Chapter 520: Dak Demon’s Soul Sacrifice (6k)
The next dawn, Pandora and Hephaestus left the capital city by carriage.
They planned to take a mana train to a small town near Saint Maryann Academy and then decide on their next steps.
From the information leaked from the Duke’s Mansion, both had sensed the significant actions the Church of the Saints was about to take. If they stayed in the capital any longer, it might cause unnecessary trouble for the Duke’s Mansion.
“Don’t look anymore; they’ve already left,” Claire prodded Dak’s cheek and reminded him.
Dak took a deep breath of the freshest air at dawn and said, “Then let’s begin our experiment.”
…
After a night of contemplation, Dak had more guesses about the source of the Underworld Fire.
According to common human understanding, after death, one enters the Underworld where the soul’s consciousness gradually fades over time.
But matter and energy are conserved.
Nothing disappears without reason.
What people call “the fading of consciousness” might be transformed into something else, like the “Underworld Fire”?
Dak believed that complete “Underworld Fire” could be a collection of some kind of consciousness.
Perhaps they would be categorized differently based on their inclinations, fusing into huge consciousness entities.
And though they wouldn’t be called “Underworld Fire,” the existence of such massive consciousness entities was highly likely.
The gray flame in Dak’s hand was just a small part of it.
Regardless, he needed to confirm the basic properties of this Underworld Fire through an experiment.
Only by understanding it could he control it.
There was also a ready-made way to understand it right now.
At the same time, he could see how deeply he could control this Underworld Fire.
Not long after, Dak was ready in the lab.
Experiment personnel: Dak Demon;
Assistant: Claire Kate;
Logistics: Olivia Demon;
Observers: Alvaraite Saint Demon;
Observers: Aurora Montiel Farley;
Materials: Underworld Fire;
Angus Jeffrey once used a segment of a spell derived from this Underworld Fire to forge two “Underworld Tablets.”
Now that Dak had obtained ownership of the Underworld Fire, he naturally gained the spell as well.
Even from Angus Jeffrey’s memories, he learned how to compile the spell.
Otherwise, with Dak’s current level of “Mana Language,” he might not be able to compile the spell smoothly in real-time.
“The same spell, different people compiling it with Mana Language can sometimes yield completely different results.”
Claire carefully checked the compilation method Dak had copied and said, “This compilation method itself is fine; you should follow it.”
Dak nodded and immediately began to compile the spell.
Alvaraite and Aurora sat on the side drinking tea.
Half an hour later, Dak preliminarily completed the spell compilation, then continued to test and adjust it according to Angus Jeffrey’s method.
By nine o’clock in the morning, he finally completed all the adjustments.
“Next, we will use this spell as the foundation to forge a Magic Spell Card.”
From compiling the spell to forging a Magic Spell Card using the Underworld Fire as the core material, it was a thorough understanding process.
Dak took a pipette and tried to draw a tube of “flames” from the “Underworld Fire.”
The nature of this “Underworld Fire” was very peculiar; it neither released heat nor consumed fuel.
It felt like it wasn’t really fire but a soul-like substance shaped like flames.
So although it looked like it was “burning,” it was actually just “swaying.”
Overall, it was divided into two parts.
One part was the tiny flame-like core, and the other was the outer flames surrounding the core.
The core was hard to extract, storing memory, mana, and other substances.
The outer flames were like “skin and hair,” which could regrow once removed.
Angus Jeffrey’s “Underworld Tablet” was made from these outer flames, ultimately forged out.
Thus, Dak also drew a tube of “flames,” using it as ink to start forging this Magic Spell Card.
In fact, this Magic Spell Card was not difficult to forge. Both the spell compilation and the collection of other materials fell within the simpler range.
The overall difficulty was probably lower than the “Flash Spell.”
Its ability to ultimately forge a “Magic Spell Card” like the “Underworld Tablet” relied entirely on the special nature of the “Underworld Fire.”
To observe and test the “Underworld Fire” more thoroughly during the forging process, Dak deliberately slowed down the forging speed.
But by around ten thirty, he still completed this forging.
This first attempt using “Underworld Fire” was very smooth.
Just like the memory fragments showed, when Angus Jeffrey forged it.
According to Angus Jeffrey’s memory, from the second forging onwards, the success rate dropped significantly.
He spent nearly a whole week forging the second “Underworld Tablet,” and after that, he found it impossible to succeed again.
That “Underworld Fire” almost drove him mad, but he managed to replenish its growth with constant duels.
Dak had no mercy for this “Underworld Fire.”
So, he also intended to drive it to exhaustion!
…
“Is it successfully forged like this?”
Aurora carefully observed the Magic Spell Card lying quietly on the table and asked curiously.
“Yes, the basic Mana Spell Forging isn’t complicated. You’ll encounter it frequently once you start school.”
Dak picked up the Magic Spell Card with tweezers, rinsed it clean in the sink, and then placed it back on the lab table.
Everyone’s gaze converged on the Magic Spell Card. Its edges glowed faintly with a gray flame-like light, while the card’s base color was pitch black.
Staring at that pitch-black surface produced an illusion of being drawn in.
On top of the dark background lay a rusted gray collar.
The collar’s surface bore vague flame-like patterns, extending a silver-gray chain much thicker than the collar itself from the clasp.
The end of the chain had a circular ring for gripping.
“Not the “Underworld Tablet”?”
Dak frowned slightly, feeling a bit disappointed.
Angus Jeffrey’s “Underworld Tablet” was visibly useful, capable of binding the “Moon Goddess” with the powerful “Underworld Binding Chain.”
But Mana Spell Forging was like this; the characteristics of the Magus always influenced the forging to some degree.
The final outcome of the炼成 will vary.
Claire prodded his cheek and reminded him, “Stop spacing out, take a look at what kind of魔咒卡 this is?”
“Uh-huh.” Dark responded and picked up the 魔导卡, infusing it with a thread of 魔力.
The collar on the card emitted a glow, transmitting some information through the 魔力 into Dark’s mind.
He pondered for a moment and said, “The ‘Underworld Soul Ring’, a 魔咒卡 that can summon a soul collar… From this, it seems the effect of that spell is likely to be restraining.”
“A restraining spell?” Claire propped her chin up in thought and asked, “Then what is the function of your ‘Underworld Soul Ring’?”
“Let me see.” Dark continued to infuse 魔力, conducting a deeper analysis of the 魔咒卡 in his hand.
After a moment, a smile appeared on his face. “It’s not bad.”
【Underworld Soul Ring: Summons a soul collar to restrain the opponent’s soul, dragging them into the abyss of the Underworld as a sacrifice to the Underworld God.】
“It’s a 魔咒卡 that can bind an opponent’s 魔导精灵 and turn them into a sacrifice for our side, with very broad applications.”
“However, it seems there might be some limitations in terms of binding strength; it can probably only convert first-tier 魔导精灵 into sacrifices for our side. For second-tier 魔导精灵, there would only be a certain degree of restraining effect.”
Dark continued to infuse 魔力 and then cast a regular 召唤术, quickly summoning the “Underworld Soul Ring”.
Such props summoned through 魔咒卡 are actually manifestations of 魔力, a form of magic rather than a true prop.
The same applies to Angus Jeffrey’s “Underworld Stele”.
However, when magi categorize these, they sometimes classify this type of 魔法卡 as an 道具卡.
Just like the “Holy Sword Spell”, it belongs to both 魔法卡 and 道具卡 categories.
After summoning the “Underworld Soul Ring”, Dark subconsciously looked for the small demon beast.
After a moment, he remembered that the small demon beast was still studying hard.
Claire carefully observed the collar in Dark’s hand and said, “It’s somewhat similar to my ‘Beast Trap Ring’. However, while mine is stronger, it can only catch Avian-beast Kin.”
Then she thought for a bit and added, “Jeffery can increase the strength by refining two ‘Underworld Steles’. Maybe you can do the same?”
Dark glanced at the “Underworld Fire” with its fairly full flames and considered, “I could give it a try.”
…
With this idea, Dark immediately began the second round of 炼成.
But until nine o’clock at night, after completely stripping the external flames off the core of the “Underworld Fire”, he still couldn’t refine the second 魔咒卡.
Claire and Alvaraite had already left early in the day.
Although the details of the “Underworld Fire” were inconvenient to disclose, they could still reduce the danger by strengthening security and strictly investigating crimes.
Therefore, the only one remaining by Dark’s side was Aurora Montiel Farley.
To Aurora, the whole process felt like watching an elementary school student observe a college student conducting an experiment.
Knock knock knock.
Click.
Olivia carried in pastries and tea, placed the tray on the table, and asked, “How did it go? Any results?”
Dark smiled helplessly, “No results, but it’s over.”
As he spoke, he put down everything in his hands and invited Aurora to help clean up the remains of the experiment.
The simplest way to replenish the external flames of the “Underworld Fire” is to engage in a 决斗 with someone.
But engaging in a 决斗 inevitably carries risks; even if victorious, it brings pain, which is entirely contrary to the vision of bringing smiles through 决斗.
Moreover, Dark wasn’t sure if he could activate the “Dark Duel.”
After all, he wasn’t possessed by the “Underworld Fire.”
“In that case, I’ll have to wait patiently for the Underworld Fire to grow on its own, cut it once, grow it again, cut it again…”
Dark used his fingertip to prod the “Underworld Fire,” now reduced to walnut size. Suddenly, he had an idea, reached out, and grabbed it into his palm.
Then he infused 魔力 into his palm, closing his fingers, and actually pressed the “Underworld Fire” slowly beneath the skin of his palm.
When he stopped, the “Underworld Fire” was completely hidden within his palm!
…
The next Monday, the capital city started drizzling rain from dawn.
Alvaraite and Claire left the Duke’s Mansion early in the morning.
After finishing his morning practice, Dark didn’t focus much more on the “Underworld Fire” and instead resumed working on the 编写 of the “Transfiguration Spell” and filling in the textbook for 数学Ⅱ.
Not long after, Diana re-joined the study group with Camilla’s return.
However, due to the lack of resumption of the 武装课, she mostly spent her time self-studying and doing summer homework.
Yet, the growth of a 魔导师 largely depends on self-study.
Understanding and mastering more knowledge through personal effort is far better than being forcibly taught.
In the process of self-study, 魔导师 can maximize their ability to independently explore and research.
This is very important for 魔导师.
At the same time, Aurora borrowed the first-year textbooks from Dark and joined the ranks of independent learners.
The learning atmosphere within the Duke’s Mansion became even more intense.
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
Dark finally completed the 编写 and adjustment of the “Transfiguration Spell” on Sunday evening.
He knocked on Claire’s room door with uncontrollable excitement.
Throughout the week, Claire had been busy preparing for the establishment of the 魔导师会社.
She knew very little about this area, so she needed to quickly catch up.
Occasionally, when Dark noticed, he saw a contented smile on her face.
“Perhaps this is what it feels like to find a goal.”
Dark thought, increasing the force of his knock slightly.
Click.
Behind the suddenly opened door was a lion’s large flat face.
Dark walked into the room as usual, smiling, “Good evening, Aunt Claire.”
“Good evening, Dark.”
Claire responded casually, but her tone clearly showed distress.
Dark curiously asked, “What troubles you, Aunt Claire?”
Claire frowned and said, “I’m thinking about what name to give to the association we’re going to establish.”
“So you’re trying to come up with a name?” Dark couldn’t help but show a sense of empathy, “I’m also struggling with naming. I haven’t decided on names for the Vampire Noble and the Phoenix Girl yet.”
Claire casually said, “One could be named Olivia, and the other Phoenix.”
“(⊙o⊙)Ah!” Dark paused and then truly began to think.
Olivia is the Blood Princess.
Ophelia Brad’s alias.
The Vampire Noble, although she has fundamentally severed ties with her, was still created as a golem to save her, so their relationship in principle cannot be severed.
And indeed, Olivia is a very pleasant name.
As for Phoenix, in this world it symbolizes “phoenix,” naturally making it the most fitting name.
Finally, we just need to give them Demon’s surname.
Claire turned her head to look at him, saying lazily, “For the entrance exam on August 15th, we need to set out two days in advance. Their identification cards also need to be registered ahead of time; you’d better make your decision soon.”
“Alright.” Dark took a deep breath, “Then I’ll ask for their opinions tomorrow. However, about the vampire noble’s blood pack…”
“I’ve already taken care of that.” Claire smiled, “On the eve of the Demon King’s execution ritual, we raided an evil sect’s hideout and confiscated something interesting. After their trial ends, I’ll give it to you.”
“That’s good.” The large stone that had been weighing on Dark’s heart finally fell away.
Claire then said, “So, help me think of a name for our company?”
Dark walked over to Claire and thanked the monkey who brought the table, then sat down.
He then said, “Since the company is centered around Magi, why don’t we call it the Dark Magus Society?”
Claire rolled her eyes and said, “Then why not call it the Claire Magus Society? In any case, although I plan to recruit Magi as core members, it’s best not to highlight this too directly in the name.
After all, most ordinary people view Magi and mages similarly, feeling both mysterious and reverent, which isn’t conducive to promoting the company among ordinary people.”
“Just joking.” Dark thought for a moment, “Then how about the International Projection Society? Since our main profit and development project is the public Mana Duel, highlighting ‘projection’ directly would be a good choice.”
“International?” Claire asked, “Are you planning to expand into markets of other races?”
Dark said seriously, “Of course. If we’re going to build one, we should aim for a world-class company at least.”
Claire couldn’t help but brush back her hair and said, “Your thinking is more far-reaching than mine. But right now, we’re only a two-person company.”
Dark couldn’t help but laugh, “How could there only be two of us? What do you think of Eve and Irina?”
Claire frowned slightly, “Eve and Irina, are they the twin sisters under Chris?”
Dark nodded, “That’s right, exactly them. For a company to grow, collecting intelligence is necessary. We can’t always rely on the information from the Duke’s mansion; it’s never wrong to have a dedicated department for this.
Moreover, the magic they possess is very useful. If we really want to engage in Mana Duel platforms and card businesses, it’s essential to maintain constant communication with the academy.”
Claire: “So your idea is…”
Dark’s lips curled up, “We can leave one person in Traveler’s Street.”
This would be very convenient for him.
After realizing the implications, Claire looked at him meaningfully and said, “On the 15th, I will go to the academy with you. At that time, we can discuss with Professor Shylph in detail. Although the academy side will certainly not reject suggestions that increase revenue, they may not necessarily offer concessions.”
Dark blinked, “Then why not bring Jenny into our society? A good PR department is equally important for a large company. Anyway, Jenny is idle at home.”
Claire smiled and shook her head, “My original intention in founding this company was to better help Alvaraite. Besides, how can you dig your own mother’s corner like this?”
Dark chuckled, “What about Teacher Cyrus?”
Claire shook her head again, “He’s getting old.”
Dark, “Yes.”
Claire took a deep breath, “Alright. Combined, Eve and Irina might count as one Magus, so now we have four people. As for the company name, I’ll think about it later. Have you already finished debugging the Transfiguration Spell?”
Dark remembered his purpose and took out the unfinished “Transfiguration Spell,” saying, “Yes, I think I can try writing the spell into this golem card.”
Claire nodded, “Then let’s start. Honestly, I’ve been curious what animal you’ll turn into for a long time.”
Dark shrugged, “I wonder what else, probably cats and dogs. Actually, I’d rather be a fish or a bird. One can swim, the other can fly. But considering fish can’t move on land, birds are better. Maybe something amphibious would work too.”
Dark suddenly noticed Claire’s gaze was off, as if she were looking at dango with Doraemon…
He instinctively shivered and quickly refocused on the golem card in his hand.
This unfinished “Transfiguration Spell” only needed specific “ink” to write the compiled spell to complete it.
Dark had prepared the potion acting as “ink” beforehand. He injected it into the center of the Magic Pen and wrote the spell once on paper as practice, then activated the golem card with mana and began writing the spell inside the appearing square.
In just three minutes, he completed the spell writing.
Almost two weeks of effort were condensed into these three minutes.
Fortunately, there were no mistakes.
After carefully checking, Dark showed a hint of anticipation and waited for the spell to gradually integrate into the golem card, stimulating the internal circuitry.
After patiently waiting for about five minutes, the reaction inside the “Transfiguration Spell” finally stopped.
“It should have worked,” Claire said before he even picked it up to check.
Dark sighed in relief and asked, “If I use the ‘Transfiguration Spell,’ will my clothes change along with me?”
Claire nodded, “Your card should do that. However, the range is limited, and you can’t wear overly thick clothing.”
“That’s fine then,” Dark couldn’t help but smile.
Then he picked up the “Transfiguration Spell” and eagerly cast the usual Summoning Spell!
…
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