall this freak for me!"
Saying which, Bosain withdrew a grey scroll that was drawn with various mystical patterns, immediately sitting cross-legged on the floor and chanted an incantation.
Hope glowed on the faces of Leylin and Jayden. They cast their spells with great difficulty, blocking the advance of the monsters.
"He's finally forced to use it, huh!" Leylin thought.
Jayden's frail state was real. However, Leylin was just feigning his frailty. However, the situation earlier was extremely dire. Just a little more and Leylin would have had to use the Fallen Star Pendant for defense.
However, from Bosain's point of view, Leylin and Jayden were newly advanced level 3 acolyte. Their spiritual force and magic power had long since been depleted.
Even Jayden had used his magic artifact several times.
As for Leylin, a Potioneering acolyte, being able to last till here had somewhat exceeded Bosain's expectations.
Of course, he did not know that although Leylin had advanced not too long ago, under the aid of potions, Leylin's spiritual force now was even stronger than his own which he had accumulated over some time and formed a sturdy foundation for an official Magus advancement.
Furthermore, Leylin had even concealed his defense type magic artifact.
"A healing rune which was used earlier, an attack scroll, a contract scroll and a magic artifact which can take on the form of anything to attack and defense!"
Leylin flung his potions and chanted an incantation, constantly panting.
"Although Bosain belongs to a large family, he is after all only an acolyte. With these items, he is already unfathomable!"
Under the concealment of the intense energy waves from spells, Leylin secretly calculated the remaining energy of Bosain.
Dozens of seconds later, Bosain had finally completed his activation of the magic scroll. The grey scroll was now floating in midair, emitting a fire red light.
"This energy wave! It's a rank 1 spell! No wonder it needs such a long activation time!"
Leylin's pupils shrank. Immense energy waves came from the scroll, not only did it send the creatures surrounding them in retreat, it faintly caused Leylin and Jayden to be unable to breathe.
Bosain's family had actually provided him with a rank 1 Magus spell stored in a scroll, as his greatest trump card!
"He is indeed from one of the three big families, who are rich and overbearing!"
This scroll contained a seal rank 1 spell. Not only was the ingredients for it exorbitant, it required the official Magus to cast this spell over a dozen times to imbue it. Moreover, there needs to be a Grand Alchemist who is skilled in imbuing spell formations. Every one of these scrolls was extravagant.
Each scroll was at least 100,000 magic crystals and above!
It had a sky-high cost and also there was the difficulty of imbuing. Apart from acolytes, official Magus would not have much use for it. Various reasons had caused scrolls like this to be rare in their numbers. Only large families like the Lilytell family would be able to have 1 or 2 of it.
After forking out such a price, the scroll's might was extremely deafening!
Fire red energy waves continuously radiated, and the scroll automatically burned within the light.
The flame, under the bright yellow light, revealed a giant Three-Legged Golden Crow.
The Three-Legged Golden Crow used its beak to ruffle its feathers, continuously issuing crystal clear cawing.
As if like a real bird. Moreover, from the black pupils, signs of intelligence were observed, it seemed to have wisdom.
"Go!" Bosain's face now was extremely pale as he punctured his lips with his teeth. On the side of the eyes, there was sweat rolling off, yet he let off an extremely zealous expression as he pointed at the cloth doll.
It seems like the spell he cast earlier allowed him to have a huge sense of satisfaction.
"No! Don't come over! Alice is scared!"
The cloth doll opposite retreated 3 steps. On that figurine's face, there was an expression of fear, as if a little girl had encountered a bad guy.
However, Leylin and the others were not moved by this scene.
Along with Bosain's orders, the Three-Legged Golden Crow flapped its wings and the bright yellow wings burned with flames as it flew around Bosain and the other two in a circle.
Several bean-sized flame dropped onto the furniture which had been given life.
*Bang!* Balls of yellow flames were set ablaze, and the various chairs and tables were each reduced to a pile of grey ashes.
"Jiu Jiu!"
The Three-Legged Golden Crow let out an elegant cry and flew across in the air, directly landing in front of the cloth doll.
The bright, red, conical beak took aim and gave the cloth doll a light peck!
"Arghh!" The cloth doll Alice let out a frightened whimper and its body was immediately set on fire with the bright yellow flame.
"Save Alice, Alice is actually very obedient…"
The figurine collapsed on the ground, reaching out a hand towards Leylin and the others, its voice carrying a hint of pleading.
Leylin and Jayden turned around and saw a crazed expression in Bosain's eyes as he continued to ignite the flame.
The bright yellow flame burned continuously, finally turning the cloth doll in ashes.
"Alright!" Bosain turned over and faced Leylin and Jayden, revealing a smiling face with his intentions unknown.
Leylin's heart skipped a beat and his hand already reached towards his neck.
"Jiu Jiu!"
At this moment, the Three-Legged Golden Crow cawed and turned into the grey scroll earlier as it fell to the ground.
"Pa!"
The grey scroll disintegrated into ashes into the surroundings.
After seeing the energy of the scroll fully utilised, Bosain's face looked terribly unsightly, but he still forced a smile on his face.
"Alright, the creature is dealt with. Let us find the way out…"
Just when Leylin was about to say something, another loud crash sounded. Behind the cloth doll, the walls shook and revealed a crack, showing a straight tunnel.
On the wooden boards of the wall, there was a line of characters written in the ancient Byron language.
Seekers who are able to come here will have a chance to obtain my inheritance—Norco Curadu Sfar.
"Norco Curadu Sfar is the Magus who left behind this inheritance?" Jayden revealed a longing and curious expression.
As for Bosain on his side, he muttered the name, Norco Curadu Sfar, repeatedly. An ecstatic expression gleamed in his eyes but was quickly restrained.
However, this had been seen by Leylin who had been observing him furtively. He knew that Bosain had definitely thought what the name had represented.
"I seemed to have heard of this name, but it's very vague now!" At this moment, Leylin also scratched his head, revealing a 'dazed' expression.
"No matter who, it's definitely an official Magus! And his inheritance will definitely let me advance!" Jayden was extremely zealous and immediately rushed into the tunnel.
"Follow him!" Bosain and Leylin followed closely behind Jayden.
After walking through the tunnel, Leylin and the others came to a study-room-like place.
The four walls were filled with bookshelves, yet not a single book was to be seen, which made Leylin blurt out that it was a pity.
As for the large table in the centre, there was a black box placed neatly on it.
Behind the study desk, there was a chair and a strange oil painting.
The oil painting showed a mysterious emblem—countless mystical runes formed a snake. The snake traced its own tail, forming the picture of a circle!
"I seem to have seen this emblem somewhere before!" Leylin was somewhat confused but he threw that thought away.
"It seems like this place was set up by the great Magus Serholm for his inheritance. This Great Magus is still somewhat benevolent. The mechanisms were all below the strength of an official Magus. If not, with just a little increase in difficulty, we would all have perished in here!"
Leylin was somewhat happy to let Jayden and the others come here with him. If not, just with his strength alone he would not have been able to reach this place.
"Wasn't there a magician called 'Norco'? Where are his remnants?" Leylin wished to ask this question, but it was very soon flung to the back of his head.
Because the scene right now took on a massive change!
After seeing the black box on the study desk, Bosain's and Jayden's panting started to become heavier.
*Bang!*
A silver white longsword suddenly appeared in Bosain's hands and was sent slashing towards Jayden.
The vine armour on Jayden's body flashed, but a cut still appeared; his arm bleeding profusely.
*Sou Sou Sou!*
The three of them immediately kept a distance from one another.
"As expected, in the end, we are going to fall out huh?" Jayden clutched his arm, letting off a bitter smile.
Looking at Jayden in this state, Leylin suddenly recalled that when they set off together, Jayden did not request for them to sign any contract. It seems like he had long since anticipated an outcome like this.
-x-X-x-
"Indeed! The inheritance of an official Magus is a sufficient reason for this fellowship to be broken!"
Jayden spoke slowly.
"Not only that!" Now, the metal liquid covered Bosain's body and turned into a silver white armour.
"If it was just a spell model, Grine Water or something of that sort, I wouldn't mind at all. But this is Norco Curadu Sfar's legacy!"
Bosain's face became flushed.
"We are talking about the great Magus Serholm! The inheritance of a rank 4 Morning Star Magus!"
"The great Magus Serholm?!" Clarity appeared on Jayden's face. Of course, he had heard of the legend of this great Magus.
However, in the legends, the great Magus Serholm used an alternative title. Apart from Leylin who had an overpowered way to store data and Bosain who had a solid family foundation, there were many who weren't aware of this fact.
"Since you know the reason, you can die in peace!"
Bosain did not conceal the killing intent on his face as he viciously slashed the silver white sword down upon Jayden.
*Hua!* The longsword split into countless small silver needles that were sent flying towards Jayden.
"Form a shield!" Jayden shouted. More vines appeared from the badge and took the form of a large shield, in front of Jayden.
*Ding Ding Dang Dang!* Countless needles fell like rain onto his shield, creating many small holes.
The huge impact sent Jayden staggering backwards. His face became filled with despair.
"Jayden! I know all of your tricks. Apart from your magic artifact what other trump cards do you have?"
Bosain spoke these words to try and shatter Jayden's confidence.
Jayden retreated until his back hit a wall, then he turned his head and shouted to Leylin. "Leylin! Let's act together! If not we will both die!"
"Leylin! Don't believe him! If you can stay neutral and be on the sidelines, or even help me, I swear that you will obtain the friendship of the Lilytell family!"
After listening to the persuasion of both sides, Leylin appeared panic-stricken; he staggered back two steps and spoke in a quivering voice. "No! I don't want any inheritance anymore, just let me go…."
After hearing those words, Jayden's face looked even more aghast and anxious. Even his vine shield had become smaller in size.
Bosain, on the other hand, laughed loudly. "Haha… My Lilytell family will definitely welcome a Potions Master like Leylin…"
"As for you Jayden! You're finished!"
The longsword in Bosain's hands split again and each droplet of liquid metal floated in the air, turning into dart-like objects.
"With my blood...."
After seeing the opponent's attack, hopelessness surfaced on Jayden's face. He used the same method as before and smeared his blood on the green badge.
In an instant, the green vine shield turned into a red giant one.
"The energy in your badge should deplete soon huh? Even if you use your blood as a substitute how long can you last?!"
Bosain shouted and sent countless needles flying towards Jayden.
*Bang!*
The red shield exploded and the innumerable needles pierced Jayden's body.
With countless holes present all over his body, Jayden was immediately dyed red. Regret and disbelief filled his face as he fell slowly to the ground.
"Hu hu…" Bosain was panting somewhat loudly at this moment. He turned around and faced Leylin.
"Well done! You did not attack me with him earlier!" With a sinister smile, Bosain pointed at Jayden who laid within a pool of blood.
"I, the heir to the Lilytell family, the pride of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, the silver white swordsman Bosain will grant you your preferred choice of death!"
As he spoke, a commiserating yet toying expression appeared on his face; he was like a lion or tiger who was playing with a rabbit.
"Choice… Way to die...." Leylin squeezed out a smile, "Mister Bosain, I don't quite understand you!"
"My meaning is extremely clear, you can only die here!" Bosain's expression was cold, "The inheritance of the great Magus Serholm is too important. I cannot allow the possibility of you leaking any information!"
"Originally, as a genius in Potioneering, you had a bright future. What a pity…" Bosain looked at Leylin regretfully, as if feeling sorry for his plight.
"Perhaps, you would like to end your own life … It might reduce some of the pain…"
Bosain edged closer and closer to Leylin, his voice gentle yet enticing.
There seemed to be a magical force in his voice, luring Leylin to do things the way he said.
Leylin's eyes went blank, his lips unconsciously formed the following, "I want to…"
"It's going to be a success!" exclaimed Bosain, gleefully.
At that moment, Leylin raised his head and grinned, revealing a pair of bright and shiny teeth, he said, "I want you dead!"
*Bang!*
A silver streak flew from Leylin's hand onto Bosain's face.
Shock filled Bosain's face, but a layer of liquid metal automatically formed a mask, protecting his face.
*Ka-Cha!* The silver light skid against the mask, emitting sparks.
"A pity that it's a magic artifact with instantaneous defensive capabilities!"
Leylin looked at Bosain who was retreating, his face showed a hint of regret and disappointment.
"You… You were pretending earlier!" Bosain touched his face which had already swollen, and his expression began to contort.
"Such a boring illusory spell! I was not afraid of it when I was a level 2 acolyte!"
Leylin smiled brightly, "This look suits you very well! Like a pig head!"
"You're seeking death!"
Bosain's face was flushed from anger; the liquid metal crept and covered his whole body, forming a silver armour.
His eyes were a little bloodshot as he brandished his longsword and charged towards Leylin.
"I want to pluck each and every tendon from your body, you useless trash who only knows Potioneering!"
"Oh really?"
Leylin frowned. A black longbow appeared in his hands and a frost arrow was shot.
*Sssii!* Bosain did not dodge nor hide, letting the arrow land on his body.
The frost arrow was blocked by the silver armour and turned into a white mist that covered the surface of Bosain's armour.
Suffering from its effect, Bosain's speed had lowered somewhat.
"I have been watching you all along — all the potions in your bag should have been fully used up, am I right?" Bosain smiled maliciously, directly rushing at Leylin.
"An accurate guess!"
Leylin's smile did not waver, which suddenly made Bosain feel a bad premonition.
"It is unfortunate, but my trump card is not related to potions!"
"Fallen Star Pendant! Activate!"
Along with Leylin's command, a layer of silver-grey light radiated from his body.
This layer seemed like starlight, dim but sturdy and unwavering. It covered Leylin's body forming a silver-grey armour all over him. On the surface of this armour, a few gems were flickering.
*Bang!*
Bosain struck with his longsword, but he was blocked directly and grabbed by Leylin's right hand, which was covered by the armour. Following which, Leylin viciously punched Bosain's face!
*Ka-Cha!*
The mask on Bosain's face dented inwards and he immediately spat out several teeth as he flew backwards with a look of disbelief on his face.
"As expected using fists to hit someone feels the best!"
Leylin narrows his eyes and spoke with some satisfaction.
*Hua La La!* Bosain crashed into a few empty bookshelves and they toppled over him. Numerous decomposing wooden boards buried Bosain within the rubble.
*Bang!* The wooden boards were blasted away. Once again Bosain stood before Leylin with his bright silver armour.
"I have underestimated you! A defensive type magic artifact! You are actually the one amongst us with the most secrets!"
Bosain's face now was extremely solemn. However, with two swollen lumps on both sides of his face, Leylin felt like laughing when he saw him.
"Too much nonsensical stuff has been said!"
Leylin's muscles bulged and he clashed with Bosain.
*Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!*
Booming noises sounded from the study room, sending dust flying everywhere. Through the barely visible dust screen, two humanoid creatures wearing armour could be seen charging at each other.
These two creatures seemed not to be afraid of injuries. They only used the most brutal and barbaric fighting style — completely forsaking their defence, each one simply attacked his opponent.
Bookshelves collapsed continuously and chaos ensued.
If not for the two creatures deliberately avoiding the middle study-table containing the remnants, it, too, would have shared the fate of those bookshelves.
With the seconds turning into minutes, it could be seen that the human figure — the one with the bright silver armour — seemed to be at a disadvantage. The white light on it, too, had somewhat dimmed.
Finally, with a punch from the person armoured a silver-grey, the bright silver armour broke, turning back into its liquid metal form, and then it was restored to its original ball-shaped form.
Leylin once again stomped on Bosain who was on the floor.
*Crack!*, the sound of breaking bones could be heard from Bosain's chest.
After which, a shoe coated in silver-grey light nonchalantly stepped on his chest.
One corner of Bosain's lips was overflowing with blood, "I regret this! If only my scroll was still here, if only I didn't use 'silver light' so many times earlier!"
*Ka-Cha!*
Leylin's eyes were devoid of emotion. He showed no quarter towards Bosain and withdrew a dagger from his robes and severed all 4 of Bosain's limbs.
"Arghh…."
Bosain's facial muscles contorted, and cries of anguish reverberated in the whole study room.
Leylin kicked the severed limbs away and took out a hemostasis potion, after which he took out a hemostasis potion and poured it on Bosain's wound — he wasn't going to let Bosain bleed to death.
"You...Just kill me!" Bosain's face was extremely pale as he forced the words out from his mouth.
"How could I have the audacity to kill a member of the mighty Lilytell family?"
Leylin smiled slightly, yet to Bosain, it seemed to be a very sinister and sadistic smile.
"As the heir of a Magus family, you would definitely have some tracking spell cast on you by an official Magus. It is very likely that once I killed you, that official Magus would be able to sense it!"
Leylin spoke slowly. At the same time, Bosain's expression turned completely ashen.
-x-X-x-
Upon seeing the sight of Bosain collapsed on the ground, Leylin did not feel any pleasure.
"You were a worthy opponent — your strength, your equipment, and even your cunning are highly admirable and hard to overcome! Concealing my strength, draining the energy of your magic artifact and making you use all of your trump cards — if I had not done all these, today's victor could certainly have been reversed..."
These were sincere words from Leylin.
If he hadn't disguised himself as a pig but one that could eat a tiger and saw that Bosain had drained the energy of his magic artifact "Silver Light" and also the opportunities that made Bosain reveal his trump cards, the outcome of the battle between Leylin and Bosain would have been rewritten.
But ultimately, Bosain was killed at the hands of Leylin. Even his death could not be decided by himself.
This time's affair caused Leylin to understand this fact.
In the Magus World, there were innumerable geniuses and even more trump cards. In the future, unless necessary, it was better if he kept a low profile.
Moreover, every one more trump card one has is equivalent to a little more odds of survival.
"You will certainly be found by my father; you will die an unbearable and miserable death..." As Bosain was speaking, his eyes suddenly bulged.
*Pu!* A bright silvery flash occurred as Leylin's arms moved, and Bosain's tongue was cut off!
"As far as acolytes are concerned, so long as they can chant incantations, they are dangerous…"
Leylin, unenthusiastically looking at Bosain who was on the verge of fainting, said, "As I was saying, even though your spiritual force and magic power has all been consumed, I must not let down my guard!"
"Bind!"
Leylin chanted an incantation and immediately summoned a shadow chain and bound Bosain who had lost his four limbs.
Bosain looked at Leylin who could still cast spells, and his eyes dimmed.
The fact that Leylin could still cast spells meant that his spiritual force and magic power was above that of Bosain, yet Bosain already had the spiritual force criteria to advance into an official Magus!
"Just one safety lock isn't enough!"
Leylin frowned and placed the tip of his long, pure white finger on Bosain's forehead and pressed.
*Weng!*
A mysterious writhing rune was formed at Leylin's fingertip. It coursed through Bosain's body and entered the forehead area.
Bosain's eyes flashed white and his body spasmed, before fainting.
"Alright now!"
Leylin stood up and patted his hands, his eyes showing an unspeakable amount of desire.
"Right now, there only thing left is the inheritance of the great Magus Serholm!"
The light from the Fallen Star Pendant had always covered Leylin's body. With a face full of wariness, he crossed over many fallen shelves and came to the centre where the study desk was.
On the study desk, there was a black box. On it was a few thin patterns, as if formed by little snakes.
"Adjust the Fallen Star Pendant's form and change focus area: right hand!"
Along with Leylin's command, the grey light on his body flickered and the other areas apart from the right hand dimmed. It all gathered on the fight hand, forming a thick armour.
Leylin gritted his teeth and reached out his right hand to open the black box.
*Pa!* The lid of the black box was opened. However it exceeded Leylin's expectations and nothing happened.
In the box was a thick, black book. As for the other empty areas in the box, it was filled with a type of red silk, looking extravagant.
Leylin picked up the book. *Ka-Cha!* A mechanical sound reverberated throughout the room.
"Damn it!"
Leylin looked at the bottom of the interior of the box after taking the book and was somewhat stupefied.
At the bottom, where after the black book was removed, a Byron language sentence was written in cursive font. "Inheritor! When you take away this 'Book of Giant Serpent', the whole secret plane will self-destruct within 3 hourglasses worth of time."
This row of words was written in blood and seemed extremely striking.
"What exactly was this great Magus Serholm trying to do?"
Leylin's thoughts rapidly spun. The 3 hourglasses worth of time was enough for him to find an exit and even farm some of the flowers in the garden before leaving.
"No! Not right. Too easy! There's something wrong!"
Leylin hurriedly flipped open the Book of Giant Serpent.
"A.I. Chip! Record information!"
The whole book was extremely thick and was written in tiny characters. It was even written in code. If it was any other person, he would most likely not be able to even finish reading the preface of the book before the time of 3 hourglasses was up.
However, Leylin was different. He flipped through the Book of Giant Serpent in a frenzy. In his eyes a blue light surfaced, and the A.I. Chip continuously recorded the information.
In less than the time of half an hourglass, Leylin already flipped through the Book of Giant Serpent once.
"A.I. Chip! How is it going?"
[Information sort is in progress.... Deleting useless information obtained the real content from the Book of Giant Serpent!]
[667 pages of travel notes, 78 experiment notes, 12 rank 1 spell models, 3 rank 2 spell models!]
The A.I. Chip quickly sent the information to Leylin's brain.
"It isn't there! There is no information about a high-grade meditation technique!" Leylin realised this crucial point.
"According to the vengeful spirit, Roman, the great Magus Serholm had indeed left a copy of high-grade meditation technique! This reward is considered extremely bountiful to normal acolytes and even rank 1 Magi. However without the high-grade meditation technique, it's a failure!"
[Alert! Alert! The host is in a place with unstable energy and it is estimated to collapse in 15minutes 45seconds, counting down...]
The A.I. Chip showed a string of warnings, constantly flashing in front of Leylin.
"A.I. Chip, scan the study room!"
A resolve expression appeared on Leylin's face, as he began to use various detection techniques to search for concealed compartments in the room.
After 5 minutes, Leylin's face turned even more unsightly.
"I estimate that I need 5 minutes to leave this place. Which is to say, the time left for me to search is only 6 more minutes! I have to leave before that!"
Although Leylin wanted the high-grade meditation technique badly, he valued his life more than the technique.
"The study desk is okay! No problem with the chair! Oil painting, oil painting!"
Leylin stared fixedly at a most suspicious-looking oil painting.
Apart from an emblem with the similar sign of the Ouroboros[1. Ouroboros is an ancient sign which shows the head of a serpent or a dragon eating its tail, forming a circle.], there was nothing else on that canvas.
"Eh?!"
At this moment, Leylin discovered a tiny object within his robes radiating heat.
He reached in and withdrew a cheap yellow bronze ring.
This ring seemed to be extremely average — there was even some scratches and rust on it. Inscribed on the surface of the ring was the letter 'K', which seemed to represent the emblem of some organisation.
"This is… the ring that was obtained from Roman's remains!" Leylin thought about the origins of this ring.
Back when he was in Extreme Night City, after searching the lab of the great Magus Serholm, he found the corpse of the vengeful spirit, Roman. This ring was found on his corpse.
It seems that the vengeful spirit Roman did not just obtain this information. Moreover, he somehow managed to hide some information from Leylin.
Leylin stroked the yellow bronze ring on his finger.
The closer he walked to the oil painting, the more heat the ring emitted. Moreover, there was even light emitting from the letter 'K'.
*Ka-Cha!* *Ka-Cha!*
On the bottom area of the oil painting, part of it fell, revealing an empty hole which had the 'K' symbol, the same as the ring.
Leylin fitted the ring in the gap! *Bang!* Both sides seamed tightly, and a strange energy wave radiated from it.
*Sssii!*!
The black snake in runes on the oil painting seemed to come alive and a scarlet gleam was there its eyes. It continuously chased after its tail, spinning within the painting.
The spinning speed of the black snake kept increasing, finally turning into a black hole.
In the hole, there was the space of a small cabinet. In it was a cage that was made of crimson lightning.
Leylin gritted his teeth and looked at the decreasing amount of time, immediately reaching his hands to it.
*Bang!*
An ancient voice suddenly sounded in Leylin's brain.
"The test has begun. Begin to portray this spell formation within 30 seconds!" A yellow, illusory figure, formed by the spell, appeared in front of Leylin.
"There is even a spell?!" Leylin was now convinced that this great Magus Serholm was a sadist.
Under the circumstances of the secret plane collapsing, he even intended for the inheritor to complete a test!
Moreover, even if it was a basic spell model, it would at least require several hours of time. 30 seconds? He's plainly toying with others!
"A.I. Chip! Immediately decrypt with full operational capabilities!"
With Leylin's order, a bright blue light flashed in his eyes. This was the greatest calculation abilities that the A.I. Chip projected.
[Mission establishing, beginning analysis...] The A.I. Chip loyally carried out its duty, very soon projecting the completed spell formation in Leylin's brain.
"Construction completed; next test. Within 30 seconds construct this spell formation!" This time, it was a blue formation.
Leylin rolled his eyes and continued to use the A.I. Chip to analyse.
Afterwards, it was the third spell formation, black coloured. This time, the required analysis surpassed Leylin's expectations. Right before the 30 seconds timer was up he then managed to complete the formation.
"Will it end now?"
Leylin thought after finishing the third formation.
However, at this moment, the yellow, blue and black formation in his brain began to converge suddenly.
*Ka-Cha!* After the 3 spell formations instantly merged, it turned into a scarlet coloured spell formation. On the surface, it was filled with many mysterious runes.
*Sssii!* The scarlet lightning behind the oil painting seemed to have been attracted to him and entered Leylin's body immediately.
"My inheritor! You must have the courage and wise, be astute and filled with knowledge. Only then, can you break through the shackles of Bloodline…"
That ancient voice sounded once again in Leylin's mind.
At this moment, the A.I. Chip indicated, [A spiritual force data has been received, to accept or deny transmission?]
"Accept!"
Following which, Leylin felt that his brain was stuffed with a load full of information, similar to when he received his meditation technique when he first entered the academy.
A massive stream of information continuously entered his brain and was sorted by the A.I. Chip.
-x-X-x-
"The book is a copy of high-grade meditation technique. It is only for warlocks who carries the bloodline of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent…"
The beginning of the information already sent Leylin in ecstasy.
"The high-grade meditation technique that I have always dreamt of is finally in my hands now!"
Leylin only felt a surge of blood rush to his brain and almost could not resist screaming in excitement.
[Warning! Warning! Time left for the place to collapsing: 5 Minutes 01 Seconds! It has already reached the limit that the Host has set!] The A.I. Chip reminded Leylin once again.
"Damn!" Leylin started running immediately.
When he started to run out of the study, he glanced quickly at the collapsed corpse of Bosain.
"To have you buried inside the secret plane is the best method to conceal the murderer. And, since I did not directly kill him, the probability of any Detection Magic is very less".
After walking away from the study room, he found himself inside the Dylan Gardens where there was every kind of flower blooming.
Leylin did not think any further and reached out to grab the few most precious flowers and placed it in his robes. He did not stop his footsteps and directly dashed out from the Dylan Gardens.
After running through the metal passage, Leylin once again returned to the cave where the corpse of the Black Horrall Snake lay.
"Something's not right, there is something missing!" Leylin ran to where the black snake was. His right hand glowed with the defense of the Fallen Star Pendant and as he traced the opening of the wound he ripped open the stomach and pulled out a scarlet heart out from it.
As the handling of such ingredients was troublesome, Bosain and the rest had decided to retrieve it only when they were prepared to leave.
"There is no more time!" Leylin looked at the timer which was counting down to zero soon and immediately chanted an ancient incantation.
"Starier Guderian!"
"This was the password recorded in the Book of Giant Serpent for leaving the secret plane. A pity that with the destruction of the secret plane, this time, there was no other chances to use it in the future.
After the chant, Leylin was enshrouded in a red lightning and immediately disappeared from the cave.
On the top of a cliff.
A few red flashes of lightning formed, taking the form of a spell formation.
A brown haired acolyte's illusory image slowly turned into real substance among the lightning and landed on the cliff.
"I am finally out!"
Leylin looked at the void which was constantly emitting energy waves, his expression complicated.
This was the influence of a secret plane self-destructing in the main world. It was extremely weak and extremely difficult to discover.
However, Leylin was clear that the Dylan Gardens, and everything inside it was now wiped off from the face of this world.
"A pity! So many resources and precious herbs...."
Leylin looked down at the energy wave of the void which was slowly vanishing, and he felt a great pity about it.
After all, that was the secret plane of a rank 4 Magus!
Just the various flowers and herbs in the Dylan Gardens could fetch the price of several millions of magic crystals. Moreover, there had been copious quantities of herbs in there.
With it, Leylin would not have to worry about his finances after turning into an official Magus.
"Fortunately, it's not like I don't have any gains!" Leylin looked at the few stalks of herbs tightly gripped in his hands, his expression relaxing a little.
On his hands, there were several rare herbs, only that their appearance was not very beautiful at this moment.
As Leylin prioritised in escaping earlier, he merely grabbed a fistful of the most precious plants, so naturally there was some damage done to those herbs.
"There is one more — Book of Giant Serpent!"
Leylin touched the sturdy black book in front of him.
Although it was just something the great Magus Serholm placed outside to conceal the high-grade meditation technique inside the oil painting, its price was still extremely precious.
On the Book of Giant Serpent, there were the travel notes of the great Magus Serholm with the drawings of a few precious items, which could enhance Leylin's knowledge.
Moreover, many experiments were also explicitly stated in detail, which allowed Leylin to benefit from it.
However, the most precious in the Book of Giant Serpent was the 12 rank 1 spell models and 3 rank 2 spell models! All these were items that the various guilds and magisterium in the south coast tried to get their hands on. They were something that magic crystals could not buy.
Finally, the motive of Leylin's expedition, this time, the high-grade meditation technique, was finally obtained.
This meant that Leylin's path in the future might not be smoothly paved, but at least he had a direction to work towards to. He had more chances than other acolytes!
Any one item on this book, once leaked, will only result in one outcome for Leylin. That is to be listed as wanted by all the organisations in the south coast!
All official Magi, various academy chairmen, even the strongest Magus that Leylin had seen, the head of the Lighthouse of the Night, will do their utmost to catch him who was a mere acolyte.
Just thinking of that outcome, Leylin already felt a headache.
At the same time, he resolved to conceal everything he had gotten in this expedition.
"Since I have already decided!" Leylin's eyes flashed viciously and looked at the few struggling prisoners behind him.
They were captured by Bosain, used as guinea pigs to test the mechanisms of the secret plane. Furthermore, Leylin even bound all of them later.
He did not know how long he stayed inside the secret plane. Only that from what Leylin saw, these few people were already on the verge of death. If he were to come out a little longer, it would just be a few more corpses that he would see.
"I originally wanted to use them to kill Bosain after defeating him, but from what I see now, the self-destruction of the secret plane is a better way to kill him!"
acolytes who hailed from great families or were geniuses of an academy often had various detection spells placed on them. Once they were to die, the spells would be activated and imbued itself on the closest intelligent creature beside them and turned into a tracking spell. Hence, Leylin seldom attacked other acolytes. If there was a choice, he preferred to use scapegoats to finish his job.
Leylin muttered and walked towards the few prisoners.
Very soon, his face hardened, and he immediately grabbed a few prisoners and tossed them over the cliff.
*Pa Pa!*
Not long after, there was the slight yet heavy noise which travelled to Leylin's ears.
"Not only that, the stone blades at the bottom must be destroyed, the corpses must also be gotten rid of with some bone dissolving powder."
Leylin muttered and applied the floating spell on himself, floating down from the cliff like a feather.
When the moon was high in the sky, the blue constellations shone brightly. Only then did Leylin returned to the cliff, his robes filled with traces of grey powder.
The starlight which shone down was constantly absorbed by the Fallen Star Pendant on Leylin's chest, forming a small ball of light in front of him.
[Fallen Star Pendant recharging. Estimated time: 5 hours 21 Minutes!] The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.
Although the might of magic artifact were extremely strong and did not need any chanting to activate it, they required to be recharged. After the energy was fully consumed, the magic artifact was basically a useless item!
Previously in the secret plane, Leylin concealed his Fallen Star Pendant and let Bosain use their magic artifact many times to drain the energy in his magic artifact. Finally after engaging in a battle with him, he drained all of Bosain's magic artifact energy!
Whenever he thought of the magic artifact on Bosain's body which could take on the form of anything, the silvery and metallic "Silver Light" which could attack or defend, Leylin envied Bosain for it.
However, he did not retrieve it from Bosain's body. Instead, he let that magic artifact remain inside the secret plane.
Things that belonged to large families, if one were to say that there weren't additional protective measures on them, Leylin would be the first to doubt that statement!
Moreover, he had killed Bosain. This was the genius acolyte in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, and one of the successors of the three big families, the Lilytell family.
Once this incident was discovered, he would naturally face the wrath and revenge of the Lilytell family.
However, Bosain, fortunately, was killed due to the secret plane's self-destruction. The place where he died was also not in the main world but in a secret plane, which would mean many troubles for the Magi, who excelled in Divination or Prophecy.
"Only that it is still not enough! The methods of Divination Magi are not that simple!"
Leylin's face was extremely solemn. He sat cross-legged on the cliff and picked up several water chestnut grass, forming the shape of a little human figure.
*Pu!* When the human figure made of grass was tanned, Leylin took out a dagger and cut his arm.
A huge amount of blood downed down, covering the grass doll in red.
Leylin used the dagger to dab on his blood, drawing a strange rune on his forehead.
Very soon, an ancient yet mysterious incantation was chanted by Leylin.
The chant was a tongue-twister and had a metallic ring to it. With the sudden rise and fall in his pitch, the surrounding atmosphere also changed mysteriously.
After the chant, many dense black gaseous bodies were emitted from Leylin.
The gases grew more and more, finally turning into a translucent black shadow, its face similar to Leylin's countenance.
"Go!"
Leylin pointed at the grass doll and the black shadow immediately jumped into it.
The black shadow shrunk a dozen times, entering the grass doll entirely.
As for the grass doll, its face also changed, turning similar to what Leylin looked like.
"Alright now!" Leylin exhaled loudly, before pursing his lips to whistle.
"Gua Gua!" A black raven flew from the nearby forest, landing on Leylin's shoulders.
"Bring it away! The further the better!" Leylin placed the grass doll on the talons of the black raven, before feeding the raven a magic crystal.
*Hu!*
The body of the raven doubled in size, and the wings grew to the span of two to three times. As it flapped its wings it brought a tiny whirlwind with it.
Seeing the raven flying further, Leylin heaved a sigh of relief.
This was a little trick he saw from an incomplete diary in the library, it was said to have an effect to mislead those Divination Magi spells.
Under the simulation of the A.I. Chip, he believed that there would be an effect to a certain extent.
Naturally Leylin used it, hoping for it to stall a little more time for him.
After killing Bosain, Leylin never hoped that he could cover it up completely.
The methods of Magi were extremely strange. Also, as the Lilytell family was one of the three big families in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, Leylin had no confidence of hiding from them at all.
Even with the most foolish method of tracing leads in the world, they would definitely pinpoint all the clues to him.
However, for the inheritance of the great Magus Serholm, Leylin had no regrets whatsoever in killing Bosain. Even if it were to repeat the scene, Leylin would still choose to do it again.
What he desired now, was only time!
The external conditions had already been met. To be able to retaliate the chase of the Lilytell family, he had to advance into an official Magus!
This was the purpose of Leylin trying to stall for time.
-x-X-x-
"However, there is also good news!"
When Leylin thought about his future developments, he slowly relaxed his muscles.
"Bosain and the other two joined in halfway while travelling. According to Jayden, Bosain even hid it from his family and the academy. Which is to say, the Lilytell family would only know that Bosain was dead, yet they did not have any idea where he had gone to or who were the people he had met. This is the best possible scenario!"
As for Jayden's disappearance?
Leylin did not bother with it at all. First of all, Jayden was not killed by him. Even by using Lie Detecting spells and the sorts, he was not afraid at all. Secondly, Jayden only had a Professor Dorotte behind him. His background was much smaller than that of the three big families. Just based on Leylin's mentor, Professor Kroft, he could handle this problem.
Leylin gave the cliff one final look, before walking away and never turning back.
At the same time, inside an ancient, stately and eerie fortress.
From one of the rooms, a large roar was heard, "Bosain is dead! The parasite larva on him was not activated too!"
Extreme wrath was detected in this voice, and waves of his voice reverberated throughout the ancient castle.
In the air, there were even many energy waves seen with the physical eye. A rush of horrifying energy wave continuously radiated from the room.
Many menservants and maids on the corridors immediately knelt on the ground, their bodies quivering in fear.
"Call Kleiter here, if he is unable to find out the truth, I will punish and send him to confinement within the Blazing Mines for a hundred years!"
...
The atmosphere turned gloomy, and the cold wind howled. Not long later, fine raindrops splattered on the ground, giving a damp and icy feeling.
However, Leylin was in a pretty good mood.
At this moment, he was inside a cave feeding a bonfire for warmth. He closed his eyes and thought of the high-grade meditation technique contents.
He viewed this high-grade meditation technique with utmost importance. His path in the future would be significantly determined here.
Moreover, the high-grade meditation technique also had requirements for the acolytes. There must be a certain standard before they could cultivate in it.
Leylin did not want to risk his life only to obtain something which he could not use.
After hastily going through the contents, doubt filled his heart. "Warlock? It's the same as Branded Swordsman, a branch of the ancient Magi huh?"
Leylin leaned on the warm granite wall, his mind continuously sorting out the information he gotten from the high-grade meditation technique today.
"Kemoyin's Pupil." This was the name of the high-grade meditation technique that Leylin inherited from the great Magus Serholm.
Before the information of the meditation technique, there were several other notes which introduced the existences of acolytes in the ancient past who had advanced to be Warlocks!
These so-called Warlocks were a unique kind of Magi. Through devouring, copulation or some other methods, they would obtain the bloodline of powerful magic creatures or even the bloodline of creatures from another world. Moreover, they would continuously tap into the power within.
As with Branded Swordsmen, Warlocks were also a sub-type of ancient Magi.
According to the introduction of the great Magus Serholm, he was originally a rank 4 Warlock! Moreover, he had unified the whole of the south coast, leaving behind many undying legends.
Furthermore, according to the legends, Warlocks have a greater innate talent in spellcasting and they completely surpassed a regular Magus of the same rank.
However, if Warlocks were that strong, they would have long since controlled the south coast and not have that many magician guilds around.
First of all, Warlocks are on the path of bloodlines. Along with the passing of time and the reproduction of seeds, the descendants of these Warlocks will often see a thinning of bloodline, losing the replenishing effect from the bloodline origins. Just this point alone caused the Warlocks to become few in numbers.
Furthermore, a large number of Warlocks had an extremely troublesome malady—Emotions! The Magus World was represented by reasoning. However, due to the effects of the bloodline, Warlocks often suffer from extreme emotional states and was likely to go to the extremity of any emotion.
Obviously, such a disposition was difficult for Warlocks to survive a long time in this Magus World with the law of the jungle.
However, the great Magus Serholm came up with a method to curb such an ailment—Serenity Potion!
When a Warlock takes the Serenity Potion, they would calm their inner nerves and retain the reasoning trait of a Magus.
Furthermore, their strong willpower would also allow them to curb the emotional effects of the bloodline.
In the preface of the high-grade meditation technique, there were several types of methods to obtain bloodline, enough for Leylin to choose from.
Seeing this, Leylin had already decided to choose the path of bloodlines and become a Warlock.
Very soon, Leylin frowned again.
"3 levels! Why does the whole of the high-grade meditation technique only have three levels? There are obvious missing parts at the back!"
According to what Leylin gathered, high-grade meditation technique has the effect of raising the levels of Magi.
Which is to say, once a Magus had completed the meditation technique of that rank, their level will rise automatically. There is no need of complementing with a large amount of resources to breakthrough, nor the use of constructing spell models.
This was because high-grade meditation techniques would naturally form a compatible innate spell and inscribe them constantly with the meditation in the Magus sea of consciousness.
However, the Giant Kemoyin Serpent only had three levels. Which is to say, even if Leylin had finished the cultivation for it, he would advance to the maximum of a rank 3 Warlock, a little more powerful than a rank 3 Magus.
It was pretty good as in the south coast, rank 3 Magus were extremely powerful existences, like the head of the Lighthouse of the Night who had that cultivation!
However, Leylin was somewhat displeased; he wished to cultivate to the realm of a rank 9 Magus!
After which, Leylin somewhat scorned himself.
"Even the great Lord Magus Serholm was only a rank 4 Warlock. The distance to rank 9 is even further than here to the Milky Way! I should not ask for too much. After all, this can guarantee my path until a rank 3 Warlock. If it were left to me to break through on my own, I wouldn't even have the confidence to become an official Magus...."
"Moreover, the great Magus Serholm was a rank 4 Warlock. Which is to say, the Kemoyin's Pupil has a latter portion, only that it requires for me to search more about it…"
Leylin resumed his normal mentality and looked at the latter portion of the information. As expected, there were a few vague clues which pointed to the Central Continent.
Leylin had never even heard of the Central Continent before. However, in the Book of Giant Serpent, there were descriptions of it. It seemed to be a haven for official Magus. Not only was the area expanse, but there were also an abundant amount of resources.
Only that to enter the Central Continent from the south coast, it required a lot of trekking over dangerous domains. If one was not an official Magus, he would definitely die!
Leylin memorised the information and decided that he had to visit there in the future to search for leads on the Kemoyin's Pupil in the future.
At the end of the meditation technique, there was a profound sentence:
"All those who walk on the path of bloodlines will eventually be shackled by the very bloodline itself…"
Somehow, not knowing why, Leylin felt that he heard a distant sigh, but it might have been a hallucination.
However, these words still cast an ominous cloud over his head.
Leylin remained silent, blue light flashing in his eyes, before resuming his original state very soon.
"It seems that the there is some flaw to becoming a Warlock! However, this is a problem I'd have to face after a rank 3 Warlock! I am just a lowly acolyte right now with not even much confidence to advance to an official Magus…"
"Even at the very end, if the path of a Warlock does not let me advance further, I can seek for other methods! At that time, I have at least the strength of an official Magus!"
"As for now, with the strength of an acolyte, there is no chance that I can obtain another piece of high-grade meditation technique…"
Various thoughts flashed in his brain and Leylin's eyes gradually gleamed in resolve.
"To cultivate in the Kemoyin's Pupil, one must first have the bloodline of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent or a subspecies of it!"
Leylin began to ponder over the problems of his path.
"Giant Kemoyin Serpent! It's a type of ancient creature. There are records of it in the A.I. Chip. As for its subspecies, I have seen two of it before, The Huge Mankestre Snake and the Black Horrall Snake!"
From the Kemoyin's Pupil that the great Magus Serholm had cultivated in, it seemed that he was a Warlock who had the bloodline of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent!
As he nurtured various snake species, he preferred to use defense or ambush mechanisms with snakes, so it was completely understandable.
Leylin pondered and withdrew many times from his sack.
A dozen blood coloured rocks and a frozen heart!
These blood rocks were the essence of all the blood from the Black Horrall Snake collected by Leylin. As for its heart, when Leylin was escaping from the Dylan Gardens, he had already harvested the precious ingredient from the corpse of the Black Horrall Snake.
"According to the records of the high-grade meditation technique, I can use this essence and obtain the Black Horrall Snake's bloodline…"
An adult Black Horrall Snake was a creature that could rival the existence of a rank 3 Magus, so it fulfilled Leylin's needs completely.
Perhaps, the great Magus Serholm kept the Black Horrall Snake in the cave to allow his inheritor to use its bloodline.
However, naturally Leylin's ambition was not only there.
"Although the Black Horrall Snake is not bad, it only has a trace of the bloodline of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent. Perhaps, I can purify the Black Horrall Snake bloodline and obtain the true ancient bloodline!"
Leylin's eyes spewed fire from it.
Since Warlocks had to tap constantly into the power of the bloodlines, then it was better to transplant a stronger bloodline right from the start.
Leylin only gave it a slight thought, and his inner desires began to boil.
"A.I. Chip! Establish mission, calculate the chance of obtaining an ancient bloodline from the Black Horrall Snake's bloodline!"
[Beep! Mission establishing, beginning analysis.]
The A.I. Chip's voice intoned, loyally carrying out its duties.
[Scanning blood essence obtained! Composition - Pure Essence: 78.8%, Nutrients: 11.3%, Highly active bacteria: 2.14%, useless impurities...]
A stream of information of the blood essence turned into a chart and appeared in front of Leylin.
Leylin who had the A.I. Chip had the natural advantage in this field!
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