Under a gloomy sky blanketed with dark clouds, a light, persistent rain fell, enveloping the world in a dim veil. From time to time, brilliant bursts of elemental light would pierce through this gloom, illuminating the earth as if it were daylight.
Meanwhile, having left the protection of Garon, Karsus, dressed in a greyish-green robe, gazed toward the direction where the elemental lights burst forth.
Suddenly, the muddy ground cracked open, and clumps of soil rapidly hardened into iron-like spikes, thrusting towards Karsus in rows.
However, before the magic fully took shape, Karsus's warding spells had already detected the presence of the attacker.
"Spell Nullification Barrier."
With just a low murmur, Karsus, holding his legendary staff gifted by his mystical dragon teacher, made a slight wrist movement.
As if driven by an invisible wind centered around him, the wave-like incoming spikes touched and instantly turned into a cloud of dust, washed away by the gentle rain into the soft ground.
The place where Karsus now stood was neither the lofty floating city above nor the safe canyons he had always known.
He had left his mentor's protection and reached the battleground where archmages clashed with the Murian magicians, though it was not the main battle area. The underground here still harbored many Murian threats.
Karsus's mission was to eradicate this group of Murians.
"Disintegration."
A powerful seventh-circle spell, wielded with ease by the young archmage Karsus, seemed effortless and casual.
As a legendary spellcaster, he could instantaneously cast most spells below his level.
The piercing light from his staff drilled through the muddy surface to hit a Murian of rank sixteen directly below.
Normally, the massive power of the Disintegration spell, especially one focused solely on damage like this, would likely kill a high-ranking being instantly or at least severely wound it. However, under Karsus's watchful eyes...
The moment the Disintegration spell hit the Murian below, it seemed to encounter some invisible resistance, its power halved, making it seem like a mere sixth-circle spell.
"So, this is Mana Drain, quite troublesome."
Karsus frowned slightly.
Mana Drain was a spell-like ability of the Murians, which meant that this ability would grow with the Murian's development; the stronger the Murian, the more potent its Mana Drain.
In a confrontation of equal levels, it was a challenging task for an archmage to inflict damage on a Murian.
Elsewhere, the high-ranking Murian, realizing that Karsus could cast spells instantly, sensed danger.
"An instant seventh-circle spell means the opponent is a legendary spellcaster."
Seeing Karsus's youthful face and eyes, the Murian was somewhat shocked.
"This person doesn't seem to use any longevity spells common among great archmages."
"So young, probably not even twenty, and already in the legendary realm!"
"This person is terrifyingly powerful; he must not be allowed to live."
The Murian took note of Karsus's appearance, and waves of mental energy emitted from its twisted body, recording Karsus's information, sending it to its kin.
However, just as the mental signal began to spread a few hundred meters, it was cut off.
Karsus had already covered his mission area with a mental barrier, blocking the information transfer among the Murians.
Under the constant drizzle and gloom, Karsus looked calmly at the ground, his gaze seeming to penetrate the wet soil, seeing the Murian below.
"Greater Disintegration."
"If Disintegration won't kill, then let's use Greater Disintegration," Karsus thought.
With a casual flick of his staff...
The ninth-circle Greater Disintegration, like a thick laser beam, struck the Murian instantly.
The Murian, which had resisted the Disintegration without severe damage, found the Mana Drain effect limited against the Greater Disintegration. Upon being hit, its body stiffened.
Then...
With a desperate wail, the Murian's worm-like body was turned into dust by the magical force, blending into the soil.
As the rain continued to fall, Karsus, having dealt with this high-ranking Murian, proceeded to eradicate the remaining Murians. After several days, he left the hilly region, leaving behind only the remnants of the Murians.
In the days that followed, Karsus traveled extensively, facing the Murians with skilled and powerful spells.
Due to his significant achievements and particularly his young age, the name Karsus gradually became known among many great archmages and Murian elders.
With time and the refining of war, Karsus matured.
Worried about the future of the Netheril Empire, his originally youthful face gained a trace of visible weariness.
Three years passed in the blink of an eye.
Karsus had amassed sufficient wealth and had learned how to create the core of a magic net, as well as eleventh-circle spells like Mountain Cleaving and Gravity Reversal, essential for constructing a floating city.
After several months, Karsus's floating city, which he named Silver Scale City, was completed.
The rising of Silver Scale City marked Karsus's official status as a great archmage, becoming a pillar of the Netheril Empire.
To this rising star of an archmage, his demonic talent made countless great archmages sigh in admiration.
Silver Scale City featured many of Karsus's advanced designs.
Even the most innovative archmages were amazed by it.
With Karsus's emerging prominence, many ordinary archmages were drawn to him, seeing him as the most likely candidate to become the new King of Archmages, joining his floating city.
Meanwhile, Karsus also invited Garon to Silver Scale City.
"Silver Scale City."
Each floating city had its unique name and crest to distinguish it from others.
And the emblem of Silver Scale City was a majestic dragon with a crown-like horn.
Clearly, Karsus had used Garon's image directly.
"Teacher, I heard that dragons generally like honor and reputation. How about that, did I do well?" Karsus asked softly with a smile.
Garon nodded, "You have done well, not betraying my teachings over the years."
Karsus looked toward the ground, saying, "The surface is now embroiled in war, not peaceful. Why not stay in Silver Scale City with me?"
Above Silver Scale City, Garon glanced over this floating city.
After a few seconds, he shook his head, saying to Karsus not far away, "I prefer places with fewer people. Besides, do you think I care about the threat of the Murians?"
Compared to being in a city of archmages and enduring countless curious glances, Garon preferred to stay in his quiet canyon den.
Karsus smiled slightly, "How could it be, teacher? Your power is unfathomable."
Even as a great archmage, he still could not understand Garon's level of strength.
From what other archmages had told Karsus, he knew of Garon's identity as the Silver Calamity and also that Garon had caused the fall of an ancient empire a thousand years ago.
However, like everyone else, no one knew where Garon came from.
This mysterious and powerful dragon teacher
occupied a large part of Karsus's life. Although curious about Garon's origins and purposes, Karsus never asked as long as Garon did not mention it.
Moreover, Karsus knew of Garon's strength but never asked Garon to help Netheril.
When he was young, Garon had told him.
The war with the Murians was a setback for the Netheril Empire, but also an opportunity. If they could safely get through it, this realm of archmages would be reborn from the ashes, moving a step further.
Karsus agreed with Garon's view.
So he believed the war needed to be ended by the archmages of Netheril themselves.
"Teacher, I haven't seen Miss Mikaela for a long time."
"Do you have any news of her?"
As he spoke, Karsus hesitated for a while, hesitantly asking Garon.
Garon laughed heartily, "You still remember your sister Mikaela, huh? She's fine and has been keeping an eye on you."
"But she has her own matters, so she won't appear for a while."
Karsus nodded lightly, his expression turning serious, "That's good, I need to focus on dealing with the Murians now, to free Netheril from the quagmire of war."
Watching Karsus mature, Garon said, "You are now a great archmage and have the power to decide the outcome of the battle."
"Think about how to end this war in the way of a great archmage."
After chatting briefly with Karsus, Garon returned to his original canyon.
He maintained communication with Ioelum and kept an eye on Karsus's movements and information. Karsus carried Garon's time imprint.
If Karsus encountered a fatal danger, Garon could arrive instantly through time teleportation.
Later...
Karsus, now a great archmage, led the archmages of Silver Scale City, maneuvering this newly born floating city, continuing the campaign against the Murians.
With his adept handling of a variety of legendary spells and an almost endless supply of magic, Karsus achieved remarkable military successes.
He led the archmages in killing or even capturing several elders of the Murian temples.
Under normal circumstances, archmages were not a match for the Murians, but this didn't seem to apply to Karsus.
Since becoming a great archmage, the long-standing decline of Netheril had begun to reverse, gradually improving.
Thus, more archmages believed that Karsus would replace Ioelum.
In the absence of the King of Archmages, this new prominent great archmage's reputation grew daily, chasing after the fame of Ioelum.
The Light of Netheril was a title many ordinary archmages revered Karsus with.
But this was not what Garon wanted to see.
Karsus's talent was terrifying.
However, in the original historical trajectory, he had not had mentors like Garon or the Goddess of Magic, leading him astray in his youth. After becoming a great archmage, he needed time to consolidate his spell knowledge.
But now it was different.
With the guidance of Garon and the Goddess of Magic from a young age, this fellow's demonic magical talent was fully utilized, his combat power increasing daily. The Goddess of Magic had also blessed him, giving Karsus almost infinite magical power.
To him, the Murians' suppression of archmages wasn't so frightening.
Under these circumstances, Karsus no longer thought about studying new spells to rescue Netheril.
He pursued powerful spells that could withstand the weakening of Mana Drain, directly annihilating the Murians.
Because he could individually eliminate the legendary Murian elders, achieving victory, Karsus frequently participated in wars, almost never researching new spells.
Due to his brilliant military record, Karsus became increasingly confident.
In several communications with Garon afterward, Garon could clearly sense his disciple's confident spirit.
"Teacher, the Murians' Mana Drain doesn't pose much of a restraint on me."
"I can kill their leaders one by one, and then, the Murian domain will collapse on its own."
Karsus said confidently.
"After leading Netheril to victory, I think I might become the new King of Archmages."
"I've already got the title of the Light of Netheril."
Outside, Karsus appeared as a wise, mature, and knowledgeable great archmage, but in front of Garon, he occasionally showed his youthful nature.
For instance, at this moment, Karsus was clearly showing off his achievements to Garon, hoping for his approval.
To this, Garon timely praised, "I see Ioelum's shadow in you; your future achievements will not be inferior to his."
Karsus left the canyon happily and returned to the floating city, resuming his unemotional demeanor as the leader of the archmages.
After he left, the silver dragon stroked his chin scales, looking in the direction Karsus had gone, his gaze somewhat peculiar.
"Boy, it seems your path has gone awry."
"It seems I need to correct you."
Garon murmured softly.
He knew he could no longer let Karsus continue this way.
If Karsus felt he could handle the Murians with his own power, and indeed had the ability, wouldn't that mean the divination technique was useless?
Now, it was time to give Karsus's confidence a good shake, letting him understand the terror of the Murians.
Thus, Garon communicated with Ioelum.
"Ioelum, I think you would very much like to meet Karsus, the Light of Netheril."
Upon receiving Garon's message, Ioelum was also interested.
He, too, had been watching Karsus.
This young archmage with exceptional talent seemed to Ioelum the most promising candidate in a thousand years to succeed him as the new King of Archmages.
After becoming the King of the Murians and managing the Murian domain, Ioelum had developed thoughts of abdication.
He wanted to stay in the shadows, covertly protecting the Netheril Empire. In this way, this old-era King of Archmages would be like a nuclear weapon, deterring many of Netheril's enemies from acting rashly.
As for the new King of Archmages... Karsus was a suitable candidate.
However, before that, Ioelum decided to test Karsus's power personally.
If he wanted to become the new King of Archmages, he would first have to clash with this old guy.
A week later.
The King of the Murians formally and solemnly issued a challenge to the Light of Netheril.
The contents of the challenge clearly stated that if Karsus could win the battle against the King of the Murians, then the Murians would retreat to the depths of the earth, no longer invading Netheril.
As for defeat, it would mean handing over all Murian captives captured by the archmages.
This challenge was also a Stygian contract, effective under the witness of the Styx, meaning that after confirmation, the loser must fulfill the promises made in the challenge, or their soul would be taken by the Styx, forever sinking in the river through life after life.
The Styx, known
to all great archmages.
This river runs through the Nine Hells, the Abyss, the Gray Wastes, and many other outer planes, holding a position in the multiverse akin to arteries in the human body, extremely important.
After discussing with many great archmages, Karsus ultimately accepted the challenge.
Faced with such an opportunity to end the war, Karsus did not want to miss it.
Moreover, he believed that the so-called King of the Murians would not be his match, Karsus too aware of his own talent and capabilities.
A few days later.
A mountain range spanning hundreds of kilometers was chosen as the stage for the battle between the Light of Netheril and the King of the Murians.
Many Murians and archmages anxiously watched this location.
Garon, using the time imprint, lay in a valley filled with birdsong and flowers, closing his eyes comfortably in a cozy position, becoming a spectator.
Legendary spells of earth-shattering power were released one after another from the hands of the King of the Murians and the Light of Netheril. In the mountain range spanning hundreds of kilometers, the mountains trembled and wailed.
The sky was torn apart, the earth shattered.
One towering mountain after another collapsed into countless boulders under the aftershocks of the spells.
The deafening might seemed like the apocalypse, the magic net constantly breaking and being repaired.
At the same time, due to the severe elemental tides, external detection spells were all disrupted, and no archmage or Murian could see the real situation of this duel.
However, from the surface, it seemed that both parties were evenly matched.
Only... Garon, watching through the time imprint, covered his face, almost unable to bear to watch.
"Sure enough, the older, the wiser."
Maintaining his Murian form, Ioelum hadn't even used his full strength yet had Karsus retreating step by step.
Karsus's pride in his vast accumulation of spells and numerous legendary spells paled in comparison to Ioelum, a demigod archmage. No matter what spell Karsus used, Ioelum could instantly find a counteracting spell to solve and counteract it, all while appearing nonchalant.
Moreover, many of the spells Ioelum used were completely unfamiliar to Karsus.
In battles between spellcasters, it primarily depends on who has more and stronger spells and whose reactions are faster and more timely.
Unfortunately, in every aspect, Ioelum surpassed Karsus. Without even using his full strength, Karsus was already unable to hold on.
"The Light of Netheril?"
"Ha, just that."
"I'm even too lazy to move to kill you. Just wait for your floating city to fall and shatter."
The horrifically ugly King of the Murians sneered, speaking to a disheartened Karsus.
After speaking, without caring about Karsus's reaction, he turned and left without a second glance.
"This villain's act is quite convincing."
Garon, as a spectator, murmured softly.
He watched Karsus's gloomy expression and shook his head imperceptibly.
Like the ancient Netheril Empire, Karsus had never experienced a setback in his entire life trajectory, always advancing triumphantly as if destined.
This was dangerous.
Being defeated by Ioelum in such an overwhelming manner was the first bump Karsus encountered.
Under his covert observation, a disheartened Karsus sat down on the fragmented earth, covered in dust and dirt, looking quite disheveled.
He remained motionless, like a lifelike human sculpture.
Time gradually reached evening.
The sunlight dimmed, and dusk arrived.
The yellowish light shone on Karsus's face.
His eyes moved slightly, and after looking up at the floating city in the sky, they slowly brightened again.
Karsus stood up, dusted himself off, took a deep breath, and looked in the direction Ioelum had left.
"Netheril has me; the floating city will never fall."
He clenched his fist, fire igniting in his eyes.
Garon breathed a sigh of relief seeing this.
He was quite worried that such a big blow would leave Karsus unable to recover.
Fortunately, the person he had taught wasn't just talented; Karsus had a strong heart, and this harsh beating from Ioelum would make him stronger.
"A King of the Murians that is very difficult to defeat with existing spells, how will you solve this?"
Garon opened his eyes, looking in Karsus's direction.
Elsewhere.
In the confrontation with Ioelum, Karsus deeply understood the terrifying strength of this 'King of the Murians,' far beyond the level of an ordinary great archmage.
He could feel...
The King of the Murians hadn't exerted his full strength in their battle, casually defeating him.
If the opponent had wanted to kill him, he wouldn't have survived a moment.
At that moment, Karsus recalled the words once guided by his dragon teacher.
"Magic is the direction of the caster's heart, the power to shape reality, and it should be limitless."
Karsus took several deep breaths, closed his eyes, and then opened them.
"I will solve all the Murians in the way of an archmage, in the way of a caster."
Karsus finally awoke.
His previous actions were no different from those of some reckless warriors.
After this battle, Karsus found the true power of a great archmage—the limitless creative power of spells.
Afterwards, due to the Light of Netheril's defeat, the morale of the Netheril Empire fell somewhat, while the Murians' side surged in spirits, and the archmages' previously improving situation was pushed back to square one.
Karsus then returned to Silver Scale City.
He entered his mage tower, closed the great doors, and saw no visitors, not even great archmages could make Karsus leave the mage tower.
Some said that the Netheril Empire's genius couldn't bear the blow and chose to isolate himself.
But others said, the Light of Netheril had not extinguished, just gathering for a brighter shine.
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