*Whoosh Whoosh!*
A gale carried up the sand, bringing about a glittering gold color.
On the endless Golden Desert filled with death and danger, a pack of six large wolves padded across the soft sands at a relentless speed.
Upon the backs of the wolves, there sat a couple human silhouettes.
"We are here! Before us is the Golden Oasis!" The old geezer studied the map and exclaimed brightly.
"Are we here at last?" the rider of a Seated Lupin Wolf raised his head slightly and said. With his astonishingly powerful eyesight, he looked into the distance and saw a blanket of green.
Ever since their encounter with the Golden Giant, Leylin, and his party had been on edge, and had been easily startled by the slightest of things. They had only just started to relax after having been on the run for more than ten days. As a result, they also reached their destination at a faster time than they had originally planned.
This was the Golden Oasis, the only large water source in the Golden Desert.
Also, it was the only traversable path through the Grand Canyon Margaret. The other paths were wrought with dangers that far surpassed the capabilities of a rank 1 Magus.
Leylin spotted a few large bird-like creatures in the far distance that were taking off and landing at the oasis.
They were the Kary Vultures, the main culprits that occupied the land.
The six Magi stopped and stationed their Seated Lupin Wolves at a sand dune not far from the Golden Oasis.
The Seated Lupin Wolves were great against some of the lower level life forms in the Golden Oasis. However, against the adult Kary Vultures, which were comparable to a rank 3 Acolyte, they had no chance of surviving once trapped in their kill zone.
The Seated Lupin Wolves were still needed for the journey ahead. Furthermore, the wolves were borrowed. If the Wolves perished, a huge sum of magic crystals would be needed to compensate the handlers who were supposed to take back the wolves on the other side of the Grand Canyon.
"We can't press on anymore! The Kary Vultures are capable of flight. We will surely be spotted by them from the air!"
The old geezer surveyed the surroundings, "We need to conceal the position at which the Seated Lupin Wolves are situated as well!"
"I might be able to help in this aspect!" Leylin let out a faint smile and waved his two hands at the shadow of the sand dune.
Under Leylin's hand, the black shadow warped and swiveled. As if a giant behemoth hiding in the shadows, it opened its maw and swallowed the entire sand dune.
"Darkness is the natural friend of concealment." In the shadow of the darkness, the large wolves vanished.
"Good job!" Lancey praised Leylin.
In her eyes, although Leylin was still just a budding Magus, she admired his nimble mind and weak, but practical spells.
However, this was just a false front by Leylin.
Upon hearing Lancey's compliment, the big bloke incessantly let out a cold snort, "If it were up to me to do it…."
"Ok, ok! We are a party after all, why the need for that?"
The old geezer interrupted the big bloke, "Our enemies at the moment are the Kary Vulture flock and their King!"
"Lancey, you shall explain the situation to the party!"
Lancey stepped to the middle of the party and produced a blue gem from a small crevice in her chest region.
"This magic artifact is modelled to act as a spying eye, and can examine images within a ten kilometre radius!"
Lancey finished her explanation and placed the gem in her hands. She dripped a few drops of water from her water pouch onto it and chanted a few incantations.
A beam of light blue light was emitted from the gem. The light warped and stretched until it looked like a mirror's surface.
On the mirror like surface, a beautiful lake could be seen. Green shrubbery and coconut trees grew around it. Occasionally, large red birds could be seen ascending and descending from the forest.
The vision on the mirror surface continued to pan in. Leylin could see the true appearance of the Kary Vultures.
The Kary Vulture's wingspan spanned 5 metres and was covered in scarlet feathers. Its talons looked cold and sharp. The pink bald patches on its head were a disgusting sight. A tumor-like muscle bulged on its curved and completely bald head.
There were more than a hundred of these Kary Vultures in the oasis. If they were all fully grown and under the leadership of an official Magus-like Kary Vulture King, the band of Magi stood no chance.
"More than a hundred? This amount is too much! Can we see the Kary Vulture King?"
The old geezer hastily questioned.
"I will try my best!" Lancey was uncertain but continued to pan the mirror in the direction of the flock of Kary Vultures.
Over yonder, there stood a gigantic tree with a peculiar hollow that looked like a den. Hidden in it was an incomparably massive Kary Vulture.
While Lancey was trying to zoom in the mirror to get a closer look, the massive Kary Vulture seemed to notice her presence and let out an angry screech.
"Ga Ga!"
It sounded like a crow, but somehow unexplainably different. Suddenly, the surrounding Kary Vultures in the flock were agitated and stirred up.
Following the angry cry, a terrifying sonic wave swept towards all four directions.
"No way! It discovered my presence!" Lancey's complexion changed for the worse.
*Pa!* The mirror shattered into pieces like a broken crystal. It turned into a blue glow and dropped onto the floor.
"Ga Ga!" The Kary Vulture King's screech echoed from the distance. The Kary Vultures shook their large red wings, and like trained soldiers split up into sections. They spread out like carpet that covered the sky and searched the surroundings, not missing a single area.
"Sorry!" Lancey apologised with a look of embarrassment on her face.
"No problem! At least we saw the situation clearly, didn't we?" The night shift Magus replied quickly.
"That's right! That's right!? The old geezer replied with a brief flash of shame across his face. It was him that allowed Lancey to search for the Kary Vulture King.
"Ga Ga!" The large Kary Vultures patrolled the sky for a long period of time, but it was to no avail. At last, they violently attacked some of the land creatures in the area. The Kary Vultures swooped up what looked appeared to be large lizards, and flew back into the oasis.
For Leylin and the official Magi, it was an easy task to hide from the pursuit of the Kary Vultures.
"Ok! Let's discuss how we should deal with that goddamn flock of bastard birds.
Below the ground, in a temporary hut crafted using magic, the six Magi regrouped.
"A hundred Kary Vultures with power levels similar to level 2 or level 3 acolytes, plus a Vulture King whose power is far beyond what we expected!"
The old geezer looked at the other Magi.
"What else is there to do? Let's follow the earlier plan and observe their hunting paths and patterns. We will then kill off the small hunting packs before mounting an assault into the oasis!" The big bloke was the not even the least bit concerned as he waved them off with his hands.
This was the plan that was discussed earlier — simple and practical.
However, after the incident with the Golden Giant, the people in the party started to have a pressing sense of urgency and were unwilling to waste time on such plans.
Furthermore, the Golden Desert was the Golden Giant's habitat, and they did not wish to bump into it again.
"Alright! However, we have to increase the frequency of our attacks, and get through here quickly!"
Having observed Leylin and the rest of the party approving this plan, the old geezer grudgingly agreed to it...
A black scorpion-like creature guided by the darkness stealthily crawled along the desert floor. Its hooked tail swung from side to side as it moved along. There was an unusual bright red colouring on it, which was obviously an indication of it being poisonous.
*Shuck!*
All of a sudden, a muddy yellow tongue lashed across at speed unseen by the naked eye and pulled the scorpion into a sand dune.
*Boom!* The sand dune split open, revealing a muddy yellow lizard. The lizard was covered by bits and pieces of fish scales and had a large beautiful comb growing on its head.
*Zi Zi!* The lizard opened his mouth, and with one gulp and a movement of its neck muscles, the scorpion was eaten.
After ingesting its food, the lizard swayed its stocky body and used its front limbs to rapidly dig into the sand and bury itself in it.
"Ga Ga!'
Almost immediately after the lizard buried itself, an unpleasant vulture screeching echoed in the night sky.
*Whoosh!* Following the vulture's cry, a violent gust of wind swept by.
The large Kary Vulture swooped from midair, and using its black talons, it knocked the sand dune apart and clenched its claws.
*Kacha!* The sharp black talons directly hooked into the flesh of the lizard, and the lizard let out a howl of pain violently flipping its stocky body.
"GaGa!" The Kary Vulture let out a screech of delight and pecked at the lizard with its hooked beak.
*Pu!* The mud yellow lizard's skull had been split. Its brain matter and blood left a mess on the sands.
The Kary Vulture grabbed onto its prey tightly and began to fly back to its den.
Although normal vultures liked rotting meat, the Kary Vultures obviously preferred to ingest fresh and living mammals.
The mud yellow lizard was two metres long, but in comparison to the Kary Vulture's stature, the bird looked like it was grabbing a small fish.
"Latent Fireball!"
Somewhere from within the darkness, several black colored fireballs suddenly appeared and struck the Kary Vulture that was carrying its prey.
In a flash, the black fireballs were all over the Kary Vultures body.
*Bang!* Without a sound, the Kary Vulture, along with its dead prey, were reduced to ashes.
The following fireballs did not decrease in intensity. They shot right up into the sky and killed the remaining Kary Vultures.
Following his attack, the ground vibrated and the sand parted, revealing Leylin's face.
"A.I. Chip! Present the degree of attack!"
For these few days, he had been on watch in the area to hunt down those Kary Vultures that had swooped down looking for food.
Just now, Leylin had been experimenting with the rank one spell that the A.I. Chip came up with.
Long before, when he was a rank 3 acolyte, Leylin had tasked the A.I. Chip with simulating a rank 1 defensive spell model.
However, after receiving the teachings of the great Magus Serholm and advancing to a Warlock, this task had been delayed.
Entering the Golden Desert left him feeling that his attack techniques were lacking. As someone who lacked a conventional attack technique, Leylin decided to place the task back on the agenda.
-x-X-x-
What Leylin had wanted to simulate earlier was a defensive spell.
However, it was meant to be used by magicians who wanted to have a breakthrough with the Grine Water, so naturally, Leylin, having turned into a Warlock, did not need it anymore.
As if struck by inspiration, Leylin added in a few rank 1 spell models from the Book of Giant Serpent and let the A.I. Chip make its modifications and optimizations, devising a rank 1 spell that was suitable for his elemental affinity.
After advancing into a Warlock, Leylin's spiritual force had significantly increased. Even the A.I. Chip, which was bound to his soul, seemed to have obtained many benefits. Just two days ago, it was finally able to simulate a rank 1 spell model.
[Beep! Data collected, scanning in progress...]
The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.
[Latent Fireball! Classification: Rank 1 spell: Darkness and Fire. Degree of attack: 30.3. Added elemental bonus: 0.3 degrees]
Right now, Leylin's elemental essence conversion was 1%. Hence, he obtained a 1% increase in the might of his darkness element spell.
Although it seemed like the increase was insignificant, once the elemental essence conversion reached 50% and above, every Darkness element spell would be stronger than regular Magi by more than half!
"Not bad! This might is enough to deal with most Magi's innate defensive force fields!"
Leylin continued to analyse the data, his face revealing a satisfied expression.
It wasn't that the strength of Magi's defensive force fields were always the same. However, normally, Magi who had just advanced only had a defensive force field with the capability of 20 degrees. However, with the progress of their spiritual force, coupled with them seeking for some precious resources to increase the might of their magic spells, their defensive force fields would often become strengthened.
The range varied for each individual, which was truer for magicians who cultivated in high-grade meditation techniques.
As for Leylin, who was a Warlock, as well as having unearthed his bloodline, the defense might of the Scales of Kemoyin would also continue to become stronger.
A magic spell of 30 over degrees was enough to break most regular rank 1 Magi's defensive force fields.
That was to say, apart from his own trump card of his defensive force field, Leylin had another powerful method to deal with other Magi in the future.
However, it could only be that way.
If possible, Leylin would, of course, want the A.I. Chip to custom make a mighty rank 1 spell that could cover speed, strength, defense, detection, and all other various aspects.
However, it was a pity, as the A.I. Chip was only able to simulate the Latent Fireball spell due to Leylin having amassed large amounts of information. Also, it was due to the contributions of Darkness and Fire spells from the Book of Giant Serpent that made Leylin able to create the Latent Fireball after a long period time.
The few rank 1 spells in the Book of Giant Serpent were from the great Magus Serholm, who was also a Warlock with the Kemoyin bloodline. His elemental affinity was naturally towards the Darkness and Fire aspect, so the spells he collected were of these two elements, which allowed Leylin to benefit greatly from it.
As for these kinds of conditions, they would never be met again in the near future.
Hence, in this span of time, unless Leylin discovered a new type of Darkness and Fire element spell model, the A.I. Chip would not be able to simulate any new spells.
As he thought about the Book of Giant Serpent, Leylin involuntarily touched his chest, where the corner of a hardened black notebook was exposed.
This was the Book of Giant Serpent, which had been obtained from the Dylan Gardens, and kept securely by Leylin at all times. It was made of a special kind of material where the pages of the book carried a strange sensation to the touch. As if made of some creature's hide, every page could store large amounts of information.
Inside the book, not only were there a dozen rank 1 spell models, there were also three rank 2 spell models, together with the great Magus Serholm's travelling experiences and lab experiments. The information inside was aplenty, and it was Leylin's most valuable item that he'd gotten apart from the high-grade meditation technique.
*Weng Weng!*
At this moment, a pocket-sized diary that was hanging like a keychain trembled.
Leylin opened the diary and flipped to the page that was shaking.
This pocket-sized diary was only the size of a child's palm. On the faint yellow page, a secret imprint that had the shape of 3 rocks stacked together was letting off a slight glow and trembling.
Leylin reached out his finger and lightly dabbed on the secret imprint.
"Haha! Leylin, you have killed a lot of them haven't you? The Vulture King where I am at has already dispatched all of the Kary Vultures, so be careful when you conceal yourself!"
The voice of the huge bloke sounded from the secret imprint.
This pocket-sized diary was what official Magi used to collect the secret imprints of their friends, professors, colleagues and other people that they wanted to keep in contact with.
Some Magi, however, preferred to have the secret imprints inscribed on their bodies. One example was the huge bloke. Leylin saw that one of the huge bloke's arms was fully covered with the secret imprints.
Those densely packed imprints left Leylin feeling rather dizzy.
Although it was rather troublesome, he preferred to use the diary to collect the secret imprints.
"Alright, I got it!" Leylin said to the secret imprint.
Afterwards, he closed the diary and hurriedly left the area.
Very soon, Leylin saw the dark figures on the far horizon.
They were the shadows of the Vulture King, which, having been enraged, brought the entire flock with it.
However, compared to a few days ago, when they could cover the sky, the flock was now rather thinly spread out. Their numbers had dwindled from over a hundred to less than half, at around forty or fifty. This was the fruit of Leylin and the others' labours from over the last few days.
Even from this distance, Leylin could sense the violent energy waves radiating from this furious Vulture King.
"Ga Ga!"
With the Vulture King in the centre, the tremendous energy waves continued to radiate into the surroundings. This kingly figure was venting its frustration and rage at the continuous loss of its subordinates!
[From the energy waves radiated, target's Vitality is over 20, Strength estimated to be 17-19. Concrete data is unknown!]
Creatures like this, who had reached the stage of an official Magus, often had a layer of defensive force field around them. Leylin's A.I. Chip still could not penetrate through and obtain any concrete stats. It could only analyse the strength that the target displayed, and give a rough estimate.
However, these stats alone made Leylin's face change.
Creatures like these often possessed immense strength and vitality and even had innate spells which were terribly difficult to deal with.
Looking at the Vulture King snarling above a few piles of ashes, the other Kary Vultures in the surroundings also cawed in anguish. Leylin stared intently at the Vulture King before leaving the area.
Deep in the night, in an underground room that was temporarily carved.
"Today we have killed another 9 Kary Vultures, well done!" The old geezer smiled.
"Right now, those damned trashy birds only have a strength of 50 odd!" The huge bloke was also excited.
The materials from a Vulture King, which rivalled the existence of a rank 1 Magus, were extremely precious. Moreover, they could also reap the rewards from both sides that governed the Great Canyon Margaret.
"However, the Kary Vultures that are still alive now very seldom hunt for their prey in the areas that we have set up. There are also signs of them relocating soon…"
"We have to hurry and find a way. If not, we could lose this bonus bounty reward…"
Lancey, who was standing on the side, poured cold water on their conversation.
The families governing both sides of the Great Canyon Margaret did mention that they could pass through the Golden Oasis when the vulture flock had relocated. However, against this Vulture King that had its forces greatly reduced, and a bountiful reward assigned to it, Lancey and the others naturally did not want to let the Vulture King go.
"Perhaps we could…"
After some silence, the old geezer suggested an idea.
A fireball-like sun was hanging up high in the sky, and heat waves rising from the desert distorted the view.
Inside a stone forest that was temporarily created by spells, Leylin and the other five were huddled up.
"How is it? Can that old geezer do it?" The huge bloke spoke offhandedly as usual.
"You have to believe that old man. He is an official Magus, after all!" Lancey's brows furrowed, "Has the ambush been set up?"
With a flash of a yellow light, Leylin came out from a side of the stone forest with the yellow light still glittering around him, "The side that I am managing has been completed!"
"It's all set up now!" From the other side, the night shift Magus and the other quiet one spoke.
"Great! As long as that old geezer is able to lure the Vulture King here, I will rip that damned bird apart!" The huge bloke clenched his fist, his knuckles crackling.
Looking on, he was a magician that specialised in physical training and the reinforcement of his body, possessing strong muscles and strength.
"For the materials of the Vulture King, even the old geezer is spending a lot of effort!"
Leylin figured that if not for some precious ingredient the Vulture King had, the old geezer would not be this zealous and even offer to be a bait to lure it over.
"They're coming!"
The A.I. Chip's detection allowed Leylin to discover the other party first. Very soon, on the horizon, a thinly spread layer of black figures appeared.
There was also a human figure, with a green hurricane engulfing his body as he wildly rushed over.
"Everyone, return to your individual posts, and pay heed to the orders! Quick!" Lancey shouted nervously.
In a flash, the Magi who were present disappeared.
Closer, even closer!
The old geezer dashed extremely fast. From his concealed area, Leylin could even distinctly see that on the sides of his wrinkled face, blood continuously flowed out from both of his ears.
*Whoosh!*
The old geezer rapidly entered the stone forest, at the same time transmitting his voice. "Be careful of the Vulture King's sarcoma. It is able to emit a sound attack. I took a hit from it earlier!"
After seeing the stone forest, the Vulture King hesitated.
However, thinking about the prey it was chasing, whose energy waves were not much different from its own, and the fact that it had even killed its children...
"Ga Ga!" The Vulture King's eyes turned bloodshot as it led the flock into the territory of the stone forest.
-x-X-x-
"The target has reached the kill zone. Begin!"
The hasty transmission passed through the secret imprint and simultaneously sounded out in five different locations.
Upon hearing the transmission, Leylin's hand radiated a scarlet red glow, and he proceeded to press his hands against the obelisk in front of him.
*Bang!*
A circular wave of tremendous magical power erupted violently. The colorful spell glowed, and trapped the Kary Vultures within it like a cage.
"Ga Ga!" The Kary Vultures screeched furiously while the tumour-like muscles on their bald heads grew in size and glowed a bright red, finally culminating in a violent explosion.
*Ting!*
The resulting ear-piercing sound wave continued to reverberate within the cage. The remaining Kary Vultures continued to vibrate their tumour like muscles, amplifying the sound wave in the process.
"This kind of attack…"Leylin widened his eyes, the sound waves pounded on his skull like a hammer. He started to fall into a state of dizziness.
Under the agitation of the sound waves, the ring of light on top of the cage started to flicker and fade.
"The attack coming from such a lowly beast is stronger than expected. Furthermore, it can be amplified by the rest of the flock. If the Kary Vultures from before were still present, they would have surely broken free from the cage!"
"Plan A is not working, time for plan B!"
Lancey's exasperated voice emitted from the secret imprint.
"Copy!"
Leylin whispered to the secret imprint and transfigured a magic spell
[Estimated countdown to entrapment detonation: 10 seconds!] The A.I. Chip stated.
"Let's go!" Leylin took a last look at the Kary Vultures that were still struggling in the cage and fled the scene.
*Bang!*
10 seconds later, at the stone forest, a violent explosion occurred.
The sound of the explosion filled the area, and black smoke shot up into the horizon.
In the blaze, colorful and fine potion powders occasionally dispersed.
To increase the power of the spell, Leylin had added a ton of explosive and conflagratory potions.
"Haha! Beasts are still just beasts!"
Looking at the Kary Vultures that struggled in the fiery blaze, the big bloke, who was also present, laughed out loud, condescendingly.
Two streams of blood flowed down from the big bloke's ears. Evidently, the Kary Vultures' attack had done considerable damage to him.
"This Kary Vulture King has realized its racial talents. The tumour like muscle on its head can be used to emit sound wave attacks, and it can be amplified by the flock. The level of danger will have been increased by at least two levels. When I get back, I must demand more money from those despicable merchants."
The old geezer cursed.
"Talks about the price increase can be discussed later. Where is the big fellow?" Leylin pointed at the heart of the explosion.
Slowly, the blaze started to die down. From the original stone, forest emerged a large, soot covered, bird-like figure.
Half of the scarlet feathers on this Kary Vulture were burned off as a result of the explosion, and the other half of them were covered in black soot. There was also a large blood stain on its bald head. It was a funny sight, but Leylin and the rest of the party did not dare to let their guard down.
"The explosion just now had an estimated power of 30 degrees or higher. How unexpected…" Lancey hung her jaw open in shock.
"After all, it is not a weak bodied Magus but a high-level species with a powerful body!" Leylin said quickly, "Go forward and surround it! It is about to escape!"
"Damn it!" The old geezer reluctantly looked at the Kary Vulture King, which was already in flight, and cursed. He rapidly chanted an incantation.
Following his chant, a faint azure breeze converged, and formed two large azure wings on his back.
"I executed both the baiting and the intercepting, so I must get a larger share of the loot!"
The old geezer blustered. He vibrated the wings on his back and floated into the air.
*Whoosh!* The old geezer traveled at a very quick pace. He was as nimble in the air as he was on the ground. From the looks of it, he had much practice in air combat.
"Ga Ga!" The Kary Vulture King angrily cried out. Sadly, a large portion of its wings were damaged by the explosion, and it was no match for the old geezer in the air.
After hovering and swooping for a while, the old geezer grabbed an opportunity. With a green ray, he pierced one of the Kary Vulture King's wings.
*Peng!*
With one wing pierced, the Kary Vulture King lost its balance and crashed down into the ground. A large cloud of sand floated around the downed Vulture.
"Advance!"
Leylin and the rest of the party immediately rushed up and surrounded the Kary Vulture King.
Blood flowed out from the multiple wounds on the Kary Vulture King. Looking at the Magi who surrounded it and the human figure floating in the sky above him, its eyes betrayed a sign of hopelessness.
"Haha! Goddamn beast, I shall tear you apart!"
The big bloke laughed out coldly. A green-greyish stone skin appeared on his body as he leapt at the injured Kary Vulture King.
"Ga Ga!"
The Kary Vulture King sounded an abnormally high-pitched shriek and shook its wings.
What remained of its unharmed wing slashed across like a knife, with feathers erect like steel blades. The wing clashed with the big bloke's fist.
*Bang!* A dull explosion sounded out in midair and shook the ground below.
The big bloke quickly retreated, his greyish stone skin letting out a crackling sound like the popping noises of popcorn.
The Kary Vulture King let out another screech, and its body turned red. It looked like the Kary Vulture King was pumping all of its blood into its head. The originally shattered tumour on its head begun to rise and swell again.
"Careful, he is about to let loose a sound wave attack!" Leylin rapidly shouted out. He grabbed the tumour with his palms. "Restrict!"
*Sssii!*
The countless black tentacle-like objects reached out from the Kary Vulture King's shadow and bound it tightly. Extra effort was placed in tying up the Kary Vulture King's skull region.
"All together!"
Leylin yelled wildly. Together with the other two silent Magi, he attacked the Kary Vulture King.
Various intensely fluctuating magical spells landed on the Kary Vulture King's body.
The spells tore apart the Kary Vulture King's chest, causing large amounts of blood to spurt out of it.
*Kacha!*
The old geezer, who had been floating in midair, let out an emerald air-blade attack, which chopped off the bound tumour.
The Kary Vulture King screeched a couple of times as the light in its eyes started to extinguish, and it thudded onto the floor.
*Pa!*The old geezer landed on the ground, and his magical green wings disappeared.
The six Magi surrounded the Kary Vulture King's corpse. They all had complex looks on their faces.
"What a chore this has been! If not for the additional remuneration from the pub, this would have been a complete loss!"
The lack of serious injuries on the party was a poor reflection of the difficulty level of killing off the Kary Vulture King. They had to spend a lot of time to prepare the traps and come up with the various materials needed for the potions. On top of that, the fact that they needed 6 Magi to complete the task proved how big of a challenge it was.
The materials that were scavenged from the Kary Vulture King's corpse were barely enough to cover the expenses of the effort taken by the party.
If anyone was dead or seriously injured from the incident, this would have been counted as a big loss.
Magi were a rational bunch. They could calmly perform cost-benefit analysis under different circumstances. If the cost was greater than the benefits, they would avoid doing the job.
This time, if not for the fact that the Kary Vulture King was obstructing the way towards their destination, the party would have left such a high-level creature alone.
"No matter what, the fact that our party has sustained no serious injuries is good news!"
The old geezer smiled widely and said, "Now let's discuss how to distribute the plunder from our efforts…"
Afterwards, true to Leylin's expectations, the old geezer claimed the majority of the feathers and the pair of large wings with the argument that he had put in the most work. From the looks of his happy face, he must have needed it urgently for an experiment or for crafting.
The rest of the party followed suit and claimed what they felt was fair for the amount of work they had done.
Leylin took only a bit of the blood and flesh from the tumour and nothing else.
As a Warlock, he was extremely interested in the bloodline of high-level creatures. Although the benefits of the Kary Vultures' bloodline were not documented, Leylin wanted to experiment to see if he could extract anything from it.
At night, in the Golden Oasis, the 6 Magi cleaned up the remains of the Kary Vulture King and refilled up their water supplies in the nearby water source. The Seated Lupin Wolves, which had been hidden for a long time, happily cleaned themselves in the lake.
In a glowing tent nearby, Leylin looked at the surface of the tumour, which he had retrieved with a glint of excitement in his eyes.
"A.I. Chip, record data, assist in the experiment!"
Leylin silently chanted a sentence, and immediately pulled on a pair of white rubber gloves. He held out his thumb and pressed on the tumour.
The blood on the tumour flesh has dried completely by now. There were bloodstains on it and it was shriveled.
"It is very light, there seem to be meridians and air sacs…"
Leylin's eyes glowed blue. Using his other hand, he used a scalpel to break the surface of the tumour.
Inside the flesh, there was an oddly small amount of muscle and blood vessels, and it was comprised mainly of small air sacs.
Many of the air sacs were layered over each other, forming what looked like a lattice shape that resembled a beehive.
"This kind of composition…"
Leylin muttered to himself, "A.I. Chip, record the image!"
...
After the experiment was finished, Leylin cleaned up his makeshift laboratory, picked up a goose feather quill, and wrote in his goatskin notebook: Sound vessel composition and sound wave attack…
The path after the Golden Oasis was much less dangerous. They did not have any further encounters with powerful, high-level life forms such as the Golden Giant.
...
Andre Town was a small town located on the other side of the Grand Canyon Magret.
The Kary Vultures had caused the town to become empty and desolate. However, upon exiting the Grand Canyon, they saw a few people.
"May I know if you people are master Lancey and company?"
There was already someone standing by the roadside. He was clad in the pub's working attire. Upon sighting Leylin and his party, he bowed respectfully. "The incident with the Kary Vultures was already relayed to us by a secret imprint. Please follow me back to the pub to collect your rewards…"
"Ok!" Lancey and the old geezer stepped out among the group and gave their agreement.
After reaching the pub the attendants unhitched their luggage, and with a whistle, the Seated Lupin Wolves hurried into their feeding area at the rear of the pub.
-x-X-x-
"It's only renting for a few months, but it costs five hundred magic crystals. Your boss sure knows how to make money!"
The big bloke complained.
"In fact, we generally charge one thousand magic crystals per rental of the Seated Lupin Wolf. We only charged the minimal maintenance costs this time, as you Sirs took on the task…"
The smiling waiter explained.
As the old geezer arrived, he immediately threw the Vulture King's skull onto the counter.
"Mission accomplished! Have a look!"
From behind the counter, a white-bearded, bespectacled old man in a bartender's uniform came out. However, from the energy waves exuding from him, he also seemed to be an official Magus.
The white-bearded old man carefully examined the Vulture King's skull for a long while, only then did he put it away.
"It is indeed the Vulture King's head. According to the agreement, each one of you will be able to get…."
Mr. White Beard was nimble. He immediately took out bags filled with magic crystals and magic materials and gave it to everyone. It seemed like he had prepared this beforehand.
"In actuality, I belong to the great Dorian family…"
After completing the delivery, the old geezer put on a kind smile and extended an olive branch to Leylin and the rest.
These kinds of big families would recruit foreign magicians from time to time to further strengthen their family.
Moreover, Leylin and the rest had decent strength, and since they had come from the eastern part of the Grand Canyon, they were not likely to be spies sent by their enemies.
As long as they didn't have a massive headache that they brought with them, it was likely that the local large magisteriums would be most willing to offer shelter for such talents.
Leylin noticed that the big bloke's face obviously displayed his intention to agree. The two magicians who were together, however, seemed indecisive. As for Lancey and the old geezer, they did not hesitate to reject the offer.
Leylin himself did not consider this option.
When magicians joined other big families, it was because they wanted to obtain higher level meditation techniques, magic resources and the like. Leylin already had meditation techniques, and as for magic resources, he could just use medicine to trade for them. Besides, compared to such closed families, Leylin was more willing to join an educational institute or an organisation. Hence, the olive branch the families threw to them, had a lesser appeal to Leylin.
"Come! In any case, we've operated as comrades! How about we go and have a drink?"
The leader old geezer suggested.
"Maybe not. I still have other matters to attend to, let's keep in touch…"
Lancey left in a hurry, seeming like she had an urgent matter.
"I'll pass as well. It has been a tiring journey. I just want to find a place to have a good sleep!" Leylin rejected him with a smile.
He had only become temporary comrades with these people to hurry along with the journey, so there was not much friendship between him and them. Besides, the crime he had committed was not light, so it would be better if he rushed to the domain of the light Magi as quickly as possible.
After Leylin, the big bloke, and the other two magicians also rejected the old geezer's suggestion.
The old geezer shrugged helplessly and looked at Leylin as he left the bar.
Outside the pub were a couple of narrow streets that were pawed with flagstones. It was dark all around, and only the lanterns outside the pub still gave off a couple soft rays of light.
"It's already dark!!" Leylin checked out his surroundings "It's probably wise to first find a place to rest…"
[Warning! Warning! High energy force field convergence detected ahead, determined to be a rank 1 offensive spell!]
The moment he stepped out of the bar. Leylin felt his scalp go numb, the blood vessels deep inside his body also started to surge and boil, emitting a sense of foreboding.
At the same time, A.I. Chip also started to project a large amount of red letter of warning.
"This attack is aimed at me!"
Leylin's mind was working on overdrive. His body turned into a blur as he dodged to the side.
*Boom!*
Suddenly, powerful energy waves exploded in front of Leylin. Dozens of weapons made of a silvery metal formed a metallic storm, which raged at the area where Leylin had previously stood.
The bar was directly cut in half, and the ceiling was shattered, exposing countless stupefied magicians and the painful groans of those who had hurt by the aftermath.
"Kid, I have found you!"
As the debris settled, upon the ruins stood a midget, who was staring at Leylin's face with a pair of eyes that were like daggers.
"You are… part of the Lilytell family?!"
Leylin patted the dust off his body, and calmly squared off against the midget.
Among the people and powers that he had offended, only that elder of the Lilytell family could have this kind of enmity and capability. In addition, the spell was similar to what Bosain had used.
"You are courting death!"
Leylin's actions had clearly enraged his opponent. The midget waved his hand as countless metallic fluids floated up in midair to form weapons such as long spears and giant swords. On the surface, it even radiated the acute radiation of energy forcefield.
"Go!" With a point of his finger, the metallic weapons once again chopped down at Leylin.
"Latent Fireball!"
Leylin chanted his spell at lightning speed. From the shadows a dozen black fireballs emerged and collided against the metallic weapons, causing violent magical explosions.
[Target's magic determined as Metallic. Degree of attack: 32 degrees!] The A.I. Chip probed this information, which let Leylin release a breath of relief.
"You do have some skills, no wonder you could kill my subordinates and my grandson!"
The midget said.
"So you are the elder of the Lilytell family and the grandfather of Bosain? Quite without scruples!" Leylin retorted.
"This… gentleman, this bar is under the protection of the Dorian family, within this…"
From the ruins, the old geezer with the white beard and glasses that was tending the bar finally stepped forward.
"I know!" the midget tossed over a piece of metal. "I have met your family's Buffett a couple of times, this is his keepsake! And there is even a message on it!"
"So, it is Master Lilytell, who is here to apprehend a criminal!"
The old geezer threw Leylin a gaze of pity, then hurriedly bowed to the midget. "Since that's the case, the Dorian family will maintain a neutral stand on this!"
"Huh, kiddo, you're able to escape well! Did you think the rules here could save you?"
The midget looked at Leylin with an unspeakable expression filled with schadenfreude, as if he wanted to see Leylin's expression of despair. "The strong dictate the rules, and the weak can only obey. This is the norm of the world".
The midget spread his hands. "The ignorant fools that dare to provoke my Lilytell family must pay the price in blood!"
Rays after rays of white metallic light appeared from the body of the midget. In just a moment, a silvery metal armor formed on his body.
The metal energy particles in the air kept revolving around the midget, emitting bright and dazzling lights.
"This… this kind of strength! It's a semi-converted elemental Magus!!"
The large bloke and the leading old geezer who had arrived with Leylin hadn't left, and they were now looking with shocked gazes at Leylin and the midget as they stood in the middle of the battlefield.
"No wonder he was in such a hurry to leave, he had actually gotten himself in such big trouble, tsk tsk! A semi-converted elemental Magus…"
A hint of schadenfreude flashed by the leading geezer's eyes. According to him, since the opponent was a semi-converted elemental Magus and Leylin had been caught up to, it spelled certain death for Leylin!
In the Magus world, a semi-converted elemental Magus was a Magus with an elemental essence conversion that was higher than 50%!
This kind of strength was pretty good in the entirety of the south coast. If no chairman of some major academies or the like stepped in, you could basically walk around the south coast uncontested.
One could say that even if all the Magi in the whole bar came together, they still wouldn't be able to stop this one lone midget.
What about Leylin? He was only a fledgling Magus, and might not even know what elemental essence conversion was. The leading geezer didn't even think Leylin would survive this.
"Right! There are also these people!"
After recklessly leaking some of his power, the midget turned around to look at the geezer and the big bloke. He then said, "Is he one of your acquaintances?"
"My Lord! My Lord!"
The geezer was now bowing, his head almost touching the ground. "I did not know this person's past, and I also did not know that he was someone that was wanted by the great Lilytell family! Otherwise, I would have…."
*Pa! Pa!*
By the time that the geezer had said half of his plead for mercy, Leylin and the midget had charged towards each other in the shadows. The ruins were unceasingly shaking.
"He only used you to disrupt Leylin's attention..." The big bloke, standing at one side, said with a laugh.
"What do you know?" the leader old geezer said, as he awkwardly got up.
At this moment, Leylin's body was covered in fine black scales. It gave off a brilliant shine, and his body muscles began to bulge. He kept colliding into the silver-armored silhouette.
The surrounding buildings could collapse immediately at the slightest brush. The two men seemed to have morphed into ancient beasts, recklessly displaying the violent strength of their bodies.
*Bang!*
The silver-armored silhouette waved his fist, and a mass of liquid metal automatically adhered to it, turning the normal fist into a barbed fist cover.
Leylin's expression didn't change. His hand emitted a dark red glow, as he fiercely rammed it against the barbed fist.
*Boom!!!* The atmosphere continuously exploded, resulting in plumes of dust particles.
From the inside of the dust, two figures could be seen flying upside down.
*Bang Bang!* Several houses at both sides were knocked over, but the ones who lived there were mostly acolytes. Upon seeing official Magi fight, everyone distanced themselves from the fight, and no one stepped out to discuss the fight.
"Sure enough, at an official Magi battle, the key is to be able to use formidable magic in the blink of an eye. The enemy will not give you much time to prepare any magic!"
Leylin waved his right hand, which was turning numb.
*Crash!* After turning numerous somersaults in the air, out emerged the silver-armoured midget, "I've underestimated you, kid!"
The midget revealed a sinister smile. "However, no matter what, you'll have to die here today!"
"Oh really?"
Leylin showed a smile on the corner of his mouth, "But I think I can still live for a long time!"
"Unfortunately, this is just a body!" The midget suddenly said a strange verse and his body started to make rattling and crackling sounds.
*Hong hong hong!!!* The midget's face became twisted, and his body muscles began to swell. In the blink of an eye, he turned into a three-metre tall giant!
*Kacha!* *Kacha!*
The giant's clothes split open, and on the left side of his chest, there was an old man's face, with silver coloured hair, and metallic ornaments on his face.
"Today, you're doomed to die here. Your spirit will burn forever!"
The old geezer stared at Leylin as he opened his mouth to chant an incantation.
-x-X-x-
"This looks like it was caused by some sort of body possession spell!"
The knowledgeable Leylin was quick in assessing the situation.
"Old geezer, you only have the strength of a semi-converted elemental Magus, and you want to take me down?" Although Leylin looked like he could not have cared less, his right hand had already reached into his belt pouch.
*Boom!*
With a flip of his hands, a couple of potions exploded on the giant's body. Following the explosion, a cloud of purple flame engulfed the giant's body and continued to erode it.
"Negative energy flames? Child's play!" The giant shook his head and widened his mouth to let out what seemed like a vacuum force, sucking all of the flames into his abdomen.
"Now, it's my turn!" The giant let out a satisfying belch and grinned at Leylin.
In an instant, the giant turned into a silver flash and appeared right in front of Leylin.
The giant's huge body structure and protruding muscles were faintly oppressing Leylin.
*Whoosh!* The giant's skin was suffused with a metallic silver tone. It swung its mace-like arms towards Leylin, and Leylin could only raise both his arms up to protect his chest.
*Peng!*
Like an artillery shell, Leylin's body was rammed viciously into a wall, causing a large building to collapse in half.
*Bang!* The rubble rolled apart and revealed Leylin's figure.
[Host's ribs fractured, multiple muscle injuries, immediate medical attention recommended!] The A.I. Chip alerted.
"Such great strength, it must be at least 15 or greater! On top of the amplification caused by its metallic element"
Leylin's eyes flashed blue, "A.I. Chip, input the site information, activate the prediction system!"
[Site data transmitted, simulating opponent's information!] The A.I. Chip's voice intoned. Moreover it projected a 3D image for Leylin to look at.
[According to the opponent's movement, the next attack will appear at an angle of 38 degrees on the right side. Probability: 98.7%!]
*Shua!* Just then, the giant charged over again.
[Most optimal action: Duck to the left at 63 degrees, jump backwards!]
Leylin's body twisted and barely avoided the attack of the giant, before hurriedly jumping back.
*Pu*
At this moment, many half-metre-long metal spikes were piercing the ground where Leylin had stood before. If Leylin were still standing there, he would have died.
To outsiders, Leylin was extremely nimble, making inconceivable dodging movements and evasions as he avoided a barrage of attacks.
"He could actually stall a Magus who has converted half of his elemental essence and also has a reinforced body!"
The old geezer was drenched in cold sweat. "I still thought…"
"You thought that he was just a budding Magus that can be bullied easily, right?" The huge bloke said. "Count yourself lucky, old man! Managing to survive to this point hasn't been an easy task!"
On the other side of the battlefield, the giant was visibly agitated because of Leylin's successful evasive maneuvers. The human face on top of the left side of its chest blustered, "Damnit! Goddamn pest!"
After which, the giant executed a maneuver.
Using its large hands, it broke apart its own stomach and pulled out what looked like a golden hoop.
"Hoop of Imprisonment!"
A bright white light emitted from within the golden hoop and immediately struck Leylin.
As the white luminescence fell upon him, Leylin was shocked to realize that his body had been weighted down by what seemed like an entire mountain. He could not move a single inch.
"Although this type of magical artifact is only of middle grade, It has been said that even a semi-converted elemental Magus would be shackled for at least a minute by its imprisonment powers!"
Blood continued to flow from the silver giant's abdomen, and its guts were visibly hanging out. Unperturbed, the giant advanced towards Leylin and started choking his neck. Its eyes danced with gleeful ridicule, "Now, run for me, little thing!"
"It's over!"
The crowd in the vicinity sighed.
"Being in a deadlock with a semi-converted elemental Magus for such a long time did not change the fact that he is just a budding Magus. On top of that, the opponent had a middle-grade magical artifact!"
The bespectacled, white-bearded, old geezer from the pub lost his earlier look of pity, and with a tinge of regret, he said, "What a shame! He was a gifted Magus"
"Young man, say your last words!"
A cold smile spread across the silver giant's face.
"The person who should be saying his last words is you!" A wide smile spread across Leylin's face.
"Fallen Star Pendant, activate!"
A dark red ray projected from Leylin's chest and spread to his four limbs at a rapid rate. Immediately, Leylin held down the giant's two hands. His pupils became vertical slits and carried an amber luster as they radiated a mysterious light.
Innate Spell—Eyes of Petrification!
*Kacha! Kacha!"
The silver giant's expression became blank, after which an ash-grey color started to grow from the giant's eyes. The ash-grey color covered the giant's face in no time and spread quickly towards its chest and limbs.
"Petrifying magic? Goddamn!" The old geezers head on the giant's chest cried out in an alarmed tone.
Following which, the old geezer ground his teeth, and spat a mouthful of blood on the giant's body. With a metallic flash, the rate at which the petrifying spell was spreading on the giant's body slowed down.
"To hell with you!"
Leylin reached out his right hand, and the glow from the Fallen Star Pendant turned into what looked like a long sword, which was then swung down.
*Pu!* On the first swing, the giant's skull flew up.
On the second swing, Leylin directly dug out the old midget's visage from the giant's chest.
*Pa!* The face fell onto the ground. "I will not forgive you!" it shouted.
"It is I who will not forgive you!" With a cold look, Leylin stepped onto the human face.
"Ah…" A depressed voice sounded out, and a puddle of green blood slowly formed under Leylin's foot.
...
*Huu Huu*...
A light breeze passed. There was a deathly stillness in the crowd.
"He… he actually managed to slay a semi-converted elemental Magus!"
The old geezer with his hanging mouth opened constantly surveyed the surroundings as if he was looking for something.
Immediately, upon seeing Leylin's gaze turn towards his direction, the old geezer put on a smile and flattered him by saying, "Master Leylin! Please forgive me for offending you, it was a misunderstanding…"
Looking at the old geezer who had changed his facial complexion, Leylin shook his head and was not prepared to deal with him.
There will be no benefit even if I were to murder him. Leylin concluded that he himself was no homicidal maniac.
He picked up his bundle and the loot from his victory, and hastily left the scene. The surrounding crowd naturally opened up a path for him to exit. Magus or acolyte, nobody dared to make eye contact with Leylin.
"I must leave this place quickly!"
Leylin looked at the rapidly shrinking Andre Town in the distance and muttered to himself.
The midget from earlier was obviously just one of the many clones of the opponent.
This aligned with Leylin's earlier reports. According to the report, the Lilytell family's elders' powers should have reached an elemental essence conversion rate of 80% or more, which was the minimum requirement for initiating one's advancement to a level 2 Magus.
Based on an estimation, the midget earlier had, at most, a 50% elemental essence conversion rate. It was not very stable, and the difference between his and an elder's true strength was too huge.
Leylin had been introduced to this type of Magus before. It was not easy for them to create a clone, as a copious amount of time and precious materials were needed. Furthermore, if their clone were destroyed, the Magus would be heavily affected as well.
So far, only the clone had chased him up till this point.
Leylin guessed that either the opponent was not able to be here physically, or the clone was intentionally placed on the other side of the Grand Canyon to facilitate communication and to do his bidding.
Regardless, the next wave of attacks from the Lilytell family would arrive soon.
"Speaking of territory, I am still within the boundaries of the dark Magi. Once I reach the domain of the light Magi, even the Lilytell family will not dare to trespass…"
...
Leylin turned his head to take one last look and vanished into the darkness.
Months flew by unconsciously.
In the span of these months, Leylin hurried along his journey with little rest. He traversed large kingdoms, and finally entered the boundary of the light Magi's domain.
In the south coast, there were two types of Magi. One type of Magus advocated violence, believed in natural selection, and looked up to the enduring dark Magi, while the other type was fond of peace, and revered the scientific research of the light Magi.
Within these two factions, there lay many different groups and academies. While there was a lack of cohesion and an abundance of friction between these groups and academies, they would always stand together as one whenever it was against an enemy.
The extent of the rule of the light Magi lay in the heart of the south coast, while the dark Magi occupied the more desolate outlying areas.
From Leylin's observations, this sort of distribution of territory looked like a couple of concentric circles. The light Magi occupied the most fertile land in the middle, while the dark Magi occupied everything else around it.
After a prolonged period of travel, Leylin found it hard not to admit that the light Magi territory was generally more prosperous than that of the dark Magi. The commoners in the light Magi territory also enjoyed more peace and stability.
In regards to government administration, the light Magi had to do much more than the dark Magi in order to keep a firm hold on the vast and rich territory
According to the map on the A.I. Chip, Leylin would reach the market place of the light Magi domain, Teljose City, by today.
Leylin had few opportunities to change out of his black robe. He changed out into a clean set of leather armour.
The exquisite armour comfortably fit Leylin's well-proportioned body, and brought about an air of heroic spirit, making him look more masculine.
The light Magi instinctively viewed the dark Magi as their adversaries, so Leylin did not wish to incur any trouble by doing something rash.
Although it might only be a trade centre, there would surely be people, like the dark Magi, who were there to sell their contraband items. Leylin took extra caution and kept a low profile.
Following the horses, Leylin forged on ahead. He observed that the pathways became wider and wider, and the people used a larger variety of transportation devices to aid in their travels.
Upon further observation, he came across a variety of new and odd things.
For example, he observed a female Magus on a winged steed, and an old geezer on a hot air balloon. Hanging from the hot air balloon, there was a banner, which read, "Welcome to Hookety's miscellaneous goods shop, we have a supply of…"
Furthermore, Leylin even saw a few machines that resembled the components of futuristic vehicles. The machines, which carried a bunch of dwarfs, roared and rumbled loudly as it sped along the road.
-x-X-x-
Amongst those who were travelling on the same route as Leylin, there were not only magicians, but also many regular people.
Most of the regular people rode on horse carriages, and they stored large amounts of vegetables and fruits at the back.
Even though they might treat magicians with much respect, it was obvious that they held no fear when facing them. It seemed that in the light Magi domain, magicians were often revered, yet were on close terms with the civilians.
This situation somewhat puzzled Leylin. In a kingdom where the dark Magi ruled, the mere mention of Magi would give rise to thoughts of terror and bloodshed. Even an acolyte would be enough to scare away a whole town of people.
"By the looks of it, the fact that light Magi and regular humans are able to coexist harmoniously is true!" Leylin glanced at a farmer who had taken off his hat to greet him, and nodded in acknowledgement.
"And…" His blue eyes shone, "There is no trace of radiation in his body. Does this have to do with the purification tower?"
In the area under the light Magi's rule, white lofty towers were erected a distance away from each other. The towers were able to neutralise the radiation from magicians, which was vital in allowing magicians and regular humans to mingle within this area.
As for the area ruled by dark Magi, Leylin had once seen inside the library at the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, the designs for the Purification tower. But, it was apparent that the dark Magi were disinclined to build such a thing in their own territories. Besides the problem of the costs of constructing such a tower, Leylin guessed that the dark Magi liked to rule the commoners with a bloody and terrible regime.
As the mount was continuously flying, Leylin felt that his horizons was continuously expanding.
Green waves, almost like the waves of an ocean, was rippling in the breeze, giving off a thick atmosphere.
Here was the Teljose Great Plains which covered an area of several thousands of square kilometers and had several cities with population larger than 100,000.
And the Teljose City was located in the middle of this huge plains, and was the central zone of this huge region.
"The vegetation is lush and abundant here!"
Leylin heaved a heartfelt sigh. The closer he got to the Teljose City, the more lushly the crops were growing, as if they were fond of people. There were even wheat plants which were as tall as a man — seeing which Leylin felt moved.
"Isn't this very amazing? Are you a Magus from outside this region?"
A red pony suddenly drew to a halt besides Leylin's own saddled mount, and the female Magus sitting atop this red pony, spoke to Leylin.
This female Magus wore a white, Chinese-styled gown, and wore a necklace strung with pearls and precious stones around her neck. Her appearance was quite ordinary, but on her face, she wore a gentle smiling expression.
Leylin had experienced this feeling of tranquility a few times.
Although this female Magus radiated the energy waves of a rank 1 Magus, she had very little actual combat experience. There was only one layer of innate defense spell upon her body, which appeared to suffice for her.
"That's right, Miss, I come from afar and am a wandering Magus! You can call me Leylin!"
Leylin put on a harmless smile as he introduced himself.
"My name is Jenna, I'm a local Magus of Teljose. You are surprised upon seeing these many crops, aren't you?"
The female Magus smiled and struck a conversation with Leylin.
"Indeed, you seldom see wheat grow this tall and let's not forget the quantity… "Leylin's face suffused with a puzzled expression.
"This is a Magus' blessing! In a while you can experience it by yourself!"
The female Magus wore an expression of mystery but also expectation.
"I'm looking forward to it!" Leylin smiled briefly.
He could judge with just a look that this woman is like an innocent sheep, lacking the experience of meeting Magi of her peers and extremely curious about everything.
Just like a young lady from a large family, that has wandered off.
Afterwards Leylin stopped observing these matters, as the City of Teljose was appearing in front of Leylin's eyes.
In Leylin's line of sight, there first appeared a black dot.
Afterwards, that black dot increased in size as if it turned into a dark cloud, enveloping the whole sky.
Leylin's jaw dropped — he saw a tall and erect mountain, reaching through the clouds and standing quietly on the plains.
Leylin had seen a lot of large mountains in his past life, but he was sure that he'd never seen a mountain so large that it could cover the skies.
In addition, on that large mountain there were numerous tightly packed buildings and black dots moving around on the many layers on that mountain.
At the foot of the mountain, a large tall city wall was erected in a circular fashion. A visual estimate gave its height at a couple of dozen meters and that it was entirely made out of grey granite. It looked extremely impressive.
At the giant peak of the mountain, there were layers of luxuriant snow. Smoke was continuously emitted from the peak, as if it was going to erupt at any given moment.
"An active volcano! Teljose City is erected on an active volcano!" Leylin gasped.
"Correct! Keep on looking around!"
The Magus Jenna pointed towards the opening of the volcano with a laugh.
Boom!
Countless black smokes were rising, the whole volcano was coming to life. Just like a mythical giant laughing sadistically at the sky.
A giant pillar of smoke rushed into the sky, coloring part of the sky black.
"Strange, why were there no tremors?"
Leylin came to sudden realization, "this must be the work of the Magi of Teljose City?"
"Correct, continue to look!" Jenna pointed towards the black clouds, "Magus' blessing will soon descend!"
Rumble!
A soft rain was arising, tiny droplets of black rain were falling through the breeze.
Back rain fell on the ground, turning the whole ground ashen grey.
Soon a couple of farmers ran out from the fields, kneeled in front of Leylin, Jenna and other Magi and kowtowed respectfully as they said, "We thank our lords, the Magi, for our harvest!"
"This is volcanic ash?!"
Leylin's body started to emit grey light, it enveloped the giant steed and kept the black rain on the outside. He extended his right hand to collect a drop of grey rain drop and started to examine it.
"Looks like some artificial things have been added to it, it resembles nitrogen-based fertilizer!"
Volcanic ash was naturally nutrient-rich, which was conducive for plant growth. Coupled with some other things the magicians had added, it was no wonder crops here had an astonishing form and output.
"That's right, the Magi control the Teljose Volcano's eruption. They transport and evenly distribute the volcanic ash across the plains and fertilize the land. As for resources such as geothermal energy, the Magi will collect them and convert them into a source of power for Teljose City. Hence, the alternate name for Teljose City that I love even more — Nightless City!"
Jenna explained
"..... This technology is simply amazing!" Leylin murmured. Teljose Volcano, as compared to the biggest volcano Leylin saw before his reincarnation, was much broader. To control such a big live volcano, they needed constant maintenance and magic spell formations, which exceeded what Leylin could have thought of.
Furthermore, to directly control a volcano as a power source and a place to live… This kind of design and boldness left Leylin feeling admiration towards these Magi.
"But, please forgive my bluntness, I've once travelled to the eastern region. The magicians there don't seem to spare a thought for the normal people…"
Leylin properly expressed his curiosity.
"Yes, magicians are a group of intellectual people. They did this because it was for their benefit." Jenna nodded her head. "The way we see it, the normal people that are alive are also a type of resource. Besides, as long as there is sufficient people, they can serve us at all times, procuring resources, and in addition, sow our seeds and producing acolytes of excellent quality, increasing new bloods…"
"Hence, in the middle of our light Magi region, not only were there Magi who specialised in solidification innate spells to be used for helping to prevent all kinds of natural disasters, there's even a full-time Magus in charge of farming land and increasing harvest yield…"
"This… this really is…"
Leylin wore a shocked expression while secretly releasing a breath of relief.
Although Jenna seemed pure and straightforward, she still considered herself superior to regular humans, similar to how the dark Magi thought.
The one difference they had was in their system.
Akin to the herding of sheep, dark Magi tended to operate in a more boorish manner and would reap the harvest at irregular intervals. In comparison, light Magi adopted a micro-management style, taking special care of each and every sheep.
But they both had the same purpose — to obtain the needed materials from regular humans.
Just based on this process, Leylin felt that the regular humans in the light Magi region had a more comfortable life, compared to those living in Poolfield Kingdom.
However, although Leylin could lament over the hardships faced by the regular humans, it did not mean that he thought of reducing the power and authority that the Magi held; it was foolish to advocate an ideal of achieving equality between all humans.
Not mentioning the mysteries and strength of the Magus world, even Leylin himself only believed in one truth — that one's status would determine one's course of action.
Leylin himself was a Magus and fully supported the privileges and political power that all Magi had. As for those who had delusions of overthrowing the Magi in power, they would be killed immediately.
As part of a higher tier in the social pyramid, it was only natural to consciously defend the rights and privileges of that social class.
Naturally, there were also the strange ones who chose to betray their peer's interests, and would eventually be abandoned by their own peers.
Leylin concluded that: unless there were any signs of the Magi falling out of power, he would definitely not betray his peers.
"Very surprising, isn't it?"
Jenna laughed, "Seems like you've always been travelling around the dark Magi region. But once you've arrived at the Nightless City, you'll need to learn to acclimatize, and adapt to the new rules…"
Jenna's words implied that she had discovered Leylin's true identity.
But Leylin only picked up his eyebrow and didn't seem to care in the slightest.
Teljose City, or reputed for being a Nightless City, on one hand was the accumulation of the light Magi's hard work, and on the other hand was supported by the dark Magi.
If the dark Magi was totally removed, then Nightless City's total trades would immediately fall by more than half!
No trade center would reject a dark Magi member from joining them.
-x-X-x-
From what Leylin gathered, dark Magi from all over the continent disguised themselves in order to enter Nightless City each day. Their aim was to trade items, amongst other activities.
The guards of the city turned a blind eye to their actions.
It could be said that Nightless City's prosperity was largely dependent on the dark Magi.
Within the city, as long as dark Magi did not intentionally reveal their identity, light Magi would not bother about them.
Hence, Leylin simply smiled and told Jenna, "I came to the Teljose Plains to seek a peaceful way of life. I'm willing to abide by the rules here."
"Nightless City is a fertile and beautiful city. I'm sure you'll like it here!"
Jenna laughed and said.
Leylin made small talk with Jenna and managed to gather quite a lot of exclusive information about the city.
Leylin had seen a glimpse of Volcano City in the afternoon, but it was only after the sky dimmed that he reached the gate.
At the moment, there were rows of people queueing up in front of the gates of the city.
The numerous heads seemed like ants as they were separated into different groups and entered various entrances.
Leylin noticed that beside the many small doors, there were also several huge passages. The gates to the city itself were over ten metres high, and the passageways were closed.
"These doors are for giants and large creatures, so they aren't usually open!" Jenna explained at the side.
"As for us, we are official Magi, so we are able to enter by the prestigious pass!"
Jenna explained as she led Leylin to a smaller door which was quieter.
As for the doors on both sides, there were even a dozen guards with the strength of level 3 acolytes, their bodies radiating the energy waves of their magic artifacts.
"Respected Lords, may I ask if it is a temporary or permanent lodging…"
After seeing Leylin and Jenna, these dozen acolytes immediately bowed and greeted them.
Leylin noticed that they held a circular item that was emitting the glow of a magic spell, in their hands. Looking at the runes on the surface, it should be the runes formation to detect energy waves.
Jenna immediately raised her right hand and revealed a white ring on her finger.
The ancient ring had a silver body with detailed inscriptions on the surface, constantly emitting bits and pieces of light.
"So it's a Lord who has a permanent residence. Please enter!" The acolytes respectfully made way.
"It's my first time here. Are there any procedures I need to follow?" Leylin asked the acolyte from before.
"Yes. For magicians who enter for the first time, we have a simple procedure. You can pay 200 magic crystals and obtain permanent residence, or spend 10 magic crystals and stay in Nightless City for a month!"
"Handle a permanent residence for me!" Leylin immediately tossed out two high-grade magic crystals.
"Of course. Please wait a moment…" The acolyte quickly produced a piece of parchment and scribbled something on it. "May I have your name?"
"Leylin Farlier!" This was the light Magi's territory and the Lilytell Family's influence did not extend to this area. Leylin decided to use his real name.
"Here is your token. Please keep it well!"
The whole process was surprisingly straightforward. The acolyte merely asked for Leylin's name, noted it down, and then passed him a silver ring.
"This is a token you will need to enter the city. Please keep it safe! Also, please do not linger on the streets after 12am. If not, the law enforcement group will apprehend you!"
The acolyte reminded him as he bowed.
Leylin nodded in understanding before leaving with Jenna, who had been waiting at the side.
"Jenna, I've been waiting for you!" Leylin went through a passage that was around five or six metres deep, and before he even had the chance to look around the city, he heard a hoarse voice.
A burly blonde man who had been standing at the door for some time immediately rushed forward with a worried expression.
"Uncle Manla!" Jenna put on a coquettish expression and immediately embraced the large man. "Jenna missed you!"
"Haha...Me too!" The burly man smiled and looked at Leylin beside her.
"This fellow reeks of blood, it seems like he's from the eastern marshes!"
The murderous aura and strong scent of blood from Leylin's body immediately caused the man to raise his guard against Leylin. He positioned himself between Leylin and Jenna.
"This is…" The burly man's glared at him, as if ready to make a move the moment he misspoke.
"This is Leylin, someone I met along the way!" Jenna hung on to Manla's arm.
"He's a wandering Magus who is planning to stay in Nightless City!"
"Really? This is a city that advocates peace and harmony, so I hope you'll enjoy your stay here. Here is a complete map of the city!"
The burly man showed him a kind smile and passed the map to Leylin. It was very obvious that he did not want Leylin to travel together with Jenna.
"Many thanks!" Leylin grinned brightly.
He could understand where the man was coming from. If he were a parent who saw his child mixing with a suspicious person, he would have the same reaction.
"It was great fun travelling with you! I'll see you again, milady!" Leylin turned to Jenna with a smile and gave a gentleman's bow, and Jenna answered with a bashful expression.
Having received the map, Leylin took a quick look at it and entered the trade centre of the south coast, also known as the Teljose Volcano City, where the night was as bright as day.
The burly man waited till Leylin was completely gone before turning to the female Magus, a stern expression on his face.
"Jenna, from what I know, you don't usually get this close with strangers?"
The large man put on a puzzled expression.
"I don't know why, but I have some premonition that makes me want to get closer to him…" Jenna's eyes seemed to cloud over.
"Or perhaps, this is what fate decreed!"
"That seems plausible!" The man scratched his head. "The high-grade meditation technique that you're cultivating in may not be very powerful, but at times, it is able to accurately pinpoint a trace of the future. Since that Magus gives you such a peculiar feeling, do you need me to send someone to check out…"
"Leave it! I have a feeling that if we do that, it'll definitely incur his displeasure."
Jenna's eyes suddenly turned completely white, with no hints of any other colour.
"Twice! You actually made two prophecies about him!"
The burly man looked shocked. "That Magus' fate is sure to be intertwined with yours!"
"Not me, but the whole of the south coast!"
The female Magus' eyes regained their colour, cold sweat pouring down her face. She looked as if all of her energy had been wrenched from her.
"Quick, send me back to grandmother's place!"
Jenna spat out and immediately fainted.
"Jenna! Jenna!" The expression on the burly man's face was grim as he held her in his arms and quickly left the area...
Leylin, however, was completely oblivious to the situation. He was currently strolling through the streets of the Nightless City.
The moment he entered, Leylin's first impression was—People! A sea of people!
Numerous heads were gathered close to each other, forming a sea of blackness. There were also various stores, as well as stands that were messily displayed. The constant haggling and bawling noises attacked the ears.
Many Magi and acolytes who were dressed in different coloured clothing were arguing aggressively with the vendors.
This almost reminded Leylin of the markets in his previous world.
However, the different races that he saw within the masses brought him back to the present.
There was the scaly marine race, the sub-humans with fur and marks all over their bodies, the smaller version of giants who were over five meters tall, as well as the little green people who had pairs of transparent wings on their backs, dancing gracefully in the air.
Many lifeforms from the Magus world were communicating with each other, their speech slipping back to parts of their own languages.
Among the humans, Leylin even saw several regular humans who had absolutely no energy waves radiating from them, and yet they were still confidently trading items on the street out in the open.
"My Lord, is it your first time in Nightless City?"
Leylin's intrigued expression naturally attracted the attention of many people. A man who was so skinny that he was like a stick approached Leylin as he bowed, wearing a flattering expression on his face.
"Do you need a tour guide? My fee is definitely the lowest. Moreover, my home is within Nightless City, so I am familiar with every nook and cranny in this place!"
"Are you the 'ears' of this city?"
Leylin inquired to clarify.
"Of course. If there is anything that you want to know, I could also make some inquiries…"
"What is your name?" Leylin asked.
"Sean! My Lord, you can call me Sean." The thin man was delighted as this situation meant it was possible to seal the deal.
"Good. I wish to stay here for an extended period of time. Take me to a place where I can rent some lodgings. It must have all the facilities!"
"If you wish to stay here for long, renting an apartment which is in the heart of Nightless City would be the most worthwhile!" Sean said quickly without needing to think.
As if fearing that Leylin did not understand, Sean quickly went on, "The heart of the city is controlled by several large factions that back Nightless City. There are different types of apartments for sale, and they are generally quite safe and convenient…"
"Very well, let's go there!"
Leylin nodded his head, and Sean hurriedly led the way with a gleeful expression.
After going through the throng of people and walking for about half an hour, Sean brought Leylin to a small door.
"Nightless City has five zones, and the outermost zone is meant for regular people and acolytes to live in. Its organisation is the most chaotic, and as long as one is in possession of a token, he or she can enter and leave the city at will."
"The second zone is reserved for those who have done the paperwork to stay here permanently. Of course, Official Magi are allowed to stay here too!" Sean brought Leylin to the queue in front of the door and explained further.
"As for the third and fourth zone, they are the residences of the official Magi. There is also a trade area specifically catered to the official Magi erected within the zone."
"Lastly, we have the fifth zone, where various powers have established their branches there. Usually, they are not open to the public and if you are not a member, you are not allowed to enter!"
Sean gave Leylin a clear explanation.