Sovereign of the Ashes

Sein had finally reached the island at the center of the storm.

It was a small, circular island with a diameter of a thousand meters. Despite its size, the island was lush with vegetation.

There were trees resembling coconut palms, but they bore peculiar fruits that emitted an aura distinct from typical magic ingredients.

These appeared to be rare and special fruits, unlike any Sein had seen in the field guide prepared by Frank.

Under normal circumstances, Sein would have been thrilled and eager to study these unique plants as he did along the southern coast.

However, at this moment, his entire focus was riveted on the dark figure steadily approaching him.

The lush green vegetation was a reassuring sign to Sein that the island’s soil was rich in nutrients. However, Sein was not overly concerned even if that were not the case.

Given that Lorianne’s Viridiscent Seeds were successfully activated in the harsh environment of the Viridian Venom Flame World, there was no reason they would not work in the Magus World.

Sein had planted more than ten of these seeds around the island.

After being partly used up during the Viridian Venom Flame World war, Sein still had about two hundred of them left in his possession.

These Viridescent Seeds were no doubt rare items.

Of the seeds he planted, ten grew into Rank One plant creatures.

Another four seeds were placed strategically around him. When these seeds were activated, they were expected to produce Rank Two plant creatures.

In the end, Sein reserved the milky-white Viridescent Seed, which were exceedingly rare, for truly dire circumstances or formidable adversaries.

If Sein had not discovered this island, he would have resorted to using the milky-white seed, as he was not one to hoard treasures unnecessarily.

However, having found land with a high likelihood of catalyzing four Rank Two plant creatures, Sein preferred a more cautious approach.

The uncertainty of what lay ahead made Sein cautious about revealing all his capabilities too soon.

As the Rank Two black mage appeared, the surrounding tornado storm intensified.

A translucent black magic shield formed around him, protecting him from the storm’s fierce winds.

Relying solely on the tornado storm to combat a Rank Two being without the Viridescent Seeds was wishful thinking.

Van Basten spotted Sein from the sky, along with Yuri in her Burning Flame Unit.

His greed surged, driving an uncontrollable desire to capture Sein.

However, as he neared the island, something made him halt abruptly.

Although the Rank Two black mage did not perceive anything unusual, his instincts told him something was amiss.

Almost every full-fledged black mage had been honed through countless deadly encounters.

Even a “good man” like Sein’s late mentor, Morsidor, could bring himself to self-destruct his magic artifacts, sacrificing himself to take down his enemy.

Compared to Morsidor, Van Basten had faced a wider array of dangers and possessed far greater battle experience.

Looking at Sein now, the black mage could sense the subtle changes in his demeanor and aura.

“Where exactly is the problem?” he muttered, scrutinizing Sein and Yuri first, then scanning the rest of the small island.

While Sein and Yuri prepared for a desperate confrontation, it was the island itself that caught Van Basten’s attention—specifically, the exotic plants resembling coconut trees.

“Hehehe, you’re really my lucky charm, little one! To think that you’ve led me to an island rich with rare magic ingredients! I’ll be sure to treat you well. You’ll become a new addition to my collection of mage specimens in my lab...”

Before Van Basten could finish speaking, two pillars of crimson light shot out from Yuri’s direction, striking him in the face.

Simultaneously, Sein launched his own attack from below.

The powerful Verdant Flame Eye spell began to form as Sein chanted and waved his Verdant Flame Heart Rod, further inciting Van Basten’s greed.

Ignoring potential dangers, Van Basten dove toward Sein.

”What could a mere Rank One mage be capable of? Even if he has a Rank Three grand mage as a mentor, he’s still doomed to die here in the middle of nowhere, far out in the Boundless South Sea,” Van Basten thought, confident in his own strength.

When the black mage in the sky finally made his move, Sein breathed a sigh of relief.

Lorianne’s Viridescent Seeds could conceal themselves quite effectively. At least, the black mage had not detected their presence yet.

Sein unleashed a barrage of Verdant Flame Eye beams, initiating the assault.

Meanwhile, the cannons on the Burning Flames Unit’s shoulder, chest, and hand never ceased firing.

Sharp energy rays lit up the dark, oppressive sky.

CRACK!

A lightning bolt streaked across the sky.

Amidst the howling winds and torrential rain, the battle between the Rank One and Rank Two creatures intensified.

Hoot, hoot!

An owl hooted loudly.

With a powerful flap of its wings, Sev released an Aeroball spell that tripled in force, amplified by the storm’s abundant energy.

“Oh? Is this owl your trump card? If that’s the case, then prepare yourself to become my specimen! Hehehehehe!” The Rank Two black mage cackled in mid-air.

A black and ominous elemental hand emerged from the tip of his white bone magic rod, extending menacingly toward Sein, who was standing on the island below.

At that moment, Van Basten had swooped down perilously close to the island. Facing the menacing elemental hand, Sein displayed not fear but a somewhat relieved smile.

RUMBLE!

The ground shook violently.

Amidst the relentless rain and fierce hurricane winds, over ten plant creatures of astonishing size erupted from the soil!