Chapter 160 - Fighting the Lich (4)

But still, I didn't know how to answer the Lich's question. Honestly, I was still trying to comprehend the nature of this power. However, there was one certainty I held: in this place and at this very moment, the Lich would never be able to defeat me.

I felt the power coursing through my veins, transforming every fiber of my being. It was a simultaneously exhilarating and unsettling sensation. While it filled me with confidence, it also left me uneasy, as if I were slowly losing my own identity. This thought raised another question in my mind.

If Makoto Tatsuya ceased to exist, who or what would take his place? This question lingered in my mind, but honestly, I had no idea of the answer. Furthermore, I didn't know if I should even ask Shade, as she might not have the answer either.

"How dare you ignore me, a mere human? I will make you pay dearly for this!"

While all these thoughts filled my mind, the Lich's angry voice echoed, and then, lifting my gaze toward him, I noticed a green ray coming at me. It was so fast that my only reaction was to raise my arms in front of my face in a desperate attempt to shield myself, while a single thought dominated my mind, that the attack would somehow disappear.

This thought arose completely spontaneously, almost like pure instinct. After that, two seconds passed, and nothing happened. After five seconds, I decided to open my eyes, even though I should technically be injured or dead. As soon as my eyes opened, they met the Lich's, who was staring at me with a peculiar expression on his face.

"But what the hell was that magic? No, is it even magic? I couldn't detect any trace of mana in that"

The Lich said as he observed something floating in front of me. It resembled a completely black sphere, with dark orange lights pulsating around it.

"Is this a black hole?"

I asked, a mix of curiosity and perplexity in my voice. The words came out naturally. Still baffled, my hand began to approach the black orb. Before I knew it, my finger was inches away from the black hole. However, before my finger touched the sphere, it suddenly disappeared and reappeared a few inches away from me.

"But what?"

I was perplexed by the scene. I really wasn't expecting the orb to move on its own. With that in mind, I began to think about moving the orb, and as soon as I thought about it, the orb moved again, appearing a bit further ahead. After that, I tried two more times, and just like before, the orb moved easily, seemingly picking up on the slightest of my thoughts.

"Shade, where exactly are we?"

I asked as I looked around. Upon hearing my question, Shade, who was beside me, tilted her head contemplatively.

"My king, this is my home" 

Shade replied with a tone of reverence in her voice. She continued. 

"The ability you used is nothing more than a teleportation spell that takes us directly to my home... here, you are virtually invincible, my king. Everything you think or say will become reality"

Saying this, Shade lowered her gaze towards me, putting a smile on her face, and then turned her gaze to the Lich.

"Please, try"

Upon hearing Shade's words, I turned to the Lich, who was glaring at us with a mixture of anger, anxiety, and fear.

"Both of you... really have the audacity to ignore me? Someone who was once considered one of the most prominent wizards in the world?" 

Said the Lich as he observed us. Then, he raised his staff and let out a laugh, and at that moment, a purple light began to emanate from the crystals embedded in the staff.

"A mere human and a mere high-level spirit dare to ignore me? I will make you both pay with your lives. I don't know where you've brought me, but as soon as my magic is ready, all your power will be dissipated" 

Declared the Lich as he continued to laugh increasingly loudly. Hearing his words, I was surprised because I didn't know he still had this kind of hidden magic. Before I could act, Shade's voice echoed like a whisper.

"You don't need to worry, my king. Nothing will happen"

Hearing Shade's words, I turned to her for a moment and saw a warm smile on her face.

"Hahahahaha, behold my power!" 

Said the Lich, laughing manically. At that moment, the light radiating from his staff shone even more intensely, forcing me to close my eyes to avoid being blinded. After a few seconds, when I finally opened my eyes, I realized we were still in the same place. The Lich remained motionless, looking perplexed at his staff.

"This is impossible. I'm sure I activated the magic" 

Murmured the Lich, lost in thought. Shade's words echoed like a whisper, but they were loud enough for both the Lich and me to hear.

"Indeed, it's an incredibly powerful dispelling magic. It's a pity this place isn't constructed with magic. But even if it were, this magic still wouldn't have worked in any case"

Shade's words elicited an intriguing reaction from the Lich. I noticed his body suddenly trembling, as if he were facing a monstrous and terrifying presence. In an instant, the Lich slumped, falling to the ground while accusingly pointing at Shade, his red eyes emitting an intense and menacing glow.

"You... you weren't just a high-level spirit?" 

Upon hearing the Lich's question, Shade let out only a brief laugh and shook her head from side to side, further widening the astonishment in the Lich's eyes.

"But then..." 

Said the Lich, with an expression that indicated he was lost in his own thoughts.

"No... this is impossible. You... don't tell me you're one of the pillars of creation?" 

The Lich pointed at Shade, and his words made me raise an eyebrow in perplexity.

"Shade, what is he talking about?" 

I inquired, seeking clarification. In response, Shade shook her head from side to side, showing equal confusion.

"I'm sorry, my king. I don't understand what he means" 

Replied Shade, echoing my bewilderment.