by Zhuang Bifan
"Gryffindor, it really didn't occur to me that you're still so filled with pride. Have you forgotten how you lost to Orrin back in Rotterdam Guild of Magic?"
"It was a moment of carelessness…"
"That's a ridiculous excuse…" Rosen burst out laughing in the crystal ball. "Gryffindor, do you still remember how many forces had tried to scout you when you've just become an Archmage?"
"A lot." Gryffindor's voice was calm, but there was some pride on his face. This was something he was proud of. Since he became an Archmage, numerous forces had tried to pull him over to their side. Many of them were big figures who seldom showed their faces. Such a privilege was definitely one of a kind among young mages!
"Then have you ever thought how many forces Felic will attract, being an Archmage who's even younger than you?"
The expression on Gryffindor's face froze…
"Ugh…" He opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.
"But, this is nothing…" Rosen suddenly chuckled at this point. "There's still the finals, right?"
"You mean?"
"My meaning is simple. You must never lay a hand on Felic before the finals. But perhaps you can inflict some unrecoverable trauma on him using the excuse that your hand slipped or something along the line during the finals. It'll be a pity, but it is allowed in the finals, after all…"
"I understand. But Mentor, didn't you say that the lad was probably no weaker than me?"
"Indeed. But don't forget, you're Rosen's disciple. How can I possibly let you lose in this finals? You can read the magic book I've given you the other time now. I've written a paragraph for you on the last page. Take a good look at that paragraph, and tell me what you should do after you've understood it."
"Yes!"
Gryffindor returned to his room and took out a black-covered magic book from under his pillow. On the last page, there was a passage written by Rosen himself. Gryffindor's eyes glowed brighter and brighter as he read through each and every word…
…
It was very late at night, but the lights were on in Lin Li's room. He was looking up some information and making final preparations for the finals that'd take place the day after tomorrow.
After arriving in Alanna, Lin Li had never been this eager to win the finals as he was at present. Although he'd promised Gerian, Macklin, and Andoine that he would do his best in the finals, it was only because he couldn't stand up to their demands. Even if he had given his promise, he held little regard for it in his heart. After all, a lazy and fearful fellow like him was not one to fight for glory.
But this time, Lin Li was serious.
Orrin was still lying in bed. He probably couldn't make it for the finals that'd commence a day later. All this happened because of that fellow called Gryffindor.
Lin Li had been living with Orrin for two months. How could he not know that this young mage, who seemed indifferent to everything, really wanted to do well in the finals? Lin Li even remembered how Orrin had once said that he was from the Rotterdam Guild of Magic, a place more remote than Jarrosus. He hoped to clinch the first place in the finals to let people know that Rotterdam was not only a place rich in wheat, but also a place with powerful mages!
Unfortunately, he couldn't take part in the finals now.
Other than wishing for his fast recovery, Lin Li could only win the finals on his behalf.
In front of Lin Li was a book titled Introduction to High Elves Print. He was struggling to find suitable common language to annotate the strange runes. In his other hand, he was holding the parchment scroll that Macklin gave him. He was attempting to translate the key words with his own efforts.
Perhaps this spell would be of some help in the finals two days later.
…
Matthias was meditating in the secret room of the Marathon Family. No one dared to disturb him at this time, for they knew that the finals that would take place two days later would determine who was the real magic genius in Felan.
"Come in, Argus."
"Master Matthias, what can I do for you?" Argus felt unfamiliar with the man before him. In just a month, the changes on Matthias' body could only be described as "earth-shaking". Argus, who was once an Archmage, couldn't help but feel surprised at the magical wave emanating from Matthias. It was simply too powerful. Even in his heyday, he couldn't have emanated with such a magical wave.
But what Argus couldn't imagine was the change in Matthias' temperament.
To be honest, Matthias wasn't at all likable in the past, but he was still respectful to him most of the time. After all, he was his mentor. But now, as he stood before Matthias, Argus felt chills all over his body, and it was as if he was being locked onto by a serpent's stare. The eerie feeling made his hair stand on ends.
"Argus, have you prepared what I've asked you to prepare?"
"Yes, Master Matthias…" Argus swallowed his saliva and looked at Matthias in trepidation. Then he cautiously took out two magical crystals. "However, Master Matthias, the level-15 magical crystal you asked for is too rare. I have searched many places, but could only get two of them…"
"Two?" Matthias held the two magical crystals in his hand and felt the surging magical wave emanating from them. There was a faint smile on his pale face. "One each for the two Archmages. It should be enough…"
Argus' heart tightened at the mention of the two Archmages. He knew whom Matthias was talking about. He was talking about the two Archmages in the Alanna Guild of Magic—one was Felan's number one magic genius, Gryffindor, and the other was Felic, whom he had once attempted to assassinate.
He could no longer see through the present Matthias. He could only guess from his expression that these two magical crystals were specially used to deal with the two Archmages.
This isn't good…
Argus stood there respectfully, but he was in fact feeling anxious. Argus couldn't care less if Gryffindor died; he knew nothing about the latter anyway. But Felic could not die. He was still counting on Felic to restore his mana. If he died, wouldn't he have to stay a Magic Shooter for the rest of his life?
At the thought of this, Argus plucked up his courage, and asked, "Master Matthias, do you have a special use for these two magical crystals? If two pieces are not enough, I can try to find another way to help you get two more pieces…"
"You'll know in two days." Fortunately, Matthias seemed to be distracted. Although there were some flaws in Argus' words, it did not arouse his suspicion. He just held the two magical crystals tightly, and his eyes were full of hatred and irony. "Archmages, eh? I'm going to show you this time that there's another Archmage besides the two of you…"
Chapter 253 - The Truth
It was exceptionally sunny in Alanna on this day.
Lin Li woke up early in the morning. He took the little Dragonhawk out for breakfast as usual and spent some time at Buck's store on his way back. He chatted with Buck, who was going to leave Alanna soon. It was not until the streets began bustling that Lin Li made his way back to the Guild of Magic.
It was a special day for the Alanna Guild of Magic. The mages from the 24 Guilds of Magic would be ending their two-and-a-half months long trial on this day.
In order to bring the finals to a successful end, the entire guild had been hard at work since early morning. Aldwin went to the Aurora Square first thing in the morning. He set up four mageweaths of the mastery level to ensure that there'd be no unnecessary casualties in the finals. Of course, he had the help of Darian, who was second in inscription only to Aldwin in the entire Alanna Guild of Magic. Setting up four mageweaths was a complex and huge undertaking, and Aldwin definitely couldn't have done it alone.
Even Macklin got up early on this day. He rarely dressed formally, but at present he looked just like a respectable elder, wearing the Robe of the Void and holding the maroon staff in his hand.
Granted—he looked like a respectable elder only when he wasn't telling anyone off.
Lin Li walked all the way back t
o the dormitory. Just as he was walking to the stairs, he heard a string of curses.
"Get up, get up at once. F*ck, look at the time now. You guys are still sleeping? Are you humans or pigs?"
Macklin's voice was like the roar of a magical beast. Not to mention Mason and Orrin getting stirred from their slumber, even Kevin, who was in the adjacent dorm, quietly poked his head out of the door to see what was going on with a sleepy face.
Mason rubbed his eyes, bewildered. "What…"
"Damn it, you ARE a pig. Look at the time. You still have the guts to ask me 'what'? Open the windows and take a good look. The sun has long been up. You'd better get yourselves ready. Surely you don't think that the finals won't commence without you, Master Mason?" After Macklin was done lashing out at Mason, he turned to look at the sickly Orrin. "And you. Don't think you can sleep in just because you're not participating in the finals. Go wash up, and keep your spirits up. Don't let Gryffindor, that little bastard, see you look like a joke!"
This old fogey… Lin Li stood at the stairwell, watching Macklin's crude manners from a distance. He gave a suppressed laugh. The old fellow was born to offend people with his words indeed. He had actually meant it well, but the words that came from his mouth couldn't sound any nastier.
How could Lin Li not know Orrin's character after having lived together for the past two months? He was prideful and introverted, and kept everything in his heart. He wouldn't even confide in Lin Li, who was the closest to him. After being wounded by Gryffindor, Orrin seemed to have changed little, but those who knew him well knew that the proud genius mage had been depressed a lot.
Fortunately, Macklin managed to divert his attention. Although his words were vulgar, they worked quite well. After hearing the old man's words, Orrin's eyes seemed to liven up. He nodded silently and went back to his room to tidy up his things.
Kevin stuck his head out of the room and called out lightly, "Felic…"
"Kevin. What's the matter?"
"Are you going back to Jarrosus after the finals?"
"I'm afraid not…" Lin Li pondered, and there was some hesitation on his face. "I've promised Andoine to go somewhere with him. It might take a few days."
"Oh, I see…" Kevin didn't say much, but the disappointment was apparent on his face.
"Why? Do you have something to tell me?"
"N-nothing…" Kevin hesitated, and continued, "I'm just worried about Emerald Tower. Both of us aren't around. I'm afraid the Emerald Tower will be in danger if the Shadow's Nest decided to make a move…"
"Don't worry about the Shadow's Nest. If my guess is correct, they won't be making any moves for the time being. Moreover, your uncle is still there."
"But, Uncle…"
Kevin knew he had said something wrong the moment he opened his mouth.
He wanted to change the topic, but it was too late. Lin Li's eyes were fixed on Kevin as he asked in a solemn voice, "What about Gerian?"
"Nothing…"
"Shoot!"
"Really… it's really nothing." Kevin wanted to assure Lin Li with a smile, but the one that he barely managed to squeeze out was uglier than a frown.
"Spill it. Don't be so hard on yourself…" Lin Li shook his head resignedly. An honest person like Kevin just couldn't lie. He'd start stammering once he was nervous, and all his emotions were written on his face. He couldn't even lie to himself, let alone lie to someone else.
"I can't, Felic. Uncle Gerian has given me a death order. I mustn't say."
"Are you going to speak or not?" Lin Li glared menacingly at him.
Lin Li had established his reputation in the months spent at Jarrosus Guild of Magic. Even those mages who had doubts about him had to admit that it was because of this young man that the Emerald Tower had its place this day. Kevin, who was among the first few people to come to know Lin Li, worshiped him absolutely. For a moment, Kevin became nervous at the sight of Lin Li's rage.
He swallowed his saliva with difficulty, and said in a hoarse voice, "Uncle Gerian won't let me talk, but I think you should know about this. Uncle Gerian was badly injured when the Shadow's Nest attacked the Demon Fall Valley the last time. He had released a level-18 spell to allow for the guild's mages to escape. You should go back to see him after you finish the trial…"
"You told me you had a friend whose mana collapsed. You were talking about Gerian?" Lin Li kept his stare on Kevin. He found it hard to believe that the fat old man, who was always energetic and swearing, would be lying in bed at present!
"Yes…"
"Okay. I'll let Andoine know. I'll return to Jarrosus with you once the finals is over."
…
This was a real grand magic event. The Aurora Square grandstand, large enough to accommodate thousands of people, was filled. Thousands of mages from the Alanna Guild of Magic came, including the president, Aldwin, and the young apprentices in their teens as well as the dignitaries of the city. Even Prince Lionheart Johnathan came on behalf of his brother, His Majesty of the Felan Kingdom.
The Aurora Square was oval, following the style of arenas from the Dark Ages. The Magical Shield Field around the square was set up by the Supreme Council, and could withstand the impact of a Legendary spell. In the four corners of the square, there were four mastery level mageweaths glittering with purple light—they were Aldwin's masterpiece.
Facing the Aurora Square was the VIP stand on the grandstand, where Aldwin sat. The men who sat beside him were all big figures. There was Herza from the Supreme Council, Archbishop Englos from the Brilliance Shrine, Hoffman from the Glittergold Trade Union, His Majesty's brother, Johnathan, Sendros from the Darkness Shrine, and Oro, Felan's top assassin. All of them were revered and well known. As for Darian and the others, they could only sit in the corner far away from them.
Herza departed from his usual listless self as he asked Hoffman with great interest, "Hoffman, what are the odds that Glittergold has for Gryffindor this time?"
He was old friends with the fatty beside him. How could he not know that Glittergold would impose a handicap in such competitions for the wealthy gamblers to bet on?
"One to four."
"Oh?" Herza was stunned. He didn't expect Hoffman to put forth such odds. Gryffindor was the number one magic genius in Felan. Even a fool knew that he had at least a 90 percent chance of winning. If Gryffindor were to clinch the final victory, the loss that the Glittergold Trade Union had to bear would be an astronomical figure!
"Looks like the Trade Union doesn't have much confidence in Gryffindor. On account of our decades of friendship, throw me a bone, will you? Which trial apprentice do you have your bets on?"
"Mhm, I can't tell you. It's a trade secret…" Hoffman laughed unabashedly. He thought, This old fella must have placed a heavy bet on Gryffindor. I'm putting my bets on all you fools who think that Gryffindor will win!
Hoffman took a big risk in order to make a big profit in the finals this time. He'd adjusted Gryffindor's odds to be higher from the start to attract the rich gamblers. The odds of one to four would not make much of a difference if it were to be imposed on others, but not for Gryffindor—it was almost the same as giving money away for free. Gryffindor was the number one magic genius in Felan. Those who were well-informed already knew that the young man had broken through to the Archmage realm a month ago.
As for the other trial apprentices, the strongest was only level-14, and the weakest was a mere level-nine. It was not too much to say that Gryffindor's strength was the most outstanding among the rest. With a powerful strength like this and high odds, where else could they find such a good deal?
Hoffman was precisely counting on this mentality among them.
In fact, if it hadn't been for that recent pharmaceutical event, perhaps even Hoffman would have thought that Gryffindor would emerge as the victor for the finals.
However, Hoffman saw with his own eyes how the young mage called Felic controlled the Flaming Hands with one hand and a Chilling Touch with the other a
t the event, and the Void Power Potion was completed like a magic show. Putting aside his consummate pharmaceutics skills, just the magic skills he'd displayed were enough to make any mage's hair stand on ends.
He had controlled two spells at the same time—and they were one of fire and one of ice, no less. Felic's strength could never be any worse than Gryffindor's.
Also, he was a potion master.
The roles a bottle of potion could play in a battle between two mages could not be covered in one word or two.
It was no doubt a huge gamble this time, but Hoffman was never worried that he'd lose. He was too confident in that young mage called Felic.
Of course, Herza would never understand this.
He watched as the young apprentices entered the Aurora Square, trying to discern which of them the Glittergold Trade Union had their eyes on.
Mason looked at the thousands of spectators on the grandstand and was trembling all over. He was waving ostentatiously at them while saying, "Felic, I'm feeling very nervous…"
Macklin walked past them just then, and he sniffed at Mason's words. "What's there to be nervous about? You'll be out in the first round, anyway. If you have the time to be nervous, why not use it to think about how to lose decently…"
"…" Mason tried hard to suppress his disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e. After Macklin left, Mason muttered through clenched teeth, "I won't lose. I'll advance to the second round and drive you up the wall, you old bastard…"
While Mason was muttering away, Aldwin stood up from the VIP area. The old man seemed to have some sort of charisma; the whole place quieted down as soon as he stood up. Aldwin's voice wasn't loud, but it was just enough for everyone to hear him. "… The two-months trial will end today. We'll be witnessing the birth of the strongest trial apprentice soon…"
After Aldwin's simple opening remarks, it was Herza who announced the rules.
The rules were not complicated. It'd be a one-on-one elimination—the winner of each round would advance to the next, and the loser would pack up and leave. It was straightforward yet cruel. The ruling of victory was also clear at a glance. Being forced out of the battle area, or voluntarily admitting defeat, would be considered a loss; being hit by a spell beyond level-10 would also be considered a defeat.