Driving Avyanna home, I glanced in the rearview mirror.
Lisa sat behind me, her face etched with a profound relief.
Avyanna, still unconscious in the backseat, was slowly recovering from her ordeal.
As Lisa had explained, Avyanna's healing would take time, a gradual return to full consciousness.
Since Lisa lived nearby, I invited her along.
A heavy silence fell between us until Lisa finally spoke.
"Alstair," she began, her voice laced with apprehension, "about the Knight Association… are you… alright?"
Her gaze was intensely curious. "I suppose," I replied, my tone calm, a shrug accompanying the words.
She paused, then checked her Knight application, displaying my rank: Irregular.
The utter peculiarity of my status, the only one of its kind in the world, elicited a strange, grim chuckle.
It felt less like a progression from weak to strong, and more a shift from weak to utterly unique.
"Can I even be proud of this title? 'The Most Weird Knight'? What do you think, Lisa?" I asked, my laughter dry and devoid of genuine amusement.
Lisa offered a small, wry smile.
"Actually," I said, "that question should be directed at *you*. I haven't seen your guild, your companions. Weren't you concerned about how your comrades might react to your closeness with me, an 'Irregular'?"
Hearing my question, Lisa's smile faltered, her eyes hollow as she stared out the window.
"All my friends, all my guildmates… they're gone. Killed in that raid on the Dawn City," she whispered, her voice thick with sorrow.
A wave of guilt washed over me.
I had mistakenly assumed she'd lost only some friends; instead, her entire guild, her entire world, had been obliterated.
And she had lost her family at a young age due to Monster invasion.
No wonder her despair had driven her to the brink.
"Lisa, I'm so incredibly sorry," I said, my voice choked with remorse.
"I was thoughtless, insensitive."
"It's alright, Alstair," she said, her tone firm yet somehow fragile.
Her hand found my thigh, her touch gentle yet intensely warm, sending a shiver down my spine.
As the traffic light's crimson glow commanded a halt, I eased the car to a stop.
In the ensuing pause, our gazes locked.
Lisa met my eyes, her lips slightly parted, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink.
A tender confession trembled on her lips.
"You rescued me from that desolate valley of despair, Alstair," she whispered, her voice soft as a summer breeze. "I no longer grapple with those suicidal thoughts."
"My contribution was minor," I replied, my tone respectful.
"Your own strength, your resilience in overcoming that darkness—that's what truly matters, Lisa."
A smile bloomed on her face, drawing her closer.
Slowly, almost imperceptibly, I felt her breath on my skin.
Her exquisite beauty, the allure of a woman fully blossomed, captivated me.
The air crackled with unspoken longing; a kiss hung suspended between us.
But suddenly, a jarring honking from behind shattered the moment.
The light had changed.
With a groan of regret, I accelerated, leaving that potent intimacy unfinished.
Lisa's enigmatic smile suggested she found the interruption… amusing.
Later, during our journey, I broached the subject.
"Lisa," I began, "have you considered joining the Crystallice Guild?"
Intrigued, she responded, "If you truly desire it, Alstair, I will join."
I was stunned.
"Really? You're an A-rank Knight, Lisa. You have countless prestigious guilds competing each other for your talents, guilds far more aligned with your exceptional abilities. Your Knight's evaluation clearly demonstrates your prowess."
She met my words with unwavering certainty.
"All I desire is to be in a guild with you, or none at all."
I understood her past struggles, yet her unwavering devotion puzzled me.
Was this selfless adoration, a boundless love?
While I cherished her feelings, I yearned for an assurance that her decision stemmed from genuine affection, not mere infatuation.
"Let me remind you," she said calmly, "you once vowed to become my reason for living. If my choice still baffles you, perhaps revisiting that memory will offer clarity."
I recalled those words, at that time, was spoken impulsively to bolster her spirit, not as a literal promise.
Regardless, my feelings were undeniable.
I deeply admired her healing skills, her unwavering support, even her crucial role in securing my family's safety.
Keeping her by my side felt not just right, but essential.
"Welcome to the Crystallice Guild, Lisa," I said, my voice filled with genuine warmth.
Lisa's smile was radiant.
"Thank you for recruiting me, Vice Leader," she said, her voice brimming with genuine gratitude.
"It's an incredible honor to join the world's twentieth-best guild."
Her next question hung in the air, charged with anticipation:
"Since I'm in, can I accompany you on your special mission?"
I had meticulously guarded the secrecy of my planned excursion to the Abandoned Tower Dungeon, not sharing my intentions with anyone.
Of course, Lisa's assistance would be invaluable, but the dungeon key's singular nature—it functioned only for me—presented an insurmountable obstacle.
My response was firm, yet gentle.
"No, you'll stay here. My family's safety is important; your primary duty is to provide support, and contact me if assistance is required."
A slight sigh escaped Lisa's lips, but her smile remained steadfast.
"Understood, Alstair. Journey safely, and return home unharmed."
My nod was a silent affirmation, and soon we reached her apartment building.
Pulling up to the curb, I offered my sincere appreciation.
"Here we are. Thank you for your invaluable assistance today, Lisa. Your resourcefulness was truly remarkable; I'm profoundly impressed."
A blush crept onto her cheeks, her smile widening.
"My pleasure, Alstair. Don't hesitate to contact me—and you can even call me whatever you like; 'Master,' for instance."
I pause for a while.
Was she jesting?
A playful joke?
I attempted a chuckle, but her gaze, unwavering and intensely serious, dispelled any doubt.
"It's not a joke, Alstair," she insisted, her hands closing tightly around mine, her body pressing close enough for me to feel the warmth of her skin against mine.
The intimacy echoed the desperate closeness we'd shared during the harrowing Dawn City raid.
Despite the palpable heat, the pressing need for discretion overruled immediate impulse; Avyanna slumbered in the backseat.
The potential for an awkward awakening of Avyanna would demanded immediate action.
"Stay here. Contact me if you need anything," I murmured, gently returning her embrace before releasing it.
Her body trembled slightly; her face, a fiery scarlet, as her breathing quickened.
"A-alright, Alstair... It was... delightful... goodbye," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. She waited until I'd driven away, a small kindness that touched me deeply.
The residual tension took several minutes to dissipate, allowing me to focus on escorting Avyanna home.
Fortunately, her apartment was nearby; a five-minute drive deposited us at her building.
As I check her, Avyanna remained unconscious, but with a swift examination, I revealed stable vital signs: her temperature and breathing were normal, and her wounds from Wilder's assault appeared significantly healed.
She was simply resting, but let her rest one night in a car seat was unwise.
A more suitable location was her apartment.
Then, her eyes flickered open.
"Avyanna!" Relief flooded me. "Thank God you're awake! Are you alright?"
She paused, testing her limbs, before declaring with quiet assurance, "Yes, I'm fine now."
"Excellent. A full day's rest will restore you completely. We're at your building. Shall we go to your room? I'll assist you."
She nodded faintly.
"Yes, but walking is difficult. Could you… carry me?"
The request, delivered in a surprisingly soft yet insistent tone, was unexpected.
This wasn't the usually composed Avyanna.
But she'd shielded me from Wilder attack, and now it was my turn to take care of her.
"You don't have to worry about security in the apartment. Security's not a concern. I can explain to them if they asked," she reassured, sensing my hesitation.
I carefully lifted her; her arms encircled me tightly.
The warmth of her body against mine was striking, a contrast to her usually reserved demeanor.
My mind inexplicably wandered to a comparison with Lisa, a fleeting thought I swiftly dismissed.
I navigated towards her high-rise apartment, a testament to her family's exclusive position within the Knight's Association.
The luxury was breathtaking; observers were subtly present, but Avyanna efficiently handled any inquiries.
Her apartment door clicked shut behind us, revealing an immense, luxurious bed.
I gently laid her down.
"There you are. I hope you recover quickly. Thank you for protecting me. But you mustn't overextend yourself against such formidable adversaries. S-rank Knights are not to be underestimated, regardless of their eccentricities," I cautioned.
She offered a weak nod.
As I prepared to leave, she grasped my shirt, her grip firm and unwavering.
"What is it?" I asked, concerned.
A blush crept onto her cheeks.
She clutched a pillow to her chest, her vulnerability palpable.
An uncomfortable silence hung in the air, broken only by the shared scrutiny of two souls.
Finally, Avyanna, her voice trembling slightly, confessed her need.
"Alstair," she whispered, "could you remain here… until I fall asleep?"
Her vulnerability was striking; a stark contrast to her usual demeanor.
I'd witnessed this fragility before, in my sister Arlene, and understood the inherent strength it masked.
"Of course," I replied, settling beside her bed.
A faint smile flickered across her lips, a palpable wave of relief washing over her features.
Yet, the quiet resumed, a different kind of tension settling between us.
Each time my gaze found hers, she would bury her face in the pillow, only to peek out cautiously a moment later.
After a stretched silence, I inquired gently, "How are you feeling now?"
"The pain from my injuries has largely subsided," she replied, touching her abdomen – the unfortunate target of Wilder's brutal attack. "Lisa's healing magic proved invaluable."
"I'm glad to hear it," I said. "Lisa's skills are exceptional. We should recruit her for the Crystallice Guild. We lack a healer, and she'd be a phenomenal asset."
Hearing my idea, Avyanna offered a hesitant agreement.
Her reluctance was palpable.
"What is it? Do you still have reservations about her?"
"No… it's just… the Crystallice Guild's strength primarily rests with you, Alstair. Even without me, it would flourish," she mumbled, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of shame and deference.
"That's not true, Avyanna," I countered, my tone firm but laced with compassion. "You've made significant contributions; your role is invaluable. Stop underselling yourself."
Undeterred, she persisted.
"But it's the truth. While I was hospitalized, you single-handedly completed three A-rank missions! Your achievements surpass even Lance's raid team, comprised of numerous A-rank guilds!"
"We've reached an extraordinary milestone, becoming the 20th best guild globally," she continued, "but I believe our ascent would be even swifter, more pronounced, under your leadership, Alstair."
The question hung heavy in the air, unspoken yet undeniable.
"You want me to lead the Crystallice Guild?"
"Yes, Alstair," she affirmed, her voice gaining strength. "The Knight Association's bylaws don't explicitly prohibit a Knight of 'irregular' rank from holding such a position."
I fell silent, considering her words.
For me, the guild was merely a means to access dungeons unhindered by the unreasonable hatred from majority of Knights and their unfair blacklists.
But Avyanna's unwavering belief in me... it resonated.
Become the leader of guild would undeniably simplify my access to the dungeons I wish to explore.
Furthermore, it would allow me to recruit valuable members, Lisa being a prime example.
Avyanna's request seemed logical on the surface.
However, I sensed an underlying motive, one seemingly unrelated to the guild's prosperity.
"Avyanna," I began, my tone laced with inquiry, "your initial motivation for establishing this guild was escaping your family's restrictive rules. Choosing me as leader appears counterintuitive to that goal."
"Initially, yes," she conceded, her voice tinged with melancholy. "I believed independence was only attainable through my own guild. I enjoyed Crystallice, even willingly give up most contributions to you, recognizing your pivotal role. But..."
A pause, heavy with unspoken burdens.
Tears welled in her eyes, prompting me to offer a nearby tissue.
"The weight of leadership is crushing," she confessed, her voice breaking.
"High-ranking knights and journalists relentlessly question my decisions, particularly the inclusion of you, constantly scrutinizing the guild's future. It's utterly exhausting! I traded one form of constraint for another, a far heavier burden."
She wept, releasing pent-up stress.
The irony wasn't lost on me.
Her quest for autonomy had inadvertently saddled her with immense responsibility.
"It's agonizing," she continued, her voice laced with longing.
"I'd much rather be on missions, enjoying the freedom of my streaming life."
Nostalgia clouded her voice, painting a vivid picture of her past.
Her openness was both touching and hilarious.
I couldn't suppress my laughter.
"Alstair, why are you laughing?" she protested, her voice laced with indignation.
"It's your honesty, Avyanna," I explained, my laughter subsiding.
"Your genuine vulnerability is admirable, and I appreciate you sharing this with me."
A chuckle still escaped my lips.
"You're mocking me!" she accused, her tone sulky.
I smiled while patting Avyanna's head.
A gentle pat on Avyanna's head surprisingly calmed her agitated spirit.
I summarized her difficult situation: "You're irritated under familial dictates, yet crave the familiar responsibilities of a Knight Tanker without such additional job as guild leader, right?"
A flicker of resentment remained in her eyes, but she nodded slowly, accepting my assessment.
"Alright, then. I'll lead the guild," I declared firmly, "but resource allocation remains primarily my prerogative. My authority to select guild members is absolute."
Relief washed over her. "Of course, Alstair. You can even rename the guild—once we achieve tenth-rank status," she conceded.
The Crystallice Guild's name lacked appeal, though I didn't actively dislike it.
A new name could await our ascension.
Avyanna's next question caught me off guard: "Alstair, you truly desire Lisa's join in the guild, don't you?"
"Yes," I replied casually.
"She's a superb healer, and trustworthy."
Avyanna's gaze sharpened. "Her healing prowess is undeniable—she saved me from Wilder's attack. But I sense a deeper connection between you two."
Her words were an inquiry, tinged with subtle investigation.
She clearly harbored curiosity about the events in Dawn City.
"Consider it a strategic alliance, Avyanna," I responded shrewdly.
"As guild leader, loyalty testing is important. I had done what I need to do to assess her loyalty at that time." My carefully constructed defense seemed to disarm her.
Silence descended, punctuated only by the ticking clock.
Midnight approached.
"Time for rest, Avyanna," I announced, rising. "Send word if you require assistance."
Her eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion etched upon her features.
I prepared to depart.
Then, her fingers tightened on my shirt.
Her flushed cheeks betrayed a seductive blush.
"I may not fully grasp your intentions," she whispered, her voice husky, "but I feel...you're embarking on a dangerous journey alone."
My secret—my planned solo expedition to the Abandoned Tower Dungeon—remained unspoken.
Yet, her intuition, much like Lisa's, had pierced the veil.
"I'm not prohibiting you," she continued, her voice barely a breath.
"Your family's safety is your primary concern. I simply...require your presence tonight, Alstair. Please."
It was less a request, more a heartfelt plea.
Her need registered instantly.
The red flush staining her cheeks, her ragged breathing, the nervous, self-conscious gesture of her hand in her hair, the inadvertent exposure – her unspoken plea was crystal clear. In this circumstances, I think going to the desolate Tower Dungeon tomorrow is no problem.
Silently, I settled onto the bed beside Avyanna, gently easing her into a more comfortable position.
My embrace enveloped her, soothing the frantic rhythm of her breathing and the erratic pounding of her heart.
In the shared warmth of our bodies, time dissolved; a mutual solace in the stillness of the night, a balm for our wounded souls.
***
Before dawn broke, I was ready to venture the Abandoned Tower Dungeon.
Unlocking the Abandoned Tower Dungeon key within Avyanna's apartment would have been simple, but the risk of disturbing her slumber was too great.
The parking lot offered a more discreet solution.
"Leaving already, Alstair?" Avyanna mumbled, a drowsy protest muffled by the blanket she hastily pulled around her half-clad form.
"Yes, get back to sleep, Avyanna. You need your rest," I replied, a gentle wave accompanying my departure from her intimate space.
Her sleepy wave and yawn were my farewell as she drifted back into slumber.
My return to the parking lot was swift.
The pre-dawn quietude was my ally; the deserted lot bore witness to my solitary actions.
Retrieving the Key of the Abandoned Tower Dungeon from my system inventory, I initiated the activation sequence.
>Utilized Key of Abandoned Tower Dungeon!
>Magical Gate of Abandoned Tower Dungeon had opened!
A blinding flash of cerulean light erupted beside me, the system's notification barely registering before a magical gateway materialized.
I felt the potent authority of an S-rank Knight, empowered to traverse this mystical portal at will.
Stepping through the shimmering aperture, I emerged onto a stark stone platform, its only illumination provided by flickering torches.
A wave of intense scrutiny washed over me – countless eyes fixed upon my arrival. Landed into the stone beneath my feet, I saw a star-shaped emblem, a potent symbol of unknown significance.
The gazes I'd felt belonged to a multitude of beings resembling humans, yet distinctly otherworldly.
Their pointed ears, piercing green eyes, and flowing blonde hair identified them instantly: elves – and clearly, from their disgusted expression, are not the good one.
Their expressions were a mixture of stunned disbelief and utter dismay; my arrival was far from the anticipated outcome.
As the gateway's brilliance subsided, a chorus of murmurs and agitated whispers arose, laced with dejection and despair.
"What is this?!" a voice cried. "Is this the ancestor's response? A mere human?!"
Another voice, laced with betrayal, wailed, "Has the ritual failed? How could our ancestor forsake us?!"
Panic filled the air: "This is the end! The Orcish horde will annihilate us; this hope is false!"
Regardless their unexplained panic, as I observe more closely, those elves dressed in flowing robes and wielding magical staves, which indicate they were clearly elf mages.
One elf, however, stood apart – a male, armored like a knight, his sword drawn, his gaze sharp and predatory.
He advanced cautiously, his intent unmistakable.
A chilling cry from some of elves pierced the air: "Kill the human! They pose a grave threat!"
The elf knight Faelar, nodded grimly.
"Unfortunate for you, human, to be summoned to this realm. Prepare to face annihilation at my hand!" Faelar's voice dripped menace.
Those panic and threat with elf language, were comprehensible thanks to my system's translation.
As the knight braced to attack, I prepared my countermeasures.
A return-to-Earth spell offered a secure initial defense due to it's great casting time, but I envisioned amplifying its power with a magical enhancement to ensure a decisive victory against this hostile elf knight.
>Utilize Magical Magnification!
>Triple damage magic output ready to use!
I unleashed the Return to Earth spell, amplified by Magical Magnification, without a moment's hesitation.
Faelar, mid-charge, was instantly brought to his knees by the crushing weight of the augmented gravity.
A collective gasp rippled through the assembled elves as their champion, sword abandoned, suddenly kneeled down before me.
Faelar strained, teeth clenched, to rise, but the immense gravitational force pinned him to the ground.
Even the bolstering magic of his fellow elves proved insufficient; he crumpled, the earth cracking under the spell's immense pressure.
A fresh wave of fear washed over the elves, their faces mirroring the terror etched into the fractured stone.
If I do another cast, with the same magnification, would pulverize him—armor, flesh, and bone.
Should I end him?
The question hung heavy in the air, unanswered, until a bolt of azure light erupted above Faelar.
A shimmering magical barrier materialized, momentarily shielding him from the crushing weight.
But the defense was fleeting, the barrier collapsing after a few agonizing seconds.
Sensing an encroaching surge of mana, I halted the spell.
"Stop! Please, stop this!" A woman's voice cut through the tension.
The powerful mana signature confirmed her presence.
She emerged—a striking blonde elf, her beauty arresting.
Her face, fresh and flawless, possessed a model's ethereal grace, her figure accentuated by the form-fitting attire beneath her short robe.
Even amongst the otherworldly beings of the monster realm, her elven features held an undeniable, captivating human-like allure.
"You're a sorcerer. I feel the strong mana coursing through you," she stated, her scepter poised protectively, guarding Faelar from my potential wrath.
"Sensing from the flow of your mana, I can feel similarities; the human sorcerers. And I've encountered human sorcerers bearing Zeta's curse before."
The woman words were familiar, echoing past encounters.
I recalled my duel with Meridia, the Ice Sorcerer, her mention of other humans wielding Zeta's power.
The mystery of the first human to master Zeta's system continued to fascinate me.
My memory flashed back to a human-like sorcerer I'd confronted in the Sea of Ice Dungeon—the Legendary Sorcerer.
"Is this your clan's… welcoming committee?" I asked, my tone laced with sardonic amusement.
"Or is there something else… weird in this chamber?"
"This isn't just some chamber, pathetic human! This is a sacred site of the Lythandor clan! Show some respect!" Faelar roared, his breath ragged, his fury barely contained by the crushing gravity.
The elf woman also feel agitated, but with more softer delivering words.
"This hallowed space is dedicated to our ancestors; we pray to their divine intervention," she stated, her gaze sharp. "Your sudden arrival during our sacred prayer is deeply unsettling."
I paused, observing the hushed reverence of the elves, their posture reflecting unquestioning obedience to the woman elf.
Even Faelar, the esteemed knight, knelt beside her, a testament to her authority. She was, as Faelar had indicated, the leader of this clan.
"My apologies," I offered, my tone carefully neutral. "My intent was not to disturb. However, before I depart, I must confirm: this is not the Abandoned Tower, is it?"
My question elicited visible confusion.
My system, however, confirmed my location: the 44th floor of the Abandoned Tower.
It weird enough since I hadn't traversed the 1st floor yet.
Or perhaps, this entire realm is a pocket dimension within the vast, monstrous realm, and the System's, for whatever reason it is, labelled it as '44th floor of Abandoed Tower'?
This elf enclave could be one part of such dimension.
Regardless, my objective remained: acquiring the miracle potion for my family.
No need to question furhter as lon as I can get what I need in this mysterious tower.
However, hearing my question, the elf woman's shriek pierced the silence.
"You know of the Abandoned Tower?" Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You are one of Zeta's apprentices! Like the legendary sorcerer himself! Oh, ancestors, is this your divine answer? To seek aid from the most formidable mage in all the realms?!"
A wave of murmurs, laced with suspicion and hostility, rippled through the assembled elves.
"I'm Sylvana Lythandor, leader of the Lythandor clan." the woman elf suddenly introduced herself formally, which I know she's being serious.
"Leader of the Lythandor clan?" I tries to confirmed, cutting through their agitated whispers.
Sylvana raised a hand, silencing the murmuring. "Indeed. And you, human? What's your name?"
"Alstair," I replied, my voice steady.
"I mean you no harm, unless provoked. My purpose is simple: to obtain the sacred spring water, essential for crafting the miracle potion." I produced the Secret Legendary Recovery Chalice, a shimmering artifact, from my System's inventory.
A collective gasp echoed through the assembled elves.
Sylvana's astonishment was palpable.
"That… that artifact! A relic thought lost to our ancestors!"
"I acquired it through my own venture, not by stealing or anything." I stated, my tone unwavering.
"All I need is a holy water in this realm. Now, do any of you know the location of this spring? If not, I shall depart."
Another flurry of hushed whispers ensued, their confusion amplified by the presence of the chalice, a symbol of my apparent connection to their heritage.
Minutes ticked by, yet none of the elves volunteered an answer.
Their silence suggested ignorance, leaving me to seek the information independently.
Then, Sylvana raised a hand, her intervention a sudden bloom in the tense atmosphere.
"Alstair," she announced, her voice laced with urgent concern, "I know the place you seek. It lies within the sacred grounds on this realm."
"Convenient," I replied smoothly, "Will you guide me?"
Sylvana hesitated, her gaze drifting between me and the still-kneeled down Faelor, exhausted to the point of collapse.
A long pause stretched before she finally spoke.
"I will," she declared, her tone hardening, "provided you aid my clan in reclaiming our power and liberty from the Vorgruth's iron grip. Vorgruth, a brutal orcish horde currently poised to annihilate our people."
An uproar erupted.
The elves protested forcefully, their objections a discordant of outraged whispers.
But Sylvana's sharp rebuke silenced them instantly.
With a forceful command, she quelled their dissent, her authority undeniable. Observing her grave expression, I sensed the depth of her desperation.
"So, prayer is your refuge in this dire and difficult situation?" I remarked casually, a deliberate provocation that ignited fresh outrage among the elves.
Again, Sylvana's voice cut through the rising tide of anger.
"Silence!" she thundered, bringing her scepter down with a resounding impact that sent tremors through the very ground.
Only Sylvana and I, shielded by the strength of our mana, remained unmoved by the seismic shock.
"Alright calm down, Sylvana. I'll help you to annihilate those orcs," I responded calmly, striving to ease the emerging tension.
But Sylvana's intense scrutiny remained unwavering, a palpable sense of foreboding hanging in the air.
"Though you are the ancestor-chosen sorcerer, and though you offer your assistance," she stated, her scepter now aimed directly at me, "I am bound by sacred ritual to test your worthiness."
Not just Sylvana, but the entire assembly of elves leveled their scepters, their magical might poised to unleash a devastating assault.
The impending attack was undeniable, a grim certainty confirmed by the system's stark notification.
>Quest Activated: Win the Trial of Lythandor!
The challenge remained vaguely defined, yet I understood its essence: to suceed Sylvana's trial.
"Only if you withstand our magic assault will your status as the chosen sorcerer, Alstair, be prepared!" Sylvana declared with unwavering conviction.
A potent surge of magical energy emanated from each elf, culminating in a formidable torrent from Sylvana herself—a clear prelude to an impending spell. Instantly, a volley of fireballs erupted, a coordinated assault designed for my annihilation.
A high damage spell was impossible to solve this since it took relatively long casting time.
Even I attack with quick casting spell; the elves formed an impenetrable ring, leaving no avenue for evasion or complete countermeasures.
Their attack threatened from all directions!
Adding to this life-threatening condition, Sylvana herself conjured a spectral, airborne blade, aiming for my jugular—an evidence to her mastery of the obsidian sword technique.
However, I possessed a hidden advantage, a decisive counter to these formidable sorcerers.
>Utilize Magical Magnification!
>Triple damage magic output ready to use!
Instantly after activating Magical Magnification, I raised my Dragon Scepter, unleashing a Mana Drain spell already supercharged to its maximum potential.
A torrent of magical energy, previously fueling the elves' incantations, abruptly reversed course, surging towards me.
My body and spirit absorbed this colossal influx of mana, nearly overflowing with its power while simultaneously leaving the elves utterly depleted.
Their nascent fireballs winked out, extinguished by the complete absence of magical sustenance.
Further attempts at conjuration proved futile, their mana reserves utterly drained.
Sylvana, her astonishment palpable, watched as her prepared magical flying swords dissolved, their power and number drastically diminished by her own mana deficit.
Despite their weakened state, she launched the remaining, half-formed magical blades.
My Fire Pillar barrier, however, shattered those pathetic projectiles, reducing them to incandescent ash.
Terror gripped the elves as they grappled with the inexplicable vanishing of their magical power.
Only Sylvana, stubbornly clinging to her resolve despite her depleted reserves, continued her incantation.
She forged a formidable magical spear, its potential for destruction undeniable, yet its creation rash given its extended casting time.
Anticipating her attack, I launched a dual offensive spell.
An Ice Javelin pierced Sylvana's magical defenses, followed instantly by a Lightning Bolt that paralyzed her, interrupting her spell.
She crumpled, pain etched on her face, her body rendered immobile. Seizing the moment, I conjured a colossal fireball, its fiery mass swelling to nearly engulf the sacred structure's roof.
Fear paralyzed the remaining elves; even Faelor, his jaw wide open, surrendered his defiance.
Sylvana, struggling to rise from her paralyzed state, witnessed my overwhelming display of power and succumbed to despair.
Her defeated posture, her resigned sigh, spoke volumes; the trial was finished.
The system's notification confirmed my assessment.
> You get 100.000 Monser Diamonds!
> You get Hematite Gemstone (x1)
The reward was modest, a trivial thing that I could assess later.
A palpable dread gripped the elves, their eyes wide with apprehension.
With a resolute effort, I cancelled the burgeoning inferno of my Fireball spell, its potential devastation replaced by a gesture of calming down.
I advanced deliberately, halting before Sylvana.
"Do you trust me now, Sylvana?" I asked, my voice steady.
Defeat etched itself upon her features; a silent nod acknowledged her surrender.
With this, my journey to venture Abandoned Tower Dungeon for getting Miracle Potion for my family had just begun!