Chapter 59: New Trawn Woods
The Trawn Woods spanned several hundred kilometers, a dense forest brimming with life. Mystical and dangerous beasts roamed its expanse, ruled by five Emperor Beasts who each controlled a cardinal direction—North, South, East, West—and the center.
At the heart of this vast wilderness lay Michael's hidden base, an impressive blend of engineering and magic. Built with meticulous precision, the underground sanctuary sat atop a natural mana geyser. The base housed Michael's home, a state-of-the-art forge, and a facility where he channeled the geyser's energy to cultivate mana crystals.
As Michael arrived at the base, he approached a massive figure cloaked in blue flames. The creature exuded a powerful aura, resting in a slumbering state.
"You're here," rumbled Protector, its voice deep and resonant.
Michael crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "Looks like you've been slacking," he said dryly, motioning for the creature to follow.
Protector stirred, standing to its full height before its form began to shift. The flames dissipated, and the towering beast transformed into a muscular human, clad only in shorts. His rugged appearance reflected the raw power he embodied.
Michael led Protector to a concealed entrance embedded in the forest floor. He pushed open the hidden door, revealing a well-lit underground chamber. Inside, he dropped onto a plush couch, stretching out with a contented sigh.
"I'm staying here from now on," Michael announced nonchalantly.
Protector raised a brow. "Why the sudden change?"
Michael's smirk widened. "Some idiot threatened me. I'm done with the Academy—for now. This base will be my new home."
Protector nodded in understanding. "How long will you stay? And what's your current level?"
Michael turned his head slightly, his amber eyes glinting. "Peak Archmage. What about you?"
"I've climbed to third in your rankings," Protector replied confidently.
Michael let out a short laugh. "So, you beat Amanda?"
Protector nodded as Michael activated a hidden panel. A ranking board illuminated on the wall, displaying the standings of his core subordinates: five Emperor-level beasts, his Vampire Lord, Death Knight, and Amanda.
At the top was Cecilia, Michael's Vampire Lord. Her intelligence and finesse made her an indispensable ally. Razor, his relentless Death Knight, held the second position, while Protector had recently claimed the third. The remaining ranks were hotly contested among Michael's other subordinates, all engaged in fierce training.
"Where are the rest of them?" Michael asked.
"In the training room," Protector said, gesturing to another door.
Michael stepped through to find a large, glass-walled arena filled with the sounds of combat. Inside, Amanda was locked in an intense battle with Razor. Her movements were swift and precise, each strike brimming with power. Razor, however, countered effortlessly, his strength and skill on full display.
Michael observed with folded arms, a small smile playing on his lips. "Amanda's been training hard since losing to you," he remarked.
Protector glanced toward a raised platform at the side of the room. Sitting elegantly was a strikingly beautiful woman with silvery-white hair and glowing ruby-red eyes: Cecilia, Michael's Vampire Lord. Sensing his gaze, Cecilia turned, her eyes lighting up as she spotted him. In an instant, she appeared before him, her movements fluid and graceful.
"How are you, Cecilia?" Michael asked casually, his focus still on the match.
Cecilia offered a slight bow, her voice melodic yet respectful. "I am well, Master."
Michael tilted his head toward her. "How many tier levels have you advanced since my last check?"
Cecilia's lips curled into a faint smile. "You underestimate me, Master. My purpose isn't merely to grow stronger—it's to ensure your will is carried out. Any strength I gain is solely for that purpose."
Michael chuckled, finally turning to face her. "Fair enough. I'll be relying on you. I'm setting up here permanently."
Cecilia's eyes widened briefly before she regained her composure. "You'll be living here?" she asked, her voice quieter but tinged with excitement.
"Yes," Michael confirmed simply.
For a moment, Cecilia's reserved demeanor cracked. Her ruby eyes sparkled, and though she tried to mask her joy, the small smile on her lips betrayed her emotions.
"Understood, Master," she said with a graceful bow, quickly regaining her calm. Yet the glimmer of excitement remained in her gaze, reflecting her eagerness to serve him directly once again.
Michael smirked, turning his attention back to the arena. Amanda unleashed a flurry of powerful attacks, but Razor countered each one with unshakable precision, proving why he held the second rank.
***
The training room thrummed with raw energy as Archmage Amanda faced Razor, the imposing Death Knight and master of aura. The atmosphere was electric, the impending clash of their abilities casting flickering shadows across the arena walls.
Amanda stood poised, her sharp emerald eyes locked onto Razor like a predator sizing up its prey. She exuded focused intensity, her flowing robes rippling with the force of her mana. Arcane runes hovered around her hands, pulsing with vibrant energy. With a swift motion, she conjured spears of pure mana and launched them toward Razor with blistering speed.
Razor stood motionless, a monument of stoic confidence. His crimson eyes gleamed with predatory calm as he watched the magical spears approach. With a surge of dark, pulsating aura, he raised his hand, forming a translucent barrier that absorbed the projectiles with ease, each impact rippling across the surface before dissipating harmlessly.
Amanda pressed on without hesitation. With a fluid gesture, the runes around her hands spiraled outward, forming a vortex of crackling arcane energy. Glowing sigils etched themselves into the floor beneath her as she channeled a devastating spell. From her outstretched hands erupted a roaring wave of fire, its heat distorting the air as it surged toward Razor.
Unmoved, Razor's aura coalesced into a razor-thin blade in his grip. With practiced precision, he swung the blade, slicing the fiery wave in two. The flames parted, scorching the walls behind him but leaving Razor untouched. Before Amanda could react, he closed the distance between them in a blur of speed, his aura-clad blade arcing toward her with deadly intent.
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