Chapter 474: 403rd Zhang Legendary
Manlu Duchy border.
A standoff was ongoing.
The scene could be roughly divided into three factions, with one side being the ’Black Rope’ Master Mage. His brows were tightly furrowed, gripping a magic wand resembling an axe, his expression shifting unpredictably.
Another side consisted of Atuman, Tur, Modi, and Erica, four Master Mages.
The four formed a fan-shaped formation, faintly encircling Black Rope.
As for the last faction.
"Who is this—"
Manlu Duchy’s Grand Duke ’Tur’ looked toward the sky, a hint of apprehension flashing across his eyes.
To deal with the Griffin Monarch, Tur the Grand Duke could indeed remain unperturbed, but the simultaneous arrival of six monarchs was enough to make him deeply wary.
"Six monarchs!"
"Could it be a legendary summoner?"
Tur the Grand Duke felt somewhat unwilling but did not dare act recklessly.
Modi and Erica similarly did not recognize the newcomer.
As the group pondered, Atuman suddenly spoke: "His name is ’Green.’ He is the president of the ’Black Bat’ Guild of the Bilun Duchy and a first-generation graduate of the ’Summoning Cottage’ in the Helz Duchy."
Atuman, as the honorary dean of Bilun Duchy’s First Magic Academy, had kept an eye on the booming success of the ’Black Bat’ Guild in recent years and investigated its key members, enabling him to identify Green.
But even so, a mere Second-level Mage summoning five monarchs right before his eyes, commanding six monarchs in total with such a dominating aura that it overshadowed the five Master Mages present, still made him shudder involuntarily.
"Summoning Cottage?"
"So he’s a student of the ’Elemental Hand’!"
Tur the Grand Duke and the other two Master Mages instantly understood.
Though they didn’t know Green, they were quite familiar with the reputation of the ’Summoning Cottage’ and its dean, ’Elemental Hand’ Benage.
Rumors claimed that the ’Summoning Cottage’ had exceptional teaching quality, with its dean ’Elemental Hand’ being a summoning master commanding not just one monarch under his wing.
Initially, they thought the rumors were exaggerated, but seeing the six monarchs appear today dispelled their doubts and validated the claims.
"Benage has intervened today, deploying six monarchs. His intent for the ’Holy Artifact’ is obvious."
Among the four, Erica the Master Mage had already given up hope of competing for the ’Holy Artifact.’
Erica differed from Atuman and the others.
She was merely an Independent Mage, with no reliance on a duchy or kingdom, nor the protection of a Mage Tower. Even if she were to seize the Holy Artifact by sheer luck, the best outcome might only be fleeing overseas in panic, reduced to the plight of a stray dog.
Initially, she had entertained some speculative thoughts, but the presence of the six monarchs shattered those illusions instantly, jolting her awake.
Atuman seemed to notice Erica’s hesitation and spoke up: "Though Benage has settled and gained a foothold in the Helz Duchy, his roots remain shallow. Even if he takes the Holy Artifact, he may lack the capability to keep it."
"Hmm?"
Erica felt her mind stir upon hearing this.
Meanwhile, Tur the Grand Duke spoke out: "The magic wand held by this Black Rope Mage closely resembles the legendary ’Yisusi’s Staff.’"
’Yisusi’ was a renowned legendary alchemist of the Main Material Plane, who devoted two centuries at the height of his skill to creating five Holy Artifacts, collectively known as ’Yisusi’s Set,’ hoping to rival the Divine Artifacts.
But unfortunately, he ultimately failed, and most components of the set disappeared.
Among them, ’Yisusi’s Staff’ possessed effects of Fast Casting and heightened Magic Power, making it an invaluable treasure for both combat and magical enlightenment.
"Yisusi’s Staff."
Erica and the other three recalled the legendary tale of this Holy Artifact, and thinking back to the earlier skirmishes, their hearts began to stir.
"Everyone."
Atuman clapped his hands to draw the attention of the other three, then said: "Benage has considerable strength, but his Mage Tower is newly built, lacking stability. We, on the other hand, have broader connections. If we team up with Benage, we can undoubtedly safeguard the Holy Artifact. Together, we can fend off external threats and take turns possessing the Holy Artifact—a win-win situation, wouldn’t you agree?"
Atuman was the most strategic thinker.
Upon recognizing Green and seeing the six monarchs, he immediately began devising a plan.
He soon came up with a solution that suited all—
Join the opposition instead of fighting them.
A direct confrontation wasn’t necessary.
If Atuman’s proposed alliance could take shape, they could all enjoy the benefits of the Holy Artifact while fostering deeper mutual cooperation tied to this artifact, leading to even greater opportunities for growth.
Upon hearing Atuman’s suggestion, Tur and Modi fell deep into thought. Erica’s eyes, however, lit up, and she was the first to respond: "I agree."
Tur and Modi, upon hearing Erica’s response, also determined that this was the safest course of action for now.
They looked toward Atuman and nodded in agreement. Tur the Grand Duke was the first to speak: "But Benage is far away in the Helz Duchy, and it will take time for him to arrive. Meanwhile, the Holy Artifact cannot be delayed; the longer we wait, the more likely unforeseen events may occur."
Modi concurred: "We should secure the Holy Artifact first. Once Benage arrives, we can then discuss the specifics of cooperation."
In truth, neither Tur nor Modi were entirely at ease. They secretly feared the overwhelming dominance of ’Elemental Hand,’ who commanded six monarchs, potentially excluding them from this arrangement upon arrival.
If that were to happen, even if Benage faced setbacks or if the Holy Artifact were snatched by another party, they would still be left empty-handed.
But with the Holy Artifact in their possession, they could negotiate from a position of strength and better ensure collaboration.
"Agreed!"
"Then let’s proceed!"
At this critical juncture, the four quickly reached a consensus.
At the center of the encirclement.
The Black Rope Master Mage was also lost in thought.
He was considered fortunate, having acquired a Holy Artifact in the power-laden East Continent and even successfully escaped with it.