Impetuous
"What mission?" Leylin asked expressionlessly. However, if there were people around him who knew him well, they would be able to tell how annoyed he was.
"The main purpose of you going to the Eternal River Plains' secret plane is to pass on information from the internal unit of Four Seasons Garden. At crucial moments, you are to coordinate with us and destroy the defense formations within!"
The boy sounded incredibly arrogant, making Leylin more annoyed.
"That means I'd be an undercover, right? How about that agreement I signed? If I betray Four Seasons Garden I'll definitely be punished by the Trial's Eye, no?"
"That… The boss will take care of it for you!" The boy was obviously insincere.
"In other words, you're not giving me any benefits and want me to give up my life for you! Do you guys think I'm so easy to bully?"
Leylin suddenly laughed sarcastically, a red colour flashing in his eyes.
*Rumble!*
Immediately after he spoke, Leylin brazenly attacked!
Countless fireballs the size of human heads hurtled towards the boy's direction.
The intense flames swept everywhere, and the mist was quickly evaporated, revealing the figure of a little boy in a darkened corner.
"Are you crazy?" The boy roared, outraged.
"You're the crazy ones! How dare you threaten me!"
Leylin coldly replied, his two hands becoming completely red as they clawed forward mercilessly.
Crimson Palm! Blood Rogue's famous move!
Huge blood-red claws swept across the air, grand flames burning atop the phantom claws.
With the added bonus from Leylin's elemental essence conversion, this spell had already reached a strength of almost 34 degrees!
"F*ck!"
The little boy was in bad shape after the bout of fireballs being thrown at him despite rolling and trying to dodge the attack. He was dusty all over and looked like a clown.
After seeing Leylin using Blood Rogue's move, his entire face changed.
Who knew Leylin would be so crazy and so powerful? His might far surpassed that of a semi-converted Magus.
The little boy had thought that he had blackmail material on his hands. He knew of Leylin's identity and the moment he told Leylin he expected that Leylin would obediently do as the boy ordered, just like a loyal dog, which would allow the boy to gain some additional benefits.
But he never imagined that Leylin would not hesitate and attack with no qualms!
Upon seeing those claws, the boy made a strange sound and quickly tugged at a strange pendant from his chest and threw it on the ground.
*Chi Chi*
Numerous ice crystals emerged, forming a sparkling and translucent ice mirror in front of the little boy.
*Bang!*
The huge, sharp phantom claws had traces of crimson flames and crashed against the mirror, producing an immense sound.
*Weng Weng*
Flames and ice crystals flew everywhere.
Each time an ice crystal fell, a thick layer of ice would form on the ground. Anything that came into contact with the crimson flames corroded, whether they be trees, moles or even rocks. Everything turned into a pile of grey powder!
"You thought a high-grade scroll could save you? How naive!"
Leylin strode forward, chasing after the boy.
"This is a magic scroll with instantaneous casting that I spent 250 thousand magic crystals on!" An expression of regret and rage formed on his face, and his muscles were twitching.
"You dare to… You actually dare to… You will pay!"
As he yelled, he produced a magic item that was emitting strong energy waves, ready to attack!
"Imprison!"
At the same time, Leylin made a low howl, and on his right arm, a metal hoop that seemed to be a decoration suddenly gave off light and shone on his body.
The boy who had been targeted by the Hoop of Imprisonment was like an insect stuck in amber, completely immobile and unable to use the magic item in his hands.
"You dare to threaten me?"
Leylin advanced, kicking the magic item out of the boy's hands and lifted him with one arm.
"You… There are still many others behind me that know your identity. The moment I die here, you'll… Argh!"
The little boy forced out words from the gap between his teeth, but all that answered him was a vicious slap to the face.
*Pa Pa* *Pa Pa!*
Leylin's strength was 7.1, and this merciless slaps to the boy's face made both his cheeks swell up instantly. Some of his teeth fell and his mouth was full of blood, rendering him unable to pronounce properly.
After slapping the boy, Leylin grabbed him by the neck and raised him to eye level.
"Don't even think about blackmailing me, or you'll die a terrible death!"
"You think I'm afraid of having my identity exposed? Hehe… At most, we'll part ways and I'll wander around. Before that, however, I will kill you, no matter who is backing you!"
A dark, menacing look arose in Leylin's eyes, shaking the boy to the core.
Too scary! This boy was thoroughly terrified!
He was now extremely regretful. This Leylin was basically a lunatic and dreaded nothing. He had a premonition that if he continued with this unyielding attitude, Leylin would definitely kill him!
At this moment, it was as if he had been drenched from head to toe by a bucket of cold water—his head cleared up immediately.
"Uh… Lo-Lord Leylin! I apologise. Please forgive me for my offense!"
As his mouth was very swollen, his words weren't clear but the meaning was understandable.
"What did you say? Louder!" Leylin mocked with a sneer, tightening the strength in his hand.
Hearing a strange sound emitted from his neck, the boy, who even had his innate spells suppressed completely, gave up.
He trembled violently, tears and snot dripping down his face. "Lord Leylin! Lord Leylin, I was wrong! Please forgive me!"
Leylin peered at him curiously, making him feel as if he was facing an imminent catastrophe.
Suddenly, Leylin released his hand and the boy fell to the floor.
He breathed in fresh air in huge gulps, an unexpected sense of blessed relief in his heart.
Of course, his head was still lowered lifelessly and he did not dare meet Leylin's gaze.
"People only reveal their true self when in the face of death…" Leylin looked at the pitiful state the boy was in and sighed to himself.
"Get lost! Have the person backing you to speak to me!"
At the same time, Leylin bent and picked up the magic item the boy had dropped.
It was something like a dagger. Based on the A.I. Chip's probe, the level of energy within had reached that of a middle-grade magic artifact.
"Also, this magic artifact will now belong to me as the price of offending me!"
If not for the fact that a rank 2 Magus was behind this boy and also wanting to avoid having a falling out with Thousand Meddling Hands, Leylin would have killed him long ago.
However, he had released the boy, but Leylin definitely wanted him to pay the price in pain. If not, this sort of person would keep appearing in front of him.
Seeing the boy who was escaping, scared witless, Leylin contemplated.
This resource-based secret plane's size was unprecedented in history and was an enormous chunk of fleshy meat. Even a rank 2 Magus operating the Thousand Meddling Hands from the shadows had been lured out.
And behind the rank 2 Magus, there were definitely other large organisations from the dark Magi region.
After all, with just a Thousand Meddling Hands, all they could do was reap the convenient benefits. How else would they have the chance to participate in such a large-scale battle?
"This is like a game of chess. How annoying!"
Leylin had a feeling that if he went to the secret plane, he would definitely be embroiled in a troublesome spiral of events.
Unfortunately, the pressure given by the dark and light Magi gave him no choice but to move like a chess piece, based on a pre-decided route.
"You want to make use of me? I wonder if you're ready yet."
Looking at the sky in the distance, Leylin smirked.
The Thousand Meddling Hands' reaction was extremely quick. That night, Leylin saw the person backing the boy.
The orange rays of light of the setting sun constantly became duller, until the black curtain of night shrouded the area.
Just as Number 2 and Number 3 were preparing to set up tents, Leylin shot a glance at a white owl on a large tree nearby.
"I'm going to take a walk alone. You don't have to come with me!"
"Yes, master!" Number 2 and Number 3 answered in unison.
Following the white owl, Leylin came to the side of a curved river. On a white and large rock, a figure could be seen standing erect.
Around him was a thick green fog emanating throughout, blocking his face entirely.
"Giant?" Leylin asked, surprised.
For his first mission, Leylin had worked with Giant, whose prowess indicated the peak of a rank 1 Magus. He had never thought that this would be the one supporting the little boy!
"He's already told me everything that happened just now. He was a little too much, so I hope to apologise on his behalf! You may take the bloody dagger, a magic artifact, as compensation!"
Giant's voice was low and soothing and did not speak up for the little boy which made Leylin so shocked.
"I know a bit about you. The organisation definitely will treat those who contribute to us well! As long as you do this job well, I'm telling you that you can get about 50% profit! We can even mediate between you and the Lilytell family, so that you can return to Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. Of course, you can choose other dark Magi organisations. Our door is always open to you…"
The Giant's offer exceeded Leylin's expectations.
To allow him to suppress the situation with Lilytell family and return to Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, this Thousand Meddling Hands' power was probably far from what he could imagine.
"What about the contract with the Trial's Eye?" Leylin asked for information about what he was most concerned about.
Acquaintances
"I signed the contract under the witness of the Trial's Eye, promising not to do anything that would harm Four Seasons Garden's interests! If I go back on that agreement, I would undergo judgment…"
This was Leylin's largest concern.
If he had the choice, he didn't want to harm Four Seasons Garden since they had treated him quite well from the beginning.
"That's easily solved! Here is a solution of Filthy Birds' wings. As long as you have it, you can nullify your contract with the Four Seasons Garden!"
Giant threw a bottle of grey solution towards Leylin.
"You even have items that are already extinct!" Leylin caught the bottle and let the A.I. Chip test the authenticity of the item. The results made him gasp.
With such a degree of preparation, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that this had been premeditated long ago.
"Hehe… This isn't mine but belongs to the 'Boss' behind me. He especially left this for you from his own collection!"
Giant did not claim the credit for himself and used a straightforward tone, which made Leylin slightly fearful.
"So, what's your answer?"
"Acknowledging the strength of others is the instinct of all dark Magi. I first need to verify your strength!" Leylin pondered for a moment and then spoke.
"You will see…" Giant's voice began to be less discernible.
Large amounts of green mist shrouded the surrounding area, enveloping Leylin within.
Some time later, the mist dispersed and Leylin left, his expression serious. He seemed to be worrying about many things.
"I never thought it'd be him…"
Following which, Leylin calmed himself and returned to his accommodations, as if nothing had happened.
After a night passed, Leylin continued on his journey.
The Eternal River Plains were situated at the border between the light and dark Magi's territories. Security there was the most chaotic.
Here, even within the city, armed confrontations, robbery, murder, and other crimes happened daily. At times, there would even be the occasional battle between Magi!
In this situation, the guards of the city were more like professional corpse carriers and were in charge of clearing the roads everyday.
After Eternal River Plains' secret plane had been discovered, a large number of Magi flowed in, causing even more chaos in this place.
On the way, just the number of people who were looking to seek revenge was above 15. This meant that every once in awhile, there would be someone with such a motivation.
If not for Leylin and his group wearing clothing that gave them an air of mystery, even Magi like them might meet with some trouble.
After walking out of a city of regular humans, Leylin suddenly started, seeming to have seen some familiar figures.
"Master, what's wrong? Is there something wrong with those acolytes?"
Number 2 and 3 approached him and enquired.
"It's nothing!" Leylin answered casually. Even if it was them, they were from two different worlds. Leylin wasn't planning on maintaining any contact with them, and passing them by. This might be the best for them.
Sometimes, however, fate was such a strange thing that could not be hindered.
Just as Leylin was hastening his travelling and leaving the gates, he bumped into those acolytes from earlier.
"Leylin! Hi! Leylin! Is that you?" Within the group of acolytes, a tall young man standing in the front was yelling excitedly.
They had been quite a distance away previously, but now that they met, the acolyte opposite to Leylin had instantly recognised him.
"Long time no see!" Leylin watched the acolytes, who were moving forward attentively, and couldn't help but give a gentle smile in greeting.
After strengthening his body, Leylin's physique and sight had vastly improved. He could easily see that out of all the acolytes, the one who had shouted was very tall and a had a head of long golden hair, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a high nose bridge.
There was also a female acolyte with an exquisitely curvy body, silver hair and eyes like rubies. She constantly emanated an exotic charm.
Leylin immediately recognised these two acolytes. They were the people he hadn't seen in ages—George and Bessita!
"But isn't George an acolyte at the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower? Why is he together with Bessita, who's from Wetland Gardens Academy?"
This thought went through his mind for a split second before he was interrupted, as George had brought Bessita and the others to approach him.
"Leylin, it's really you! I thought I'd gotten the wrong person!"
George was a good friend that he'd made on that first journey in the beginning, and just like before, he affectionately gave Leylin a bear hug.
Bessita, on the other hand, was twiddling her fingers at the side, seemingly embarrassed.
At the beginning, she had caused much trouble for Leylin. Of course, after Leylin had viciously beat up her 'flower guardian' as a threat to her, this woman had become very silent.
However, she was still able to pass the magician aptitude test and enter the Wetland Gardens Academy.
"Hi, Leylin." Bessita looked to be rather indifferent.
"Come here! Leylin, let me introduce you. This is Alexander!" George pointed at a youth with reddish-brown hair.
"This here is Lana! And the beauty in pink clothing is our long distance attacker— Shiera!"
After that, George introduced the two female acolytes beside him. Lana was alright, but Sheira aggressively pinched the flesh on George's waist. He immediately let out exaggerated sounds of pain; it looked as if these two had a less innocent relationship.
Leylin couldn't help but glance at Sheila more closely. She wore pink hunter gear that exposed a pair of milky white thighs. She was tall and carried a green wooden bow, looking to be a good match with George.
Even Leylin had to admit that George had pretty good taste.
"Leylin, why aren't you introducing your two friends here to us?" After saying that, George mock punched Leylin's chest, which stunned him a little.
He looked at his own attire and then responded.
For the sake of convenience while travelling, Leylin and his two Grand Knights had on civilian clothing. After obtaining the old witch's spirit force compression method, he would also habitually conceal his energy waves, which indicated that he was an official Magus.
His two spiritually bound slaves were treated the same way.
Hence, George and the others, who were still acolytes, obviously were unable to discover Leylin's concealment and treated him as a regular acolyte.
"These are my two friends. We met on the way and appeared to be going to the same place. They aren't very talkative and are a little antisocial!"
Leylin threw a sculpture of a wyvern into Number 2 and Number 3's hands. "Take this and leave first. We'll meet at our destination!"
Upon receiving their master's secret instructions, Number 2 and Number 3 nodded and left on horseback.
"Leylin, it's best if you're warier when interacting with them. I always feel uncomfortable around them…"
George looked at the figures of Number 2 and Number 3 as they left, and he whispered to Leylin.
"Don't worry, I know my limits!"
Leylin nodded.
"Haha… Let's not talk about this anymore. Leylin, we haven't met in six or seven years, huh? This time, we have to drink to our heart's content!"
George naturally put an arm around Leylin's shoulder, and one could hear his excessive and proud laughter from miles away. "Guess what? Two years ago, I advanced and became a level 3 acolyte! Even my mentor complimented me for this! But it's not much; it can't be helped that I only have a fourth-grade aptitude."
Due to this chance meeting, Leylin and George dispelled all thoughts of leaving the city and returned inside. They found a small bar and prepared to reminisce.
After two beers, Leylin had gleaned everything he wanted to know from George.
George was obviously still a student of Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, and so was his girlfriend, Sheira.
Bessita, Lana, and that guy called Alexander were all acolytes from the Wetland Gardens Academy.
The reason for their trip here was to complete missions issued by their respective academies. George and Bessita knew each other well, so the two little teams naturally travelled together.
"We're in deep trouble. We were actually allocated a defence mission in which we must enter, as well as establish a presence in the Eternal River Plain's secret plane!" George had a look of prolonged suffering on his face, and when they got to this topic, even Sheira and Bessita looked gloomy.
The secret plane was under the control of official Magi, and a few acolytes like them wouldn't be able to create a tiny disarray within. They were but cannon fodder, and could die at any time.
Leylin glanced at these people. In this group of five that had temporarily been banded together, George and Bessita were level 3 acolytes, and the other three had reached level 2. In general, their total power was similar to the group of five acolytes that he had destroyed outside the Zither Moon Town.
"Oh, right! How about you, Leylin? Your aura seems pretty strong. You must be a level 3 acolyte, right?"
George seemed to be asking without any intent. Bessita, who was using a straw to drink her beverage, visibly strained to hear his answer.
"I was lucky enough to advance to a level 3 acolyte a few months ago!" Leylin chuckled.
"It's not easy to advance to a level 3 acolyte! Come! Let us drink to our future as Magi!"
George hid none of his thoughts and yelled, attracting the attention of the surrounding people.
"Cheers!" Six glasses of beer clinked together.
After a bout of drinking, George asked, "Leylin, where are you now? In the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy? Only after entering my academy did I find out that the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was a dark Magus academy that was at odds with us. It's even forbidden for us to communicate with them."
"What? Abyssal Bone Forest?! That Abyssal Bone Forest Academy?"
The moment the words came out of George's mouth, Lana and Alexander were like kittens who had had their tails stepped on, and jumped in shock.
Sheira didn't say anything, but the gaze in her eyes was more guarded when looking at Leylin.
"Alright! Alright! Don't be this tense! Leylin and I are good friends; he is different from other dark Magi…"
Only then did George realise the slip of his tongue, as he stood and awkwardly gave a closure on the topic.
George and Bessita
Leylin rubbed his nose upon seeing the cautious expressions of the few people around him.
In the Magus world, dark Magi and light Magi were archenemies. And in the Eternal River Plains, which was surrounded by the opposing forces on each side, not attacking after finding out Leylin was a dark Magus showed the immense trust they had in George.
"I left the domain of the dark Magi a few years ago and now live in Nightless City."
Leylin thought and spoke a half-truth, "I'm currently studying at Four Seasons Garden."
"See? I knew it! Leylin, you're brave and honest. How could someone like you be a cruel dark Magus?"
George laughed out gleefully.
Shiera and the others appeared very embarrassed.
The number of Magi that had been killed by Leylin was not public knowledge, but those Magi would have been furious after hearing George's words.
"Oh, by the way, Leylin, are you going to the secret plane?"
The Eternal River's secret plane was a major event that triggered an earth-shaking response among the Magi of the south coast. The information regarding the secret plane had spread very quickly, and George and the others were not entirely clueless about it.
Leylin saw George's anxious look and the other acolytes' trading gazes, and he immediately understood.
It seemed that George thought Leylin to be one of the acolytes, who were naive and wanted to try their luck within the secret plane.
Of course, this wasn't surprising since after news about the secret plane spread, acolytes and Magi alike from all over started to convene at this location.
The whole journey was laced with danger. Some died en route, and others would struggle at the entrance and be unable to enter, while others were lured or coerced by the larger powers and became cannon fodder.
There was an extremely small minority of acolytes who would be successful in acquiring some resources from the secret plane and return to Nightless City and other Magi cities. This resulted in a reaction from the magicians in the cities, which in turn incited more acolytes to adventure into the plane.
It was clear that George and the others also considered Leylin to be just like these acolytes.
"Leylin…" George turned silent, seeming to be carefully considering his next words. "The danger inside the secret plane is not something that we acolytes can handle. Only the official Magi, who are the main forces inside the plane, can stay within for long durations of time."
"Many of my friends suffered inside. You're still young and need not…"
"Just let him go!" Bessita suddenly spoke up.
"If he's lucky, he can get some resources and even advance!"
George furrowed his brows. How could one count on such a thing as luck? Bessita was speaking of it too lightly.
"Actually, I was issued a mission by the academy. I have no choice but to go inside the secret plane." Leylin sardonically stated.
"I see… No wonder then. I warned you only because it doesn't seem to be in your nature to undertake such a dangerous task." George patted his close friend's shoulder in empathy and forced a smile.
"In this situation, we are probably all in the same boat and might even be assigned to the same location. After all, within the secret plane, the light Magi have gathered and created an alliance."
After hearing that Leylin had been forced to come to the secret plane just like them, Shiera, Alexander, and the others revealed expressions of sympathy. Leylin's situation was one they could empathise with.
These kinds of missions were usually suicidal by nature. Only those who had no backing or acolytes who had offended important people would be dispatched by their academies to complete these missions.
When he turned, he saw a hint of an expression on Bessita's face. Something that seemed like… delight?
"Is this girl still brooding over what happened last time?"
Leylin inwardly grinned and actually found this a novelty.
At his current level, he had already left Bessita far in the dust.
Many Magi had died at Leylin's hands; what trouble could a lowly acolyte cause?
No matter how she bared her fangs and made threatening gestures at Leylin, she was akin to a small kitten playing with him.
"Since we're all going the same way, how about you join us too, Leylin?"
At this moment, George put forth a proposal.
"Sure!" Leylin gauged that he still had quite a bit of time and, considering the speed at which George and his friends were travelling, he could reach the Eternal River Plain's secret plane well before the deadline. Thus, he agreed.
His relationship with George was quite good, so he could help out if the need arose.
Besides, there were still some matters that needed to be resolved between him and Bessita.
"Very good. Since Leylin's a level 3 acolyte as well, our combined battle strength has increased by a lot. Even if we meet a bandit, there's no need to be afraid." George seemed very excited.
The other acolytes did not refute him.
"Bandit? You're actually afraid of bandits?" Leylin asked, rather stunned. In his mind, the so-called bandits were just peasant farmers with grass pitchforks and fishing spears.
"Oh, you don't know about this?" George seemed to be even more amazed than Leylin. "I can't believe you came this far when you're so overwhelming ignorant about the whole situation!"
Immediately, George carefully explained to Leylin, "If it was a bandit group composed of only ordinary humans, then there's no need for us to worry. Shiera can single-handedly kill all those who come. However, the situation at the Eternal River Plains is different. Due to the number of acolytes travelling there alone, bandit groups that specifically target magicians have appeared. There are even rumours that official Magi are behind these bandit groups."
Due to large increase in the number of magicians travelling to the Eternal River Plains' secret plane, the public security in that area was extremely chaotic. Some scattered dark magicians naturally had the idea to fight for the resources.
However, as these dark magicians were mostly acolytes, their strength was inadequate when compared to Leylin.
If they were official Magi, the greedy dark magicians would be unwilling to attack, but if they were mere acolytes, then the they would not be as hesitant. Compared to the light Magi, who had grown in a protected environment like flowers in a greenhouse, acolytes on the dark side who had matured under the law of the jungle were obviously more powerful in battle. With their superior fighting instincts and their manipulation of timing when attacking, they were far more capable than their light acolyte peers.
Most of the acolytes in the area, especially those who were leaving, might be carrying some precious resources from the Eternal River Plains' secret plane. If bandits ran into any of these acolytes, it would be enough for them to make a fortune!
There were several dark magician acolytes that had these thoughts.
Hence, the way to the Eternal River Plains' secret plane was full of danger.
Many acolytes who were dreaming of panning for gold usually died before reaching the secret plane.
Leylin thought back to how he had not run into any big bandit groups during his journey.
Occasionally, he had encountered a few inexperienced local thieves that had been dealt with by Number 2 and Number 3.
These two men had already advanced after receiving the incomplete runes of Branded Swordsmen and all ordinary men or acolytes were easily dealt with with a few sword attacks.
"So that's what's happening. It seems that I've been rather lucky." Leylin massaged his temples and laughed.
"I can't help saying this, but man, your luck is too good! However, this has just been the outlying areas. As we continue to travel further into the Eternal River Plains, there will be more of these kinds of bandits. As the light Magi will focus all their energy on the secret plane, some entrances might have a generous amount of warnings placed, but other regions will just be disregarded…"
George had a good grasp of Leylin's character and knew that this friend of his was not what he seemed to be on the surface. He was sure to have some trump cards.
He wasn't wrong either, since Leylin knew how to adapt to circumstances and act accordingly.
The stronger Leylin was, the more secure his band of comrades would be. If he continued asking further, it would only result in Leylin being pressured to leave, which did not work well for their situation.
It was but a mere assumption, but since Leylin could advance to a level 3 acolyte so quickly and receive solo missions, that meant he definitely had a great trump card. Poor George didn't even consider the possibility that Leylin had already advanced to an official Magus.
After all, there was a wide chasm between a level 3 acolyte and the realm of official Magi.
Even if it was the most amazing genius, promoting to the Magus realm before 30 years of age was in itself a most outstanding speed of advancement.
George, who knew that Leylin only had a third-grade aptitude, did not bother considering that all.
"Good! Now that you're a member of our group, let's enjoy a toast." George, as always, was very welcoming and put an arm around Leylin's shoulder, patting Leylin's chest with his other arm.
"At least we're not lacking good wine nor beautiful women. Do you see that red-clothed beauty beside the bar counter? She's making bedroom eyes at you. If you just go up and speak to her, I bet she'll she'll be yours tonight! And then… heh!"
George hadn't said much and had already reverted to his lecherous nature. Beside him, Shiera's face changed and the next moment, George let out a sharp scream and begged for forgiveness.
"Haha…"
Seeing this, the acolytes from the Wetland Gardens Academy and Leylin were unable to keep a straight face.
Leylin obviously did not hit on anyone in the end, since George had been joking around to liven up the atmosphere.
The result of this drinking session was surprisingly good. At least, after seeing Leylin produce the insignia of Four Seasons Garden, the relations between Leylin, Alexander and the rest of the acolytes all turned for the better.
Bessita appeared to be very happy to welcome Leylin as their new comrade.
The group rested in the small town for a while, before setting off early in the morning and resuming their journey.
The missions assigned by Ennea Ivory Ring Tower and Wetland Gardens Academy all had time limits. George and the others had to report to a designated area within a stipulated time. If not, they would be labeled as criminals and be on their school's wanted list.
They were mere acolytes! If something like this were to happen, they would be finished for the rest of their lives!
Hence, after receiving the mission, they could only obey the arrangements of the organisation no matter how unwilling they were. There was little choice but to enter the Eternal River Plains' secret plane and accept the unknown fate their future held.
Jamu
The azure blue sky was covered with white clouds, and there seemed to be no end to this wonderful sight.
Beside a ramrod straight street, a winding, clear stream flowed. On the bed of the creek white pebbles and green fish could clearly be seen.
"As long as we go through this Pome Alley, we'll reach our destination. It's an entrance to Eternal River Plain's secret plane located in Marat Canyon. It only takes a day for us to get there, so we can afford to stroll there! Should we find a place and take a rest?"
George looked at the yellow map drawn on parchment paper and produced a compass. He checked his bearings and spoke to Leylin and the others as he looked back.
"Stop? If it's that near, then wouldn't it be better if we went and rested there?"
Sheira glared at George.
This situation had already occurred multiple times within this small group. Every time George had a suggestion, Sheira would vehemently shoot him down, and George would usually automatically give up.
It was such a regular occurrence that even Leylin had become used to it.
Perhaps only this kind of woman would be able to control a playboy like George. Leylin noted that George seemed to be enjoying this situation.
Bessita, on the other hand, had been silent the whole time. She did not give her opinion on anything, and were it not for her being the only level 3 acolyte from Wetland Gardens Academy, she might have been forgotten.
"Alright, alright! Let's be on our way!" Just as expected, upon hearing Sheira's voice, George quickly raised both his arms and surrendered. Leylin rolled his eyes at him.
Leylin was a little surprised as he looked at the other route in front of them.
With Leylin's current spiritual force, he could clearly tell that not far away, there was a team of acolytes. They were rushing in their direction and seemed to be heading for Marat Canyon as well.
Based on their speed, it seemed that they were going to encounter Leylin's group soon.
Their might was obviously greater than George's group by one or two levels. Leylin could also feel the undulations created by magical artifacts on the leader's body.
Although it was just a low-grade magic artifact, that alone was already very valuable.
Only truly talented acolytes and the successors of large families were in possession of magic artifacts. The battle might of these acolytes was definitely at the peak of level 3, and besides official Magi, they feared no one!
About three minutes later, Sheira's face changed.
"Be careful! Bourbon discovered that there are acolytes nearing us!"
As the one in charge of long-range attacks, Sheira was naturally also the sentinel. Bourbon was an unusual owl that she was raising that could share its field of vision with her within a specific range.
"Acolytes?"
George's expression darkened and he cursed. "F*ck! I hope our luck isn't that bad. Alert!"
Meeting foreign acolytes in the open wasn't something that could be ignored. There was a possibility that conflict between them could occur, and in such a scenario, the weaker party would usually be the victim.
George issued an order; Bessita and the others quickly understood that they were in danger.
They gathered together and a few of them set up a simple defensive spell formation. The entire process was executed smoothly, indicating that they must have prepared and practiced beforehand.
While the acolytes were waiting nervously, a cloud of dust was nearing them.
*Tak! Tak!*
Along with the sound of footsteps from several horses, a team of five people appeared in Leylin's line of sight.
The leader was dressed in a white robe and had a broadsword on his back. Leylin found that the undulations emitted from a magic artifact originated from that large sword.
"It's such a large magic artifact. Interesting!" Leylin stroked his chin.
Usually, magic artifacts were much smaller due to the precious resources they had to be constructed from. Though this huge magic artifact was only of a low grade, this was Leylin's first time seeing one that was so large.
After recognizing such an eye-catching signature item, Bessita, and the two other acolytes from Wetland Gardens Academy first had an expression of disbelief, and then shouted, "It's Jamu! It's Senior Jamu!"
"Oh! Are you acolytes from Wetland Gardens Academy?" Leylin glanced at the three acolytes who left the defensive spell formation and went to receive the newcomers.
A hint of a smile appeared on Bessita's face.
With the added bonus of her natural beauty, her smile caused the acolytes behind Jamu to be stunned for a moment.
*Clop! Clop!*
The group pulled on their reins, and with a wave from their leader Jamu, the five dismounted; their actions were precise as if they were from the military.
"Are you acolytes from the academy?"
Jamu, the leader, was a tall man with fair skin. He was a head taller than George and had blue hair. There was a red mole between his brows.
"Yes! Senior Jamu, we even met once at Professor Clarentino's cocktail party…"
Upon seeing such a famous character, Alexander and Lana were rendered speechless and could do naught but hide behind Bessita.
Bessita, on the other hand, was very enthusiastic and chatted with Jamu, occasionally pointing towards Leylin and George.
Ten or so minutes later, Jamu approached George and Leylin.
"George! And this is Sheira…?"
Jamu raised his chin, arrogance evident in his eyes, "I've heard about you from Bessita. As thanks for helping them, I permit you to follow behind us to Marat Canyon."
Jamu looked at them condescendingly, as if pitying them.
"Senior Jamu is one of the ten strongest in the academy in terms of battle power! With him around, we don't have to worry about our safety!"
Bessita was boasting about his strength at the side, her entire body almost pressed against Jamu's.
"You…" George still had his own pride after all and immediately wanted to say something, but Sheira stopped him.
"He's right! Pome Alley has always been an area where bandits are frequently seen. Without Bessita and the others, I doubt we'll be able to get through safely." Sheira murmured into George's ear.
After hearing his love's words George became gloomy, and he eventually forced a smile, "In that case, thank you Senior Jamu!"
"Hmph!" Jamu nodded reservedly and looked at Leylin.
"As for you, the dark Magus from before! During these sensitive times, our group does not welcome you!"
"You can't do this! Leylin is an acolyte from Four Seasons Garden, and has long since broken all ties with Abyssal Bone Forest Academy!" George hurriedly brought up.
"What credit do magicians who grew up in that sort of environment have to speak of? Who knows, perhaps his status as an acolyte of Four Seasons Garden was gained with unethical methods!"
Jamu laughed icily.
"I do think there's a large chance of him being a spy deployed by dark Magi, and we need to check his belongings!"
Behind Jamu, a freckled acolyte yelled.
"Bessita! What do you think?"
Leylin watched her with a hint of interest.
"I'm sorry Leylin! Though we once walked the same path, the safety of our companions is the priority now."
Bessita seemed to be in a tough spot struggling with this decision.
"Do you have anything else to say?" Jamu crossed his arms.
While Alexander and Lana didn't think Leylin was an enemy, but in front of Jamu, they didn't dare say anything.
As for George, Shiera had pulled him back.
"For some useless revenge?" Leylin stared at Bessita. "How stupid!"
"But it seems like I don't have to take care of you myself!"
"What do you mean?" Jamu was confused by Leylin's words and Leylin's attitude irked him. A bright radiance caused by magic appeared instantly from Jamu's body, which made the atmosphere become serious.
*Whoosh!*
An acidic flying dart shot out, striking the arrogant freckled acolyte.
*Sssii!*
Along with the terrifying sound of corrosion, the acolyte melted into a pile of flesh, and red and green liquid under the gaze of the surrounding acolytes.
In the middle of the pile of flesh, several broken pieces of bones stayed upright.
"An enemy attack!" Bessita's flustered voice sounded, and because it was so piercing, she sounded a little hoarse.
*Swish! Swish! Swish!*
In no time, Jamu, Leylin and everyone else were surrounded by around twenty bandits.
"Akai!" "You hateful brute!" "I'll kill you!"
The three acolytes behind Jamu were outraged at seeing their companion die in such a tragic manner. Several waves of magic rushed towards the robed bandits.
"Hmph!"
The leader of the bandits stepped forward, a ring of black light dispersing from around his body.
*Pak! Pak!*
The acolytes used their spells against that black light, but like soap bubbles colliding against each other and bursting, their spells were all deflected..
"A magic artifact! A defensive magic artifact!"
Jamu narrowed his eyes at the realisation and stood in front of the three acolytes, protecting them.
"They're not people you can deal with. Retreat first!"
"I am Jamu! What is your name?"
*Clang!* Metal scraped against metal as Jamu unbuckled the broadsword from his back. He held it with one arm and faced the robed bandit leader and asked for the enemy's name.
"Hehe…"
Amidst strange giggles, the leader made his move.
*Boom!* A layer of the ground separated; soil and rocks were suspended in the air, converging into the shape of a beast. Its jaws were wide open as it snapped at Jamu.
"Hah!"
A silver-white light flashed in the air as Jamu waved his hand.
A single line sliced towards the beast!
The surrounding greenery was destroyed in an instant; a gap separated the trees into two groups.
Plant Type-Transfiguration
*Weng!*
The silver white light was extremely thin, and as it sliced at the beast formed from rock, not a single undulation was produced.
*Bang!*
The stone beast suddenly halted in mid-air, and with a gentle booming sound, the beast cracked, and was reduced to fragments of rock that rained down.
"The Wetland Gardens Academy's 'Broadsword Jamu' is indeed formidable!"
The leader chuckled, seeming to be very familiar with Jamu.
"Who in the world are you?" Jamu frowned. Not only did these bandits have acolytes in the group, the bandits' leader even had a magic artifact and knew so much about him. No matter how he thought about it, this leader wasn't just any random bandit looking for a target!
He could smell something fishy and quite possibly dangerous going on here.
"Do you really think I'd tell you?" The bandit leader answered nonchalantly. "There should at least be a transmitting spell formation on you. The moment I expose anything about myself, the Wetland Gardens Academy will automatically have a record of it. Am I wrong?"
While he spoke, rays of black light emerged in the area surrounding him.
The black lights converged, forming warriors in armour. Their skulls were jet black.
"These are my darkness fighting troop that I especially prepared for you! Each dark warrior's might is at at least 15 degrees! How about it? Enjoy the experience!"
Amidst the manic laughter, the black armoured warriors roared and rushed forward, trapping Jamu between them.
Seeing the more than ten dark warriors, Jamu's face fell.
Although this large magic artifact of his was very powerful, its energy consumption rate was equally enormous. It was obvious that this bandit was intending to use cannon fodder and force him to use up his magic and spiritual force.
No matter how amazing an acolyte was, once his or her magic and spiritual force were depleted, he or she would only be trampled on.
"Kill off the other acolytes. All items will belong to you!"
The black robed bandit leader hid behind the rows of dark warriors to stay protected and pointed towards Leylin and the other acolytes.
"Kill!" His underlings, the dark Magus acolytes, roared and rushed towards Leylin.
"Damn it! Try to prolong the fight. Once Senior Jamu takes care of the opposing leader, we'll be safe!"
Bessita clenched her teeth and spoke to the acolytes behind her.
At the same time, she glanced towards Leylin's direction.
"Let's form an alliance! Otherwise, none of us will be able to survive!"
"Hmph!" George knew her suggestion was reasonable, but couldn't help but snort in reply.
He wasn't stupid and naturally knew what had just happened.
He really didn't want to form an alliance with such a woman.
However, his rational side told him that this was the best way to get out of this difficult situation.
"George!" Sheira cast a worried glance at George. She had already readied her bow, which had been on her shoulder, and positioned it at her front.
"Leylin! Let's do it!" George saw that the bandits were quickly closing in and unwillingly bellowed.
The muscles on his body bulged bit by bit, and in an instant, he turned into a giant that was more than three metres tall. At the same time, his skin had turned green, matching with the veins on his muscles that looked like connected earthworms. Leylin suddenly thought of the Incredible Hulk, a figure he was familiar with in his previous life.
"Roar!" After transforming into the green giant, George pounded on his naked chest and bellowed out a thundering roar.
He stomped on the ground, and with huge momentum, shot towards the incoming bandits like a lead bullet which had left a gun barrel.
*Pa!*
With a wave of George's giant palm, a bandit was sent flying. Blood splattered all over, and the sound of bones breaking could be heard. Even the piercing screeches of horror were overshadowed by this grisly sight and sound.
"What amazing power! Besides some flaws in speed and rationality, every other aspect is perfect!" Leylin watched George, who was freely utilizing his might, from a corner, his blue eyes flashing.
He never expected George to have majored in transfiguration!
However, this decision was easy to relate to, as Magi usually held high positions, and prioritised lengthening their lifespan.
For the average magician, advancing to the level of a Magus to gain a longer lifespan was much too difficult. Hence, by transplanting the organs of various powerful creatures and modifying one's body, one would be able to strengthen and increase his or her vitality. This had gradually become the norm amongst magicians.
The study of transmutation had thus become very popular amongst many.
Strictly speaking, the changes that a Warlock would undergo could actually be considered an extension of transmutation as well. At the very least, they were rather similar at the beginning stages.
Hence, when Leylin was at the Four Seasons Garden, he had concentrated on collecting all knowledge related to transmutation. With the aid of the A.I. Chip, his knowledge in transmutation was at a level close to official Magi who had spent most of their life researching on this subject.
With just a look, Leylin could identify the creature George had used.
"Out of all the plants that can be transfigured, a Green Metal Tree? This is a popular choice amongst acolytes since it's easy to work with and augments offensive prowess. Its defensive properties are not bad, and there are many ways in which one can advance. There aren't too many restrictions!"
At this moment, the green giant that George had transformed into was in the center of the battlefield, grabbing an unlucky individual's thigh. The poor man was used as a huge club and was swung around by George at any bandits who neared him.
This "human weapon" brushed against the ground from time to time, producing traces of bright red bloodstains. From the looks of it, the acolyte that George had caught was in a rather terrible situation.
*Chi! Chi!*
Meanwhile, there were several green arrows being shot by Sheira's bow from behind George. She covered for George and helped him fend off attackers.
"Hm. They have good rapport!" Leylin nodded, looking incredibly relaxed.
Around him, there was a layer of invisible waves that could manipulate one's mind. All acolytes who entered the domain he had set up would unconsciously choose to ignore him, and would instead fight amongst themselves.
Such a strange situation had obviously attracted the attentions of many.
"Look at him! The enemies aren't going after him at all. He has got to be a spy!"
The three acolytes behind Jamu saw this odd situation, and immediately yelled.
"Uhh…" Leylin touched his nose.
His laid back appearance was rather eye catching in this desperate battle.
Before George and the others could react, the winner on the side of the battlefield where Jamu was had been decided.
"You're forcing me to do this! Burst form! Activate!"
After waving his sword in quick succession, he scattered the bunch of dark acolytes that approached and steeled his mind while looking at the numerous dark warriors around him.
He pressed a few points on his body, as if stimulating some special state.
In a split second, his blue hair exploded strand by strand, and immense energy undulations were emitted from his body.
*Weng Weng!*
The white broadsword in Jamu's hand also produced a rumble.
"Whirlwind, Second form!" Jamu shouted.
From within the sword, a violent, green hurricane emerged!
The tremendous hurricane shrouded Jamu's body, and he rapidly spun along with it.
The green hurricane was like a spinning top, with the surface being the edge of the broadsword. Like the wind, it swept through the battlefield, along with the hordes of dark warriors.
*Peng!* *Peng!* *Peng!* *Peng!*
The dark warriors that had been swept up in the green hurricane looked like they were caught by a large, shapeless hand and forced into a vortex. They scattered into countless black pieces that flew about in the air.
The violent hurricane instantly destroyed the dark warriors' layers of defense and quickly approached the bandit leader.
"Night Devil!"
The bandit leader produced a black ring and yelled, the gaze in his eyes frantic for the very first time.
*Peng!*
Numerous black rays emanated from the ring and formed a large black shield in front of him. There were fine black barbed tips on the surface, with the sheen of a metallic luster.
When the attacks from the hurricane struck against the black shield, a gigantic energy shock wave engulfed the area.
*Boom!*
Along with the loud noise, the explosion left a deep crater on the surface of the ground. An entire layer of the ground had been turned up, exposing plant roots and countless stones.
Even the side of the battlefield that Leylin was on was affected!
Whether it was the bandits or the acolytes near Leylin, everyone was in a pitiful state.
After the blast wave had died down, dust flew all over like a curtain and covered the battlefield.
The two opposing forces stopped all actions, and focused their gazes on the centre of the area.
After a moment, the dust dispersed and revealed the area.
In the middle of the crater, innumerable crevices had split open like cobwebs under the two combatants' feet. Jamu's two hands were fixed firmly on his silver white broadsword, pressed against the surface of the black shield.
"Hah! Hah!"
Jamu was panting roughly, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.
It was obvious that the violent explosion had taken a toll on his physical strength.
"Hehe… I acknowledge your strength, but so what? You've probably used up all your spiritual force at this point, no? I wonder how much energy is still left in the reserves of that large sword of yours."
The bandit leader snickered.
With the sounds of his laughter, the black light from the shield began to suppress the sword.
The strain could be seen on Jamu's expression as the broadsword was gradually forced backwards by the shield.
"Jamu—Senior Jamu!" The acolytes who had come with Jamu murmured worriedly, their voices breaking.
"Jamu won't actually lose right? He's the number 1 genius acolyte of the academy…"
Bessita's little face had turned pale as she scanned the surroundings.
"Hehe… I'll bring your head back, hang it in my bedroom, and treat it as my most treasured collection item!" The bandit leader snickered complacently.
"Unfortunately, you're the one who's going to lose! Furthermore, I'll be the one stepping over your body as if I'm stepping over stones!"
A Dark Magus!
Jamu's face turned red and he suddenly shouted, "Third Form!"
An instant later, blood oozed from his skin.
The great amount of blood soaked into his clothes, staining it red. His whole body currently looked as if he had just been fished out of an ocean of blood.
With his blood bubbling up, a shocking amount of terrifying spiritual force was also sent out from Jamu's body suddenly.
The large sword in Jamu's hand immediately turned a bright red color, and its radiance momentarily grew by several metres.
*Peng!*
The bandit leader's black metal shield was broken into pieces by the blood-red sword.
Following which, Jamu swung the sword in his hands and aimed a fierce chop at the black-garbed bandit leader.
*Sssii!*
The black-garbed bandit leader was sent flying by the attack, and the black ring-shaped magic artifact on his body shattered into pieces in mid-air. It then turned into fine dust, which drifted off with the wind.
"Good work, Jamu!"
"You truly are worthy of being called Senior Jamu!"
Witnessing this scene, all the other people from the Wetland Gardens Academy immediately began to cheer.
Jamu, on the other hand, immediately turned around with his sword aimed at the remaining bandits.
Apparently, he had planned to dispose of all these enemies in one breath; after all, the third form also placed a heavy burden on him and had other troublesome after effects.
"Jamu is the best…" Bessita said, seeing Jamu's unusual power. She blushed, stars flashing in her eyes.
"Pieces of trash! You have forced my hand!"
Suddenly, a strange hoarse voice could be heard.
After hearing this voice, the bandits, who had been arrogant up until a moment ago, kneeled down as if they had seen God, their bodies slightly trembling.
Following this voice, a huge black palm appeared in midair and slammed at Jamu, just like someone swatting a housefly.
*Thump!*
The black palm merely swatted, yet the blood-red sword in Jamu's hand was sent flying. Soon after, a fist struck out. Jamu's chest caved in, and he spurted out a large amount of blood as he was thrown back.
"An offi…official Magus?"
Lying on the ground, Jamu's expression was one of incredulity, and then he lost consciousness.
"Official Magus?" Bessita's expression paled, and she felt limp and collapsed as if the bones in her body had been removed. "We are finished!"
Although they had heard that there was a dark official Magus hiding in one of the many bandit groups, they had not anticipated that they would encounter this particular one.
This was a high and mighty Magus! Would he even put their small group of acolytes in his eyes?
Unfortunately, the reality was cruel, and what one least expected would always happen.
The dark Magus was clothed in a black robe with golden accents, and with a black fog obscured his appearance, he instantly appeared in front of them.
*Awooooo!* George issued a loud howl and faced the dark Magus head-on.
Though powerful, George's gigantic green form caused side effects such as losing rationality for an indeterminate period randomly. This effect was more obvious when the body was transformed.
He instinctively rushed towards the middle of the battlefield, heading for the dark Magus who was immensely pressuring him.
"George! Don't!" shouted Shiera, with a look of despair on her face.
"A lowly acolyte dares to attack this mighty Lord Magus?"
The dark Magus sneered. A dangerous green phosphorescent claw from an unknown beast latched onto George.
*Puchi!*
Suddenly, raging black fireballs struck this strange claw.
The raging black fireballs seemed to fill the sky and dyed it a dark black.
This was merely a green claw, and though it tried to persist within the black flame, it was burned to ashes within a few seconds.
"Who was that?" The dark-gowned Magus asked in rage.
"Ai…" was the reply he heard, a soft and gentle sigh.
Immediately, Leylin's body flashed past in a dark ray of light, appearing in front of George, who had transformed into the green giant.
At this moment, however, there was some drool flowing from one side of George's mouth—he had completely lost his rationality. Seeing Leylin, he attempted to grab him.
The green giant's arms had flexible and sturdy muscles, causing violent gales when they moved.
While facing this attack, Leylin calmly extended his right hand.
*Bang!*
The huge fist was directly blocked by the pale, slender palm of Leylin.
At this moment, Leylin's body was like an infant's when compared to that of the green giant, but even so, Leylin still resisted the green giant's full strength attack.
This scene appeared to be all too hilarious, but not a single person present was laughing.
"An offi…official Magus?"
Alexander's jaws snapped wide open—thus resembling a toad—and he said, "Leylin is an official Magus! My heavens…"
"How foolish were we?" Lana and the other acolytes also were gaping foolishly.
As for Bessita, this woman had basically become paralyzed on the ground—in short, she was unable to say anything!
The only one who looked happy at all was Shiera.
Currently, George was on the ground, bound by many black chains which sprouted from the ground underneath Leylin.
Following which, the transformation of George's body seemed to be undergoing a change; it began shrinking while emitting steam. He gradually shrunk, and later regained the build of an ordinary man.
"George!" Shiera hurriedly approached and helped remove the black chains from George's body.
George was in a coma, and his body was involuntarily twitching. He looked terrible; his face still had large patches of green, and his lips had lost their colour.
"Ley…..My Lord, I request that you save him." Shiera clasped George's face, a harried look on her own face.
"No need to worry!"
"This is only a biological rejection from the cells of a Green Metal Tree. It is very easy to solve."
A milky-white beam emitted from Leylin's palm, which was then irradiated onto George's face.
When the milky white beam turned into thin white rays that bored through George's nose and ears, the green patches on his face vanished at a very quick speed. A few seconds later, George assumed a serene expression, like an ordinary sleeping person.
After handling George, Leylin slowly stood up and saw the Magus in the black fog waiting at the side.
"I truly didn't expect that I would run into an official Magus here."
The voice of the dark Magus, whose face was wrapped in fog, sounded out. This voice belonged to neither a male nor a female; it was clearly a fake voice.
"I, too, didn't expect that I would meet a dark Magus while taking a stroll after concealing my identity," Leylin stated flatly.
Even though he had participated in a lot of raids and other such missions with the Thousands Meddling Hands, that was only for dealing with goals that had a degree of difficulty similar to raiding the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower.
As an official Magus, resorting to being a bandit and robbing acolytes was something he couldn't do.
It seemed that the dark Magus who was facing Leylin was poverty-stricken. His strength, spiritual force, and the energy waves fluctuating from his body seemed comparatively weak. He must have recently broken through. His spiritual force and elemental essence conversion were also very low.
"In that case, I will give you some face and let them all off!" The dark Magus quickly spoke up.
Due to the lack of benefits, no Magus in their right mind would battle an enemy at the same level as themselves.
"Thanks!"
Leylin replied in a faint voice.
While he was considering that the enemy might go on ahead, the other dark Magus said, "Additionally, I have some exclusive information regarding the Eternal River Plains' secret plane. Do you want to hear it?"
"News about the Eternal River Plains' secret plane?" Doubtful, Leylin glanced at this dark Magus, sizing him up.
Based on the enemy's strength, it would not be possible for him to have gathered any information. When he came across such lucky opportunities, Leylin generally maintained extreme caution.
"Not bad!"
However, Leylin still agreed, wanting to see what this dark Magus was trying to pull.
"You should leave first!"
The Magus in a black robe spoke to the horde of bandits, who were lucky to have survived.
"Yes, my lord!"
All of the bandits present immediately moved around wildly in their fright, and before one could blink, they had already disappeared.
Heavens! They had believed they would be raiding only a group of acolytes, and they did not think that they would unexpectedly find an official Magus within this group.
Moreover, seeing the attitude of their true leader, the other party's strength must have truly been very terrifying.
If a person like Leylin were to be in a bad mood, killing the bandits would be as difficult as dealing with an ant.
Thus, these bandits helped the fallen acolytes get up, and disappeared like the wind, leaving a mess behind.
"You all wait here for me!"
Leylin saw that after he had spoken, all the acolytes in his group bowed their bodies, including Bessita.
These acolytes had picked up this habit within their academies. Towards a Magus, they were required to show extreme respect and caution. Otherwise, they would be severely punished.
Seeing this scene, Leylin inwardly smiled and immediately left with the black-fog-masked dark Magus.
"Can we speak here?"
After the dark Magus had reached a faraway place, Leylin shouted, making the dark Magus halt.
"Finally, what is the news that you have? If what you say is really valuable, then no matter how many magic crystals or whatever else you want in exchange, I will not be stingy with it…"
"It is not very secure here. I need to bring you to a place where no one will be able to eavesdrop." The dark Magus began explaining.
"Is that so?" Leylin was suspicious, but he still went along with this dark Magus.
"We're here now."
The dark Magus led Leylin to a strange pile of scattered stones
"I set up an isolation spell formation here that will ensure that all we say will stay private, and nobody will be able to listen in on our conversation."
The Magus, whose face was concealed by dark fog, and could not have his or her gender identified, went straight for the middle of the pile of stones. Leylin, on the other hand, hesitated and stopped in his tracks.
"What's wrong? Do you not believe me?"
The Magus surrounded by black fog questioned.
Detonation
"As much as I would like to enter, I would like to first know why I am seeing offensive and restraint runes inside the spell formation. Not even one isolation energy rune is in the formation…"
Blue light flashed in Leylin's eyes as he stopped in front of the formation and looked at the Magus within the black fog.
"To think that you would still find out after all!"
The Magus in the dark fog smiled wryly, and his voice turned much gentler. It belonged to that of a young woman.
Leylin actually recognised this voice.
"It can't be helped since I've never really swindled anyone before!"
The woman forced a laugh and dispelled the black fog that concealed her.
The fog dispersed, revealing an ordinary female face. Though she wasn't that pretty, her eyes were extremely gentle and there seemed to be ripples within them, making her unforgettable.
On her chest was a large necklace of gems and pearls strung together, each sparkling with every colour under the sun.
"Jenna?! It's you?" Leylin immediately recognised the identity of this Magus.
This young lady was the first Magus that he had befriended in the Nightless City, and Leylin's impression of her at the time was not bad.
However, it seemed like this pure looking young lady was, in fact, hiding something from Leylin.
"We finally meet again, Leylin!"
This young lady, who seemed to come from a large family, smiled brilliantly.
"Let's not talk about the things of the past. Shouldn't you first explain the traps laid inside this spell formation?"
Leylin pointed at the spell formation with a solemn expression.
He had been travelling in secret, and even though he had been on alert, he had been followed by this young woman in disguise and did not realise it at all. He had no clue as to what methods she had used to conceal her tracks, and what intentions she harboured.
"Regarding this problem…"
Jenna lowered her head, as if ashamed. "This is…"
In a split second, a multi-coloured burst of light erupted from the necklace around Jenna's neck, rapidly approaching Leylin.
Leylin, who had always been alert, had previously set up several spell formations on his legs to assist him in moving more quickly. They were quickly activated, and his body turned into several black shadows, that instantly disappeared.
*Rumble!*
Rainbow rays of light enveloped the ground and formed a rune on the floor. Under the light, all plants, and even the soil began to wither.
"Gotcha!" At this scene, a smile appeared on Jenna's face.
Leylin, who was in the middle of moving, was shocked.
At that moment, a dim spell formation suddenly appeared, and lit up under his feet.
Countless white pillars of light rose, forming a cage that locked Leylin up within.
"Did she plan ahead and set this up beforehand? No! It's something more powerful than that!"
Inside the cage, Leylin shook his robes, and several fireballs crashed into the cage, the black flames burning fiercely.
However, these pillars of white light were extremely sturdy; the Latent Fireball could only cause the light pillars to tremble. It seemed like much more power was needed to break this spell formation.
A person who was able to lay such a spell formation was not a simple character.
Leylin carefully looked at this female Magus, suddenly feeling that he had underestimated her.
No matter if it was that obvious spell formation trap that was laid as a bait to attract Leylin's attention, or grasping the right opportunity and making an instantaneous decision to strike, it was not something any ordinary light Magus could do.
This particular prediction of where Leylin was going to land made Leylin even more afraid.
If it was the power of divination, low leveled magicians were helpless against it.
"Why?" Leylin, who was trapped in the white pillared cage, asked.
He'd only seen Jenna a few times before he entered the city. After that, they had limited contact, and no matter how he questioned himself, there wasn't a reason for them to be in a battle to the death.
"I'm sorry, but you are the catalyst that will bring war and draw fresh blood in the south coast. To protect the peace here, I have no choice but to sacrifice you…"
Beads of tears dripped down her face. Leylin could not determine whether or not they were crocodile tears.
"So just because of some illusory prophecy, you want to get rid of me after thinking that I will bring danger to the south coast?"
Leylin's face darkened. No matter who it was, after being confronted with such a ridiculous situation, they would also be driven mad.
Leylin had thought of many situations earlier. Was it revenge? For the benefits of an opposing faction? However, he had never even thought of such a possibility being her motive.
However, since it had already been confirmed, what Jenna had cast before was a type of prophecy spell.
"You don't need to struggle anymore. This is a cage that I prepared especially for you using fragments of the future that I obtained. Not only is it made entirely out of light elemental particles, I've also included innumerable high-level spells that are fire resistant. Even with your most powerful attack, it's impossible to break out of there!"
Jenna suddenly closed her eyes and then quickly opened them; her pupils were white.
"For the sake of world peace, please leave this place!"
Jenna said indifferently, her originally common face unexpectedly radiating a holy feel.
As the words left her mouth, the white pillared cage trapping Leylin began to close in. Countless white threads of light separated from the pillars and enveloped the interior of the cage.
These white threads were like thin silk produced by silkworms, wrapping themselves around Leylin's body as if they wanted to wrap him in a large cocoon.
"Hehe…"
Leylin paid no heed to the threads surrounding his body and suddenly began to chuckle.
"What are you laughing about? If you have any last wishes, you can tell me. By my reputation as the Guardian family, I promise I'll help you achieve it!"
Both of Jenna's arms were placed on her chest, and she made a strange gesture with her hands.
"No need for it! Looking at your hypocrisy makes me want to puke!" A nauseating feeling surged up from within Leylin's chest.
Back in his previous world, he was already strongly disgusted by things such as world guardians, protectors of the peace, and the like. In the name of righteousness, these groups would sacrifice a person for the sake of the greater good.
After having seen such a scene in the world he now lived in, an intense killing intent, something that he had never felt before, stirred within him.
"There will be a day where the world will understand our methods, and world peace will reign forever!" Jenna did not mind Leylin's words and instead replied with a maxim.
She then pointed at the cage.
"Purify!"
*Tsssss!* The white rays of light enveloped the entire cage, and Leylin suddenly felt as if he =had been placed in a furnace. He had a strange feeling that he was going to be melted down.
He specialized in dark elemental particles, which were the direct opposite of light elemental particles. He had no idea where Jenna had gotten this spell formation, but its might was incredibly formidable and even Leylin wasn't able to endure the pain it caused.
"I still have something to say!"
Despite the huge pressure on his body, streams of black smoke coiled around Leylin's body, which was resisting the corrosion of the white light. This scene made Leylin look quite pitiful.
"Sinner! Speak your last words!"
Jenna advanced slowly.
"I…"
Leylin's lips moved slightly.
"What? Have the light elemental particles already corroded him to this extent?" Jenna got even closer and pressed her ear to the side of the white pillared cage.
"You slut! You think that this world is operated by your family?"
In a moment, Leylin's body was covered by fine black scales, and his eyes had an amber vertical pupil resting within.
Leylin bellowed, "Hoop of Imprisonment! Detonate!"
*Boom!*
In an instant, a brilliant silver light exploded from Leylin's arm.
This metal hoop, which had been resting on Leylin's left arm, immediately exploded upon Leylin's command.
The giant shockwave immediately caused part of the cage to burst open. The explosion did not stop there and even extended to where Jenna was.
"Argh!"
Jenna grabbed her face as she was sent flying backwards.
The white thread, which had been restraining Leylin before, immediately exploded. Even the white pillared cage was clearly damaged.
"Eyes of Petrification!"
Leylin's eyes were focused on the area where the cage was caved in.
*Tssss!* An ashen layer of stone began to spread on the white pillars.
"Latent Fireball!"
Leylin pressed both of his hands together, and large amounts of black flames emerged from the shadows. He pulled his palms apart.
The black flames instantly separated and were evenly distributed on his palms.
"Go!"
Leylin clenched both hands and ferociously struck at the area of the cage that had been petrified.
*Rumble!*
The white light expanded, and in a moment, reached the height of several dozen metres, as if wanting to break through the clouds. After which, it withdrew and was engulfed by the black flames.
As for the heart of the flames, a figure with tattered clothes and fine black scales walked out slowly from it.
[Host's body has suffered from Light elemental corrosion. It has a restraining effect with the Host's energy particles, creating a neutralising effect. The damage has increased; currently, 34% of the Host's skin is burnt. The Host's left arm has suffered from the explosion of a magic artifact, causing dysfunctionality. Immediate treatment recommended!]
The A.I. Chip's prompt appeared in front of Leylin.
His current condition wasn't all that good. Not only were there multiple burns all over his body, his left arm was slanted strangely in front of his chest, revealing a huge wound. One could even see slightly charred bone.
Leylin had brazenly blown up a middle-grade magic artifact, and since he was in a cage, he was the one who had suffered the most. Hence, even with the Fallen Star Pendant and Kemoyin's Scales' defensive properties increased to the maximum, he still suffered major injuries.
Necklace
"No! That's impossible!"
Jenna, who had collapsed at the side, was holding on to half her face. Seeing Leylin escape, she shouted in disbelief.
"How did you get out? In the future I saw, there wasn't anything like this!"
Jenna yelled, her facial muscles twitching slightly.
"I know. It has to be! You must be the traitor going against fate!" Jenna's register suddenly became extremely high.
"Who I am is not important! The important thing is that you will have to die horribly today!"
The killing intent on Leylin grew stronger. Ever since he stepped on the path of a Magus, this was the first time he suffered such a big defeat!
The injuries he sustained on his body and his left arm, which was on the verge of breaking, were not easy to treat. His upcoming mission in the secret plane had now become more precarious.
At the thought, the fury in Leylin's heart became more vigorous.
"Bitch! I want you to know the price of offending me!"
Leylin roared, and used his right arm, the only one that was still in good condition, to viciously claw at Jenna!
Streams of rope-like black smoke emerged from the ground, followed the ground, and climbed towards Jenna.
"Guard!" Jenny grasped the large, thick necklace around her neck.
A red gem brightened and a huge lava fireball generated in front of Jenna, rushing towards the black smoke.
*Boom!*
A huge energy wave was emitted, the scalding molten lava scattering in all directions, creating large black holes in the ground.
"Even if you have all the spells prepared in that necklace today, it won't be able to save you!"
Leylin's eyes glinted coldly.
Several black fireballs were shot out instantaneously, and merged into the air as one collective fireball! The immense energy waves momentarily exploded with might which reached 51 degrees that immediately burnt a huge pit in the ground.
"Latent Fireball!"
Leylin pointed at Jenna.
The giant fireball seemed to set like the sun, projecting over Jenna's position.
Before the black flames descended, more sweat trickled on Jenna's face, which was ever paler than before.
"Frost!" Jenna gritted her teeth, spitting out a character of the Byron language from her mouth.
At that moment, the necklace around her neck continuously emanated ice magic energy waves as it produced a series of white rays while the pearls emitted light one after the other.
The white rays formed a dozen huge ice shields in front of Jenna.
The large, translucent white shields could clearly reflect the surroundings. The black fireballs from before flew down from the air, and in a flash, struck these ice shields.
Water vapour was being emitted.
A distance away from the fireballs, the water vapour quickly condensed into water droplets and ice chunks that fell to the ground.
After everything had settled down, the frost shields that were in front of Jenna and the Latent Fireball had already disappeared without a trace.
In the mist, a black figure appeared within.
Leylin, whose body was lined with the fine Scales of Kemoyin, immediately charged to where Jenna was.
*Sssii!*
The layer of icy defense coming from Jenna's necklace was immediately crushed by Leylin's right hand. At the same time, he knocked Jenna away with his body.
*Pa!* Leylin's shoulders crashed with a huge impact on Jenna.
*Chi Chi!* A layer of milky white light appeared on Jenna's robes, enveloping her whole body.
This was Jenna's innate defense spell. It had finally erupted at the most crucial moment.
*Pa Pa!*
Jenna flew backwards like the head of a train that had left its tracks, bashing into many trees along the way.
"This woman…"
Leylin focused his attention on Jenna. After that exchange, he could tell that she was merely a newly advanced Magus. In terms of elemental essence conversion, she was far from his match. If not for having a powerful magic artifact in possession, as well as that incredible gift for divination, she would long since have died at Leylin's hands.
As long as she was given time to set up formations, she could quickly come up with methods that were specifically catered to her enemy's weakness, like that incredible white pillared cage that had trapped him. Even a rank 1 Magus at his peak would be in trouble!
"Enemies with prophesying spells are the most troublesome. I was fortunate enough that her prophecy did not go as planned, but it's unlikely that I'll get so lucky again!"
Leylin's eyes turned cold as ice.
The thought that there was an opponent that was operating behind the scenes with prophesying skills left a bad taste in his mouth. Having this happen once was one time too many.
Never had his killing intent reached such an urgent degree.
"Shadow Stealth!"
Leylin tenaciously glared at Jenna, who had crawled up. The scales on his body flickered and gradually became translucent, and he vanished into the air.
He had decided to go all out when dealing with Jenna, and he made it his mission to ensure that this damned woman remained here forever.
Seeing Leylin disappear into the air, Jenna's expression became even more serious. She currently felt Leylin's determination to kill her. She was born intelligent, and with her high-grade meditation technique and her strengthened sixth sense, her instincts told her that if she made the slightest mistake then she would be the one that died today!
For the first time, such a terrifying experience had taken control of Jenna's spirit. Deep down in her heart, her willpower, which could not be shaken, had slowly given in.
For the first time, Jenna felt that it was a very bad decision to come out here alone to assassinate Leylin!
This fear and regret were like a poisonous snake which was continuously gnawing at her already weak mental fortitude.
At this moment, a pink heart shape gem exploded inside Jenna's necklace.
Jenna seemed perplexed at first, but very soon her will was strengthened.
"It's a hallucinatory spell, with some psychological coercion!" Jenna's face turned red. "Despicable!"
*Boom!*
A black figure appeared in front of Jenna.
With his right hand clenched into a fist, Leylin struck the defensive membrane from Jenna's innate spell.
*Pa!*
This innate spell was not in its best condition from its previous consumption, and with Leylin's iron fist, it was shattered into countless white spots, dissipating into the air.
Leylin's right hand was able to grab Jenna's right arm without any obstructions.
*Ka-Cha!* A bone crunching sound was made, and Jenna's right arm had been torn off by Leylin.
"Arghh!" The muscles on Jenna's face contorted in pain. She clenched her teeth and the silk on her robes seemed to writhe with life, bandaging her wound quickly.
At the same time, a large pushing force was emitted from her body, as if wanting to leave Leylin's attack area.
"Thinking of running?"
Leylin's pupils focused on Jenna. "Eyes of Petrification!"
Instantly, a mysterious light emitted from Leylin's amber eyes as he targeted Jenna.
"Petrification magic?"
Jenna made a sound of bewilderment. Petrification magic was something that had long since been extinct in the Magus world. Now, this was a spell that only creatures with ancient bloodlines had as an ability!
Next, creaking sounds emitted from Jenna's body, as if her muscles had become stiff.
A layer of stone began to spread from Jenna's face.
*Ka-cha! Ka-cha!*
In front of Leylin, Jenna turned into an ashen stone sculpture.
*Ding!*
When the grey-white colour had completely enveloped her, a light vibration came from the bulky necklace.
The whole necklace floated in the air, where the faint voice of an old person sounded, "Ultimate Guard of Life! Activate!"
Light! Dazzling light shone and enveloped the region in an instant.
After Leylin opened his eyes, the stone statue in front of him had already crumbled. Jenna who was within had disappeared, leaving behind only a pile of petrified skin.
After casting this final spell, that bulky necklace lost all of its powers.
*Ka-Cha!* *Ka-Cha!*
A layer of petrified stone suddenly emerged on the surface of the necklace. The necklace had turned into stone, fallen to the ground, and shattered into pieces.
"This is a substitution spell!"
Leylin's expression turned even more solemn. "This necklace contained so much power and even concealed a final body-substitution spell! An extremely large organisation must be behind Jenna!"
After realising this situation, the killing intent in Leylin's heart grew even stronger.
"You won't be able to run from me!"
Leylin inhaled deeply, where blue light appeared in his eyes immediately and scanned the surroundings.
"Several dozen seconds later, Leylin's brows furrowed and hurried towards a certain direction.
"I… I have to hurry and leave!!"
Jenna grabbed at the stub of her torn arm and rapidly traversed through the woods.
"The family heirloom necklace was destroyed, yet I wasn't able to get rid of him…"
Jenna was very dejected. The necklace from before was an heirloom, and for it to be destroyed while it was in her possession was a huge blow to her.
"Damned heretic! Traitor of fate! There will come a day that I will punish you!"
Jenna pledged inwardly.
"Found it!" Something that sounded like the devil's voice rang in her ear, and a vicious hot air brushed against her.
Jenna quickly pounced to the side.
*Boom!*
A huge explosion sounded at the place she had been at, sections of the ground and plants flying everywhere.
Meanwhile, Jenna suddenly smelt something very sweet and immediately after, her entire body became numb and she collapsed to the ground, unable to move.
"This is the end!"
Leylin walked to Jenna, who had breathed in large amounts of chloroform, and raised his right arm expressionlessly.
"You- You can't kill me! Do you know who I am?"
Jenna struggled, stuttering out her thoughts.
Without waiting for Leylin to ask, she quickly answered, "I am the successor of the Guardian family. I'm on good terms with the light Magi domain and various large organisations. The moment you kill me…"
"I don't care who you are!"
With his right hand armed with black flames, he clawed downwards!
Curse
*Boom!*
A green hurricane rapidly advanced towards Jenna and formed a green shield that protected her.
Leylin's flaming right hand collided with the shield, producing a tremendous noise.
"Uncle- Uncle Manla!" She produced a wide smile.
Along with the loud noise of the wind, a burly, blonde man appeared in front of Leylin.
"Manla?" Leylin recognised this Magus, who had he had previously met once before.
"After receiving your transmission, I rushed over. Thank goodness I made it in time!" Manla stood in front of Jenna, glaring menacingly at Leylin.
"You actually dared to harm my niece to this extent! My family will definitely not…"
*Rumble!*
Before Manla could even finish his sentence, Leylin wasted no time and sent out numerous black fireballs towards him.
From Leylin's perspective, since they were already enemies, it was natural for him to eradicate them all. Who would bother with listening to what they had to say?
"Be careful, Uncle Manla! He's very strong and his elemental essence conversion has surpassed 50%!"
While Jenna was yelling out warnings, Leylin was already manipulating latent fireballs to attack Manla's green hurricane.
Under the attack of the fireballs, which had a might of 51 degrees, Manla was basically forced to retreat step by step.
"So powerful!" An expression of shock appeared on Manla's face.
Shortly after, like a ghost, Leylin suddenly appeared in front of him, a clawed hand encased in crimson flames grabbing towards his face.
*Pop!*
The sounds of bubbles being burst echoed and the defensive spell on the surface of Manla's body was easily destroyed in the face of Leylin's Crimson Palm. It was taken care of so easily, like paper being ripped apart.
Leylin's palm didn't stop moving and grabbed ahold of the burly man's chest.
*Slash!* A bloody piece of flesh was ripped out by the dragging of the claw, and the surrounding skin was left slightly charred.
"This won't do! The difference in power is too much. If we stay here, we'll definitely die!"
Manla immediately pulled Jenna up, turned, and ran!
Rationally speaking, Manla was a semi-converted Magus whose elemental essence conversion was at least 50%. In the Magus community on the south coast, he would be considered the cream of the crop. However, he had the misfortune of meeting an evildoer like Leylin, who was much too powerful even when his spiritual force and elemental essence conversion were being suppressed. In terms of hand to hand combat, Manla couldn't win either.
"Tiwoose Fererian!"
The moment they started to escape, Manla threw out a silver magic scroll.
Nine green tornados formed, and like a wall, they hindered Leylin from giving chase.
"You're thinking of running?"
Darkness flashed in Leylin's eyes, and after muttering a few incantations, he pointed forward with his right hand.
Black fog immediately converged to become a black python, which headed for the two of them.
This snake was like an illusion, passing through the green tornados. When it arrived in front of Manla, its crimson eyes were fixed on Jenna, and it bit towards her.
"What the hell is this?"
Manla produced another tornado.
*Hua la!* The black snake ducked and passed through without trouble, and then opened its mouth, viciously biting Jenna's neck!
Two black pinholes instantly emerged on Jena's fair neck. They transformed to form a strange, twisted rune.
"Jenna?"
There was a white light surrounding Manla's hand as he tried to brush the snake away.
However, with a swipe of the python's tail, it shifted and bit Manla's arm. The same rune was branded there as well.
After these two attacks, the snake hissed and turned back into the black fog, which entered Manla and Jenna's bodies.
"This seems to be a curse! It's going to be troublesome!"
Manla's face fell. He couldn't feel anything different from the formation of the curse, but instincts told him that it was going to be inconvenient.
"Jenna, hold on!" Manla yelled crazily, the green hurricanes still spreading. His entire body seemed to turn into a gale, and disappeared into the forest.
Seeing Manla escape in that direction, Leylin did not move.
His body seemed to have shattered like porcelain, with large volumes of blood suddenly gushing out.
"It seems like I can't endure it any longer, the injuries are too severe." Leylin was half kneeling on the floor. He suddenly became dizzy, and his vision began to blur.
If possible, he obviously wanted to give chase and kill the two off. However, with his current physical condition, it was impossible for him to continue battling.
"However, the curse that I put up at the end… Hehe… cough, cough."
Leylin laughed evilly but started to cough violently, spitting out large globs of black blood.
"Light elemental Magi will always be the archenemies of dark elemental Magi. Just a cage made of elemental particles was enough to reduce me to this state…"
Leylin laughed bitterly and his figure quickly turned into black smoke, disappearing into the forest.
Currently, he was in urgent need of a place to treat his injuries.
Although he'd told George and the acolytes to wait for him, Leylin couldn't even take care of himself, much less the others, so that matter was naturally thrown to the back of his mind.
...
After ten or so hours, in a temporarily set up tent.
In the twilight, an oil lamp illuminated the area a dull yellow. Hay was spread across the floor, and Leylin sat atop of it. In his right hand was a test tube with a potion within, which he was constantly tilting towards the injuries on his left hand.
This test tube was rather large, and in the translucent liquid, one could see something that looked like a baby's face. It was encased in the liquid, and continuously let off little bubbles.
*Tssssss!*
After the potion was dripped into the wounds, large amounts of white gas were emitted, along with the sounds of corrosion.
"Ugh!" An intense pain struck Leylin's nerves; he seemed to have been struck by lightning, his muscles involuntarily twitching.
Leylin bit down hard, and large droplets of cold sweat dripped from his forehead.
After that intense wave of pain, his wounds started to get numb.
This numbing effect was very strong, feeling like tens of thousands of ants had crawled and gnawed on his bones. Leylin's pale face reddened as he sucked in sharply.
At the same time, in the areas where Leylin's left arm was injured, various veins and muscles squirmed and began to regenerate.
First, the fractures in the bone were completely healed, and the flesh and veins followed soon after. After a few minutes, Leylin tested out his left arm.
At this point, the injuries on his left arm had been completely healed. Leylin's arm was slender and fair, but under that beautiful appearance, there were muscles that held much explosive power.
It was impossible to tell that this arm had been on the verge of breaking off just minutes prior.
Leylin tested out his left arm again with some actions and smiled in satisfaction.
"I'm lucky there was some liquid left over from the Flourishing Flower! If not, the injuries on this arm wouldn't have been able to be taken care of so easily."
The Flourishing Flower was an important ingredient used by Magi in operations to regenerate limbs.
No matter what kind of injury it was, as long as there were enough Flourishing Flowers, it would be very likely that one could recover.
The Flourishing Flower that Leylin was holding was something he had gained during his days as an acolyte. He had exchanged some of them in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy for incomplete information about the Branded Swordsman.
Excluding the injuries on his arm, Leylin had also used several potions to treat his wounds. He was now able to move freely and fight in less vigorous battles.
"I've mostly recovered. I guess it's time for me to go to the Marat Canyon!"
Leylin was a fairly cautious person. In the secret plane at the Eternal River Plains, it was dangerous beyond belief, to the point that even Magi were considered fodder! As a spy from the Thousand Meddling Hands, if he were ever to be discovered, he would be chased to the ends of the world!
In this situation, if he were to sustain any injuries, Leylin knew that there was little chance of him surviving, much less being lucky enough to reap benefits.
Leylin had already considered leaving and going somewhere else if his injuries couldn't be treated.
After all, he still valued his own life over making profits.
However, the situation was not so dire. Though he had made enemies with a possibly high ranking Magus family with the abilities of divination, he didn't think much of it.
"I believe they aren't feeling very well right about now, yes? My curse won't be taken apart very easily."
Leylin smirked icily.
Though he had not been able to kill his opponents, he had successfully cursed Jenna and Manla with a spell that was unique to him.
The formation of this curse originated from a curse in the great Magus Serholm's Book of Giant Serpent. Leylin had started the foundations of that curse and had made the appropriate changes to it.
After adding in every method he could think of, the curse was so different from the original that even the great Magus Serholm would be unable to undo it.
Like a password, it was complicated and difficult to make sense of.
If one were not the original maker of the password, and instead tried to use brute force to get through, the object protected by the password would be destroyed.
Jenna and Manla seemed to have high standings within their family, and most likely wouldn't be given up on so easily.
Leylin's next task was to use the power of the curse to find out who his enemies were.
As he had been followed and almost killed on the basis of some useless prediction, Leylin was quite annoyed.
However, there was still a family backing them, and he did not want to shed all sense of cordiality without making sense of the situation before him.
This was why Leylin had chosen not to chase them and had instead placed a mark on both of them.