Spellcasting Gods

confusion!

Suspicion!

With the conclusion of that practical test, the entire kingdom, both the ruling and the ruled, was plunged into a state of bewilderment.

All sorts of rumors spread throughout the streets and alleys in just a few days.

Some say that the royal family trained mages to create a powerful strategic magic spell, intending to use it to reclaim lost territory.

Some people say that this is some kind of ancient artifact hidden by the royal family. They have even fabricated a story that links the royal bloodline with heroes and gods in myths and legends to prove that they were born noble and should become the supreme king.

However, for nobles who knew a bit about gossip, the nonsense of these common people was not worth paying attention to at all.

As the saying goes, there are no secrets that stay hidden forever. Especially since Vilia had only been on the throne for a short time and had not yet launched a major purge, many people in the court were still loyal to the old king.

With their adept political skills, the disgraced nobles quickly learned that the earth-shattering explosion was actually a weapon, a consumable that could be created by a spellcaster.

Once this was understood, even Unger V, who was under semi-house arrest, couldn't help but start to take action. His previously dormant heart was now burning like a raging fire.

Undoubtedly, he was unwilling to leave the political stage as a loser, and even less willing to give up his right to be king.

He craves revenge!

He longed to prove himself once again, to be the wise and powerful king who brought decades of prosperity to the kingdom, and not the mediocre ruler who brought shame upon the country and caused the loss of most of its territory.

……

Just as undercurrents were swirling within the kingdom's capital, Isolt silently left the center of the vortex, returned to the top floor of the magic tower, bowed deeply to the one she served: "Master, I have done as you instructed, and the stage is all set up."

"Oh? So fast!" Zhang Cheng asked casually.

"Yes! The plan is going much more smoothly than I imagined. Just like a book in the library mentioned, mortals can never escape the control of greed and desire, even knowing that these two things will have disastrous consequences. As far as I know, at least three forces are already secretly trying to win over and buy off the people involved in the production. After the first war ends, this number will increase, and the temptation will become stronger and stronger. I don't think those apprentices will give up a lot of readily available wealth, power and status for a vague loyalty."

When Isolde said these words, her tone was full of sarcasm, and at the same time, a touch of sadness.

Because he was also a mortal, he could not resist temptation, otherwise he would not be the servant before him who was as powerful as a god.

As a smart man, he was acutely aware that from the moment the agreement was reached, he would never have a chance to escape control, except to obediently follow orders.

Sensing the old man's complex inner thoughts, Zhang Cheng nodded expressionlessly: "You're right. But don't forget, there are also some mortals who, at certain special moments and in certain situations, can make choices that no one can predict. They can resist the temptation of beauty, ignore enormous wealth, and give up a high position, all for a strong sense of justice, or perhaps for things like mission, responsibility, love, family, or friendship. In my opinion, without them in a story, the whole story would become dull and colorless."

"So...you want a hero?" Isolt's eyes widened instinctively, as if she had seen a ghost.

"Hahahaha! That's right! A hero! Someone who dares to step forward at the crucial moment, and saves the world with unparalleled courage when everyone is in despair. So, can you help me find such a hero?" Zhang Cheng stood up with a loud laugh, and picked up a beautifully crafted longsword from the shelf, radiating immense magical energy.

This sword is so beautiful that its surface is covered with runes that no one else can understand, constantly flashing. Even someone who doesn't know anything about swords would know that its value cannot be measured in money.

Artifact!

A true divine weapon!

A magical artifact with self-awareness!

Isolde gaped in astonishment, and after a long pause, she asked with a wry smile, "Is this the weapon you prepared for the hero?"

Zhang Cheng nodded without hesitation: "Yes! Since he is a hero, he should naturally have a weapon worthy of him. How about that, am I thoughtful enough? Of course, this weapon cannot be handed over too easily; it needs to undergo a series of cruel and dangerous trials. Spread the word for me that an ancient ruin has been discovered in the forest, emanating astonishing magical energy, and it may very well contain a powerful magical artifact."

"Then, a large number of adventurers and various forces will send people out for this news. The one among them who successfully obtains this longsword will become the hero you choose?" Isolt seemed to understand something and took over the second half of the sentence.

He finally understood that his master wanted to play a game, a classic game between a hero and a demon king.

This time, however, the Demon King's power was beyond imagination, and the hero was merely a pawn, a pawn that was manipulated and controlled, and could not escape the Demon King's control no matter what.

"You're half right. I want more than just a game; I want a lot of interesting experiments. Whether it's data collection or testing human nature. I love seeing people's expressions when they're filled with hope and then fall into despair, and I love seeing the fall or the ascension of the soul. Alright, get on with your work. From today onwards, you, like Allens, have the right to come and go from the library at any time."

After saying that, Zhang Cheng put the longsword back on the shelf and waved his hand lightly. He began to think about what kind of ruins he should build, what kind of puzzles he should create, and what kind of monsters he should guard against to test these "heroes".

For him, this was a very interesting way to pass the time.

After all, he had a near-infinite lifespan, so he had to find a way to pass the time.

"Thank you for your kindness and generosity! I swear I will never betray you or disappoint you." Having obtained what he had longed for, Isolt hurriedly knelt down excitedly, his old hands trembling.

The endless magical knowledge in the library was a treasure he had longed for, and now he could finally have it...

Chapter 1088 Spreading the News

The war between the Kingdom of Annoya and the Principality of Pok broke out very quickly and without any warning.

Interestingly, it also ended very quickly, taking less than half a day from the start of the battle to its conclusion.

To be precise, the actual combat portion only lasted a few minutes.

As weapons beyond the comprehension of the planet's civilization were deployed in actual combat, the nobles and soldiers of the Principality of Pok had lost more than half of their army before they could even react to what was happening.

As expected, the survivors turned tail and fled in a frenzy without even thinking.

Some of them may be brave and not particularly afraid of death, but when faced with a force that is simply beyond human control, all their efforts are in vain.

What other choice did they have but to run away?

If it weren't for the need to minimize unnecessary losses by employing traditional cavalry in the subsequent pursuit, there might not have been a single survivor on the battlefield.

Even so, the high-ranking officials of the Principality of Pok were almost wiped out, dozens of noble families that had lasted for hundreds of years faced the predicament of having no heirs, and the entire country was at risk of collapse.

This risk does not come from external invaders, but from the large number of deaths among the internal elite.

In this backward world where knowledge and information spread very slowly, the time, energy, and resources required to cultivate a talent are enough to bankrupt a well-paid small businessman. Once a large number of elite talents die, the country will face the inability to maintain the effective operation of its administrative institutions.

As a feudal state dominated by feudal nobles, the deaths of a large number of nobles in the Duchy of Pok directly resulted in the inability to organize any decent resistance from the rear.

Moreover, even if some families attempted to resist by relying on their strong castles, they ultimately failed to unite due to a lack of prestigious and respected leaders, and were defeated one by one.

With the capital of the principality occupied, those surrounding kingdoms that had been eyeing it covetously were suddenly astonished to discover that the kingdom they considered easy prey actually harbored such a terrifying trump card.

In no time, countless spies disguised as various individuals flocked to the kingdom's capital, secretly inquiring about the mysterious weapon.

Of course, these are just topics of conversation for ordinary people, who are more interested in the news about ancient ruins and treasures circulating in the streets.

……

Inside an unassuming tavern, a dozen fully armed adventurers gathered together, raising their glasses in a toast while exchanging information.

One of the men, who looked quite old, tilted his head back and finished his drink, then grinned and said, "Guys! You know what? I have a feeling we're going to make a fortune this time."

"Oh? How do you know we'll definitely make a fortune?" Another young man blinked curiously.

"Hahahaha! Don't you know that ancient legend? The legend of the Holy Sword?" the man laughed and asked in return.

The young man quickly shook his head: "No, I've never heard of it. What is a Holy Sword?"

"The Holy Sword is a powerful divine weapon! Legend has it that it was forged by a god in ancient times and bestowed upon an unnamed hero. With the Holy Sword's unparalleled power, this hero not only defeated an invincible army of the undead but also slew the mighty Dragon King. To prevent the Holy Sword from falling into the hands of evil, the hero built a tomb before his death. Now, his soul guards the Holy Sword in the tomb, awaiting the arrival of the next hero-like successor."

A mysterious figure, completely shrouded in a hood, spoke up and provided the answer from a distance.

"Could this ruin be the tomb of the unknown hero?!" The young man stood up excitedly.

As the saying goes, every intelligent being harbors a dream of becoming a hero deep within their heart. This is a manifestation of sociality, a desire for recognition and praise from their peers, and very few can resist its allure.

Young people, especially those who love to fantasize, become passionate and enthusiastic as long as they are given a little hope and encouragement, even at the risk of their lives.

"I'm sorry, I'm just a scholar. I can't be sure if it is what it is until I see the ruins with my own eyes," the mysterious man replied without looking up.

"So, would you be interested in joining us?" The middle-aged man who spoke first offered an invitation.

He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he always felt a strong sense of ambiguity when he looked at the other person's face hidden under the hood, to the point that he couldn't remember anything at all.

It was precisely because of this that he felt this mysterious person was definitely not simple, and therefore decided to test him.

Unfortunately, the mysterious man clearly had no such intention, smilingly declining, "No interest. I am a scholar, not a spellcaster or a warrior, and would be a burden to your team. Besides, I'm picky about food and can't stomach the unpalatable roasted meat and dry rations in the wild. Finally, thank you for your invitation, but adventures are best left to professionals like you."

The words had barely left his mouth!

He tossed down a few silver coins, stood up, and walked out of the tavern, disappearing from everyone's sight in the blink of an eye.

Once they were completely out of sight, the middle-aged man immediately instructed a short man beside him, "Go! Follow him! Find out who he is!"

"understand!"

The short man immediately put down the food in his hand, picked up a dirty burlap sack to wipe his hands and mouth, and strode off to catch up with it at an extremely fast pace.

The two walked one after the other through the complex and dark alley for about ten minutes when he suddenly noticed that the person he was following had suddenly turned into a sky full of ghostly light.

Such a horrifying, bizarre, and incomprehensible phenomenon made the short man shudder involuntarily, gritting his teeth and complaining, "Damn it! This is truly a ghost!"

Despite his complaints, he still dutifully circled the area several times to confirm that the target was truly gone before dejectedly returning the way he came.

But he clearly didn't realize that as soon as he left, the points of light regrouped and formed the shape of a person.

The mysterious man's lips curled slightly upward, revealing a playful smile. He then removed his hood, revealing Isolde's aged face.

It goes without saying that all the true and false rumors circulating everywhere were spread by him in this way, and he even provided some informational assistance to those promising adventure teams...

Chapter 1089 Gru's Warning

"Master, this is the data that was just sent back. Please take a look."

At the top of the magic tower, Allens presented a silver-white metal disc with both hands, a relaxed and carefree expression on his face.

The reason is very simple.

One of his most hated rivals, Kerwin, is now in dire straits. Not only does he dare not launch an attack on the remaining lands of the kingdom, but he also has to guard against those highly destructive strategic weapons. He is in such a sorry state that he is like a rat trapped in a bellows.

Judging from recent developments, this tyrant seems to be looking for a new direction for attack, abandoning his original plan to annex the kingdom and be crowned king.

no way!

Queen Vilia of the kingdom is no longer the cute little lamb that people could rub and cuddle; instead, she is a tigress with her jaws wide open, frantically devouring fresh flesh and blood.

He went from being the dominant force with a firm grasp on the offensive initiative to the vulnerable force that needed to be on the defensive with trepidation.

What's even more terrifying is that he still doesn't understand what the master he serves is thinking.

Is he planning to replace himself and then discard him after he's served his purpose?

Or do you just want to give yourself a stern warning, telling yourself that you've crossed the line in some areas?

Unfortunately, Kerwin had no means to obtain relevant intelligence, nor did he dare to make any probes; he was trembling like a frightened bird.

Having tasted the power of supreme authority and the awe and fear in those eyes, he could never go back to the past and be content to be a small lord adrift at the border between civilization and barbarism.

Zhang Cheng was undoubtedly very clear about the young man's thoughts at this moment. He took the disc and asked with a half-smile, "You seem to be in a good mood lately, don't you?"

“Of course! Master! This is all thanks to your wisdom and foresight. All the plans are proceeding very smoothly, and my work has become much easier. I have more time to spend in the library, reading and understanding those profound and difficult magical knowledge.” Allens placed one hand on his chest and bowed deeply.