Chapter 50: A New Chapter!

In January of the new calendar year 408, the empire welcomed its first snowfall of the new year. Though the harsh winter caused many to worry about their food supplies, it must be said that when the bells of the new year rang, the faces of the empire’s inhabitants were filled with joy.

With the country’s power once again in the hands of the royal family and the wars over, people thought a bright future was on the horizon. Yet they failed to realize that the darkness looming over the empire showed no sign of fading.

From 404 to 407 of the new calendar, it was a dark period for many. A rebel named Agus seized power and ruled the country for three years.

The coronation of the new king, Theo Bartz Yawood, was undoubtedly seen by the common people as a new beginning. Unfortunately, ignorant as they were, they failed to realize that the dark era had not yet ended—no, it had only just begun!

After Jerry Belford, the former vice president of the Royal Magic Association and now its president, seized power and defected to Agus, the Vandel Magic Tower severed its ties with the Gory Magic Tower and even maintained a political rivalry. However, in the face of a major event, Vandel had no choice but to cooperate with Gory.

It was an event that affected the entire empire, and even the entire human world!

After a mysterious magician intruded on the king’s coronation ceremony and massacred the Saxon nobles, another alarming development emerged: villages and cities across the empire were successively attacked on varying scales. What was even more concerning was that the attackers were not human bandits but demons—demons seeking prey or satisfying their thirst for slaughter.

Humans were not unfamiliar with demons. After all, these dark creatures that lived in the abyss had appeared since the Pre-Alchemy era, used by black magicians as a means to intimidate enemies and as a primary weapon of attack.

These demons, summoned by black magicians to this world, shared a distinct and uniform feature: on various parts of their bodies, often on their foreheads, were engraved summoning runes of different sizes and colors. This was how ancient magicians distinguished between different demons. Yet this time, the situation was different. For some unknown reason, large numbers of demons, unsummoned, secretly entered the human world from their abyssal homes. Some of the most powerful among them even reached the Ambershard level.

Perhaps some people are not aware of the strength represented by the Ambershade-class demons. Simply put, they are equivalent to archmages in the human power hierarchy. One can imagine what kind of scene would occur if such powerful demons attacked a village. Such an event has never happened in the empire’s several hundred years of history, or even in humanity’s nearly thousand years of history. Who exactly is responsible for these series of incidents? At this time, the Gory Mage Tower and the Vandel Mage Tower pointed all their accusations at one person—a man named Belial! To people in other regions, this name may seem very unfamiliar and certainly not comparable to Argus, who seized control of the country. But in the eyes of the people of Sassen, this man named Belial is far more terrifying than Argus. After all, after defeating Argus, who is still despised to this day, Volmon Kless, the new head of the Heliorex Academy, was temporarily regarded as the empire’s most powerful dark mage. Yet even this great figure who defeated Argus was no match for the mysterious mage Belial. Thus, as various people harbored different motives, the empire entered a new year, and humanity began a new chapter! “The Land of Death?” “Ah, that’s how we call it; others usually refer to it as the Land of Death, Dean!” On a sunny morning, after taking over as head of the Heliorex Academy, Thos inspected his academy in person for the first time. In the past, this task was usually handled by Professor Old Manhert, the dean of students, as Thos had been busy dealing with matters related to the Sassen Magic Association and learning to master the Source Power, leaving him with little time. By his side was Pule, a standout figure among the new generation of necromancers. “Now that you mention it, I recall the portal Belial summoned in front of the Sassen palace last time…” “Mm, I’ve heard about that too… It must be one of the four gates leading to the Land of Death—the Gate of Corpse Accumulation!” Thos stopped in his tracks and glanced at the academy students practicing new magic in the distance. Frowning with concern, he said, “So, Belial is currently in the Land of Death?”

“I guess so!” Pul stopped and stood beside Thors, glancing at the students trying to summon skeletons on the playground. Watching those pale, fragile skeletons stagger under their masters’ control, he seemed amused. Shaking his head, he said with a faint smile, “To be honest, I can’t believe there are humans who know more about the Land of Death than we do… Even I can’t open the gate to it!” His tone turned somber, as he was the most outstanding necromancer—if even he couldn’t do it, then others certainly couldn’t.

Glancing at Pul’s disappointed and regretful expression, Thors smiled slightly and joked, “Don’t you want to talk about something else? Like, someone has invaded your sacred place?”

“Sacred place?” Seeming to understand Thors’ meaning, Pul laughed heartily before shaking his head with concern. “We’re not those guys from the Church. But… we still worry about that ancient land. I’ve always thought the Empire’s black magicians hold prejudices against us. Birth and death are the most fundamental aspects of life. Any living thing will eventually face death—it’s inevitable. In other words, our necromancy shouldn’t be classified as black magic but rather as life magic…”

“Elven life magic?” Thors said with a smile.

“Heh, probably,” Pul replied with a slight smile and a sigh. “But the elves lean toward [birth], while we lean toward [death]…”

“The cycle of life…”

“That’s exactly it,” Pul said, relieved to see Thors seemed to agree with him. Nodding, he continued, “That’s why I’m even more worried that Belial’s actions might bring immeasurable disaster to this world. Once the cycle of life is broken, the order of this world will surely be disrupted. In the worst case, it could lead to the collapse of the entire world’s order!”

“…” Thors opened his mouth, hesitating to speak. After a moment of silence, he shook his head and said, “Don’t even think about challenging him, Pul. A month ago, I might have had such thoughts, but now, with the help of the Great Will, I can feel Belial’s power even more… It’s an unquenchable flame. He will surely destroy any enemy who dares stand in his way. I think even if the whole world stood in his way, he wouldn’t stop… In a way, he’s a crazier and more pitiful fellow than Argus!”

“Heh, crazy and pitiful? I think Argus would be thrilled to hear your ‘compliments,’” Pule joked, then seemed to remember something, his tone turning serious as he asked cautiously, “To be honest, did you hold back back then?”
Thos was momentarily stunned before realizing Pule was referring to the battle against Belial outside the Sasanian Palace. Shaking his head with a bitter smile, he said, “How could I hold back? Otherwise, that guy wouldn’t have taken Sloth away from us. Belial… in the words of the Grand Elder, that guy might have become something like a [Will]!”
“A Will? I thought it referred to an indelible spiritual entity? Does that guy already possess power comparable to that of gods?”
“Maybe,” Thos sighed slightly, gazing at the students in the training ground who were practicing magic under guidance. Seeing the familiar fireballs, his fingers twitched slightly, his expression softening as a faint smile appeared on his face. He murmured, “The world where archmages stood at the pinnacle of the magical realm is over now. Magic history will enter a brand new era as a result…”
“If this is an inevitable path for the development of magical civilization, I think it’s not a bad thing…”
“But this progress is a bit too fast. Besides, not everyone can become an archmage, let alone… a demi-god!” With that, Thos took a deep breath, turned, and walked a few steps before saying, “Let’s go—check out the next class!”
“Okay!” Pule nodded and followed. Looking at the boy in front of him, who was only about sixteen years old, he felt deeply moved. Though he was a genius among necromancers, the world of necromancers was far too narrow. It couldn’t compare to black mages who had sustained entire empires for hundreds of years through their own ideas. As long as a few geniuses emerged among the tens of thousands of black magic apprentices across the empire—someone even less extraordinary than this boy—it would be impossible for necromancers to regain control over the world of light. There was nothing they could do about it; after all, necromancers had been disconnected from this world for so long that people had even forgotten their existence.
If they wanted to continue preserving the traditions and ideals of necromancers, they had to rely on powerful forces. Argus used to do that, and now Volmon Kleist does the same.
As for the proposals from those within their clan who opposed this, Pule found them utterly unfeasible.

So what if they lost the power of the Ancient Will? Volmon Klaest is still one of the most powerful dark magicians in the empire right now! Moreover, those within their clan who hold opposing views don’t realize that the only semi-divine human in the world today is the future of this young man… To take over the position of a dark magician? Ah, it’s just a foolish and beautiful illusion… The second year at the New Heliriox Academy was much more optimistic than the first. By February, the academy already had over three thousand magic apprentices, putting an end to the awkward situation where there were more professors than students. About two hundred of these students chose the course of [Necromancy], which reduced the discord among necromancers. It’s not really their fault—after all, all the necromancers in the empire combined might not even amount to a quarter of Lord Vando, the dark magician. This worried the necromancers, especially the older elders, who feared that necromancy might vanish entirely. On the other hand, if they could bring in new blood, they could maintain the traditions and ideals of necromancy. It was with this mindset that they were willing to ally themselves with Heliriox—after all, it was driven by self-interest. It’s worth mentioning that after the Royal Magicians of Sassen officially conferred the title of Honorary Vice President on Master Sorath, the former senior students who had been “forced to drop out” due to Argus gradually returned to Heliriox, including some with considerable skills. As their numbers increased, the problems that had plagued the academy began to surface one after another—such as the long-standing conflict between noble and common students. But at that time, the academy’s professors didn’t have the leisure to resolve these conflicts, as figures like Sorath were constantly keeping an eye on Belia’s movements.

Moreover, although the Sassen and Vando magical factions are currently living in peace, to be honest, the Royal Magi and the Vando Magi are not from the same camp. Given the increasing number of monsters causing trouble near Vando, Vando—no, it should be Heliriox—formed a group similar to a knight order composed of senior students. Named personally by Vandel’s Grand Elder, it is called the [Stythus] Magic Corps. In ancient languages, it signifies truth and the pursuit of reality. The members of this corps are mainly responsible for maintaining order within the academy. Occasionally, the instructors also take on requests from nearby cities or villages to lead the students to hunt monsters that attack humans, so that the students can better understand magic through real battles.

It is worth noting that Heliriox Academy no longer focuses solely on teaching magical knowledge. In addition to its traditional courses, it has introduced subjects such as [Astrology] and [Necromancy], and even basic knightly courses like [Equestrianism] and [Fencing]. This is not because the academy aims to train magical knights, but because people like Thos, who have experienced war, believe that even magi need some physical strength. If one lacks the stamina to cast spells, no matter how much power they possess, it’s of little use.

Furthermore, Heliriox Academy, in partnership with Vandelta, established a magical association headquartered in the magical city of Vando, less than 500 yards away from Vandelta. Most of its members are dark magi who have participated in wars. As an association under Heliriox Academy, it is called the [Stythus Vando Magical Association], commonly referred to as the [Vando Magical Association] or [Stythus Vando Magical Association].

The establishment of the Vando Magical Association marked the end of the Sassen Royal Magi’s absolute dominance in the empire. Being a Royal Magi was no longer the only path for imperial dark magi, which dealt a significant blow to the Royal Magical Association. In response, Jerry Berford, the president of the Royal Magical Association, deliberately went to Vando to test Thos. However, Thos, who possessed Source Power, viewed the Apostles differently from others. After a silent competition between these two forces, Jerry Berford ultimately chose silence. After all, he believed that the young academy head before him was not someone who could be easily dealt with. Moreover, due to the existence of Belial, the imperial magical factions were not in a position to engage in internal strife.

While Heliorox Academy was getting on track, in a lavishly decorated palace in Sassen, Lilith led her best friend Dia into her room.
“What a surprise,” Lilith said, turning around to pour a cup of tea for Dia. She gazed at her with a look that made Dia blush and chuckled, “Why did you come to see me? Isn’t your little man with you?”
“What!” Dia lowered her head shyly, glancing at Lilith reproachfully before taking the teacup. With a sigh, she said, “If I had known, I wouldn’t have come… I’m just embarrassed. Every time I have to ask you to come to Vando to see me and talk about boring things…”
“Boring things?” Lilith poured herself a glass of red wine, took a sip, licked her lips, and said smilingly, “I just like listening to you talk about those boring things. By the way, did you do as I said last time… heh heh, hurry up and tell me!”
“Ugh!” Dia’s face turned red as she glared at Lilith in embarrassment and anger.
“Hurry up, did you do it or not?”
“I…” Dia bit her lip, her face red with shame, stammering, “That… such things… I… I… how can I…”
“So you didn’t?” Lilith giggled, looking at Dia’s shy expression playfully.
Hesitantly looking at Lilith, Dia seemed troubled and whispered, “But I always feel it’s not right…”
“What’s the problem? Sooner or later, you’ll belong to him anyway,” Lilith said carelessly, ignoring Dia’s flushed face. “You really, how long do you plan to keep this up? Are you okay with letting that little girl, Vomisley, get between you two? That guy, Sos, too… Why are all men like this? Can’t they think of others? In my opinion, you really should tell Sos directly what you think…”
As if struck by Lilith’s words, Dia shuddered, bit her lip, and said half-heartedly, “Actually… it’s not like that. Lavia… she’s actually quite nice…”
Lilith shook her head helplessly at Dia, walked over and sat next to her, and said irritably, “Idiot, love is selfish. Do you really want to share a man with another woman?”

Dia lowered her head and remained silent for a while before shaking her head. Under Lilith’s astonished gaze, she spoke softly, “I don’t want Thors to be troubled by this. If he… if that’s what he wants, I… I can endure it…”
“You…” Lilith opened her mouth speechlessly, looking at Dia with a strange expression. She hugged her affectionately, stroking her hair, and said softly, “There’s no need to force yourself like this…”
“I’m not forcing myself…”
Gazing deeply at Dia, Lilith said softly with an inexplicable seriousness, “Do… do you really like that boy, Thors?”
“Mm!” Dia seemed a bit surprised but nodded as if it were obvious. Then, as if realizing something, she lowered her head shyly, biting her lip and saying, “Because he said he needs me…”
Strangely, upon hearing this, a peculiar expression appeared in Lilith’s eyes.
“Is that all?”
“Huh?”
“Nothing, it’s fine,” Lilith smiled slightly, took a deep breath, and said with a smile, “Let’s talk about something cheerful. By the way, didn’t you say last time you wanted to continue learning magic? What did Thors say? I think it would be more effective if he taught you…”
“Thors is too busy,” Dia shook her head, sighing slightly with a hint of disappointment. “He’s been busy with Vandel’s affairs lately, then with Riox’s, and also Vando… Sometimes I really wish I could help him, but unfortunately…”
Lilith frowned, as if she had heard something, and couldn’t help asking, “Has he not had time to spend with you lately?”
“Well, not exactly. He’s just too busy. He leaves early every day and returns late…”
“…” Lilith looked at Dia with an inexplicable sense of pity, her tone suddenly becoming strangely eerie as she sneered, “This is what men are like. They always live in their own world. We’re just appendages in their lives—how can we have the right to tell them what to do?”
“Huh?”
“Nothing…”
In the evening, Lilith had a carriage prepared to send her good friend Dia back to Vando. Then, she returned to her own room alone, as if making some important decision.
The light in the room gradually dimmed, and in the corner, a pair of large, pale red eyes slowly opened…
“Haven’t you found it yet? The origin of that man named Belial, Lilith?”

A flicker of struggle passed through Lilith’s eyes, and then, as if she had made a decision, she said in a deep voice, “That man… Belial… is… Volmon Klaest in seven years’ time!”
“What?” Even the Ancient Will Asmontis was shocked, his voice trembling.
“He… that man has traveled through time and space? He can actually traverse time and space?”
It wasn’t surprising that Asmontis was so astonished. After all, the ability to travel through time and space meant he possessed the power to enter lower-dimensional spaces, meaning he could invade the two-dimensional realm where the Ancient Will resided and pose a threat to them.
After a long silence, a hint of undisguised murderous intent flashed in the pale red eyes in the corner of the room. Then, Asmontis’s deep voice filled the entire room.
“Kill him… kill him, Lilith!”
“Even if we kill him, Belial won’t disappear…”
“I know, but that man, Belial, is an omen of disaster from another world. He won’t stay here for long. If what you say is true, then… Volmon Klaest is a greater threat to us than Belial… Deal with him!”
A hint of hesitation appeared in Lilith’s eyes.
“…I understand!”