Chapter13-Next God-Tier Magic!

Silver Knight tightened his right fist and struck his heart, solemnly bowing to Caesar.

His status was special, and before leaving the palace, he changed into ordinary knight attire, but doubts lingered in his mind about this mission.

Silver Knight Luigi was an idol for all knights of the Azul Kingdom and the perfect lover in the eyes of countless young girls.

Not only was Luigi the king's most loyal subordinate, but he was also the kingdom's blade, having eliminated numerous bandits.

Riding the blue nightmare horse, which had mixed blood with an arcane beast, Luigi left the capital and galloped westward.

Days later, he stopped outside the originally forbidden mountain.

"Strange, I remember this place being inaccessible before." 

"But now, the barrier seems to have disappeared." 

"Although I don't sense the presence of the dragon for now, perhaps this is where His Majesty sensed it."

With this thought, Luigi didn't rush into the mountain; instead, he began gathering information around the area. In the distance, he spotted a handsome young man holding a plump cat, chatting with it as he walked. The young man showed no signs of mana fluctuations.

"Hello." Upon seeing someone at the mountain's foot, Owen's eyes brightened instantly. "Welcome! Would you like to go up to the pub..." Before he could finish, he was interrupted.

"Don't come near here," Luigi glanced at him. "It's dangerous." 

With that, he mounted his nightmare horse and charged up the mountain. 

"Hey, the pub isn't open yet!" Owen called after him, exasperated. "Wait a minute." He was at a loss. Was this guest too eager just to drink?

To prevent disappointing the customer, Owen had no choice but to carry the plump cat and run after him. However, two legs could not match four. By the time Owen reached halfway up the mountain, Luigi had already arrived at the pub's door.

"There's actually someone running a shop here!" He was taken aback. Although he wanted to go inside to see what was going on, as a principled Silver Knight, he refrained from barging in upon seeing the "Closed" sign at the door. The hoofprints turned around the entrance before heading to the backyard.

The scene in the backyard almost made Luigi fall off his horse in shock. He couldn't believe his eyes. The backyard was filled with various vegetables and fruits, or in Luigi's eyes, an array of mana-infused magical fruits.

"It must be an illusion," Luigi murmured. "Even in His Majesty's magical gardens, there aren't this many fruits!" His reaction was similar to that of the trio from the academy, but the well-traveled Silver Knight understood the significance of the sheer volume of fruits even more.

Luigi dismounted to examine further when a thick black smoke suddenly lunged at him from the side, blocking his path to the garden. 

"Rabbit arcane beast?" Luigi drew his sword, immediately recognizing the creature blocking his way. Despite the terrifying aura and immense pressure it radiated, Luigi wondered why its fur was patchy, looking somewhat pitiful, especially with a head resembling a balding human.

"Hey, who are you to disturb my Lord White's sweet dreams?" The rabbit spoke rudely. "Get lost, or when my incredibly scary, cunning, and powerful master returns, you'll be doomed!" 

"Your master?" Luigi's expression instantly grew serious. Without a doubt, someone who could reduce a powerful arcane beast to such a state must be formidable and ruthless!

"Fine, I'll leave immediately." Cautiously, Luigi stepped back a couple of paces; it was the creature's territory, and he didn't know what other help it might have. He decided to report this to His Majesty the King right away. Just then, Luigi froze.

He suddenly looked deep into the backyard. 

"Yes, I can feel it! There's a powerful dragon aura there!" 

"This must be the place His Majesty mentioned."

With that thought, to complete his mission, Luigi no longer hesitated and dashed toward the source of the aura.

He moved swiftly, like a white flash, reaching the cave entrance in mere moments.

The rabbit, White, didn't even react to what had happened.

Luigi carefully stepped inside.

It appeared to be an ordinary cave, except it seemed to have been cleaned; the ground was covered in hay, and the temperature was slightly warmer.

The next moment, his eyes widened.

A creature that looked like a pure white lizard lay on the straw, apparently resting.

Luigi's footsteps disturbed it.

The lizard opened its eyes, and they met Luigi's gaze. An indescribable pressure manifested like an invisible hand, immobilizing him.

A cold sweat trickled down his face. How could this be? This was no mere lizard—it was a genuine dragon!

But for some reason, it had compressed its body, appearing less fearsome.

However, a knight who had spent years beside His Majesty wouldn't fail to recognize the unique aura of a dragon.

"His Majesty's intuition was correct!" Luigi thought, fearing he might die here. "This unfamiliar dragon's aura is even stronger than the one in the palace!"

Just then, Owen's breathless voice came from behind. 

"Please don't run around, dear guest." Owen had finally caught up, only to find that this seemingly wealthy guest was idly wandering into the lair of his precious pet.

"If you want to drink, go to the pub up front; this is where I keep my pets," Owen said. "It just hatched not long ago; it's still a fragile little baby." 

Fragile baby?? Luigi was momentarily at a loss for words. He still managed to remind Owen, "You live here? Perhaps you were just lucky not to have an incident before, but you shouldn't come near again. This creature is very dangerous, not something an ordinary person like you can handle."

Owen wasn't angry. He had become somewhat accustomed to the overly polite and enthusiastic behavior of the locals. 

"Haha, thanks for the reminder." Owen approached the little lizard and casually patted its head. "But let's go outside; Ollie needs to rest."

Owen completely missed Luigi's expression of shock and disbelief. 

Oh my god! 

By the magic goddess above, what on earth am I seeing? 

An ordinary person is actually petting a powerful dragon!

Wait a minute! This fearsome dragon didn't devour him or unleash flames for a roast; instead, it gazed back at him with the same gentleness. For a moment, Luigi thought he might be overly fatigued and hallucinating.

Luigi opened his mouth, wanting to say something, when the dragon's red eyes suddenly turned to him.

Its gaze was entirely different from the one it directed at Owen. This time, the dragon's eyes turned cold and merciless, carrying a strong warning.

Luigi understood instantly. Yet, as a Silver Knight sworn to protect the citizens, he still took the risk of warning Owen, "Be careful of this creature." 

"Yeah, definitely be careful," Owen softened the straw beneath the lizard. "I have experience taking care of reptiles; although newborn lizards are hard to raise, as long as I'm cautious, it should grow up just fine."

Huh? 

Luigi suddenly didn't know what to say. He could only follow Owen out of the cave.

The fragrant air filled with the scent of fruits gradually brought Luigi back to his senses.

He saw the powerful rabbit arcane beast hopping to Owen's feet like an ordinary rabbit, affectionately rubbing against his pants.

As Owen bent down to pet the areas of the white rabbit that still had fur, their interaction struck Luigi like a bolt of lightning, making him suddenly recall something. 

"Wait!" He felt a wave of fear wash over him. "Could this ordinary young man before me actually be the master of the rabbit arcane beast?"

Luigi was no fool. Considering the attitudes of the rabbit arcane beast and the dragon, he was sure that this Mr. Owen was truly the master of this place.

"The appearance of an ordinary person must be a disguise!" Luigi concluded. "There are some obscure spells and magical items that can conceal a person's mana fluctuations!"

Since a dragon resided here, the plentiful god-tier magical fruits in the garden must also be real!

Luigi's gaze towards Owen instantly changed.

However, Owen remained unaware. "Let's go, the pub is ahead. Come try my specially brewed drinks," Owen said enthusiastically.

"You look like a knight, so don't worry, I can also mix non-alcoholic beverages. Even a paladin wouldn't break their oath."

"No, no, no, I truly appreciate it," Luigi immediately stood at attention.

This mysterious, extraordinary master appeared very friendly and even invited him for drinks, but Luigi dared not relax.

"As the king's knight commander, I cannot drink while out on duty."

"Ah?" Owen said in surprise. "You're the king's knight?"

"Yes, I am on a mission this time," Luigi cautiously glanced at the cave. "Sorry, I haven't told you my name." The two exchanged names, which made Owen even happier.

Hahaha, his pub had welcomed a true VIP!

Those close to the king, especially knights, were all of noble birth.

If he could satisfy Mr. Luigi, perhaps he would mention it to the king.

Then the pub's reputation would soar.

In response to Owen's invitation, Luigi stated that he was on a mission and had to report back immediately.

"Alright, but do remember to visit when you have time!" Owen said enthusiastically. "It would be even better if you could bring your other noble friends along."

"I certainly will." Luigi just wanted to leave quickly.

Although this mysterious gentleman seemed friendly now, if he had a temperamental personality, he could easily turn into dragon snacks.

He didn't even dare to ride his horse down the mountain, fearing it would be seen as disrespectful.

…

In the imperial capital, the Goldengorse palace, Caesar listened to Luigi's report.

The usually serious and calm king could hardly control his expression.

"You're saying that this mysterious man named Owen lives at the peak of the forbidden land? His garden is filled with god-tier magical fruits, even more abundant than those cared for by magical masters in the palace?"

"Yes," Luigi described what he had seen.

When he heard that the rabbit arcane beast and the dragon acted like ordinary pets around Owen, King Caesar fell into deep thought.

 Initially, when he learned of Owen's valuable resources, he had different ideas.

But now, the king became cautious.

Was it really worth making another enemy for those magical fruits?

"Your Majesty, that dragon seems very unusual," Luigi lowered his voice. "Its aura is exceptionally strong, and if I'm not mistaken, it's not an ordinary dragon."

"It's very likely the legendary Dragon King, the Ruby Dragon!" Caesar exclaimed, rising from his golden throne, his heart swirling with shock and excitement.

Luigi wouldn't lie to him.

A Ruby Dragon had reappeared in his kingdom!

"I want to see that dragon with my own eyes!" Caesar whispered. "Perhaps there's a chance to invite it to reside in the palace."

A simple, cramped cave couldn't compare to the resplendent grand palace, and it was well-known that dragons loved gold coins and treasures.

"Your Majesty, that might be difficult." Luigi reminded him, "Although Owen seems friendly, strength speaks for itself. He may just want to play the role of an ordinary person, but if truly angered, he won't show mercy."

Silence fell in the palace.

Both Caesar and Luigi understood that the strong could not tolerate others coveting their possessions.

Moreover, both the dragon and the rabbit arcane beast were merely the tip of Owen's iceberg.

Who knew what other powerful trump cards he had hidden?

"However, it seems that Owen is quite keen on inviting people to his pub," Luigi said. "During our conversation, he invited me twice."

"Perhaps he's willing to pretend to be an ordinary pub owner."

"We can act as regular patrons," Caesar's face broke into a smile. "A good strategy."

"Since he wants to play, let's play by his rules; this might be a great opportunity."

"However, you just returned, and going back so soon seems too obvious."

"Prepare yourself; in a few days, I will personally visit the forbidden land."

"Yes!" Luigi's expression became serious; he would vow to protect the king at all costs!

A few days later, another major event occurred in the Azul Kingdom.

Countless citizens flocked to the capital's duel arena, which was fully opened and had activated its defensive magic array.

The Stellar Competition officially began!

"Go, Crossbridge Academy! You must win!"

"Ravenfeather Academy is the best! Headmaster, give those two old men a good beating!"

"Nonsense! Our Ashes Academy is the best! Our headmaster will definitely be the champion!"

In addition to ordinary citizens, students from each academy squeezed in, wanting to cheer for their headmasters.

The three individuals standing on the dueling stage were all familiar faces.

Surprisingly, the headmaster of Crossbridge Academy, who was usually the weakest, appeared the calmest.

This made the other two wonder.

This old fellow was pretending; everyone knew that after this defeat, Crossbridge Academy would directly drop in rank.

"Begin!"

With the sound of a cannon, the competition officially started.

The headmaster of Crossbridge Academy unexpectedly took action first.

Mana swirled around him, and the light dimmed as if being absorbed, countless stars appearing above his head.

This move left everyone dumbfounded. "Is this… Eternal Star?"

"Next god-tier magic! My gosh, is this something I can see for free?"

"I suddenly feel cold; this mana fluctuation is terrifying! Luckily, there's a defensive shield; otherwise, I'd probably faint!"

The audience below was frightened.

The other two headmasters on stage faced next god-tier magic up close, sweating profusely.

This was not a competition! But to save face, they still unleashed their strongest magic.

Suddenly, on one side was the mysterious and grand starry sky, and on the other were countless black magical crows and explosive red flames.

"Wow, so exciting!" The audience erupted in applause.

Most ordinary people were just there for the spectacle; they couldn't discern the subtle differences between high-level magic, as long as it looked good, it was powerful.

The students from the academies, especially the upperclassmen, all understood the outcome of this match.

Without a doubt, Crossbridge Academy had won.

After a while, the three old friends exchanged knowing glances and ceased their magic.

"Is it really necessary?" the Ashes headmaster complained softly. "It's just a ranking match, and you used next god-tier magic. Do you want us to perish together?"

"I advise you to be kind!" The Ravenfeather headmaster said helplessly. "If you lose control and let the stars explode, half the capital will be blown to smithereens."

"Haha, don't be so serious, you two!" The Crossbridge headmaster said, in a great mood. "I just recently broke through and wanted to try the new magic I couldn't control before."

"You must have broken through more than just a little, right?" The others pressed. "You definitely got something good; normally, you shouldn't have broken through for another decade."

Of course, it was something good!

My lovely students brought back a large bag of god-tier magical fruits!

How envious you must be.