316
Book of Heroes
Master Dong appeared slightly embarrassed and hesitated, "Well... there are, or rather were, three."
Nierdi and Kalulu exchanged puzzled glances.
The surname Dong continued, "During the ancient Greek era, the first Supreme Master Agamotto established the Supreme Sanctuary with three temples."
"Originally, these three temples were overseen by the Supreme Masters of each generation, each situated in different locations. However, with the recent disappearance of the Socceror Supreme , the three temples have operated independently without electing a new leader."
Kalulu interjected, "So they're divided?"
"I wouldn't say divided, but..." Master Dong tried to correct himself, but after some thought, he couldn't dispute it.
In the end, he changed the subject, "By the way, the magic books you obtained from the Supreme Mage are 'White Magic' and the 'Darkhold,' correct?"
"Yes," Nierdi confirmed.
Mage Dong cautioned, "You haven't unsealed the Darkhold, have you? It contains malevolent dark magic, which is why the Supreme Mage sealed it."
Nierdi paused for a moment, then shook her head, "No."
"Good," Master Dong nodded. "These books are shared among the Masters. As a Sanctuary member, you should return them."
"Of course, I'll retrieve them right away," Nierdi replied.
With that, she opened a portal and entered. Kalulu quickly followed, and they vanished one after another.
As the portal closed, the Sanctuary mages exchanged complex expressions.
"It's unbelievable... that they could learn this on their own," someone remarked.
Unaware of the Sling Ring's existence, they believed Kalulu, like Nierdi, possessed magical talents far beyond the ordinary, capable of mastering spells through self-study alone.
Encountering two prodigious wizards of this caliber was a rare event, leaving the mages momentarily questioning their own existence.
Master Dong contemplated for a moment before saying thoughtfully, "Do you think they could potentially become the new Supreme Masters?"
"They? How is that possible? They've only just joined the Sanctuary," someone objected immediately.
Others voiced their support, "The first Supreme Mage stated that the Magic Sanctum isn't about seniority alone. They're powerful, and as long as they conduct themselves well, there's no reason they couldn't aspire to the role of Supreme Mage."
Debate ensued among the mages.
Finally, Master Dong concluded, "Without a Supreme Master, the three Sanctuaries will inevitably fracture or even turn against each other. We cannot allow such an outcome. They have the capability to unite the three Sanctuaries and are aligned with our cause. Supporting them as candidates for Supreme Mage is a sound decision."
"But they've only just joined us..." someone hesitated.
Master Dong countered, "They've honored the Supreme Master with a proper tomb and protected the local people. They are not malevolent. Let us observe a while longer. If no issues arise, we shall support their bid for Supreme Mage."
Meanwhile, inside a cabin in Kathmandu...
"Nierdi, now that you've unsealed the Dark God Book, what's our next move?" Kalulu asked.
Nierdi remained composed. "Simply re-seal it."
She retrieved the Dark God Book and cast a spell, reapplying its seal.
Kalulu questioned, "What if other mages notice? Shouldn't you have refrained from studying that black magic in the first place?"
Nierdi remained silent, performing the sealing spell. Soon, two intersecting golden chains appeared on the book's cover, then vanished.
She attempted to open the book a few times without success—it seemed her sealing spell had taken effect.
"They won't find anything. Only I can break this seal," Nierdi assured.
"I can undo it too, having just witnessed your technique," Kalulu offered before changing the subject. "Regardless, I stand by my word. I'll never touch this book of evil, even at the cost of my life."
...
In the realm of experience...
Princess Moira had already been defeated, and Emperor Thaurissan erupted in rage, flames engulfing his enlarged form, now almost the size of Forseti.
As servants of the Balrog Lord, most Dark Iron dwarves wield fire power.
Emperor Thaurissan, especially, gained tremendous strength and could unleash fiery attacks in his enraged state.
Unfortunately, Forseti had awakened second-order flame abilities, granting him significant immunity to fire damage. Emperor Thaurissan's flames had no effect on him.
"Ragnaros, grant me strength!" Emperor Thaurissan bellowed, swinging his warhammer at Forseti.
"Boom!"
A wave of flames surged from the warhammer, engulfing Forseti, who remained unfazed, unburnt.
Dodging the warhammer, Forseti retaliated with his sword.
Sword of Justice!
Holy light flashed as Forseti's blade sliced across Emperor Thaurissan's shoulder. A scream followed, and one of the Emperor's arms cleanly fell away.
Deprived of his arm, Emperor Thaurissan faltered, turned, and fled.
"Crack..."
Simultaneously, a hidden passage in the cabin's corner opened, revealing a secret route.
Observing this, Forseti activated Wrath of Retribution, holy light surging forth, swiftly overtaking Emperor Thaurissan.
The Demon Slayer Sword descended, and with a resounding impact, Emperor Thaurissan disintegrated into light and dust. A loot list page fell to the ground.
Forseti picked it up and examined it closely.
[Blueprint: Opponent's Forge]
[Item Level: Level 6]
This warhammer, once wielded by Emperor Thaurissan, was formidable, yet compared to Vibranium Slayer and Rivendell Sword, it held little allure for Forseti.
In addition to the blueprint, there was an experience book.
[Experience Book: Magni Bronzebeard]
[Type: Hero]
[Experience Level: Level 8]
Magni Bronzebeard, King of Ironforge dwarves, rated an eighth-level character, was unsurprising as a faction leader. As such, Forseti understood Magni to be one of the toughest leaders in battle activities.
Yet, he puzzled over the "hero" classification, a first in his experience space challenges. Previously, all targets had been common, rare, or boss types. Could "hero" denote a special status reserved for faction leaders?