However, upon a cursory glance, it was virtually impossible to distinguish this magic rune from any other.
Even upon closer inspection, one would likely assume it was merely the rune of a specialized Tier 4 spell.
No one would ever imagine that it was an unfinished magic rune condensed by a Tier 3 Mage.
He reached out toward the magic rune on his magic circle, but his hand passed right through it.
“It seems magic runes, just like magic circles, have no physical substance.”
“So, does this unfinished magic rune possess the other functions of a magic rune?”
Li Xiuman decided to test it once more.
The most famous function of a magic rune was, of course, its ability to boost spellpower.
Waving his wand, he aimed it forward.
The magic rune on the magic circle burst with brilliant light.
“Tier 2 Magic, Great Fireball!”
Flames condensed and compressed rapidly, coalescing into a massive fireball that crackled continuously with violent pops.
Extreme heat swept through the space once again.
“BOOM!”
The Great Fireball blasted another molten crater into the ground.
“Its power really did increase!”
Next, Li Xiuman cast Great Fireball again without activating the magic rune, blowing open another crater.
Standing beside the two craters, he compared the damage.
“A boost of around twenty percent?”
“If I acquire more magic runes in the future...”
Li Xiuman couldn't help daydreaming about such a scenario.
Opening a magic circle densely covered in magic runes, where a simple Tier 1 spell, boosted layer after layer, could obliterate an entire mountaintop.
It seemed he would have to study even harder from now on.
[Ding! Proficiency requirement met. Magic Analysis Lv. 3 → Magic Analysis Lv. 4.]
The world before his eyes blurred for a moment.
The magic models memorized in his mind became remarkably clearer.
As he recalled the magic circles and magic models of various spells, he realized they all vividly transformed into 3D models in his mind, ready for him to inspect at will.
He tried creating a new spell.
Without using pen or paper, a model of a magic circle appeared in his mind.
He altered and refined its details at whim.
“So powerful...”
“Calm down. For a genius like you, isn't this only natural?”
Suppressing his excitement, Li Xiuman retracted his magic circle, cooled the lava in the two craters using Crystal Orchid, and left the floor.
Having learned the Tier 3.5 spell, there was no need for him to stay any longer.
Next, according to plan, he was going to dig up the Crystal Hero's grave.
...
“Master, this is your book.”
Jetis returned The Skeleton's Magic Book to Li Xiuman's hands.
“Mm.”
Li Xiuman took the book and tucked it into his robes.
“Are you clear on your assignment?”
Li Xiuman instructed her.
Don't go around picking up vampires everywhere anymore, or even I won't be able to afford feeding them.
Besides, being the big boss of some evil organization doesn't exactly let me sleep soundly.
“Yes, Jetis remembers clearly!”
Jetis nodded hastily.
Though she didn't know Master's grand blueprint...
...she only needed to follow closely in Master's footsteps, expanding the organization until they gathered all the vampires in the entire magical world.
And then, using that strength, assist Master in achieving his grand goal.
Even if it meant overthrowing this entire kingdom!
As long as it was Master's goal!
The two looked at each other—one above, one below—leaving everything unsaid.
A conversation between intelligent people always knows where to stop.
Jetis is so well-behaved.
Truly worthy of being my trusted lieutenant.
“Well then, I'm off.”
Li Xiuman adjusted his cloak and walked toward the exit of Base No. 2.
“May Jetis know where Master is heading?”
Jetis asked hurriedly.
Li Xiuman thought for a moment, pulled out a rainbow-colored, teardrop-shaped stone, tossed it into the air, and caught it in his palm.
The stone pointed directly toward the south.
Going south to dig up the Crystal Hero's grave.
“South.”
Jetis shuddered slightly, carefully glancing up at Li Xiuman.
Seeing Master so calm and composed, admiration welled up even more within Jetis's heart.
Is this Master?
Right now, the White Feather Merchant Association has established a firm foothold in White Crystal City to the north, building up fame, capital, trade routes, and connections over this winter.
They should have continued northward, securing small, steady victories.
Yet Master did not seek stability. Instead, he set his sights on starting anew in the south, where they had no foothold whatsoever.
This is a massive gamble.
There's a high chance of losing everything, squandering all the advantages accumulated so far.
But if it succeeds, the White Feather Merchant Association will accomplish a second expansion, laying down an unshakeable foundation to become a massive merchant association.
Master places great importance on this.
He has even decided to go personally.
This is Master. It was the exact same before—heading off alone to Iron River City and making moves to lay out the marvelous situation they had today.
White Bear City and White Crystal City are already secure.
Once winter passes, spring will take root in the soil accumulated during this harsh season and flourish continuously.
It can already be handed over to Rorona.
Here in White Bear City, President Tedela is in charge, so my role isn't that crucial anymore.
Jetis has made up her mind!
She will follow in Master's footsteps, walk Master's path, and personally head south to start anew!
Jetis was thrilled internally, because she was certain she was stepping onto the path of Master's advance!
All the thousands of words in her heart at this moment condensed into a single sentence.
A sentence that filled her with pride.
“I understand, Master.”
She carefully looked up, wanting to observe Master's reaction.
However, Master merely nodded nonchalantly, as if going out to sweep a grave, and left without looking back.
This is Master. No matter the occasion, he remains composed and indifferent.
A master worthy of her following and serving for a lifetime.
Until Li Xiuman left, then Jetis trotted over to her desk.
With a swish, she unrolled a map.
Grabbing a quill, she circled city after city in the south.
Finally, her gaze landed on the grandest city of all, one no less magnificent than White Crystal City.
Dawn City.
“Right here!”
Dawn City was a legendary metropolis.
It was full of tales and legends—a city of fame, the birthplace of heroes in many stories.
And the place where many story heroes retired into seclusion.
It sat beside the Lantes United Kingdom's second-largest river, the River of Light.
Having locked onto her target location, Jetis didn't hesitate.
She quickly penned two letters and ordered them delivered to Rorona in White Crystal City and Tedela at the Reby Merchant Association.
Then, leading a group of vampires, she left White Bear City in separate batches, hastening toward Dawn City.
She even departed the city earlier than Li Xiuman...
...
“La la la~”
Li Xiuman felt cheerful, humming a tune in his heart.
An unfinished magic rune, a Tier 3.5 spell, Lv. 4 Magic Analysis, and gaining a steady, reliable lieutenant in Jetis.
As long as Jetis practiced his theory, nothing would go wrong with the Blood Bone Organization—it would absolutely have zero future.
Sooner or later, it would go bankrupt, become unable to feed all those vampires, and disband on the spot.
Then he wouldn't ever have to worry about becoming the boss of a villain organization.
“My back feels chilly.”
“Looks like it's those guys.”
“Waiting for me for so long, they must be dying of impatience by now.”
Passing through the city gates, he left White Bear City.
Li Xiuman quickly found a dense forest and unleashed a swarm of Golems wearing his clothes, scattering them in every direction.
“I already took the time earlier to set up my escape routes.”
“Now let's see how much stronger I've gotten compared to before.”
Li Xiuman tapped his toes against the ground as a yellow magic circle expanded and sank into the earth.
Trap Magic, Concealed Ground Spike.
Rate on N.U.
