The doctor carefully placed Arlene in a hospital bed, her body weakened by a high fever.
She lay there, conscious but unable to move.
The cause of her illness was still a mystery to the doctor, but at least she was now under the care of the hospital.
I couldn't help but worry, my heart beating fast as I looked at my sister's frail condition.
I feared it would be like my mother's illness all over again.
Once my sister drifted off to sleep, I quietly slipped out of the hospital.
As I made my way, I inhaled deeply, attempting to steady my nerves before embarking on my journey to the Sea of Ice Dungeon.
With the key gripped tightly in my hand, I braced myself to unlock the Magical Gate.
As I made my way through the dungeon, the cold wind greeted me with a sharp chill.
The platform beneath my feet was not solid ground, but a frozen sea.
I looked around and saw several massive ships and a huge three-headed dragon, frozen and fused with the ice.
And at the top, standing near the dragon's head, was a man in long sorcerer's robes, his scepter pointed towards the dragon.
He too, was frozen, just like everything else in the dungeon.
The scene was both mesmerizing and unsettling, the frozen figures and the icy sea creating a sense of danger and power.
The coldness seemed to seep into my bones, making me shiver.
I couldn't help but wonder what kind of magic was at work here, and who this man was, frozen in time with his powerful sorcery.
>You had entered The Sea of Ice Dungeon
As I stood in front of the three-headed dragon, a quest unexpectedly activated in the System.
Instead of the usual defeat Monster or Knights, this quest involved saving a mysterious man who stood inside the enormous ice pillar before the dragon.
I could tell he was a Sorcerer like myself, as he carried a scepter similar to mine.
I had no idea what had happened between him and the dragon, but my only task was to rescue him.
My mind raced, wondering what spells would be useful for this mission. Perhaps The Blade of Fire and Fire Storm spell, but I hesitated.
Would they be effective, or would they cause more harm than good?
I remembered my last battle with the Ice Sorcerer, where I was nearly frozen by their Frost Bite spell.
The key was to identify the spellcaster and focus my attacks on them.
But who was the one controlling this magical cold wind?
Was it the frozen Sorcerer or the dragon?
As I pondered, the sound of heavy footsteps caught my attention.
I turned to see a horde of ice stone golems approaching from all directions.
Ten from the east, ten from the west, ten from the north, and ten from the south.
My heart raced as I realized the danger I was in.
How did this army of golems appear out of nowhere?
Without hesitation, I cast Fire Storm, creating a massive whirlwind of fire around me. The intense heat melted some of the golems, causing them to stumble and lose their balance.
But despite my efforts, they continued to crawl towards me.
I knew I needed a more powerful spell to defeat them before they overpowered me with their gigantic bodies.
As I looked around, I noticed metal swords were embedded in the ice golems.
I could sense the flow of magic power from these swords, making them the source of the golems' strength.
With determination, I changed my target and focused on destroying the swords.
>Sorcerer's Blindfold attuned!
>You can do Double Casting spell!
As the Ice Golems charged towards me, I took a deep breath and focused on the metal sword embedded in each one.
With intense concentration, I unleashed the Lightning Spark, aiming it directly at the swords for maximum precision.
The air crackled with electricity as a great ball of lightning formed above me, ready to strike.
When the first Ice Golem reached the range of my attack, the Lightning Bolt automatically shot towards its metal sword, shattering it into pieces.
The sound of lightning and breaking ice filled the air as the other Ice Golems met the same fate.
After several minutes, the chaos and noise subsided, leaving only one remaining Ice Golem.
It was bigger and more menacing than the others, with a black metal sword that seemed impervious to my lightning.
I realized that this was the reason it had survived the onslaught.
Without hesitation, I stopped my Fire Storm and activated my Gaia Endowment spell.
The Ice Golem charged towards me, its massive fist slamming into my body and sending me flying across the ice platform.
I landed with a brutal thud, the ice cracking beneath me.
But I quickly got back on my feet, ready to face the monstrous Ice Golem once more.
>Health Power: 23%
>Mana Power: 42%
>Sorcerer's Blindfold removed!
>You no longer can use Double Casting Spelling!
What was that massive blow?!
If I hadn't activated the Gaia Endowment, it would have been my demise for sure!
As I stood up, the platform trembled once again, signaling that the Ice Golem was still relentlessly crawling towards me to finish the job.
How will I defeat this golem if my Lightning Spark spell fails me?!
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves and push away my fears.
There has to be a solution!
Think, think, think!
I remember using the Fire Storm spell before and it managed to melt half of the Ice Golem's lower body.
Perhaps if I use it again, I can weaken the golem.
But time is not on my side.
If I cast Fire Storm, the golem might break through and survive, delivering a fatal blow.
Then I remembered the Blade of Fire - a quick and powerful spell with a short range attack.
I must take a risk and create an opportunity!
With the help of the Sorcerer's blindfold, I can anticipate the Ice Golem's movements and execute my attack with precision.
It's the only way!
I quickly chugged a Health Potion and Mana Potion to replenish my energy, and raced towards the Ice Golem.
>Sorcerer's Blindfold attuned!
>You can do Double Casting spell!
Through the Sorcerer's Blindfold, I could see the magic energy pulsing from the Ice Golem, revealing its intentions.
I gripped my Dragon Scepter tightly and ran towards it, casting the Blade of Fire.
The fiery blade glinted in the sunlight as I prepared to strike.
The Ice Golem's sudden aggression sent a jolt of fear through me.
I could feel its murderous intent, but I couldn't let it stop me.
I could sense its plan to attack me with a left hook, but I didn't have time to process it.
In a split second, I leaped forward, narrowly avoiding the blow.
This was my chance!
With determination, I thrust my Dragon Scepter into the Ice Golem, the Blade of Fire piercing through its icy exterior.
The heat from the fiery blade crackled and melted away half of the Golem's body.
As I focused all of my mana energy on the Blade of Fire, it intensified, creating an explosion that obliterated the Ice Golem.
The black metal sword that was once embedded in the Ice Golem now lay in front of me.
>Sorcerer's Blindfold removed!
>You no longer can use Double Casting Spelling!
My focus shifted to the black metal sword that lay before me, after I had removed the Sorcerer's blindfold.
The sword, crackling with purple lightning, emanated a powerful aura of magic. Intrigued by its energy, I reached out and took hold of the dark metal blade.
> You get Obsidian Sword!
> Warning! You can't utilize the Obsidian Sword due to low Magician Rank
What in the world?
This is the first time the System has ever sent me a notification like this!
Does it mean that the Obsidian Sword belongs to a Sorcerer with a higher Magician Rank than me?
But who could this mysterious Sorcerer be?
As I pondered this, my eyes scanned the area until they landed on the frozen Sorcerer near the Three-headed Dragon.
Could it be that this sword belongs to that Sorcerer?
It may just be a mere intuition, but as I take a step closer to the frozen figure, I can sense a pulse coming from the sword.
It seems that the Sorcerer has summoned the Obsidian Sword.
Without hesitation, I point the sword towards the frozen figure.
Suddenly, the sword begins to shake and then swiftly flies towards the Sorcerer.
In a split second, the Sorcerer's hand reaches out and grasps the handle of the Obsidian Sword.
A blinding light emanates from the sword's edge, followed by a barrage of lightning strikes from the sky.
The lightning falls like a relentless bombardment, shattering the Sea of Ice into countless pieces.
And there, I witness the Sorcerer breaking free from their frozen prison.
With a firm grip on the Obsidian Sword, the Sorcerer takes flight.
My suspicions were correct, this Sorcerer is the rightful owner of the Obsidian Sword.
> You get 100.000 Monster Diamond! > You get Emerald Gemstone (x2)! Great! The Quest System is a success! But suddenly, I feel the atmosphere in this dungeon becoming oppressively heavy. It dawns on me that the powerful lightning spell not only shattered the ice encasing the sorcerer, but also struck the three-headed dragon! The dragon roars with such force that the ground shakes. Suddenly, a frigid wind howls, refreezing the melted ice. It becomes clear to me that the spellcaster of this cold wind is the three-headed dragon, known as Hydra by the System. Surprisingly, I am able to save the Sorcerer by simply returning his Obsidian Sword, something I never expected when I first started this Quest. The System has yet to assign a Quest for dealing with this rampaging Hydra. From my observations, the Hydra is targeting a specific individual, the Sorcerer with his scepter and Obsidian Sword. The Sorcerer points his scepter towards the sky, conjuring a massive thundercloud. The cloud looms over the Sea of Ice, shrouding it in darkness. At the same time, the Sorcerer aims his Obsidian Sword at the Hydra. Suddenly, a thousand swords materialize from the shimmering blue light. These magical swords fly towards the thundercloud, amplifying the power of both the lightning and the swords. Is the Sorcerer performing a Double Spellcasting? No, it's even more astounding! He is combining two distinct spells into one formidable attack! I can sense the Hydra trembling under the immense pressure of the thundercloud. The Hydra's gaping mouths unleash a frigid breath, freezing both the Sorcerer and the entire dungeon once again. However, the Sorcerer was already prepared. He crossed his scepter and Obsidian Sword, instantly activating a downpour of mystical blades with the speed of lightning, mercilessly crushing every inch of the Hydra's body. The beast let out a pained scream, its life coming to a swift end. As the cold wind dissipates, the Sea of Ice begins to melt, returning to its liquid form. Standing on a platform of ice that would soon melt away, I watch as the Sorcerer, still cloaked in his hoodie, continues to fly towards me. Despite not being able to see his face clearly, I can feel the familiar aura emanating from him, a feeling I can't quite explain every time I encounter him. "Be ready," he speaks in a human language, not the usual monster tongue. Is this Sorcerer also human? How is that possible? Unless he too has access to the System! My heart raced as I faced the Legendary Sorcerer, unsure of what this so-called Quest would entail. Without warning, he conjured ten Ice Javelins around him, poised to strike. I cursed under my breath, my mind racing to come up with a defense. Having previously encountered the Ice Sorcerer, I preemptively launched a Lightning Spark incantation in preparation for the incoming Ice Javelin spells. Minutes passed, but the Ice Javelins remained suspended in the air, their sharp tips glinting in the light. Suddenly, they disappeared in the blink of an eye. I searched for any trace of them, but they had vanished without a trace. Confusion washed over me as I tried to make sense of what had just happened. But then, I felt a strange shift in the air, a hint of something familiar. And then it hit me - the Sorcerer had changed the spell! Instead of ice, he was now using water magic! Before I could react, a massive wave of water surged towards me from the left, breaking through my Lightning Spark defense with ease. I was thrown backwards, my body slamming into one of the abandoned ships in the dungeon! The setting was eerie and unsettling, with abandoned ships scattered around the dungeon and the sound of crashing waves in the background. The pain was excruciating, but I forced myself to stand up. The Sorcerer appeared before me, his scepter pointed directly at me. I was tardy in comprehending his true motive for conjuring the Ice Javelin spell, which was simply to deceive me. As I struggled to cast a Lightning Bolt to counter his attack, he was already one step ahead. Every time I tried to strike, he countered with a faster Lightning Bolt, causing significant damage to my wet body. >Health Power: 23% >Mana Power: 44% The sorcerer's spells struck me with a force I never could have imagined. But instead of cowering in fear, I quickly took action. I channeled my energy into the Gaia Endowment Spell and fortified my defense. With determination, I leaped through the shattered window on the ship and landed in the navigation room. As I hid behind the broken machine, my fingers frantically worked to access the System Menu. I knew I needed to act fast if I was going to stand a chance against the Legendary Sorcerer. Despite its exorbitant price, I gritted my teeth and purchased The Accelerator Ring. I couldn't afford to be outmatched in terms of casting speed! The stakes were too high! The room was filled with tension as I waited for the ring to take effect. With a deep breath, I prepared myself for the battle ahead. >The Accelerator Ring attached! >Your casting spell speed is increased to 50%!. As I sense the surge of new magician power within me, I quickly take a sip of Health Potion and Mana Potion to replenish my strength. I am now fully prepared for another battle. Moments pass and the outside world falls silent. There is no sound or movement coming from the navigation room. But suddenly, a blinding flash of lightning strikes from outside. My instincts warn me of the overwhelming magical force approaching, urging me to flee. Without hesitation, I jump out of the room just as a Divine Thunder spell obliterates the entire navigation room. Miraculously, I escape, propelled by my instincts. My body trembles from the explosion as I quickly assess the situation. But before I can fully gather my thoughts, I am faced with The Legendary Sorcerer soaring in the sky, his scepter aimed at me. "Be ready, Alstair," he warns in a chilling tone, preparing to cast yet another spell. Well, I am more than prepared for this, damn sorcerer! I refuse to stand idly and react to his attacks! I must take the initiative and strike first before he can unleash his powers upon me! >Sorcerer's Blindfold attuned! >You can do Double Casting spell! I quickly prepared the Divine Thunder spell, while at the same time, cast Lightning Bolt toward the Sorcerer. The Sorcerer immediately counter it with Lightning Bolt. The clash of Lightning Bolt sparks it's blitz, crushing the ship platform between me and The Sorcerer. At this time, my casting spell time is equal with The Legendary Sorcerer, so I can counter all those rapid Lightning Bolt. Amidst the clash, my Divine Thunder spell is already finished its preparation. I believe The Sorcerer won't notice due to the clashing of Lightning Bolt. Without hesitation, I cast the Divine Thunder. The cloud in the sky, filled with the blitz of thunder, immediately strike down it's Divine Thunder toward the Sorcerer. Seconds before the Divine Thunder strike, I sense plenty of giants coming from the north, moving toward to the Sorcerer. They are the Ice Golem! Those Ice Golem become a life shield, protecting The Legendary Sorcerer from getting struck by The Divine Thunder. The explosion of Divine Thunder emerge, along with the cracking of plenty Ice Golem that getting destroyed. After the debris of Ice Golem getting eradicated, The Legendary Sorcerer still flies without any injury. Fuck! I never expecting the Ice Golem is under Legendary Sorcerer's command, not from the Hydra that I initially thought! He even can block the remaining Divine Thunder with his Obsidian Blade! I sense the Legendary Sorcerer flies fast toward me. I instinctively cast Lightning Bolt to prevent his ambush, but alas, my Mana Power is not enough! All I able to do is to cast Gaia Endowment spell to strengthen my body and weapon, then immediately block the Legendary Sorcerer's attack. The Obsidian Sword and My Dragon Scepter clashed each other. Before I counter the attack, The Legendary Sorcerer already landed his kick on my chest, pushing me far away until i slammed on the ship pole. >Health Power: 55% >Mana Power: 45% >Sorcerer's Blindfold removed! >You no longer can use Double Casting Spelling! Shit! I gasp for air, struggling to stand my ground as the accursed Sorcerer swoops closer, brandishing his Obsidian Sword yet again. Casting a Lightning Bolt now would be pointless, as he can easily deflect it with his weapon. All I can do is quickly summon The Blade of Fire with my Dragon Scepter. Taking a deep breath, I exhale slowly and lunge forward, striking the Sorcerer with all my might. The clash of our blades creates a fiery explosion, scorching the ship platform we stand on and the Legendary Sorcerer himself. "You've learned from your mistake, but you're still no match for me, Alstair," he sneers. His words leave me speechless, but I sense something lurking behind me. Before I can react, sharp objects pierce through my shoulders and back, forcing me to my knees. I realize too late that the Sorcerer had conjured flying magic swords to attack me from behind. Damn! His ability to cast two spells at once without using the Sorcerer's Blindfold is proof of his legendary status! With the Obsidian Sword pointed menacingly at me, the Sorcerer's cold gaze makes it clear that he could easily split my face in half with a single swing. In my desperate situation, a System Notification suddenly appears. > You get 150.000 Monster Diamonds! > You get the Hematite Gemstones (x3)! > You get Sapphire Gemstone (x2)! > You get the Key of Abandoned Tower (x1)! Mixed emotions of joy and despair flood over me as I receive notifications for my rewards. In a dull tone, the renowned Sorcerer of the Zeta System asks, "Do you regret your decision to become a Sorcerer, now that death looms before you?" I stand my ground, unwavering in my response. "No regrets. I did everything in my power to provide for my family, even if it meant braving the treacherous Zeta system." The Sorcerer continues to probe, "What do you seek in this Sea of Ice Dungeon?" My answer is resolute, "A potion of miracles, to save my mother." The Sorcerer acknowledges, "You're on the right path. Survival will lead you to what you seek. If you want to find the miracle medicine for your family, go to the top of Abandoned Tower." We lock eyes with a deadly intent on the brink of a battle. The Sorcerer could have easily killed me, but instead, he sheathes his obsidian sword, letting the magic blade that once pierced my back and shoulder dissipate. "Consider yourself lucky, Alstair. To become a powerful Sorcerer, you must lead a formidable team." His words carry a sense of guidance, and I know they hold truth. He commands his Ice Golem troops to protect his life, a reminder that strength lies in numbers. "Our next encounter will be a battle to the death. Be prepared." With those chilling words, the Sorcerer flies back into the sky. It's an unusual end to a battle, almost as if the Sorcerer was following the System Quest I just completed. Despite the strange circumstances, I am still alive, but my body trembles from the lingering spiritual pressure of the Legendary Sorcerer. I make a vow that when we meet again, I will defeat him. I will emerge stronger and more powerful than ever before! ***