The Game of a Legendary Genius Dark Mage

2.

The Dune Wild Trail.

An endless horizon of vast plains and barren wastelands stretched as far as the eye could see. There were hardly any structures worthy of note, the open expanse providing a sense of liberation, yet carrying an unmistakable desolation.

Scattered here and there were small rest areas formed by caravans or tiny settlements created by nomadic tribes.

Viewed from above, these tiny villages and caravans were reduced to mere specks, quickly passing by as if they were nothing more than dots on a map.

The fierce winds came rushing forward.

Whooshhhhh—!

“Without this barrier, I would’ve been in serious trouble.”

Perched atop Anemore, Seong let out a sigh of relief, watching as the thunderous barrier created by Anemore absorbed the brunt of the wind.

Without it, the overwhelming wind pressure would have sent him tumbling through the air. Such was the speed at which Anemore flew—beyond what anyone could imagine.

Even Kalisha, imbued with the power of thunder, was trailing far behind, visible only as a distant dot.

Despite this breakneck pace, they still hadn’t reached their destination. It was a testament to the sheer scale of the Dune Wild Trail.

Before embarking on this journey, Seong had appointed Anemore as the Death Legion Commander, enabling them to move even faster.

[‘Thunderous Anemore’ has been appointed as the Death Legion Commander.]

[It has grown stronger and now leads the Death Legion.]

It was a brief notification, but the implications were substantial.

This single designation had significantly bolstered Anemore’s strength, raising it to a level on par with Valtar and Fiora.

Aerial combat was no longer a concern.

Still, the fact that they hadn’t arrived yet, despite flying at such high speeds, left Seong slightly puzzled.

“My lord, we are almost there,” Leonic reassured him.

“Hmm.”

“It is indeed thanks to the Third Legion Commander that we’ve made such haste.”

Leonic’s certainty left no room for doubt.

If it turns out to be nothing, I can question him then.

Seong silently decided to wait and see.

However, someone else voiced their skepticism.

“I’ve been sensing the surroundings, but I feel no trace of the Hall of Knights you mentioned. Are you sure you’re not mistaken?”

The question came from Noktrynnium, the dark spirit of the obsidian castle, capable of ruling over the surrounding lands.

Both Seong and Fiora turned to Noktrynnium, acknowledging the validity of his concerns.

Noktrynnium’s abilities were undeniable, while Leonic’s claim was based solely on his memories.

It wasn’t hard to see where the credibility lay.

Even so, Leonic stood his ground.

“It is as I said. The Hall of Knights cannot be detected, not even by a spirit as powerful as you, Noktrynnium.”

“...There are places that remain hidden even to me, but it’s hard to believe such a place exists in this wasteland.”

“It saddens me to hear such doubt. But this place withstood countless invasions even when I was at my peak. Trust me for once.”

“Hmm...”

“Eh? I-is it really that strong?” Fiora asked, intrigued.

“Hahaha, indeed. Even when I was in my prime, it was an impenetrable stronghold. Of course, no one may remain alive there now, but I’m certain its functions are still intact.”

Leonic’s firm declaration caused Noktrynnium to step back. Fiora, meanwhile, grew even more curious, her questions prompting Leonic to eagerly share more details.

Seong, too, seemed intrigued as he stroked his chin.

“A place where knights can enhance their skill mastery...”

“Yes, my lord. Not only that, but it is said that passing the trials there grants extraordinary rewards.”

“Hmm.”

It was likely a hidden piece that required completing a mission. Even if it wasn’t, the training alone would make the place worthwhile.

The only thing unclear was what exactly “knights’ skills” referred to.

“By knights’ skills, do you mean close-combat techniques?”

“Yes, my lord. Swordsmanship, spear techniques, shield techniques—every skill a knight may wield.”

If I can level up Helena’s swordsmanship here, it would be a huge advantage.

Seong gazed out at the vast horizon, his thoughts racing.

What kind of skills could I unlock by raising my swordsmanship level?

Perhaps he could eventually wield a technique akin to Hindel’s ultimate moves.

The thought brought a faint smile to his lips.

Though it was disappointing to hear that the original defenders of the Hall were long gone, there would still be plenty of ghosts to learn from.

With that in mind, Anemore increased its speed further, while Kalisha, grumbling all the while, struggled to keep up.

3.

A chamber steeped in darkness.

It was eerily silent, as though even sound itself had been consumed by the shadows. It was a place where life seemed impossible, yet one figure moved without a sound, defying the oppressive stillness.

This being moved like a ghost, tirelessly swinging its sword, revealing neither sound nor form easily.

Yet, from the absence of spiritual energy, one could tell—it was still among the living.

In this once-thriving sanctuary of countless knights, only one figure remained, endlessly practicing its swordsmanship.

The figure, with flowing white hair and a long, pale beard, resembled a sage.

But his sharp blue eyes and pointed ears betrayed his elven heritage.

Sensing an intruder in this sacred place, the elf stopped his relentless practice.

“A visitor... after so long...”

His voice was dry and emotionless, but his next words carried a hint of sorrow.

“...Though they won’t reach this place.”

How long had he been here?

No one could say for sure.

But one thing was clear: he held no hope for this newcomer.

Not even the faintest glimmer of expectation, despite the possibility that this visitor might be the one to free him.

“Another age will pass...”

With those words, the elf closed his eyes and resumed his sword dance.

For untold years, swordsmanship had been his only companion.

Without hope, there would be no disappointment.

4.

The Dune Wild Trail was a region steeped in subtle charm, its scenery evoking an atmosphere of quiet desolation.

With its barren expanses, it resembled a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Though Seong hadn’t spent much time here, he had come to recognize the distinct atmosphere of this place.

At the very end of the Dune Wild Trail, where the wilderness finally gave way, the sight before him was a stark contrast.

Unlike the barren lands he had traversed, this edge of the wilds was unexpectedly teeming with vegetation.

It was truly the end of the wilderness—a place so lush that it rendered the memories of the trail he had traveled almost irrelevant.

Standing at this boundary, Seong, Noktrynnium, and Fiora couldn’t contain their awe.

—“This is exactly as I remember it.”

“Wow.”

“Incredible... I can’t believe there’s a place my senses couldn’t detect,” Noktrynnium murmured, his voice tinged with astonishment.

—“A-amazing! It’s so beautiful!” Fiora exclaimed.

In the midst of the vast plains, where only horizons had seemed endless, stood a place that had vanished like a mirage.

What greeted them instead were towering stone spires, their peaks piercing the heavens and glowing faintly with a golden hue.

The cracks etched into the stone walls, along with the moss that had grown between them, hinted at the passage of countless years.

Despite the weight of time, the majesty of the Hall of Knights remained undiminished.

Surrounding it were lush meadows, with soft green grasses swaying gently in the wind—a stark contrast to the barren wastelands of the Dune Wild Trail.

The remnants of fierce battles were evident: shattered columns, crumbled stairs, and half-destroyed structures scattered along the path.

“This is...” Seong murmured.

As if to confirm his thoughts, the system chimed in.

[You have discovered the entrance to the Hidden Field, ‘Hall of Knights.’]

[You are the first to discover this Hidden Field!]

[You have acquired the title, ‘Wanderer.’]

[Warning]

[In the Hidden Field, ‘Hall of Knights,’ several system features will be unavailable.]

[Once you exit the Hidden Field, ‘Hall of Knights,’ you cannot re-enter.]

[Would you like to enter the Hidden Field, ‘Hall of Knights’?]

The warning was particularly ominous.

What exactly did ”several system features” refer to?

Seong’s best guess was that it included conveniences like the messenger system.

It wasn’t a major issue, but it might be inconvenient.

Hmm.

After a brief moment of thought, Seong decided it would be wise to notify others just in case.

While he could always send a message after leaving, it was better to inform them beforehand to avoid complications later.

Once he made the decision to enter, he saw Rapid’s previous message flash in his memory:

[Rapid: ??? What do you mean by that???]

Did she have something else to say?

It didn’t matter—he could explain everything once he exited.

Satisfied with his preparations, Seong turned his attention back to the system notifications.

[Entering the Hidden Field, ‘Hall of Knights.’]

[You are the first to discover this Hidden Field!]

[First Discovery Reward Granted.]

[The base effects of the Hidden Field, ‘Hall of Knights,’ have increased by 50%.]

[Trial rewards within the Hidden Field, ‘Hall of Knights,’ have increased by 50%.]

[The First Discovery Reward will remain active until the dungeon is cleared.]

[All non-magical skill mastery will increase by 200% within the Hidden Field, ‘Hall of Knights.’]

[You are eligible to participate in the trials of the Hidden Field, ‘Hall of Knights.’]

[If you fail the trial, you will be immediately expelled from the Hidden Field and cannot re-enter.]

[Skill mastery gained during the trial will be retained, even upon failure.]

[Several system features, including the messenger, skill window, stat menu, and skill level-up notifications, will be unavailable in the Hidden Field.]

The notifications were extensive.

Reading through them, Seong noted the explanations for the initial rewards and the unique properties of the Hall of Knights.

After carefully reviewing everything, he glanced around.

The hall carried the weight of ages, its atmosphere steeped in history.

And amidst this timeless setting, countless spirits of knights appeared.

—“Ho! It’s been ages since we’ve had a visitor!”

—“Haha! And one with remarkable abilities, no less!”

—“A body capable of training? How enviable!”

—“Haha! While you’re here, we’ll lend you our aid!”

—“Yes! Let me teach you my swordsmanship!”

—“Hey! I was here first!”

—“No, I was here first!”

The spirits clamored, each eager to pass on their techniques.

They seemed delighted to have a visitor after so long.

After all, who else could possibly see them?

Seong tilted his head, observing the spirits rushing toward him.

They were all humanoid, resembling people in appearance.

Yet there was something distinctly different about them.

With pointed ears and strikingly beautiful features, even the older ones exuded a timeless elegance.

A particular race came to Seong’s mind.

“Elves?”

One of the most iconic races in fantasy lore.

And here they were, appearing before him as ghosts.