Dylan Gardens

"Shall we advance?" inquired Leylin, though he already knew the answer, taking the first decisive step forward.

"Certainly!" Resolve etched itself on Bosain's face; for him, the success of this expedition hinged solely on uncovering a Magus inheritance.

Leylin's outward demeanor exuded calm, but his inner turmoil was undeniable. He meticulously assessed every conceivable scenario that lay ahead, acutely aware of the trail left by the enigmatic figure they pursued.

'The inheritance of the illustrious, Rank 4 Magus Serholm...' Leylin's heart burned with unbridled desire.

The two acolytes soon entered a corroded metal passageway, reminiscent of a bunker's entrance.

The tunnel boasted ample width, accommodating three adults walking abreast. Since Leylin and Bosain were just two young men, they enjoyed ample freedom of movement.

Leylin's fingers brushed the wall, releasing a cascade of gray dust that unveiled the gleaming silver metal beneath.

Initially frigid, the metal soon warmed under his touch, imparting an eerie sensation.

[You've discovered an unknown metal, Doctor. It is not cataloged within my database.] Aralis's voice chimed after scanning the material.

"Oh, this? It's the Crying Blood Alloy. Legend has it that its forging process demands the fresh blood of beasts or slaves. There appears to be a limit to its impact on spiritual entities." Bosain whispered to Leylin.

If magicians were regarded as commoners, then Bosain stood as nobility among them. His knowledge surpassed Leylin's in specific domains, a consequence of his superior upbringing and education. Even though Bosain sometimes appeared disinterested in academic matters, he retained invaluable insights like this. By Magi standards, Bosain was deemed lazy rather than unintelligent. Moreover, access to certain rare materials was the exclusive privilege of Magi Houses such as his. As the son of a relatively poor mortal family, Leylin had no such connections.

Leylin silently commanded, 'Aralis, record the composition of this substance.'

In response, Aralis's indicator chimed in Leylin's ears, declaring, [Blood Crying Alloy... folder is sorted and ready.]

Walking along the passage, Bosain, positioned to the right, suddenly spoke up, "The distance to that protective screen we observed earlier is diminishing. Given that this passage is constructed using this type of alloy, we should be prepared for potential encounters ahead."

However, Leylin interrupted with a serious expression, "Hold on, I've detected a spirit entity!"

For ordinary acolytes, defending against spirit entities was a considerable challenge. They lacked effective countermeasures against such attacks and would have likely retreated by now. But Leylin and Bosain were no ordinary acolytes.

Bosain possessed more than one magical artifact, which could provide temporary defense. While they weren't as potent as the Fallen Star Pendant, they could protect their spiritual selves for the time being.

As for Leylin, he had dedicated over two years to researching spirit entities, surpassing the knowledge of even some of his professors. He felt no fear in this regard.

In this critical moment, Leylin sensed his dark tendrils eager to be unleashed.

Aralis' voice cut in, stating, [The Negative Energy density in the air has increased by an additional 33.14% compared to standard environmental conditions. Your demon DNA is interacting with it and exhibiting signs of heightened hunger for nourishment.]

'The cause behind this phenomenon is remarkably simple to deduce. In these conditions, spirit bodies can flourish and persist for extended periods. My demonic powers have unmistakably sensed the presence of such a spirit body... Ever since I devoured that spirit body, it seems I've unwittingly developed a craving for it,' Leylin analyzed.

A potent, violent instinct surged within Leylin's being. He had to exert every ounce of his willpower to restrain himself from immediately seizing and consuming Bosain's soul.

"It's here." Leylin's eyes narrowed, and a luminous rift materialized before them.

Upon passing through the cave opening, Leylin and the others were assaulted by a radiant light that compelled them to shield their eyes.

Upon reopening their eyes, they found themselves in a sprawling meadow of blossoms, each radiating a vibrant spectrum of colors.

Tulips, fiery poppies, colossal crimson chrysanthemums, emerald calla lilies, and a multitude of other flowers, both familiar and unfamiliar to Leylin, adorned this floral haven.

The garden appeared enchanted, with flowers of diverse species blooming profusely, each according to its own unique season and region.

While worldly blooms were often used for ornamental purposes, a cursory inhalation revealed an array of magical herbs hidden amidst the petals.

Many of these were beyond even Kroft's knowledge, yet here they sat, surrounded by this bountiful garden.

'Violet Leaves Flower, Nose Root Fruit, Walking Dragonfly, Inverted Sunflower, and even the elusive Void Flower...' Leylin quickly identified.

Bosain, too, couldn't contain his amazement.

Towards the far end of the garden, several flower species were beyond Leylin's recognition, but their placement hinted at values surpassing even that of the Void Flower.

Leylin now comprehended the reason behind the name 'Dylan Gardens.' This colossal garden spanned at least a dozen square kilometers. The sheer number of valuable plants and their worth in magic crystals left Leylin momentarily stupefied.

His initial concern that the spirit body had ensnared him in an illusion spell was swiftly dismissed, thanks to his resistance bolstered by the Forest Sprite power within him.

"Haha... the Sun Golden Flame! It's the Sun Golden Flame!" Bosain exclaimed, his eyes fixated on a blazing plant at the center with fervor.

"The potency of the Sun Golden Flame can be harnessed in conjunction with Grine Water to aid Fire element acolytes in their breakthroughs. Remarkably, this combination elevates the success rate by a substantial 20%!" Bosain mused aloud as his hand instinctively gravitated towards the fiery-red Sun Golden Flame.

However, before he could act, Leylin, apparently struck by a sudden realization, interjected urgently, "Don't touch anything, you imbecile!"

Regrettably, it proved too late. Bosain remained heedless of Leylin's caution and reached for the vibrant flowerbed.

A chiming sound resonated, creating a melodious symphony to their ears. Simultaneously, the very atmosphere stilled, and the winds ceased their relentless gusts.

Leylin and his recklessly curious companion found themselves no longer standing on solid ground but rather abruptly transported to an unfamiliar location.

This new place seemed to be the interior of a temple, with a meticulously arranged exhibit of fresh, unused furniture reminiscent of a shrine dedicated to an ancient, long-forgotten deity. On a pale yellow desk, an intriguing lamp radiated an orange-red flame.

"What in the world is this place?" Bosain inquired, his voice quivering.

"It appears to be a form of defensive mechanism. We seem to have been relocated to an entirely different area," Leylin replied with a wry twist to his lips.

His gaze, once amicable, had now transformed into a more scrutinizing one. Yet, just as quickly, he composed himself, adopting an analytical demeanor.

"Nonetheless, there's a silver lining to this situation. According to the customs of the Kukeral era, resolving this mechanism should disable most of the remaining defensive measures," Leylin explained, his expression growing graver.

Bosain's countenance darkened, and he confessed, "It was my avarice that led us astray, forfeiting numerous opportunities we once had."

Leylin simply nodded silently, exhaling a deep breath, yet refrained from uttering another word. For now, he had no intention of taking action against Bosain.

"Teehee! Who's here to play with Alice...?" chimed a mechanical girl's voice.

As they turned a corner, an unexpected sight greeted them—a Western Doll?

Leylin's gaze was drawn to a mannequin lurking in the shadows of the corridor's bend.

This Western doll boasted the proportions of a small child, its eyes gleaming with blue gemstones meticulously stitched in place. Adorned in a delicate pink frock and boasting flowing blonde locks, it sported a striking red bow-knot on its chest.

"What... What in the world is that, Leylin?" Bosain stammered, his voice trembling.

"Ah, a vengeful spirit figurine, perhaps?" Leylin recalled encountering the term in his studies.

Evidently, this entity was some form of spirit body. Observing the physical manifestation of the vengeful spirit figurine, Leylin realized that his previous research and inquiries into the realm of spirits had barely scratched the surface. He would need to delve much deeper into his laboratory investigations. But that was a task for another time.

At the very least, he found himself utterly bewildered by these vengeful spirits that appeared to straddle the boundary between illusion and reality.

"Hehe! You've come to play with Alice!" The blonde girl extended a fabric-clad arm, its hand lacking fingers, only revealing a smooth, glossy hemisphere.

A translucent force field suddenly erupted behind Leylin, propelling him into the air with irresistible momentum, hurtling him toward the spirit body figurine.

"Come closer, my baby! Let Alice embrace you!" The cloth doll extended her arms, as if yearning for an affectionate hug with Leylin.

Without hesitation, Bosain swiftly departed from the room, disappearing around a corner into a different section of the temple. He had seemingly abandoned Leylin, leaving him to confront the impending danger alone.

"I shall seize this opportunity to glean valuable insights about your kind, if you don't mind," Leylin calmly remarked, his tone retaining its gentlemanly demeanor. With a casual flick of his hand, he released two crimson orbs filled with a combat potion, engulfing the cloth doll in a blazing inferno.

To his astonishment, the flames were swiftly extinguished, leaving the cloth doll utterly unscathed.

Ethereal baby-sized arms materialized from the void, reaching out towards Leylin, with some even brushing against his waist.

An unsettling numbness coursed through his waist, prompting Leylin to act decisively. He tossed a yellow potion onto the ground, summoning a protective barrier that surrounded his body, successfully warding off the multitude of miniature arms.

It was Trevor's Revolving Shield Potion, the sole defensive elixir at Leylin's disposal, and it was now proving its worth.

"Argh! You've harmed poor Alice! You've caused her pain!" The doll cried out amidst its distress, the anguish in its voice unmistakable.

"That was entirely your own doing, my dear. Instead of surrendering to me, a superior being, you chose to attack. I must say, that's hardly considered polite conduct. Some might even label it as sheer foolishness," Leylin remarked with a sadistic yet playful tone, as if he were indulging in a sardonic game of pretense with the doll.

The cloth doll's visage abruptly contorted, revealing a set of razor-sharp teeth. "You've angered Alice! Alice despises you! Alice shall devour you!" Her voice took on a darker, supernaturally wrathful tone.

Two semi-translucent beastly maws materialized before Leylin, snapping hungrily.

The golden defensive light shield displayed signs of strain, emitting sounds that betrayed its struggle to withstand the assault.

Leylin commented casually while reviewing the data gathered by Aralis, "This onslaught is quickly surpassing the capabilities of the potion. Fascinating." He continued to examine the spirit body figurine with an air of nonchalance, despite her fervent attempt to end his existence.

Leylin's hand moved to the item hanging around his neck. "I could easily dispatch you with Light element spells, but that would be a waste of potential. Now is not the ideal moment to test the effectiveness of my new explosive potion. I wonder if you can endure the damage output..."

With that, Leylin tossed out a vial containing a fiery red potion.

"Intense Blazing Potion. And... these," Leylin reached into his pouch and produced several pink-hued pearls, flinging them into the flames.

During his time in Extreme Night City, he garnered valuable insights into spirit bodies. In addition to comprehending their underlying principles, he had acquired knowledge about their vulnerabilities and aversions. These pink-hued pearls held one of the most potent effects.

The pearls promptly burst within the flames, releasing a pink-hued powder.

Following this addition, the fire transformed into a vibrant pink hue, expanding until it consumed the beastly jaws entirely.

The enormous jaws emitted a deafening roar and swiftly disintegrated into ashes within the blazing inferno.

Simultaneously, the flames seemed to transcend the boundaries of reality, extending towards the cloth doll's countenance. The doll instinctively shielded its face, emitting a loud and resentful howl.

As the final vestige of flame dissipated, the radiant screen enveloping Leylin vanished entirely.

Leylin landed on the floor, still on his feet, but with his waist marked by the closing wounds inflicted by two diminutive hands. His brows knitted in concentration as he examined the remnants of his once pristine attire, now marred by two broken pieces of his ebony armor.

'Even injuries caused by a spirit body find solace in my Mitotic Regeneration, albeit at a slower pace than those of the flesh... A regular human would be gravely endangered by such a wound, but I remain largely unaffected... Impressive,' Leylin thought, a dark smirk creeping onto his lips.

Yet, before he could savor this revelation, the windows along the side wall shattered, and an unexpected visitor stormed in.

Bosain surveyed the scene, then locked eyes with Leylin, who awaited an explanation with an air of patience. He offered a wry smile, saying, "It appears that no matter where I roam, destiny guides me back here."

"HOW DARE YOU HURT ALICE!" The doll, now recovered, approached with newfound vigor. Her form expanded into one of a fully-grown adult, and she grew blade-like limbs for arms.

"Dearest Alice, allow me to point out the depths of your ugliness and foolishness. If I were to liken your appearance to something, I'd say you resemble a swine wallowing in filth. Perhaps even worse. Oh, and this gentleman here is my closest friend, Bosain. He's like a brother to me. Together, we shall vanquish you without question." Leylin declared casually, flashing a wicked grin. He seized a wooden chair from the periphery and planted himself firmly in the hallway, effectively blocking their adversary's path.

"THEN ALICE SHALL KILL HIM! RIGHT BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES! ALICE SHALL MAKE YOU BEG FOR HIS WRETCHED LIFE!" The doll raged, thrashing about violently.

"What?!" Bosain exclaimed, his bewilderment apparent.

"It seems you have your hands full, Bosain. Unless you relish the thought of a gruesome demise. Best of luck." Leylin remained impassive, gesturing toward the cloth doll that still clung to its face.

"Leylin, what the fuck are you doing?!" Bosain demanded, unsheathing his gleaming silver sword, readying himself for the impending onslaught with his back turned to his 'ally.'

"Can't you see? I'm taking a brief respite. I've grown weary from shielding you from the spirit body figurine while you searched for an escape route. Now it's your turn..." Leylin replied with a hint of irony, his expression remaining inscrutable. "By the way, it appears she detests fire. You might want to employ that golden badge you wielded earlier, unless your Spiritual Energy is running low... That would indeed be unfortunate..."

At that moment, the pink flame on the doll's visage had already sputtered out.

The once-beautiful countenance of the cloth doll had been marred, its visage now charred and disfigured. Even one of its glassy eyes was conspicuously absent.

Yet, despite its grotesque appearance, the doll continued to emit a burst of unsettling laughter, its voice carrying eerie echoes through the chamber. "BOSAIN! ALICE WILL ENJOY EATING YOU BEFORE THAT RUDE MAN!"

"Shit! Leylin, you'll pay for this!" Bosain's anger flared briefly, but he had little time to dwell on it as he prepared his weapon. He needed to be judicious with his Spiritual Force, for he was far from operating at full capacity.

In the dimly lit confines of the ancient temple, Bosain stood his ground, his heart pounding rhythmically as he confronted the abomination that Alice had become. The doll-like spirit body figurine had transformed into a nightmarish creature with blade-like appendages, a bloated and contorted head, and a gaping maw brimming with innumerable razor-sharp fangs, forming a macabre grin. Her once-innocent eyes now blazed a malevolent crimson.

With a firm grip on his enchanted weapon—a vial of glistening silver liquid capable of solidifying into both armor and a blade—Bosain steeled himself for the daunting battle that lay ahead. He knew he'd require every ounce of its magic to contend with this unholy entity.

Alice's cackling voice reverberated eerily throughout the chamber as she advanced toward Bosain, her ethereal form undulating like wisps of smoke and shadows. The room grew unnaturally cold, and swirling gusts of wind carried with them a spectral chorus of hushed, ominous whispers.

Summoning his liquid silver, Bosain coated himself in a protective sheen that gleamed like moonlight. He brandished his silver sword with unwavering determination etched upon his countenance. "You shall not emerge victorious, foul demon!" he declared, his voice a trembling mixture of dread and unyielding resolve.

With a sinister flick of her twisted arm, Alice unleashed a relentless barrage of ghostly energy, each shard as sharp as a dagger, aimed squarely at Bosain. He parried skillfully, but the ceaseless assault forced him into a defensive retreat, evading and deflecting strikes as the malevolent doll persisted in her unrelenting onslaught. With each impact, shockwaves reverberated through the temple's ancient walls, and the acolyte's silver armor showed increasingly conspicuous signs of wear and tear.

Despite his utmost efforts, Bosain found himself unable to emerge from the ordeal unscathed. Numerous cuts and wounds adorned his body, blood flowing from his injuries as his vitality steadily waned. Despair began to creep over him as he staggered backward, his strength dwindling with each passing moment.

Yet, Bosain remained resolute, refusing to surrender to the encroaching darkness. He tapped into the very last reserves of his magic, channeling it into his gleaming silver sword. The blade erupted in a radiant blaze of light, casting a brilliant glow that dispelled the surrounding shadows.

With newfound determination, Bosain lunged at Alice, who hissed and recoiled from the blinding brilliance. He swung his sword with all the might he could muster, striking the monstrous demon and sending surges of silver energy coursing through her form. The doll-like spirit let out a piercing shriek of agony as her grotesque figure started to unravel.

In a final, powerful blow, Bosain shattered Alice's demonic visage, reducing her to malevolent energy wisps that dissipated into the air. The temple returned to an eerie silence, with the acolyte standing victorious but battered, breathing heavily and clutching his bleeding wounds.

As he tended to his injuries and gathered his strength, he watched in distress as the ghost reassembled itself into the spirit body figurine, still exuding the same angry aura as it screamed to a deafening pitch.

With a simple wave of her hand, the tables and chairs sprang to life, dancing around, while even the lamps and closet sprouted tiny legs and joined in the whimsical, haunting dance, all the while emitting eerie nursery rhymes. Gradually, they closed in on Bosain.

"Umbra's Hand!"

"Corrosive Blaze!"

"Acidic Aqua Shot!"

Bosain relentlessly cast his spells on the animated furniture surrounding him. Yet, their numbers seemed inexhaustible, and for every one he vanquished, three more emerged to take its place.

Furthermore, even if he harnessed the power of his magical artifacts to assail the doll directly, it would, at best, temporarily disperse before swiftly reconstituting itself, impervious to harm.

"HAHAHA! YOU'RE WEAK! YOU CAN'T DEFEAT ALICE!" The doll jeered at Bosain's futile attempts to inflict substantial harm upon her ethereal form. Nevertheless, this didn't imply that her Mana Energy wasn't gradually depleting. She felt an urgent need to eliminate her adversaries.

Ultimately, the acolyte found himself cornered once more, pushed back towards Leylin by her relentless long-range melee strikes and the relentless advancement of her minions.

"There is no alternative. I must join the fray," Leylin conceded wearily, rising slowly without any sign of genuine exertion.

"Damn you, Leylin... I swear, if we survive this ordeal...." Bosain cast a pallid glance at Leylin, a trace of malevolence flickering in his eyes.

"I possess a formidable spell that demands a lengthy preparation," Leylin interjected in a tone that left no room for Bosain's complaints. "But you'll have to stall this monster for me. Just bear with me for a little while. Here, I'll even give you these. Use them well." Leylin maintained his composure as he proffered a pouch filled with his offensive combat potions to Bosain.

Without delay, he retrieved a gray scroll adorned with intricate mystical symbols, assumed a cross-legged position on the floor, and commenced a protracted and enigmatic incantation.

Hope ignited within Bosain. He cast his spells and hurled the potions with considerable effort, impeding the advance of the spirit body's minions.

'He's finally compelled to reveal his trump card!' Bosain thought.

Bosain's current predicament was truly dire. The intense combat and his near-death experience with the Black Horall Snake had exacted a heavy toll on his body. Meanwhile, Leylin remained completely unscathed. His effortless progress through this secret plane left Bosain feeling jealous of him regarding the remnant.

From Bosain's perspective, Leylin was merely a recently advanced level 3 acolyte, utterly undeserving of proximity to that treasure. Though of course, he refrained from voicing such thoughts aloud at this critical juncture, as Leylin represented his sole chance for survival.

Bosain's summon-type magical artifact had been drained of its mystical enchantments due to his excessive use. His repeated activation of it, in an attempt to preserve his Spiritual Force, had rendered it utterly useless.

Meanwhile, Leylin, a Potioneering acolyte, had not only managed to endure the battle but also exceeded Bosain's expectations. What Bosain was unaware of was that Leylin's recent advancement, fueled by his high-grade potions, had left his Spiritual Force even stronger than Bosain's own, which he had accumulated over time, providing a robust foundation for his journey towards becoming an official Magus.

In addition to his hidden strength, Leylin had concealed his defensive magic artifact, the Fallen Star Pendant.

As Bosain tossed potions and chanted incantations, he gasped for breath, and Leylin couldn't help but silently judge him, thinking, 'Despite Bosain's affiliation with a prominent family and access to countless resources, he's still just a feeble mortal. Quite repulsive.'

Shielded by the intense energy fluctuations from the spells, Leylin meticulously analyzed various factors related to the spirit body figurine and its minions. He remained unwavering in his pursuit of knowledge, letting nothing distract him.

Several seconds later, Leylin successfully activated the magic scroll. The gray scroll hovered in midair, emanating a reddish-gold glow.

'This energy surge! It's a Rank 1 spell! No wonder it required such a lengthy activation!' Bosain exclaimed, his astonishment evident. He had once possessed a magic artifact of similar potency, a one-time-use healing rune that had saved his life.

Bosain's pupils contracted as immense energy waves radiated from the scroll. Not only did they drive the creatures surrounding them into retreat, but they also left Bosain gasping for breath.

Little did Bosain know that Leylin had invested a considerable number of magic crystals in acquiring an advanced scroll, sealing within it a Rank 1 Light element spell, serving as one of his most potent trump cards.

'His abilities and power are truly overwhelming! How can a mere commoner attain such heights without even possessing the talent of a fifth-grade acolyte?' Bosain marveled, utterly bewildered.

This scroll harbored a tightly sealed Rank 1 spell. Not only were the ingredients required for it exorbitantly priced, but it also demanded the Magus to perform this spell over a dozen times to infuse it with power. Furthermore, it necessitated the presence of a Grand Alchemist or a Master Potioneer skilled in the art of imbuing spell formations. Each of these scrolls was undeniably extravagant.

Each scroll commanded a staggering price, with a minimum cost of at least 100,000 magic crystals or more. Coupled with the spell grimoire, Leylin's expenses would soar to a total of no less than 130,000 magic crystals.

The price tag was astronomical, and the process of imbuing was fraught with challenges. Beyond acolytes, official Magi would find little use for it. Several factors contributed to the rarity of scrolls like these. Only prominent families like the Lilytell clan could boast the possession of one or two. However, even if Bosain had requested one, those precious scrolls would not be readily granted to him. His life had already been preserved through the bestowal of a life-saving rune, suggesting that his elders considered safeguarding his heir's life more important than granting him the power to vanquish nearly any adversary he encountered as an acolyte. They likely believed this approach would teach him humility.

Nevertheless, the mere fact that Leylin possessed one of these scrolls was astonishing in itself. He had personally imbued the spell into it, and despite the hefty price he paid, the scroll's potency was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Leylin had undeniably amassed a fortune by selling his potions at premium prices before and after the Bloodbath incident. He had essentially become the potion maestro of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

Crimson-gold energy waves continuously emanated from the scroll, and it spontaneously ignited within the radiant light. A golden flame materialized, casting a luminous yellow glow that unveiled a massive Three-Legged Golden Crow.

The majestic bird used its beak to preen its feathers, emitting a melodious and crystalline cawing sound.

It possessed a beauty and harmony that surpassed that of a real bird. Moreover, within its black pupils, signs of intelligence shone, suggesting a profound wisdom.

"This is... unprecedented!" Bosain's face turned an eerie shade of pale as he bit down on his lips. Sweat trickled down the sides of his eyes, yet his demeanor remained fervent as he gestured toward the cloth doll.

"I've grown weary of this futile exchange of feeble powers. Now, join your master in the void, creature," Leylin declared – no, he commanded – as his posture and attitude underwent a sudden transformation from aloof to domineering conqueror.

Balls of yellow flames erupted when the bird flapped its wings a few times, reducing chairs and tables to gray ashes. His Light spell proved so potent that all of the creature's minions were instantly disintegrated, their screams echoing through the temple.

"NO! DON'T APPROACH ALICE! SHE'S TERRIFIED!" The cloth doll on the opposite side took a few steps back. Its sharp teeth had retreated into its tiny mouth, and its body had reverted to its original size. The figurine's face displayed an expression of profound fear, as though a young girl had encountered a sinister figure in a dark alley.

Nevertheless, Leylin remained unfazed by the scene, even wearing a smile. Whether it was a spirit body figurine or a living being, Leylin found equal fascination and disgust in witnessing the fear and vulnerability of his victims. It was a peculiar fascination that he held. And so, he observed, completely disregarding Bosain's presence.

In accordance with Leylin's command, the Three-Legged Golden Crow flapped its wings, setting them ablaze with bright yellow flames as it circled around Bosain and the spirit body. Bosain attempted to withstand the searing heat, but he eventually succumbed, falling to his knees and losing consciousness. Leylin chuckled and promptly revealed his true form to the spirit body. In this form, Leylin stood an inch taller, his muscular frame even more imposing.

The Three-Legged Golden Crow released an elegant cry, landing gracefully in front of the cloth doll.

Its bright, red, conical beak took precise aim and gently pecked at the cloth doll.

"Arghh!" The cloth doll Alice emitted a frightened whimper as its body was immediately engulfed in a bright yellow flame.

"Spare Alice! Have mercy on her, she implores you! Alice is actually very obedient, and she knows lots of things…!" The spirit figurine slumped onto the ground, putting her little hands in front of her as if shielding herself, with her voice carrying a desperate plea.

"Oh, is that so? Then forgive me for harming you, little one. Since you've learned your lesson, it would be a shame to reduce you to ashes. Isn't that so, my sweet Alice?" Leylin spoke kindly and warmly, his words tinged with sincerity. He gestured to his Golden Crow, signaling it to withdraw immediately.

"Yes! Thank you! You're truly a kind and benevolent magician! Alice admires you! She will serve her Master faithfully! She'll do anything for him! Alice can guide Master to the inheritance! That's why you're here, isn't it?" The doll expressed her happiness, much like a young girl, as she tried her best to conceal her burns and scars. She even limped toward Leylin.

"Having you as my personal guide sounds intriguing... However, I have an even better proposition," Leylin remarked as he motioned for the doll to come closer. She complied as swiftly as her injured body allowed.

"Tell Alice, tell her!" The spirit body figurine cooed, as if she hadn't attempted to harm Leylin just minutes ago.

"Very well, pay close attention... At this moment, Alice will sacrifice herself for Master. She will offer him her soul energy," Leylin's red, serpent-like eyes gleamed with a hint of bloodlust. "Won't you, my sweet Alice? Hahahaha!" Leylin burst into maniacal laughter as his dark tendrils sprang forth from his chest in an instant.

The unfortunate spirit doll had no opportunity to utter a sound. Her petite form was swiftly engulfed by the crimson-purple, pulsating tendrils composed of ethereal energy. They efficiently consumed her soul, leaving nothing behind. Leylin had completely absorbed Alice's Spiritual Energy and fused it with his arcane core. For a brief moment, his countenance went blank as he regained his composure from the intense rush. Leylin sensed his demonic powers ever so slightly augmenting, his eyes briefly glowing before returning to their 'normal' appearance.

Leylin leisurely extended his arms and cracked his neck, as if rousing from a peaceful slumber. With a nonchalant stride, he approached the unconscious Bosain.

"Ah, you've truly become quite the nuisance, my simian friend. Shall I end your existence now?" He inquired with a hint of casual menace, placing his foot upon Bosain's head, as if mulling over the prospect of crushing him right then and there.

[I'd suggest holding onto him a bit longer, Doctor. He might serve as a valuable living sacrifice, or perhaps a guinea pig for a concealed trap.] Aralis offered her perspective.

"That's an astute assessment. Very well, he may continue to draw breath. For the time being," Leylin declared aloud, as he emptied a whole vial holding a strange white liquid on top of Bosain's head. This was an elementary first-aid potion that gently pulled Bosain back from the shadowy depths of unconsciousness.

Bosain struggled to regain his senses, swiftly recalling the recent events.

"Alright, you contemptible bastard!" Bosain rolled over to confront Leylin, his intentions concealed behind an inscrutable expression.

Leylin's hand hovered menacingly, poised to snap the acolyte's neck if necessary.

In this tense moment, the Three-Legged Golden Crow emitted a sharp caw and transformed back into the gray scroll, descending to the ground.

The gray scroll crumbled to ashes, dispersing into the surrounding air.

Upon witnessing the scroll's demise and abruptly halting any actions that he might soon come to regret, Bosain's countenance contorted into a ghastly visage. Nevertheless, he managed to muster a strained smile.

"Very well, the entity has been dispatched. Let us now seek our way out…"

Just as Leylin was on the brink of uttering something, another deafening crash reverberated. Beyond the location where the cloth doll had 'vanished,' the walls quaked and revealed a fissure, unveiling a straight passage.

Etched onto the rocky surface, ancient Byron script formed a line of characters.

'Seekers who reach this place shall have an opportunity to inherit my legacy—Norco Curadu Sfar.'

"Norco Curadu Sfar, the Magus who left behind this legacy?" Bosain's countenance unveiled a mixture of yearning and curiosity.

In Leylin's case, he softly murmured the name 'Norco Curadu Sfar' repeatedly, a calculating glint flickering in his eyes, but he quickly concealed his emotions.

However, Bosain, who had been covertly observing him, caught this momentary lapse. He understood that Leylin had a significant insight regarding the mentioned name.

"I vaguely recall hearing that name before, but the memory is hazy," Bosain confessed, scratching his head with a perplexed expression.

"Whoever this is, they must have been an official Magus! Acquiring their legacy could propel my advancement," Bosain declared with fervor, immediately rushing into the tunnel.

Leylin followed closely behind Bosain, maintaining his composure, unlike the other acolyte.

After traversing the tunnel, Leylin and Bosain arrived in a room resembling a study.

The four walls were lined with bookshelves, yet there wasn't a single book in sight. In the center of the room, a neatly placed metallic black box rested on a large table.

Behind the study desk stood a chair, and an enigmatic oil painting adorned the wall.

The painting depicted a mysterious emblem—a multitude of arcane runes weaving together to form a snake. The serpent, in a circular pattern, traced its tail, creating a mesmerizing image.

'It appears that this place was established by the great Magus Serholm for the purpose of his legacy. This Great Magus seems to have retained a modicum of benevolence. The mechanisms within are designed to be manageable for acolytes, rather than being overly dangerous. Otherwise, a slight increase in difficulty would have spelled our demise... But dwelling on that won't get me anywhere. I didn't come this far just to back out at the last moment,' Leylin contemplated, a mixture of confusion and unease clouding his thoughts.

'Didn't there exist a magician named 'Norco'? Where are his remnants?' Leylin briefly entertained this question but soon cast it aside. The current situation had taken a dramatic turn.

Upon seeing the black box on the study desk, Bosain's labored breathing, the result of exhaustion and pain, grew even more pronounced.

A silver-white longsword materialized in an instant within Bosain's grasp, and he swiftly swung it towards Leylin.

Leylin effortlessly halted the blade's trajectory using only his index and middle fingers, the blade coming perilously close to touching his nose.

The two adversaries instinctively distanced themselves from each other.

Clutching his right arm, Bosain couldn't help but muster a wry smile. It was the very arm he had wielded to deliver the finishing blow to the Black Horall Snake earlier, and it had taken a severe beating from that endeavor. The recent assault on Leylin felt like striking a solid steel wall with his weapon.

Observing Bosain's battered state, Leylin suddenly recalled that he hadn't insisted on any formal contract when they had embarked on this journey together. Evidently, he had anticipated an outcome such as this.

"Dear friend, it need not come to this. After everything we've bee through, after the sacrifices made by our comrades... we are on the brink of realizing our shared goals. I believe we can come to an understanding. There's no need to throw your life away," Leylin implored earnestly, extending his hand as a symbol of friendship.

Bosain gazed at Leylin for a moment, realizing that he had allowed himself to be consumed by his ambition for the inheritance, fixated solely on his own glory, without weighing the consequences of defying Leylin, whom he now recognized as his superior acolyte.

As Bosain scrutinized Leylin's reactions, he searched for any hint of deception on his face. However, all he found was sincerity, tinged with bitterness and a yearning for reconciliation. Bosain found himself speechless, never expecting Leylin to be so genuine and honorable.

"You truly are a remarkable individual, Leylin... If you'll pardon my actions," Bosain admitted, slightly lowering his head and clasping Leylin's hand with his own.

"Don't dwell on it, dear Bosain. We're in this together. Now, shall we bring this chapter to a close?" Leylin suggested with a smile.

"Indeed," Bosain agreed, returning a gentle smile as he closed his eyes.