>The Eyes of Dullahan ring activated!
>The poison effect reduced significantly!
As we ventured deeper into the cave, the air grew increasingly toxic.
I could feel it in my lungs, but the Eyes of Dullahan ring I wore provided the necessary protection.
My teammate, Erlan, and his team were not so fortunate, their expressions changing as they struggled through the poisonous air.
The cave was dark, but the walls were dotted with torch-shaped Monster Crystals, strategically placed to lure their prey.
Erlan was determined, his every step purposeful as he rushed to collect as many crystals as he could.
But his Knight team showed no such eagerness.
Their faces were pale and uncertain, coughing and gasping for breath as they fought against the poison.
"Stop, Erlan," Laura, the healer, spoke up as one of the team members fell.
She immediately used her healing and antidote spells, but the effects were only temporary.
The poison in the air was too strong.
"We can't continue this mission. It's too dangerous." Erlan's anger flared.
"What kind of statement is that? Are you going to let this weak Knight make decisions for us?" he pointed at me, accusing.
"He's a fraud, a manipulator. That's why the Executives ordered us to keep an eye on him. He can't be trusted."
"Do you not realize how strong the poison is in this cave?" Laura argued back. "It would be suicide to continue."
Some of the Knights nodded in agreement with Laura's decision.
"We must find the source of this poison and eliminate it," Erlan insisted. "This cave is only inhabited by weak and sick elf. We can easily defeat the elf!"
"Then go by yourself! As a healer, my priority is the safety of the team!" Laura refused, helping the injured Knights to make their way out of the cave.
"Wait, no one is leaving! That's an order!" Erlan shouted, but the healer pretended not to hear.
Suddenly, a magical barrier appeared, sealing off the mouth of the cave.
The Swordman and Archer on the team attacked it, but their efforts were in vain.
Laura's only option to escape this deadly dungeon was to use a special teleportation gem, but it was in Erlan's possession.
"Erlan, this is serious matter. Even though it's a low tier A-rank mission, we can't move forward under the unexpected poisonous air. We should get back. Now.", Laura tries to convince the commander of the team.
However, Erlan is not moved.
He even show the only available special gem that can be use for alternative get out, but he instead destroy it in front of all of us solely by his strong grip.
"Nobody get out from the cave before we finish the mission! This poisonous air will immediately stopped the elves who's sourced of it! Don't getting doubtful because in this crucial condition", Erlan shouted in anger,
"If you die miserably, then blame yourself for hearing the stupid recommendation from this fraudster Knight.", he continued while pointing angrily to me.
"You crazy! What the hell are you thinking?! Our team is dying and-"
"It already happened. We no longer had any choice rather than moving forward. If we wasting time in here, all of us will be dead.", I quickly intervene Laura due to these complicated situation.
Laura still agitated, which took her time to digest the weight of this complicated condition.
Few minutes passed, she cast the supporting buff and healing spell to all the team member.
The spell surely helping reduce the impact of the poisonous air, but everyone of us is aware those spell is useful in short time.
As we charged towards the cave, our hearts raced with adrenaline.
The center of the cave was our destination and we moved with determination, our feet pounding against the rocky ground.
The air was thick with danger, and we could feel the weight of it pressing against us.
Amidst the center of the cave, a pile of glittering diamonds caught our eyes.
We knew they were valuable, but there was something more sinister lurking in their midst.
Resting on top of the pile was an old and rotund elf, his heavy breaths signaling his struggle with sickness or old age.
Above him floated a shimmering, purple crystal that we knew to be the source of the poison.
Despite the toxic fumes emanating from the crystal, the elf sat there seemingly unaffected.
It was a sight that left us in awe, but also wary of his strength.
As we looked closer, we noticed a fiery figure formed by magic, resembling a woman engulfed in flames.
She hovered behind the elf, acting as his protector.
The elf was aware of our presence, his piercing blue eyes locked onto ours.
He remained still, not uttering a single word.
Yet, his gaze held a fierce and deadly intent that sent shivers down our spines.
"Defeat him now!" Erlan's urgent voice broke through the tense silence.
The archers wasted no time in pointing their arrows at the elf, while the swordsmen readied their weapons.
But something was amiss.
The fire spirit that had been behind the elf was now gone.
And before we could even process this, screams of pain erupted from Erlan's team.
The archers and swordsmen, who had been heavily affected by the poison, were now engulfed in flames, turning into fire soldiers!
It was a sight similar to the goblins we had encountered before!
The realization hit us like a punch to the gut!
This was the reason the elves used the poisonous air, to weaken their prey before taking control of them with their fire spirits.
It was a cunning and deadly strategy!
The fire soldier's arrow whistled through the air, aimed directly at Laura.
She stumbled back, her eyes wide with fear.
Without hesitation, Avyanna sprang into action, trying to shield Laura from the attack.
But the fire soldier was relentless, launching attack after attack.
The clash between the Knights and the fire soldier intensified, causing chaos and destruction.
Erlan, determined to reach the elves at the top of the Monster Diamond pile, pushed forward despite his weakened state.
His lungs burned from the poisonous air, but Erlan refused to give up.
With a burst of energy, he swung his sword at the elves, only to be thwarted by an invisible Magical Barrier.
The force of the barrier sent him stumbling and falling from the pile of diamonds.
Despite the pain and exhaustion, Erlan struggled to get back on his feet.
But the poison had taken its toll, forcing him to kneel and cough violently.
As his condition worsened, his eyes turned red, a clear sign of his impending death.
Desperate, he turned to me, his last hope.
"I don't know what kind of power you possess, but you're our only chance, Alstair," he pleaded, tears in his eyes.
I could feel his desperation and fear.
Two of his fellow Knights had already been turned into fire soldiers, and the rest were dying from the poisonous air.
Erlan knew he had made a mistake, and time was running out.
Taking a deep breath, I set down my bag and pickaxe.
"If you want my help, you'll have to take responsibility for my decision when the Executives ask," I stated calmly.
"I'll take any responsibility, just please help us!" Erlan begged shamelessly, his condition worsening by the second.
I could only hope that the Executives were listening.
The System's notification appeared, signaling the necessary decision to defeat the Arcanist Elf!
My focus sharpened as I heard the quick steps approaching from the east and west.
It was the Fire Soldiers, their presence announced by the archer's drawn bow and the swordsman's fiery sword!
My summoning spell, Zephyr, was quickly cast as three warriors of wind materialized to combat the incoming barrage of fire arrows and sword strikes.
With swift slashes of their wind swords, they managed to counter the rapid attacks of the Fire Soldiers.
I could see that the enemy consisted of five fire soldiers - three swordsmen and two archers.
The only ones left from Erlan's group were Avyanna, Laura, and Erlan himself.
Though outnumbered, my Zephyr warriors were able to hold their own against the Fire Soldiers, protecting me from their aimed arrows and swords.
But the situation was becoming more complicated as the poisonous air gradually affected me, despite the protection of the Eye of Dullahan ring.
Time was running out!
It was time to double spell casting!
>Sorcerer's Blindfold attuned!
>You can do Double Casting spell!
Amidst the relentless assault of the fire soldiers, I swiftly retrieved the Dragon Scepter from my inventory system and attuned myself to its power.
>Dragon Scepter equipped!
> Mana Power increased 100%!
> Mana Damage increased 100%!
> Magic Barrier defense increased 100%!
With unwavering focus, I readied my second spell: the formidable Divine Thunder.
As the spell preparation progressed smoothly, the fire soldiers intensified their attacks, realizing the danger of my spell that could vanquish the elves and shatter the purple crystal in a single strike.
"How dare a mere human wield a summoning spell and attack spell at the same time?!" boomed the Arcanist Elf, finally breaking his silence.
Though he spoke in the elven language, I understood his words.
"You dare to unleash the destructive force of Divine Thunder in this confined cave?" Arden seethed with anger. "Do you seek to destroy the Diamonds?"
"I care not for the Diamonds! My only goal is to defeat you!" I retorted with a fierce shout, bracing myself for the inevitable battle.
The eight magical lightning circle had been meticulously arranged around my body, ready to summon the powerful thunder from the heavens and unleash it upon Arden.
In a swift command, Arden called upon Aizel, the fire spirit, to annihilate the mad Sorcerer and his five fire soldiers, who were now targeting me with their scorching heat.
"I, Aldwin, the most skilled Arcanist among the elven race, would not allow myself to be bested by a mere human who had only just begun to grasp the intricacies of Arcanist magic," declared the elf with a mix of determination, conceit, and unease, bracing himself for the ultimate confrontation.
Thanks to my accelerator ring, I was able to cast my Divine Thunder spell at an astonishing speed.
As I aimed my Dragon Scepter at the Arcanist elf, the Divine Thunder emerged from the sky, obliterating the entire cave, the floating crystal that emitted poisonous air, and the pile of Monster Diamonds where Arden was standing.
Amidst the rubble and smoke, the fire soldiers who had been chasing me were nowhere to be seen.
They had been completely destroyed by the force of my divine power.
>Sorcerer's Blindfold removed!
>You no longer can use Double Casting Spelling!
I removed the Sorcerer's Blindfold and my eyes landed on the Arcanist Elf, struggling amidst the debris of Monster Diamond's fragment.
His body trembled violently, scarred by the powerful lightning that had just struck him.
Despite his labored and heavy breathing, he refused to give up.
My gaze swept over the area, searching for Aziel, the fire spirit under the elf's control.
But he was nowhere to be seen. Turning my attention to the rest of our team, I saw Erlan, Avyanna, and Laura taking a brief moment to catch their breath after the intense attack from the fire soldiers.
The swordsmen and archers, who were previously possessed by Aziel, now bore the scars of their battle.
They were alive, but barely.
The situation had turned into a critical emergency as Laura, our healer, lay with severe injuries that drained her mana energy.
In a desperate attempt to help, Avyanna used her healing spell on Laura, hoping to revive her and allow her to heal the rest of us.
But it was in vain. Laura remained unconscious, her body limp.
The scene was chaotic, with the smell of burnt flesh and the sound of heavy breathing filling the air.
The setting was a wasteland of destruction, a testament to the fierce battle that had taken place.
Suddenly, Avyanna approached me with a sense of urgency.
"Many of our members are in dire condition," she exclaimed.
"They need immediate first aid, but my recovery spell alone is not enough!" Her anxiety was palpable as I walked closer to her.
"Erlan!" Avyanna suddenly erupted in anger.
"What the hell are you doing just standing there frozen like a doll? Get yourself together and help your team, damnit!" She had noticed Erlan staring at Alstair without saying a word.
"A-ah, yes! I-I'm sorry!" Erlan quickly apologized, snapping out of his daze.
"I was just in awe of Alstair's power. He single-handedly destroyed the nasty elf with one powerful magic spell. He truly is the best sorcerer, no doubt about it!"
With that, he joined Avyanna in aiding Laura's recovery.
Like Avyanna, Erlan possessed a healing spell that was only known to the Tanker Knights.
Together, their spells slowly brought Laura back to consciousness. However, it was not enough for her to use her own healing spell.
Her injuries were too severe, requiring special treatment that rendered her unable to unleash her specialized healing abilities as a healer.
Time is fleeting!
There's no time to waste on sending them back home for special treatment!
Quickly, I retrieved five vials of potion from my inventory system and distributed them to each of the wounded knights.
Thankfully, the potion worked like a charm.
The knights' severe injuries halted and they gradually regained consciousness.
Avayanna and Erlan stared at me in wonder as the potion worked its magic.
"What kind of potion is this? I've never seen anything that can heal knights so swiftly!" exclaimed Erlan, unable to contain his awe.
It appeared that the potion generated by the System was more advanced than those produced by the Knight Association.
After drinking the potion, Laura's condition improved significantly.
She rose to her feet and assisted in casting additional healing spells for the remaining injured knights.
"The old elf has been defeated! We have completed our mission!" cheered Avyanna, ecstatic for her viewers.
"Not yet," I interjected, still holding onto the Dragon Scepter with caution.
The System had not yet notified me of the mission's completion, indicating that the damn elf was still alive after being struck by the Divine Thunder.
As I turned my attention to Arden, I noticed that his body was being consumed by the fire spirit under his control.
Aizel, the fire spirit in the form of a woman, had taken over Arden's body and engulfed him completely in flames!
The damn elf had become the host of his own fire spirit!
Not only that, he had also manifested a floating purple crystal emitting a more potent and poisonous aura than before!
Insane!
>The Eyes of Dullahan ring activated!
>The poison effect reduced significantly!
The Eyes of Dullahan ring rang out once more, signaling that the toxic air had intensified.
The cursed elf continued to use his superior magical vision to cast spells without his sight becoming blurred.
From my observation, the Arcanist Elf gradually emerged, engulfed in flames that consumed his entire body.
It was impossible not to notice the fat on his body melting away and his skin blistering under the scorching flames of Aizel.
It appeared that Arden had made the decision to either die alone or together with his opponents.
The air grew thin and suffocating, accompanied by a searing heat that was agonizing, even from a distance.
"The cursed elf has risen again?! What in the world?!" Erlan trembled in fear, coughing from the poisonous air.
Even Laura, the swordsman, and the archers, who had just recovered, were forced to kneel once more due to the deadly combination of heat and toxicity.
"What are we going to do?! Alstair!" Avyanna raised her shield in preparation, but she too felt the same fear and suffocation as Erlan.
"I am Arden, the renowned Arcanist Elf. I refuse to be defeated by a lowly human sorcerer like you. Face me, mortal!" Arden's voice boomed with rage, tinged with frustration.
He was like a self-destructive force, consumed by the desire to burn everything in his path, even if it meant destroying himself.
I wasted no time and summoned ten Ice Javelins with a swift incantation, hurling them towards the madman in an attempt to end his destructive rampage.
But to my dismay, the intense heat emanating from the fire spirit within Arden caused the Ice Javelins to melt into nothingness.
I had to change my strategy quickly, switching to alternative spell - Lightning Bolt - and casting it repeatedly in a continuous stream towards the crazed elf.
Yet, he remained unfazed and continued on his destructive path, seemingly immune to my lightning attacks.
This only fueled my determination; I could not give up now!
I had to come up with another plan to stop this madman before it was too late!
As I cast Zephyr, three fierce wind warriors materialized before me.
With a swift command, they charged towards Arden, their wind swords slashing through the air with deadly precision.
But even as the blades struck, Arden stood his ground, his fiery aura growing fiercer with each gust of wind.
In a powerful display of strength, he took down each of my wind warriors with ease, slamming them to the ground before unleashing a barrage of fiery punches that shook the very earth.
It was a devastating sight - my carefully crafted summoning spell destroyed by the sheer force of Aizel, the fire spirit.
"I am unbeatable! The great Arcanist Elf!" Arden's triumphant shout echoed through the battlefield, sending shivers down the spines of Erlan, Avyanna, and their team.
Their weapons fell to the ground, their will to fight draining away in the face of such overwhelming power.
Even I, the one who summoned Zephyr, could feel fear creeping into my heart as Arden's heavy footsteps drew closer.
But I couldn't turn back now!
I had to complete the System's Quest, for the sake of my family!
I refuse to let the System's Quest defeat me, even if it means risking my life!
I will emerge victorious without sacrificing myself in vain!
Amidst the scorching blaze that slowly breaches my Magical Barrier and the suffocating poison that weakens the Knights, I notice a pattern as the elf's movements become sluggish.
Seconds tick by as I observe, witnessing the elf's left leg succumb to the flames.
The intense heat also engulfs the elf's right hand, yet somehow, he still manages to limp forward, his movements now crippled.
He's running out of time, and I know it!
This is my opportunity to increase the heat and hasten his demise!
Although casting a fire storm might work, I doubt it will be enough to quickly vanquish Arden.
Instead, I channel the Blade of Fire through my Dragon Scepter, preparing it for use.
Without hesitation, I charge towards the cursed elf.
Despite the searing flames breaching my magical barrier, I push through the pain and thrust the Blade of Fire into the elf.
The fire grows larger and more deadly, shattering my Magical Barrier and draining my health rapidly.
>Warning! your Health Point is 15%!
>Warning! due to the extreme heat, using potion will be no effect!
The system notifications are a constant reminder of my dire situation.
Yet, I hold onto faith and grasp the Blade of Fire with increased strength, feeling the scorching burn leave its mark on both of my hands.
Suddenly, in a fleeting moment, something is dropped and promptly consumed by flames.
It's Arden's blood.
The elf's initial fury and savage purpose gradually wane as his body is crushed to dust.
"I was wrong. This individual harbored a deadly essence in their being that I had not anticipated," Arden confessed with a sense of defeat.
"The purported Zeta's curse had been reignited. The downfall of us all had commenced," he concluded somberly.
He attempted to touch my face with his remaining appendage.
Yet, in the end, his limb was incinerated into ashes before it could reach me.
The noxious atmosphere, which originated from the toxic aura, drastically lessened as the soaring purple crystal was now completely shattered, coinciding with the descent of the Arcanist Elf.
> You get 200.000 Monster Diamond!
> You get Sorcerer's Ashes (1x)!
> You get Fragment Soul of Aizel (x1)!
Victory!
The notification flashed across my screen, a clear sign that I had emerged triumphant in the battle against the Arcanist.
The intense heat of Aizel's flames and suffocating poison had dissipated, their source now lifeless on the ground.
Finally, Avyanna and the injured Knight could rest and recover.
I checked the System, a satisfied smile spreading across my face as I saw the rewards for completing its quest.
The amount of Monster Diamonds I received never failed to bring a sense of accomplishment.
But this time, the items I received were different from the usual.
The first was a Fragment Soul of Aizel, which I eagerly took from my inventory and attempted to attune to my body.
The sensation was indescribable.
>Fragment Soul of Aizel Utilizied!
>You get New Summoning Spell!
>Active Skill:
Lightning Bolt
Gaia Endowment
Divine Thunder
Fire Storm
Lightning Spark
Blade of Fire
Quicksand
Ice Javelin
Frost Bite
>Passive Skill:
Magic Barrier
Mana Regeneration
Health Regeneration
Zephyr
Aizel
With a flick of my wrist, Zephyr the Wind Warrior appeared before me.
And now, I have added Aizel the Fire Soldier to my arsenal.
Aizel, unlike Zephyr, could only be summoned once at first.
But with each enemy weakened, Aizel could control and transform them into a Fire Soldiers.
It was a powerful transformation, one that demanded complete obedience from the flames.
My attention shifted to a small object lying among my collection - the Sorcerer's Ashes.
Its significance was not lost on me.
>Sorcerer Ashes (x1)
*Use it to conduct the chosen eye ritual, pre-requirement: Sorcerer's Blindfold (you have 3 opportunities)
"Chosen Eye Ritual? What kind of ritual is that?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as I gazed at the Sorcerer's Ashes in front of me.
The ashes exuded a strong magical power, one that I could feel tingling in my bones.
It was a power unlike any I had ever encountered before.
I knew that when combined with the Sorcerer's Blindfold, it would generate an even stronger magical energy.
But with such power came a warning - there could be a negative consequence.
Despite the potential risk, I knew I needed to elevate my magician powers significantly if I was to successfully invade the Abandoned Tower Dungeon alone.
The summoning spell had already given me a significant boost, but it wasn't enough.
I need more!
Without hesitation, I reached for the Sorcerer's Ashes and carefully sprinkled them onto the Sorcerer's Blindfold.
As the ashes settled, the blindfold transformed into a vibrant shade of red, almost as if it was calling out to me.
I could feel its power beckoning me, urging me to attune to it.
But I knew that there was no room for doubt or hesitation.
With a determined look, I placed the blindfold over my eyes, feeling the rush of magic coursing through my body.
This was my chance to become stronger, to conquer the challenges ahead.
And I was ready to take it.
>Red Sorcerer's Blindfold Attuned!
>The Chosen Eye Ritual begin!
The sudden heat on my body sears my skin, and a searing pain shoots through my eyes.
It feels as though a fiery spear has been thrust into my face in the blink of an eye.
My body convulses with the intensity of the pain, and I can't help but cry out.
I fall to my knees, my hands clutching at my face, trying to relieve the excruciating agony.
As I writhe on the ground, I feel an invisible hand crawling up my body, its cold touch leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.
It reaches my face, its fingers creeping towards my eyes.
I can almost feel it trying to pry them open, to expose them to the searing heat.
But I refuse to let it.
With a quick movement, I rip off the blindfold that had been covering my eyes.
The sudden burst of light is blinding, but it's a relief compared to the fiery pain I had been enduring.
"Damn, that was painful," I gasp, still trying to catch my breath.
I take a moment to regain my composure, my eyes adjusting to the light.
I look around, taking in my surroundings.
The stark walls and cold metal floor of the room make it clear that I am in some sort of torture chamber.
>Red Sorcerer's Blindfold Removed!
>The Chosen Eye Ritual failed!
>You have 2 opportunities left!
As I removed the Red Sorcerer's Blindfold, the excruciating pain that had consumed me suddenly vanished.
It was as if the blindfold itself held the power to alleviate my suffering.
I expected to see scars or injuries from the agonizing torment, but to my surprise, there were none.
It was almost as if the pain had been nothing more than an illusion.
But I knew better.
This ritual was far from being a mere trick.
The pain may have dissipated, but it still lingered, gradually diminishing with each passing moment.
I couldn't help but wonder how many others had fallen victim to this deceptive spell.
Despite the lingering discomfort, I couldn't resist the urge to try it again.
This time, I was determined to uncover the true power behind the Red Sorcerer's Blindfold.
With a deep breath, I prepared myself for whatever may come.
After all, I couldn't let a little pain stop me from discovering the secrets hidden within this mysterious ritual.
As I braced myself for the unknown, I couldn't help but ponder the true purpose of this sorcerer's blindfold.
Was it truly a tool of pain and suffering, or was there more to it than meets the eye?
Only one way to find out.
Let's try it one more time.
>Red Sorcerer's Blindfold Attuned!
>The Chosen Eye Ritual begin!
Once again, the searing sensation engulfed my body, causing my muscles to tense and my breath to hitch.
The invisible force, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, began to move at an alarming speed, its sharp claws digging into my skin.
I desperately tried to cast the Gaia Endowment Spell, hoping it would ease the pain that felt like hellfire coursing through my veins and piercing my eyes.
But it was no use, the pain was still unbearable.
As I felt my eyes being gouged out, I pleaded for it to stop, but to no avail.
The excruciating agony left me feeling completely helpless and blind.
And yet, the pain continued to escalate, leaving me with nothing but a surge of overwhelming pain and confusion.
What was happening to me?
Why was this happening?
>Red Sorcerer's Blindfold Removed!
>The Chosen Eye Ritual failed!
>You have 1 opportunities left!
"Ugh!" Even after enduring all that pain, I have nothing to show for it?
Despite my eyes remaining unscathed, I still haven't found the answers in the Chosen Eye Ritual.
But there's still one chance left.
I suspect I may have overlooked something in my previous attempt.
After calming my heart and mustering my courage once more, I am determined to complete The Chosen Eye Ritual once and for all.
>Red Sorcerer's Blindfold Attuned!
>The Chosen Eye Ritual begin!
The burn seared through my body, causing me to writhe in agony.
But I was prepared for it. I knelt down, bracing myself for what was to come.
Suddenly, an invisible force gripped my eyes, and I could feel its powerful hold.
Without hesitation, I reached out and grasped it, channeling my own magical energy towards my eyes.
The pain intensified, but I refused to give in.
With each passing moment, I could sense the intricate patterns and flow of energy coursing towards my eyes.
I stood tall, my determination evident in every move I made.
And finally, the Red Sorcerer's Blindfold dissipated, revealing the world in all its glory.
>Red Sorcerer's Blindfold Dispersed!
>The Chosen Eye Ritual Succeeded!
>New Passive Spell activated!
The Eye of Sorcerer
>Active Skill:
Lightning Bolt
Gaia Endowment
Divine Thunder
Fire Storm
Lightning Spark
Blade of Fire
Quicksand
Ice Javelin
Frost Bite
>Passive Skill:
Magic Barrier
Mana Regeneration
Health Regeneration
The Eye of Sorcerer*
*Can cast three spell at once
Zephyr
Aizel
The System's Notification appeared, signaling the completion of the ritual.
My excitement grew as I gazed upon the new passive spell, the Triple Casting Spell.
It was truly magnificent, surpassing even my wildest expectations.
And the best part?
I didn't need to wear the Sorcerer's Blindfold like I used to.
The magical energy still flowed around me, but now it was more powerful and purposeful.
As I opened my eyes, I was greeted with a newfound clarity of vision.
The mana around me was more vibrant than ever before, allowing me to strategize and plan my spells more effectively in the face of enemies.
The Red Sorcerer's Blindfold was no longer necessary, for the magic was now imbued within my body and soul.
For a few moments, I stood in silence, savoring the rush of power within me.
It was then that I noticed Erlan and his team surrounding me, weapons at the ready.
Their faces were pale with fear, but I couldn't understand why.
That is, until I caught a glimpse of my reflection in one of the Knight's swords.
My eyes had turned a piercing blue, just like Arden the Arcanist Elf.
It was no wonder they were afraid.
My transformation was complete, and I was now a true sorcerer.
Dialogue was exchanged between Erlan and his team, but I was too lost in my own thoughts to fully comprehend it.
My senses were heightened, and I could feel the fear radiating off of them.
It was a powerful sensation, one that I had never experienced before.
"Everyone, please remain calm!" Avyanna exclaimed as she quickly rose to her feet in front of me.
"He's still a part of our team, no need to panic!" She tried to soothe Erlan and his team, but unfortunately, they were not convinced.
"Get out of here, Avyanna! The magician has turned into an elf monster!" one of the team members shouted.
"You'll get burned if you stay too close to the magician! Move!" added another, pointing their weapon at me.
Despite Avyanna's efforts, Erlan and his team continued to view me as their new enemy.
I couldn't help but think that their exhaustion from the constant poisonous air and fire soldier attacks had clouded their judgment.
In the midst of the chaos, I wrapped my arms around Avyanna from behind, causing everyone to stop shouting.
To my surprise, Avyanna blushed and fell silent, not even attempting to turn around and see my face.
"See? No harm done," I reassured Erlan and his team, causing them to doubt their prejudiced opinions.
Some of them even lowered their weapons, no longer suspecting me.
"The battle is over, everyone. The mission is complete. There's no need to waste any more energy here. It's time to return home," I pointed my Dragon Scepter towards the entrance of the cave, which had now opened.
One by one, the knights lowered their weapons, showing that they trusted me once again.
With a sigh of relief, I said, "But first, I still have a job to do as a Carrier."
I continued walking to gather the remaining Monster Diamonds using my mining tools.
"A-Alstair...! Let me help!" Avyanna suddenly offered.
But I declined her offer. "It's my responsibility as a Carrier. Don't worry about it," I assured her.
"No, no, no! Let me help you! You're the one who made this mission successful! Let me take care of these chores!" she persisted.
"There's no need, Avyanna," I rejected her offer once again.
I could tell that Erlan and his team were looking at me strangely as I went about my duties as a Carrier after defeating the elf.
The Executives were probably still watching me through the hidden cameras on the knights, wondering if they could trust me or not.
But at that moment, all I wanted was to finish the mission and go home to be with my family at the hospital.