Ridiculous Fate

With the help of a tenfold speed boost card, Ryan and his sister, Alice, endured a long and tense journey through the skies. Two hours later, as the effects of the speed experience card expired, they had traversed countless small nations across the western continent, drawing ever closer to the southwestern border of the Nolan Magic Empire, cutting their remaining journey in half. This brought a gradual relaxation to their previously taut nerves. With a sufficient supply of basic mana potions in his system backpack, Ryan was confident they could reach the Nolan Empire safely before Regan could catch up. Moreover, even if Regan managed to catch up earlier, Ryan had 55,000 points left on his system panel, more than enough to purchase another tenfold speed boost card and ensure their escape from Regan's pursuit.

A glimmer of hope sparked in Ryan's eyes. Having spent several days in this forsaken magical world, either fighting or fleeing, he was truly exhausted both physically and mentally. Fortunately, they could soon find a semblance of peace for a while!

Involuntarily, he began to imagine that once they safely reached the Nolan Magic Empire, they could quickly find a hidden refuge in a special commercial city under the protection of an imperial mage, planning their next steps in life. There, he could calmly seek ways to grow stronger through his devouring system without fear of the Genis family's pursuit. He knew well that in this world filled with magic and wonders, only by continually growing stronger could he truly protect himself and those he wished to protect.

With these thoughts, a long-lost smile finally appeared on Ryan's face. Despite the many unknowns ahead, at least they had a direction and a goal, bringing him a momentary sense of calm and certainty.

Ryan's heart swelled with contentment as he gazed into the distance.

Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, a terrifying streak of light flashed across the sky from south to north at incredible speed, instantly crossing thousands of miles and startling him.

"What tremendous power it must take to cross such distances in the blink of an eye!" Ryan watched the fading light in the sky, filled with awe. Such a feat, he mused, could only be the work of an emperor rank magus.

However, as Ryan was lost in thought, the streak of light that had vanished reappeared in the northern sky, charging directly towards them with unstoppable momentum!

In that instant, Ryan was unable to react, and a vast force immediately immobilized him and Alice in mid-air, as if time itself had stopped.

Caught in this sudden peril, Ryan panicked. He instinctively tried to break free from the powerful constraint but found himself utterly unable to struggle. The air around them felt like solidified glue, rendering them immobile!

"Who could it be? Regan?" Ryan gazed in shock at the swiftly approaching streak of light, his face etched with confusion and alarm.

Logically, it was impossible for Regan to catch up so quickly, especially since the light was coming from the south, which contradicted his initial suspicion.

"Brother, what's happening? Why can't I move?" Alice, in Ryan's arms, asked with a face full of panic and confusion.

Ryan internally sighed, his gaze fixed on the approaching light, attempting to discern the figure within.

In the next moment, a figure clad in magnificent robes, radiating an immensely powerful aura, appeared before them. With a long beard and eyes filled with endless majesty, he seemed almost godlike. This person, who had just returned to the human world from the depths of the Blood Mist Forest, was an elderly man in white robes, with a halo behind him as dazzling as the sun, illuminating everything around, making even the sun in the sky seem dim in comparison. His lofty gaze, as if overlooking all beings, seemed capable of piercing through the souls of people, instantly uncovering the secrets of their hearts.

His gaze bypassed Ryan entirely, focusing intently on the panicked Alice in Ryan's arms, revealing a look of surprise.

"Such a pure soul!" the old man exclaimed. As he spoke, he reached out with his hand, and a domineering and powerful force instantly enveloped Ryan. Without hesitation, this force separated Alice from Ryan's embrace, then she gently floated in the air, drifting towards the old man to stand before him.

"Brother, I'm scared!" Alice cried out in alarm as the powerful old man took action, her face filled with fear and unease of the unknown.

Ryan watched his sister's trembling petite figure, a surge of rage rising within him. However, the power of this mysterious elder far exceeded his understanding, making him a formidable presence that Ryan knew he couldn't contend with at the moment. His only option was to understand the elder's intentions before making any further plans.

Ryan managed to force a smile onto his face, his tone deferential as he asked,"Magus Lord, why have you stopped me and taken my sister?"

"Your sister?" Finally, the powerful old mage glanced at Ryan, his voice utterly flat, speaking with an undeniable chill,"I am taking her away!"

The mage's words hit Ryan like a cold wave, plunging him into an icy abyss of shock and confusion.

"Why? We have never provoked you!" Ryan's voice carried an uncontrollable mix of anger and bewilderment. His eyes sparked with rage, his jaws clenched as he pressed for an answer.

"You have no right to know!" The old mage's gaze remained fixed on Alice, exuding undeniable coldness and authority in his response to Ryan. Then, his hand slowly rested on Alice's trembling shoulder, his eyes turning coldly towards Ryan, revealing nothing but ruthlessness and determination, as if telling Ryan that all resistance was futile, and he could do whatever he pleased, without needing any justification. This was the absolute authority bestowed upon the strong in this world!

"You cannot take her!" Ryan burst out, his emotions erupting like a volcano. Magic surged through his body as he attempted to break free from his restraints.

However, the more fiercely Ryan struggled, the stronger the surrounding restraining forces became. Gradually, this oppressive force made Ryan's bones emit a creaking sound, and even his epic "Heart of the Dragon" armor began to show tiny cracks due to the difficulty in withstanding this terrifying force. It emitted dazzling golden light, appearing on his skin like transparent dragon scales. As if under this invisible bondage, every inch of his muscles and every bone was under unimaginable pressure.

Observing Ryan's steadfast defiance, a hint of respect flashed in the old mage's eyes. He slowly said,"I must take your sister. But you may state your conditions. For instance, I could remove the Advanced tracking magic entwined within you, sparing you from your enemies' pursuit. Or, you might need precious magical equipment, skills—name it, and it shall be yours."

The mage's confidence was unshakeable, as if the terms he offered were beyond what anyone else in the world could provide, believing no one could resist such temptation. His demeanor not only displayed absolute confidence in his power and resources but also a conviction in his control over the situation, certain that under his overwhelming strength and tempting offer, anyone would capitulate. In his view, even if an Emperor rank magus stood before him, it would make no difference, let alone this young man. To the mage, the opportunity he was presenting was a grace that had to be accepted.

"Go to hell! In your dreams! Give my sister back to me!" Ryan's sanity snapped upon hearing the old mage treat his only family member as a bargaining chip. Veins bulged on his forehead as he unleashed his primal Devouring skill, attempting to consume the immense power that bound him.

"I am not negotiating with you!" The old mage's face soured at Ryan's defiance, snorting coldly.

Then, the old mage's golden pupils suddenly burst into a domineering glow, like two burning suns exuding a formidable aura of majesty. The air seemed to solidify, and an invisible yet suffocating force surged from his gaze, enveloping Ryan. Ryan's body shook violently as he felt an indescribable force assaulting his soul, as intense as a thunderous force striking his heart, the pain nearly tearing his consciousness apart. He couldn't help but cough up blood, which sprayed out in a mist of red, accompanied by his pained cries.

Ryan's complexion turned deathly pale, as if covered in a layer of ghastly dust. Against this overwhelming force, he felt as insignificant as dust, utterly powerless. Since arriving in this world, he had never felt fear, but at this moment, he tasted true despair for the first time. The absolute nature of that power made Ryan realize his limitations; every breath filled with a sense of powerlessness as if the whole world was pressing down on him, experiencing what it truly meant to be powerless for the first time.

"Bastard... Give my sister back to me!" Ryan's gaze was filled with an unyielding will, roaring in anger.

"The supreme cannot be insulted! You may now die!" Apparently losing patience with Ryan, the old mage's voice was as cold as a winter wind across bare skin. His palm slowly unfolded in the air as if holding the authority to decide life and death, determined to erase this young man who failed to recognize the situation.

"Is this the end then..." A bitter smile filled Ryan's heart as he looked straight into the cold killing intent in the old mage's eyes, a surge of anger and unwillingness against fate rising within him. Just when he was dreaming of the future, fate delivered a harsh blow!

Why was the world so unfair, heaping all its cruelties upon him and his sister?

Just as that seemingly irreversible conclusion of despair was about to unfold, a determined voice, mixed with tears, cut through the surrounding silence, halting the old mage's action.

"Don't! Stop!" Alice, witnessing her brother gravely injured, cried out with undisguisable despair and sadness in her voice. Though trembling, her voice contained an unshakable determination, the kind of courage that refuses to back down even in the face of danger.

The old mage's gaze slowly shifted towards Alice, his majestic and domineering eyes showing a flicker of coldness.

"Don't you dare hurt my brother! If you dare hurt him again..." Alice's tear-streaked face was resolute, her fists clenched tightly, fearlessly staring into the old mage's cold eyes, she coldly said,"Even if I die, I will not leave with you! Even if it means death, I want to die with my brother!"

Her eyes were firm and resolute, as if she had prepared for the worst, ready to face death without hesitation.

"Alice... I'm sorry..." Ryan's tears broke free as he watched his sister's small but brave figure trembling yet standing defiantly against their adversary from afar.

Faced with Alice's determination and bravery, the formidable old mage fell silent. His cold gaze briefly swept over Ryan, who was half-dead from his soul being wounded, and he withdrew the murderous intent from his eyes, compromising in front of Alice.

"Brother, I'm sorry! It's time for Alice to protect you!" Alice turned her head, forcing a smile through her tear-streaked face. She clutched the colorful lollipop tightly in her hand, a gift from her brother, with each color bearing their shared memories and warm emotions. Tears continued to slide down her cheeks, but her voice was firmer than ever before.

She wanted her brother to live well; she didn't want him to die protecting her.

"Go! Remember, as the future Saintess, you will never be able to see each other again!" The old mage's voice was devoid of any warmth, echoing as if from the abyss, carrying an irreversible command. At that moment, the air seemed to solidify, and time itself paused. Alice and Ryan exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with reluctance and pain, but also a deep sense of powerlessness, understanding that any resistance was futile. At this decisive moment, their destinies seemed to be cruelly severed, forced to accept this harsh reality.

As the old mage's icy command echoed in the air, everything seemed predestined. Ryan's eyes were filled with despair and helplessness as he watched the mage stretch out his hand and firmly grasp Alice's shoulder. Time seemed to freeze at that moment, and Ryan's heart was filled with endless pain. Then, before his eyes, their figures surged into the sky, turning into a streak of light, speeding northward. Their speed was so fast that it was nearly impossible to catch, leaving behind only a barely visible trail of light that disappeared into the distant horizon.