Kapitel 53: Chapter 53: The Wizard’s Trail and the Forgotten Ones
In a maple forest between Peter's and Frank's territories, an old man and a young girl walked side by side. Both had their right arms wrapped in mummy-like bandages. Other than that, their attire wasn't too different from that of Storm Kingdom citizens.
The girl turned to the old man and asked, "Teacher Koko, are you sure there's something here that can save us? I feel like a battle happened here—different magical powers are tangled in this land."
"Am I right, Teacher?"
The old man looked at the girl with a kind expression and replied, "You're absolutely right. You truly are a genius in magic. If you had lived over two thousand years ago, you might have had the chance to become a First-Class Wizard Apprentice."
"Perhaps you could have achieved even greater heights."
"It's such a pity... such a waste. Someone like you deserves better resources. I'm not just searching for the Four Seasons Garden to replenish our magical source. According to the wizard inheritance I received, the garden contains a wishing pool. If I could immerse you in its waters, your magical talent would soar, and your Mental Power would increase significantly."
"I have a method to locate the Four Seasons Garden. My inheritance includes knowledge of the invisibility and mortal-repelling enchantments used on that wizard relic. With enough time, I can deduce its location."
Koko spoke warmly but suddenly lifted his head, his gaze turning icy as he stared at a nearby maple tree. "Don't worry, Vier."
"We, the Forgotten Ones, refuse to disappear quietly into the annals of history. We despise humanity, the wizard kin who abandoned us, and the sorcerer clans from two millennia ago who cast us aside."
"You, my dear, are one of our hopes."
"As for the wizard hiding in this territory—whoever they may be—they are no real threat. If they can't even conceal their magical power, they must be self-taught. We may be downtrodden, but we at least have a proper inheritance. They're not even worth considering."
Suddenly, Koko raised his hand. A scream echoed from behind the maple tree, followed by the sound of a heavy object collapsing.
Behind the tree, a cultist lay lifeless on the ground, his mouth, eyes, ears, and nose overrun with vines. The vines extracted his life force as they grew.
Koko chuckled. "It seems someone hoped to beat us to the prize."
"Foolish dreamers."
"Even the sorcerers of the Supreme Order think they can lay hands on a wizard's relic? They are unworthy."
The cultist's terrified face contorted as a green sprout emerged from one of his eyes. With a sickening pop, his eyeball burst, and the sprout quickly blossomed into a rose.
The girl turned away from the grisly scene. "Teacher, that's too cruel. You used the Lesser Growth Curse in such a way?"
Koko glanced at her with surprise, then softened his expression. "Hehe, little one, you're still unaccustomed to combat. But child, battle is like this—it's either kill or be killed."
The girl shook her head. "But it will corrupt my magic. You've told me before that, until I become a First-Class Wizard Apprentice, it's best not to kill. The more bloodshed on my hands, the more trouble I'll face in the future."
Koko looked at her thoughtfully, thinking to himself: That advice is for geniuses like you. For people like me, such concerns are irrelevant.
---
In Peter's castle, Su Nan welcomed Solon, a devout follower of the Lord of Fire.
The Lord of Fire was also part of the Order Pantheon, ranked even higher than the Lord of Beasts and, in recent years, approaching the Storm God in prominence. The Storm God's importance had only risen with the establishment of the Storm Kingdom.
Solon hailed from the Ambrosian Republic of the Boot Peninsula, a region far wealthier than the Storm Kingdom. However, he had been exiled after being falsely accused of plagiarizing another's artistic work—a devastating accusation for an artist.
When Father Louis learned of Solon's plight, he recommended him to Su Nan, who extended an invitation to the disgraced artist.
As Su Nan descended from the castle, Solon greeted him with an exaggerated gesture typical of Ambrosian culture. His colorful attire, reminiscent of a peacock, was equally ostentatious.
The fashion of the Boot Peninsula often clashed with the Storm Kingdom's simpler tastes. Yet, their devotion to aesthetics could be traced back to their worship of the Lord of Fire, the only deity in the Order Pantheon who demanded his followers to love knowledge and wisdom.
This cultural trait had given rise to city-state republics, which stood in opposition to feudal lords and monarchies. These republics ranged from lifetime-dictator-led commercial republics to oligarchic republics, democratic republics, and more. Most were essentially city-states or small nations formed through alliances.
"Lord Su Nan," Solon said, "thank you for placing your trust in me during my most difficult time."
"You understand, plagiarism is the gravest accusation for an artist."
"By the flames of the Lord of Fire, I would rather be burned alive than be guilty of stealing someone else's mediocre ideas. Behold! These are the ten hollow gargoyle statues I have crafted for you. Placed atop your castle, they will be radiant."
"I've even modified their designs slightly to resemble the angels of the Storm God."
Solon's confidence was evident. He took pride in his artistry, unaware that Su Nan had commissioned these works not for decoration or religious purposes, but for magical transformation.
Had Solon known, he might have refused the job, even in his desperate state.
Su Nan inspected the gargoyles. They were indeed exquisitely crafted, lifelike, and, most importantly, met his specifications. The wings were precisely twice the length of their bodies, ensuring the statues could glide effectively when animated.
This precision showed Solon's ability to adhere to specific requirements while adding his artistic flair in non-essential areas.
That was enough for Su Nan.
In this era, most artists were polymaths. A painter was likely also a sculptor, an architect, or even an engineer. Employing such a person was undeniably beneficial, especially since Su Nan's Sacrificial Stone Potion series required a significant number of statues.
Su Nan thought for a moment and said, "The Storm Kingdom isn't as wealthy as the Boot Peninsula, so your initial wages will be modest—five gold coins a month. Is that acceptable?"
Solon calculated quickly. Sixty gold coins a year was lower than he hoped, but he had to be realistic. This was the Storm Kingdom, not the prosperous Golden Peninsula.
Confident in his abilities, Solon believed he would eventually earn Su Nan's admiration—and higher wages.
With a satisfied smile, Solon bowed. "Thank you, my lord. I'm eager to begin my next masterpiece."
Su Nan raised an eyebrow. "As it happens, I have another task. I've acquired two obsidian statues from the Bulgars, and I need you to design two more based on my specifications—optimized for combat."
Solon blinked in surprise. "For combat? You mean... to fight?"
"Art for battle?"
After a moment's thought, he nodded. "That's... unconventional, but not impossible. Very avant-garde!"
"Let's begin immediately. Obsidian is harder to carve than ordinary stone, but I assure you, it won't be a problem for me."
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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