Chapter 313: Torn Scars
The sky was slightly bright and light rain was falling.
A strong aura of negative energy enveloped this sunken land. It was a huge ravine, as if it was torn apart by some terrible force, causing the entire land to sink deep into the ground. .
Farther away, rows of tall and straight ancient trees have long since withered and rotted under the erosion of negative energy, like frail old people, hunched over, silently telling the tragedy before them.
The wind roared past, and the suffocating negative energy rushed towards the face. In a trance, it seemed as if a group of undead ghosts appeared, their eyes were burning with will-o'-the-wisps, and they sat astride skeleton horses. The tattered cloak fluttered in the wind like a waving flag.
Brian looked away, his face turning as pale as paper.
Even with his current strength, he cannot use magic to explore the specific situation of the dark fog for a long time in this strong negative energy aura.
Just as he feared, something happened to Tifantun in the end.
Like the capital of Sambia, a massive dark energy struck the city, turning the surrounding area into a dark sunken space filled with shadows and floating areas of deep darkness.
This was just a prelude. Tifantun's sacrifice triggered a series of chain reactions.
Brian was suddenly awakened from his slumber by a palpitating energy, which made him instantly realize that the magic network in the Guangze area had really been torn apart by the Shar Church.
Although he has already advanced to the Grand Arcanist and does not need to connect to the Magic Network to cast spells, he can still sense the scars of the Magic Network impressively.
This terrible storm came so quietly. At this moment, Brian didn't even know what happened.
Just two days ago, he and Myrcella went to Tifanton City for reconnaissance. Not only did the two meet with the governor of Tifanton, they also personally arranged for a legendary magician to assist.
However, when he relaxed a little and was about to go to Guangze, Tifantun just disappeared. In addition to this city that disappeared into the sunken space, there was a population of more than 50,000.
"How did the warlock disappear?" Brian asked an elderly battle mage next to him.
The entire city of Tifanton, whether it was the nobles and ordinary civilians, the consul and his army, or even the priests and clergy of various temples in the city, were all killed. The only ones who survived were those stationed in the city. The fortress outside houses more than 300 soldiers.
According to the information obtained by his tower spirit, Ms. Polaris, the tiefling warlock he placed here did not live in Tifantun City that night.
"Report to your lord." The battle mage said, "Late last night, this magician whose name I don't know suddenly came to our guard post. When the heavy rain stopped, all of us here felt a A suffocating aura of negative energy filled the city of Tifantun. Through detection magic, I personally heard ghostly howls, roars and wailings filling the entire city. The warlock seemed to have sensed something, and his expression turned pale. He secretly said "Oops" and hurried back to the city. There was no trace of him again."
"It was also at this time that we discovered that the entire city of Tifantun was wrapped in huge negative energy. "The battle mage said in an obviously hoarse voice, "In an instant... it suddenly sank and disappeared from the surface."
It seemed that even the evil sorcerer was in danger, and Brian sighed secretly.
He took one last look at the sunken space filled with rich dark energy. He could clearly feel that there was a terrible negative energy hidden inside. This power made him afraid to investigate deeply.
Then, Brian told the battle mage a few words, asking them to stay here and not let civilians and adventurers approach this dangerous area at will. Then he activated the teleportation spell and returned to his wizard tower.
In Brian's study, his assistant Sissi sent him a bunch of magic letters in just a moment.
These letters were all sent by magic devices, and the names of the owners were all people who had no interaction with him.
But they all have one thing in common, that is, they are all asking him what happened in Tiffanyton? and most are caster groups and organizations.
Obviously, all the high-level spellcasters on the entire continent, like him, all sensed this terrifying heart palpitating energy the moment a scar was torn out of the magic net.
This is like a sudden failure in a power plant. Although there is no power outage, the sudden changes caused by unstable voltage make people who know the industry see the problem and can't help but worry about whether it will cause a major disaster. Massive power outage.
Although the change brought about by the tearing of the magic network was only for a moment, it had no impact on their spellcasting.
But whether it was the 'Year of Turmoil', or the period of 'Arcane Catastrophe', or even the twelve-ring magic ascension technique released by Karsus, the great arcanist of ancient Netheril, it brought Disasters seem to be warning these spellcasters about what is likely to happen in the future.
As the lord of Mokou Town and the Protector of the Kingdom of Cormyr, Brian represents the image of the entire kingdom. Naturally, it is impossible for him to turn a blind eye to these magical messages.
He first reassured Hesaya about the news from Susar, telling her not to worry, as he could completely solve the problems here, and then began to respond one by one, explaining to them the general situation. Condition.
Among these organizations, in addition to the mage guards of Silvermoon City from the good camp and the Knights of the Mystic Star from Waterdeep, they also include the Luskan Arcane Brotherhood from the evil camp and the Red Robe Wizards of Cyre.
Especially a governor of the Red Robe Wizards Association, when he received Brian's response that there was no problem, he responded instantly, which probably meant: Oh, then I'm relieved and continue playing music. , keep dancing.
Just when Brian was thinking about the method by which the high priest of the Shar Church, 'Black Veil' Illyriel, sacrificed the city of Tifanton, his wizard tower received a very special Important guest.
Storm Silverhand, the leader of the Harper Alliance, appears in Brian's study.
This chosen one of the goddess of magic doesn’t look to be in very good condition. Her dull, messy and tangled silver hair, slightly frowned brows and pale face make her look like she’s just recovering from a serious illness. , the whole person's temperament was replaced by weakness.
Something happened in Shadow Valley!
Seeing this, Brian's heart suddenly sank to the bottom.
In fact, as long as you think about this matter carefully, you can figure out the specific reasons.
When he left the Misty Valley, based on his experience in the game world, he made a detailed plan to Storm on how to capture the Valley of Shadows and how to get to the Realm of the Demonic Network through the Tower of Twisted.
Now it seems that with the tearing of the magic network, these voters are likely to be affected immediately, leading to the bankruptcy of the plan.
"What's going on?" Brian asked, skipping the cumbersome etiquette, standing up and pouring a cup of restorative tea for the Harper leader.
"I think you should know everything about the Magic Network." Feng Feng took a sip of tea and showed a wry smile, "We didn't expect that things would happen so hastily."
"According to your plan, we have recaptured the Valley of Shadows, and Xinbu and I passed through the Tower of Distortion and came to the Realm of the Demon Web, trying to find Larok hiding inside." Her face gradually regained some color, Apparently tea works well.
Then, she held her forehead and sighed, and said in a rather helpless tone, "Who would have thought that as soon as we arrived at the realm of the magic network, Xinbu and I felt that our silver fire was torn apart by a terrifying energy. Then he triggered the magic he had set up in advance and was forcibly transported to the Misty Valley."
Brian also knew a little about these chosen people of the Goddess of Magic.
Their silver fires all have powerful life-saving means. Once they detect damage that threatens life safety, they will send it to the assembly point they have set up in advance.
This is a benefit given by the goddess of magic to this group of high-risk professions.
There is no doubt that if it were not for this life-saving method, the two chosen people who broke into the realm of the magic network would most likely be killed by the energy spurting out the moment the magic network was torn apart.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine." The Harper leader forced a smile and shook his head, "It's just that I can't use the silver fire for the time being, but Xinbu's situation is worse, because she relies too much on the silver fire. Because, at the moment when the magic network was torn apart, she couldn't bear the baptism of this terrible energy, which caused her whole person to become delirious, even... a little crazy, and Azala and others also because of The sudden departure of the two of us led to a counterattack by the Drow family and the Zhentarim. As a result, we lost the Shadow Valley and had to hide."
" Please forgive me." Brian nodded slightly. , and said straight to the point, "I'm afraid the purpose of your coming here is not just to tell me this news. If you need any help, just say so."
"It seems that you have guessed me. "The purpose of coming." Although the Harper leader looked a little depressed, the way she smiled at Brian was still so beautiful and charming, making people feel like they were in a spring breeze. She said:
"After the magic net was torn apart, another chosen one of the goddess found me in the Misty Valley. She helped me suppress Xinbu who was going crazy. She also told me how to repair the magic net, and immediately went to Mokou Town to get you. ”
"If my prediction is correct, this elector should be the guardian of Myth Drannor, the high elf mage Silinxi." Brian nodded thoughtfully and said, "The reason why she is looking for me, You should ask me to go to Guangze, right?"
"Since you have guessed it all," Feng Feng put away his surprised expression and breathed a sigh of relief for no reason, "Then. You should know better than me what to do."
"Yes," Brian couldn't help but say regretfully, "Even if this doesn't happen, I will go to Guangze and prepare to solve it once and for all. This disaster, unfortunately, was too late in the end.”
For some reason, although he said so, Brian’s subconscious seemed to be telling himself that it was a good thing that he didn’t go early, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous. .
This terrible thought reminded him subconsciously of the result predicted through star divination yesterday: two shooting stars, indicating that the outcome would be both good and bad.
It can't really be such a coincidence, right? He couldn't help but think secretly.
"You don't have to apologize for this, Brian." The Harper leader's weak voice gradually returned to the gentleness Brian was familiar with, "After all, we still have a chance to make amends, Master Silinxi told I, she, will be waiting for you in the realm of the Demon Web to help you repair the scars of the Demon Web."
"I know what to do next, so don't worry, I will do my best to complete this task. ." Brian assured the leader of the Harpers.
In fact, he was a little reluctant to go to the world of the Demonic Network, because the flow of time there was different from that of the material world.
One day in the world of the Demonic Network is equivalent to one year in the material world.
If he stays too long, even for two or three days, he will miss many things. When the time comes for the territory to be ridden by the floating city, wouldn't it be full of tragedy?
Right now, in this situation where he cannot have both, he can only solve Guangze's problem as quickly as possible. After all, he still believes in the legendary boss Silinxi. strength.
Luckily for him, he still has a powerful helper who will accompany him to the swamp. This person is none other than Brenas, the little prince of the City of Ghosts, a man who has reached the level of a mid-level legend and has both Sinnoh and Sinnoh cultivation. File scholar.
"Brian, your promises always make me feel extra at ease." Storm looked at Brian, his whole body relaxed, and he showed a sincere smile from the heart.
Sending the leader of the Harpers away, Brian took out an ultra-small and exquisite mini-scepter inlaid with star sapphires, activated the spell, and was enveloped by the light of the magic circle before disappearing.
After a period of turmoil, he appeared in the glass palace of the star elf lich Morel.
"Sit down." The Lich seemed to have known that he would come here for a long time. He pointed at the chair made of bones without raising his head, and kept his eyes on the items on the table.
This time it was not an unfinished painting, but a parchment scroll, and Brian vaguely saw that what was engraved on it was a high-level magic circle.
A star elf girl with long golden hair walked over with light jade feet and a glass of wine.
This girl looks the same as last time. The only difference is that she has a cute little white tiger.
This plump little tiger curled up as if a little shy, trembled slightly and walked happily, opened its small mouth, stretched out its pink tongue, and dripped a string of saliva.
It’s so unbearable to look at.
Brian withdrew his gaze and looked at the focused Star Elf Lich, knowingly asking, "You knew I was coming."
"Of course, I am the Knower." The Lich put down his hand. quill pen, replied slightly.
"In fact, I have known what happened in the outside world for a long time." He continued, and guessed: "You will definitely come to me to ask the reason."
"You knew this a long time ago?" Brian was startled, looking at the calm Lich in surprise, "So, you had predicted that this would happen, so why didn't you tell me in advance."
"Why should I tell you?" The Lich looked at Brian quietly, making him feel hairy all over. "The life and death of mortals is none of my business. Why, are you here to ask questions, or are you here to punish me? Want moral kidnapping? Then I have to tell you, don’t try to vent your grievances here..."
"Stop it." Brian raised his hand to interrupt the lich's chattering, "Let it go. Let’s get down to business. I don’t want to chat with you here. I want to know whether the Lost Lady got the help of the immortal lord Orgas to cause the destruction of Tifanton City.”
“The answer is correct. "The Lich smiled and said, "Your guess is very correct. He did get help from this demon lord. It seems that he has not learned the lesson from Cravensari, or he has been stunned by the radiation of the earth's veins in the Underdark. He foolishly chose to believe in Ms. Ye, and now he is reduced to a wage earner who doesn’t even get paid.”
It is indeed Ochis.
After getting the answer he wanted, Brian was too lazy to chat with the lich and planned to leave immediately.
“Wait a minute!” The Lich stopped him, “There is no doubt that Tiffanydon has been transformed into a dead city and completely sunk into the Dark Territory. Little guy, haven’t you thought about how to do it? Facing the counterattack of the undead army? After all, this position is right under your nose. "
"What do you want to say?" Brian asked.
Of course he has thought about this problem, but he did not take it to heart. After all, he has two wizard towers in Arabe and Mokou Town. Unless the unaffected incarnation of Oqis comes in person, it will be right. He posed no threat.
The only thing he couldn't let go of was the worry that these undead creatures would take advantage of the floating city of Sacross to attack Mokou Town and cause trouble in his rear, making it difficult for him to take care of himself. "I have a high-level magic ritual here that will allow you to solve them once and for all." The Lich handed the just-completed scroll to Brian, "You only need to arrange it according to the above method, and you can use it before Orchis reacts. Before, I froze all the undead in the city. I am the spokesperson of the eternal lover, and no one knows how to deal with the undead better than me."
“You have tried so hard to help me.” Brian took the scroll and said, “I’m afraid you have other motives.”
Although he had guessed the Lich’s intention, he did not Breaking it on the spot.
"You are not talking nonsense, I must have my own purpose." The Lich showed an expression that wanted to be beaten, and admitted calmly, "My purpose of doing this is very simple, which is to make these frozen people The sealed undead will eventually become believers of our Lord, and we can also take this opportunity to severely damage Oqisi."
"To tell you the truth," he said with a smile on his face, "Oqisi has taken this step. The chess move was so bad, I am already full of confidence in my future.”
"That's it. No wonder you deliberately concealed the news from me." Brian looked at the happy Lich who was already a little embarrassed and said, "This was actually the idea."
"No, actually you misunderstood "The Lich put away his smile and denied: "This time, you really misunderstood me. The main reason why I didn't reveal it to you was to save you."
"You. Are you kidding me?" Although the Lich's serious expression didn't look like he was lying, Brian still couldn't help but complain.
"Whatever you say, I don't want to explain too much." The Lich waved his hand, as if to indicate that he could leave.
Of course Brian would not stay here shamelessly.
When he reappeared at the fortress on the outskirts of Tifantun, he saw a team coming from afar appeared on the horizon under the light of morning light. They were about a hundred people, neatly lined up and well-equipped. They seemed to be able to afford it. Like a business group.
Just when Brian was confused about what kind of force would rush here in the first place, suddenly, a flag caught his eye and allowed him to clearly see the embroidery pattern on it. .
Mountains, oceans, a silver moon, and a total of eight stars inlaid on the edge of the flag.
The flag of Waterdeep!
Brian recognized the identities of this group of people immediately.
This is the mage group of Waterdeep City. In addition to twenty mages, there are more than a hundred elite knights and paladins.
He suddenly discovered that the strength of the first mage and paladin remained at least around the mid-level legend.
Brian's heart moved, and he immediately led his purple dragon knights and battle mages to greet him.
"You must be the Lord Protector of Cormyr." Before Brian could speak, the first paladin on a heavy war horse dismounted and took the initiative to say hello.
Although he is over fifty years old, he looks as light and healthy as when he was young. His trademark thick beard and neatly trimmed brown hair are tinged with gray frost, but he Those sharp green eyes were sparkling with an eye-catching brilliance.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Monlio, the leader of the Secret Star Knights. This is my friend Durnan."
The paladin pointed to the black-robed mage beside him, " We were ordered by Lady Lyra, the open lord of Waterdeep City, to investigate the cause of the destruction of Tifantun City, and to assist the Lord Protector in resisting foreign enemies."
Brian glanced at this group of paladins and warriors. Mage, he found that in addition to Monglio and Durnan, who were medium-level legendaries, there were at least twenty strong men above level four.
It is indeed a luxurious reinforcement.
When he heard the name of Lady Lyla, the public lord of Waterdeep City, the seven sisters of the North, he realized that the team supporting him was definitely secretly instructed by the goddess of magic.
After all, the Knights of the Mystic Star in Waterdeep City belong to the Goddess of Magic, a powerful organization mainly composed of paladins. They are granted spells and divine spells by Mystra herself, and often collaborate with the Harper Alliance to resist evil and protect the goddess's faith.
And another mage named Durnan is not only the masked lord of Waterdeep City, but also the owner of the Yawning Gate Hotel, and controls the operation of all portals in the entire Waterdeep City.
This is also the reason why they can feel this place for the first time.
“Thank you for your timely assistance.” Brian expressed his welcome, “In the name of the Obaiszir family and the Iron Regent, we welcome the allies of Waterdeep City to visit the Kingdom of Cormyr, if you don’t mind. , just follow me back to Mokou Town to help you with the wind and cleanse the dust."
"There is no need to pick up the wind and cleanse the dust, Lord Protector." The paladin looked at the distance that was shrouded in darkness and turned into a sunken space. Tifanton City, "I'm very sorry, we have more important things to do right now."
"It's understandable." Brian nodded slightly and said apologetically:
"Please forgive me for not being able to accompany you in the investigation. However, in order to prevent the undead in the city from doing evil, I have thought of a solution. Durnan Please see, sir, if you think this advanced magic ritual is useful, the Kingdom of Cormyr will do its best to cooperate with your actions."
The slightly bloated black-robed mage on the side took the scroll in Brian's hand suspiciously and focused on it. After checking the ground for a moment, a flash of shock appeared in his golden eyes, and he murmured to himself: "It turns out to be the freezing ceremony of the eternal lover. Maybe it can really help us."
"Thank you, Your Excellency. You are so generous and willing to give me such precious knowledge." The arrogant black-robed mage looked at Brian with a hint of respect.
Sending away the mage investigation team in Waterdeep City, a stone in Brian's heart finally fell.
Then, after a busy morning, he returned to the wizard tower and came to the bedroom where he lived.
He saw the female lord Myrcella, who was wearing a thin nightgown that could not hide her exquisite curves. She was sitting in front of the mirror with her long hair, dressing up.
If it were in the past, he would never miss the opportunity to catch up on his sleep, but now he has long been upset by the magic network incident, so naturally he is not in the mood.
When he learned that Tiffanyton had happened, he left the Wizard Tower as soon as possible. However, Myrcella, who had been crazy with him for most of the night, seemed to be overworked and slept soundly from beginning to end. .
Myrcella, as a legendary super magic user, Brian did not think that she felt nothing when the magic web was torn apart.
"You already know what happened in Tiffinton, right?" Brian hesitated for a moment, and finally looked at Myrcella's slender back and said slowly.
As a time traveler, when he learned about the accident in Tifantun, his mentality did not have a big change. This feeling was like hearing that the capital of Sambia had fallen.
The only pity is that the Khajiit Archon, who likes to shout "brave tiger, not afraid of difficulties", and his subordinates, tiefling warlocks whose strength has reached the legendary level.
But the Duchess Myrcella Raul, known as the 'Guardian of the North' of the Kingdom of Cormyr, is different. As the supreme ruler, the territory under her command suffered such a fatal blow, and tens of thousands of citizens The damage caused to her by being destroyed overnight must have been very painful.
"I already know." The female lord's voice was very calm, as if she was talking about something that had nothing to do with her. She tossed the hair hanging on her chest back, and stood up. He walked up to Brian and gave him a familiar soft smile.
"You don't have to worry about me, and you don't have to apologize for this. I don't blame you. Besides, what happened has happened, and what we need to do most right now is to think about how to recover the losses."
"Look Once you look calm, I can safely hand over Mokou Town into your hands." Brian reached out and touched Myrcella's cheek, feeling the smooth and delicate touch, and couldn't help but hold her in his arms.
"Although I yearn for the peaceful life I told you, please don't forget my true identity. How could I mess up my mind because of this kind of thing." Myrcella leaned on the cloth. On Ryan's chest, listening to his rhythmic heartbeat, he said softly, "When do you plan to go to Guangze?"
"Leave immediately." Brian said, "I came here just to follow Say goodbye."
"Wait a moment, I have something to give you." Myrcella seemed to think of something, and left his arms, pointing gently, and a lavender light flashed. The aura ring appeared out of thin air and landed on Brian's open palm.
"Is this the Purple Dragon Seal Ring?" Brian showed a surprised expression, "Didn't you say..."
This ring was given to him by Hesiah when he was in the Dark Territory. Using the identity of the ring, he held the banner of the Kingdom of Cormyr and established a firm foothold as quickly as possible.
In fact, the maker of this magical equipment that reached "Legendary" quality was the female lord in front of him, so Brian prepared the materials a few months ago and asked her to bring the quality to him. Strengthen it again.
As a result, the legendary super magic user claimed that he could not do it with his current strength unless he was promoted to a medium legend.
“That’s right.” Myrcella sighed and said with a hint of helplessness, “If I had to choose, I would rather not let my strength improve so quickly.”
Brian immediately guessed the reason.
Since completing the half-plane of Fairy Water, Myrcella has taken the lead in condensing her own magic core in her body, and rebuilt all her spells into spell models, and stored them in her spiritual sea of consciousness. .
Her strength is also gradually moving towards a mid-level legend in a cycle.
However, at the last moment, it was like a bottleneck, stuck in place, no matter how hard it worked, there was no intention of relaxing.
Obviously, the meaning of Myrcella's words is that the fall of Tiffany Dun unexpectedly allowed her to break through to a medium-level legend.
Brian looked at the ring in his hand with expectant eyes:
Purple Dragon Seal Ring +4
Type: Accessories
Quality: Golden·Legendary
< br>Aura: Dazzling prophecy aura
Attributes: Charm +4
Equipment effects:
1. Early warning field: The person wearing this equipment will receive a warning field similar to the 'sixth sense' around his body. When there is danger or When harm is imminent, the wearer will instantly receive an alarm from the ring.
2. Advanced avoidance detection: Wearing this equipment will be immune to detection by any prophecy spells, such as sharp ear/eagle eye, object location and detection spells, and can also interfere with crystals Detection of magic items such as balls.
3. Prophecy counterattack: When the enemy attempts to use prophecy or detection spells to detect the wearer, it will be instantly sensed and will counterattack by passing the caster's level check.
.........
Seeing the attributes of the equipment, Brian's eyes were full of satisfaction.
It must be said that after Myrcella's remodeling, this piece of equipment has undergone astonishing changes.
Under his suggestion, the purple dragon flag, which had gradually become useless, was cancelled, and the prophecy countermeasure ability was re-enchanted. Even early warning and avoidance detection were additionally strengthened.
With this ring, except for professionals with divine power, as well as powerful gods and true gods, any legendary strongman will be almost unable to detect his whereabouts.
In this case, he no longer has to worry about the group of old men in Ghost City trying to track him through prophecy spells, or predict his next move.
He did not waste any more time, and after discussing the details about Mokou Town with Myrcella, he hurriedly said goodbye to her and prepared to go to the crown hall of Susar, while checking Guangze's information. Waiting for the arrival of Brenas, the little prince of Ghost City.
…………
On the other side, the Ghost Tower in the floating city of Sacross.
The ghost prince Egrila, who was staring at the crystal ball, suddenly trembled all over, and then opened his mouth and spat out a stream of blood. His whole body became sluggish and he almost fell on his back.
He murmured to himself: "The prophecy failed, someone interfered with my prophecy spell, and suddenly no whereabouts of the lord of Mokou Town could be found. Who could it be?"
"Didn't you say that he Its whereabouts are easy to predict, why did it suddenly fail?" Second Prince Yada asked with a puzzled look on his face.
“I’m not sure either.” Agrela shook her head slightly and stared at the cracked crystal ball. “It seems that someone concealed his aura and withdrew the ambush set in Guangze.”
"I overestimated him." He curled his lips with a slight disdain, and continued, "I thought he could really figure out Guangze's hidden secrets and rush there personally. Who would have thought that he I don't know at all, which makes me waste my efforts. Now that the magic network has been torn, there is no point in wasting time in Guangze."
"His whereabouts have been covered up. Aren't you worried about him going to Guangze again at this time?" Yada expressed his guess.
"If he really goes to Guangze at this time, I will eat this crystal ball."
Agrela wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and said angrily, "The magic net has been torn apart. If he wants to repair the magic network, he can only go to the world of the magic network and let him face that old bastard Larocco. What's the point of going to Guangze to serve as a snack for that black dragon? "
"Our current task is to raise the floating city as soon as possible." Agrela stood up with difficulty, holding her staff, gasping, "Be prepared for a full-scale attack on Cormyr!"
…………
(End of this chapter)