The stairwell shakes violently beneath my feet as the dragon’s roar echoes through the crumbling building. I force myself to keep moving, pushing past the fear clawing at the edges of my mind. Every crash and tremor feels like the world collapses, but I can’t stop. Not now.
—Crash!
One of the dragon’s massive heads bursts through the wall beside me, its jaws snapping inches from my face. Hot, foul breath hits me full force, making me gag. Its eyes glow with a vicious hunger. For a split second, I freeze—paralyzed by the sheer size of the beast blocking my path.
"Activate!"
—Tick-tock!
Time slows to a crawl. The dragon’s movements become sluggish, and the world stretches in eerie, dreamlike clarity. I leap over its snapping jaws, feeling the rush of air as its teeth clamp shut below me. Mid-air, I pull out my ‘Galahad’s Judgement’ pistols, lining up my shot with the back of its head.
—Bang! Bang!
As I land on the stairwell above, the bullets slowly creep toward their target. I don’t wait to see if they hit; I’m already bolting up the next flight of stairs.
"Deactivate!"
—Chime!
Time snaps back to normal with a violent clang. The bullets strike the dragon’s skull with a loud Clank! But it barely seems fazed. Its second head crashes through the wall above me, blocking my path again. Its massive jaws open wide, glowing with eerie light, ready to devour me.
"Activate!"
—Tick-tock!
Time slows again. I dive forward, rolling between the dragon’s jagged teeth beneath its massive form. My body moves in exaggerated slow motion, and I aim upward, firing several shots into the soft tissue of its throat.
—Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The bullets crawl through the air as I scramble to my feet, sprinting toward the next stairwell.
"Deactivate!"
—Chime!
The bullets strike true, and the dragon’s roar of pain shakes the building. I don’t look back—I burst through the rooftop door, gasping for air as the open sky greets me.
But there’s no time to catch my breath.
—Rahhh!
The dragon rises before me, its eyes burning with rage. Both heads thrash wildly, blood dripping from their wounds, but the injuries only seem to fuel their fury.
"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"
I fire several shots, but the bullets ricochet uselessly off its armored scales.
—Crash!
One of its heads slams into the rooftop, cracking the concrete beneath my feet. The building trembles, and I stagger, barely keeping my balance. The other head pulls back, glowing brighter as it prepares to unleash another deadly attack.
I don’t have much time.
—Crack!
The ground shatters beneath me as I leap aside, just in time to avoid the dragon’s crushing bite. The impact sends debris flying into the air, and the fireball swelling in the second head’s mouth grows larger.
"Activate!"
—Tick-tock!
Time slows again. I dash forward, weaving between the dragon’s legs and grabbing onto one of its rough, jagged scales. Climbing is slow in the thickened air, each movement exaggerated, but I push onward. I climb higher and higher until I’m perched on its back, racing toward its fire-spewing head.
"Deactivate!"
—Chime!
I aim for the glowing eye and fire.
—Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The bullets hit their mark, sinking into the dragon’s vulnerable eye with a sickening Thunk! Its roar of agony shakes the entire rooftop, both heads thrashing violently.
I stumble, nearly losing my footing as the dragon reels in pain. I know I’ve found its weak point, but exploiting it without overusing the [Chrono Pendant] is risky.
"Activate!"
—Tick-tock!
Time slows once more. I sprint forward, positioning myself above the dragon’s massive, open mouth as it prepares to unleash another devastating attack. I take careful aim.
—Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The bullets arc slowly through the air, aimed straight down the beast’s throat.
"Deactivate!"
—Chime!
Time snaps back, and the bullets rip into the dragon’s soft flesh. Its roar is deafening as it staggers back, collapsing onto the rooftop, blood spilling from its wounds.
Warning! Overusing 'Chrono Pendant' will result in self-destruction!
The system's warning flashes in my vision, and my heart sinks. No... not now. Not when I’m this close.
—Shackle!
The dragon’s massive tail whips around, slamming into me with brutal force. I’m yanked off my feet and sent hurtling through the air.
You have unlocked a Skill!
Skill Name: Aegis Veil
Type: Passive/Active Defense Skill
The system notification blinks in my vision as I’m flung through the air. I barely have time to register it before—
—Boom!
I crash through a wall, rubble cascading around me as I slam into the ground hard. Pain shoots through my entire body, my vision swimming as I struggle to breathe. Dust fills the air, and everything hurts.
"Ngh..." I groan, forcing myself to move, to push through the pain.
Despite the agony, I realized something: I should be dead. How am I still alive?
"Rahhh!"
Through the haze, I see the dragon hovering ominously, its twin heads snarling in fury. Its roar reverberates like a cruel taunt, shaking the ground beneath me. But I’m still standing.
The Aegis Veil... it saved me. A faint, shimmering barrier flickers around me before fading, the last remnants of the newly unlocked skill. I survived because of it.
But as I stare at the enraged dragon, I realize I might not survive much longer.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
The chaotic scene unfolds with clashing metal and frantic footsteps as two young students, a girl and a boy with striking blonde hair and vivid red eyes, sprint through the crumbling streets, their terrified voices cutting through the air.
"Help! Somebody, please!" the girl cries, her voice trembling as she glances over her shoulder.
The boy, struggling to keep pace, yells, "They're right behind us!"
Behind them, skeletal creatures with glowing eyes and ornate staffs chase relentlessly, their steps purposeful and organized. Their eerie armor clinks with every step, the sound adding to the terror as they close in on the fleeing duo. Their hollow eyes lock onto the children, and their staffs glow with ominous energy.
One of the creatures raises its staff, ready to strike.
"Avalon’s Blast!" a firm voice echoes from the distance.
—Zzzzap! Zzzzap! Zzzzap!
Three beams of piercing light shoot across the battlefield, each one striking precisely through the narrow slits in the creatures’ armor. The beams penetrate their skeletal forms, and with a final shriek, the monsters collapse, dissolving into nothing.
The girl gasps, and the boy stumbles, both of them collapsing to their knees in exhaustion and shock. As they catch their breath, a shadow looms over them.
Arthur, his chest rising and falling with adrenaline, rushes over. "Are you two okay?" he asks, offering his hand to help them stand.
The girl takes his hand, shakily pulling herself up. "Thank you... thank you so much!" she breathes out, her red eyes wide with fear.
The boy, still pale from the encounter, grips Arthur’s arm as he stands. "We… we didn’t know what to do. We thought we were done for."
Arthur offers them both a reassuring smile. "You’re safe now. Head to the evacuation center; it's just west of here. Follow this street, then take a left at the big clock tower. You’ll be safe there."
They nod, visibly relieved. "Our names are Gareth and Gawain," the boy says, trying to catch his breath. "We owe you our lives."
Arthur shakes his head. "Just get to safety."
The duo quickly turns and dashes off, following his directions, their gratitude lingering.
"Arthur, why are you still here?"
Arthur spins around and finds Lumi walking toward him, her cold and unyielding expression firmly in place.
"I’m helping people," Arthur replies, his tone steady. "I’m not just going to stand by while others are in danger."
Lumi raises an eyebrow, her piercing gaze locked on him. "Helping them? Arthur, you know this is a [A] ranked Stargate. The Mana is too overwhelming for us. Staying here is foolish. You should be thinking about your safety."
Arthur frowns, his frustration clear. "And what about you? What are you still doing here, Lumi? If it’s so dangerous, why aren’t you running?"
Lumi’s cold demeanor falters for a split second. Her eyes widen, and for a brief moment, a flash of uncertainty crosses her face. "I…" she hesitates, her usual composure cracking.
She remembers her father’s words, the same lesson that Arthur’s father had instilled in him: ‘If someone needs saving, and you can do it, then you must.’
Before she can respond, a loud Boom! Shakes the ground beneath them. Both of them turn toward the source of the crash, eyes wide as they see Dominic lying amidst the debris of a nearby building, injured and motionless.
Fear grips them both.
"Doms!"
Arthur’s voice cracks with terror as he sprints toward his fallen friend.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
"Doms!"
Arthur's familiar voice cuts through the haze of pain, grounding me. I blink, struggling to focus, but through the blur, I see him and Lumi standing protectively before me. Arthur wields a glowing light sword, his face set with fierce determination, while Lumi's ice glyphs swirl around her like a storm, ready to strike at any threat.
Relief washes over me despite the sharp ache in my legs and the ringing in my ears. Knowing they’re here—knowing I’m not alone—gives me hope amid this chaos.
"Rahh!"
The dragon's twin heads swivel toward each other, their glowing eyes gleaming with what looks like amusement—almost as if they’re mocking us. Then, without warning, they turn and soar into the sky, leaving us behind in a flurry of wind and dust.
Confusion grips me, battling with relief. Why did they leave? What just happened?
Arthur is by my side instantly, dropping to one knee, his eyes scanning me for injuries. His face is etched with concern, every line of his expression tight with worry.
“Doms!” His voice cracks, and for a moment, I can see the fear beneath his usual confidence.
“Art…” I manage to whisper, but the pain makes it hard to speak.
He quickly pulls a small vial from his pocket, the liquid inside glowing faintly. "Here, drink this! Professor Maurice gave it to me for emergencies."
It’s a healing potion.
Arthur helps me drink it, his hands steady as the warmth of the potion spreads through my body, easing the pain. Slowly, the sharp, burning agony dulls to a manageable beating, and I can finally breathe without feeling like my ribs are on fire.
"Better?" Arthur asks, his voice is soft but urgent.
I nod weakly, grateful for the relief, even though my legs still feel like dead weight. "Yeah… but why did it leave? The dragon… it just… left."
Arthur glances toward the sky where the dragon disappeared, his expression dark with suspicion. "I don't know, but we’re not sticking around to find out. We need to get you to safety first."
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He holds out his arms to help me stand, but when I try to get up, my legs buckle beneath me, too weak to hold my weight. I stumble, and Arthur catches me effortlessly before I hit the ground.
"Let me carry you," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I shake my head, trying to summon whatever strength I have left. "No, I can manage... Just give me a minute."
Arthur raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. Before I can protest further, he easily scoops me up, cradling me in his arms like I weigh nothing.
"You’ve got to be kidding me…" I mutter, my face heating with embarrassment as he lifts me.
Arthur chuckles, the tension in his voice softening slightly. "Sometimes, pride’s gotta take a back seat, Doms. You’re hurt, and we need to move fast."
I sigh, knowing he’s right. This isn’t the time to be stubborn, not when everything is spiraling out of control. But still, being carried like this feels… humiliating.
Lumi, who’s been watching silently, glances toward the school gates. Her voice is cool but steady, cutting through the noise around us. "We should head to the evacuation center. It’s safer there, and we can regroup."
Arthur nods, shifting his grip slightly to hold me more securely. "Good idea. Let’s go."
As we move through the wreckage, Arthur holding me tightly, I feel a mix of emotions swirling inside me—gratitude for their help, frustration at my own weakness, and a lingering unease about the dragon’s sudden retreat.
"Hang on tight, Doms," Arthur murmurs, his voice a steady reassurance as we navigate the chaos, dodging debris and terrified students.
The world blurs as we pass through the crumbling streets, and though every step takes me further from the immediate danger, I can’t shake the nagging feeling that the worst isn’t over yet.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
Twenty Magicians—each ranked from [B-] to [B+]—stand in uneasy silence in the grand hall of the Lyon chateau. Their faces are tight with tension, reflecting the gravity of the situation as the air hums with Mana from the distant [A] ranked Stargate. The rhythmic pulse of the Stargate's immense power is felt even here, far from the frontlines, its presence a constant reminder of the devastation that could unfold.
Uther Lyon stands at the head of the room, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered Magicians. These are the only ones he could muster on such short notice, those whose Commlinks were jammed by the overwhelming interference of the [A] ranked Stargate's magical energy.
All higher-ranked Magicians, including those in Les Arcanes Éternels, are unreachable. The usual flow of communication has been severed, and they are isolated from their strongest allies.
He cannot contact any of the [A] ranked Magicians, and even the resources of his powerful guild are stretched thin. This is the best he can do for now, though it gnaws at him. As the guild master, the responsibility weighs heavily on his shoulders, knowing that failure could mean catastrophe. Yet, Uther knows that hesitation or doubt will only worsen the situation.
He takes a breath, gathering his thoughts, before addressing the assembled Magicians. His calm and steady voice cuts through the tension like a blade.
“I know what you’re all thinking—this Stargate is unlike anything you’ve faced before. Its power is immense, far beyond the typical anomalies we encounter. Even for those of us ranked [A] or higher, this Stargate presents a challenge that could be deadly. But today, we are not here to raid the Stargate. We are here for a greater purpose—to save lives.”
The Magicians shift uneasily, their eyes betraying a mixture of fear and doubt. Uther meets each of their gazes in turn, his expression hard and determined.
"You are all seasoned Stargate Raiders. You've trained for moments like this. Today, our mission is not conquest but survival. The people of the Eñeforte territory are depending on us to get them to safety. Remember that. Today, you focus on protecting the innocent, those caught in the crossfire."
He lets his words settle in, watching as the reality of their mission replaces the fear in their eyes with a sense of duty.
"I understand your hesitation," Uther continues, his voice growing stronger, more commanding. "But you've faced dangers before, none more important than this. We may not confront the Stargate directly, but our actions today are just as crucial. Each life you save is a victory."
As Uther speaks, he can see their resolve begin to harden. The doubt clouded their minds and now gave way to a sharper focus. They stand a little straighter, the fear still there but tempered by a sense of purpose.
"I will lead you," Uther declares, filling the room. "While we focus on the evacuation, we trust that Maurice and—" Uther’s lips twitch slightly, betraying his distaste—"the other [SS] ranked Magician will deal with the Stargate itself."
His mind briefly flickers to the other [SS] ranked Magician, the one he begrudgingly calls "Trash" for his reckless personal life and endless stream of girlfriends. Even now, Uther can hardly respect him, but there is no denying the man's strength. He can manage the Stargate raid, leaving Uther free to prioritize the people's lives.
"I’m ready to face the Stargate if it comes to it," Uther adds, his voice laced with determination. "But until then, our mission is clear—evacuate as many as possible, protect the Eñeforte territory, and save lives. Stay focused, stay united, and stay strong. We are here to protect."
A newfound energy ripples through the room. The Magicians exchange glances, their expressions now filled with determination rather than fear. They are ready to follow Uther, not as conquerors of the Stargate but as saviors of the innocent.
The time for action has come, and with Uther leading them, they march toward the Eñeforte territory, knowing that today’s battle isn’t just about defeating the Stargate—it’s about protecting everything they hold dear.
════⋆★⋆════
The sky darkens over the Eñeforte territory, the ominous presence of the [A] ranked Stargate casting shadows across the ground. Amidst the chaos, a male teenager with striking light blue hair that dances with the wind stands, his sharp blue eyes trained on the massive anomaly hovering above.
“Woah, look at that Stargate.”
His voice is calm, almost amused, as if the sight before him is nothing more than an exciting challenge. His lean, muscular body radiates a casual confidence.
His name is Célestin, and he watches the Stargate with a smirk.
—"Rahhh!"—
The sudden roar of creatures interrupts the eerie stillness. Three grotesque monsters, skeletal wings beating furiously, charge toward him with alarming speed, their staffs raised, ready to strike.
But Célestin's smirk only widens. “Stasis Field,” he mutters nonchalantly.
In an instant, a brilliant blue diamond-shaped field materializes around him, freezing the monsters mid-flight. They are trapped, frozen in time, their movements halted as though they have been locked within the very fabric of existence.
“Man, you guys are from that [A] ranked Stargate?” Célestin scoffs, his sharp eyes gleaming with confidence. “Y’all are weak.”
He extends both arms toward the immobilized monsters; his fingers splayed out as azure magic circles form around his palms.
“Time Bombs.”
Within seconds, glowing spheres of temporal energy form at his fingertips and fly toward the trapped creatures. As soon as the energy makes contact, mall distortions shimmer across the surface of their bodies, marking the spot of impact.
—Tick-tock
The air seems to warp and bend around the creatures, and with a sudden burst, time accelerates unnaturally. Rust blooms across their weapons and armor while their decayed wings crumble into ash. Their bodies wither away, aging centuries in seconds until they collapse into dust scattered by the wind.
Célestin watches the scene unfold with a satisfied grin, the blue light of his magic flickering as it fades. "Guess time wasn't on your side," he says under his breath, a trace of amusement in his tone.
A figure suddenly rushes toward him, vibrant purple hair flashing in the wind. Violette, a girl with playful eyes, wraps herself around his bicep, her tone teasing yet adoring.
“Célestin, you’re so strong!” she exclaims, her flirtatious voice filled with admiration as she hugs his muscular arm.
Célestin gives her a soft, proud smile. “Of course, I’m strong, Violette. After all, I’m the strongest!”
“Yeah, you are!” Violette giggles, but a moment later, a shadow of confusion crosses her face.
She glances toward the chaotic scene of the Eñeforte territory. The flames, the distant screams, and the looming presence of the Stargate all weigh heavily on her mind. Why are they here, of all places? They aren't strong enough to face a [A] ranked Stargate head-on, and she knows it. She had initially thought Célestin, with his overconfidence, had come here to raid it.
But something feels off.
"Célestie," she says, her voice hesitant as she pulls back slightly, "why did we come here? We can't raid that Stargate..."
Célestin looks at her, and for the first time, the cocky bravado fades. His smile softens into something more genuine, more vulnerable.
“Because…I want to help a close friend of mine,” he replies quietly, his light blue eyes shimmering with a hidden warmth.
Violette blinks in surprise. A friend? She has never seen Célestin act like this before. She knows he is arrogant regarding his strength, always boasting about being the best. But here, at this moment, there's something more. Beneath the cocky exterior, there’s kindness—a desire to help.
Violette’s heart flutters slightly, seeing this side of him. She smiles, realizing that Célestin has a strong sense of loyalty despite his overconfidence.
════⋆★⋆════
Luo Minghao stands calmly on the rooftop, his gaze fixed on the chaos below. The town is engulfed in pandemonium, monstrous creatures spilling forth from the Stargate, sowing terror and destruction. His expression remains unruffled, a picture of cold detachment.
"It seems the Stargate experiment is proceeding as expected," he murmurs to himself, a trace of satisfaction in his voice.
His objective is clear: to test the capabilities of the Lapis de Portail Étoilé, a rare and powerful artifact. The devastation below proves that the stone holds immense potential, aligning perfectly with Lord Malignor's grand design—a plan to spread chaos throughout Sylvestria.
"Lord Malignor will be pleased. This experiment brings us closer to his ultimate goal of plunging Sylvestria into chaos." He glances down at the Lapis de Portail Étoilé in his hand, the stone emitting a soft, sinister glow. "If I gather the remaining four, summoning a [SS] Ranked Stargate in each nation might be within our reach."
As a [SS] Ranked Magician, Luo Minghao possesses a formidable reservoir of Mana, more than enough to unlock the full potential of each Lapis de Portail Étoilé. The thought of unleashing [SS] Ranked Stargates across Sylvestria brings a faint, cold smile to his lips.
"So, you're responsible with the Stargate, right?" A firm voice breaks through his thoughts.
Luo Minghao turns slowly, his gaze meeting a man who has approached him unnoticed. The newcomer has short, tousled red hair and sharp green eyes. He is dressed in a dark blue tophat and tuxedo, exuding an air of elegance contrasting sharply with the chaos below. Luo Minghao recognizes him immediately—Maurice Réel, a fellow [SS] Ranked Magician.
The sight of Maurice is unexpected, but Luo Minghao's composure remains unshaken.
"No," Luo Minghao replies, his tone calm and measured. “Théodore, one of my General subordinates, summoned the Stargate. I am merely here to observe the experiment."
Maurice's keen eyes take in the details of Luo Minghao's appearance, lingering on the golden skull ring on Luo's finger—a symbol unmistakably marking him as a member of the Umbrascourge. Though Maurice recognizes the man as human, his presence as a General of the Umbrascourge is unexpected and troubling.
Maurice's gaze shifts to the Stargate, where monstrous entities pour out like a dark tide before returning to Luo Minghao. The air between them is tense, a silent challenge between two influential figures.
"How did you manage it?" Maurice asks, his voice calm but laced with a demand for answers.
In all his years, Maurice has believed that Stargates were the work of otherworldly forces, entities beyond the realm of Sylvestria. The notion that someone from Sylvestria could summon such a phenomenon is intriguing and unsettling.
"That is confidential." Luo Minghao replies.
"Confidential?" Maurice echoes, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "You're standing in the middle of a town you've helped throw into chaos, and you still cling to secrecy?"
Luo Minghao studies Maurice for a moment, weighing the situation. The tension between them is heavy and palpable as the town below descends into chaos.
With a slight tilt of his head, Luo decides there is little harm in revealing part of the plan, especially to someone like Maurice, who might appreciate the intricacies of their scheme.
"Very well," Luo Minghao says, his voice smooth and measured. "Since you've been confronting me here, I'll indulge your curiosity."
Maurice remains silent, his piercing green eyes locked onto Luo's, waiting for him to continue.
"The Stargate you see here is just the beginning," Luo begins, gesturing with the Lapis de Portail Étoilé in his hand, the stone pulsing with a soft, ominous light. "Lord Malignor has long sought to unleash chaos across Sylvestria, to bring the entire world to its knees. But to do so, we need to destabilize it fundamentally—shake the foundations that hold this world together."
He pauses, allowing the gravity of his words to settle in.
"This town, this experiment, is merely a test of the Lapis de Portail Étoilé's capabilities. By summoning Stargates strategically across Sylvestria, we can flood the nations with monsters, spread panic and fear, and weaken their defenses. The ultimate goal is to sow enough chaos that the barriers between worlds begin to crumble."
Maurice's expression darkens, but he keeps composed, carefully processing Luo's words.
"You see," Luo continues, his tone almost conversational, "the chaos isn't just for the sake of destruction. It's a means to an end. With Sylvestria in disarray, we can begin to unseal Erebos, the primordial force of darkness that has been sealed away for centuries. Once released, Erebos will engulf Sylvestria in eternal night, a world where only the strongest—and those aligned with Lord Malignor—will thrive."
Luo's eyes gleam with a cold, calculating light as he continues, "But we need to ensure the world is ripe for such an awakening. The Lapis de Portail Étoilé is the key. With it, we can summon [SS] Ranked Stargates in all five nations, each one a focal point of devastation, each one weakening the barriers just a little more. And when the time is right, when the world is at its weakest, Erebos will be unleashed."
He pauses, studying Maurice's reaction. "That is the plan, to drown Sylvestria in chaos, to tear down the old world and build a new one in its place—a world where only the strong survive."
Maurice's expression is unreadable, but his eyes betray a flicker of something—a mixture of disbelief, anger, and perhaps even a grudging respect for the sheer audacity of the plan.
"You and your so-called Lord Malignor are playing with forces beyond your control," Maurice finally says, his voice steady but laced with a warning. "Unleashing Erebos would not only destroy Sylvestria, but it would also consume everything—including those who think they can control it."
Luo Minghao shrugs, seemingly unbothered by the implications. "Perhaps. But in chaos, there is opportunity. And we intend to seize it."
Maurice's mind whirls with everything Luo Minghao has revealed, but one question gnaws at him, demanding an answer. The idea of a human—especially one as powerful as Luo—aligning with the Umbrascourge, a group of evil demons, seems unfathomable. There has to be a reason that has driven him to such lengths.
"Why… why did you join the Umbrascourge? What could compel you to ally with demons, to throw in your lot with beings that seek to destroy everything?"
Luo Minghao's expression shifts slightly, the cold, calculating mask giving way to something more personal, more revealing. He lets out a quiet, bitter laugh that seems to carry the weight of old wounds and buried anger.
"You want to know why?" Luo says, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "It's simple. Because the so-called 'Society of Geniuses'—the organization that should have embraced my brilliance—cast me out. They labeled my work' unethical,' 'dangerous,' and 'inhumane.' They branded me a criminal, not because my experiments were failures, but because they succeeded too well."
Maurice frowns, a sense of unease creeping over him. He knows of the Society of Geniuses, a prestigious and highly selective group of the brightest minds in Sylvestria. To be expelled from such an elite organization is no small matter.
"My research, my experiments, were ahead of their time," Luo continues, his tone darkening with resentment. "I sought to push the boundaries of what was possible, to unlock the true potential of magic and technology. But they… they couldn't see the future I was trying to create. They only saw their narrow-minded ethics and fear of the unknown."
He pauses, his eyes narrowing as old memories resurface.
"I delved into areas they deemed 'forbidden.' I experimented with the fusion of magic and life itself, creating constructs that could surpass the limitations of both. I sought to harness the raw power of magic in ways that had never been done before. But instead of praise, I was met with outrage. They called me a monster and accused me of playing God. And so, they banned me, exiled me from their ranks."
Maurice's unease deepens as he listens. Luo's experiments—fusing magic and life, pushing the boundaries of what is considered 'natural'—sound dangerous, even by the most liberal standards.
"So, when Lord Malignor approached me," Luo continues, his voice tinged with a bitter satisfaction, "I saw an opportunity. He offered me a place where my genius would be appreciated and my research would be valued. The Umbrascourge didn't care about petty ethics or morals but about results. And they gave me the freedom to explore my ideas without restraint."
Maurice's mind races as he tries to reconcile the man before him with the vision of a brilliant researcher gone astray. The Magician in front of him is not just a powerful Magician; he has been pushed to the fringes by his ambitions, and in his exile, he has found a new purpose with the Umbrascourge. This purpose threatens the very fabric of Sylvestria.
"You threw away your humanity for this?" Maurice asks, his voice heavy with a mix of disbelief and sorrow. "For the sake of your experiments, you aligned yourself with demons? Do you even realize what you've become?"
Luo Minghao's expression hardens, his eyes cold and unyielding. "I became what I needed to be, Maurice. I embraced the truth that others were too blind to see. In this world, power is all that matters. And I found a way to obtain it, to use it as I see fit. You can cling to your morals and society's rules, but I'll forge my path."
Maurice stands in silence for a moment, absorbing Luo's words. There is no reasoning with someone who has chosen this path, who has justified every action in pursuit of a vision that has no regard for the consequences. Luo Minghao has not just joined the Umbrascourge; he has become an embodiment of the chaos and destruction they seek to unleash.
"I pity you," Maurice says quietly, his voice laced with regret. "You were once one of Sylvestria's brightest minds. But now, you're lost in the darkness you've embraced."
Luo Minghao's cold smile returns. "Save your pity. It's wasted on me. Now, shall we continue this conversation with our actions?"
After hearing Luo Minghao's plan, Maurice knows this Magitist is pivotal to the Umbrascourge's sinister designs. The gravity of the situation leaves him with no choice—Luo has to be eliminated.
Maurice quickly gathers Mana, channeling it into the air around him, which pulses with raw energy.
“diov eht fo yromrA!” Maurice chants, his voice commanding and resolute.
Instantly, black portals materialize around Luo Minghao, their edges swirling with dark, void energy. An array of weapons forged from the void emerges from these portals—blades, spears, and arrows aimed directly at Luo.
-Fwoosh!
The weapons shoot toward Luo Minghao with blinding speed, their trajectories precise and lethal. But Luo remains unfazed, standing perfectly still as the void-forged weapons close in.
-Squelch! Squelch! Squelch! Squelch! Squelch! Squelch! Squelch!
Each weapon strikes its mark, piercing Luo Minghao's body with a sickening sound. However, to Maurice's surprise, no blood flows from the wounds. The lack of any sign of life leaves him momentarily stunned.
Luo Minghao's eyes meet Maurice's, a calm expression on his face. "Unfortunately for you, Maurice, I'm only here to observe, not to engage in battle. Farewell."
As the final word leaves his lips, Luo's eyes dull, losing vitality, and his head slumps forward as if life has drained away.
Maurice dematerializes the void portals and cautiously approaches the motionless figure. Reaching out, he places his hand on what he assumes to be Luo's lifeless body. But the texture beneath his fingers is wrong—it isn't flesh.
It's a puppet.
A cold realization hits Maurice. The figure before him has been a decoy, a puppet crafted to deceive him. Luo Minghao hasn't been here at all.