These apprentices were the only ones that had value and were worth investments from the clans. Mortals without magical talent were little more than livestock in the eyes of many adepts. They were only tools necessary for the continuation of the species!
As such, they could never be bothered to expend their precious time and energy on these useless creatures, let alone help them improve their lives.
However, this massive city of Crimson Wing was very different from any other city!
It was a strange city that had combined magic with everyday society and daily life.
The neatly arranged streets, the clean and smooth stone roads, the organized shops and stalls, the residential areas, commercial districts, and entertainment districts with their meshing architectural styles. You could even see numerous magical machines and metal carriages running through the streets by the crowd of pedestrians.
Crimson Wing had already abandoned inefficient and slow horse-powered carriages. The magical machines powered with magic energy batteries were their primary form of transporting goods. You no longer had slow, clunky wooden carts rumbling down the streets; you had precise magical machines forged entirely out of metal.
Small shops relied on magical machines to transport goods, while the major merchants used special goblin flying ships.
Powered by magic energy, these flying ships no longer gave off steam wherever they went, nor did they make tremendous noise due to their propellers. They glided silently through the sky, buzzing here and there according to fixed flying routes. The whole city gave off a sense of a burgeoning magic-mechanical civilization!
Ever since the Crimson Clan had obtained a steady supply of Queyras alloy from Molten Fire City, the forging of the magic generator furnaces had never stopped. Magic energy was no longer a problem that bothered the Crimson Clan.
There were many goblin shops opened in Crimson Wing. They sold non-combat magical machines to everyone and even provided free magic energy charging services. These shops undoubtedly made it very convenient for the promotion of magical devices throughout the city.
A magical machine that could traverse hundreds of kilometers of distance without any rest was far more cost-effective than having to keep an entire caravan group around. Consequently, you could no longer see those outdated caravan merchants anywhere in Crimson Wing.
They had been replaced by magical machines that could travel as fast as the wind.
However, for the sake of pedestrian safety, all magical machines that entered Crimson Wing could only run at their lowest speed. Moreover, they had to travel on the stone roads.
The popularization and application of the magical machines and the bloom of a magical civilization allowed for many unusual occupations to appear in Crimson Wing. Magical=machine mechanics, magical-machine technicians, pilots, researchers, janitors, law enforcement forces, etc.
One had to admit that Crimson Wing was a new world completely different from any other city in the World of Adepts! Even a top-class adept like Mornashen could not understand nor comprehend the energy and liveliness of this city.
“Does Greem have nothing better to do? Why has he made all these toys?” Mornashen put the curtains of the carriage down, his face struck with disbelief. “What is the point of treating these humans so well? They will be completely useless when an enemy comes. Even an apprentice adept would be more useful. At least they can throw a few fireballs!”
“You don’t have to care about what he thinks,” Molten Fire City Lord Alfred stroked his little mustache as he asked softly, “Just tell me, do you think the citizens of this city are happy? Do you think they are content?”
“What in the blazes is the point in keeping them happy and content? What can you get in return by wasting resources and energy on them? Can they help us conquer a lesser plane?” Mornashen was clearly a firm advocate for the classical stance of bloodline superiority and adept superiority. He couldn’t be less interested in these pointless affairs. “With their frail bodies, probably half of them would die the moment they were teleported to a foreign plane.”
The Lord of the Molten Fire City shook his head but did not argue. Instead, there was a change in the topic of conversation.
“You have seen the Crimson Wing for yourself. Have you not sensed how it is different from other adept cities?”
“Are you talking about the magic energy?”
“Indeed! You should have sensed it for yourself. This city is filled with magic energy. It is a prosperous city sustained entirely by magic energy. Aren’t you curious where their magic energy comes from? Don’t tell me it comes from those three adept towers. They can’t sustain such incredible demand.”
“You mean…the Crimson Clan has obtained a source of infinite energy? What is it? Some sort of treasure or a magical array? Or perhaps a unique technique from a foreign world?”
“I have done my investigations. It is a sort of unique device known as a magic generator furnace. They can endlessly extract chaotic magic energy from space and tame it for use.”
“Isn’t that the same as elementium altars?”
“Not at all. Elementium altars can only be constructed on fixed spots along leyline nodes. Moreover, they cost a shocking amount to build. However, this magic generator furnace they have invented is a mobile energy source that can be fitted on any magical machine.” Alfred narrowed his eyes and explained in awe.
“No wonder the Crimson Clan can employ magical machines on such a tremendous scale. So they were relying on an endless source of magic energy! The crucial requirements for any civilization or organization that wishes to grow and expand are energy and resources. They no longer lack energy now. As long as they continue to expand outward and obtain the required resources from foreign worlds, it will be no problem for them to establish themselves as a massive organization,” Mornashen Gaia couldn’t help but exclaim in awe as well. “No wonder Greem could incite conflicts everywhere and still grow stronger with each passing year. So this is the true reason for their power!”
“Don’t overthink. The reason Greem summoned us here must be to discuss how we should deal with the coming magic tide. Mine and Kerala’s attitudes are very clear. We will be deferring to him in all matters. As long as his demands do not cross the line, we will stuff our complaints and obey. That said, if he pushes too far, I am hoping you will argue logically and point out his mistakes, brother. We can’t let him do whatever he wants.”
A half-grin appeared on Mornashen’s face when he heard this, “This is your’s and Kerala’s stance?”
“And Ariza’s and Roderick’s. You are the only one left amongst the Central adepts who can wrestle with Greem now. So……”
“So you wish to push me forth and roast me upon the spit?” Mornashen flashed a sarcastic smile.
“We don’t want you to oppose Greem. We just want you to ‘argue logically’ with him!” Alfred couldn’t help but laugh awkwardly.
Power was status.
Without the power to back it up, even Fourth Grade adepts like himself had no spine to their words.
Chapter 1353 - Plots and Schemes
“A magic surge is coming!”
Greem announced it casually. Everyone present fell silent.
Anyone who had a seat here in this wide hall was no ordinary adept. Fifteen Fourth Grade adepts sat at a long obsidian table, representing almost every single major organization of the Central Lands.
Two or three of their descendants or most trusted subordinates stood behind them.
Greem of the Crimson Clan.
Mary of the Crimson Clan.
Mornashen of the Gaia Clan.
Kerala of the Dener Clan.
Alfred of the Molten Fire City.
Declan of the Fabres Clan.
Mirva of the Annemdor Academy.
Nicolas of the Entom Clan.
Matthew of the Bane Clan.
Andrew of the Ahlden Clan.
Ashton of the Smalley Clan.
Ariza of th
e Mansour Clan.
Adrea of the Claire Clan.
Mila of the Kunis Clan.
Roderick of the Hill Clan.
Fourth Grade Thunder Lord Arms crouched lazily on the large plaza in front of the hall, his bright blue scales reflecting the warm sunlight.
With him guarding the place, no outsider could hope to break in and uncover the secrets being discussed amongst these adepts.
Two silver Motherships hovered silently in the skies above, accompanied by countless black dots. Even further on the horizon, three looming adept towers stood strong, shimmering with blinding radiance.
As the first crucial meeting of the Central Lands, Crimson Wing was now under incredibly high security. However, considering the fact that every single Fourth Grade adept of the Central Lands was gathered here, there was probably no one who would dare find trouble here!
Only Fourth Grade adepts had the right to sit in this hall; their subordinates could only stand behind them and listen in silence. Without the Fourth Grade adepts’ permission, these subordinates had no right to speak, let alone make any decisions.
Adepts had never cared for the complicated rules and etiquette of human nobles. That was why Greem cut straight to the topic at hand the moment the meeting started.
The many accompanying Third Grade adepts might not understand what the term ‘magic surge’ meant, but the Fourth Grade adepts knew well enough.
According to historical records, a magic surge would occur in the multiverse every ten thousand years. Incredibly powerful magic energy tides would surge forth from the depths of space, ravaging all material planes and elementium worlds.
The appearance of the magic surges posed both a benefit and a threat to the countless planar civilizations.
With the surging of the magic energy tides, all power systems that relied on magical energies as their foundation would become stronger. Simultaneously, the magic energy tides would wash against the material planes and weaken their planar barriers.
Consequently, when a magic surge occurred, the starbeasts that typically roamed the depths of space would emerge from their lairs and rush to the material planes in hopes of a feast.
Moreover, the magic surge would affect a planar world’s magical creatures, causing them to become exceedingly active. In the World of Adepts, these magical creatures would often become unable to suppress their murderous instincts and would charge out of the Black Forest to assault human cities and settlements.
With threats both from within and outside the world, every individual who ruled any amount of land across the universe had to prepare cautiously for the impending danger!
The numerous Fourth Grade adepts exchanged looks, some of them communicating privately with their minds.
Finally, Bloodline Adept Andrew, wearing white leather armor, couldn’t help but speak up.
“Has the news been confirmed?”
Judging from his expression, he had absolutely no prior knowledge of this magic surge.
Everyone here might be a Fourth Grade adept, but the difference in their abilities and talents meant that their fields of specialization differed as well. Consequently, due to the lack of a powerful diviner in his clan, Andrew had yet to obtain any information on the incoming magic surge.
“It has been confirmed beyond the shadow of a doubt!” Greem said solemnly.
Andrew couldn’t help but draw in a breath of cold air.
Ten thousand years was simply far too much time. It was long enough to make most planar creatures forget the horror of magic surges. Even Fourth Grade adepts only had a base lifespan of approximately a thousand years. Most of the time–and with a little luck–the average Fourth Grade adept would never run into one of these legendary magic surges throughout their entire lives.
Unfortunately for the adepts seated here today, their luck didn’t seem too strong!
“How much time do we have left?” It was Declan who asked this time.
“About ten years!” Greem sighed and said, “The first wave of the magic surge will affect the World of Adepts ten years from now. When that happens……”
Greem did not finish his sentence, but everyone knew well enough what he meant.
These Fourth Grade adepts stood at the peak of this world. Even the most powerful magic energy tides could not threaten their lives. However, just because they did not fear the incoming threat did not mean it was the same for their subordinates. Even if their subordinates were strong enough to survive this calamity, their territories and lesser planes would still be vulnerable.
When the magic energy tides washed across the world, the planar barrier would become riddled with holes. All sorts of starbeasts and monstrosities could slip into the planar worlds and stuff themselves. Until they were expelled from a world, the worldly territories would remain in constant unrest. Individual lesser planes might even fall out of their control amidst the chaos.
That was why the adept clans’ main priority, apart from safeguarding their territories in the World of Adepts, was stabilizing their rule over the lesser planes. However, almost every one of the clans present here lacked the necessary military force to defend every one of their lesser planes. It was an awkward situation.
“Ten years.”
“Indeed, why is it so soon? Why do we only have ten years to prepare for this?”
Anxiety and frustration appeared on the faces of most of the adepts.
It was probably inevitable that their treasuries would shrink after this magic surge!
Of course, not all adepts were so anxious and nervous. For instance, Molten Fire City Lord Alfred appeared calm and composed.
Molten Fire City was located in the very center of the Central Lands. None of its territories bordered the Black Forest, and there were no large spatial rifts nearby. That was why he appeared so relaxed, enough to be concerned about other matters.
“Lord Greem, since you have summoned us here, could it be that you already have arrangements in mind?”
Greem replied calmly, “The Central Lands has been a tray of loose sand in the past. We have never been able to truly unite into a singular force, regardless of the threat. That is why I believe there is a need to combine everyone’s idle military forces and conduct a joint defense. What does everyone think?”
Greem appeared to be asking for the others’ opinion, but he and Mary each took up one end of the table. As he spoke, profound and violent power gathered around them, causing every Fourth Grade adept present to feel mountainous pressure weighing upon them.
The adepts looked at each other until, finally, their gaze unanimously landed on Mornashen Gaia, Clan Leader of the Clan of Gold, sitting at the first seat to the left of the long table.
Even Greem and Mary shifted their gazes to Mornashen, guided by everyone else’s line of sight.
Even as powerful as he was, Mornashen Gaia couldn’t help but become somewhat nervous with so many powerful individuals staring at him.
It was the first time Greem was holding a meeting between all the forces of the Central Lands. If he pushed too hard, he would undoubtedly be courting disaster for the Gaia Clan. However, as the only Fourth Grade adept left in the Central Lands who could still keep Greem somewhat in check, he had to take a stance.
That was why Mornashen Gaia frowned before saying solemnly, “I don’t find this to be a good solution! We of the Clan of Gold already have a waning bloodline. Very few of our clan members have awakened their bloodline powers. If you were to conscript a few of them, we wouldn’t have enough military strength to defend the clan’s land, let alone our lesser planes!”
Mary frowned at the appearance of this opposition. The smile faded from her face. She might not have dared to make an enemy out of this fearsome Gold Titan in the past, but with the power of Nightmare Castle now by her side, she felt no fear.
She might be injured, with Nightmare Castle in shambles, but Mornashen Gaia was not at his peak either. It was still a toss-up as to who would win in an actual fight!
It was said that Lady Mary had been badly injured in the battle that had occurred not long ago. However, judging from the aura she was radiating, her power wasn’t too much affected. That caused the few scheming rats among them to frown. They had to reconsider their plans again.
“You are all overthinking this matter!” Greem had predicted this response. He smiled again as he explained, “The joint defense I am speaking of is not the conscription of military forces from your clan to strengthen the Crimson Clan’s forces. Rather, clans with power to spare will be mobilizing their forces to aid other clans facing trouble, depending on the geography and severity of the calamity.”
Greem lifted his hand. Magic energy surged through the hall as a three-dimensional map of the Central Lands was projected onto the table.
“Please look, everyone. There are a total of thirty-one regions in the Central Lands, seven of which lie on the borders and neighbor the Black Forest. Naturally, the Ailovis region will be defended by the Crimson Clan. We will not require any reinforcements.”
“As for the other clans, you have Mila’s Kunis Clan, Ariza’s Mansour Clan, Roderick’s Hill Clan, as well as three other regions that are jointly managed by several mid-sized clans.
“I believe that these three clans will have a lack of military forces, given that they will have to worry about interplanar invasion as well as stampedes from the Black Forest. As such, we of the Crimson Clan are willing to provide an army of two thousand magical machines to aid in their joint defense against the magic surge.
“It is not too much to ask those of you who do not face the threat of the Black Forest to contribute some amount of your power, isn’t it? I can guarantee that the forces mobilized from your clan will not be fielded on the battlefields the Crimson Clan is involved in. They will only be fighting where they are needed.”
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