Fire Mage (Web Novel)

Chapter 624: Information on Star Tombs

As Charles continued reading the books, he suddenly stumbled upon a book written by a mage he knew.

To be precise, the author of this book was none other than Eddie Nightwind!

'Ancestor of Nightwind Family...' Charles furrowed his brows and continued to read.

Unlike the other authors, Eddie said he had entered a unique land filled with beetles and mantis-like creatures and experienced his near-death experiences multiple times.

Charles was surprised when he heard something none of the others mentioned in their books. It was a secret that caught his attention.

"Whenever you enter the Star Tombs," Eddie explained, "you'll encounter the Guardian of the Dungeon, who will then transport you to a unique 'Sub-Level' Area at random. In this area, even Legendary Rank Magical Beasts roam freely. Strangely, nobody seems to have spoken about this to others before. I suspect the Guardian erases participants' memories when leaving the Dungeon. Fortunately, I have a Dream Restore skill that allows me to remember everything that happens. Additionally, it's important to note that magical beasts are not the only enemies in the Sub-Level. Participants must be cautious of encountering hostile humans as well. One can progress to the First Layer of the Original Dungeon only by successfully clearing this area. Clearing the area doesn't mean killing a mutant monster but rather completing the mission assigned by the Guardian. Each individual will have a unique mission, making it impossible to rely on the assistance of others,"

Eddie also mentioned that peak Rank Legendary Magical Beasts would guard each level within the Dungeon. It would require multiple Legend Rank Humans to take down a single beast.

Continuing with the information, he elaborated in the book, "The first four layers of the Dungeon are distinct and contain numerous hidden treasures. The first layer is ruled by a fallen god named Phobes, where nightmare creatures capable of inducing deep fear dwell. Engaging them is not particularly challenging, but a single mistake could prove fatal. Upon moving on to the second layer, it is governed by a fallen god called Erebus and inhabited by shadow creatures. Interestingly, Nightmare Creatures can be found in all four layers. Next, we have the third layer, known as 'Paalai.' Though I couldn't ascertain the name of the fallen god associated with it, this entire realm is filled with desert regions and blood-sucking creatures. One must be cautious of sand monsters and unexpected storms that have the power to rend legendary beasts into multiple pieces. Unfortunately, my comrades and I reached this point before deciding to give up on further exploration."

He then revealed, "The Pentagon and the Amber Church, however, have delved into the fourth and fifth layers and possess knowledge of secrets that surpass any other church or powerful family. You might wonder why only the fifth layer, right? Legends say that the Star Tombs contain more than ten layers, but humans from the Edhen World have been unable to progress beyond the Fifth Layer due to the Boss. Surprisingly, the Boss of this Layer is not a legendary beast but a Demi-God Level Divine Beast,"

Eddie also shared additional information about the magical creatures he encountered in the first three layers, including their weaknesses.

Charles read the book for the next few minutes and greatly understood the Star Tombs.

'He revealed more information than the other authors.' He commented casually and continued to read the other books.

By the time he finished reading the book, it was already 10.30. Around this time, Theo had also returned from his mission and told him that he had successfully relayed his message to Head Deacon Colt.

But after his return, more than 50 people stealthily entered Crystal Lane and closely watched the single-storied house.

On the other hand, Charles didn't mind their arrival and started ordering Genesis to gather every participant's personal information.

Although some information might be fake, he knew most of them would be authentic and decided to memorize each small info.

When doing that, he also learned a few hidden pieces of information about Star Tombs. The most important information that caught his attention was the appearance of otherworldly beings from the fourth layer onwards. He also learned a rumor about the appearance of 'Otherworlders Gathering City' in the Seventh Layer and became more curious about the purpose of this Dungeon.

'Who created this Dungeon? World's Will? But the appearance of otherworldly beings from the Fourth Layer contradicts this theory.' Although he didn't know the Dungeon's true purpose, he realized it was a great opportunity to improve oneself!

After some time, he finally finished gathering enough information about the Star Tombs and made a few goals in this expenditure.

His first goal was to increase his Wisdom Power to a great margin by killing Legendary Magical Beasts. Only then could he comprehend more Fire Laws and progress.

As for his second goal, it was to snatch Archbishop Victor's treasure.

Of course, it wasn't an easy task because of the information leak.

'But if I manage to subdue Head Deacon Colt using Edwin's life, I might be able to achieve it.' Just as he muttered, Charles suddenly looked at the Southern Direction and felt a sense of familiarity.

"He is here." He let a deep sigh, cast [Flame Teleportation] spell, and disappeared from there.

...

Outer Region of Northern Woods.

It was around 3. A.M.

A mysterious figure materialized, emerging from the oppressive cloak of darkness, suspended high above the earth by more than a hundred meters. Surveying the vast expanse that lay below, the enigmatic individual took a quick, calculated glimpse of their surroundings. With a deliberate motion, the figure slowly raised both hands, gradually peeling back the concealing fabric of his hood. As the hood fell away, it unveiled a countenance weathered by time, seemingly belonging to an individual who had witnessed centuries of life's trials and tribulations.

The face bore testament to the ruggedness of its owner, showcasing reddish eyes that held an air of profound intensity. Short brown hair adorned his head, accentuating the striking contrast with the rough-hewn complexion. A crooked nose added character to the visage, while low-arched eyebrows framed the penetrating gaze that hinted at the wisdom gained through experience. The broad expanse of the forehead spoke of a thoughtful and pensive mind, while a remarkable feature was nestled just above the upper lip. This luxuriant walrus mustache extended outward in impressive profusion.

He was none other than Head Deacon Colt.

Although he came here alone in fear of alerting the enemy, his eyes held absolute confidence and ruthlessness.

"Where are you hiding, rat? If you don't show my son, I'll kill you and your entire family!" His cold voice echoed in the air and created ripples.

Alas, no response came at all.

Just as Head Deacon Colt was about to lose his temper, he suddenly sensed a strange spatial fluctuation a few hundred meters ahead and turned his gaze sharply.

A bluish crack appeared within the woods a second later and formed into a portal at 2 meters in diameter.

"A Spatial Mage?" He was stunned inside.

After all, not even a legendary mage would dare to roam inside the Sacred Empire in fear of persecution. But someone before him was roaming inside the capital and even kidnapped his son!

While he was in shock, two people walked out of the spatial portal. One was a 16-year-old boy, while the other was a young man in his twenties.

Although both stood beside each other and appeared friendly, he felt a strange sense of uneasiness.

Even though he saw his son, he didn't move closer to them and quietly observed the duo from the sky.

'I don't sense any change in my son, but the young boy standing beside him isn't normal. If I'm not wrong, he must be using an artifact to shapeshift into a completely different person.' But he could see this young man had no soul form.

"A mere clone puppet, huh? This spatial mage sure is a crafty one." He snorted coldly and continued observing them.

On the other hand, Charles and 'Edwin' walked in the woods while talking like they were discussing something important and soon stopped at the area where no trees were around.

Then, Charles suddenly looked up at the dark sky and smiled.

"You've watched enough, right? Come down; I've something important to talk to." He said with a smirk.

"Oh? You sure have some confidence, rat. Do you think you are in a position to negotiate with me after showing my son?"

At that moment, Edwin suddenly waved his hand and shouted.

"Father, don't do anything reckless. In truth, I was the one who planned this meeting."

Upon hearing those words, Colt's heart's strange doubt grew.

'Is he my son?' He instantly became alert and asked a question.

"Who is your mother?"

A strange smile appeared on Edwin's face as he heard that question.

"Lara Davis, a lady of Count Household from the Arc Kingdom. The reason I married Evelyn is also to make the fake identity more real."

"Not bad. But it's easy to learn Edwin's origin if you are a forbidden mage who dwells in the secret of prying one's memories." Still unconvinced, he made strange gestures while moving both hands in clockwise and uttered.

"Come out," Just as he spoke, a small mirror appeared before him, hovering in midair.

"Mirror of Honesty," Edwin said, looking annoyed.

"Oh? It seems you are my son. But I still can't trust you fully." He waved his hand as he spoke and let the unique mirror descend toward the duo.