Duke Dregan, still occupying Xander's body, looked at Atheria with a sense of warmth and wisdom in his eyes. He gently replied to her query, "I have been waiting for you both for a very long time. You see, Rosaline never anticipated that not just one, but two blood mages would come to aid me in ending her malevolent existence."Atheria was puzzled. "But how did you know we would come?"Dregan's smile was soft, almost nostalgic. "It was a hundred years after my death when a mage, a wise and powerful one, found his way to this castle. He spoke to me without Rosaline sensing it, thanks to a potent ritual he performed. This mage told me about Rosaline's ultimate demise being at the hands of two blood mages."A sense of awe and wonder filled Atheria. "So, it was a prophecy of sorts?"Dregan nodded. "Indeed, a prophecy foretelling the arrival of two blood mages who would bring about the end of Rosaline's malevolence. You two are the ones I've been waiting for."Bloodhound, who had been quie
"Let's go. I can't wait to leave this place," Atheria remarked as she moved away from the throne hall. With the vengeful spirits vanquished, Xander regained control of his body, and Bloodhound's personality receded.Together, they ventured toward the library. This time, the castle was devoid of spirits or disturbances. Upon reaching the library, Xander let out a sigh, taking in the chaotic scene."How on earth are we going to find that blasted book in this mess?" Atheria sighed in exasperation. The bookshelves were in disarray, books scattered haphazardly around the room, and the serpent's lifeless body still lay on the floor where they had slain it.Disregarding the thirty-foot-long snake, Xander and Atheria descended the stairs to begin their search for the book."You take one side, and I'll take the other," Xander suggested, and Atheria nodded in agreement. With that, they embarked on their quest to find the elusive book.For the next hour, Atheria and Xander scoured the library in
As Xander and Atheria reached the Diamond City docks, the morning sun cast a warm, golden glow across the city, illuminating its vibrant streets and the shimmering waters of the harbor. The city was a bustling tapestry of colors and sounds, coming to life with the dawn.Xander couldn't help but admire the breathtaking sunrise. He turned his gaze to Atheria, a soft smile on his face. "It's truly beautiful," he remarked, the warmth of the moment seeping into his words.Atheria nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting the serene beauty of the morning. "Yes, it is," she replied, sharing in the quiet appreciation of the city.Turning away from the tranquil sight of the sunrise, Xander and Atheria made their way into the heart of the bustling Diamond City. The city was coming to life; early birds chirped from the trees, and people emerged from their homes.Xander glanced at Atheria as they walked, a sense of anticipation in his voice. "I hope Mathias is already awake,"Atheria let out a sma
"So let me get this straight. Consuming black roots will make a mage powerless for days, depending on the potency. But if they consume too much or too often, they would die. How does this affect the world like you said? It just looks like extra steps to kill a mage," Xander growled.He had thought consuming black roots would rid him of his blood mage powers. However, he had learned that if he consumed too much black root or did so too frequently to suppress his powers, he could die from mana poisoning. Although Xander knew he wouldn't die unless his head was severed or his body burned completely, he doubted he would survive mana poisoning."You're not seeing the full picture," Mathias said."With this knowledge, alchemists will spend their lives brewing potions and weaponizing black roots. Imagine a poison made with black roots that could immediately strip a mage of their powers. It could change the tide of a war. Think about the spells or runes created using the essence of black root
Gardan's vision began to blur as Xander drained his blood from his neck. Desperate, Gardan struggled to free himself, his hands transforming into talons that tore through Xander's robes, leaving deep cuts on his back. Blood oozed from the wounds."Let... me... go..." Gardan mustered all his strength and unleashed a powerful punch that momentarily pushed Xander away. Gardan felt the sharp sting in his neck, the pain making it difficult to stand."What the hell are you, freak?!" Gardan roared, his vision growing hazy.Xander, with bloody fangs and chin, cracked his neck and flicked his wrist. The blood sword materialized in his hands."Now you die!" Xander shouted, charging at Gardan with inhuman speed. He was on the brink of beheading Gardan when golden chains suddenly materialized, coiling around Xander's hands."Stand down!" Another voice echoed through the room. Several armored soldiers, led by a golden-haired man, stormed into the room.Xander was stunned by the sudden appearance o
Xander stood there, shocked to his core. Duke Marvin's laugh echoed in the courtyard, a disarming sound given the circumstances."I must admit, I know quite a bit about you, Xander," Duke Marvin continued, his tone calm. "I'm well aware of your departure from Emberlyn and your predicament with the Mage Guild. Moreover, news of your survival on Singing Lady Island reached me, and I must say, I'm exceptionally curious to learn of your exploits there."With a measured pause, Duke Marvin continued, "But before we delve into that tale, there's a more pressing matter to discuss – the ongoing civil strife in Mooncrest. I believe you and your companion might be of great assistance in bringing an end to this conflict.""What is it that you want with us?" Xander asked, his voice cautious.Duke Marvin began to walk slowly toward Xander and Atheria, his every step deliberate and measured. The two guards flanked him, their imposing presence amplifying his authority."Walk with me, Xander," Duke Ma
"Kill the king?" Xander was startled as he asked the duke."You already killed the duke. What would they do if you killed the king, hang you twice?" Duke Marvin chuckled lightly, as though what he asked was not a big deal."Of course, you don't have to agree. But we both know this is the only chance you've got. How far will you go for your freedom, Xander?" asked Duke Marvin."King Slayer... it has a nice ring to it," Bloodhound coldly chuckled within Xander's mind."Can we have a moment alone to think about this, your grace?" Atheria asked the duke."Of course," Duke Marvin said, gesturing for them to go talk in an empty space several meters away from him.Xander nodded as he walked with Atheria. After walking away from the duke, Xander and Atheria began their discussion of what to do next."Damn it. Killing the king? Is he crazy?" Xander growled."You saw what King Roberts did," Atheria said. Judging by her tone, Xander could tell she was ready to agree to kill the king."What if Du
"It's beautiful," said Xander, genuinely mesmerized by the armor.Duke Marvin nodded, pleased with their appreciation of the Shadowsteel Armor. "It is my pleasure. Now, follow me to the planning room, where we will discuss the details of your mission."Atheria, ever practical, inquired about her armor. "What about mine?"The Duke's response was reassuring. "The blacksmiths are hard at work on it, my dear. It should be ready soon."With the Duke leading the way and Jackson at their side, they left the forge. Along a dimly lit corridor, they came upon a forbidding-looking door, flanked by two guards in resplendent armor. The Duke pushed it open, revealing a room that was far from what they had expected.The room was circular, with high ceilings and a massive round table dominating the center. On its polished surface lay various maps, blueprints, and documents. Several boards stood against the walls, covered in portraits and notes that seemingly detailed the workings of Mooncrest's polit