by Zhuang Bifan
"As long as we're alive, we can always create more magical equipment," replied Hutton. There was a hint of sadness underlying his smile.
"Why not…?" said Lin Li after a moment of hesitation. "Pass me the bangle for the time being, and I'll think of a way to fix it when I'm back at the Tower of Dusk."
"Really?" asked Hutton in surprise.
If it had been before, Hutton would not have believed his ears. The Crescent Bangle had been passed down for four generations, and was definitely one of the Malfa Family's top five magical equipment. Unless absolutely necessary, the bangle would always be locked in the family's treasury for safekeeping.
Once such magical equipment got damaged, it would be nearly impossible to fix it. Not to mention the young mage of the age 20 before them, even if it were the renowned Gilded Rose that monopolized the alchemy1 industry, it would not have the ability to repair the damaged bangle.
However, Hutton did not dare to doubt Lin Li now…
He had witnessed the extraordinary talents of President Felic ever since he met him in the Blackstone Mountains. Sometimes, Hutton suspected that there should be nothing in this world that could challenge this man.
If he said that the Crescent Bangle had a chance to be fixed, Hutton's hope shot up from zero. He could not help but believe in that slight possibility.
"I can try, but you can't blame me if it fails, alright?" Lin Li replied with a humble smile.
To be honest, it would not be difficult for Lin Li to repair such a bangle. He was a man who would be able to reproduce all the legendary magical equipment of Anril if he needed to. His offer to repair the bangle for Hutton was merely out of gratitude for his efforts in defending from that explosion.
The Maze Mageweath Array could ensure the Azteks turned against one another, but it would not ensure Lin Li's safety. It was in his plans to use the Elemental Shield to protect himself while he distorted his mental strength to escape from the exploding forest at top speed when the Azteks started to fight their own kind.
However, Lin Li knew that he would never escape unharmed. After all, the impact created from the explosion of several Azteks that were above level-18 would be terrifying. If he had not reached the Legendary-realm, he would not have the ability to resist such a force.
Hutton's Crescent Bangle saved them.
The blue projection let Lin Li amend his plans immediately. The process was smooth-sailing as well. It not only eliminated the 10 Azteks, but also ensured that he remained unharmed within the sphere of protection. Apart from the Maze Mageweath Array, Hutton's Crescent Bangle played a significant role. He would return him that favor if he could repair the bangle for him.
Hutton was not aware of Lin Li's thoughts. He only knew that since President Felic said it himself, it meant that the Crescent Bangle could really be repaired.
"Could a person like you be able to repair the Crescent Bangle?" That was Stephen, who interrupted before Hutton could express his gratitude to Lin Li. His words were as straightforward as expected. "Don't think that I don't know what's on your mind. You must be planning on stealing the Crescent Bangle from Hutton. Although the Crescent Bangle is damaged now, the mana left in it is sufficient to make it good magical equipment that can defend against level-11 spells. These types of magical equipment would be worth a million gold coins. How is it, Mage Felic? Am I right?"
"Is it worth that much money…?" Lin Li muttered as he rubbed his nose, and stopped paying attention to Stephen. Lin Li knew that the more attention he gave to people like Stephen, the stronger they would be yapping away at him. The best way was not to give him any attention, unless he meant to smack Stephen to death with a rod to prevent future trouble.
After all, Lin Li was really busy now…
Although the Azteks had been killed by the explosion, their corpses were still in the forest. Those were valuable treasures to Lin Li. The body of an Aztek contained extremely powerful fire elements. Its red wings were especially good ingredients for magic armors. Once such a magic armor had been created, it could be used to firm up a Flame Shield. Then, its magic defense would be as strong as an Archmage's!
The horns on the head of the Aztek could be used to enable weapons to have the ability to damage any type of magical weapon and magic shields. That would be injurious to enemies that were close to level-20.
It was rare to see Azteks that were above level-18. Even if he were to see them on normal days, he might not have the chance to get their corpses. Now that 10 dead Azteks were in front of him, how could Lin Li miss such a valuable opportunity? Lin Li busied himself with the collection of the Azteks' wings and horns, and paid no attention to Stephen.
Unfortunately, Lin Li did not expect Stephen to be so absurd today. Although he did not show his interests in Stephen, that dude did not have the intention to let him off.
"Stop there!" That was Stephen when Lin Li was walking around to find the bodies of the Azteks. "Stop feigning ignorance. Mage Felic, isn't it time to tell us the truth? What is your motive in luring us into this forest?"
"Stephen…" Hutton called Stephen uneasily. Stephen's words were not to be trivialized. He was outright accusing Felic of plotting against everyone. If he wasn't careful, he could damage his relationship with Felic, and when they started to turn against each other and be injured in the process, it would be even harder for the three of them to locate the palace Tutankhamun was talking about…
"Hutton, I'm not trying to lecture you, but you should have your limits as a nice person. Didn't you see that fella hiding above after he lured us into the forest? If not for our good luck in the group of Azteks turn against one another, we would have been killed in that explosion," Stephen said as he fixed his deadly glare onto Lin Li. It was filled with anger and injustice. "Also, the competition for Geresco's relics was supposed to be between me and Hutton, who are the real descendants of Geresco's disciples. What are you to compete with us?"
"Stephen, this is Tutankhamun's idea!" Hutton replied anxiously after seeing Stephen getting out of hand. He could not help but speak with a higher pitch.
Unfortunately, Stephen did not pay attention to Hutton. His glare did not move away from Lin Li. "Don't be so c.o.c.ky just because you have the support of the Supreme Council. I'm not bragging, but let me tell you that the Supreme Council is really nothing in the Breezy Plains. Offending us Dark Blade only mean death. Do you know that the Darkness Shrine is behind the Dark Blade? Do you think that the Supreme Council would want to offend the Darkness Shrine just because of you? Quit being naïve. Why don't you be more tactful and leave this competition? Or else, you would not be the only one going to regret all this. Your so-called Guild of Magic would be implicated and buried with you when the time comes!"
"Have you finished talking?" Lin Li asked smilingly. He had been listening to Stephen silently as the latter had nagged. Only when Stephen took a pause did he ask that question.
"What?" Stephen said as he recalled the experience he had in the wooden house. The sight of that smile caused him to lose all of his words. He took a step back subconsciously. "I've finished my piece. What do you want?" Stephen added on unnaturally.
"Shut up when you are done…" From what we remember, G Rose was dealing in weapons and armor, but... Well, perhaps the author wanted to mention that other alchemist organization, OR he simply hasn't yet mentioned G Rose's involvement in alchemy dealings (which comes up later, in fact).
Chapter 453 - Mephistos
"Even if I have the mood to listen to your nagging, that Greater Demon might not have this patience…"
"G-Greater Demon?" Stephen's heart tightened. Only after looking left and right for quite a while did he guiltily reply, "What Greater Demon are you talking about? Don't think that I will be scared when you weave that story. I haven't settle that score earlier on with you!"
"You can settle the score when you engrave the plate for your grave…" Lin Li did not look once at Stephen when he spoke. Right after speaking, he cast a Levitation Spel
l and swerved into the sky at top speed!
"Let's talk after we leave this place." Hutton looked at that blurred view of Lin Li's back and started to recite the spell for levitation.
"You really believe there would be a Greater Demon in such a place?" Stephen looked at Hutton in shock. He suddenly felt that the mage that had the same status with him had become very foreign to him. Hutton had not been like this before. He used to be a man who did everything with confidence and mastery, and always carried a confident disposition. Stephen's father had once told him during their first meeting that Hutton would be his strongest competitor in the Breezy Plains in the future.
However, the present Hutton was void of his past character. Now, Hutton had become an extremely agreeable man before that Felic. How could Hutton stay by Felic so religiously when the latter wanted to make use of a group of Azteks to get rid of himself and Hutton?
"Actually, Stephen…" Hutton, who was about to fly into the air, turned back. He stared at Stephen for about a minute. "I feel that you should believe what Mage Felic said. At least, there is no need for Mage Felic to turn against us before we find the palace. That being said, if Mage Felic had the intention to do that, we would not be able to find that palace. In this world, there are always a few people that are beyond your comprehension…"
After he finished his line, Hutton swooped into the sky.
In reality, the speech he gave to Stephen was actually more for himself.
Hutton could not verbalize the feelings he got from the battle. This was the first time Hutton saw Lin Li participate in a battle. This was also the first time Hutton felt that there would always be some monsters in this world that he could not understand. Before this, no matter how miserable the Syer Bandits were when described by Adelo, Hutton was firm in his belief that he would be able to achieve the same results if he were to put in more effort.
However, when Hutton witnessed the Azteks fall under the hands of President like a dozen marionettes, he changed his perspective. The dozen Azteks that were above level-18 were completely wiped out in 10 minutes. It was then that Hutton realized that no matter how hard he worked—even if he were to toil his entire life—it would be always impossible to bridge the gap between himself and the young President.
This gap was not only about magic powers. It was about confidence. Hutton felt that the young President was invincible and too impeccable. President Felic had carefully considered every move from the start to the end of the battle. He executed all plans perfectly. The dozen Azteks turned into mere puppets in the hands of President Felic, manipulated according to his will.
Hutton remembered that when he reached the Archmage-realm, Mentor Cheyenne once told him that it was not magic that made mages powerful. It was the mind.
Hutton was not yet capable of understanding these words then, but everything was clear now. One would never be able to defeat a mage who could control a situation perfectly.
Although the young President had not reached the realm Mentor Cheyenne was speaking of, Hutton knew it wouldn't be long before that happened…
It was a fact that one's magic powers could be enhanced, and magic realms could be surpassed. However, talents would not be imitable. The thought of the battle earlier assured Hutton of one thing: even if he had the ability to let the Azteks turn against each other, and if he had the powers of President Felic, he would never be able to achieve such perfect results.
"Hope Stephen can be cleverer…" Hutton muttered. He could not help but grin.
Hutton knew that Stephen would never understand the terrifying side of President Felic. This was the difference between the Malfa Family and the Dark Blade. The former knew the importance of relationsh.i.p.s. If one could not defeat an enemy, he would try to become friends with that opponent. Contrarily, if the latter could not win against an opponent the legal way, he would devise another way to defeat his enemy…
Of course, Hutton did not think Stephen would ever understand that. The reason for his reminder was to prevent himself from being implicated by Stephen's foolishness. Hutton would not be interested to know whether Stephen was really silly.
"Beyond my comprehension? I would like to see if there's such a powerful person in the world…" Stephen muttered coldly as he watched Hutton leave. He took out his right hand from his pocket slowly and cast a Levitation Spell.
Despite distorting his mental strength unnaturally, and increasing the speed of his Levitation Spell, Lin Li needed more than one hour to reach the edge of the vast forest.
After making sure that the frightening existence had vanished, Lin Li slowed down his flying speed and waited for Hutton to catch up with him.
His words were not to scare Stephen…
Lin Li was at least 80% certain that there really was a Greater Demon of at least level-21 in the forest. Although Lin Li did not really explore the Abyss of Tharlen when he was in the Endless World, he did enough research. One piece of information was related to the Spirit Walkers. It was said that the shape of a Spirit Walker was like a puff of cloud. Apart from its heart, the body of a Spirit Walker was an illusion created by its magnificent mental strength. Spirit Walkers were born with the mental strength of Magic Shooters, and could use different types of mental spells. Their ability in Spiritual Force was more powerful than that of a Priest above level-15.
If the Azteks were the demons beneath the Abyss, the Spirit Walkers would be the royals of the demons. No other demon apart from the Spirit Walker in the 99 levels of Abyss would have the ability of level-15 right from birth1. This strength was comparable to the High Elves'.
However…
The Spirit Walker had a critical weakness. It would be very difficult for them to surpass level-20. Lin Li had not heard of any Spirit Walker that was above level-20 anywhere in the whole of Endless World.
No, no, no. He had heard of one…
This Spirit Walker was mentioned in the library of Bright Moon City. When Lin Li was researching about the Abyss of Tharlen, he stayed in the library for a couple of days. It was where he came across an encyclopedia of the Abyssal demons. This book had records about a Spirit Walker by the name of Mephistos. It was once the Lord of the Abyss of Tharlen, at least of level-21.
Unfortunately, no one knew what happened to the legendary Spirit Walker. It was as though it had vanished from the Abyss of Tharlen. The author of the encyclopedia even predicted that one of the reasons had to be related to Azardas. That Dragon of Destruction descended upon the Abyss of Tharlen and killed the former Lord.
However, while there would be a chance for them to defeat him, it wouldn't be possible to kill him.
Lin Li was 100% sure that that frightening Spiritual Force had to come from a Spirit Walker. There were only Legendary-realm Spirit Walkers in the whole of the Abyss of Tharlen. Only they had the ability to emit such a daunting force. What if the Legendary-level Spirit Walker was the true Mephistos himself…?
That was not a joke. Although Lin Li had the ability to challenge a normal person from the Legendary-realm, it would be incredibly dangerous if he were to meet the Mephistos. Mephistos was a terrifying existence. As the formal Lord of Tharlen, even if he were not as powerful as the shadow of the Dragon of Destruction, he was not someone he could trifle with.
"Mage Felic, may I ask you a question…?" Hutton asked as he caught up with Lin Li when he was plotting his moves quietly.
"What question?" Lin Li replied. His impression of the heir of the Malfa Family had changed for the better after the earlier battle. Although it was not sufficient to let him forget the clashes they had before, Hutton was a man he could hold conversation with. After all, unlike Stephen, Hutton was a clever man.
"Is there really a Greater Demon in that forest?"
"Yes…" Lin Li looked at Hutton for a long time before nodding his head gravely. "A Greater Demon that is beyond your imagination…" It seems like those Demons and Greater Demons were simply Minions that grew up.
Chapter 454 - To be a thief or a b
andit?
"We need to leave this place as soon as possible." That was Lin Li, with his first nervous expression so far. Mephistos was a really terrifying being. It had lifespan longer than any other High Elves', and ruled the whole of Tharlen for many years. No one knew how much power Mephistos had acquired over those countless years.
Furthermore, Mephistos was well-equipped with the Spiritual Force, and the scariest thing about the Spiritual Force was slavery—if the three men were to be defeated by Mephistos, their souls would become Mephistos's slaves eternally. It was a consequence more frightening than death.
Oh yes, Spiritual Force…
Lin Li suddenly remembered something.
"Hutton, go and see if Stephen has come yet. We are pressed for time, and only can wait two, three minutes. If not, we can only go and find the palace ourselves."
"Alright, let me check on him." Hutton nodded as he made a reverse trip with the Levitation Spell.
Lin Li only opened his Ring of Endless Storm when he saw Hutton disappear into the distance. "Get out, Connoris!"
"F*ck you!" That was Connoris when he dashed out of the Ring of Endless Storm impatiently. "You are too much! How could you lie to the great Soul Trader another time? Do you know what credibility is? Do you know what respect is? How could you seal such an almighty Soul Trader in this darn dimension? You are going to get retribution!"
Lin Li was unaffected by Connoris's raging growls. He rubbed his nose and smiled innocently…
"Let me tell you. From now on, don't think that you can receive any benefits from my side!" Connoris nagged on. However, his tone changed very quickly. "Goddammit, why are you in the Abyss of Tharlen? Are you trying to seek death?"
"You came here before?"
"Cut the crap! Quick, leave this darn place immediately. The Darkness Lord in the Abyss of Tharlen is a shadow of the Dragon of Destruction. His strength would be beyond your imagination. Your pathetic powers would dig a grave for yourself…" Connoris's voice was filled with terror. "Sh*t. I'm really going to die because of you… Can you not implicate me if you are seeking death? I don't know where you get your courage to enter the Abyss of Tharlen. Do you know that the level-21 Spirit Walker, Mephistos, did not even have a chance to counter any attack made by the Lord of Darkness? Now that you are not even in the Legendary-level, how could you enter such a dangerous place?"
