244 - 251

Assassination

A spectacled female Magus, who seemed like a secretary, and was holding a thick notebook and quill pen, followed behind Wade.

Only at this point did she seem to remember something.

This suggestion obviously gave Wade an idea. He glanced at the members of the team he had brought from the Four Seasons Garden, took a look at Reynold's office, and eventually rejected the proposal, though he looked as if he was struggling with the idea.

"I can't do that! The things here are more important! Even if it were Mentor Reynold, he would choose to defend this area as well!"

Wade gazed out of the window. Through the fixed spying channel, he could see that the Four Seasons Garden was already engulfed in a sea of fire, within which countless dark Magi in black robes were plundering as they liked.

"Damn it! The leader of the defense squad died in battle, vice team leader Dolorin is nowhere to be found, and the leaders of the hunting and battle teams are busy. If not, I would be able to assign a few of our Magi to give support there…"

"My lord, don't worry. Lord Pierre, who's in charge of the merit points exchange centre, is also a peak rank 1 Magus. Blood Rogue won't be able to pass through so easily…"

Beside Wade, that secretary with an hourglass figure adjusted her glasses, trying to console him.

"It's too late. Pierre has already died in battle! Our warehouse is going to fall into the hands of those wretched dark Magi!"

Wade slammed his fist onto Reynold's desk, leaving behind a deep imprint of a fist.

"Teacher! How great would it be if you were here…" All of a sudden, weak thoughts began appearing in Wade's mind.

Shortly after, he couldn't help but laugh at his moment of weakness. However, his hands were still trembling within the sleeves of his robes. Due to their superior spiritual force and senses, compared to the regular man, Magi's premonitions were quite accurate. Though they seldom appeared, it was a real possibility that such premonitions would actually come to pass.

"What? Pierre died in battle? How can that be? He's a peak rank 1 Magus! Could it be that there's another rank 2 dark Magus fighting here?"

The surrounding Magi became restless at the thought. Peak rank 1 Magi were, in normal circumstances, the most powerful beings in the south coast. In a situation where rank 2 Magus did not appear, they were the rulers, goals, and idols of most Magi.

However, what they had thought to have been a sturdy mountain they could count on had collapsed, leaving the Magi present in shock.

"No! Calm down, everyone!" The moment the words left his mouth, Wade realised that he had misspoken, and quickly tried to steer the conversation away.

"Though the dark Magi have a very aggressive approach this time, thus leading to a huge loss in our members and resources, please believe in the Four Seasons Garden. Believe in the elders, and believe in my mentor, the rank 2 Magus, Lord Reynold."

"Just hang on for fifteen more minutes! The Lightning Fury from the light Magi alliance will arrive, and once that happens, we'll make the dark Magi who killed our friends and family pay the price!"

Each word was dripping with blood, arousing feelings of hatred from the Magi present. Faced with a common enemy, the Magi calmed down.

Upon seeing that the situation had stabilised, Wade could only sigh.

The light Magi of the Four Seasons Garden were similar to a few scientific researchers that Leylin had known. For them, their main work was to experiment, not to kill, and when they engaged with dark Magi, these official Magi performed very poorly.

Besides the few small teams that were in charge of battling and defending, most of the other light Magi who were in charge of exploring the secret plane and taking care of the plants had died.

At this thought, Wade glanced at the teams from the Four Seasons Garden who were clad in crimson armour.

They looked extremely calm, not even revealing the slightest change in expression even after hearing the news of Pierre dying in battle, and of all of their resource warehouses being taken over by the enemy. They were still loyally going about their duties.

"Fortunately, the Four Seasons Garden still has a trump card! With the members of the Four Seasons Corps here, at the very least, the core of the gate to the Eternal River Plains' secret plane will be safe!"

Wade consoled himself.

As long as the core body of consciousness was in their hands, the light Magi of the Four Seasons Garden would still be in control of the gate to the secret plane. In that case, even if they suffered a devastating loss, all could eventually be regained.

It was with this in mind that after seeing the formidable attack by the dark Magi in Experiment Zone 3, Wade had chosen to pull back his forces and relocate all his men to this place. Everything was in preparation to defend the core body of consciousness to the death.

This type of core body of consciousness could only exist within the Eternal River Plains' secret plane. It could not be too far away from the platinum gate, and it was for this reason that a few light Magi organisations were stationed nearby to protect it, rather than simply bringing it back to the headquarters for safekeeping.

*Ka-cha!*

*Ka-cha!*

All of a sudden, the crisp sound of bones breaking was heard twice.

Two Magi fell, shock still apparent on their faces, while they still had their eyes on the comrades that they had fought alongside.

"Matt, Ernie! What are you doing?"

The surrounding Magi quickly retreated, fearfully roaring at the two Magi whose hands were dripping with blood.

*Shua shua shua!* What was even faster was Four Season's Corps, who were in the blood-red armour. They turned into a few red streaks and encircled these two Magi.

"Hehe! Every time I see you pitiful light Magi, I immediately connect you guys to meek little lambs crushed in a lion's mouth."

Amidst the sneers and taunting, the bodies of the two light Magi underwent a very bizarre change.

Pieces of skin floated to the ground like leaves, revealing two foreign figures. One of them was bald, spare a few pitiful strands of hair at the top of his head, while the other was short and obese, with incisors that were unique to mice.

These two supposed light Magi were actually impersonators!

"It's them! Thousand Faces and Shadow! They're rank 5A fugitives, and are on the wanted list! Be extremely careful; it's said that they are experts in shapeshifting, and can disguise themselves to resemble multiple different Magi within seconds, and without being caught." Out of all the light Magi present, someone recognised the two dark Magi.

Of course, the real Matt and Ernie had long since been killed. As for when this had happened, none of the light Magi had any clue at all.

"Hehe! The trump card of the Four Seasons Garden, the Four Seasons Corps? I've long since heard of this name!" Even while surrounded, the bald Thousand Faces did not seem nervous at all. His tiny eyes calmly scanned the area, and then snickered, "What a pity! I don't seem to see anyone particularly exceptional within your group."

In response to such taunts, the members of the Four Seasons Corps gave a single answer.

*Huala!*

The armour on their body vibrated, blood-red thorny runes seeming to come to life as they shot into the air, forming thistle-like apparitions.

The innumerable apparitions merged together and formed a dense cage, trapping Thousand Faces and Shadow within it.

"Haha… The only thing you have worth showing off is this thorny cage…"

Thousand Faces couldn't stop laughing, but from the fine beads of sweat on his forehead, it was evident that he was not as relaxed as he tried to present himself.

"Shadow, are you done yet? The members of the Four Seasons Corps aren't so easily fooled. With just a slight misstep, you and might even die here."

Thousand Faces silently transmitted a message to Shadow.

"Soon! I'm almost there. I need silence!" Shadow's answer revealed that his throat was parched, and an obvious sense of urgency.

"Alright. If not for the generous rewards that the organisation is giving us, I wouldn't do this sort of thing even if my life was threatened!" Shadow finally spoke.

*Boom!*

The huge, dull, red thorny cage kept compressing and shrinking the area within, and countless little thorns appeared, which, like bees, headed straight for the two dark Magi within.

*Bzz bzz! Tzz tzz!*

The tiny thistle thorns were like flying needles as they relentlessly pricked into the bodies of the two dark Magi, producing spots of fresh crimson blood.

Strangely enough, their expressions were unchanged, as if their bodies were not their own.

"Be careful!" One of the members of the Four Seasons Corps warned, and the cage that was full of barbed thistles made contact with the two dark Magi within.

*Woo woo!*

At that instant, the surface of the two Magi's bodies turned black, and a ring of fine red tassels exploded out of the duo's bodies.

"This…" Wade was slightly suspicious about this, and he seemed to remember something, quickly yelling, "Get out of the way!"

However, it was much too late. The two charred bodies smirked, extending their arms.

*Boom!*

The tremendous sound waves from the explosion engulfed the office and were followed by a huge amount of black smoke.

In the ensuing waves from the explosion, all of Reynold's furniture and documents turned into dust, and what had originally been his work desk was sliced in two, revealing the sealing spell formation underneath it.

"Clones and a high-energy bomb!"

Seeing the office that was in complete disarray, as well as the many Magi who had fallen, Wade grit his teeth.

"My Lord, are you alright?" The frightened female secretary Magus hastily ran over.

"Don't worry, I'm fine…" Wade waved his hands.

After that, an odd expression appeared on his face, and his robes began to float.

The plants that had originally been mere decorations seemed to come to life, turning into vines that grabbed hold of the female Magus in front of him.

"You… My Lord! What are you doing?"

The female secretary had been held in such a position that her legs were spread wide apart, presenting a humiliating pose in front of Wade. She still held traces of embarrassment and confusion in her eyes.

"Thousand Faces! Don't try to swindle me! This female Magus was on my bed just last night; I'm a lot more knowledgeable about her body than you will ever be!" Wade retreated several steps, coldly viewing the female secretary Magus caught in the vine.

"Hehe! I guess I was found out…"

A maniacal smile appeared on the secretary's face, followed by a fluctuation that revealed a bald head.

"It's a pity that you forgot about me!"

The yellow floorboard under Wade's feet suddenly flipped over, and a dagger that was flashing with silvery-white light stabbed towards his abdomen!

A Blink Of An Eye

This silver dagger was obviously a magic artifact; it even had a menacing, silvery glint on its blade.

Wade's innate defense spell immediately materialised into an armour of vines to protect him, but he was still pierced through by the silver white dagger.

As much as Wade was not resigned to his fate, he crashed to the ground, dyeing the area in a pool of red.

The brown yellow boards contorted, finally turning into the shape of a black figure.

"You guys had only noticed the changes that I, Thousand Faces, had made, but you forgot that the darkness can turn into a shadow and attach itself to any object…"

Wade was severely injured, and did not have much spiritual force or magic power left, so naturally, the vines that bound Thousand Faces had now slackened.

Thousand Faces massaged his wrist as he smirked.

*Ka-Cha!*

Suddenly, a flashing arc of red light pierced through his neck, causing blood to spurt out from his throat.

"It's a pity that you have also underestimated us from the Four Seasons Garden!"

*Pu!* A member of the Four Seasons Corps, who seemed to be a team leader, retrieved his blood-red sword and pointed it at the location where the shadow was.

With another flash of red light, the thorny prison appeared once more, encircling Wade.

Not only could the prison of thorns be used to ensnare and kill enemies, it was also used as a form of a barrier for allies.

"Protect the Lord! Leave him to me!" This team leader exclaimed.

Shortly after, four long, blood-red shadows pierced the skies, appearing outside the prison of thorns.

"Thousand Faces died just like that!" Shadow looked around in disbelief.

In accordance with the current mess in the office, many Magi had lost their ability to move after that high-energy bomb. However, with the protection of their blood-red armour and innate spells, the members of the Four Seasons Corps did not receive serious injuries. They had already moved and completely blocked Shadow's escape route.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"

Shadow constantly surveyed his surroundings and roared with rage. "Despicable! I was deceived! What happened to the support that the organisation promised me? Where is it?"

Based on this situation, it seemed that Thousand Meddling Hands had issued them missions, but hidden a lot of important information. They had probably also promised some false rewards.

"Hmph! They are truly dark Magi! When it comes to this sort of situation, they'll only care about themselves!"

The leader of the Four Seasons Corps snorted and then pointed at the place with the seal. "Team 2 is to guard that area. Do not let anyone get in there!"

A small group from the Four Seasons Corps immediately dashed to the seal spell formation, and a red circle of light brightened again.

The leader waved his blood-red longsword, aiming it at Shadow.

"You make me angry! In the fifty years that I've been carrying out missions, it's the first time that my target has been hurt! Are you ready to pay the price?"

Energy particles constantly shimmered around his body as a formidable spiritual force emitting from his body and engulfing Shadow.

His gaze was especially sharp as if he was staring at prey that he had settled on, which caused Shadow to shudder in fear.

"Wait, wait… We can discuss this. I know a lot of information about the Thousand Meddling Hands. We can work together…"

Shadow yelled out insincere words that attracted attention, a layer of magic that was so thin it was almost invisible flickering under his feet.

*Shua!*

His body transformed into a black streak, basically surpassing the limits of what the naked eye could see. In an instant, he charged out of the circle of the Four Seasons Corps Magi that had trapped him within.

Shadow flickered a few times and separated into a few similar-looking black shadows that dashed in various directions.

*Ka ka!*

In response to this, the team leader merely laughed condescendingly and fiercely stabbed his blood-red longsword into a wooden floorboard in front of him.

Ripples that were like ocean waves extended throughout the area.

A brown "human figure" sprung out of the ripples.

*Rumble!* The leader quickly came before Shadow, his blood-red longsword slashing across and forming a bright arc.

*Ka-cha!* The transparent armour and pendant at Shadow's chest shattered just like that. The longsword then ruthlessly sliced into his chest, spilling fresh blood everywhere.

*Pak!* Shadow fell heavily, and the leader of the Four Seasons Corps approached. With his right foot, which was clad in a metal shoe, he stepped on Shadow's chest. "Run! Why are you running?"

*Ka-cha! Ka-cha! Ka-cha!*

Tiny, and yet piercing, sounds of bones breaking was heard from Shadow's chest.

Large amounts of foam and blood spilled out of the corner of Shadow's mouth as if he wanted to say something.

That round of intense battle had happened so quickly. In almost ten or so seconds, all of this had happened, and the Magi who had fallen were unable to react at all.

At this point, the faint black mist had yet to completely disperse.

"Hm? Wait, no!" The leader who was stepping on the chest of Shadow suddenly turned, his expression changing to one of alarm and anger.

Then, he simply gave up on Shadow and rushed to the front of the seal spell formation.

"Blood Restraint!" The leader's large hands grabbed forward into the air! Shortly after, a light green human figure was snatched out of thin air.

This figure was very slender and small. It was like a child, with green mist surrounding it.

"Hehe, what keen senses! It seems you're just one step away from becoming a peak rank 1 Magus!"

The person shrouded in green praised with a little boy's voice.

*Pak! Pak! Pak!*

A bunch of crystal balls that shimmered with light were thrown out.

*Crash! Crash! Crash!* Intense explosions sounded in front of the leader one after another, the immense shockwaves causing him to retreat.

Green mist gathered and turned into a sticky fluid, adhering to the leader's body like superglue.

"Damn it, be careful! Their target has always been the sealing spell formation!" This leader had been caught by the sticky fluid and could only shout.

"Hehe, it's too late!"

The little boy within the mist transformed into an apparition, which the red thorny spell formation had no effect on.

He dashed into the interior of the thorny spell formation, large amounts of green mist emitting from his body.

*Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! The four members of the Four Seasons Corps in charge of defense fell to the ground, green mushrooms and spots growing on their faces.

"What a bunch of idiots, this leaves me no choice but to take action myself!"

While speaking, his movements were quick, and he took out a red crystal that was the exact same as the one that Leylin had, pressing it down towards the heart of the spell formation!

This was a self-destructing spell design that completely matched with the spell formation. The moment it was activated, the whole spell formation would destroy itself, along with the body of consciousness that it was attached to.

The moment the core body of consciousness self-destructed, the platinum gate which was the entrance to the secret plane would collapse.

The situation had become extremely dire!

The boy's eyes were glinting with excitement. He could already envision the destruction of the entrance to the secret plane, and the image of the light Magi's flustered and exasperated expressions.

"Gotcha!"

At this moment, a hand that was like white jade emerged from the air and grabbed the little boy's hand, black fog forming a python that crushed the red crystal into powder!

Leylin dispelled Shadow Stealth and quickly grabbed the boy.

The moment his hand touched the little boy, Leylin's palm burst out into crimson flames, burning the green fog till it disappeared, and revealing a Magus who looked like a young boy.

"You…" He pointed at Leylin, preparing to say something in his anger.

But why would Leylin give him the chance to do that? Several blood-red snakes quickly wriggled into the boy's orifices, thus sealing his sea of consciousness and ability to move.

Leylin was still disguising himself as Blood Rogue. All that the other Magi saw was someone in a crimson robe, emitting an evil aura as he appeared out of nowhere and quickly took care of the boy.

After plundering the merit points exchange centre, Leylin had returned to the nearby Reynold's office and, had been lying in wait there.

After waiting till Wade and the sneaky Thousand Faces came, Leylin had an idea and used Shadow Stealth. Like a python lying in wait for an ambush, he patiently waited for his prey to come knocking.

After seeing Thousand Faces killed, Shadow severely injured, and the Four Seasons Corps' attention diverted away, the little boy could no longer wait, and took a chance and acted.

Leylin had made use of the ecstasy and astonishment that the boy had felt while he was on the verge of succeeding, and struck out.

This method of using opportunities in battle could be said to be classic. If not for the A.I. Chip's help in simulations of the operation, Leylin would not have been able to take the boy down so easily.

"I didn't expect you to be hidden this well!" Leylin held on to the back of the little boy's collar, holding the frail and small body with his hand as if he were holding luggage.

As Leylin had sealed the little boy's mouth, he was still unable to speak, and could only glare harshly at Leylin, as if he were wishing that he could hack him to pieces.

This boy was evidently the member of the Thousand Meddling Hands that had threatened Leylin while he was on the way to the Four Seasons Garden.

At that time, he was not even a semi-converted Magus and had almost killed off Leylin, as well as causing him to lose a magic artifact.

But now… Leylin sized up the little boy. From the energy waves emitting from his body, in that short period of time, the boy had not only passed through the bottleneck of being a semi-converted Magus but had advanced until he was just one step away from becoming a peak rank 1 Magus!

This rate of improvement was something that made even Leylin, who had the help of the A.I. Chip, gasp in awe.

"Blood Rogue! It's Thousand Meddling Hands' Blood Rogue! Why did he stop his own comrade?"

The leader of Four Seasons Corps was rinsing himself with milky-white holy water, finally washing all the disgusting green fluid away.

With confusion in his eyes, he approached and resolutely stood before Leylin, thus blocking his way.

Falling Out

"It's Blood Rogue from the Thousand Meddling Hands! The S ranked fugitive from Nightless City! Though I have no clue why you're helping us, I still want to thank you!"

The leader of the Four Seasons Corps bowed, and then slashed his crimson longsword at Leylin.

"I've thanked you as I should have. Now, leave the prisoners in your possession behind! In return, I will let you go…"

Seeing the leader acting this righteous, Leylin was slightly confused. "Are you stupid? Do you think I'm so easily bullied?"

He guessed that this leader was rather egoistic, though it might have had to do with Leylin concealing his strength. Most people only knew that Blood Rogue was a semi-converted Magus, and were still unaware that he had advanced to a peak rank 1 Magus.

At times like this, incorrect information could cost lives!

"Well then, I apologise!" The leader spoke unenthusiastically, a huge wave of apparitions of sharp swords appearing from the longsword. Like a waterfall, they charged towards Leylin.

"Move! 2nd spell formation!" The leader shouted as he attacked.

With his yell, the Magi of the Four Seasons Corps seemed to have received some order, and other than the four Magi protecting Wade, the other members rushed him.

*Tss tss!* Thorny plants constantly grew from their crimson armour.

The vines that appeared from the armour seemed to have self-awareness, grouping together, and forming a green giant that was about five metres tall.

This green giant formed from plants was full of thorns, and sinister black lines filled its body. At the area where its eyes were meant to be, there were two strange purple flowers.

"Awooooo!" The green giant snarled, opening its large hand and grabbing towards Leylin.

"Is their ignorance to the truth causing them to be so fearless?"

Leylin glanced at the leader of the Four Seasons Corps with a pitying look. Next, a black ring emerged from under his feet, climbing up his robes and seemingly draping black armour on his body.

*Cling clang! Cling clang!*

Afterimages of red swords struck the black armour, sparks flying everywhere as they produced the immense sounds of a metal sword and armour crashing against each other.

The apparitions of the crimson sword kept falling apart, but the layer of black armour on Leylin's body became increasingly thick, to the point that it began to produce multiple black tendrils.

"This is bad! That level of strength…" The leader's eyes widened and he immediately thought to warn his subordinates, but it was much too late.

*Whoosh!* Before the green giant's massive thorny palm had reached its destination, the surrounding air fluctuated and a powerful air stream was generated, blowing so hard that the furniture in the office was strewn apart.

"You don't know when to stop!" While facing this green giant's huge palm, Leylin raised his right hand clad in a black gauntlet, and gently gestured downwards.

From an outsider's point of view, the situation right now was not the least bit balanced. Leylin was like a child in front of the giant, and yet he had raised his slender arm to meet the giant's palm.

However, the green giant seemed to feel extremely threatened and kept roaring, the green rays of light in its hand constantly flickering as its speed increased by three times.

*Bang!*

Finally, Leylin's little fist met with the giant's fist that was the size of a water jar, a wave of immense vibrations spreading out in all directions.

The surrounding air seemed to distort, and then all went back to normal.

*Ka-cha! Ka-cha!*

One after another, the thorns broke off of and fell from the large hand. This disintegration quickly reached the entire arm, and eventually the large body of the giant.

*Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!*

Thick plant roots and vines slid off the body of the giant, black cracks constantly extending until it was on the verge of tearing the body of the giant apart!

*Bang!* Finally, after a rumbling loud noise, the green giant's body was broken down into tiny pieces that flew in all directions.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

The massive shockwave created extended miraculously to the bodies of the Four Seasons Corps' members that were surrounding Leylin.

The crimson armour on their bodies shook, and then broke apart.

The Magi completely paled and retreated a few steps, some of them coughing up large amounts of blood.

"Peak rank 1 Magus! You've already reached the peak of rank 1!"

The leader of the Four Seasons Corps stared fixedly at Leylin's mask, as if trying to carve his appearance into his memory.

In a situation where rank 2 Magi seldom appeared, peak rank 1 Magi were the most powerful beings in the south coast. The rise in the power of Blood Rogue was much too fast and too astonishing; this leader definitely could not let his guard down.

At this moment, fear was apparent in the leader's gaze.

"Sigh… Some things will be only resolved through violence!"

Leylin still maintained his pose where he held the little boy, and his other hand formed a mysterious hand seal and tapped against the ground.

"Shadow Domain!" A pitch-black shadow emerged from under his feet and quickly formed a dense, black sphere, crazily spreading to the surroundings.

...

In that instant, black shadows engulfed the Magi who were in the office…

*Shua shua!* Within the darkness, there seemed to be the sounds of someone moving quickly, and the low, miserable human moans that one would make before they died.

Enshrouded by the shadows, where even light magic was useless, the Magi of the Four Seasons Corps were basically blind.

Thankfully, this was only sustained for a short period of time. Several minutes later, the dense darkness dispersed from the office, revealing the figures of a few Magi. As for Leylin, who they had encircled previously, he was now nowhere to be found.

"Leader! What should we do?"

A Magus struggled to stand and came to the leader of Four Seasons Corps.

However, he found a very strange expression on his leader's face. There were hints of terror, as well as disbelief.

"Leader! Leader! What's with you?" This Magus suddenly began to feel slightly afraid, extending his right hand, and thinking of shaking his leader's arm.

*Pak!* Just as this Magus' hand touched his leader's clothes, his body turned into black ashes like a bubble that had been popped, dispersing everywhere.

*Pak pak pak!* As if triggering some chain reaction, some of the Magi around him also exploded, leaving behind black mist.

As the surviving Magi gazed at the mist, a suffocating sense of dread weighed down on their hearts.

...

*Shua!* While still holding the little boy, Leylin's body transformed into a black hurricane that travelled around the headquarters, which had turned into a battlefield.

As he was moving at a very high speed, the Magi of both domains could only see a flickering black figure, which then completely disappeared.

*Pak!*

Upon finding an empty area that was far from the battlefield, he threw the little boy to the ground.

"Blood Rogue, what are you doing?" The little boy rolled a few times, body covered in soil and mud. However, he seemed to have regained his ability to speak and spoke coldly the moment he stood up.

"Stop with your nonsense and get Giant to come here!"

Leylin exclaimed.

"It's a very crucial time now, and even I can't contact him…" A strange expression appeared on his face as he explained.

Immediately after, however, he was kicked aside by Leylin.

Though Leylin had allowed the little boy to regain his ability to speak, he had evidently not unsealed his sea of consciousness. The little boy's frail body spun in mid-air several times, and then fell.

*Crack!* From the sounds of bones breaking produced from within his body, it seemed as if a few ribs had been broken.

Looking cool and collected, Leylin advanced, and like holding a duck, he grabbed the boy by the neck and lifted him up.

"I don't have much patience, so it's better if you don't try to test my limits. Don't think that I know nothing about the relationship between you and him!"

Though Leylin sounded calm, the boy who Leylin was glaring at felt empty inside. Under Leylin's relentless gaze, he felt as if the other man could see through him and know all his secrets

"No! How can that be…? I've always been very careful about it…" A myriad of thoughts flashed past the little boy's mind, and he eventually gave in.

"Be quick about it!" Leylin loosened his grip, and the boy immediately fell to the ground.

"Cough cough…" The boy sat on the ground, two hands cradling his neck, on which purple marks were already apparent.

Without requesting Leylin to unseal his sea of consciousness, he quietly sat in a corner, as if in a daze.

Unexpectedly, Leylin actually waited for him.

It did not take long, and a few minutes later, green mist permeated the air and filled the area.

"What do you need me for? Don't you know that our plan has entered a state of emergency, Leylin?!"

Giant's voice was as hoarse as before, but this time, Leylin was able to hear fury in his voice… along with worry?

"Kill him! Quick, kill him!"

At this moment, the little boy who had been staring blankly to the side suddenly burst into hysterics. Green mist had been protecting him, thus allowing him to regain his power.

"Our entire plan fell through because of him! Also, he actually dared to treat me in this way! I want him dead!"

The boy glared at Leylin, his eyes full of venomous anger.

"I know." Giant briefly nodded, looking at Leylin. "What do you have to say for yourself about your slip ups in the past, as well as the thwarting of our plan this time?"

As Giant spoke, the mist in the surroundings became increasingly stronger, to the point that bushes and soil began to emit white smoke, and melted like ice.

"What I have to say?"

Leylin smirked, and then snapped his fingers.

*Pak!* The little boy's expression suddenly froze, and his brain exploded open like a watermelon.

"If you want an explanation, does this work?"

Leylin grinned widely.

Flaming Serpent

Faced with the little boy's head exploding like a watermelon, the green mist distorted, revealing a heavily muscled figure that was more than 2 meters in height. For a moment, his head was visible, but he covered his head, his eyes bloodshot and glowing red.

"You actually…... You actually killed him..."

Giant roared, as if the little boy was very important to him. Seeing Leylin unceremoniously kill the little boy instead of letting him go, Giant was on the brink of going ballistic.

Tendrils of green mist rushed towards Leylin, looking like a swarm of moths and bees, and appeared to envelop Leylin like a huge cloud.

*Chi Chi!* Green meridians crawled over the muscles of Giant's body like small snakes. Then his body grew instantly, increasing in height by more than three meters. The hairs on his head stood straight up, facing the sky like small thorns.

"Why are you in such a hurry? Are you afraid?"

Leylin sneered, and immediately, black smoke billowed from his body, rising and dispersing into the air.

A trace of the black gas condensed to form numerous black snakes.

The bodies of those black snakes had fine black scales, and each had a pair of bean-sized eyes that exuded an unnatural, devilish red light. The snakes constantly hissed, and went to meet that green swarm of bees and moths.

*Peng!*

For a moment, the two big groups — the wisp of green gas and the den of black snakes — immediately mingled, and there were all kinds of sounds of biting, hissing, and other sounds all constantly emanating from within the green mist.

"Ah! I will kill you, I swear! I shall break all the bones in your body; I will make you regret being born into this world!"

Giant howled as he crouched and jumped.

*Boom!* A huge pit immediately appeared on the ground, soil and rocks flying outwards like bullets, and creating sparks in the air.

With this momentum, Giant's body was like a fiery arrow heading straight for Leylin.

"Kemoyin's Scales!" A layer of fine black scales covered Leylin's hands, from which spreaded rings of black light. The black colour from the scales turned even more vivid, and vaguely formed a design that was similar to a rune!

Following which, the muscles on Leylin's arm bulged, and his strength of 20.1 was then displayed!

*Boom!*

Green and black figures fiercely slammed into each other, explosions continuously sounding out.

The two human figures flickered as they fought. Anything that the shockwaves from their battle brushed past, whether it was rocks or wood, would immediately explode into pieces.

*Bang!* Leylin's left hand blocked Giant's fist. As quick as lightning, his right hand turned into a claw, blood-red flames burning as it headed straight for Giant's chest, where his heart was.

Currently, Giant's two hands were rendered immobile by Leylin, and it was basically impossible to evade an attack that was so close.

Giant's expression became resolute and he adjusted his position, avoiding that fatal claw at his chest! However, his right chest had been caught by Leylin's Crimson Palm, and a huge chunk of flesh and blood flew out.

"Bone Piercing Technique!" Giant yelled, and his arms spread wide. Not dodging nor avoiding any attacks, he charged straight for Leylin.

*Tss! Tss! Tss! Tss! Tss!*

White bone spikes rapidly pierced through Giant's skin, growing out from inside his body.

*Ka-cha!* Leylin's right hand was the first to be struck by the bone spike.

There were some spiral designs on the bone spikes that, upon contact, drilled into whatever it hit.

The revolving spikes first broke through the crimson flames, and then struck the surface of Leylin's right arm, which was covered in Kemoyin's Scales.

The extremely piercing sound of metal scraping against metal sounded; it could also be said to sound like a woman's screams. Leylin's brows furrowed, and he quickly moved back.

"Haha! If you're only thinking of leaving now, it's much too late!"

Giant laughed heartily, ignoring the blood that was gushing all over his body, and spread his arms. His posture was like someone giving a bear hug, he brought his arms together and was ready to prick Leylin till he became like a porcupine.

"This distance… Shadow Stealth!"

A large amount of light appeared on the surface of Leylin's black, scaly armour. He then disappeared into thin air.

"You thought that I wouldn't have prepared against this?"

After losing track of Leylin, Giant looked around and suddenly shouted, and then breathed in deeply.

Two streams of white gas that even the naked eye could see entered Giant's nostrils like dragons, bulging his chest to a noticeable degree.

After this, Giant made a lengthy howl, "Awooooo!"

The piercing sound travelled in all directions, and one could even see ripples in the air, with Giant at the epicentre.

An entire layer of the ground was peeled off by the soundwaves, and the green fog of moth and bees in the air, as well as Leylin's little black snakes, exploded from the soundwaves, turning into vapour.

The fog was pushed further and further away by the soundwaves and eventually disappeared.

As Giant's voice increased to a higher pitch, the insects and moles in the area simply exploded in the air, forming a bloody mist.

*Weng!*

With some undulations in the air and a flash of black light, Leylin's body flickered from his camouflage.

"I found you, you damned worm!" Giant snarled, the spikes on his body growing more densely and constantly rotating. He was like a human killing machine, charging ahead blindly and turning all the trees and rocks that obstructed him into powder.

"Latent Fireball!" Leylin's gestured, and countless black fireballs converged into a giant jet black, flaming fireball.

With the added bonus from Leylin's elemental essence conversion, the latent fireball currently had a power of 57 degrees. It could even be said to be the maximum amount of power that a rank 1 Magus could produce!

The moment the black fireball appeared, the temperature of the surroundings rose, and the earth began to melt, with some of it evaporating into black smoke.

"Go!"

Leylin pointed at Giant, and the black fireball kept stretching until it formed a python that blazed with black flames.

The python's eyes were brimming with intelligence as it nimbly floated around, sometimes spitting out flames and blocking Giant's path.

Giant's eyes were fixed on the flaming serpent, the fear in his expression more apparent. Being able to manipulate such a powerful spell that required immense precision showed Leylin's immense talent in this area. His rate of improvement had far exceeded Giant's expectations.

"Hisssss!"

The flaming black serpent hissed while coiling around Giant's body.

*Ka-cha!* The black flames that brought blazing heat with them crashed into the white armour made of bone spikes!

*Rumble!* The raging flames constantly ascended, turning into a giant black inferno.

At the heart of the inferno, Giant's figure that was filled with bone spikes stood silently within, looking quite pale.

The air constantly distorted, shrinking inwardly and seemingly turning into a black hole. It kept sucking in all matter around, getting smaller and smaller.

*Rumble!*

Then, a huge black mushroom cloud gradually rose from the ground.

Immense energy waves constantly dispersed in all directions, to the point that even Magi from both factions who were battling at the Four Seasons Garden's headquarters could feel this power, which could destroy the heavens and the earth!

"Has the two great rank 2 Magi's fight brought them here?"

A young light Magus stopped what he was doing, "What do we do? Should we go take a look? Those are rank 2 Magi! I've never seen one fight before!"

*Pak!*

Immediately after, the back of his head was firmly struck. The youthful light Magus turned back and pitifully looked at a Magus with a white beard, "Teacher! Did I say anything wrong?"

The old light Magus' face was full of wrinkles, but his eyes sparkled with wisdom. He did not hesitate in the least and struck the young Magus' head again.

"Why are you still in a daze? Get out of here! Just the aftershocks from the rank 2 Magi's battle is enough to annihilate you without leaving a speck of dust behind!"

The old Magus was obviously very wise and had many life experiences. He knew that this high-level battle between Magi was a disaster for regular people and even low ranked Magi such as themselves!

"Hm? What?"

The young light Magus had yet to react.

"Look!" The old Magus yanked him by the hair and made him look in the direction of the battle.

At this moment, the young Magus suddenly discovered that the dark and light Magi who had been battling had all given up. as if they had reached a mutual understanding, and were moving in the opposite direction of the mushroom cloud.

"Do you see that now? Only a rookie like you would even think of watching a battle between rank 2 Magi."

The old Magus pulled the young Magus along as he spoke, green hurricanes under his feet as he used invisible gusts to wind to send both of them far away.

...

In the middle of the black mushroom cloud.

The previous explosion had left a large crater that was more than ten metres wide. At the heart of the pit was a seemingly bottomless hole that was sending out black luster, as if it was a direct pathway to the core of the earth.

*Boom!*

A white human figure surrounded by green mist fell to the ground, along with shards of bone that had shattered.

*Pak!* Giant struck the ground, carving out long troughs as his body ploughed through the floor.

He looked to be extremely pitiful, with more than half the bone spikes on his body gone and his right arm missing. There were serious injuries all over his body.

*Xiu!*

A black figure appeared in front of him, and what appeared next was a pair of phantom, blood-red flaming claws!

"Crimson Palm!" Leylin, on the other hand, was completely fine. He was also very satisfied with the strength of the latent fireball, which he had released with his full strength.

There was no expression on his face as he calmly dealt out the final blow to Giant!

Giant struggled and crawled a little, but the phantom crimson claws mercilessly caught hold of his two legs.

*Ka-cha!*

Giant's legs snapped, and there were even crimson flames climbing towards his body from the legs.

The Appearance of Rank 2 Magus

"Giant, when you first decided to exploit me to detonate the seal, did you ever imagine that things would turn out like this?"

Leylin slowly walked forward, a strange look in his eyes.

He calmly raised his blood-red right hand, preparing to send out another magical attack!

*Xiu!* At this very moment, a figure separated from Giant's body, the energy waves from its body indicating that it was also a peak rank 1 Magus! It pounced towards Leylin at a very high speed.

"Eye of Hallucination!" After this command, an apparition of a vertical eye appeared behind this figure.

The apparition let out dusky light with various colours flashing past. Anyone who even chanced a glance at it would be dazzled and feel dizzy.

Two black magic artifacts in the form of daggers appeared in the figure's hands, moving like a viper as they struck towards Leylin's vital areas.

This attack was very sudden, and the assailant was a peak rank 1 Magus who specialised in sneak attacks. Even if it was a Magus like Marb, he would suffer greatly!

Strangely enough, there were no signs of shock on Leylin's face. Instead what appeared was a grin as if he had expected it.

"You've finally appeared?"

Next, a cross-shaped, dark red pendant over his neck produced large amounts of dull red rays of light, and his body was covered with a layer of dense scales.

Leylin's eyes had also turned into amber vertical pupils. Two rays of petrifying light were shot out of his eyes, piercing into the apparition of the vertical eye.

"Ahh!" Ashen gray rays of petrification ripped open the apparition, and a circle of petrification spread throughout the body of the black figure, causing him to yell miserably.

"Crimson Palm!" Leylin's hands were covered with three layers of protection. The innermost layer was black — the Kemoyin's Scales. The middle one was a dull red — an apparition from the Falling Star Pendant — and the outermost one was the protection from Crimson Palm's flames.

The three layers produced different colours as they alternately sparkled on Leylin's hands.

Leylin welcomed the two black daggers that were headed for him.

*Boom! Boom!*

Though the black daggers emitted the energy waves of middle-grade magic artifacts, they bounced away from Leylin.

Leylin's Crimson Palm then unhesitatingly struck the chest of the black figure.

*Rumble!*

It was obvious that the black figure's chest had caved in, and it was coupled with the ear-piercing sound of bones breaking.

*Boom!* The figure was flung to the ground, revealing a Magus that Leylin was very familiar with.

"Team leader Caesar, what are you doing here? And can you also explain why you chose to appear in such a strange way?"

Leylin came before Caesar and enquired.

From his tone, it was obvious that Leylin was not surprised at Caesar's appearance here.

"Cough cough…" The dark figure who had launched a sneak attack was, as expected, Caesar.

However, he looked to be in a bad state, constantly coughing out blood, and his face ashen. Around his third vertical eye on his forehead, there was a ring of gray stone. This was the effect of the Eye of Petrification, and it was still spreading.

"You... When did you find out?" Caesar did not reply to Leylin's question, and instead, countered with another question.

"From the very beginning! In all honesty, I really admire you for daring to train in "Three Spirits In A Body", which is an extremely dangerous ancient secret technique. You actually succeeded and forcefully separated your spirit into three portions!"

Admiration was apparent in Leylin's expression.

He had previously used the A.I. Chip to simulate Caesar's trump card, and then heavily researched about ancient secret techniques like these.

Even in ancient times, these kinds of techniques were considered to be very dangerous. Only lunatics would choose to train in them, as they forcefully separated a Magus' soul into three parts, each having their own will, and having the ability to be spread apart or merged together in crucial moments.

In other words, a person would be separated into three individuals. As long as a single body remained alive, the other 2 bodies could be resurrected given enough resources.

This was basically a secret technique that defied the heavens.

The situation was now very obvious.

Caesar, Giant, and the little boy were the different bodies of a single Magus who practised "Three Spirits In A Body," and Caesar was a spy who was buried the deepest in Four Seasons Garden, and the instigator of this entire thing!

Leylin had found it strange that the Thousand Meddling Hands knew so much about the Four Seasons Garden, were able to come up with a spell design to destroy the seal linked to the core body of consciousness, and possessed a map of the locations of the defense squads.

From the looks of it, with Caesar, the leader of the hunting team, as a spy, everything made sense.

Caesar forced a laugh, "It's far from a success. Originally, if the boy had been able to become a peak rank 1 Magus as well, I would have been able to merge all three bodies and try to advance to become a rank 2 Magus! It's a pity, though…"

While speaking, a ring of stone-like skin had spread from the sides of Caesar's third eye, almost reaching his nose.

"Why did you lure us here?"

Caesar asked while lying on the ground, without activating any defence formation. He was now aware that he would not be able to withstand even a blow from Leylin and was not going to humiliate himself by trying to protect himself.

"You're smart! I want to make a trade with you. I hope that…"

"No! Don't listen to him! Kill him! I want to kill him!" Giant, who was seriously injured, began to yell.

Leylin sighed as he held his head, "Looks like I have to take care of all the troublesome matters first!"

He could clearly tell that out of all the three bodies that Caesar had, only Caesar himself was relatively sane. Giant and the little boy obviously had a few screws loose, which might have been a side effect of the technique.

The little boy's craziness was possibly even a level above Giant. After his death, his maniacal tendencies were transferred to Giant.

Out of everyone present, Caesar was probably the only one willing to listen to his proposition. Giant was just an obstruction!

At this thought, Leylin's eyes were filled with a murderous aura; he was prepared to act right away!

Even if Giant and the little boy died, Caesar would still be able to revive them given a lot of resources, and as long as he was still around. It would just take a little more time.

Caesar and Giant were currently heavily injured, and it was impossible for them to fight back.

"Young man, can you stop now?"

Just as Leylin was about to move forward and deal the final blow to Giant, an aged voice sounded by his ear.

A silver ring of spiritual force descended upon the battlefield.

This spiritual force was incredibly malicious and strong, to the point that the air was distorting. Silver spiritual force formed a large hand, which picked up Giant.

The silver hand formed out of spiritual force was extremely sturdy. The flames from Leylin's Crimson Palm were still burning fiercely, but there seemed to be no effect on the hand.

Grains of solidified spiritual force constantly fluttered around, slowly extinguishing the crimson flames on Giant's legs.

"Spiritual force solidification!"

As he watched the silver, solidified spiritual force, Leylin suddenly thought back to the Gargamel that he had seen previously.

That being formed out of evilness also had the strength of a rank 2 Magus, and at that point in time, Leylin was basically helpless against it.

"A rank 2 Magus from the Thousand Meddling Hands?"

Leylin halted his footsteps.

The silver hand sent the heavily wounded Giant before a Magus donned in black robes.

This Magus was tall and slender but was surrounded by a terrifying spiritual force that even Leylin was fearful of. His eyes were a sparkling green, and anyone who saw him would feel immense fear from the evilness they gave off.

"Father! Father! After killing my 'little boy' spirit, he actually tried to kill me, the only member of your bloodline! He must pay the price in blood!"

Giant curled up beside the dark Magus, beginning to wail like a little child.

Caesar, on the other side, called out 'Father', his face ashen.

"So this dark Magus is actually Caesar's father!" Leylin realised. However, something that the rank 2 dark Magus threw over made him feel anxious.

It was the head of a Magus. Its skin was pale, and its face was full of wrinkles. Leylin was extremely familiar with this face, as he had actually seen it not long ago.

"Reynold! You actually killed him!" Leylin's eyes widened.

This rank 2 Magus was even more powerful than Leylin had expected, to actually be able to behead Reynold, who was also a rank 2 Magus!

*Pak!* at this moment, the petrification on Caesar's face had extended to his neck, and his expression was still as if he had become a statue.

*Rumble!*

A streak of green flames began to burn, and the dark Magus traversed through space and arrived in front of Caesar.

"Ancient Petrification Technique?" His voice was hoarse, like two metal pieces scraping against each other.

"Don't worry, my child!" The dark Magus extended a pair of thin arms, which had green spores on them, and caressed Caesar's stone head.

*Bzzz!* Milky white light descended onto Caesar's head.

Within the light, greyish white stone skin fell off bit by bit, revealing Caesar's original skin tone.

"Thank you, father! Also, he…" Caesar began to whisper in the dark Magus' ear, and the Magus constantly nodded.

Upon seeing this scene, Giant, who was not far away, glared furiously like a child who had his sweets stolen. There was even some jealousy as he stared hard at Caesar.

"Aren't you all the same person? Are you jealous of yourself?"

Leylin was speechless.

At this point, Caesar was done speaking. The rank 2 Magus turned his gaze to Leylin.

A powerful burst of spiritual force was fixed upon Leylin, to the point that he felt as if he was standing stark naked in a field of snow.

Concede

"Your name is Leylin, and Blood Rogue is your alias, yes? Very good! You actually dared to thwart my plan!"　　

The dark Magus laughed coldly, and suddenly made his move! 　　

Silver solidified spiritual force controlled the energy particles in the air, turning into a large, colourful tide that was several times larger what Leylin was able to produce. It rushed towards Leylin like a tempest, covering the heavens and the earth.

"So strong! Whether it's to catalyse or cast a spell using solidified spiritual force, the effects are far greater than that of us rank 1 Magi with our invisible spiritual force!"

Leylin's expression was grim as his pupils turned amber.　

Behind him, large amounts of dark energy particles converged, turning into the terrifying form of a large, black python.　　

The python was ten metres long, its eyes were the same amber colour as Leylin's, and the scales on its body emitted rings of black rays while it kept hissing.

*Rumble!* The python slammed into the tide of elemental particles like a huge ocean wave crashing against a reef, producing a monstrous sound like that of said ocean waves.

In the midst of the colourful rays of light, the apparition of the black python and the elemental wave were extinguished. Immense pillars of wind rose towards the heavens and then rushed down low, before forming immense gales that swept across the surrounding area.

Leylin quickly retreated four or five steps, his face pale, and two streams of blood dripping from his nostrils.　　

"Hoho, you're not half bad! Out of all the rank 1 Magi that I've seen, you're probably the strongest. You're currently bordering a rank 2 Magus!"　　

The dark Magus was unmoving, the only sound being the wind rustling his clothes.

"But it's a pity! A rank 1 Magus is still only rank 1, and there still remains a huge gap between us! The feeling of personally killing a genius is really making me feel intoxicated…"

The dark Magus mumbled to himself, the dark green light in his eyes suddenly intensifying to the point that it started to solidify into two beams of light.

"Anguished Howl of — Cough cough…"　　

Just as the dark Magus was about to attack, the light from his body began to flicker, and he started to violently cough.　　

Rings of green light flashed as things that looked like plants began to emerge from his body. The green spores on his hands began to sprout, and green plant tendrils grew and spreaded across his body.　　

"So, killing a rank 2 Magus like Reynold was not without a price."　　

While observing this scene, Leylin came to a conclusion. The dark Magus must have suffered some serious injuries in killing a rank 2 Magus like Reynold. 　　

This was advantageous to him for the next part of his plan.　　

At this moment, the platinum gate to the secret plane suddenly rumbled. The energy waves produced were very distinct, to the point that Leylin could feel them from his current location.　　

Afterwards, an unknown existence that must have been at least a rank 2 Magus passed through the gate of the secret plane and approached them.　　

"You darn dark bastards! Receive the judgement of lightning!"　　

This voice was full of anger, seemingly full of raging flames.　　

*Hualala!*　　

Countless blue bolts of lightning that were like crazed serpents scattered all over the sky and fell like raindrops.　　

*Ka-cha!* An electric current that was as wide as a bucket struck a dark Magus who did not have the opportunity to dodge.　　

This dark Magus immediately turned into ashes in the midst of the lightning, his body crumbling away.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!* The platinum entrance to the secret plane spat out light. Every time it flashed, groups of light Magi descended into the area.

These light Magi were dressed in uniform, and the metallic smell of blood was apparent on their bodies.　　

Compared to the dark Magi, who were already experts in battles, the division of work between the light Magi was even more efficient. The Magi who were specialised in battles were extremely experienced in bloody battles. Some even had a strength that rivalled the dark Magi!

With the help of these light Magi, the tide was turned. Rather than the Four Seasons Garden, the dark Magi of Thousand Meddling Hands lost their advantage.

"They're here! The reinforcements from the light Magi Alliance!" Leylin mumbled.

He quickly glanced at the dark Magi, who were being suppressed by the bolts of lightning.　　　

"Look, my lord! The reinforcements of the light Magi have arrived. Are you still confident in destroying the gate to the secret plane?"

Leylin gave a slight smile as he asked.　　

"No, but I think this little bit of time I have left is enough for me to kill you before I retreat!" The dark Magus was silent for a moment, and then sneered.　　

"Is that so?" The rune of the suction spell formation on Leylin's back lit up, and a brownish-yellow spell formation emerged in front of his chest.　

In that moment, a brownish-yellow light covered the earth, and the gravity around the area intensified by a factor of almost thirty.　

"The ancient suction spell formation and the gravitational spell formation? You're actually using both of them here?"　　

There was a subtle hint of fear in the dark Magus' voice.　

With the added bonus of these two spells, even if he were in his best condition, he did not have the confidence that he would be able to take down Leylin. Presently, his strength was depleted and his opponent would definitely be able to escape.

"I'm actually still on the dark Magi's side. After all, a leopard can't change its spots!"　　

Leylin spoke hurriedly and quickly, "Rather than completely destroying the gate to the secret plane, I believe that gaining possession of it will be of even more value."　　

His voice had a bewitching quality to it.　　

"What does that mean?" The dark Magus asked coldly but stopped his attack.　　

"Currently, Reynold's already dead, the team leaders of all the main divisions are dead, and Caesar and I may very well be the Magi with the most authority here! The reinforcements from the light Magi will have to leave eventually. Once that happens, and before a new member is assigned here from headquarters, we'll be the people with the highest authority, and will consequently be in charge."　　

Leylin was expressionless. "Once that happens, we'll continue to cooperate with you in secret, and give you access to the spell formations and defence formations here. Wouldn't that make everything easier?"　　

The dark Magus considered for a while, and then solemnly pondered over this question. It must be noted that this was a very attractive proposal, and was very much viable. After Leylin said this, he could even feel the dark Magus tremble a little.　　

"We can assassinate him or make him a scapegoat. Anyways, all we need is some time. By the time headquarters finds out what had happened, we'd be long gone…" Leylin answered swiftly.　　

"What do you think?"　　

The dark Magus glanced at Caesar, who was already standing.　　

Caesar was silent. "I think it's possible. Considering that our original plan has already failed, the situation can't possibly get any worse than this!"　　

There was actually something else that both Leylin and the dark Magus had not pointed out. 　　

When that happened, even if the rank 2 dark Magus would be able to escape, his sons, Caesar and Giant, would definitely die here!　　

Leylin was, of course, not so daring as to blackmail them so blatantly, but his hidden threat had been understood.　　

"I don't trust you! Unless you let me give you a branding of your consciousness…" The dark Magus slowly spoke.　

"Impossible!"　　

Leylin resolutely refused. Though receiving a branding of consciousness was slightly better than receiving a branding of the spirit, who knew what a rank 2 Magus could do? He didn't want to be in a situation where he was unknowingly being controlled.

Leylin had a rascally attitude.　　

In front of real power, only a person with a strength that others would be jealous of could have the guts to say this.　　

Though Leylin was not yet on equal grounds with a rank 2 Magi, he was confident that he could survive and escape, resulting in his more brazen attitude.　

"A contract with the Trial's Eye. That's the furthest I can go."　　

The dark Magus pondered silently, and then responded in a low voice.　　

"…Fine!" Leylin hesitated for a moment and then agreed.　　

"As compensation for helping you, I'll need a large amount of resources and magic crystals, as well as some high-grade knowledge. After this, you also have to guarantee that I'll be able to enter Lighthouse of the Night. All of these things have to be written into the contract…"

The Magi acted quickly, and minutes later, the dark Magus left with Giant.　　

Leylin glanced at Caesar, who was standing strangely, with a smile appearing on his face, "Team Leader Caesar! Do you need me to help you back?"　　

After signing another agreement that could be said to be very harsh with the Trial's Eye, Leylin and Caesar were now allies once more.　　

In the eyes of the light Magi, the sight of two Magi who were always at odds with each other suddenly becoming friendly was quite strange. However, for the dark Magi, this was just an everyday occurrence. In the dark Magi faction, all sorts of battles happened everyday. Betraying one's alliance for the prospects of more benefits was very common.

"Then I'll leave it to you!" Caesar glanced at Leylin and actually let him assist him back.

Doing something like exposing one's vulnerabilities was unthinkable to the dark Magi, but Leylin could understand what he was thinking.

Previously, Leylin and the rank 2 Magus from the Thousand Meddling Hands had agreed and signed another contract.　　

Through the Caesar's scrutiny of the contract, the conditions were very harsh. In order to prevent Leylin from making use of any loopholes, Caesar had practically gone through the contract word by word.　　

He had basically made it impossible for Leylin to do whatever he wanted, not even giving him the chance to go back on his words.　　

As he had to deal with a rank 2 Magus and the dark Magi alliance, Leylin could only be placed at a slight disadvantage.

In other words, the moment Leylin expressed bad intentions towards Caesar, the power of the contract would devour him before he could even use his magic.　　

Hence, Caesar was quite trusting of Leylin now.　　

"We need to work quickly for our objectives regarding Wade!"　　

Caesar's lips moved slightly, his low voice travelling into Leylin's ear.　　

As the one in charge of the hunting team, which actually had true authority, Caesar had a very high position in the Four Seasons Garden. He was second only to Reynold, and only a handful of people could match his authority.　　

What was even more coincidental was that a few peak rank 1 Magi had died on the battlefield for a variety of reasons. Some had even been personally killed by Leylin!　　

As long as Wade was disposed of, Caesar would immediately be in control of everything!

Lightning Corp

Leylin reflected briefly.

Currently, in the entire Eternal River Plains' secret plane, the Four Seasons Garden had received a fatal blow.

Other than Reynold, a great elder, the combat and defense team leaders had all died in battle. The person in charge of the merit points exchange centre had been killed by Leylin, and it was unknown whether Wade, the envoy from the headquarters, was dead or alive.

Leylin was stunned at the discovery that in the headquarters of Four Seasons Garden in the secret plane, there might only be two peak rank 1 Magi here — Caesar and himself.

Under these circumstances, it would be an easy task to exploit his authority in the headquarters.

Though the headquarters in the external world was sure to react quickly, dispatching large numbers of Magi and even rank 2 Magi here to investigate, that would take time!

Caesar and Leylin could use this time to further diminish the power of the Four Seasons Garden and create opportunities for the dark Magi.

By the time the light Magi found out, the battle array of the defence would have been controlled thoroughly by dark Magi, and the situation would be set.

Even if there were to be another large war, with the dark Magi in charge of four entrances and three under the light Magi's control, the dark Magi would have an advantage.

Leylin had thrown out such tempting bait, which was how he had gotten the dark Magus to bite!

"It's Lord Caesar! And Patrolling Inspector Leylin!"

As they approached the headquarters of the Four Seasons Garden, the figures of Leylin and Caesar were quickly noticed by the large remaining numbers of the light Magi. The surviving members quickly came forward to greet them.

Leylin ran his eyes over everyone. These Magi's robes were in tatters, and there were traces of dust and blood on their faces. To all these Magi who had seen Caesar and Leylin, it was as if they had seen the pillars of their organisations.

"It seems like the loss of the higher levels in Four Seasons Garden is worse than I thought!"

Leylin admitted to himself that in the time he had been a patrolling inspector, he'd done nothing good, instead extorting much from every department. However, after these Magi saw Leylin, they gathered and greeted him, their enthusiasm surprising him to no end.

Unfortunately, there were no longer any peak rank 1 Magus in the Four Seasons Garden. That meant that Caesar and Leylin were the only two peak rank 1 Magi on the light Magi's side, which was why they were welcomed with such enthusiasm and ardent hope.

"If they found out that Caesar and I were the instigators of this recent attack, who knows what expression they would be wearing…"

Leylin was slightly dumbfounded, but he still put on a solemn expression.

"May I know who currently has the highest authority in the Four Seasons Garden?"

At this moment, a Magus with lightning designs on his silver-white robes separated the Magi and approached them.

"I'm Caesar, the team leader of the hunting team. This person here is Magus Leylin, the newly appointed patrolling inspector."

Caesar's face was pale as he spoke.

"We are the Lightning Corps of the light Magi alliance. The leader of our corps would like to meet you."

The Magus' expression was blank, as if he was incapable of expressing emotion. Not caring about Caesar's serious injuries, he forged ahead and led the way.

The surrounding Magi of the Four Seasons Garden cowered and did not dare to move forward.

Compared to a something as large as the light Magi alliance, the Four Seasons Garden was just one of many allies. Also, every single member of the Lightning Corps was at least a semi-converted Magus, which would make them equivalent to the elites of the Four Seasons Corps. Their numbers were greater, and the leader was coincidentally a rank 2 Magus, which was something they could not contend against.

Leylin shrugged his shoulders, met Caesar's gaze, and walked on.

They were naturally familiar with the headquarters here. After walking through an area with destroyed walls, Leylin and Caesar met the leader of the Lightning Corps in a temporary guest hall.

"Are you Caesar? 19 years ago, we met at Reynold's wine reception!"

Unexpectedly, this Magus knew Caesar.

Caesar quickly bowed in greeting, "So it's Lord Desmund!"

Leylin ducked his head and bowed slightly, chancing a glance at this rank 2 Magus.

Desmund had a blue robe draped over his sturdy body, which proudly displayed his chest and bulging muscles. Under his blonde fringe, there was a blue lightning mark on the forehead.

What garnered the majority of Leylin's attention was Desmund's eyes. Every time they blinked, slight electric currents flickered; it was rather astonishing.

"Where did you go?" The rank 2 Magus asked right away.

"My lord! I was previously leading the hunting team in a battle with the dark Magi, which resulted in many casualties. In the end, even I sustained injuries, and it was thanks to Magus Leylin rushing over that I managed to survive…"

Caesar began to narrate a story that he had previously made up.

The gist of it was that he had been defeated in battle, but had been saved by Leylin in the nick of time.

This was a version that he had previously discussed with Leylin, and they had recorded all of the casualties as well.

Of course, Caesar was the sole culprit for the annihilation of his own team members, and the two of them had also shifted a few dark Magus corpses from elsewhere to create the illusion of a battle.

With a rank 2 Magus helping to conceal this matter, it was a large possibility that they would not be found out.

What made Leylin feel relieved the most was that Desmund merely had asked in passing; he nodded, and did not continue with more questions.

Though they were all part of the light Magi alliance, Desmund was an outsider, after all. These were things that required the Four Seasons Garden to dispatch their investigation team and investigate everything properly.

"Hm! You two peak rank 1 Magi, and also Wade, would be the Four Seasons Garden's final force."

Desmund looked solemn.

*Teng teng!*

Caesar fell back a few steps, his face full of disbelief, "The last force? Does that mean… Lord Reynold…"

Seeing Caesar's Oscar-worthy acting skills, Leylin was speechless. Although Leylin had appeared to be shocked, his expression was formed with the manipulation of his facial muscles by the A.I. Chip.

If not, with his current acting skills, he would have definitely been seen through by Desmund, a sly old fox. No matter how boorish he looked, he was still a rank 2 Magus, and he would not lose to anyone in terms of intelligence or observational skills.

In comparison, Caesar's performance was remarkable.

"No! I don't believe it! Lord Reynold is a rank 2 Magus, and…" Caesar's eyes glazed over as he kept muttering.

"Though I also find it hard to believe, this is the truth. Reynold has fallen… I felt the extinguishment of his life force. Unfortunately, I arrived too late, else I would have definitely been able to save him. I'm sorry…" Desmund touched his chest, his expression showing regret.

"As Reynold's good friend, I will inherit his dying wish and carry out revenge on the dark Magi!" This corps leader guaranteed.

"Thank you, esteemed lord!" Caesar's face showed his resolution. "After I'm healed, I will immediately apply for missions to take revenge!"

"Hn!"

Desmund nodded, and then clapped his hands.

*Rumble!* The floorboards at two ends of the temporary room split open, and a large, translucent, metallic pillar rose from the middle of the room.

The sounds of turning gears sounded from the heart of the pillar. Streams of glowing runes constantly travelled upwards, creating a magical sight.

"This is the core control of the Four Seasons Garden's defensive formation! There had been a powerful interference, and the procedural spell design also had some issues. Don't worry about that though, as I've already fixed it. Based on the rules stated in the alliance's proposed laws, I now announce, in my capacity as the leader of the Lightning Corps, the formation of the Four Seasons Garden's Crisis Team, which will be in charge of the defensive and spell formations. The members will consist of Caesar, Leylin, and Wade. If you have differences in opinions, you should decide based on the majority's decision."

Desmund spoke as if he were reciting, and circles of light that represented a contract and celebration twinkled around the three of them.

"Now then, complete the ceremony for the formation genie to recognise its master!"

Desmund pointed at the metallic pillar in the center of the room. "Press your palm on it. The formation genie will automatically record the aura of your spirit and give you authority."

Caesar nodded, and then placed his palm on the surface of the metal pillar, closing his eyes and seemingly communicating with a body of consciousness.

Moments later, while beaming with admiration, he withdrew his hand.

"Your turn!" Leylin nodded and also placed his hand on the pillar.

The surface of the metallic pillar was very glossy, and there was a strange feeling when he touched it. It was very soft, as if it were not metal, but rather cotton.

It was also different from the iciness of metal. The surface of this pillar gave Leylin a rather warm feeling.

"Recording spiritual aura! Conferring an authority of seven stars!"

A robotic female voice sounded in Leylin's mind. It was different from the A.I. Chip's genderless voice, and was instead a crisp feminine voice.

"Is this a formation genie?"

Leylin was a little rueful. Whether science or magic, when it came down to it, there were basically different means to achieve the same end.

However, this formation genie obviously did not have any intelligence, and could only robotically answer Leylin's queries.

Communication with this conscious was quick, and in a quick ten seconds, Leylin was able to largely grasp what his authority extended to, and the function of the formation genie.

This formation genie was the core of all the defensive spell formations that the Four Seasons Garden had set up. Through the formation genie, one could easily check any single region.

However, this spell formation had previously been heavily interfered with by the dark Magi, which resulted in the unexpectedness of the attack this time.

As for the limits of his authority, this referred to how much manpower he could command. The chain of command consisted of a total of nine stars, with one having the least authority, and nine commanding the most. Leylin currently had a ranking of seven stars, and was therefore capable of dispatching most of the defensive forces in the Four Seasons Garden to besiege anybody, as well as having access to all available information, save a few top secret documents.

In the past, Reynold had had nine stars, and was capable of ordering the formation genie to self-destruct!

Leylin, Wade and Caesar were merely granted seven stars temporarily to deal with this emergency.

Bribery

"Where's Wade? Why don't I see him right now?"

Caesar asked carelessly after Leylin had also completed the ceremony, and the metal pillar had automatically retracted into the ground.

"He sustained serious injuries and was also cursed by a very troublesome spell."

Hearing this, Desmund's expression darkened.

"It was caused by a dagger soaked in the poison of the Abyssal Spider. I've never seen such a cruel match-up… Though he's already awoken,the poison and curse will eat his flesh and spirit, consuming all the nutrients in his body and turning him into a dried-up corpse."

"In this situation, I suggest that he return to the Four Seasons Garden headquarters as soon as possible. The high-energy purification pool is there, and the elders may be able to find a solution, but unfortunately…"

Desmund spread his arms.

"After receiving news of his teacher's death, Wade has been insisting that he stay behind and return only after the investigations end."

This was troublesome.

It would be the best situation for them if Wade had died or returned to the academy after having sustained injuries. For them right now, what had been a two-man team had now been joined by another, who would be an impediment to them.

"Find an opportunity and kill him!"

In Caesar's eyes, Leylin could see a glint of vehemence.

After that, Desmund, Caesar, and Leylin chatted for a while about the Lightning Corps being stationed here, and other matters concerning living arrangements.

Leylin had never concerned himself with these matters before, so he just shut his mouth and watched Caesar and Desmund speak.

After everything was over, Caesar gave the excuse of treating his injuries and brought Leylin into his room.

*Pu!*

A curtain that seemed like a spider web rose in the room, the light covering all blind spots.

"Alright! This is an early warning system that I designed myself. With it around, I'll be able to know even if a rank 2 Magus were to eavesdrop on our conversation." Caesar carelessly picked a chair and sat down.

"Using the silk of the Eight-Clawed Spider, which is extremely sensitive to spiritual force… What an interesting way of thinking."

Leylin surveyed this curtain, eyes flashing with understanding as he sat beside Caesar.

"You're very learned! This type of material is very rare, and only a few people in Nightless City's scholarly institutions are able to recognise this. You should be able to go and pass the exam to become a professor there…"

Caesar sighed in admiration. It astounded him to no end that this spell formation, which had been developed for him by his father, had easily been recognised by Leylin.

"You don't seem to be that worried about Desmund. He's made his stance clear that before the reinforcements and investigation team from the Four Seasons Garden arrive, he will keep watch here. Rank 2 Magi have a lot of tricks; aren't you afraid that he'll discover something?"

Leylin showed no politeness as he asked this team leader, who had once been his superior.

His relationship with Caesar was quite unique. He could now tell that the person who let out the word of his identity within the Thousand Meddling Hands and transferred him here from Nightless City was definitely Caesar! His goal was probably to obtain another helper in the inner circle of the Four Seasons Garden, or perhaps just cannon fodder.

Hence, after seeing through this scheme, Leylin unhesitatingly chose to betray them and injured Caesar to the point that he was near death.

However, with the knowledge that he was backed by a rank 2 Magus, Leylin did not dare to go too far. After all, offending a rank 2 Magus was not a very sensible decision.

"Don't worry about Desmund."

Caesar waved his arms. "Rank 2 Magi all shoulder different responsibilities. When they oversee a place, they are usually unable to leave. I'm familiar with the place Desmund has been guarding; it's the Lightning Region at entrance No. 2 to the Eternal River Plains' secret plane. As long as the dark Magi apply pressure to him from there, Desmund will eventually be transferred back there! After all, that was the region that his academy is in charge of. Let's be real here, even if we fall to the enemy, their academy won't really be affected at all, but if entrance No. 2 is taken over, their academy will receive a large blow…"

Caesar analysed it very logically, displaying his exceptional situational skills and ability to think of the big picture.

"In order to attack entrance No. 2 and put pressure on them, at the very least, a rank 2 dark Magus has to attack. If only we had someone backing us…" Leylin was speechless. Even he was able to come up with such a plan, but he lacked Caesar's background and backing, as to where dark Magi could be dispatched according to his orders.

"I'll take care of everything regarding Desmund. Just focus on one person!"

Caesar turned to gaze at Leylin, his third vertical eye on his forehead blinking.

"Wade?" Leylin touched his chin.

Wade was the first Magus from the Four Seasons Garden that he had met. At the beginning, he had even passed the examination with his help.

"That's right! Desmund is an outsider, after all, and there are many things that he can't do. However, Wade is different. He's an envoy from the headquarters, so he holds a lot of power, and he is also the student of Reynold. He can easily take over the connections and resources that Reynold had, and is a huge obstruction to our plan!"

Caesar's tone was extremely serious and was practically one of fear.

"You don't want this plan to ultimately fail either, do you? You've signed the agreement, and the moment things fail, your spirit will self-destruct and leave nothing behind."

Caesar's eyes seemed to give out dark rays that shot towards Leylin.

"Don't worry! I'll silence him!"

Leylin was silent for a while and then spoke.

"Alright! I've contacted the Four Seasons Garden's headquarters in the external world. The elders are in a frenzy, and the entirety of the Four Seasons Corps will be dispatched here, along with a rank 2 Magus!"

Caesar also gave more news, "Five days! We have, at most, five more days!"

What he and Leylin needed to do within this time period was to push out Desmund and Wade, and hand over the defensive spell formation and core of the secret plane to the dark Magi.

As long as all of that was done, all entrances to the secret plane would belong to the dark Magi.

"Five days is enough!" Leylin stood up and left. As he walked out the door, he turned back and smiled at Caesar. "Also, remember! I don't like the look in that middle eye of yours. It's disgusting!"

*Pak!* The door slammed shut, and the expression on Caesar's face darkened.

"Despicable!" With a swipe of his arm, the cup, documents, and other items on the table fell to the ground, producing the crisp sound of objects colliding.

"If not for my "Three Spirits in a Body" still being incomplete, and me needing him to help me in my plan… I'll kill him! I swear on it!"

Caesar's facial muscles contorted.

For him to be defeated by Leylin, who he had looked down upon in the past, was an absolute humiliation. Also, as he was not better than Leylin, and even had to concede in some matters; it was like reopening old wounds and exposing them to the scorching sun.

What made him more furious was that Leylin had actually killed the little boy, and had inflicted heavy injuries on Giant!

These two Magi were the other spirits that were part of the trio from his body. Though they had different personalities, it could be said that out of the three people, including himself, one had been killed and the other two had been seriously injured! This hatred was definitely not something that a contract could restrict.

Caesar had concealed it well, but Leylin could see through it.

"It's a pity… So what if he knows? I admit that you're a genius and even the kind that's one in a million! But so what? You're now bound by the contract and don't have much time to grow any further…Once the plan succeeds and you lose all your value, I'll retrieve your spirit and torture you for two hundred years! I swear on it!"

Caesar lowered his head and began to laugh, like the murmurings of a patient who was nearing death.

Caesar moved extremely quickly, and on just the next day, Leylin heard news of increased dark Magus activity at entrance No. 2 to the secret plane. For the sake of security, Desmund had led the Lightning Corps to guard the area again.

Though there were many intelligent Magi who could tell this was a ploy to lure him away, Desmund still left.

For Desmund's and his superiors, if the Four Seasons Garden was able to eventually maintain the possession of their entrance, not only would the Four Seasons Garden would benefit, and they themselves would be able to obtain ten to twenty percent of the resources.

But entrance No. 2 was different! There were resources there that they were in charge of, and as long as they took care of the entrance, profits would come in like a wave!

Hence, even if there was just a slight possibility, Desmund did not want to risk anything.

As for his good friend, Reynold? Too bad! Magi were a bunch of practical people, and a dead friendship was a friendship no more. Without a similar strength and position, this friendship could not continue.

After considering both sides of the situation, Desmund made the decision to return.

After all, most Magi were selfish people! When it came to their own benefits, even rank 2 Magi could not resist temptation!

"However, Desmund still had to put on a superficial front and pacify the Four Seasons Garden members."

Leylin strolled around, and the Magi who walked past respectfully bowed to him.

Whether it was in terms of power or authority, Leylin was one of the core existences in the headquarters within the secret plane. The rest of the Magi in Four Seasons Garden could only duck their heads.

What was more interesting was that most of the team leaders of those divisions that Leylin had extorted had died in battle. Furthermore, the remaining members of those teams bribed Leylin by sending over even more resources and ingredients as they wanted to shirk their responsibilities.

In the past, Leylin had needed to do the work himself, but now, bribes would appear on his doorstep on their own, and they were only afraid that he would not accept it. This treatment was vastly different from before.

In this situation, Leylin, of course, accepted all these and promised them blindly to everything they requested.

After all, the amount of time he would stay here could be counted in days. Once he was to leave, these Magi would only be left in shock.