Chapter 119: The Night Before Departure

Chapter 119: The Night Before Departure



Night had fallen over the Black Swamp, cloaking it in darkness. The only sounds were the occasional chirps of insects and the distant songs of birds.

Inside a room, a kerosene lamp swayed gently, casting a soft glow. Karl, dressed in his Wizard Robe, held a quill pen, dipped it in ink, and wrote on a yellowing piece of paper.

He was writing a letter.

Karl preferred to write it himself rather than rely on a Minor Wizard's help, feeling it conveyed more sincerity.

It was also a way to express his emotions.

Dear Friend Jenny,

May your days be filled with sunshine and peace, just like the blooming flowers in spring. I write this letter to convey my deep longing and blessings.

It's been several months since I last received your letter, and time has flown by without me realizing it.

I often reminisce about the wonderful times we shared, walking and discussing our future dreams.

Although we are now separated by great distances, my friendship and blessings remain with you.

Life here is filled with challenges and hardships, as we often face wars and unrest. But I believe that with unwavering faith and courage, we will overcome these difficult times.

I sincerely hope that you can live a peaceful and happy life, far from these troubles and sufferings.

In your last letter, you mentioned making new friends and improving in your studies, which brought me great joy.

Additionally, I often miss your culinary skills. Just like your beautiful and enchanting voice, your hidden talent in cooking is equally impressive.

I hope that one day, we can reunite and reminisce about the good times we shared in our youth, sharing the experiences of our time apart.

Lastly, I want to express my longing and blessings once more.

In the coming days, to escape the turmoil of war, I must travel to a distant place and may not return for a very long time. But no matter where I am, may your days be filled with sunshine and warmth, and may your dreams come true.

Please believe that no matter where we are, our friendship will forever reside in our hearts.

Your friend,

Karl.

Date: ...

After folding the letter and sealing it with wax, Karl set it aside.

He then took out another piece of paper, lost in thought.

Dear Cousin Yvonne,

It's been several months since I last wrote, and I wonder how you are doing. Has Kingsley remarried?

Soon, I will be leaving.

Under the lamplight, Karl's eyes reflected a pensive expression, tinged with a hint of longing.

Family, friends, and hometown—as time passes and experiences accumulate, they become increasingly difficult to part with.

As he wrote, he found himself getting lost in his thoughts.

...

The Fat Dwarf's Tavern.

Rumor has it that the tavern owner has Dwarf blood in his veins, though no one can confirm it. What is certain is his short and stout stature, and his exceptional strength.

The wine he brews is also excellent.

Today, a small gathering of Starlight Secret Society members was taking place, with only a few attendees.

"Cheers!" Saber exclaimed, her face glowing with a rosy hue as she raised her glass.

"Clink!"

Four members of the society, both men and women, raised their glasses and drained their drinks.

"This time, we part ways, and who knows when we'll meet again," said Mortilis, still recovering from his injuries, with a sigh.

"I thought we'd all go to the Wizard World, but it seems only I can make it."

"We wish we could," Oma shook her head. "There are only twenty spots, and you, as an apprentice of an Archwizard, have earned enough merit to qualify."

"We..."

"Karl and I are going to the Magic Forest."

"I'll stay," Saber spoke up. "I'll wait for the next batch in ten years and join the Wizard World then."

Karl nodded slightly.

"Oma," Mortilis turned to her. "You're really going to the Magic Forest? It's said to be unsafe. Why not wait for the next decade and go with Saber to the Wizard World?"

Both Oma and Saber were High Wizard Apprentices, and with the Archwizards mostly gone, their status in the Black Swamp would rise, almost guaranteeing them spots in the next batch.

Especially Saber, who was already the acting president of the Starlight Secret Society and the leader of the patrol team, with dozens of Wizard Apprentices following her, forming a considerable force within the Swamp Alliance.

"No," Oma shook her head.

"I'm not one for missions. Even if I stayed, my merits might not rank in the top twenty in ten years."

"In the Magic Forest, I can directly join the Sixth Circle Tower and receive guidance from an Archwizard."

As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Her mentor was only a mid-level Wizard Apprentice, and her current achievements were solely due to her own efforts.

With proper guidance and resources, Oma was certain she could have become a High Wizard Apprentice years ago.

"Wizard Marian has agreed to take me as her disciple and provide thirty free lessons."

"Of course," Oma added.

"Once I'm in the Magic Forest, I'll assist her."

Mortilis' eyes showed regret, but she understood Oma's choice. She then turned her gaze to Karl.

"Karl."

"I thought we could go together."

"Alas!" Karl shook his head. "Never mind!"

"Clink!" Saber slammed her fist on the table, her face tense.

"The Archwizards are unfair! My master's disciple is ranked in the top three in merit; he should be going to the Wizard World."

"It's fine," Karl smiled.

"My Wizard Talent is too low. Even if I went to the Calym Continent, I wouldn't be able to join a major force."

"Now, I'm a member of the Sixth Circle Tower in the Magic Forest, and I even got a bottle of Green Potion. I actually got the better deal."

"If that's what you think, then that's great." Mortilis nodded, "I was worried that you'd resent the idea of offending a formal wizard, but unfortunately... I joined the White Fang Castle."

The decision of which faction to join was not his to make; it lay in the hands of his mentor.

"No matter where we go or which faction we join, we will always be members of the Starlight Secret Society," Saber raised her glass, "To all of us becoming formal wizards!"

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

This time, three members of the Starlight Secret Society were set on leaving the Black Swamp: Mortilis, Oma, and Karl.

Saber was in no hurry.

She had just advanced to a high-level wizard apprentice and needed a few years to settle in. Even if she went to the Wizard World, it wouldn't make much difference.

The same would be true for the next decade.

So, she stayed, with a hint of regret.

The others also had their choices to make, and this gathering could be considered a farewell party, as everyone was about to embark on their own paths.

"Mortilis, what about your family? They can't go to the Wizard World."

"I've left them some magic stones and other resources. I'm not worried about the others, but my brother is just an ordinary person."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of him." Saber patted her chest, assuring him.

"Your fiancee..."

"She's no longer my fiancee." Mortilis shook her head, "Saber, in the next decade, which faction do you plan to join? White Fang Castle or the Sixth Circle Tower?"

"The Sixth Circle Tower, I suppose. Oma and my junior brother are there. I'm sorry I can't go with you."

"It's okay."

The four of them chatted and drank until they were all thoroughly drunk.

...

The next day, Alysia came to visit.

She carried a thick stack of documents and knocked on the door of the rented room that Karl was staying in.

"Have a seat."

Karl, still slightly tipsy, motioned for her to sit. He poured himself a jug of cold water to help sober up.

"In your current state, I doubt you can handle any business," Alysia remarked, shaking her head. She pulled a chair and sat down, "These are the estimated values of your assets: real estate shares, consignment goods, and some magical materials."

"The total value is around six hundred magic stones."

Karl slowly nodded.

His largest investment was in Heidi's estate, and since he was leaving, he had to liquidate it.

Adding the magic stones he had left from purchasing advanced enchanted items, his total assets amounted to an astonishing figure of over six hundred magic stones.

"Additionally..."

Alysia produced a piece of paper covered in writing, "Are you sure you want to acquire these items? The Magic Forest, though not part of the Wizard World, has no shortage of magical materials. I've inquired, and the same magic stones can buy you more over there."

"I'll take them!" Karl rubbed his forehead, "I have an urgent need."

Urgent need? He was about to leave, so what could be so urgent? Was he afraid of encountering danger in the Magic Forest? But the items he was buying didn't seem particularly lethal.

Alysia shook her head but didn't ask further. After all, she was a businesswoman, and it made no sense to question a willing customer.

"I'm already acquiring concealment magic items, amulets, and seals. These aren't cheap."

"I can help you get four high-power seals for one hundred and fifty magic stones each. The prices have been rising due to the retaliation from Kolon and the ongoing assassination missions."

The price had already climbed to forty magic stones each.

Four seals for one hundred and fifty was a fair market price.

"Great!"

Karl nodded.

"The four seals are Chain Fireballs, Potent Plague, Gravity Field, and Ice Explosion, all rare among seals." Alysia explained, "You won't be disappointed."

"I trust you." Karl closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, clearing his mind, "In a month, I'll be heading to the Magic Forest. What do you think I should bring?"

"Nothing but magic stones. Everything is cheaper there." Alysia shrugged, "If it weren't for the time and number restrictions on visits to the Magic Forest, I'd want to go myself."

"Cheaper... but there must be some advantages here, right?" Karl pondered.

"Like what?" Alysia shook her head, "Magical materials? Enchanted items? Seals? I've heard even heritage weapons are up for sale over there."

"No!" Karl opened his eyes, "There's one thing that's cheaper here."

"What is it?" Alysia was taken aback.

"Knowledge." Karl revealed, "A few magic stones can buy you a spell, and a dozen or so can get you an advanced technique. A few dozen more, and you can acquire the means to become a formal wizard!"

"And for a few hundred, you can buy the secrets of a legendary knight!"

"I don't know about the situation over there, but I doubt it!" Alysia's eyes lit up.

"Help me acquire knowledge." Karl tapped the table, "Any knowledge!"

"I have some matters to attend to in the coming days and might not be around. I'll leave it to you."

"Don't worry!" Alysia nodded firmly, "I'll make sure you're satisfied."

...

The once-vibrant Port of Freedom had long since turned into a desolate ruin.

In the ruins, countless zombie-like merfolk roamed, occasionally howling and pouncing on the worms that emerged from the underground.

Only in the depths of the earth could one find normal, living creatures.

Terrifying beasts lurked within the ruins, preying on the merfolk that wandered nearby.

For reasons unknown, the Merfolk showed no resistance against the monsters' devouring, even actively feeding the immobile beasts.

Far away, on a hilltop, nearly a thousand people gathered. Among them were three hundred Death Knights, servants of Lady Mavia, and six hundred "commoners" from Rapids City.

"Knight John," Sea God Hawk addressed him, looking up. "There are hundreds of thousands of Merfolk here. Ordinary Merfolk are comparable to knight attendants, and some mutated Merfolk possess strength not inferior to Grand Knights, and they also have considerable intelligence."

"Based on my observations, there are at least a hundred mutated Merfolk!"

"And various other creatures, many of which are legendary beings. We stand no chance against them."

"Where is the Mayor's Mansion?" John asked, his voice cold. "Point it out!"

Hawk clenched his fists, feeling disregarded by John, who treated him like a mere servant.

Throughout their journey, the Death Knights had made their condescending attitude clear, acting superior and indifferent.

"Yes," Hawk took a deep breath, suppressing his displeasure. He pointed towards the direction of the Mayor's Mansion. "It's over there."

"The building surrounded by legendary creatures is the Mayor's Mansion."

"Captain," one of the Death Knights approached on horseback, speaking in a low voice. "His aura is still there."

"He must have activated the Duke's bloodline power, intimidating these Demon God's minions from getting too close."

"Oh?" John's eyes lit up beneath the demon mask. "He's not dead?"

"He's doing great!"

His voice carried a hint of excitement, or perhaps greed. "Knight John," Hawk's face paled. "The Mayor's Mansion is in the center of the ruins, surrounded by countless Merfolk and legendary creatures. It's too dangerous to get close."

"We can just investigate the situation here; there's no need to go to the mansion."

"Hmm?"

Before he could finish, John's eyes turned cold, and a long whip, emitting black smoke, lashed out.

"Crack!"

The sharp sound echoed as Hawk knelt on the ground, a deep wound on his back from the lash.

The wound was not bloody but dark and indented, like a twisted centipede.

Despite being a Peak Grand Knight, Hawk trembled from the blow, letting out a painful wail.

"President!"

"Hawk!"

"How dare you strike him!"

The Sea God's followers exclaimed, their faces changing at the sight of Hawk's humiliation.

"Boom!"

The ground shook as dozens of Death Knights charged, whips in hand, lashing at the crowd.

"Crack! Crack!"

The whips struck, and the charging cavalry was unstoppable. Accompanied by screams, dozens of people knelt, one after another.

The scene fell silent.

The Sea God's followers turned pale, wanting to protest but daring not to. Others averted their eyes.

"Just follow orders without unnecessary chatter," John said, his head bowed on horseback.

"Take fifty people and scout the path ahead."

"What?" Hawk looked up, his expression changing.

"Something wrong?" John narrowed his eyes, his hand resting on his sword, ready to respond to any disobedience.

An invisible aura of intimidation filled the air, and a single 'no' could invite a massacre.

"I'm willing," Hawk said, sweating, as he struggled to stand. He pointed out fifty people from the crowd and headed towards Port of Freedom.

Compared to the hundreds of thousands of Merfolk, the fifty people seemed like raindrops in the vast ocean, unnoticeable.

"Guardian," Blasphemy Knight Ana approached Karl. "I'm not the one named John. There are three people like me among them."

"Oh!" Karl raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so?"

Ana's message was clear—a warning to Karl not to challenge John, or else face trouble.

And those like her...

'Divine Blood Warriors!'

'It seems that even without the blessings of deities or the Duke's bloodline, the people of this world have found the path to legend. However, both Blasphemy Knights and Divine Blood Warriors have significant flaws.'

'Blasphemy Knights have short lifespans and are prone to mutation, while Divine Blood Warriors rely on the Duke's bloodline for advancement.'

'Squeak!'

A group of Bat Demons, with human bodies and bat-like heads, took notice of Hawk's group, emitting an ear-piercing shriek as they flew out from the ruins.

These creatures, with their human-bat hybrid forms, emitted sound waves, attacking the group from a distance.

Hawk, with his experience, led the group in an arc towards Port of Freedom, simultaneously taking down the Bat Demons.

However, their commotion attracted the attention of thousands of Merfolk, surrounding them from all sides.

At the same time, strange mist emerged from the Merfolk, spreading towards the group.

This mist contained the 'virus' of the Water Servants, capable of causing mutations over time.

"Retreat!" Hawk shouted, his eyes wide, as he directed the group to back away before the Merfolk completed their encirclement.

On the hilltop, John's eyes flickered.

'According to the records of the Divine Song, the servants of the Water God are divided into ordinary Merfolk, Blue-Eyed Merfolk, and Red-Eyed Merfolk. The legendary Red-Eyed Merfolk have not yet appeared, and the Demon God possesses the ability to command monsters and control creatures, but it's likely just a fragment of the Demon God's will, so it shouldn't be too powerful...'

John's thoughts raced as he turned his attention to the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce. "You!"

"Send another fifty people to approach from a different direction and draw the Merfolk away."

(End of Chapter)

"Yes." Conn stepped forward, bowing slightly in agreement, and gave Quincy a subtle signal.

"I'll go."

Karl gently shook his head, stopping the two.

"I'll go ahead and take a look."

"Elder Karl!" Conn exclaimed in surprise.

In his impression, Karl had always been cautious and never took unnecessary risks.

Quincy, on the other hand, looked delighted.

If it weren't for the Death Knight keeping an eye on them, Karl would have sneaked away long ago.

"Let's go!"

Karl chose fifty men at random and headed towards Freedom Harbor.

Anna, clad in a black robe, remained by his side.

"Screech!"

The Bat Demons were the first to notice the crowd.

"These creatures seem to be observing with something other than their eyes. Could it be sonar?"

Karl pondered for a moment and glanced at Anna.

He had learned a bit about the Blasphemy Knights recently but had yet to witness their true abilities.

Now was the perfect opportunity.

"Swish!"

Anna drew a giant sword from her back, and as she gently waved it, the sword slowly transformed into a massive bow.

The Dragon Slayer's Illusion Sword!

A signature weapon of the Blasphemy Knights.

It could transform into various weapons according to the user's will and was said to be crafted by the God of Craftsmen.

"Haa!"

Anna let out a low growl, and the bowstring instantly tensed, with four bright white arrows appearing on it.

"Swish!"

As Anna released the bowstring, the arrows soared into the sky, aimed at the Bat Demons.

"Thud!"

Four Bat Demons were hit and fell from the sky.

Anna kept plucking the bowstring, and more Bat Demons fell to the ground.

The arrows were fast but lacked power, and the fallen Bat Demons didn't die immediately. They struggled to get up, only to be killed by the approaching crowd.

"Let's go!"

After dealing with the Bat Demons, the group continued forward.

"Screech!"

As they drew closer to Freedom Harbor, a piercing shriek came from ahead.

The sound seemed like a command, and the nearby Merfolk turned towards the crowd.

Immediately after.

Countless Merfolk rushed forward, accompanied by a thick fog.

"Fall back!"

Karl waved his hand, leading the Merfolk away.

"Swish!"

A flash of blue light suddenly appeared among the Merfolk.

A Blue-Eyed Merfolk?

Karl's eyes flickered, and he quietly placed his hands on the hilt of his broadsword, his gaze fixed on the approaching figure.

"Boom!"

The ground beneath him suddenly exploded, and he used the force to propel himself forward.

Slash!

With the Peak Knight's perfect physique, his speed was like an arrow shot from a bowstring, shooting straight ahead.

Zero-Ring Spell - Gravity Control.

The reduced gravity further increased his speed.

Hmm? Anna's eyebrows raised slightly.

This speed...

It was already comparable to an ordinary Legendary Knight. No wonder he was chosen by the Moon Goddess as a Guardian.

"Clang!"

Two broadswords and a pair of fists clashed, sparking a shower of sparks.

"Hmm?"

Karl's eyes flickered, and his body quickly shifted, while a Minor Mage Field landed on the Merfolk.

"Swish!"

"Swish swish!"

Combat Technique - Holy Judgment!

The clashing broadswords slammed down, sending the Merfolk flying, and in mid-air, they were slashed by the dual swords.

"Thud!"

The Merfolk's head hit the ground, lifeless.

"This one is much stronger than the one we encountered before. If the previous one could rival a Peak Knight, then this one is among the best of the Peak Knights."

"He cultivates a top-tier heritage and has reached Peak Knight perfection, yet he still needs the aid of Wizardry to defeat this opponent."

Sheathing his broadsword, Karl waved to Anna behind him.

"Come here."

"Okay!"

Anna nodded and quickly approached.

"Huff..."

Karl took a deep breath, and his body instantly expanded, transforming into a towering giant six meters and five centimeters tall.

"You all, retreat!"

He roared at the others, "I'll hold them off!"

As he spoke.

Superb Magic Seal - Earthshaker!

"Boom!"

Within a radius of several dozen meters, the ground rippled, and the Merfolk collapsed.

Immediately after.

Countless stone spikes emerged from the ground, impaling the Merfolk.

Taking advantage of the dust and smoke, Karl shrank back to his original size and took out an enchanted item.

Breath Suppression!

Sound Suppression!

Light Distortion!

An invisible field quietly appeared, enveloping the two of them, making them invisible before the fog dissipated.

The distorted light made them partially transparent, while Breath Suppression and Sound Suppression concealed their presence, making their footsteps nearly inaudible.

Even the nearby Merfolk couldn't detect anything amiss, let alone those on the distant hilltops.

"Magic Seal?"

A hint of curiosity flashed in Anna's eyes.

"It's a unique Magic Seal."

More than the unique Magic Seal, she was curious about Karl's intentions. What was he planning to do with such effort?

Of course, it was to collect the Great Source!

With the Death Knight sharing the pressure and a Blasphemy Knight-level henchman, along with the Wizard's methods, Karl now wanted to retrieve the Great Source hidden in Freedom Harbor before heading to the Magic Forest.

As for the others, the City Lord's Mansion...

They were of no concern to him!

End of Chapter.

Chapter end