Advent of the Archmage

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Soul Sovereign Rosso’s soul illusion in the extreme north had fooled the entire group of strong figures, including Link.

This type of seemingly real, seemingly unreal spell was the strongest illusion in the world. It affected the soul directly. If one’s spell wasn’t strong enough or if one wasn’t observant enough, they would never be able to break free.

Link had once fallen for it, so he now understood this type of spell.

This time, he immediately discovered what was abnormal. In reality, starting with the yellow-green fog, the river, the island, and the woman on the island were all illusions! However, it was the God of Destruction’s first time experiencing this kind of spell. Even after all this time, she still didn’t notice anything wrong.

After Link mentioned it, she froze and then stared closely at the island for three full minutes. She sighed. “I can’t believe such an illusion exists in the world. I didn’t even notice.”

This way, she had no trump cards. None of her underlings had followed over either. This meant that she was facing Link all alone. No matter if she won or lost, she would pay heavily for it. Deep inside, she didn’t have the confidence to win at all.

She turned to look at Link. “You appeared voluntarily. Are you prepared to fight to the death with me?”

“What else could it be?” He tapped the Ode of a Full Moon, making crisp dings. Celine hadn’t appeared, but she’d arranged his illusion to create the best battle environment. Nothing was holding him back now. It was the best time for a final fight!

Unexpectedly, the God of Destruction suddenly shook her head. “No, no, no, not so fast. I still have something to say.”

“Oh?” Link didn’t act. He wanted to see what the other could do.

The God of Destruction’s weapon was a dark gold spear. Right now, she decided to put it away. “I think that the conflicts between us can be resolved. It isn’t my wish to chase after Celine Flandre. I was forced by the Ruler of Light and Darkness. If you can help me defeat him, we can become temporary allies.”

Link didn’t really believe the God of Destruction’s words.

“I have a reason for this. Listen closely.” She even decided to cancel the magic shield on her surface. If Link attacked suddenly, she would be in a horrible situation. With Link’s incomprehensible style of attacking, she would be dead within seconds.

But Link didn’t move. He was attracted by the word “ally.” He was definitely at a disadvantage against the Ruler of Light and Darkness. He needed as many allies as possible.

He still held his sword, but the tip was pointed down now.

“I’m sure you know about my background. Travel Magician Aisenis has many connections and he’s a businessman. He must have sold my information to you, right?”

Link nodded.

The God of Destruction shrugged. “Then it’s easy. I came to Firuman because there was a giant crack in the realm. I wanted to take advantage of it. But now, things are different. Not only has the crack disappeared, Firuman has become stronger too. I’m not able to harm this realm at all with my current power, right?”

“Indeed. The only true god in the Sea of Void is the Ruler of Light and Darkness. I’ve experienced his strength before. You’re nothing in comparison.”

“That is insulting, but it’s the truth. Firuman has now become a battlefield for the true gods. I’m stuck in the middle like an ant that can be crushed at any time. I’m not stupid. Why should I work for the Ruler of Light and Darkness? So if you help me through this, I’ll leave immediately. Before leaving, I promise I’ll help you fight the Ruler of Light and Darkness together. After I leave, I won’t return as long as you’re here!”

Admittedly, this was a tempting suggestion. Link was confident he could defeat the God of Destruction, but everything had an “if.” And even if he won, he would’ve used up a lot of power and energy.

Thinking of this, he said, “Tell me what I can do for you.”

The God of Destruction sighed in relief and looked happy. “In the Sea of Void, I’d faced the Ruler of Light and Darkness’ consciousness. He’d sealed most of my power and signed a contract with my soul. If I betray him, I’ll immediately face his punishment.”

Pain appeared in her expression as she spoke. At the same time, Link felt a heavy consciousness descend. He didn’t feel any pressure, but the surrounding illusions all vanished.

The fog, river, and island all disappeared, revealing a vast swamp. Link had an idea about what happened.

“Can you handle it?”

Dark red light flowed through the God of Destruction. Her eyes shone while her brows furrowed tightly. She was clearly shouldering great pressure. “Thankfully, the realm is blocking it. With my Divine Fragment, I can manage to resist his consciousness, but this won’t last long. The closer he is, the bigger the pressure. When he reaches the outer surface, my soul will collapse. I can’t resist him alone. I need your help!”

This was a true god’s might. Even his consciousness could destroy a Level-19 demi-god’s soul!

Seeing her expression grow more painful, Link immediately casted a Level-19 spell: Soul Barrier.

Countless dark purple runes appeared. They looped over the God of Destruction, practically wrapping around her completely. The barrier went into effect quickly. Her pained expression lessened.

“It’s effective but not enough. The Ruler of Light and Darkness reaches every pore. A Level-19 spell is too low. I need the power of a true god!”

Power of a true god?

Link froze. The highest power inside a realm was the pinnacle of Level-19. The divine level…it had to be a divine gear! Link happened to have one. After being filled with the World Tree’s power, his Crown of Eternal Night reached Level-21. It was the strongest thing inside Firuman.

But there was a problem. If he wanted to use it to help the God of Destruction against the Ruler of Light and Darkness, he had to let the God of Destruction have the crown. If she had it, her power would immediately shoot up. If she was lucky, she could kill Link with a few moves.

Link wasn’t stupid. Why would he risk it?

“Link, if you don’t help, I only have one solution.” The God of Destruction took out her spear again. “I can only follow the Ruler of Light and Darkness’ intentions and fight you!”

They were back to the start. This conflict seemed to be unresolvable.

Link’s hand subconsciously touched his crown as he fell into deep thought. He could feel clearly that this was the last trial before lighting his Divine Fire. It was also the most dangerous.

What should he do?