Capítulo 55: Magic Land
Juliet infiltrated the Book of Demons, and I found my curiosity waning. My possessions had amassed to the point that a gentle shake would send a cascade tumbling down, yet not a single item among them was what I truly needed. All the cards and powers I possessed were fractured and incomplete, transforming what for many would be an exhilarating opportunity for collection into mere aggravation for me.
After completing the tasks of this training camp, I resolved to detach myself from these companions and pursue something extraordinary. With this determination in mind, I retrieved the treasure map and examined it closely. While it baffled me that an adventurer in this modern era would still resort to the ancient tool of parchment, upon further scrutiny, I discerned some intriguing details. This treasure map bore peculiar magical fluctuations, marking it as a rare magical artifact.
Inscribed in the language of demons, deciphering it posed no challenge for me; however, I found no familiar landmarks of Demon Island on the map. After several thorough examinations, I still could not ascertain the exact location indicated by the treasure map. Remembering Snook's sinister grin when he handed it to me, I suspected he had given me a false map. But would he truly expend effort crafting a fake map for deception? Such a valuable item was of considerable worth; if he intended to counterfeit, why employ such a rare magical map?
"Magic maps are not so easily manipulated. Let me teach you how to use it," Juliet's voice resonated in my mind. Clearly, even within the confines of the Book of Demons, she could perceive my inner doubts. Under Juliet's guidance, I experimented with the nameless martial arts technique, White Gold Glory, and ultimately infused a thread of cursed magic power into the parchment. Instantly, it shimmered with light, revealing the true potential of the magical map.
After I channeled a hint of magical energy into the parchment, the map sprang to life. When I attempted to command it, the parchment shrank dramatically, reducing in size by more than tenfold. As it contracted, the area it displayed expanded, and at last, I glimpsed the existence of Demon Island. The treasure map indicated a small island, with Demon Island lying to the east of it. This treasure location was more than ten times smaller than Demon Island, with a distance of several hundred kilometers separating the two islands. "This is indeed more useful than satellite navigation; let's see what else this map reveals."
As I strived to extend the view, attempting to push the limits of the map, I reached a point where, after magnifying it hundreds of times, I vaguely perceived a coastline but could not proceed further. The map depicted a narrow maritime region spanning approximately one hundred thousand square kilometers, with Demon Island at its northernmost tip and a coastline at the southern end. However, I could not discern what lay beyond that coastline—whether it was a continent or a larger island.
I recalled Lilith mentioning that the map's owner had managed to eliminate over five hundred pursuers during their organization's siege, leaving them in dire straits. I couldn't help but admire the strength of this individual; he had explored such far-reaching places in a perilous world. I had wondered why I had never encountered traces of the winged demon apes on Demon Island; it turned out that the treasure lay far beyond its shores. What means could I employ to reach that island?
The Red Spider helicopter could serve, but I had no knowledge of flying, and Lilith would be more of a hindrance than a help. Contemplating the alchemical spell of Eternal Wings, my heart swelled with eagerness—if I could forge a pair of magical wings, it would greatly aid my treasure-seeking endeavors. Moreover, the winged demon apes, as their name implied, were surely capable of flight; lacking aerial combat abilities would put me at a disadvantage.
Though defeating the swamp dragons was time-consuming, it was merely a matter of time for us. The pivotal challenge lay in capturing the thunderbirds; I needed to devise a plan to catch a few alive. The sound of my communicator interrupted my strategic musings as Wolf King and the others sent messages, reminding me that we were about to set out.
The memory of the swamp dragon's tough, leathery hide left me feeling somewhat disheartened. When we reconvened at the hotel entrance, I hefted a powerful heavy machine gun. Although the weapon was disproportionately large for my frame, in my grasp, it felt as light as a feather.
Upon seeing my formidable stance, Wolf King grinned and remarked, "Wang Lin, you're far more interesting now than when we first met. Back then, you seemed like a novice; now you exude a certain manly bravado." I casually tossed down over ten boxes of ammunition, responding nonchalantly, "When there's money to spend, a man's spirit tends to rise."
Wolf King's face lit up with joy at the sight of the ammunition; he was in dire need of funds. Although he had managed to acquire some during this time, expenses on Demon Island were exorbitant. Today, he had exhausted his resources to purchase a batch of bullets, worried they might not suffice for the day's needs. My timely contribution brought a smile to his face.
I wasn't naive enough to think that someone like Wolf King could be easily bought; thus, I offered only the ammunition and refrained from foolishly revealing the cards I possessed that could enhance combat power. Snook, Bullet, Romy, and Milinda appeared less than pleased. Ultimately, Bullet forced a smile at me, tacitly taking on the role of negotiator.
The four of us had deliberated for quite some time about the prolonged method of killing swamp dragons. We simply lacked time. Snook wanted to barter a secret for our assistance and proposed we seek the treasure immediately. Just as I was about to respond, Lilith whispered in my ear, "My organization is in dire straits. We communicated with the outside world yesterday, and they agreed to some conditions."
"What? You can still communicate with the outside?" Snook shrugged and replied softly, "Though you all seem formidable, you're still rookies on Demon Island. While this is my first time in this cursed place, our Lock Group has previously stationed a mercenary team on Demon Island."
I gasped in astonishment; organizing a mercenary band on Demon Island indicated immense power and influence beyond my imagination.
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