Overgeared: Saharan Successor

Chapter 47: Great Magician's Resurrection (II)

Odin crossed his arms, still keeping the egg close. "So, you got your answers? What now?"

[I want you to help me craft the Vessel of the Soul.]

Odin raised an eyebrow. "The Vessel of the Soul, huh?" He gave Braham a long look, then shrugged. "And what makes you think I'd be interested in helping you with that little project?"

Braham's expression grew darker.

[If you can smelt the Pavranium into a vessel, I am willing to impart to you my superior magic.] Braham's words dripped with pride, his voice swelling as though Odin should be honored.

Odin's eyes narrowed in interest. "I see... The magic spells of a Legendary Mage, huh? I'm deeply tempted. But there's a problem, mage. I'm not a blacksmith." 

Braham floated closer, undeterred by Odin's apparent disinterest. [You misunderstand, boy. You've already tamed the Pavranium, which I could have done before. You seem smart enough and clearly can learn the craft.] 

His voice was smooth, almost persuasive. [It might take less time for you to master the art than waiting decades, perhaps even centuries, for a Pagma Successor to stumble upon my labyrinth.]

Odin's amusement quickly soured. His eyes flickered with annoyance. "Look," he said, voice firm, "I didn't sign up to hole myself up in some dusty smithy for weeks, learning how to hammer metal. I'm not interested in playing blacksmith."

"I've got someone who has reached the Advanced Blacksmithing Mastery. He's the one handling all our crafting needs." He paused, irritation clear in his tone. "I'm a busy man, Braham."

The two go back and forth a bit because Braham suggests that Odin learn it since he can handle the Pavranium. It might take a shorter time than waiting decades or hundreds of years for a Pagma Successor to find his Labyrinth.

The great magician floated silently, taking in Odin's words. His pride as a legendary being would have made him expect someone like Odin to grovel at the chance to learn from him. Instead, this brat had the gall to dismiss him as an inconvenience. 

Braham could feel the aura of superiority radiating from Odin, bolstered by his Red Energy and those strange, piercing eyes, the 'Absolute's Eyes,' he realized.

Braham had never encountered such a unique specimen.

'I won't let this one slip,' Braham thought, his resolve hardening. He needed Odin.

[Very well.] Braham's voice dropped an octave, his tone becoming more serious. 

[If you learn smithing and craft the Vessel of the Soul for me, I will reward you with magic and my entire Enhanced Magic System.]

Odin's attention sharpened immediately.

[This system is the pinnacle of magic itself. It rivals the power of Dragon Magic. No!] Braham's prideful voice almost trembled with excitement. 

[I am confident that it surpasses even Dragon Magic.]

Odin's expression remained neutral, though his eyes gleamed with interest. "Now you're speaking my language," he said, his smirk returning. 

"Trading a few weeks to pick up a sub-profession in exchange for the knowledge of magic spells that could rival Dragon Magic... Not a bad trade for me."

Braham's red eyes glowed brighter, feeding off Odin's newfound interest. [That's right, child. You should be grateful to have such a magnanimous and wise mage to teach you,] Braham said, the old arrogance creeping back into his voice. 

[Consider it a privilege.]

Suddenly, a familiar ding echoed in Odin's mind.

[❗]

[Hidden Quest Triggered: Great Magician's Resurrection (SSS)]

[Great Magician's Resurrection.]

Difficulty; SSS

The legendary great magician Braham was a genius. He reigned as the best magician ever since he started learning magic. There was a myth that he survived against the fire dragon Trauka without dying. As he grew old, he started mourning that he was a mortal. Mentally and physically, he had already transcended humanity. Therefore, he wanted to become immortal.

After much research, he designed the 'Vessel of the Soul' that would regenerate his mortal soul into an immortal soul. But the Vessel of the Soul is an object that doesn't exist in this world and is impossible to create.

He searched for an entirely new mineral that could be used as a material for the Vessel of the Soul and learned that his old friend Pagma was trying to create a mineral that wasn't part of this world. He went to Pagma and assisted in the work. The two combined their power and created the mineral called pavranium.

Braham had no doubts that pavranium could be used to make the Vessel of the Soul. But the only blacksmith who could smelt pavranium was Pagma, who unfortunately died of old age.

In the end, Braham didn't achieve his wish!

He looked forward to the day that Pagma's Descendant would be born to create the Vessel of the Soul, creating 28 mines and setting up a maze all over the place before he died. Each labyrinth is full of minerals, and he believed that it would be enough to lure Pagma's Successor.

Now, 300 years have passed. Out of 28 pieces of Braham's soul that were sealed in 28 labyrinths, one has finally encountered you.

Braham wants you to make the Vessel of the Soul. Through the Vessel of the Soul, he will be resurrected with the soul and body of an immortal.

* Quest Clear Condition: Create the Vessel of the Soul.

* Quest Clear Reward: A second class called 'Legendary Great Magician' 

* Quest Failure: There is no penalty.

--

Odin's smirk faded as he carefully weighed the quest information displayed before him. His eyes flickered with caution as he glanced back at Braham, who had this weird expression.

"Sure…" Odin said finally, crossing his arms again. "I accept, but I want some of your magic as an advance payment."

Braham's spectral form seemed to bristle at the suggestion, the fiery intensity of his eyes flaring. 

[I can't.] Braham replied sharply. 

[Only when my Soul has become an Immortal Soul will I be capable of imparting the rewards to you. This is why it is paramount that you first create the Vessel.] 

His tone was resolute, brokering no argument. 

[For this, you'll also need to find all the scattered labyrinths I have created and retrieve the Pavranium pieces.]

Odin's expression turned sour at the mention of the labyrinths. "Then, again, it's hard. You must not be aware of how much work is involved in blacksmithing. I'd rather fuck a goblin than start hitting iron on an anvil all day."

Braham's expression soured at the vulgar comparison, but he kept calm. 

[There is a way.] he said, his voice more measured now.

Odin raised an eyebrow. "Which is?"

Braham floated closer, his ghostly form just inches from Odin's face. [Accept my soul into your body,] he said slowly. [I will need the nourishment of your mana not to have this soul dispersed into the ether.]

Odin stared at him blankly, waiting for the catch. "... Is that all?" he asked. "No strings attached?"

Braham's face twisted slightly at the memory of his old companion. [I'll not stoop that low like that asshole Pagma and screw you over,] Braham growled. [A word between gentlemen should be honored. I only ask for the mana needed to sustain my soul while I teach you my magic secrets.]

Odin's gaze lingered on Braham's spectral form, his instincts pricking at him. He didn't fully trust this Legendary Mage, but the allure of gaining the legendary spells of Braham was too tempting to ignore. This was what he lacked in his Skill Tree, powerful skills.

Until now, he has climbed his way to facing those boss monsters, using only his superior control and movements to counter them. Overall, his skills were garbage compared to the completed Black Knight Skill Tree that put him above millions upon millions of players.

'Even if I'm getting the short end of the stick, as long as I manage to steal some spells from this guy, it's a victory. The quest doesn't seem that hard, just need to reclaim a portion of the pavranium, enough to make it into a Vessel.'

'If those spells are OP as fuck, I might be able to share them with the Mages in the guild. Tho, I should also make some restrictions on who gets it.'

"Fine," Odin said, uncrossing his arms. His expression shifted into a more relaxed, confident smile. "I accept your task, Great Magician Braham. Come, get inside, and pass the spells."

At that moment, another notification appeared in his mind.

[Braham is trying to enter your body. Would you like to accept?]

"Of course."

At the same time, Odin's body was surrounded by light.

[You have accepted the soul of the great magician, Braham.][You have gained Braham's Knowledge Fragment.][In order to master Braham's magic, you must raise your intelligence.]

[The skill Magic Missile (Enhanced) can be used.]

[The skill Magic Detection (Enhanced) can be used.]

[The skill Frost Armor (Enhanced) can be used.]

[The skill Alarm (Enhanced) can be used.]

[The skill Arcane Intellect (Enhanced) can be used.]

[The skill Arcane Explosion (Enhanced) can be used.]

[In order to provide Braham's soul with steady magic power and restore it, you must raise your intelligence.]

[The skill 'Assimilation' has been generated.]

[Assimilation]

Will awaken Braham's consciousness in your body and become one.

At this time, your class will be converted to 'Great Magician' and control of the flesh will be transferred to Braham.

Skill Duration: 3 minutes

Skill Cooldown Time: 10 days

--

Odin stood still, absorbing the notifications flooding his mind as the power surge from Braham's soul began to integrate into his own. His muscles tensed briefly, then relaxed as the energy stabilized.

'I hope getting those spells won't ruin my Golden Ratio.'

A thought suddenly crossed Odin's mind, his eyes narrowing as he dismissed the notifications in his system window. 

"Hmm, Braham? Got a question." He paused, trying to sound casual but sharp. 

"Why are the spells you've given me the ones Mages at low stages learn from the Magic Towers? These are beginner spells. Magic Missile, Alarm, Detection... That's all pretty standard stuff."

There was a beat of silence as Braham's voice dropped to an annoyed tone.

[Don't be ignorant, boy. My spells are not the mediocre spells I shared with the world 300 years ago. They are the pinnacle of Magic since I've overturned the activation formula for all the magic spells known to humanity.]

Still unconvinced, Odin muttered. "... Let me check."

[Magic Missile (Enhanced) Lv. 1]

Rating: Legendary

[A magic missile developed by the legendary great magician who has completely overturned the activation formula.

It boasts tremendous power but consumes a lot of resources.

It deals damage equal to twice your current magic power to the target. It also ignores the enemy's magic resistance.

Resource Consumption: 400 Mana.

Skill Casting Time: 1 second.

Skill Cooldown Time: 2 seconds.]

--

Odin didn't know the specs of this basic spell that starting Mages learned at level 5 from the Magic Tower once they joined their faction. However, he didn't take long to grab some screenshots from the Guild's Forum with Mages boasting about their LV.10 Magic Missile.

--

[Magic Missile - Lv. 10]

Rating: Common

It is one of the most basic spells.

Deals damage equivalent to 5% of your current magic power to the target.

Resource consumption: 20 Mana.

Skill Casting Time: 1 second.

Skill Cooldown Time: 2 seconds.

--

Odin's jaw nearly dropped, if not because of his awareness of his surroundings. Undoubtedly, he would have expressed himself differently if he had been alone. 'Shibal. What the fuck is this? This is broken. 100% Magic Penetration? And the damage output... twice my magic power?'

He quickly cycled through the specs of the other spells Braham had bestowed upon him, and each one left him more astounded than the last.

'Arcane Intellect' massively boosted his intelligence stat briefly, increasing his mana regeneration and even quickening spell-casting times.

[Arcane Intellect (Enhanced) Lv.1]

Rating: Legendary

Arcane Intellect boosts the caster's intelligence and overall mana capacity, enabling more effective spell casting for a duration. 

* Increases intelligence by 20% for the duration of the spell.

* Increases the caster's maximum mana by 30%.

* Speeds up mana regeneration by 5% of the caster's max mana per second.

* Increases the chance for a spell to land a critical hit by 10%.

★ Special Attribute (Enhanced):

* Arcane Overflow: When the caster's mana drops below 20%, all spells cast for the next 5 seconds will cost 0 mana but deal 20% less damage.

Resource Consumption: 250 Mana.

Casting Time: 1 second

Duration: 10 minutes

Cooldown: 20 seconds

--

But others, like Frost Armor and Arcane Explosion, were far more complex and formidable than he expected. Each spell had intricacies that weren't immediately apparent, but his eyebrows shot up once Odin noticed the stats.

[Frost Armor (Enhanced) Lv.1]

Frost Armor surrounds the caster with an icy shield that significantly enhances physical and magical defense. 

This shield chills enemies who strike the caster, dealing frost damage over time and potentially freezing them.

* Reduces incoming physical damage by 30%.

* Increases resistance to elemental damage (especially fire) by 40%.

* If the same enemy strikes the caster more than twice within 3 seconds, there is a 50% chance they will be frozen for 2 seconds.

* Slows all enemies within a 5-meter radius by 20% for the shield duration.

★ Special Attribute (Enhanced):

This version of Frost Armor also boosts the caster's HP regeneration by 1% of total health every second while active.

Resource Consumption: 300 Mana.

Casting Time: 1 second

Duration: 180 seconds

Cooldown: 10 seconds

--

[Arcane Explosion (Enhanced) Lv.1]

Arcane Explosion unleashes a devastating blast of pure arcane energy centered around the caster that damages all enemies within range. It is designed to eradicate groups of enemies in one fell swoop while also ignoring any form of magical resistance.

* Deals damage equal to 500% of the caster's magic power to all enemies within a 15-meter radius.

* This spell completely ignores magic resistance, dealing full damage regardless of enemy defenses.

* Enemies hit by the explosion are knocked back 5 meters and have a 20% chance of being stunned for 2 seconds.

* Enemies affected by the explosion suffer an additional 20% damage from all arcane spells for the next 10 seconds.

★ Special Attribute (Enhanced):

* Arcane Aftershocks: After the initial explosion, smaller arcane bursts occur 3 seconds later, dealing 20% of the original damage to all enemies within the blast radius.

Resource Consumption: 800 Mana.

Casting Time: 1 second

Cooldown: 3 seconds

--

Checking those new Legendary Spells he gained from Braham, while some managed to raise his eyebrow from how obscure they seemed at first glance, the rest were practical and too overpowered. 

It made his Saharan Successor abilities seem like a joke, and who could blame him? He was blown away by the specs of 'Arcane Missile', 'Arcane Intelligence', 'Frost Armor' and 'Arcane Explosion'. 

He couldn't help but let out a low whistle. "Mister, you're a crazy son of a gun."

[Kid,] Braham's voice cut through with a smug tone. [Never in your life look down on this Great Magician.

Odin chuckled darkly. 'For sure. I have nothing to complain about now. Once I return to Fullbaz, I'll look into some Blacksmiths to start working on the Vessel.'

He paused, glancing around the dilapidated private chamber as if trying to look for some hidden treasures left behind by the Great Magician.

'By the way, how are you hanging there? Are you in my Mana Core?'

[It's better than having nothing. Not great, not terrible.]

[I would have wished you had more mana capacity, but you're not a mage or scholar based on your sword mastery, from what I can tell. While it is rebuking that you focus more on your body than your intelligence, it's understandable for your current stage. I can't blame you.]

[You even managed to find the Perfect Balance for your body.]

'Much appreciated. Ahem, you still remember where you put your Labyrinths, right?'

[Nothing to worry about. I can feel my Soul Fragments from here. However, I forgot to tell you something.]

Odin raised an eyebrow. 'Is it big?'

[No,] Braham said, his tone deceptively casual. [At least not from my perspective.]

'Well? What is it?'

[You will need to imbue the Pavranium with the Blessings of the god of health and wisdom, Judar. The god of war, Dominion. The goddess of light, Rebecca, and the god of darkness and pestilence, Yatan.]

Odin blinked, voicing out his thoughts. "All four gods?"

[Correct. After that, use the divine pavranium to make whatever vessel you like, as long as it can hold something. Then leave the rest to me. Once I'm resurrected, my spells will be yours.]

Odin scratched his head. "Doable. The first three are on easy mode. As for the Yatan Church… While they are insane folks, I'll think of something."

[Good.] Braham's voice sounded almost relieved. [I put my trust in you, child. It is better than waiting an eternity for Pagma's successor to show up.]

Odin let out a small laugh. "Honestly, I feel the same. You've made a 'Sagely' choice, Mister Braham." His eyes darted around the lab. "Now, hmm… Do you have any treasures stashed somewhere in this laboratory apart from the treasure chests?"

[Not in this particular location,] Braham said, sounding almost insulted that this guy he chose to carry his vessel had such greed in himself, but at the same time, it made him more at peace because he knew how to manipulate such greedy humans who were seeking his power.

If necessary, he could play into Odin's game until he lowers his guard enough for him to take over his body in case his Vessel of the Soul project fails.

Braham could feel that Odin's body was far stronger than a simple human. He was also the possessor of the Saharan Bloodline's Red Energy and the 'Absolute Eyes' that would take his Magic Research to Godly levels.

Odin smirked, pleased that he could suck dry of all the treasures Braham managed to gather in his lifetime. 

 "Huhu, marvelous."