novelhk Page 173
Page 173
[But later, after your triumphant return, the noble estate that was supposed to be bestowed upon you was left vacant. Slinger had assumed that the newly built estate would remain until it was given to the next newly promoted noble who had rendered great service. However, one day when she passed by that secluded estate, she discovered that someone had already moved in, and all the necessary paperwork and documents were in place, even though she had never heard of it before.]
[Then she realized that there was indeed a hand manipulating everything behind the scenes, something her older brothers and sisters couldn't possibly do. Having clashed with them many times before, Slinger knew they didn't possess such abilities.]
[Slinger thought the Queen would eventually grow old, and she would eventually be crowned queen, fulfilling the lighthearted vow she made to invite you back then. Unfortunately, what she received in the end was the enigmatic Queen's declaration of war against the goddess.]
"Overnight, the Magic Network changed hands..." Slingk shuddered as she spoke, even with her usual composure. She took a deep breath and continued, "Even though I have the key to the Magic Network, it has lost its proper function under the Queen's oppression. She seems to have become omnipresent; even though I've fled the capital hundreds of miles away, I can still feel her gaze..."
[Now you realize that all the magical network nodes established using magical artifacts belonged to the Queen the moment her declaration of war was issued.]
A sense of shock washed over you. What an unexpected and ingenious scheme! Even someone as worldly-wise as you could hardly believe that the Queen could use the opportunity of expanding the Magic Network to quietly replace its foundations, thereby single-handedly seizing control of the entire network.
"Then the goddess is completely powerless now, isn't she?" you asked worriedly. Having served as a church priest for decades, you were used to this life and didn't want to get involved in any more adventures.
"No... there should be more. The goddess probably just hasn't reacted yet..." Sling said uncertainly. She exhaled, sat wearily in a chair, glanced at the goddess's church not far away, and said:
"At least no magic network node has been established on the floating island yet. Under the goddess's watchful eye, the mages probably won't attack, and perhaps the stalemate will continue like this..."
Speaking of mages, you suddenly recall the uproar on the magic network when the "Hand of Mages" forum was destroyed. At first, you thought it was just because SeSe had unleashed humanity's boundless power to fight against the gods. Now it seems that the Queen had already begun orchestrating public opinion back then.
[You connect to the magic network and browse the various spell discussion areas. The areas that used to have 99+ messages every five minutes are now completely silent, as if they've split into two separate servers from the Queen's magic network.]
You sighed helplessly, wondering how the mages on land were discussing this change. Even if only 10% opposed the Queen, the magic network would surely be in chaos. You wondered how the Queen would handle it.
Slinger was still staring blankly at the water glass you had just handed her, lost in thought. You suddenly became curious about what she was thinking, having long since stopped talking to herself, so you asked her.
"Ah, sorry, I was a little distracted." Slinger snapped back to reality, a slight smile playing on his lips, and said softly:
"I was wondering, if it were you, Lord Latis, how would you handle this change? But I am not you, and I cannot possibly guess your choice. Being in the midst of this situation, I might seem utterly foolish to you as an observer..."
[You thought about what you would do if you were in Slinger's position: make a comeback? Be recruited? You couldn't think of anything, after all, you're such an unpredictable man, your main strength is randomness.]
In short, Slinger also settled down in Titania. Although it was inconvenient for everyone in the city to return to the mainland at the moment, the large number of people made it feel lively and not deserted in this secluded place.
You diligently follow the daily news updates from the floating islands and the activities of the Goddess Church. However, what puzzles you is that the situation hasn't escalated further; it's as if everyone in this world has entered a state of dynamic equilibrium.
Two years later, as Slinka looked down upon the Kingdom of Norard from the edge of the floating island, she smiled and accepted your invitation, and from that day forward, she took your surname and her name.
There was no war as expected, and time passed swiftly. You have been immersed in magic for far too many years; even among legends, you are already at the pinnacle.
At the same time, you finally learn from the Church of the Goddess that even legendary figures are divided into tiers: seventh, eighth, and ninth rings, corresponding to low-tier, mid-tier, and high-tier legendary figures, respectively.
However, due to the extreme scarcity of spells above the seventh ring—there are only twenty or thirty available even on the Magic Network, and unlocking them requires a large amount of Magic Network points—not every legendary mage possesses spells corresponding to their level. External factors such as True Names are what truly bring about the differences in strength.
Therefore, at the legendary stage, level is not the sole indicator of combat power, and over time, people have become less inclined to differentiate based on level.
Having reached the pinnacle of legendary status, you have no intention of seeking your true name in this lifetime. Your family ties are too heavy, and the path to the stars is too perilous; you cannot simply leave. Continuing your cultivation is merely a means to protect your family in any potential conflicts. You only wish to live like this for thirty years, until the edifice crumbles.
Gradually, you also heard some useful news from the floating island's newsletter, such as "The Queen is supporting the development of the dwarves and establishing a new vassal state," "Under the Queen's rule, the country is peaceful and prosperous, and there are no more black-hat sorcerers causing trouble," and "The Queen has restored order to the magic network and set a threshold for withdrawing magic power to eliminate useless spells." It seems that under the Queen's rule, the entire continent is becoming more prosperous.
[You know that the kingdoms of Andora and Yanium are now merely nominal entities, vassals of the Kingdom of Norard. This situation makes you sigh at Queen Whiteley's ruthlessness. Although you have contributed to this, you know you are still being used as a pawn, albeit the most reckless one.]
Regardless, you've lived a safe life, but witnessing such a major event has left you feeling somewhat aggrieved, ultimately trapped in an invisible web from which you can no longer move.
Fortunately, Tina has opened the way to Dragon Valley. You haven't seen her in a long time, but you can imagine how arduous it will be. Livs, Raphs, and Setis have left the floating island together for Dragon Valley. You're a little curious whether they can find a way to leave this plane in this demiplane, but you don't think you need to worry about their safety.
In the end, it was your daughters who brought you a sense of freedom.
Years later, perhaps feeling the time was ripe, the Queen also began her journey to the floating islands. Upon hearing this news, you were greatly surprised. How will the Queen break through the goddess's magic network protecting the floating islands?
[Soon, the answer to this question became clear. Looking at the new island rising from the deep pit, laden with magical creations, you suddenly realized that the Dwarf King and Queen Whiteley must have made a deal. And rightly so; the Dwarf King seemed to have some grudge against the Goddess of Magic, so it was normal for him to help Queen Whiteley. There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.]
[The Queen, with her mobile magic network, followed the rising floating island, slaughtering all the families below. It seems that in the Queen's eyes, the families on the floating island have already established their stance, and there is no need to recruit them anymore.]
As the Queen's island drew ever closer, the Church of the Goddess finally sprang into action. The believers found you, gave you something, and, amidst your shocked gaze, conveyed some words to you.
Before the Queen's floating island crashed into Titania, you stepped forward, hoping to negotiate with her.
[Appearing at the other end of the floating island was Queen Whiteley, dressed in a black gown. She wore a black veiled hat, the thin veil obscuring her expression, but you could still tell that the person before you was not the mysterious woman from that night. Reassured, you stated your request.]
Although decades have passed, the Queen still remembers you. She praised your achievements with great approval, then expressed regret over your stance, but ultimately agreed to negotiate with you privately.
[You meet on the altar at the very top of the floating island. The Queen carries a portable mobile magic network node, and you are naturally surrounded by the magical energy belonging to the Goddess's magic network. You take a deep breath, knowing your time is limited. The Queen's instruments will silently absorb the magical energy in the air into her magic network node. At this moment, although your two magic networks are evenly matched, the scales of victory will quickly tip in the Queen's favor.]
"Your Majesty, I believe there is no need for you and Her Majesty the Goddess to fight to the death," you said with a gentle smile befitting a priestess.
“Since the goddess created the magic network, the mages of Atlantis have all benefited immensely from it. Now that you have taken over the magic network, you have also taken over the mages’ responsibilities. I don’t think the goddess has caused you any trouble over the years. Your Majesty, what could be more important than leading the mages to a greater path? You don’t want the mages to think you have a fierce temperament, do you?”
"I don't blame you for being unaware," Queen Whiteley said, removing her hat and smiling. "The goddess is the greatest obstacle on this path, and I must eliminate her."
The chilling killing intent made you frown involuntarily. You remained silent, sensing the boundary between the two magical nets that were only inches away from you. You stopped your slow progress, took out the item the goddess had taught you from your pocket, and said:
"Since you put it that way, then I'm sorry, Your Majesty."
You crushed the object in your hand with force. With a bang, the magical energy in the air spread outwards like swirling clouds, completely clearing away the magical energy around the altar in less than a second.
"A magical creation?" The Queen frowned slightly, looked up at your tall and imposing figure, sighed, and asked, "Where did it come from?"
You didn't reply, but instead stomped your foot and dashed towards the Queen like a cannonball.
The dissipated magical energy is filling this vacuum like surging waves. The wisps of magical energy brushing against your body are not just magical energy, but a magical net!
At this moment, whoever forms a magical network around themselves with the returning magical energy will be the ultimate winner! And you, before that happens, intend to crush the Queen's will with your own fists and feet!
However, the next second, your fist struck the Queen's raised arm, producing a dull thud! The Queen, her eyes seemingly seeing through everything, looked at your shocked expression, shook her head, and with a slight flick of her wrist, said:
"Your Excellency Titania, human strength cannot overcome the power of nature. However, to prevent your advanced magical affinity from prematurely constructing the magical network, this is the only option."
The Queen moved with incredible speed, and before you could react, she had placed her hand on your shoulder. You were suddenly thrown to the ground by an immense force, and as you tried to struggle, your eyes widened in shock.
[With one hand pressing down on your queen, the other decisively slipped inside her dress, quickly rummaging through it before tearing off your robe. A victorious smile played on her lips as she sat down.]
"Sleep now, Your Grace Titania. I will spare your family's lives." The Queen released her grip on your hands, her gaze defiantly sweeping over the Church of the Goddess. She sat upon you as if on a throne.
[You sensed the magic energy slowly gathering around her. Just as you were about to struggle to get up, your consciousness was swept away from your body as if carried by clouds.]
Yes, Artemis, Jennifer, Serfael, Yashutia, Robin, Silvershurst, Going, Slingk, Mitu, and the Queen from earlier, now you've completed your puzzle. You're going to see your great-grandfather.
After a moment of dizziness, you open your eyes and look at the magnificent palace before you. Without thinking, you kick open the palace door.
Emperor Powder, who was reclining in his rocking chair, was thrown to the ground by your rude behavior before he could even get up. He stood up cursing, but before he could say anything, you hurriedly shouted, "Take me back quickly!"
Emperor Pawada paused, and seeing your reaction, he suddenly lost interest and didn't bother to scold you anymore. He sighed softly, righted the overturned rocking chair, and said:
"You brat, don't you even acknowledge your great-grandfather first... Never mind, there's no use in you worrying, you're going to die anyway."
You quickly calmed yourself down, took a deep breath, and asked, "Is there no hope?"
"It's hopeless." Emperor Pova shook his head and said, "But don't worry, you have a successor. Your three daughters are all very talented. Although they may not all be able to activate their bloodlines, they will definitely outlive you after leaving this dangerous plane. Oh, and you also have a son in your womb. As expected of a Titan, that's why they say the Titans are the real deal. You've had a son late in life..."
"What?!" You, who were initially heavy-hearted, were stunned. After regaining your senses, you quickly asked, "A son?! Which wife is he from?"
"How should I know? I'm not a voyeur!" Powdala said with a frown. "Do you have any last words? I might be able to pass them on to your children. Think quickly, time is almost up!"
You were a little speechless, but immediately said, "I have a few questions. What secrets does the Goddess of Magic hold? What exactly is the Magic Network? What is the Time-Space Flow?"
"You know quite a lot, kid!" Phowa the Great's eyes widened, clearly not expecting you to ask such questions.
He hesitated for a moment under your anxious gaze, then said, "The Goddess of Magic is a legendary figure from before me who ascended to godhood. She guards the outer plane, drawing magic from it. Of course, I don't know her current strength. Many years ago, after fighting her to the point of cataclysm, we've been separated by this plane, guarding each other on opposite sides. She does her thing, and I await my descendants."
"Two other questions..." King Powdala looked thoughtful, thought for a moment, and said, "It's like this..."
Chapter 192 Goodbye, Titan!
"As for the magic network, you can simply think of it as part of the goddess's body," Pova the Great stated plainly, without any mystery.
"Anyway, it's something about some kind of physique that only those with extreme constitutions can possess. I don't understand it, and you shouldn't even think about it. Although we Titans are incredibly strong, and after transforming into our true form, we can break through all laws with sheer force, haha, there are no fancy changes whatsoever. Our main strength is being mindless."
"You old man, that's so perfunctory!" you complained, realizing that Emperor Powdal had only mentioned it casually. "I wouldn't treat my descendants like that. Sigh, maybe it has something to do with my upbringing..."
"Damn it, your parents died so early, how could they have had time to tutor you..."
Even so, King Phowa was still somewhat saddened that he was about to part ways with you after only meeting you for the first time. He sighed and said humorously:
"You're just about to die, but I'm going to have to say hundreds more words!"
Having said that, he quickened his pace, speaking hurriedly as if he were in a hurry:
"There's not enough time, so I can only explain what spacetime flow is from my own perspective."
"You should already know what planets and galaxies mean, right? Each plane has a core planet where we live, while other planets move within the plane following a fixed orbit. After leaving your home planet, you travel outwards continuously, and with luck, you can find the edge of a plane—the boundary. After leaving the boundary, you will enter the sea of stars, where you can see countless planes..."
"The spacetime flow is the outermost 'boundary' of the star sea. It is the end of the entire world, enveloping it like an irregular sphere. Some say that the spacetime flow is the underlying logic of the world, containing all the information of all planes from their birth to the present day. Others say that the spacetime flow is the grave of the world, and once touched, one will fall into eternal death."
"It has many names and nicknames: 'The River Styx,' 'The Abyss,' 'The Sea of No Light'... but without exception, they all describe its deathly stillness... Ah, is it time to leave?"
Emperor Phowa stared blankly at your fading body, then unconsciously wiped his thin stubble. He couldn't think of a way to say goodbye, so he picked up the wine on the table, took a large gulp, and sighed a second before you vanished:
Goodbye, Titan.
Your consciousness plummeted from the clouds, crashing back into your body, ravaged by the Queen's magical net. You struggled to open your shattered eyes, trying to see who had ultimately won.
However, what came into view was Ateliers in an elegant long robe. Her hair was so long that even when she was kneeling on the ground holding you, it would naturally cover your body and fall to the ground.
[As you slightly shift your gaze, you see densely packed trees, dozens of meters tall, surrounding you. Through the gaps in the trees, you can vaguely see a slightly wooden arm slowly emerging from the emerald gate rising from the center of the altar.]
The magical fluctuations emanating from the surroundings made your consciousness waver intermittently. You guessed that this was probably another instance of the simulator's spacetime flow becoming unstable. Come to think of it, you still couldn't figure out the connection between the simulator and spacetime flow, but with the earth-shattering battle raging nearby, you didn't have the energy to think about it anymore.
Suddenly, Ateliers seemed to notice your movement. She looked down at you, catching a glimpse of your eyes in your disfigured face. Her unfocused gaze instantly sharpened, and after a few seconds of silence, she smiled faintly as always and said:
"Big brother, you're awake..."
That familiar voice seemed to instantly shut out the noise of battle, allowing your senses to return to your body. You tried to clear your throat, but no sound came out. The half-elf, however, immediately understood your thoughts, shaking her head and saying, "Everyone is safe. Don't worry."
You relaxed, letting your tense body unwind, and allowed Ateliers's hand to gently stroke your head.
[Through their long time together, she has long since developed a deep connection with you. Even without spells like mind linking, she can instantly know what you want to say... This isn't even a guess for her; it's a profound dialogue within her soul, where everything about you is incorporated into her being.]
It's like you've just realized she's still channeling her life energy to sustain you, and she's already said, "It's alright, brother. My soul will be devoted to you for eternity, let alone some insignificant life."
You were speechless. As life passed, your heart gradually calmed, and you began to speak to the half-elf with your eyes.
"Yes, that's the Mother Goddess. I don't know if the Mother Goddess would help the Goddess of Magic; I just wanted to save you."
"My... hair? It seems like I haven't cut it since I met you. Are you wondering what I would look like with short hair? I can't quite remember..."
"Ah... of course I remember the scene when you confessed your feelings to me! How could I possibly forget that?"
"Have I ever regretted anything in my life? I think not. If I had to say, it would probably be that life was too short, and I didn't have enough time to say 'I love you' to everyone."
"Of course I know it's not too late to say it now, but in this situation, how can I possibly say it..."
The half-elf looked into your smiling eyes, her pointed ears finally drooping. She tried to maintain the curve of her lips and softly said, "When a person truly says 'I love you,' tears will involuntarily stream down their face..."
As you watch the tears streaming down her face, you can almost hear the silent confession echoing in her heart.
You closed your eyes listlessly, and in the last second before your consciousness faded, you suddenly heard her plea in your heart, as if a half-elf were listening to your innermost thoughts.