Chapter 290: The Islands in a Crisis!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
At present, there were a few foreign Spell Casters gathered in Fort Udon. Based on the robes they wore, they were not Wizards of Fort Udon. If one was familiar with the Spell Casters of the Kurdmansla Islands, one would be surprised to discover that they were in fact Wizards from Wizard's Tower and Gray Wing Alliance.
On the entire Kurdmansla Islands, the three colossal factions practically controlled everything on the islands. Furthermore, the three factions each possessed about the same level of strength and were always in competition at any given time.
Wizard's Tower was slightly better off as everyone who joined them were Fourth-level Spell Casters or higher. Therefore, the resources they needed were very precious and were usually located in the vast ocean. As a result, the competition between them and Gray Wing Alliance or Fort Udon was not that fierce.
However, it was different with Gray Wing Alliance and Fort Udon. There were many overlapping areas between these two factions, and small conflicts often erupted between them, leading to a tense relationship.
Today, the fact that people from Gray Wing Alliance and Wizard's Tower had shown up in Fort Udon could be considered a rare occurrence.
"Wizard Umo, your Fort Udon must've gotten the news too. Speak, for this is a matter of life and death for the entire Kurdmansla Islands!"
A Spell Caster with short red hair spoke coldly.
Wizard Umo, as one of the three fort leaders in Fort Udon, was naturally well-respected, but he was not angered even when he heard the blunt words of the Wizard with fiery red hair. Instead, he began contemplating.
After a long time, Wizard Umo raised his head and narrowed his eyes, which glinted with a steady light. He said in a low voice, "The movements of the sea beasts this time are unusual. Since you have all come, I'm sure you understand the situation clearly. However, there's something which you might not have known – the sea beasts have sent two black sharks which are king beasts!"
"What? Black sharks which are king beasts? Two of them – how is that possible?"
The faces of the Spell Casters from Gray Wing Alliance and Wizard's Tower changed greatly. They knew very well what the king beasts, these black sharks, signified. In the vast ocean, the true rulers were not Spell Casters like them, but these interminable sea beasts!
Moreover, among these sea beasts, the most terrifying ones were the king beasts. Perhaps, there were even stronger sea beasts, only they were not yet discovered. The king beasts themselves were comparable to the Great Wizards of Spell Casters.
Fortunately, these sea beasts usually acted separately. Each king beast had a predetermined region as its territory, in which no other king beasts were allowed. If one approached, it would even draw the frantic attack of the other king beast.
King beasts belonging to the same group might be slightly friendlier to each other, but even then, they were not allowed to encroach into each other's territory.
The current situation where two black sharks which were king beasts joining forces was really an uncommon event.
"What's impossible about that? The two king beasts, which are black sharks, have formed a group, and they have divided a large area as their territory. Unfortunately, our Kurdmansla Islands is right within the territory which the two king beasts have marked. We will suffer from non-stop attacks from the two king beasts unless we move away. Previously, when the surrounding islands of the Kurdmansla Islands were successively attacked by the sea beasts, it was, in fact, the tentative warning attacks of these two black sharks."
Wizard Umo laughed coldly. He would not be too obliging toward people from Gray Wing Alliance and Wizard's Tower.
The expressions of the Spell Casters from Gray Wing Alliance and Wizard's Tower were rather sour. There was only one way that the two kings like the black sharks would join forces, and that was if the two king beasts formed a group.
If that was really the case, then the Kurdmansla Islands was truly in danger. Two king-beast level black sharks were equivalent to two Great Wizards. The king beasts were the absolute overlords of the vast endless sea.
"Wizard Umo, what do you think the Kurdmansla Islands should do?"
The Spell Caster with short red hair fixed his gaze on Wizard Umo as he spoke. Thereafter, all the present Spell Casters looked toward Wizard Umo.
Still, Wizard Umo remained unperturbed, and said coldly, "What else is there to do? Your Gray Wing Alliance is well aware that at this point, we can only ask for the help of the Great Wizard Kansu. If he can take this on, we might still have a slight hope of holding onto the Kurdmansla Islands. Otherwise, others may leave, but the foundations of all three major factions are on the Kurdmansla Islands. Once we leave, the Kurdmansla Islands will no longer exist. Without our foundations, we'll become roaming Wizards!"
The faces of the Wizards from Gray Wing Alliance and Wizard's Tower darkened slightly. Others could leave, but they, the Spell Casters from the three major factions, could not, because once they left, the foundations of the three major factions would cease to exist. They had spent no small effort to establish these factions. If they continued developing for over a century, they might acquire a heritage which was akin to a spell casters' organization's.
Conversely, once they left, they would become roaming Wizards. Most Spell Casters in the three major factions used to be roaming Wizards, and they had first-hand knowledge of how difficult it was being a roaming Wizard. Naturally, they must not give up their foundations on the Kurdmansla Islands so easily.
"When Wizard Kansu first came to the Kurdmansla Islands, he made it clear that he was only here temporarily, and he didn't join any factions, let alone set up one. He can leave anytime he wants."
A Wizard from Gray Wing Alliance frowned while speaking.
The Kurdmansla Islands were indeed overseen by a Great Wizard, who was called the Great Wizard Kansu! Nevertheless, only the higher-ups of these major factions, who held core positions, knew of this. The Great Wizard Kansu, in reality, was merely on the Kurdmansla Islands on a temporary basis and had no obligation to help the Kurdmansla Islands defend against these sea beasts.
Wizard Umo stood up and his eyes sharpened instantly. He said heavily, "It's true that the Great Wizard Kansu had made that clear at the start, but we only need to lend more weight to our persuasion. We, three factions have been operating on this island for so many years, I believe we all have precious treasures stowed away. Hehe, this time, it won't be stowed away any longer. No matter how precious your treasure is, can it compare to the very foundations we have on the Kurdmansla Islands? As long as the Great Wizard Kansu gets items which he's satisfied with, he'll assist us quite naturally."
"Very well, we shall request authorization for this!"
Wizard Umo nodded, following which the Wizards hurriedly turned and left.
"This is the biggest calamity faced by my Fort Udon, even the entire Kurdmansla Islands..."
A faint, worrisome light shone in Wizard Umo's eyes.
...
"Boom!"
Merlin summoned all his Mind Power to fiercely simulate the Flame Maxim in his Awareness. At that moment, the Flame Maxim finally began changing.
As his Mind Power swept over the Flame Maxim like a wave, Merlin felt as if he was submerged in the middle of a borderless sea of flame. Flames encompassed his entire Awareness, and an unbearable burning sensation spread throughout his body.
Not even Mind Power was able to block this scorching sensation. It even burnt up, shocking Merlin. Mind Power was something incorporeal and was essentially illusory. However, this ball of flame currently seemed likely to burn even his Mind Power.
This was far beyond Merlin's expectations!
A Maxim was something which Merlin had no way of comprehending. Not even Great Wizards were able to grasp what it was, let alone someone like Merlin. He had never intended to refine this Maxim now but instead wanted to discover how this Maxim could possibly be of use to him.
After he endured the searing temperature of the Flame Maxim, Merlin was pleasantly surprised to find that the state of the entire monument seemed to be imprinted in his mind. He had a feeling of being in control of this monument.
The outlines of this monument also appeared in his mind. It looked to be a large ship, and the air bubbles outside were in fact layers of protective energy which was beyond Merlin's understanding, enclosing the entire ship. It was able to freely travel along the bottom of the ocean, even if tens of thousands of years had passed. As long as the monument still had energy, it was able to sustain itself.
This energy required more than just elemental crystal stones. By themselves, these stones would find it hard to sustain such a huge consumption of energy. Besides elemental crystal stones, the ship itself was also absorbing the energy of Fire Element.
Of course, there was no Fire Element at the bottom of the ocean, but there seemed to be faint cracks in space-time all around the ship. The ship absorbed Fire Element through such cracks and used the energy to support itself.
Now, Merlin could confirm that this monument was an extremely mighty alchemy product. It was able to absorb Fire Element from space-time. Not even the Legend Nikola would be able to do this. It must be an unknown, especially powerful Wizard who transfigured this expressly for the Legend Nikola.
Moreover, the thing which controlled this powerful alchemy product was a Flame Maxim left behind by the Legend Nikola. Now that the Flame Maxim had entered Merlin's Awareness, he was able to utilize this Maxim to control this powerful alchemy product even though he did not have the ability to refine the Maxim.
Very soon, Merlin withdrew his Mind Power from the Flame Maxim. He already had a slight understanding of how this Flame Maxim was like. Its biggest benefit was the ability to control this alchemy product which could freely traverse the ocean floors.
This alchemy product was something even the Legend Nikola had treasured, so it must have some wondrous trait. However, Merlin had just begun to understand all these, so he had no way of grasping everything completely. After some time, he might be able to comprehensively control this alchemy product.
Besides the advantage of controlling the alchemy product, the Flame Maxim had another feature which Merlin had taken notice of. Namely, it was able to suppress flames, and it seemed that any flames would be affected by the Maxim's suppression.
"Fiery Collapse!"
Merlin tried casting Fiery Collapse, but as soon as the white flames were produced, Merlin used his Mind Power to fiercely simulate the Flame Maxim. In that instant, Fiery Collapse seemed to fall under a shapeless pressure and was not at all like the mighty flames which used to surge and roar.
"As I thought, Fiery Collapse also succumbs to this suppression... Perhaps I could try forcing Fiery Collapse to merge with my Fire-type spells!"
As he stared at the powerful Pandora Demon Ability suppressed by the Flame Maxim, a bold and daring idea occurred to Merlin.
Chapter 291: This is Just the Beginning!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
"If Fiery Collapse could be integrated into the spell..."
The more Merlin thought of it, the more feasible it began to sound. Powerful Pandora Demon Ability could normally be integrated into spells, greatly improving the power of the spells, unleashing unparalleled power with any simple gesture.
Therefore, if Fiery Collapse could really be integrated into spells, then his strength would be significantly increased. However, such a thought was very bold that it could be described as whimsical. Back then, even if Merlin thought of this, he would still never put it into action. Nevertheless, the situation was different now as he obtained the Flame Maxim, which could absolutely suppress Fiery Collapse, so there was a slight feasibility.
On the thought of that, Merlin became rather impatient. He took a deep breath and devoted his full body and mind into Pandora Demon Ability, Fiery Collapse.
"Fiery Collapse, fuse!"
With Fiery Collapse, Merlin gradually put together the flames of Furious Flame and Fireball. Originally, these flames and Fiery Collapse were completely different. The pale flames of Fiery Collapse were far more powerful than the flames released from Merlin's spells, so there was no way both could be combined.
Therefore, Merlin forced his Mind Power on simulating the Flame Maxim into his Awareness. Suddenly, the Flame Maxim began having slight fluctuations, and a huge suppression force instantly embraced Fiery Collapse.
This was pure external pressure, which began to forcefully compress the flames of Fiery Collapse and the flames in the spell model, gradually merging them together. Merlin was also paying full attention to the process. Whenever something went wrong, he would immediately dispel Fiery Collapse.
Time passed by slowly. Merlin knew that this fusion process would surely take a long time, so he waited patiently. With the suppression of the Flame Maxim, even if the fusion failed, there would not be a big problem. All he could do now was to wait silently.
While Merlin was waiting, he closed his eyes again. With the Flame Maxim, he could take control of the huge alchemical product.
"From the look of it, this alchemy product is very much like a big ship. It was left behind by the Legend Nikola, so it shall be called the Ship of Nikola then."
Previously, Merlin had taken only a cursory look at the Ship of Nikola and did not have an in-depth understanding about it. Now, he started scrutinizing every nook and cranny of it.
Suddenly, Merlin saw a familiar figure.
"Isn't that Wizard Bayton? Right, he's waiting for me outside the first obstacle... Now, I've passed three obstacles and I have to get familiar with the Ship of Nikola for a while, so I won't be leaving anytime soon. Wizard Bayton shall be sent out first then."
Merlin had already understood some of the basic functions of the Ship of Nikola. He could use the Runic Magic Circle on the Ship of Nikola to send Wizard Bayton directly to the Kurdmansla Islands.
Thinking of this, Merlin immediately controlled the Runic Magic Circle on the Ship of Nikola, and quickly encompassed Wizard Bayton.
"Swoosh!"
Wizard Bayton did not react in the slightest, turning into a white light instantly and disappearing from the ship.
...
The warm sunlight shone on the beach, and the briny sea breeze blew from time to time. On the damp ground, several black beetles were crawling briskly.
"Swoosh!" 𝓵𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙚𝒂𝙙.𝓬𝒐𝒎
Suddenly, a white light appeared on the beach out of thin air, and then a figure staggered onto the beach. His face was slightly pale, and he looked very unkempt.
"What happened? I was sent out?"
It was Wizard Bayton who appeared on the beach. He was still very confused, unable to wrap his mind around what had happened.
"Wizard Merlin, I hope nothing bad happened to you..."
Wizard Bayton was also oblivious about Merlin's current situation, but that kind of underwater ancient monument, even a Great Wizard could not identify its location. Therefore, he could only silently wish Merlin the best now.
"Boom!"
Just as Wizard Bayton was about to identify where this place was, a huge sea wave rose into the sky. Within the huge wave, he could clearly make out countless sea beasts densely grouped together, riding the waves and rapidly closing in toward the island.
"Are these sea beasts? The sea beasts are attacking the Kurdmansla Islands again?"
Wizard Bayton's expression changed slightly. He had no idea how many times he had fought against the sea beasts on the Violet Flame Island. Yet, it was his first time seeing such a great horde of terrifying sea beasts. He had an instinct that this time the Kurdmansla Islands was in grave danger.
A towering sea wave rose from the middle of the vast sea. In the wave, there were countless powerful sea beasts roaring, staring menacingly at the countless islands in front.
These islands were already filled with dense groups of Spell Casters. From their robes, it could be roughly distinguished that most of these Spell Casters were from Fort Udon, Gray Wing Alliance, and Wizard's Tower.
The rest were Wizards from smaller factions, and among them were some occasional Spell Casters who came to see if there were any goodies to be looted. However, upon seeing the countless sea beasts in the huge waves, many of the Spell Casters' expressions had changed, displaying a hint of fear their eyes.
It was the first time that hey had witnessed such a large scale of sea beast invasion, which could cause a big commotion. Everyone knew how severe the sea beast attack this time was. It was not surprising that the three factions have come out in full force, occupying the frontline of defense in face of the sea beast attack.
"Wizard Umo, as I said before, I'm only responsible for dealing with a black shark king beast! As for the remaining one, you all find a way to contain it. Otherwise, if there are two black shark king beasts attacking me, I'll flee immediately!"
Among the group of black-robed Wizards, there was an old Spell Caster in a white robe. His body glowed with a faint gold light, which looked especially eye-catching
The white-robed Wizard had a scalp full of white hair, but there were no wrinkles on his face. The skin on his hands were fair and delicate, just like a woman's, which looked extremely weird.
Although the tone of the white-robed Wizard's voice was very cold, Wizard Umo maintained a respectful attitude and nodded silently. "Respected Master Kansu, please be rest assured, we would certainly contain the other black shark king beast. This is a key moment of life and death for the Kurdmansla Islands. We really need Master Kansu to try your best in killing that black shark king beast."
It turned out that this seemingly weird white-robed elder is the only Great Wizard on the Kurdmansala Islands, Master Kansu!
Master Kansu looked at the many sea beasts in the towering wave and nodded slightly. "I'll try my best. Since I've taken your treasure, I'll do my best. However, whether the black shark king beast can be killed, it's very hard to say!"
In this regard, Wizard Umo did not add on anything.
The huge wave was getting closer and closer, and the huge growls of the sea beasts could be heard from the huge wave. Yet, the most striking view was the two huge sea beasts which were seemingly riding on the waves.
These two sea beasts were as gigantic as two mountain peaks, their entire bodies as black as ink. Although there were no scales, their bodies looked extremely tough.
These were black shark king beasts – the overlord of the deep sea, capable of rivaling the ominous presence of Great Wizards. This huge wave was also the creation of the two king beasts.
Feeling the murderous breath of the king beasts, Master Kansu's expression became solemn. He lowered his voice and said, "I thought that it was a typical king beast, but now it seems that these two black shark king beasts have gone through countless of struggles with death that their breath turned vengeful. I don't know if I'll be able to exterminate a black shark king beast, maybe I can only manage to contain it a little. As for the remaining black shark king beast, you all have to figure it out. If all else fails, the Kurdmansla Islands will then be doomed."
Great Wizard Kansu's words also revealed a slight of uneasiness. The breath of the two black shark king beasts had exceeded his expectations. If it were regular king beasts, he would still have the confidence to fight or even kill them.
Nonetheless, if it were two extremely powerful king beasts, Great Wizard Kansu would no longer stand a chance, and he would then withdraw from the battle as quickly as possible. He had merely accepted some treasures granted to him by Fort Udon, Wizard's Tower, and Gray Wing Alliance, so he would rather not risk his life battling the black shark king beasts.
In this regard, Wizard Umo and the Spell Casters of the three major factions also felt rather helpless. Master Kansu should never be offended, and now they could only battle until their deaths.
"Haha, Umo, my Gray Wing Alliance and your Fort Udon would usually compete with one another both openly and secretly, all for the purpose of occupying more islands on the Kurdmansla Islands to get more resources. However now, even our foundations are in danger of being overturned. Let's put away our prejudice and fight with our lives!"
A Ninth-level Spell Caster of Gray Wing Alliance laughed as he said to Wizard Umo. This time, it was a matter of life and death for the Kurdmansla Islands. Whether it was Fort Udon, Gray Wing Alliance or Wizard's Tower, they had deployed all their elite Spell Casters.
Wizard Umo glanced at the several Spell Casters next to him. Fort Udon dispatched three fort leaders this time, all of them Ninth-level Spell Casters. Gray Wing Alliance did almost the same, with three Ninth-level Spell Casters.
Wizard's Tower was a little disappointing, with only two Ninth-level casters. That tallied to eight Ninth-level Spell Casters, whose responsibility was to hold back one of the black shark king beasts.
However, in the end, they had no absolute confidence whether they could hold it back, so they could only fight all the way!
"Boom!"
Finally, the waves crashed onto the beach hard, and the terrifying sea beasts rushed to the beach frenziedly, their blood-thirsty eyes gleaming as they scurried toward the numerous Spell Casters.
"Kill!"
With that cold-blooded voice, the calm beach immediately burst into unparalleled elemental fluctuations, especially the Water-type elemental fluctuations, which were extremely intense.
A large net made from seawater descended from the sky and covered the entire beach. It had strong repressive power, with mysterious runes flashing on it too.
"Black Water Magic Circle, strangle!"
There were icy sounds as mysterious runes began ascending on this giant net. These runes then dispersed abruptly, and the giant net composed of water began to shrink in an instant, presenting with it a strong strangulation force. The sea beasts which had just climbed onto the beach were easily strangled before they could even charge toward the many Spell Casters.
"The Runic Magic Circle set up by Wizard's Tower is indeed good. It seems that these sea beasts will have to exhaust greater efforts in a bid to attack here in full force."
The Ninth-level Spell Caster of Gray Wing Alliance exclaimed while looking at "Black Water Magic Circle".
Runic Magic Circles were mostly used for transmission, but in actual fact, the offensive powers of Runic Magic Circles were the most powerful. It could be set up in advance, gathering the powers of countless weak Spell Casters, and then flaring up an extremely devastating force.
This was the role of Runic Magic Circles, but this kind of Runic Magic Circle that was deft at attack was really scarce. Neither Gray Wing Alliance nor Fort Udon had it, and only the mysterious Wizard's Tower would have access to it.
Watching the Runic Magic Circle set up by Wizard's Tower slowly blocking the sea beasts, Wizard Umo took a deep breath instead and muttered, "This is just the beginning..."
The rich bloody stench still permeated the air. A briny sea breeze blew past, but before the bloody reek could be dispersed, the sea beasts charged frenziedly toward the beach again.
Sure enough, as Wizard Umo had said, the bloody brutal battle had just begun...