After Ash had concluded the meeting, "Steel" Maveti quietly slipped out of port on a sailing ship.
Dozens of nautical miles from the Pirate Assembly, he met up with a vessel painted entirely black. Its sails bore no skull and crossbones, the common mark of pirates, but instead displayed a twisted tree that seemed to be formed from an endless mass of flesh!
That was the flagship of the "Admiral of Blood"—the Tree of Flesh!
Maveti's ship quickly pulled alongside it, and he leaped onto the Tree of Flesh's deck.
"Lord Senior," Maveti said respectfully, "I tracked Vice Admiral Iceberg's boatswain, Danizt, and successfully met with the Divine Messenger to deliver the Divine Oracle."
Maveti recounted the entire sequence of events, his heart swelling with joy. He had expected Senior to reward and praise him.
However, when he looked up, he met only Senior's grim face, which seemed so dark it could drip with malice.
Maveti's heart sank. Sensing something was terribly wrong, he quickly lowered his head again.
"That was no Divine Messenger!"
The "Admiral of Blood's" voice rumbled, suppressing a long-simmering rage. "Just moments ago, the God sent a new Divine Oracle!"
"A demigod has stolen the God's authority and descended a false oracle upon us!"
"That man is no Divine Messenger—he is an enemy of our God!"
"I..."
Maveti's mouth felt parched. An inexplicable dread gripped his heart as he stammered, "I'll go back and kill him right now!"
"Don't rush!"
The Admiral of Blood's expression turned grim as he sneered, "Lord Jax will deal with him personally!"
The one deceived wasn't just Maveti—Lord Jax himself had been duped.
For it was Lord Jax who had received the oracle!
Therefore, Lord Jax had to capture the man himself and force him to reveal who was pulling the strings from the shadows.
Only by unmasking the one who had falsified the oracle and personally resolving the matter could his shame be washed away!
Especially that unknown demigod backing the man!
How dare they forge a divine oracle!
Coming and going as they pleased!
Did they think the Rose School was some public restroom?!
"Captain!"
A sailor on the lookout suddenly shouted, "Something's happening!"
Senior turned his gaze toward the bow.
Not far off, a sailing ship, its hull shimmering golden in the sunlight, was unfurling its sails. It was steering north, putting distance between itself and the Tree of Flesh.
It seemed they were even willing to abandon the Pirate Assembly, despite it being right on their doorstep.
But this was hardly surprising.
Vice Admiral Iceberg had never intended to participate in the Pirate Assembly in the first place. She had only come here to meet with the False Divine Emissary and deliver information. Now that her mission was complete, she naturally wouldn't linger.
"Ignore them," Senior said, withdrawing his gaze. "Just hold this area of the sea. Don't let anyone else escape."
Though they had just fought a naval battle with Edwina's Golden Dream, it had ultimately been a mere formality. Otherwise, they wouldn't have ceased fire after a single engagement. In a true fight to the death, at least one of their flagships would have been sunk.
While Edwina seemed to have a complicated relationship with the False Divine Emissary, and capturing her might have forced out the identity of the person behind him, there was no need for such a gamble.
The False Divine Emissary was already on the island. Capturing him would reveal everything.
So why go the long way around and chase Vice Admiral Iceberg?
After all, she was a fellow Pirate Admiral. If she was determined to flee, he might not even be able to catch her. Besides, this could be a feint to draw him away.
Senior had already committed a blasphemous crime by foolishly trusting the false Divine Oracle.
Now, he would rather do nothing at all than risk another mistake.
After all, Lord Jax was already on his way.
Once Lord Jax arrived, everything would be fine.
"What do you think is inside that volcano?"
Inside the captain's cabin of the Azure Avenger, Ash suddenly asked, his voice laced with contemplation.
"I don't know."
Alger shook his head and spread his hands. "There are tens of thousands of pirates here. Even if most of them are crowded at the docks, many will still head inland to explore."
"If the island's secrets were so easy to discover, they wouldn't be secrets in the first place."
"But it doesn't matter," Alger added, feigning nonchalance. "Whatever secrets the island holds have nothing to do with me. That's for the big shots to worry about."
If I were a Sequence 5, on equal footing with those Pirate Admirals, he thought, I definitely wouldn't miss this opportunity. I'd be out there exploring myself.
As Emperor Roselle would say, that was called "stabbing at the branch to see if there are dates."
But he was only a Sequence 7, not even a Sequence 6.
His priority wasn't exploration, but safely completing the digestion of his potion. Once he advanced to Sequence 6, he would become one of the most powerful figures in this sea, second only to the Four Kings and the Seven Great Pirate Admirals.
Of course, that's just for me, he reminded himself. Not Ash.
With Ash's strength, he certainly had the capital to uncover the island's secrets.
"Give me half an hour."
Ash spoke slowly, "We'll leave in half an hour."
"No problem," Alger nodded, agreeing without hesitation. He added, "It just so happens that 'The World' is still missing a Marrow Crystal from the Spring of Elves. I'll go check the Trading Market to see if I can find one."
After speaking, Alger took the initiative to leave the Captain's cabin and descend from the Azure Avenger.
Shortly after Alger's departure, Ash thought it over and also left the ship.
He passed through the crowds and reached the nearby forest.
Then, he rang the bell.
Jingle, jingle, jingle!
With the crisp sound of the bell, a figure abruptly appeared—it was the Imitation Tear, transformed into a Black Knight.
The moment the Imitation Tear appeared, it immediately dashed toward the island's interior.
Even though this was near the pier, even though the pier was crowded with pirates attending the Pirate Assembly, and even though many people saw the Imitation Tear, it didn't cause much of a stir.
After all, he wasn't the only one who wanted to explore the center of the island.
However, the Imitation Tear's goal for this journey was far more specific than that of ordinary pirates: the Volcano Crater!
The island's surface was covered in dense forest, indicating that this volcano had not erupted for a considerable amount of time.
Within the woods, birds sang and insects crawled. Occasionally, small wild beasts darted past—a scene of vibrant life and flourishing nature.
Imitation Tear stepped on the humus-covered ground, quickly making its way toward the volcano crater.
From high above, one would only see a towering "chimney" completely enveloped in greenery.
Even standing on the crater's rim and peering down, not a single trace of magma could be seen.
It was as if this truly were just an ordinary, extinct volcano.
Meanwhile, at the very edge of the crater, Imitation Tear leaned over to look down.
From the rim, a few trees could be seen clinging stubbornly to the cliffs.
But at the very bottom, there was only darkness.
The depths seemed to be a bottomless abyss, devouring all sight and courage from above.
Even someone without a fear of heights would feel an irrepressible surge of terror standing on the edge.
It was as if some man-eating monster lurked within the darkness below.
Of course, if anyone were to accidentally fall in, even a Mid-Sequence Beyonder would be smashed to pieces.
They would never survive to investigate whether there truly were dangers within.
But for Imitation Tear, this was clearly not an issue.
Imitation Tear gently waved the Lucet Staff in its hand. With the crisp sound of magic being cast...
Countless tiny, floating blue starlight emerged, gathering around the Imitation Tear like fireflies. This starlight dispelled the darkness, illuminating everything around them.
[ Starlight ][ One of the Glintstone Magics of Raya Lucaria Academy. Releases small, floating stars that illuminate the surroundings. Can be cast while moving. A spell gifted to mages who leave the Academy to embark on their own journeys. Endless nights, sunless caverns, imprisoned dungeons— No matter the time or place, the stars will always be by the mage's side. ]
Swish!
The next moment, the Imitation Tear leaped from the edge of the volcano crater, plunging without a moment's hesitation into the abyss below.
...........
Over a dozen nautical miles from the island, Admiral of Blood Senior led his pirate fleet, cruising the open sea.
He himself remained aboard his flagship, the Tree of Flesh and Blood.
He was waiting.
"Where is he?"
An indifferent voice suddenly spoke from behind Senior.
"Lord Jax."
The once-arrogant Senior flinched, his heart racing. He hastily bowed his head in a respectful gesture and replied quickly, "He is still on the island. Someone saw him heading toward the volcano in the center. However, he seems to be accompanied by three other assistants."
"It matters not," Jax said coldly. "The number is irrelevant."
All below Demigod are but ants.
If a Demigod truly wished to kill, four people would be nothing. Even if he had to face everyone on the island, he wouldn't even bat an eye.
At most, the slaughter would be a little more tedious.
Besides, he was no ordinary Demigod—he was a Sequence 3 Demigod!
Dealing with a few rats who dared to spread false divine oracles in God's name would be child's play, wouldn't it?
"Lord Jax..."
Senior was about to speak again.
But in the next instant, Jax, who had been standing before him, vanished.
In the sky, a seabird cried out and swiftly flew toward the center of the island.
Clearly, Jax had no patience to hear another word. He had already gone to hunt the bastard who dared to blaspheme the gods.
Senior could only shake his head helplessly, swallowing the words he'd been about to say.
I'll wait for Lord Jax to return, Senior thought.
After all, dealing with a few rats is child's play for someone of Lord Jax's strength.
"Found you!"
Jax's gaze, sharp as a hawk's, locked onto the Mimic Tear at the volcano's rim, thousands of meters away.
Though he had never seen the False Divine Emissary before, he was certain this was his target. After all, there was only one person on the entire island clad in full black armor.
A flash of murderous intent crossed Jax's face before his expression returned to its usual cold indifference.
But the next second, his composure shattered, his face contorting in disbelief.
In his line of sight, the figure was leaping straight down into the volcano's crater!
Is he insane?!
Jax's pupils constricted. He knew all too well what lay down there...
No, they probably don't know, he quickly corrected his assumption. The enemy was likely acting out of ignorance.
Right now, his priority was to wash away his disgrace. Only then could he earn God's Forgiveness!
Besides, what did it matter if they knew the volcano's secret?
The thing inside was already dead!
Taking a deep breath, Jax began to flicker across the terrain, his figure rapidly shifting from one object to another as he raced toward the volcano's base.
Snap!
The Mimic Tear landed steadily, its feet planting firmly on the ground.
Endless darkness seemed to envelop its surroundings, not a single sliver of light visible.
But soon, countless starlight accompanied the Mimic Tear to the depths of the earth, dispelling the darkness and illuminating the area.
Unlike the lush greenery on the island's surface, the interior of the volcano was nothing more than a desolate, giant pit.
And this was clearly illogical.
Even a dead volcano would have once contained magma. Under such extreme heat, all things are equal. Even after cooling and solidifying, the internal terrain should have been relatively flat.
Yet, here, there wasn't even the expected layer of solidified igneous rock formed by cooled magma. Instead, the deep pit at the volcano's base looked as if something had fallen from the sky and brutally smashed it into existence.
The moment this thought surfaced, the Mimic Tear ceased its contemplation.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
From above, countless tree branches snapped off, raining down like a volley of ten thousand arrows aimed directly at the Mimic Tear below.
On the ground, countless fallen leaves and pebbles, accumulated over ages, suddenly soared into the air. They wove together into a tightly locked net, seeking to imprison the Mimic Tear within.
At this moment—
It was as if every tree, every leaf, every stone, and every blade of grass had suddenly come alive, all seeking to kill it!
All of this happened in absolute silence.
Yet, beneath the starlight, nothing could remain hidden.
The Mimic Tear reacted instantly.
It gripped Lusat's Staff tightly, causing the purple crystal at its tip to erupt in a searing flame. A red magic circle, inscribed with strange symbols, formed in the air.
In a flash, the Mimic Tear slammed the staff into the ground.
BOOM!
The dormant volcano seemed to awaken with this single strike.
Endless lava erupted from beneath the Mimic Tear's feet, unleashing a long-suppressed roar.
The magma transformed into searing projectiles, hurtling in all directions.
Everything in the vicinity was engulfed in flames, turning the desolate crater into a true feast of molten lava!
Under the lava's intense heat, everything was utterly incinerated.
Whether it was branches or stones, they were all consumed by the endless fire before they could even touch the Mimic Tear.
All would be laid bare before the flames!
[ Wrath of Caelid ]
[ One of Caelid's lava spells. ]
It can cause lava to erupt from the ground, spraying in all directions.
Charging the spell can prolong the eruption time.
They say this magic represents the volcano's wrath.
To even think of casting such a spell...
...could only be considered the arrogance of a human, or a snake.]
Jax's assault was neutralized in an instant, but he immediately launched another attack.
The Mimic Tear's magic had transformed the bottom of the Dead Volcano into a true Lava Purgatory, which blocked the assault.
But then, the lava seemed to come alive in an instant.
It formed into lava fireballs that soared into the air and rushed back toward the Mimic Tear in the center at even greater speed!
In truth...
If possible, Jax would have preferred to control the Mimic Tear's armor.
Killing it with its own armor would have been far more dramatic.
But unfortunately, he, who could control any inanimate object, was unable to control the opponent's armor.
This meant the armor itself was a Magical Item.
Just these few Magical Items, combined with the abilities the opponent displayed on his own...
These alone were enough to make Jax realize that this mission would not be as smooth as he had imagined.
But...
No matter. I will intervene.
BOOM!
The Mimic Tear's staff remained firmly planted in the ground as countless lava projectiles erupted from beneath its feet. They collided with the lava shells Jax was controlling, and for a moment, the two forces seemed locked in a stalemate.
But in reality, this entire exchange had happened in a mere instant.
Jax, hidden in the shadows, was already brewing a more powerful assault.
Yet, at almost the exact same moment, the Mimic Tear had already locked onto Jax's position!
Its Lusat's Staff remained thrust into the earth, continuously unleashing lava to incinerate the ground. But in its other hand, a mark that seemed to burn with a raging flame quietly emerged.
[ Mark of the Frenzied Flame ]**** A phantom seal bestowed by the Three Fingers. It enhances prayers of the Frenzied Flame. This is the symbol of the Lord of Frenzied Flame. The power of incantations is enhanced by Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith.
In a flash, the Mimic Tear snapped its head up, staring at a certain spot on the high cliff above!
She had locked onto his position!
The Mimic Tear released its grip on the staff, clutching the burning Mark of the Erdtree to its head. A golden flame rune manifested above its brow, and in an instant, its eyes erupted with searing fire.
"Crap!"
Jax's pupils constricted as a primal sense of danger surged from his gut—his spirituality warning him of the imminent threat.
He tried to shift his essence into a nearby object, but he was too late!
The Mimic Tear stared fixedly at Jax's location. Two searing beams, like a fusion of flame and lightning, erupted from its eyes.
Sizzle! Boom!
The beams streaked through the air, faster than light, tracing a graceful and brilliant arc.
Without fail, they struck Jax's body.
Even though he had not manifested his true form—even though he was currently possessing another object—the beams seemed to possess a homing ability, striking him with unerring precision.
"Aaaah!"
With a scream of agony, Jax could no longer maintain his hidden state.
A hundred meters above, his aged form rapidly solidified, turning from translucent to tangible.
And upon this body, poised between illusion and reality, golden flames clung like a parasitic curse, searing him where they touched!
Boom!
The agony shattered Jax's mental fortitude, leaving him unable to maintain his form. He plummeted from the sky, smashing violently into the ground!
But he had forgotten one thing.
The ground below had already been transformed into a churning sea of magma by the 'Wrath of Caelid'!
Jax did not sink into the lava—his body was not dense enough to do so—but landing on the thousands-of-degrees-hot surface still inflicted unimaginable torment.
His clothes incinerated the instant they touched the magma. His skin blistered and peeled, his very flesh melting away to expose the bone beneath!
The physical agony was excruciating, yet it seemed to grant him a moment of lucidity.
In his tawny eyes, the reflection of the Mimic Tear was visible, but it was quickly overwhelmed by the raging Frenzied Flame! His sanity was being systematically incinerated by the same fire. In a few more moments, even his soul would be completely consumed by madness.
But in this instant, the dark-skinned old man with his thinning white hair and deep-set wrinkles displayed astonishing willpower.
Forcing himself to endure the pain, he upturned his palm. In it lay a wet, sticky, palm-sized little man, though when it had appeared, no one knew.
The little figure had only a single hole on its face, which was now exhaling and inhaling a grayish-white mist.
Without hesitation, Jax endured the excruciating torment of both flesh and soul and shoved the figure into his mouth.
In that instant, the pain seemed to be expelled from his body and mind.
His reason appeared to be preserved, yet it also seemed to be devoured by an even deeper madness.
His body began to transform.
His skin turned black and wrinkled, secreting a visible moisture. His hair and eyebrows withered and fell away. His limbs grew thinner and longer.
In a mere second, Jax seemed to be assimilated by the little figure, becoming a giant, black, long-limbed, wet infant with swollen, shriveled skin.
His eyes, nose, mouth, and ears detached from their original positions and shifted toward the center of his face, as if they were merging to form a brand-new organ.
His skin, his arms, and the shape of his new organ all bore an indescribable air of mystery and evil!
Without a doubt, an ability that could be resorted to as a last-ditch lifeline had to be his hidden trump card!
However, though all of this had happened in the blink of an eye, Mimic Tear gave him no chance to react!
Mimic Tear ripped Lusat's Staff from the ground where it was planted firmly and cast a new spell.
"Ying!"
Jax roared like a madman, his voice a baby's wail.
Yet the Simulacrum Tear before him remained completely unaffected.
He merely raised his staff again. An endless, starry blue light condensed at its tip, so brilliant that even the sun seemed to pale in comparison.
The condensed blue starlight transformed into a profound, deep cosmos.
Endless fluorescent light erupted from the staff's tip, like a comet streaking across the sky, trailing a long tail. It was also like a dazzling Star River, stretching and expanding from the starry heavens.
The center of this "Star River" was as dark and deep as the night, yet its outer glow shimmered with a unique, breathtaking brilliance.
And this Star River was now madly devouring every creation in its path—including Jax, who had been transformed into a sodden infant!
Boom!
His figure was instantly engulfed by the fluorescent light.
An endless Star River seemed to wash over his body, over and over again.
Under its relentless torrent, Jackes couldn't even manage the cries of an infant.
[ Comet Yazler ]
[The magic of Yazler, one of the Origin Mages.
One of the 'Legendary Spells.'
It is said that the Radiant Stone's homeland lies in the distant starry sky.
It can unleash a Starry Torrent—a super-massive comet.
Continuous casting allows for a sustained stream.
The Origin Yazler glimpsed was Darkness—
It is said that the Abyss of Darkness not only stole his sanity,
But also taught him fear.]
(End of Chapter)