"Damn, this old man is truly insane!"
Watching Fluder's fanatic reaction, Kael, who was seated on his magnificent throne, felt a slight shock—perhaps even a touch of fear. He knew about Fluder's burning enthusiasm for magic, and he was also aware that Fluder possessed a natural skill called [Mystic Eyes of Revelation]. This skill, which allowed its user to see through the highest tier of magic a spellcaster could wield, must have revealed Kael's Tenth Tier Magic power.
As Fluder himself cried out, in the old man's eyes, Kael, who could use Tenth Tier magic, was essentially equivalent to a deity in the eyes of a fanatic. Kael was the embodiment of the magical knowledge he had pursued his entire life.
At this point, should I ask, 'What price are you willing to pay for this?' The cunning thought crossed Kael's mind for a moment, a temptation to toy with Fluder's obsession. However, he reconsidered and decided against it. Efficiency was more important. In a calm yet authoritative tone, he spoke directly, "It is evident that you are deeply enthusiastic about magic. If that is so, then become my follower and dedicate your life to me. In return, you shall receive what you desire."
"Ah! Thank you so much! From this moment on, I, Fluder Paradyne, will be your most loyal follower!"
Fluder prostrated himself repeatedly, his head hitting the floor with loud thuds, consumed by overflowing joy. His voice cracked with emotion, filled with sincere and fervent gratitude.
Kael then raised his right hand. A faint light shone as he activated the [Divine Power of Destiny] within his body. A magical transformation circle suddenly appeared beneath Fluder, and golden light continuously flowed, enveloping the old man's body. Fluder seemed to understand what was happening; he bowed his forehead respectfully, without the slightest resistance, welcoming the blessing from his new God.
Gazef and Leinas, standing beside them, observed the ceremony calmly, without any physical movement. However, inwardly, shock loomed.
Didn't I hear that the requirements for joining the Church of Destiny were very strict? How could this old man be so easily appreciated by the Gods? Gazef thought, his brow slightly furrowed. He knew Fluder was a powerful wizard, but this felt too easy.
Enri, standing beside Kael, noticed the surprised expressions on their faces and couldn't help but offer a faint smile. She understood. Now that the Church of Destiny had successfully taken root in the city, recruiting believers and spreading the faith was the next most important task. The God had specified particular standards. The first condition for becoming a believer was a willingness to worship the God for life. Those who already held strong loyalties in their hearts, or those who were selfish and lacked true respect, were not qualified to receive the God's blessing and could, at best, only become minor church members.
Though this was their first meeting, Enri could sense that this old man's enthusiasm for the God was even greater than her own. A devotion that bordered on madness, truly unparalleled. Therefore, it wasn't difficult for Enri to comprehend why Fluder could gain the God's favor so quickly.
"Thanks to the great God!" After the ceremony, although Fluder did not feel any drastic physical changes within himself, he still prostrated respectfully before Kael, his voice filled with immeasurable gratitude.
Kael nodded, a minimalist yet meaningful gesture, and waved his hand at him. "Step aside for now."
"Yes." Fluder immediately obeyed, standing still with a straight back, looking precisely like a loyal and obedient servant.
Kael's gaze then shifted to Gazef and Leinas. He already knew Gazef was most likely just an escort. Finally, his gaze locked onto Leinas. "Why are you here?" he asked, his tone sharper, testing.
Leinas glanced at Fluder beside her, thinking for a moment. Then, with a graceful movement, she knelt before Kael, her eyes full of supplication. "Great God, I beg you to help me remove the curse upon me. In return, I am willing to become your follower and dedicate my life to you."
"Oh?" Kael knew something about Leinas's affairs, including the curse that afflicted her, so he wasn't overly surprised by this plea. However, unlike a fanatic like Fluder who had already demonstrated absolute devotion, Kael wasn't entirely certain about Leinas's character and loyalty. A slight doubt lingered in his mind. Therefore, he proposed to test her.
Under mind control magic—a skill that couldn't be resisted—no one could lie. This was also the best way to test Leinas's true intentions. Leinas's only desire for years had been to remove that curse, and she was exceptionally persistent in this matter. Although her answer was slightly flawed, she ultimately passed the magical test, her determination proving stronger than any deception.
Three minutes later, Leinas also successfully became Kael's loyal charge, just like Fluder.
The two who had come for an audience successfully achieved their respective desires. Gazef, bearing the significant news that the Chief Imperial Court Wizard and one of the Four Imperial Knights had joined the Church of Destiny, immediately took his leave. He also picked up Enri and headed to the central city square, still processing everything he had just witnessed.
After the outsiders had left, Kael approached his two new followers. His face was serious. "Don't move," he commanded briefly.
Having said that, he activated the Sixth Tier Magic [Greater Teleportation] and brought Fluder and Leinas to the wilderness outside the city, away from unwanted eyes.
"Oh God, what are we doing here?" Fluder himself could perform teleportation magic, so he didn't panic and immediately asked, an uncontainable curiosity burning in his eyes.
Kael couldn't help but smile faintly, a smile full of plans. He pulled the Meteor Ring from his spatial backpack—a powerful Magic Item—and handed it to Fluder. "You wish to make a breakthrough in magic, don't you? So, are you willing to relinquish the power you possess now and start anew?"
"This..." A hint of clear hesitation flickered across Fluder's face. As a highly powerful professional in the field of magic, suddenly giving up one's power would undoubtedly cause doubt, no matter who it was. It meant shedding the identity he had built throughout his entire life.
However, Fluder's desire to reach higher tiers of magic was far stronger than Kael had imagined. Instantly, his expression turned resolute, all doubt vanishing. Respectfully, he took the Meteor Ring from Kael's hand. "If it is for stronger magic, then I am willing to surrender everything I possess now!" a declaration that showed his unwavering determination.
"Very good!" Kael couldn't help but praise the old man, a note of approval in his voice. He then took a magic sealing crystal from his backpack—a mysterious crystal that glowed faintly—handed it to Fluder, and introduced, "The ring in your hand can unleash wish-granting magic. That magic sealing crystal holds a copied magic of a failed innate ability. I want you to use all your power to activate the ring's wish magic and complete the copied magic within that crystal."
"Oh!" Fluder couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, his old eyes widening. Whether it was magic to grant wishes (Wish Upon a Star) or magic to copy innate supernatural powers, both were beyond his understanding of magic. He was overcome with excitement imagining that he would participate in this kind of magical research, a leap towards uncharted boundaries.
Kael smiled faintly, patiently explaining to Fluder. "The magical knowledge you have learned is too complex. If you want to break through to higher levels, you must focus. The process of releasing the wish magic is to help you complete this transformation." He then added in a reassuring tone, "Don't worry, after this I will quickly make you as strong as Enri."
"Ah, thank you very much, God!" After learning Kael's plan for him—a promise of power beyond his wildest dreams—Fluder bowed deeply to him, immeasurable gratitude radiating from his entire being.
Then, the official experiment began. Fluder activated the Meteor Ring's effect, and the Super-Tier Magic: [Wish Upon a Star] was successfully launched!
As his level dropped rapidly, sweat continuously poured from Fluder's face and his skin gradually became extremely pale. Every drop of sweat was an exchange for higher knowledge. However, the crystal in his hand, which sealed his innate supernatural power to copy magic, suddenly erupted into a brilliantly shining light, a sign of extraordinary success.
"Alright..." The superposition magic's effect ended. Fluder swayed slightly, his body weary but his soul filled with satisfaction. Kael swiftly supported the old man and took the magic sealing crystal from his hand.
"You've worked hard," Kael said, a sincere compliment.
After encouraging Fluder, Kael activated the [Superior Item Appraisal] skill on the magic sealing crystal, which now emitted a different aura. A satisfied smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. For the miracle of replicating innate supernatural power within the crystal was now complete. The target's innate ability could now be copied to others. The activation of the magic did not require the consumption of experience points, but used the user's own magic power as energy.
Kael then pulled out the [Book of the Strongest Magic]—an ancient book that looked mysterious—to absorb energy from the crystal. Without a moment's hesitation, he immediately cast a spell without a second thought.