https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-784-Lanchi-s-Black-Day-Lord-Experience-Card-Part-2-/12585511/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-785-Lanchi-Returns-to-the-Honing-Empire-Part-2-/12585513/
Chapter 785: Lanchi Returns to the Honing Empire (Part 1)
Chapter 785: Lanchi Returns to the Honing Empire (Part 1)
[Warning from Taberius of the Inverted Palace:]
[Each choice made will result in a phased projection of the Inverted Future Illusion, with a jump to an entirely new timeline.]
[Direct intervention in each activation of the Inverted Future Illusion can only be used once and requires an enormous amount of energy to maintain a more realistic illusion and perform more complex future divination projections.]
[After using the direct intervention option, you may experience illusions of death and pain, which will cause a significant mental burden. Use with caution.]
The red text flashed before Lanchi's eyes.
"This magical artifact is quite interesting."
He relaxed and leaned back, his fingers interlaced as he reclined in his office chair.
Sitting in his office, he felt an unusual sense of reassurance.
At present, the illusion created by the Mirror of Taberius seemed to have a similar effect to the Shadow World.
The only difference was that the Shadow World projected the past, while the Mirror of Taberius projected the future.
Moreover, the Shadow World required one to physically experience the events over an extended period, whereas the Mirror of Taberius could achieve the same result through rapid simulation.
"So, once you make a choice, you might fast-forward to a few hours or even a day or two later, and then move on to the next scene?"
Talliah asked in his mind.
Even within the illusory space of the Mirror of Taberius, Talliah remained connected to him.
After all, their souls were intertwined.
However, just as Lanchi was currently unable to use his original powers and had transformed into the Dark Sun, Talliah, as Lanchi's signature card, could not manifest herself physically and could only communicate within his mind.
"I believe so," Lanchi replied after a moment's pause.
He was a bit surprised that Talliah was still with him.
But considering he was currently in an illusory alternate timeline, having a trusted friend by his side, so to speak, wasn't so bad.
"Now you know the benefits of having a kindhearted big sister around," Talliah teased lightly.
She admitted that she had been rather cold to Lanchi during the time she taught him card crafting, but she had her moments of warmth, and after spending so much time together, Lanchi must have realized that by now.
"Indeed, an establishment with eight hundred years of history," Lanchi praised.
"Why, thank you for your patronage," Talliah replied, her tone suddenly becoming uncharacteristically polite.
Lanchi shuddered at the sudden change in her demeanor.
Talliah was actually going along with his joke? Not only could she not manifest physically at the moment, but she also seemed unable to influence him mentally.
Wouldn't that mean they could have a proper conversation within the Mirror of Taberius?
The prospect was thrilling!
However, just as Lanchi was about to indulge in this newfound possibility, he heard Talliah's thoughts—
You just wait, Lanchi.
Once we're out of here, I'm going to ride you into the ground.
"..."
Lanchi refocused his attention and began to study the information provided by the Mirror of Taberius intently.
The most crucial aspect, without a doubt, was his current state.
He could view the appraisal results of the Mirror of Taberius for each magic spell and equipment he possessed, from the past to the present:
[Undying Eternal Punishment]
[Category: Active Spell]
[Grade: Epic]
[Attribute: Seal]
[Rank: 5]
[Effect: Sacrifice a portion of your own life and mana to continuously lock the target's life state. This spell cannot be removed voluntarily, and the sealing effect will weaken if the target receives excessive attacks. Using wolf blood or demon blood as a medium can reduce the cost of life or mana.]
This was one of the spells Lanchi was most interested in and the one he was most likely to learn.
During the second Shadow World in the Holy Scoundrel's Dinner, he had found books related to this spell in the library of Castle Lichten. Back then, he had been too weak to understand and memorize the principles, let alone learn and master the spell.
Later, Lanchi had experimented and devised his own alternative sealing method for blood races.
As a result, he had not spent a significant amount of time and energy learning this spell, which inflicted heavy damage on both the enemy and himself.
The Dark Sun possessed wolf blood and demon blood, allowing him to use the spell at a lower cost. However, Lanchi lacked these advantages, and even if he managed to learn this epic magic, he might never use it.
"So, after weakening a blood race, you can use this spell to seal them in a permanent near-death state?"
Talliah had also heard about this spell, and Hyberrian had told her about the magic she encountered in the Shadow World.
In the original history, after obtaining the Wolf Heart and Demon Blood in Castle Lichten, the Sun's Children could significantly reduce the cost of this spell and begin to use it as a standard core spell.
Now, she finally understood the full potential of [Undying Eternal Punishment].
"Yes, this magic specifically targets immortal beings. For enemies with extreme regeneration or those who are difficult to kill, you can lock their life upper limit. Although it's not a permanent solution, it's still useful."
Within the magic books of Castle Lichten, Lanchi had only found the creator's lament about the limitations of the sealing spell.
Later, it was learned and improved by Lanculos, becoming a more practical spell.
Lanchi had witnessed a similar epic sealing spell in the present world.
It was the powerful move used by Laosang in the snowy plains of the Northern Border that could lock an opponent's state.
However, there were a few differences between [Undying Eternal Punishment] and Askesan's spell.
Aside from the different conditions for breaking the seal, Askesan's spell locked all states, while this spell only locked the life state. Of course, through the life state, it could also affect other states to a certain extent, but overall, Askesan's spell was more powerful.
Additionally, once affected by Askesan's sealing spell, life could only decrease and not increase, potentially leading to the target's death. In contrast, [Undying Eternal Punishment] prevented any change in life, be it increase or decrease.
Therefore, Askesan's spell was an extreme negative state, while [Undying Eternal Punishment] leaned more towards a neutral state.
"Lanchi, you've finally gotten your hands on the Dark Sun's main account," Talliah commented, peering over Lanchi's shoulder like a ghostly assistant as they examined the spell's appraisal results. This was her first encounter with a genuine epic magic spell.
Despite Lanchi's role as Pope Lanter of the Holy Spirit in the Shadow World's Undying Eternal Punishment finale, his sixth-order position had remained unchanged.
This magical artifact seemed to record information based on its unique dimensional judgment criteria, directly simulating the future of Lanchi's interpretation of Pope Lanter of the Holy Spirit.
In other words, the judgment of the Shadow World takes precedence, and then it's the turn of the Mirror of Taberius. If the Shadow World declares that he is Pope Lanter of the Holy Spirit, then regardless of whether he truly is or not, the Mirror of Taberius, within the context of the Shadow World, will recognize him as such.
"After all, the Shadow World is a god-created product that transcends all else. The fact that the Mirror of Taberius can, to some extent, interfere with the Shadow World is proof of its value, reaching the standard of the Shinto domain."
Lanchi and Talliah chatted as they usually did.
Before making a choice, he had to carefully examine the state of the Dark Sun at his peak.
Only by first understanding his current basic information could he make the best judgment.
There was another conspicuously epic-level spell right after 【Undying Eternal Punishment】.
【Chthonian Edict】
【Category: Active Spell】
【Grade: Epic】
【Attribute: Seal/Earth】
【Rank: 7】
【Effect: Seal a target that is unable to move or is far weaker than yourself into the Chthonian Pillar. The seal cannot be lifted until the pillar is broken from the inside or outside.】
"I think I've seen this before."
Talliah murmured.
She had witnessed the actual effects of the spell, 【Chthonian Edict】, in Callie's shadow-weaving recording gem.
This was the story from the third Shadow World, corresponding to the original history.
In the images left by Callie, Lanculos, the Dark Sun, sat with Sigil in the Demon King's Palace council chamber, while Callie, at the last moment, controlled the fourth progenitor, Eduardo, who was about to self-destruct. At the same time, all the greater demons were also pulled into their respective Falling Land of Bliss.
The first to awaken was Ulysses, the Tenth Progenitor of the vampire race, a painter with a unique mindset.
He prepared to take away Sigil, the last and strongest of the wolf breed.
Lanculos also crossed his life-threatening crisis during this time, breaking free from the Falling Land of Bliss, attaining enlightenment, and advancing to the eighth stage, sealing the Tenth Progenitor, Ulysses.
The spell the Dark Sun used to seal the Tenth Progenitor, Ulysses, and the Fourth Progenitor, Eduardo, in the Demon King's Palace was the sun-eclipsing swirling vortex and the intertwining rocky pillars.
"Can you learn this spell?"
Talliah felt that since Lanculos could learn it, Lanchi should also be able to once he reached the seventh stage and beyond.
A sustained control spell to finish off enemies.
Far superior to Lanchi's 【Basic Etiquette】.
Lanchi often used 【Basic Etiquette】 to burn his enemies to a crisp.
It lacked the flair of a powerful individual.
Using 【Chthonian Edict】, on the other hand, would give off the aura of a king.
While forcing enemies to kneel also conveyed a kingly aura... Talliah wasn't entirely convinced.
"First, get me a magic book that records the learning method of 【Chthonian Edict】. Secondly, it'll take me three to five years of practice before I can master it. To be honest, if I really had that much time to spare, wouldn't my time be better spent doing something else instead of learning this skill?"
Lanchi said impatiently.
He was accustomed to quickly mastering new skills using magic cards and rarely bothered with the effort of learning magic the conventional way.
"I suppose so."
Talliah had to admit that Lanchi's talents lay elsewhere, beyond mere spells.
Scrolling down further, Lanchi noticed that while he hadn't learned the next two epic spells, their effects were strikingly familiar.
【Sunburst Corona】
【Category: Passive Spell】
【Grade: Epic】
【Attribute: Light】
【Rank: 6】
【Passive Effect: Significantly increases the power of light attribute spells, causing attacks to additionally inflict solar damage.】
"This is probably the Dark Sun's innate magic. He is the embodiment of the sun and the bane of the vampire race."
Talliah explained to Lanchi.
As a demon herself, she instantly recognized the spell's composition as stemming from a demonic innate ability.
The reason Lanculos could manifest a demonic innate ability was due to the post-birth modifications he underwent in the Honing Empire's experimental fields, transforming him into a demon-human hybrid. Additionally, by passing the Greater Demon Trial and becoming a Greater Demon himself, he truly crossed the threshold into the realm of demons.
Just like many half-demons or even one-eighth demons in the Protoss Empire who might manifest demonic innate abilities, it wasn't unusual for Lanculos to possess one of his own.
As a human, Lanchi's forte was seals, and as the 'Bringer of Light' aspect, his most compatible attribute was light. Thus, it was only natural that his innate demonic magic would be light-attributed.
"Unfortunately, my Greater Demon mark is technically on Great Lover, and neither my bloodline nor my soul has the capacity to accommodate a demonic innate ability. It's only natural that I can't derive a demonic innate ability."
Lanchi was quite resigned to this fact.
A demon's innate magic was akin to getting a white-quality spell for free—one that was highly compatible with the user—and then, as the user grew in power, the spell could be continuously refined and strengthened until it reached its perfect, epic orange form.
【Falling Land of Bliss】, 【Hopeless Celestial Army】, and 【Road to Death and Rebirth】 were, in Lanchi's opinion, the most top-tier epic spells he had ever seen.
Of course, there were also more mundane innate abilities, such as discerning whether someone was lying.
"Hmm?"
Talliah had something to say.
Her innate magic was currently pink-tiered and sacred, but once it evolved into an orange-tiered epic 'read hearts' ability, its utility would increase significantly. Being able to predict an opponent's actions during a battle would be incredibly powerful.
"Indeed, I don't recall using it much when fighting enemies, but it sure came in handy when I arrested you."
Lanchi suspected that this magic was particularly effective against him.
"When I was a spy in the Cryxian Empire, wasn't it because you had my back that I was able to read others' hearts so effectively?"
Talliah said a little plaintively.
"..."
Lanchi was left speechless for a moment.
"Okay, fine, you're the most useful, Master."
He rarely saw Talliah looking so aggrieved.
Perhaps he had been too harsh.
"Hehe."
A light, airy laugh escaped Talliah's lips.
Efatia's teachings had been correct—all she had to do was act pitiful, and the man would waver.
"It seems that I have a complete grasp of Lanchi's thoughts."
"Is it really okay for you to be thinking such things in my mind...?"
Lanchi felt that Talliah was beyond saving.
These two sisters, one daring to teach and the other daring to learn.
He refocused his attention on Lanculos' magic.
By familiarizing himself with Lanculos' magic, he could also gain some insights, as their compatibility was inherently high.
If he could write them down, perhaps he might be able to replicate similar magic in the real world someday.
This innate talent magic was more useful than his Little Sun, [Radiant Virtue].
Since [Sunburst Corona] was a passive magic, it was effective in attacks, unlike the summon, [Radiant Virtue], which could be destroyed by enemies.
The only advantage of [Radiant Virtue] was that it could block the enemy's line of sight and had an additional sealing attribute.
"And this last unfamiliar epic spell seems similar to your [Nuclear Fusion Wolf]."
Talliah exclaimed as she studied the appraisal results.
[Eternal Radiance Destruction]
[Category: Active Spell]
[Grade: Epic]
[Attribute: Light]
[Rank: 8]
[Effect: Consume all your mana to deal indiscriminate damage in an ultra-wide range centered on yourself.]
"This magic is probably the ultimate destructive spell that the Dark Sun spent his entire life comprehending."
Lanchi could guess its origin.
Most likely, after witnessing the [Blood Destruction] used by the Fourth Progenitor, Eduardo, in the Demon King's Palace, and then conducting research on the captured Eduardo, the Dark Sun was able to master this ultimate spell.
Unlike [Nuclear Fusion Wolf], it didn't require consumables, and the Dark Sun could unleash devastating explosions by using only his own mana.
It was also after this incident that the Dark Sun, having reached the eighth stage and mastered this ultimate magic, truly became a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of turning the tides of war.
Six years after the declaration of war by the Pellant Empire, at a timeline corresponding to the interval between the third and fourth Shadow Worlds, the Vampire race launched a surprise attack on the Demon King's Palace, and Caliella was defeated by the Third Progenitor, Duke Rashell.
As the Dark Sun obtained Caliella's soul, he also received the spell [Final Land of Bliss] from the Fallen Lord.
Its effect was similar to [Overflowing Land of Bliss], a weakened version of Caliella's innate magic.
As for [Eternal Jade Body], it resembled the epic necklace [Eternal Jade Tears] that Lanchi had traded to Fred.
The more buffs and debuffs they had on their bodies, the greater the damage reduction and enhancement of all basic attributes they gained.
They could also immune a fatal injury and restore their full state, an effect that would reset every full moon.
[Eternal Jade Body] was a passive spell that the Dark Sun gained after obtaining the heart of the Wolf Prince.
"In his lifetime, Lanculos mastered three epic spells, which is probably the limit for mortals."
Talliah didn't delve further into the other spells Lanculos possessed, as they were mostly ancient spells that were commonly used.
The rest were mostly gifts from friends.
Even for Ivanos, the Bishop of Destruction, his innate epic spells were limited to [Great Destruction] and [Afterlife Ashes].
And Ivanos was already an exceptionally talented wizard in Lanchi and Talliah's era.
Lanculos' talent might not have been as extraordinary as Ivanos' or Loren's, but he had endured countless hardships that they never experienced in their world, forging him with an unwavering will to become stronger.
"It's a pity that Lanculos didn't possess the same innate talent as Ivanos or Loren. His life was a constant struggle, filled with losses and the relentless pursuit of strength."
Lanchi commented.
It took Lanchi and Talliah a long time to go through the Dark Sun's spell and accessory slots.
Most of the accessories were magical items that might have been powerful at the fourth or fifth stage, but they were now almost useless to the current Dark Sun.
For example, the Witch's Warm Companion earrings could protect him from an eighth-stage attack.
However, the Dark Sun, with his abnormally high mental attribute, limitless mana, and exceptional magic resistance, could easily withstand eighth-stage spells without any issues.
He still wore these accessories, perhaps purely for sentimental value.
"Let's get down to business."
Lanchi turned his attention to the options presented by Taberius before him on the office desk.
Stay, go to the Demon King's Palace, or return to the Theocracy.
Divination magic had its limitations and couldn't create a complete future world for him to experience and influence.
Each choice he made would lead to a direct simulation by the Taberius Mirror, jumping to the next critical node.
Moreover, if he chose the last option, it might cause an energy shortage in the Inferno Corridor Academy.
Both the Inferno Corridor Academy and the Taberius Mirror relied on the energy from the central chamber.
In a sense, he was using private property for personal gain.
With only five and a half days left in Lanculos' lifespan, each choice had to be made carefully, or the simulation opportunity provided by the Taberius Mirror would end.
"So what if I only have five days left? I'm practically invincible. I can go wherever I want."
Talliah suspected that Lanchi might achieve a similar effect when he reached the ninth stage.
Although Lanchi's path was unconventional, his overall strength fell short of Lanculos'. However, there was a resemblance between Lanchi's summons and Lanculos' magic.
Perhaps Lanchi could be likened to a pure-bred law tank, while Lanculos was a more unconventional shaman.
"Would you want this kind of invincibility? Because I don't."
Lanchi asked casually.
If Talliah obtained the Book of Mercy and unleashed her potential, she might indeed become invincible.
"I don't want it either."
Talliah quickly reviewed Lanculos' life and felt that such invincibility wasn't worth the sacrifices he had made.
His strength came at the cost of losing everything, and it served as a punishment.
"If I choose the first option—to stay in the Inferno Corridor Academy, it would be like accepting my fate and resting in peace.
Lanchi's fingers tapped lightly on the office desk as he analyzed, "Even without divination magic, people have the ability to infer and predict. We can also guess the general meaning behind each option."
"If I choose this option, the simulation might end in one step."
Lanchi continued, his voice filled with hesitation as he considered the second option, "As for the second option, going to the Demon King's City... Aside from meeting the Desecration Cardinal, Merogass, what else is there to do?"
"Don't go see that crazy lady. I don't want to see her," Talliah interjected, immediately ruling out that choice. She still found the scorpion-tailed witch, Merogass, disgusting. Whether it was fighting her or humiliating her, Merogass always seemed to enjoy herself, her face flushing with inexplicable excitement. The mere thought made Talliah's scalp crawl.
She couldn't beat her, so she stayed away.
"So, it's option C," Lanchi concluded.
Before his departure to the Theocracy, he had promised his confidant, Grand Justice Elmu, that he would visit the headquarters of the Steel Fortress, Oberon, in the southern border of the Theocracy, to witness the fourth anniversary of the Sevilia Continent's peaceful revival.
With only five and a half days left of his lifespan, there was no way he could make it in time if he waited any longer.
Lanculos would surely not want him to break his promise.
So, his first stop would be the southern border of the Theocracy, the Steel Fortress, Oberon, to fulfill his last promise before his death.
As for the last option, 'direct intervention,' it would be meaningless to use it right from the start, and aside from staying or going south, there was no other place to go. Directly interfering would be a waste of time and energy.
"I think Lanculos would have chosen to go south as well," Talliah agreed.
After all, Lanculos' hometown, a small town in the Honing Empire, was located in the south.
Perhaps he would feel a sense of returning to his roots, compelling him to visit his hometown one last time.
"Let's go to the Theocracy," Lanchi nodded, lightly touching the semi-transparent light screen.
In an instant, the entire world before his eyes transformed.
He felt himself turning into an extreme shadow, flying south at a ninth-stage speed.
The surrounding scenery sped backwards, blurring into a mottled array of colors.
After what felt like an eternity, the sky darkened and then brightened again as he traversed the Demon Realm, the Land of Eternal Night, and the Holy Spirit Theocracy. Perhaps flying for tens of thousands of kilometers, a majestic fortress city appeared in his field of vision.
This was probably the southernmost border of the Holy Spirit Theocracy, a fortress city with walls soaring into the clouds, exuding an imposing aura that seemed to proclaim its invincibility to the world.
Like a bird soaring above the mortal realm, he observed the entire city from high above.
The neatly arranged streets, the ancient and sturdy buildings, and the bustling crowds—everything was within his sight.
(End of Chapter)
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