Chapter 904 I"m Here to Pick You up
A cabin, located in the depths of the mountains, was surrounded by strange trees, bizarre rocks, howling beasts, and chirping birds.
Fernando paced back and forth in the cabin gloomily, considering what he should say to the leaders of "Hysterical Dance", and how he could prevent himself from mocking them. If possible, he should also visit the Eye of Curse. Although the guy was not in the leadership of the organization, everybody knew that he was the boss behind the curtain.
Suddenly, Fernando sensed that dozens of sorcerers were flying over with his spiritual power.
He was quite shocked. A transparent wall of force field immediately appeared next to him, and the spells to break space barriers were ready.
What are they doing? So many people are attacking me? But why are they doing it so obviously, so that I would have a chance to escape?
Questions popped up in Fernando's heart. His concerns were not gone until he saw quite a few acquaintances in the crowd who were earnest but not hostile, but he was still quite puzzled.
"Fernando, I'm told that you are very good at calculus?"
"Can you tell me the solution to this problem?"
"What's your opinion on gravity?"
The questions from the sorcerers gathered into noises that were even more unbelievable than the howling and chirping. Fernando's ears were humming, and he couldn't be more agitated.
"Enough!" A thunderous roar burst out, dwarfing all the noises.
Fernando was not nearly as kind and considerate as Erica. Roaring was his major specialty.
Everybody fell quiet. Fernando said gloomily, "How can I teach you calculus if you keep talking? And how can I know your progress right now?"
Not considering that he was in their territory, or that they had many senior-rank sorcerers and even archmages who were stronger than him, he behaved as a tough teacher.
For him, there was only the extent of knowledge in arcana. Identities and strength mattered little!
After silencing the sorcerers, Fernando said seriously, "I'm here to discuss certain things with the president of 'Hysterical Dance'. After it's over, I'll stay here for a couple of days and teach the basics of calculus from the start if you want. As for gravity, you should wait until you understand the previous parts."
As an experienced sorcerer, he knew how precious Mathematical Principles of Magical Philosophy was and what a major shock it would be for the sorcerers. Therefore, he had foreseen such a reaction.
However, what he did not expect was the degree of their shock!
It seemed that he was not bold enough in his prediction!
His words made the sorcerers of "Hysterical Dance" back to themselves. They couldn't be more surprised. It was one thing that they were asking questions bravely, but it was a whole other thing that he was ready to teach them so frankly. Shouldn't knowledge like calculus and gravity be their greatest secrets?
Are they going to teach us just like that without asking for anything in return?
Not entirely convinced, one of the sorcerers reminded Fernando, "His Excellency the Eye of Curse has reorganized 'Hysterical Dance' into 'Family of Sorcerers'. It's supposed to be a partnership of all organizations."
"And the leader is…?" Fernando asked directly.
Another sorcerer flew over from far away. He shouted, "Mr. Fernando, the Eye of Curse invites you to meet him."
After being briefly stunned, Fernando nodded. "Alright."
That's not bad. He would have to meet Atlant again even if he had to convince the president first.
Their meeting was not held in Atlant's demiplane but in a garden that was overgrown with all kinds of flowers.
"To be honest, I was thinking to capture you and elicit complete knowledge on calculus and the detailed interpretation of gravity from you." With his eyes closed, Atlant said comfortingly.
Fernando sniffed, not nervous at all before a legend. "They do deserve your effort. However, the knowledge will be shared with all sorcerers."
"All sorcerers?" Atlant asked with a smile, as if everything were under his control.
Fernando chuckled. "Yes, Douglas believes that more people and more communications are required to better recognize the world, grasp the natural laws, and analyze mechanisms behind things. So, he has defined this part of knowledge as arcana, which is to be shared with other sorcerers. As for the detailed, applied magic knowledge like magic models, they are personal secrets that one can keep to oneself."
"Arcana?" For the first time, Atlant thought deeply without a smile. "It sounds like Douglas is trying to establish an organization that is purely about the communication of arcana? Is it his definition and categorization?"
"We haven't settled the details yet, but it is indeed our wish. Also, we hope to establish a steady 'magic building' on the foundation of this organization. Together, they will be called 'Congress of Magic' so that we can resist the Church together." Fernando did not hide his purpose or raise the issue with tricks. He mentioned everything straightforwardly.
Atlant nodded. "I'm very interested in the organization that is purely about arcana communication. As for your 'magic building', let's wait and see."
With "Mathematical Principles of Magical Philosophy", one of the most important books in the history of magic, no sorcerers wouldn't be attracted by an organization with arcana communication. Of course, they would certainly decide which part of their knowledge they would share according to the actual circumstances.
"I'm not surprised by your answer. Really," Fernando said in slight mockery. One of the important reasons for the collapse of the Magic Empire was people's selfishness and irresponsibility. "My purpose is to pull 'Hysterical Dance', well, 'Family of Sorcerers', into the group. As for the future, I believe you will make the right choice."
Besides, as people became used to arcana communication, the academic organization would be more stable, and people would be willing to maintain it. It would be easier to unite them later. Atlant knew Douglas and Fernando's plan very well, and he could not resist it.
Atlant suddenly opened his eyes that were as deep as the cosmos. "I'll wait for you."
"Douglas must've already become a legend, right?"
"Yes, 'Elect of Magic'." Fernando tried to resist Atlant's eyes.
Their communication was simple and fast, and they reached an agreement very soon. When Fernando left the garden, he was suddenly at a loss. In the beginning, Old Fox went through all troubles just to talk legends into cooperation, but his persuasion was so easy. Besides the influence of Mathematical Principles of Magical Philosophy, it was also because he had a legendary sorcerer on his back, and Old Fox did not.
...
A year later, having visited this side of the Storm Strait for a long time, Fernando returned to the Hull Manor provided by Hathaway and saw Douglas again.
"What's the attitude on the hell's side?" Fernando asked his concerns without any small talk.
Perhaps because he was too exhausted, Douglas' hair was partly gray. He said solemnly, "I spent half a year in Burning Metropolis before I was asked to leave hell. I did not meet Maltimus, the Lord of Hell. I didn't even get to visit the dukes of hell."
"Is Maltimus showing that he is unwilling to meddle in the main material world?" Fernando frowned. "Considering his scheme-loving personality, how could he let go of such a great change and leave the things of the main material world aside? Has he been taught a lesson by the pope? Or is he covering something?"
"If Maltimus is covering something, with his smartness, he would've given me a random promise to get rid of me, but he didn't do anything, which makes people wonder if he's covering something up. That's certainly not his style. So, perhaps his attitude contains the information that he really wants to tell us. For example, through such an attitude, he's telling me that he is planning a major scheme that must not be leaked or described, and that he is not far away from success. He's asking us to be prepared and cooperate with him."
After a brief consideration, Douglas told Fernando his analysis.
Thinking carefully, Fernando said, "This possibility matches Maltimus' style best."
"So, we must not be sluggish. In a decade, if it's short, or a century, if it's long, something big may happen," Douglas reminded Fernando.
...
Twenty years later, in year 398 of the Saint Calendar, inside the greatest swamp of the Duchy of Calais…
A man in a black magic robe was roaming on the mud. He did not wear any hood, revealing his face that was nothing more than a bag of bones. He was so terribly slim and pale that it was impossible to tell his real age.
His left hand had lost all the colors of vitality. Pale and dim, it was covered in the vague of death. The moment it pressed a seven-headed swamp earthworm, the insect decayed with pus flowing out, turning into an undead creature.
Raising his head that was only slightly better than that of a skeleton, the man looked at the sky and said to himself coarsely, "Shirley, I'm here to pick you up."
"Sorry, I'm late."
As he spoke, he stepped forward. The deep black mud in the swamp suddenly bubbled as if it were boiled water.
Then, the mud was lifted and thrown to the sky, splashing everywhere, and monsters that had been rotten to the bones stood up!
Chapter 905 For Your Retur
Baron Brenzell's manor was much more deserted after the owner was changed several times. Wild grasses grew on the hills behind the manor. Under the morning sunlight, dews were rolling on them.
A dew dropped on a pile of coiled bones, leaving vague wet marks.
The bones of the serpent shivered, but it was back to peace again. Around the creature, there were a winged tiger with rotten furs and flesh and yellowish pus flowing everywhere, tremendous ghouls that spread out their hideousness and stench, and countless ghosts wandering in the sky that were in absolutely no fear of the sunlight… The hills seemed to have become the nether world that was full of undead creatures.
In the middle of the undead creatures, a man, who was nothing more than a skeleton, touched the rocks with his pale, dim left hand and looked at the city with his thoughtful eyes.
At the city gate, a middle-aged man in a bishop's robe was walking to the church solemnly.
"Good morning, Mr. Bishop." Everybody who passed him bowed and greeted him. He was Arroyo, a bishop of the cathedral of the city and a rigorous cleric.
Drawing a cross on his chest, Arroyo blessed habitually. "The Lord protects us all."
Just like that, he slowly reached the entrance of the church. Under the homage of a few knight squires, he stepped on the stairs and entered the gate.
Vague holy light surrounded the gate, making everything solemn and pure.
Arroyo stopped at the center of the hall and prayed devoutly, "Only Truth lives forever!"
Then, he left from a side door, reporting to the red robe the status of faith in the towns, villages, and manors nearby.
After the report was done, he began to inspect the entire church to check if there was any negligence or disrespect. After the inspection, it would be the time of prayer, repentance, and learning.
It was his monotonous life in the past thirty years, except that he had grown from an intern reverent behind the bishop into the most notable bishop in this church of this city. He had witnessed the rise and decline of many families in the city.
"We must thank the Lord's blessing." He prayed sincerely in his heart.
Then, he realized that he reached the room where the transmission circles were deployed. So, he confirmed the intactness of the place with greater wariness, making sure that nobody except the designated personnel came in.
"Very good. Nothing is wrong." His grim face put on a smile as he looked at the shimmering transmission circle.
Suddenly, he frowned, feeling that the transmission circle was so evil that it was like a gate to hell or abyss.
An idea automatically popped up in his head. Some cleric has betrayed, and the Lord of Hell is invading this place!
"No, it must be destroyed!" The moment he made up his mind, he suddenly had the understanding that he could not destroy the transmission circles quickly enough with his divine power. The only solution was to concentrate his power and detonate himself!
With a strong sense of sacrifice, he stepped forward and announced, "Only Truth lives forever!"
The few reverends who followed him were stunned at the holy light that was emanating from Arroyo. Then, the whole world was reduced into darkness after an explosion.
BOOM!
The transmission circles were blown apart, and the room simply collapsed.
The red robe who supervised the most important church sensed it in utmost shock. He could not believe that a bishop would betray the Lord and destroy the Lord's transmission circles voluntarily.
Then, two ninth-circle spells popped up in his head. Brain Scourge and Memory Meddling!
However, even a legendary sorcerer couldn't have played the two spells so marvelously that the victims would help him achieve his purpose voluntarily without any resistance!
Such sorcerers were most difficult to resist, and they were most dreadful!
BOOM!
In another place of the city, the core that controlled the divine power circles was drowned by the brilliance of self-detonation too.
BOOM! BOOM!
After hearing the two consecutive explosions, the slender man at the center of the hills outside of the city stood up. His eyes were both gentle and cruel.
Hooooooo!
The undead creatures on the hills, in simultaneous howls of death, rose from the ground overwhelmingly.
The slender man floated toward the city. Behind and below him were the undead creatures who had returned from the abyss of revenge!
The guards at the city gate were checking the people who were entering the city when they suddenly sensed that the sky was dark. They raised their heads subconsciously, only to tremble in fear and paleness.
In the sky, the monsters who had nothing but bones and rotten meat left obscured the sun and brought death. Amid them was an evil necromancer who did not wear a hood.
Their legs trembled, and they collapsed on the ground. The people in lines ran about in fright, only to fall too as the army of undead creatures drew near.
The undead creatures did not let out any noise or go on a rampage. Ignoring those people, they flooded to the gate, entering the city through the gate, over the wall, or from the sky.
"Enemy incoming!"
Clerics and knights stood up from different places of the city, confronting the necromancer in the sky.
The necromancer seemed to be in a trance. He mumbled to himself, "I am Vicente. I am back…"
"Kill him!" Holy light and long spears were tossed at Vicente.
With immense hatred on his dry face, Vicente raised his head and let out a devastating howl.
As the sound waves spread out, many fuzzy banshees were dancing. All the flying clerics and knights hit the ground like raindrops. Those who could not fly trembled in fear as they watched it.
Vicente's face became cold. Looking at the red robe who was struggling to resist Banshee Wailing, he raised his left hand and pointed at the red robe.
Countless streaks of black hair immediately burst out of the red robe's body. He became as withered as a corpse. Then, he fell from midair helplessly, splitting into multiple pieces, but there was not a drop of blood.
Vicente looked down at the city and suddenly descended, landing before a middle-aged knight who was holding a longsword.
"Don't… Don't… Don't kill me…" The middle-aged knight waved his eyes in panic and moved backward. The knights around him were too frightened to help him.
Vicente said coarsely and earsplittingly, "Andrew."
"You… You know me. You… You are Vicente!" Andrew's eyes widened as he recognized the terrifying necromancer before him. The man looked exactly the same as twenty years ago except that his face did not have the slightest flesh anymore!
Vicente walked to Andrew slowly. "It was you who reported me and killed Shirley."
"It… It was none of my business. 'Crazy Hound' did it. I never thought that Shirley would get killed." Andrew was almost in tears.
"Crazy Hound? Where is he?" Vicente asked coldly, ready to invade his brain if he did not get an answer.
Andrew was willing to confess anything to save himself. "'Crazy Hound' is appreciated by the grand cardinal of the duchy for killing a lot of sorcerers and promoted to Cocus."
"Cocus? I will find you…" Vicente looked toward the north. His eyes were full of coldness and irresolvable hate.
Then, he stared at Andrew again. "Who else was involved?"
"There… There's also Lotell, Goon, the Tamer, and the Bone Digger. They are in the Inquisition here." Andrew revealed the names of all the people who were involved in the case.
"Very good, to thank you for your honesty, I will not kill you in person." Vicente put on a cruel smile. The army of the undead creatures behind him raged forward and drowned Andrew.
"NOOOOOOOO!"
Miserable and painful screams echoed nonstop while the undead creatures ripped and swallowed Andrew's flesh until there was nothing but bones left.
Vicente looked at the nobles who were gathered in the place. After they pushed Lotell and Goon out, he waved his hands, rotting the two nobles and turning them into zombies.
"Vicente, we had nothing to do with what happened. We are very sorry about the death of the Brenzells too. We will not stop you from seeking your revenge, but please do not kill the innocents." The knight in the lead tried to calm down and begged sincerely.
Vicente said coldly, "You could've saved her, but you didn't do anything."
Then, the army of the undead creatures surged forward, consuming all the nobles.
After several minutes, Vicente reached the gate of the Inquisition on piles of bones. Most of the night watchers here, including the Tamer, had been killed in the battle just now.
"The Lord will not spare you!" The remaining interrogators in the Inquisition glared at Vicente.
Without saying a word, Vicente simply let the army of the undead creatures devour them, leaving only screams and the Bone Digger whose hair had been grayed.
"I only regret that I did not find out your whereabouts!" The Bone Digger seemed zealous and devoted.
"You'll have plenty of time for regrets," Vicente said coarsely and softly, not intending to argue with him.
Pale fire emerged from the soul of the Bone Digger, burning him and making him cry in pain.
"The Lord will… Ahhh! … will punish you!
"NOOOOOOOO!
"Ahh! Damn it. Have mercy! Have mercy!
"Have mercy!"
Vicente walked to the cemetery without looking back, leaving the begging man behind. Gradually, the screams died down. Since the ordinary people were too scared to breathe, the whole city was as quiet as if it were dead.
In such silence, Vicente entered the cemetery and reached the tomb that he had seen too many times in his dreams.
The tomb opened without a sound, and the coffin rose straightly.
Vicente walked to one side of the coffin, fell on one of his knees, and opened the coffin gently.
"Shirley, I'm here to pick you up." As the gap grew larger and larger, his cold eyes were more and more tender, filled with love and guilt.
Inside the coffin, a skeleton was lying quietly.
Vicente leaned down and kissed the mouth of the skeleton softly. As if he were in a dream, he said, "Shirley, it will be fine. Everything will be fine. We will be together forever."
A tear dropped from his eye onto Shirley's face.
Corrupt the soul and pursue death, not for an eternal life, but for your return!
Chapter 906 Undercurrents
The rotten mud was releasing a strong smell. A wild wolf, having barged into the place in panic, was deeply mired in it. Howling, it tried to pull its leg out, only to be trapped deeper and deeper, until the mud consumed its ears and nose and interrupted the screaming.
It was what Vicente saw when he returned to the swamps. The place where he was usually active was now occupied by a creepy man in black.
All the parts on the man that was exposed to the air had nothing but bones left. Red, needle-like fire was bouncing in his hollow eyes. His clothes were filled with unusual patterns sewed with glamorous gold lines.
Noticing Vicente's return, he asked with a voice as depressing as the dead, "Where have you been? An envoy from the Congress of Magic is coming."
Vicente replied casually, "I visited home and took care of some stuff."
By the way, I picked up Shirley.
"You visited home? You took care of some stuff? Did you destroy the church and the Inquisition in the city?" The black-robed lich exclaimed in shock and fury, "Do you have any idea what great trouble you are bringing us into? Do you want our organization to be destroyed?"
Now that the Church had absolute advantages, the massacre by a necromancer would definitely be regarded as the greatest provocation. It would lead to the hunting of legends!
"Congus, it's my business. If you are unsatisfied, I can withdraw from the organization." Vicente replied simply without any argument.
The lich was exactly Archmage Congus, the leader of "Supreme Soul". In the incident of Cocus, he managed to survive with the many life-preserving skills of the school of necromancy. However, "Supreme Soul" suffered a destructive blow later, and only a few members escaped. He had to lie low for quite a while.
A few years later, when the situation was less intense, he left his shelter and tried to reorganize "Supreme Soul". Then, he accidentally learned that the Liege of Death's demiplane was never discovered by the Church and seemed to have automatically closed. Therefore, he returned to the swamps near Cocus to search for the possible leads on the Liege of Death's demiplane. Out of his expectation, he discovered Vicente Miranda, a self-made necromancer, in the swamps.
With only a few commonly-seen magic books on necromancy and the incomplete materials in the swamps, the man became an official sorcerer after only a couple of years. Congus, who intended to reorganize "Supreme Soul", appreciated him and brought Vicente into "Supreme Soul", promising that he would offer guidance.
However, what happened in the following twenty years made Congus unable to believe his eyes. Perhaps due to his lack of formal magic education, this Vicente Miranda had many ideas that were the opposites of the principles in necromancy, but for the same reason, he had succeeded in rectifying and improving many principles of necromancy. He made quite a few major breakthroughs in body structure and circulation. Receiving the feedback from the real world many times, he reached the ninth circle at a speed that Congus could not imagine!
Twenty-eight years, growing from nothing to an archmage. He was definitely a genius among the geniuses. Even in the heyday of the Magic Empire, there were few people who could compare to the record in Congus' knowledge. Even Thanos, the Sun King known as the strongest sorcerer, took a longer time than Vicente did due to the specialties of Untraceable Destiny.
Of course, Congus had also gained tremendous benefits from Vicente's breakthroughs. Together with Mathematical Principles of Magical Philosophy and Basics of Calculus from the Congress of Magic, his cognitive world was close to half solidification, and he was confident to break into the legendary level in fifty years.
So, Congus had complicated feelings about Vicente. He planned to treat and groom the man as a student, but the man had become as strong as himself so quickly that he, who had been busy re-establishing the organization, did not have the time to really bond with him.
However, Congus did not intend to suppress Vicente to ensure his power, because he knew that Vicente had perhaps sacrificed part of his flesh through a certain unique item. Otherwise, he couldn't have become an official sorcerer in such a poor environment with few materials. If he wanted to become a legend, he would need more theoretical breakthroughs and more time than Congus did. By then, Vicente would bow before him in respect without him doing anything.
Hearing Vicente's simple and cold reply, Congus held back his fury and said, "I trust that it will not happen again?"
"There's a 'Crazy Hound' in Cocus." Vicente did not hide it.
"Only one night watcher?" Congus was relieved. "I'll ask our branches and the other organizations to lie low for now."
Vicente nodded. "Who has come from the Congress of Magic?"
He was quite interested because he had read Mathematical Principles of Magical Philosophy and Basics of Calculus in Congus' place and was quite shocked by the ideas in them. He also applied them to his studies in body structure and circulation. Had he not picked up calculus, he couldn't have constructed magic models so easily or set a record of advancement however brilliant he was.
Therefore, even though he looked indifferent, he had been longing to meet Derrick Douglas, the author of the two books.
Congus floated before Vicente. "It's Fernando, one of the co-authors of Basics of Calculus."
He too had complicated feelings about the Congress of Magic. On one hand, he resisted their intention to annex "Supreme Soul", but on the other hand, he appreciated them for publicly sharing Mathematical Principles of Magical Philosophy and Basics of Calculus.
"I can meet him." Vicente touched the magic pouch in his pocket.
...
In the forest where the Supreme Soul was hidden…
It was the day of which a small fair was being held, where people could exchange magic materials and books, so the place was lively and noisy. Vicente and Congus bypassed it and stepped into an underground palace.
"The meeting will be held half an hour later." Congus sat behind his desk.
Vicente did not say anything. He stopped before Congus' bookshelf, took out a thick book, and read it carefully.
Half an hour passed before anyone realized it. At this moment, the sorcerer at the reception brought in a lady who was as bright as fire.
"Fernando?" Congus asked in uncertainty because the gorgeous lady was too different from Fernando.
Fernando nodded. "The night watchers got their eyes on me. I have to change a bit before I go out."
He pulled his belt. His breasts immediately collapsed, and he became a stout handsome man.
Looking at the transformation, Vicente said in disgust, "Pervert."
Born a normal person, he always respected gender boundaries. Even if he needed to change himself, he would only focus on height and appearance.
Fernando was immediately enraged. "It's better than you who makes everyone throw up the moment they see you!"
Vicente did not reply. He was too lazy to squabble with him.
Fernando lost momentum after his roars met no response, so he turned to look at Congus. "I would like to meet the author of 'Theories of Body Structure and Circulation'."
Recently, Congus had compiled Vicente's research into books and traded them for the latest accomplishments of Douglas, Fernando, and one mysterious "Miss Silvery".
Congus raised his skeleton hand and pointed at Vicente. "You just met him."
"Huh?" Having become an archmage, Fernando finally noticed how young Vicente, who was also an archmage, was!
In the fair outside…
It was the first time that Oliver, who kept a mustache, had participated in such a lively magic fair with his friends. He searched for beautiful sorceresses while he looked at the magic books casually.
After twenty years, due to the lack of books and guidance, he was still at the fifth circle.
"Mathematical Principles of Magical Philosophy, Basics of Calculus… What are they exactly?" Having been hiding here and there, Oliver barely took part in any gatherings. Many things and many books were unknown to him.
The dealer looked at him as if he were a bumpkin. "Just take a look and you'll see."
"Huh. I can read them?" Oliver picked up the books.
After a while, he already forgot to pursue beautiful sorceresses or anything around him. He was completely devoted to the world in the books.
Such books!
Such theories!
...
In the Bright Hall in Lance, the Holy City…
Aradeline, a level-nine red robe, walked into the sacred room in awe. He did not dare to raise his head before he paid respects to Pope Gregory.
At the beginning of this year, His Holiness killed the Mother God of the Earth with "God's Arrival", completely banishing sorcerers, dark creatures, and heretical churches into the Dark Mountain Range. It also marked the complete doom of the Sylvanas Magic Empire, the last of the three Magic Empires!
After paying respects to the pope, Aradeline realized that Ivan, the strongest saint, was also in the Bright Hall waiting for the pope's instructions.
"You will organize the grand cardinals and the legendary knights to patrol along the edge of the Dark Mountain Range. Be prepared to conquer the place in fifteen years." Pope Gregory calculated the time of his recovery and added some more time.
Ivan, who was handsome and masculine, lowered his head. "As you wish, Your Holiness."
Watching Ivan leave, Gregory narrowed his eyes. Although he was not worried about the betrayal of saints with his trump cards like Excommunication, he still took precautions out of habit. For example, he kept Ivan busy in the Holy City or the Dark Mountain Range without allowing him to return to the north where he rose from. Also, he had dispatched the few grand cardinals close to him to different parishes.
After a brief silence, Gregory said to Aradeline kindly, "I appoint you as the bishop of the Snow Cathedral in the North Province of the Schachran Empire. I hope that you can work with Felix well."
Sending his own men to the place was also one of the precautions.
"Of course, Your Holiness," Aradeline answered anxiously.
907 Gathering
"Hey, are you buying them or not? Don't stand in the way of my exchange." Seeing that Oliver read and studied "Mathematical Principles of Magical Philosophy" and "Basics of Calculus" before his stand in fascination, the dealer drove him away angrily.
"Huh?" Oliver shivered hard, coming back from the feeling as wonderful as Mountain Paradise. He waved the books hard. "Yes, I'll buy them! Which organization are the authors from?"
He couldn't wait to meet the sorcerers who had created such a marvelous mathematical system and astonishing theories and express his excitement.
Although he only skimmed through the books due to his lack of knowledge, he still sensed the pure beauty of mathematics and the shock of gravity that was beyond its age.
"Mr. Douglas of the Congress of Magic wrote them. The co-authors of 'Basics of Calculus' also include 'Ms. Silvery' and Mr. Fernando of the Congress of Magic," the dealer said with obvious respect when he mentioned them.
In delight, Oliver took out a low-quality Wave Stone and packed up the books and the other materials he selected. He mumbled to himself, "The Congress of Magic! They're all from the Congress of Magic! I'm going to join the Congress of Magic!"
The books of such a level were an unparalleled shock for a beginner!
After a few murmurs, he raised his head and stared at the dealer; his eyes glittering. The dealer stepped back in fear and said obscurely, "I… I never sold any unqualified goods."
"Could you tell you where I can join the Congress of Magic?" Oliver asked in excitement.
Slightly relieved, the dealer said angrily, "If I knew it, I would've joined it myself!"
Then, he said seriously, "Over the past twenty years, the Church has been keeping the pressure on us. All the organizations can only develop in secret. How can you join them so easily?"
"I'm sure I can find the answer!" Oliver already made up his mind. Even though the Congress of Magic had few sorceresses, he would have to join them!
Therefore, he asked everyone in the fair and did not stop even though he was disappointed again and again. He paid a fortune for that.
However, his obvious action assured the sorcerers who watched over the fair that he was not a night watcher.
Finally, for the sake of "Soul Stone", one of the sorcerers gave him a tip. "Mr. Fernando of the Congress of Magic is visiting the place. You can go and wait there."
He pointed at a trail in the woods outside of the fair.
"Mr. Fernando?" Oliver was excited again and rushed to the trail to wait there.
The guards of the place spared someone to keep an eye on him, in case he leaked the intelligence.
After a dozen minutes, Oliver saw a stout man in a red robe, a lich, and a skinny man walking from the turn of the road.
"Although you are a horrible person, your 'Theories of Body Structure and Circulation' is worth a read," Fernando, who barely praised anyone, said.
Coldly, Vicente said, "Although you are a pervert, you know what you are doing when it comes to calculus."
He did not give in at all.
Fernando sniffed, holding his urge to roar with the desire for arcana communication. Within the Congress of Magic, Vicente's theories had been categorized as arcana.
He had a fairly good understanding of body structure too. His communication with Vicente and Congus went rather well.
Standing not far away behind and listening to them discussing theories that he could not follow at all, Oliver immediately felt that he had just entered the gate of magic, and a whole world was out there waiting to be explored by him.
"One day, I will join them in the discussions of the world and human bodies!" Oliver clenched his fists and set his goal.
At this moment, Oliver was almost certain that the short, red-robed sorcerer was Mr. Fernando, so he waited anxiously. When the three of them approached him, he stepped over and bowed in the standard etiquette of sorcerers. "Esteemed Mr. Fernando, I am a student who admires Mr. Douglas and you for your vast knowledge. I'm wondering if I could join the Congress of Magic and receive your guidance."
After that, he stood where he was uneasily, fearing that he would be declined and miss the opportunity.
After being stunned briefly, Fernando said seriously, "The Congress of Magic welcomes every sorcerer, but we have to make one thing clear first. Everybody who joins the Congress has to accept the atmosphere of open discussions and the stipulation that arcana is publicized to all the other sorcerers in the form of papers. Of course, the authors of such papers will be rewarded by the Congress of Magic and every reader."
"Arcana?" Oliver asked in confusion.
Fernando explained the definition of arcana, before he asked again, "Can you accept it?"
Oliver thought for a moment. Other than the magic models and some casting tricks, he did not have many arcana theories that deserved to be kept a secret, so he solemnly nodded his head. "Yes, Mr. Fernando."
Not expecting that joining the Congress of Magic was so easy, Oliver was so happy that he felt unreal.
Fernando nodded his head. "However, until then, you have to receive our vetting. After all, we cannot allow any night watcher to sneak in."
"That's not a problem." Oliver's sense of unreality was gone, and he was back to the ground.
Listening to the conversation between Fernando and Oliver, Vicente felt that he was not needed here, so he turned around and left.
...
In the Snow Cathedral…
Looking at the files at hand, Aradeline looked at the level-seven red robe who was in charge of the Inquisition in obvious discontent. "Why haven't you captured the nobles? They are guilty of conspiring with sorcerers!"
The red robe said respectfully but without fear, "Mr. Aradeline, they are only suspects. We do not have any proof. The Lord teaches us not to punish anyone easily."
"Proof? We don't have any proof?" Grimly, Aradeline threw a book to the red robe. "Have you never read 'Maul of Sorcerers'?"
The red robe glanced at the cover and said calmly, "Having been promoted to be an inquisitor from a night watcher, Crazy Hound certainly has a lot of experience. His ideas and approaches are very suitable to the places where the sorcerers are blatantly active, but Mr. Aradeline, this is the north where we developed first at the beginning. We have the purest faith. The nobles are trustworthy. They cannot be compared to their counterparts in Holm."
Aradeline stared at the red robe with fury in his eyes, almost accusing him of misprision and betraying the Lord. However, when he remembered other similar things that he saw in the North Province, he held back his fury and nodded his head. "Whatever it is, we need to ask more if they are suspects."
After the red robe left, he narrowed his eyes with a heavy heart. Something was not right with the North Province. He had to investigate in secret.
...
Another twenty years passed, and it was the end of year 424 of the Saint Calendar.
Aradeline was as grim as before when he read the thick pile of documents before him. The problems of the North Province were graver than he thought. Many clerics conspired with nobles, accepted bribes, relished entertainments, and forgot that the sorcerers were not extinct yet and the war in the Dark Mountain Range was not won. Also, they seemed to have different opinions about the doctrines!
Everything was obviously led by someone in the upper level. All the leads pointed to the few level-nine red robes in this parish, who were all big shots who watched over the major churches like himself.
During the last twenty years, Aradeline eliminated obstacles and found clues bit by bit. Finally, he completed the preliminary investigation recently and decided to unveil the scheme.
According to the protocol, he had to report to Saint Felix, the grand cardinal of this parish, first.
He had never questioned the loyalty of Felix. As a matter of fact, no clerics had ever betrayed the Church so far. "Excommunication" and the existence of God prevented it from happening. So, he defined what happened here as addiction to entertainment and lack of devotion. A saint, who had got rid of the basic desires, would certainly not dwell in entertainments, nor would he be impious, or the Lord wouldn't have granted him such great power.
Picking up the files, Aradeline reached the cathedral Felix was in through a transmission circle. He waited for ten minutes before Felix met him.
"The situation is very terrible." Felix turned the materials and read carefully for a while before he reached the conclusion solemnly.
Aradeline agreed with him. "Yes, Saint Felix. We have to educate them soon."
Looking at the closed door, Felix said to Aradeline, "You go and draft a plan first. Let's discuss it."
"Yes, Your Highness." Aradeline bowed and turned around.
After only a few steps, he suddenly sensed the arrival of a horrifying holy light, and his mind was slowed to the minimum.
Before he sank into eternal darkness, he struggled to turn his head, only to discover that Saint Felix just dropped his right hand with a smile of mockery on his lips.
On Dec. 21, 424, Aradeline, bishop of the Snow Cathedral of the North Province of the Schachran Empire, was ambushed by sorcerers who conspired with devils and was unfortunately killed. The Holy City was shocked.
...
In a place similar to a theater, the seats around the dais at the center had all been taken.
"Therefore, I don't think that earth, fire, wind, and water are equal to elements. Rather, each of them should be regarded as a force…" Oliver waved his arm and spoke to the people below him confidently.
Chapter 908 Gradual Movemen
Inside the pope's library in the Holy City…
"Your Holiness, there's a piece of secret intelligence from the north." A red robe delivered the confidential file sent by the transmission circle in reverence.
Pope Gregory took over the letter and opened it, reading it carefully. The red robe, on the other hand, waited for his instruction, ready to dispatch His Holiness' order to all the parishes.
"Maltimus has secretly controlled a city in the Schachran Empire that is closed to the northwest of the Dark Mountain Range. He's planning to arrive through blood sacrifice." The pope appeared rather shocked. It was obvious that he did not expect that the Lord of Hell could have done so much right under his nose. It seemed that years of victories and the chaos at the edge of the Dark Mountain Range had blinded the clerics.
If Aradeline hadn't been murdered for accidentally discovering the conspiracy of hiding sorcerers and devils, which forced the dozen parishes in the north to investigate with full strength, he probably wouldn't have known anything until the Lord of Hell arrived.
Slightly riled, he picked up the platinum staff and rose abruptly before he announced, "Summon Ivan and Gwent to Godfrey City to the northwest of the Dark Mountain Range. I shall purge the polluted land myself."
He did not go there alone recklessly. After all, his enemy was a demigod. If he defeated Maltimus with a high price, it was possible that the stealthy Silver Moon would arrive from the sky. So, he summoned two saints to Godfrey City. One of them was a top legend, and the other was close to the peak of legendary. In such a way, there wouldn't be any problem.
"Understood, Your Holiness." The red robe began to draft the order.
Thinking for a moment, Gregory nodded. "In the meantime, compliment Felix for his remarkable investigation, which will offset his punishment for letting Aradeline be killed."
"As you wish," the red robe said respectfully.
After leaving his seal on the order, Gregory stepped into the transmission circle, planning to destroy the Lord of Hell's hope before his arrival.
...
An hour later, in the high sky of Godfrey City…
Gregory looked down below grimly without saying anything.
Ivan, who had golden hair, scratched his rising nose and said solemnly, "We're still late."
The city down below had been entirely enshrouded in blood. Painful and yet somewhat charming screams were bursting out. In the middle of the blood, corpses were floating up and down. It was most dreadful.
At the center of the city, a hideous gate, which was engraved with the skulls of countless devils and humans, was disappearing. The intense stink of sulfur was rising.
Gregory sniffed. "It's not late. At least, Maltimus hasn't got out of here yet."
His greatest concern was that Maltimus would escape and instigate trouble everywhere instead of fighting him upon arrival. With the guy's strength as a demigod and his cunningness, the "country of faith" under the God of Truth would be mired in continual trouble, and the sorcerers, dark creatures, and heretical churches that hadn't been wiped out yet would have a chance to catch their breath.
If a demigod was determined to run whenever he sensed something wrong, it would be quite tricky even though the pope had God's Arrival.
After saying that, he raised his right hand without any hesitation. Raising the platinum staff high, he said solemnly, "The Almighty God of Truth, you are one, and everyone.
"You are the moment, and forever.
"You are the creator, and master."
Streaks of holy light burst out from his body and flowed on the surface, making him dazzlingly sacred.
In the meantime, the magnificent, solemn, divine, and transcendental vibe descended from unknown heights and completely covered the city.
Inside the city, a fuzzy shadow that had a pair of goat horns appeared. Releasing the horrible air of evil and corruption, it tried to get away from the locking of God's Arrival.
Behind the creature, the nine-floored hell appeared in turns. The Bronze Castle, the Burning Metropolis, and the Silent Plain seemed real.
In all the cities nearby, the believers knelt and prayed, feeling touched. There were indescribable warmth and peace around them.
"You are one, and everyone.
"You are the moment, and forever."
…
The prayer came to the sky of Godfrey City, hollow, vast, and shocking.
In the sky, the projection of Mountain Paradise showed up. The angels and the holy spirits all prayed, and hymns were echoing nonstop.
Gregory slightly narrowed his eyes and waved his platinum staff gravely.
From the seventh floor of Mountain Paradise, infinite light broke out and gathered into an ocean of holy light, drowning Godfrey City.
"NOOOOOOOO!"
Miserable screams came from inside the city. The enormous evil figure quickly collapsed.
Everything was soon over. The whole city disappeared from the surface of the planet.
Gregory's face was pale, and his right hand was shivering beyond his control, but his voice was still rather steady. "Compliment Felix again. His intelligence is invaluable."
It would've been a major disaster if he were slightly late.
"As you command, Your Holiness," Ivan and Gwent said at the same time.
Gregory nodded his head. "Alright, return to the Holy City with me."
From what he could see, the Silver Moon probably wouldn't take any action.
At this moment, Ivan asked concernedly, "Your Holiness, should we postpone the Highest Conference of the Church next month until next year?"
"No, let's stick to our schedule." Gregory reviewed himself and felt that he was still in good shape. So, he was unwilling to show other people that he was weak. After all, he had rested for enough years, and he did not use God's Arrival twice in a row.
"Alright, Your Holiness." Ivan drew a cross on his chest and prayed in a low voice, "Only Truth lives forever."
...
"Oliver has redefined the four elements and included gravity in them. Then, what are elements really? They require strict definitions. I believe that there is a myriad of elements in this world. For example, it's impossible that gold, silver, and sulfur are the same element. They do not have many experimental similarities." Hathaway was never afraid to reveal her poor verbal skills during arcana discussions. Her silver eyes were full of excitement.
Douglas nodded. "That's a great idea. I feel that I'm enlightened."
Before he finished his sentence, Fernando walked in gloomily and said, "The Lord of Hell has been blown back to hell by the pope."
"What happened?" Douglas asked, frowning.
Fernando described the intelligence he received in great detail. In the end, he concluded, "I thought that he had a great scheme. So, it was nothing more than a secret arrival, which hadn't really been kept a secret at all. He was discovered by the Church in advance and enjoyed a 'God's Arrival'. What an idiot."
"Do you really think the Lord of Hell is an idiot?" Douglas showed unusual excitement.
Fernando thought for a moment but had to admit it. "He's not an idiot, so…"
He paused, because he thought of something critical.
Other people might be unaware that the Lord of Hell had been planning a major scheme since decades ago, but Fernando knew it very well!
"Therefore, the fact that he is blown back to hell by God's Arrival means that the real big scheme is upcoming. Otherwise, he wouldn't have come in person to distract the pope's attention with his heavy wounds as a price. Our opportunity will come in half a year at most." Douglas stood up abruptly as his excitement was replaced by calmness.
Fernando nodded and agreed with Douglas' deduction. Hathaway also rose and said with mixed feelings, "I'll go inform my grandpa."
The Sword of Truth was almost four hundred years old, and he had suffered heavy wounds in the fierce battles in the past when he always led the charge valiantly. He was now teetering at the end of his life. Also, ten years ago, a legendary ritual did not really succeed, and his longevity was only extended by thirty years. So, if there was still not an opportunity, the Congress of Magic probably would lose the firm ally who had been disappointed by the Church.
As a king, Hoffenberg could not tolerate the restraints on nobles right now.
"This opportunity comes a bit early. None of you has become a legend yet. We are still relatively weak," Douglas said with mixed feelings. After the Congress was established, Fernando and Hathaway revealed brilliant talents, and so did Oliver who joined later than them. They all showed the potentials of being a legend. In other organizations that were in partnership with them, thanks to the Congress of Magic's dissemination of knowledge, Vicente, Erica, Owen, Thomas, Terrie, and many other people were also making remarkable progress. They were regarded as future legends, but the time was still too short for the new-generation legends to be born.
"Hu. In any case, now that the opportunity has come, we cannot evade it." Even a man as carefree as Fernando sighed. If they failed again, it would be barely possible for them to rise again.
"Thankfully, both Congus and Amanata are legends now. Together with the Lord of Frigidity, the Eye of Curse, and me, we are at least as good as the nobles in Holm." Douglas smiled and comforted them.
Fernando chuckled. "You are a monster who can unleash the power of the peak even though you are only on level three. It's a pity that it will take some more time before you really reach the peak."
"There are as many unknowns in this world as there are stars. For an arcanist, there is never a peak," Douglas replied subtly.
Hathaway suddenly interjected, "I've reestablished the Will of Elements."
"Huh?" Fernando looked at her in confusion, wondering why she reestablished the Will of Elements. Was she considering withdrawing from the Congress?
"In the future, when the Congress starts to merge other organizations instead of uniting with them, the Will of Elements will be an example." Hathaway had considered it for a long time and therefore said rather fluently.
Fernando's lips twitched. "It's really visionary of you…"
However, it's certainly not a bad thing to have great hopes.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves but be fully prepared and seize this opportunity!" Douglas took a breath and clenched his right hand subconsciously.
Chapter 909 Chasers of Ligh
In the Holy City, the Bright Hall was in the highest place, and the Hall of Scriptures of the Saint Biso Seminary was only second to it.
This building looked like the arena in the Sank Kingdom. It was flat at the center with a magnificent podium. There was not a dome. The seats around rose in circles to dozens of meters high.
Whoever stood at the center would see nothing but the countless people from the auditorium that were staring at him, and the pressure could be enormous. The sun in the high sky shone with a golden brilliance, as if God were watching the place, adding to the sacredness in the environment.
At the sunset, the remaining radiance of the sun beamed into the hall and covered everything in brilliant gold.
In the dazzling gold, however, the whole hall kept a weird silence, as if something horrifying was brewing and was about to break out.
"You are the incarnation of the Lord of Hell and the greatest devil. You stole the Lord's power in the world while He is asleep!"
His words were still echoing in the hall and everyone's heart, so deafening that everybody felt like they were dreaming.
Ever since the establishment of the Church, has anyone questioned the pope in public?
Ever since the establishment of the Church, has anyone disrespect the pope?
Ever since the establishment of the Church, has anyone accused the pope of being the incarnation of devils?
Can devils perform "God's Arrival" and lead us to defeat sorcerers, dark creatures, and the heretical churches?
Feeling absurd and ridiculous, all the clerics were stunned. They looked at the pope, who was grim on the podium, and Saint Ivan down below, who seemed to be covered in a golden coat!
What's going on?
Why is the strongest and most pious saint opposing the pope?
Is he not scared of "Excommunication"?
At this moment, some said aloud, "According to the Cannon, the Lord teaches us not to admire or worship idols. So, we only establish crosses. However, you have publicly announced that you are the incarnation of the Lord and His spokesperson in the world. You ask us to admire and obey you. That's only something that devils do!"
Another… Another person is accusing His Holiness to be an incarnation of the Lord of Hell!
The clerics in the hall were stunned. They then discovered that Saint Felix was walking toward Saint Ivan from the back. Then, they saw that Aleksey and Uriel, another two saints, left the crowd, followed by seven saint cardinals!
So many saints and sirs support Saint Ivan?
Is… Is His Holiness really the greatest devil?
"This is absurd! His Holiness has just heavily wounded the Lord of Hell with God's Arrival and driven him back to hell!" Saint Gwent attacked the traitors angrily.
"How can he convince other people otherwise?" Ivan declared resolutely.
Pope Gregory pressed his left hand and stopped the other saints from arguing with Ivan. He raised his platinum staff and said solemnly, "Whoever betrays the Lord will be deprived of his glory and caged in hell forever!"
Words were useless. The grace of the Lord would prove everything.
The golden brilliance suddenly turned ivory, sacred, and holy. The holy light on Ivan, Felix, and the rest of them flew out and dispersed in the sky.
"Excommunication?"
"Excommunication!"
All the clerics shivered. That was the best proof of the pope's identity. If he were not the Lord's Executor on earth, why on earth could he deprive the other clerics of the Lord's blessing?
Saint Ivan must've been deceived!
However, they sincerely hoped that the pope would only punish the leaders. After all, it would be a heavy loss for the Saint Truth if so many saints and saint cardinals were lost.
Suddenly, Ivan opened his arms, as if he were embracing the people and the world.
Countless tiny angels surfaced around him, singing and praising him in hallowed hymns.
A giant hole was torn apart in the void up above, and the projection of Mountain Paradise appeared. Spots of holy light flew out and gathered into a pair of sacred, inviolable, lustrous wings!
"Excommunication" was eliminated, and Ivan's vibe rose, giving the clerics feelings that were to the pope's vibe.
"Devil! Open your eyes. This is the blessing of the Lord!" Ivan announced. "Our divine powers came from the Lord, and nobody except the Lord can take it back. Only devils will try to pretend that they can deprive us of our abilities. That's the evidence that he's stealing the Lord's power!"
Although it was highly illogical, the clerics couldn't tell it now. Even the pope's supporters were astounded. Excommunication did not work! Ivan was close to the demigod level!
Could it be…
They were unwilling and dared not to think further!
"Your power is from the devils. Only devils are immune to Excommunication!" Gregory said before he raised the platinum staff.
Everybody was alarmed. Was it God's Arrival?
At this moment, the sun was disappearing, and a silver moon seemed to be rising in the sky!
After a brief hesitation, Gregory performed "Light of Judgment".
Ivan did not intend to fight the pope in the middle of so many saints and saint cardinals. The wings made of godhood on his back flapped quickly and blocked "Light of Judgment", and the rebels activated the one-time legendary items they prepared in advance, vanishing from the spot.
Only by a public barrage could the pope's years of intimidation be broken so that they could better develop in the future. They had to take the risk!
Not expecting that they would flee immediately, Gregory was one step late. He ordered with an awful face, "Ivan, Felix… have been corrupted by the devils and betrayed the Lord. All the grand cardinals, except for those who are watching over local parishes, will follow me to purge them in the north!"
In the Cathedrals of Seraphs in Olenburg, capital of the Schachran Empire…
Expressionless knights broke into the church. Under the leadership of some clerics, they began to arrest the so-called "heretics".
Ivan, Felix, and the rest of them, after reaching the cathedral through the transmission circle, immediately changed its structure in case the pope came directly.
"Did everything go well?" In the cathedral, a man wearing a crown asked solemnly. He was as brawny as a bear and had a funny nose.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Felix answered on behalf of Ivan.
The man was Rostov II, a level-three legendary knight and the current emperor of the Schachran Empire.
Smiling, he bowed at Ivan respectfully. "Please be crowned as the pontiff, Saint Ivan!"
"Please be crowned as the pontiff, Saint Ivan!" Felix and the rest of them also paid respects.
His face unchanged, Ivan raised his right hand and said solemnly, "I shall eliminate the heretics and restore the glory of the Lord with the pious believers!"
In 425 of the Saint Calendar, during the Highest Conference of the Church, the grand cardinals including Ivan revolted, resulting in the schism of the Church.
...
In the Dark Mountain Range, a night watcher checked the time. After confirming that the Highest Conference of the Church should be over, he strode to the headquarters of the Dark Congress that had just been established.
"I am an emissary from the New Saint Truth. I would like to meet Danisos and Dracula."
...
When the Highest Conference of the Church was held, Douglas, sensing something, invited "Family of Sorcerers", "Supreme Soul", "Cabin of Palmeira", "Will of Elements", "Shadow Singers", and other forces for a meeting.
Outside of the magic tower, the sorcerers below the level of archmage talked and exchanged items. Inside the magic tower, the legendary sorcerers and the archmages discussed the situation.
At this moment, Douglas changed his face. His demiplane appeared behind his back and shivered.
"According to the intelligence from hell, Saint Ivan accused the pope to be an incarnation of devils during the Highest Conference of the Church and established a New Saint Truth in the Schachran Empire. He has the support of three saints, seven saint cardinals, all the grand cardinals in the north, and all the legendary knights in the northern kingdoms." Douglas soon calmed down and told everybody the news.
"What?" The news was so astonishing that many sorcerers brought out their crystal balls to confirm it.
Since nobody was covering it, they reached a conclusion very successfully and looked at Douglas in excitement.
Douglas stood up. "Hathaway, you will talk to King Hoffenberg and ask him to fulfill his promise. On the other hand, we will stand up openly according to the deal to show them that they are not supporting rats who only dare to lurk in the dark."
"Kalolla, you will be responsible for the north coastline. Just stick to our grounds. There is no need to destroy the cathedral in this place." Douglas looked at the Lord of Frigidity.
"Alright." The Lord of Frigidity was not dissatisfied with Douglas giving the command. The man's capabilities, talents, and achievements in arcana had deeply convinced him.
"We will be responsible for Colette," Congus said voluntarily.
The Eye of Curse did not stay behind. "I'm going to the Duchy of Calais with Erica."
"I need to go to Cocus," Vicente said indifferently.
Knowing his past, Douglas nodded. "Then, you can swap with Erica."
Then, he looked at Amanata, the Master of Shadows. "Would you like to go to Brianne?"
Amanata nodded his head as acknowledgment.
"The Congress will take care of Holm." Douglas tightened his collar. "Now, we have to mobilize everyone."
Clang!
The ringing of the bell from the magic tower gathered all the sorcerers around. They saw that the legends walked out in the middle of the archmages.
Standing on the stairs, Douglas described the news first. The sorcerers down below were too excited to believe it.
"This is our opportunity, and we have to seize it. After the Church gets the situation under control, perhaps we will never have such a good chance," Douglas said honestly. "However, even if we succeed this time, it doesn't mean that we will immediately have safety.
"On the contrary, to win the support of the nobles, we have to stand out and fight the Church openly. So, our success this time will only be the first step to reforge the glory of sorcerers. Every new step in the future will come with even greater dangers. Many of you may not live to see our real renaissance."
All the sorcerers on the spot were caught in silence.
Douglas went on. "However, if we don't stand out, we will only be paralyzed by the temporary stability in the dark and gradually swallowed by it. Our children, our students, and all the future generations will never live in freedom and peace. They will never get to learn arcana and magic without external oppression."
The sorcerers felt the same. Many of them had never experienced the splendor of the Magic Empires. Ever since they were born, they had been hiding like rats in a gutter. They did not want their offspring to live such a life again.
Taking a deep breath, Douglas waved his arms hard and said, "The path to brightness is destined to be one paved with our bones and blood, but we do not have a choice!
"Although we are struggling in the darkness, we must never forget to pursue the light!"
Chapter 910 The City in the Sky End of TMA
After Douglas' speech, all the sorcerers on the spot left for different places silently but steadily, ready to fulfill the tasks that they had been given. They were not excited, not zealous, not provoked, but were taking action with determination after rational consideration.
We know what we want, and we know what we are going to pay!
After the sorcerers left in order, and the legendary sorcerers who were returning to their own organizations through their demiplanes had reached their destination, Douglas heaved a soft sigh and said to Fernando, "It's time that we take action."
Fernando did not say anything but followed Douglas to the depths of the cave.
At dawn, the vigorous sun was rising, driving the darkness away and bringing the light.
At this moment, the plain near Rentato suddenly had an enormous earthquake. Noises were bursting out from the depths, shocking the animals and forcing them to flee.
BOOM!
The ground collapsed into dark holes. Countless cracks were spreading out.
Terrifying magic waves broke out in the pits. The dazzling light from them almost eclipsed the sun in the sky.
Valentine, the grand cardinal who was responsible for Rentato, certainly couldn't have neglected such noises. He activated the divine power circle of Rentato quickly and led the red robes as well as the giants of the Inquisition to the place.
As a saint, he could not hide in Rentato without investigating or doing anything. The sorcerers could not be allowed to go on a rampage!
When had such a thing ever happened in the territory of the Saint Truth?
Even though the enemy had more than three legendary sorcerers, he believed that he was definitely able to save himself as long as he did not run into any of the top legends.
As he flew toward the plain, he asked a red robe to order the noble knights to follow them and provide help.
Therefore, bishops and reverends were sent to the camps of the Sword of Truth's Knights, the Verdict Knights, and the Saint Cross Knights, urging them to set off.
"The nobles are less and less active over the years. They are not nearly as enthusiastic as the beginning. We have to change that!" Having similar ideas, the clerics reached the camps.
"You should go surround the plain right now!" a bishop commanded the Sword of Truth's Knights.
"Blue Grace" Sharp was not here, so "Argent Punishment" Cesc stood out and replied coldly, "As per His Majesty's order, no knights are allowed to leave the camp without his permission!"
"What's the meaning of this?" the bishop cried angrily.
Cesc said expressionlessly, "This is exactly our meaning."
"Are you betraying the Lord? You have been corrupted by the sorcerers!" The bishop was outraged. "You will be tried and burnt at the stake!"
Cesc waved his right hand, and silver bolts of lightning immediately created black ravines before the bishop.
Staring at the bishop in the eyes, he said, "One more word, you die; one more step forward, you die."
"You!" The bishop was stunned. He never thought that a noble knight could be so disrespectful toward a servant of the Lord.
He looked around, hoping to find a knight who could defend the dignity of the Lord.
Swords were drawn, reflecting cold brightness under the sunlight. All the knights in the camp looked at the bishop maliciously.
They already had enough of those jackasses!
The Church was already divided. Let's see if they are still so arrogant!
The bishop stepped back in fear, unable to believe that it was the Kingdom of Holm that had always basked in the grace of God.
In the Nekso Palace, the Sword of Truth, ensconced on the throne, stared at the void before him thoughtfully. Illusionary cracks appeared and vaguely manifested what was happening on the plain.
Outside of the temple, dukes, earls, and other nobles, who had been gathered, watched the closed gate and waited for the king's order in silence. At this moment, they fulfilled their vow and gave everything to their liege that they pledged loyalty to.
Of course, had it not been for the years of oppression from the Church, which made them scared day and night, they wouldn't have been so united.
The lights in the pits on the plain were more and more dazzling. A magnificent, terrifying pressure was leaking out. It could be vaguely seen that an enormous city was rising from down below.
When Saint Valentine reached here with the red robes and the giants of the Inquisition, he happened to see the mountain-sized city surpassing the horizon under the lift of the light.
"A floating city? Another sorcerer is trying to create a floating city?" Valentine thought in surprise. Hadn't the plan of a floating city been proved a failure again and again in the Magic Empire?
"The name of the city is Allyn. In the language of Sylvanas, it means 'City in the Sky'." With a solemn declaration, a sorcerer in a black robe appeared before the floating city that was enshrouded in brightness.
"Douglas, the president of the Congress of Magic."
Alarmed, Valentine recognized the sorcerer.
Over the past decades, Douglas had taken actions several times, saving a lot of sorcerers and killing many clerics and night watchers. His name was put on the Cleansing List.
Douglas stared at them thoughtfully and gravely. Suddenly, a weirdly-shaped celestial globe appeared before him.
"Paradise of Stars!"
The environment immediately became dark and boundless, with stars flashing here and there. Valentine and his companions were trapped.
There was nobody except Hoffenberg in the temple in the Nekso Palace.
However, he opened his mouth and said nonchalantly, "Douglas is indeed extraordinary. He's planning to kill Valentine even though they are on the same level."
"Hehe." Somebody sniffed in the void before him. It was Pope Gregory, who was fighting against the heretics in the northern frontline.
As the monarch of a major kingdom, he had ways to secretly reach out to the pope.
The clerics who returned from the camps of knights in frustration were shocked and scared. After discussing for a while, they decided to confront the king and see if he was bold enough to publicly acknowledge that he betrayed the Lord!
Right then, the holy light that covered the city was concealed, and everything was back to normal.
"What's going on?"
"How is this happening?"
The clerics looked at each other in shock. The terrifying waves were not gone yet, but why had the divine power circle vanished?
"It's the Nekso Palace!"
"It's Hoffenberg!"
They suddenly realized what it was about. The divine power circle had two control pivots, one located in the cathedral and the other in the Nekso Palace!
"Is he really supporting the sorcerers?" the clerics thought in fear and shock.
BOOM!
An enormous noise broke out in the district of nobles near the Nekso Palace. The clerics looked in fear, only to see a magic tower rising and taking shape quickly under magic effects!
It seemed to have been prepared for a long time, or the magic circles couldn't be completed so quickly!
A magic tower is established in the district of nobles?
The clerics felt coldness to their bones.
BOOM!
A black, spiky magic tower was growing at a visible speed, but Zakley, the saint cardinal of the capital of the Duchy of Calais, could only watch it in shock and fright in the cathedral whose defense had been entirely activated because he saw "Ceaseless Wind" Raymond standing next to Atlant, the Eye of Curse!
BOOM!
In the capital of the Kingdom of Brianne, in Kasvig, the capital of the city alliances in the north coastline, and in the capital of the Kingdom of Colette, similar magic towers were rising one after another, announcing to the world the return of sorcerers!
As for the grand cardinals of those places (none of them was a legend because those places were not the Church's focus), some were killed, and some managed to keep themselves safe in the cathedrals thanks to the divine power circles. They asked for the help of the Church, but the Church, which was in the middle of a war with the North Church, could only deploy a few legends to them for now. They were outnumbered by the enemy.
The Inquisition of Cocus, on the other hand, had been strewn with bodies.
No, the bodies crawled and rose to their feet again, following Vicente.
Wandering in the Inquisition surrounded by the army of the undead, he saw the appalled "Crazy Hound" in the inquisitor's office.
"Vicente?" The previous massacre in the town made him know that Vicente was alive and back for his revenge.
Looking at "Crazy Hound", the man whose face had been worn out by time, Vicente said coldly, "You have the honor to be the first offering to revive Shirley."
As he spoke, "Crazy Hound" raised his hands and grabbed his own neck. He moaned painfully but could not utter a word.
Then, his body became rigid, and it was stored into a special coffin by Vicente.
…
Sorcerers entered Rentato one after another. Looking at the high magic tower, they had complicated feelings. The magic tower, as well as themselves, could finally show up in public!
On the plain, the vast, boundless cosmos disappeared. A lot of dead bodies were falling, but Douglas was still in the sky. The floating city behind him, on the other hand, began to ascend rapidly!
"He's indeed a monster who has the combat ability of a top legend," Hoffenberg remarked casually.
From the void, Gregory's voice came out again. "What do you want?"
At this moment, he had to count on the power of nobles, so he asked straightforwardly.
"The Church's introspection. The Church needs to know its boundaries," Hoffenberg said so peacefully as if he were just talking about the weather.
"Introspection? Boundaries?" Gregory sounded angry.
"Yes." Hoffenberg did not back off at all. He softly touched the Sword of Truth next to him with his right hand.
…
The floating city, which looked like an upside-down mountain, flew higher and higher. The buildings in them had all been repaired, and all the cracks were gone.
BOOM!
After it reached the planned location, light burst out, and the floating city shivered up and down softly.
The sorcerers near the plain and in Rentato all watched it with their hearts palpitating, fearing that it might fall.
The quake stopped, and the enormous city floated in midair steadily. The magic stripes and patterns glittered one after another, constructing an invisible rampart!
"It's… It's really flying…"
"That's the floating city…"
The sorcerers covered their mouths in case they cried out aloud. The endeavor that the Magic Empires had never accomplished succeeded in the darkest age! The flying city was also a sign that their rat-like lives had come to an end!
The future might be even gorier, but there would be light!
The clerics, the nobles, and the ordinary people looked at it in astonishment. A city in the sky. Was it the Lord's residence? Then why had it been stolen and occupied by the sorcerers?
Before the floating city, Douglas magnified his voice with magic and announced solemnly, "This is Allyn, the City in the Sky, and the headquarters of the Congress of Magic!"
His words were short and simple, but all the sorcerers who heard him wept.