Black Horrall Snake

"Indeed. The Poolfield Kingdom boasts such foolish traditions," Bosain said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's give it another try!" he exclaimed eagerly.

Leylin then approached one of the captives directly, a blue-haired kid who could not be older than ten. "Consider yourself honored, young one. You have the chance to make a contribution in front of mighty beings."

He smirked and swiftly cut the ropes that bound the boy. "Wear this properly, or better yet, position it 30 centimeters below your collar," Leylin said as he plucked a Beta Daisy flower and inserted it into the boy's collar.

"All preparatory work is essential. Roth and Merlin, be vigilant," Bosain's voice echoed through the receiver.

Leylin grasped the boy's hair with one hand and headed toward the edge of the cliff. With a wicked grin, he positioned the crying boy over the abyss, and let him fall to his doom.

"Ahhhhhhhhh!" The little boy spat out the rag that had been stuffed in his mouth and let out a horrified scream. He flailed his arms as if trying to grasp onto a lifeline. Leylin enjoyed every second of his long descent.

"That should do it," Leylin muttered while standing on the cliff's edge, watching the boy become a mere dot in the distance.

Suddenly, Leylin and the group sensed an energy wave. "This feeling is unmistakable. It's the energy wave that forms when a secret plane opens, just like the Bloodbath from before," Leylin's lips curled up even more into a bright, albeit sinister smile.

Then a bit of static-like noise came from the magic receiver.

"He disappeared! I saw him engulfed by light, completely vanishing in midair!" Roth's voice was tinged with excitement.

"Let's go there immediately," Bosain's voice followed suit.

Moments later, the four of them gathered at the cliff, amazed by the ancient Magi's methods.

"Courage and respect. Who would have thought of that?" Merlin said in awe. "To jump off the cliff without any defense spells while sharp rock blades imbued with eternal sharpness wait below. Even an official Magus would hesitate..."

"Furthermore, they must carry a Beta Daisy, or else the secret plane won't open," Leylin added, smiling.

At this moment, even Bosain showed approval and admiration, and Roth even clapped for Leylin.

"Oh, stop it. Please. This was all thanks to everyone's efforts," Leylin humbly yet proudly responded, as he did one of his trademark gentlemanly bows.

"Now that we've discovered the secret plane, what are we waiting for?" Merlin immediately picked a Beta Daisy and placed it on himself.

"There are still the captives," Bosain pointed at the frightened prisoners.

"I'll take care of it," Merlin extended his hands, and vines began to coil around the captives, restraining them once again.

"Wait," Leylin spoke up, stopping Merlin's actions.

"Don't tell me you've suddenly gone soft, Leylin. Are you planning to beg for their lives?" Bosain asked sardonically.

"Wouldn't dream of it. It's just that, when you think about it, the secret plane might contain other mechanisms like this. Who knows if there are other uses for these human sacrifices," Leylin explained, hiding a sadistic glint in his eye.

"Moreover," He reached for a captive. "Granite Bind!" Grey granite rose from the ground, transforming into fetters and handcuffs, securing the prisoners.

"No regular human would be able to escape from my magic spell. This way, we won't have to worry about them running away when we're not looking. And if we spend too much time inside the secret plane, they'll die of starvation anyway." Leylin said nonchalantly as he shrugged.

"Very well, Leylin. You're truly a cold-hearted magician. I apologize if I doubted you for a second." Bosain complimented him, holding a Beta Daisy in his hand. "Now, enough stalling. Let's go."

"Jump!" The four acolytes each carried a Beta Daisy and leaped from the cliff.

As they plummeted at high speed, every acolyte felt the pressure almost crushing their skin. Their eyes reddened, and they felt as though the blood in their body was about to erupt.

But to Leylin, it was nothing. His superior physique was immune to this type of pressure. 'Is this what it feels like to jump off a building? Not what I expected.' Leylin mused, entertaining some whimsical thoughts.

Midway through the fall, a ray of light shone on the precipice. The light formed a magic circle, and the air churned, revealing the scene of another dimension.

"The entrance to the secret plane!" Bosain shouted.

The members' eyes gleamed with excitement as a strong sense of weightlessness overcame them.

After a spinning sensation, Leylin and the others found themselves in a dark cave.

"It seems like an underground area. We searched the underground beneath the cliff many times with spells, but we couldn't find anything," Leylin observed.

"Where's the boy?" Roth asked, noticing the absence of the previous captive.

"He's right over there. Or what's left of him anyway." Leylin casually pointed at a puddle of blood and torn pieces of the boy's clothes. "He's been attacked by some kind of serpent-like creature, judging by the slithering tracks all around."

After analyzing the scene, Leylin's eyes flashed with calculating thoughts. He had shared the information about the secret plane's entrance with the others not out of altruism, but caution. He knew that the secret plane of the Great Magus Serholm likely contained numerous traps to challenge seekers.

Leylin was just a level 3 acolyte, far from being an official Magus. This place was filled with peril for him. He also knew that even if he tried to deceive Bosain and the others and form a separate team of level 3 acolytes, it would be nearly impossible to succeed. Besides, the allure of Serholm's inheritance could easily lead to internal conflicts among the acolytes.

As for Bosain, he was no weaker than Leylin in terms of magic, and the other three had their own ways of survival. In the end, Leylin knew he'd have little chance of success if he was forced to brave the dangers inside the secret plane alone.

'Seems like the Great Magus Serholm favored snake-type creatures... That is most reassuring… But why take such an interest in them?' Leylin thought back to the Mankestre Snake laboratory from the previous ancient hideout which Alfonse had taken over for himself.

[Maybe it has something to do with Serholm's work.] Aralis provided.

'And that would in turn mean that whatever inheritance is hidden in this secret plane, it is directly related to snakes or snake DNA…' Leylin's countenance suddenly became deadly serious, but he quickly recovered his mask of calmness.

"It appears to be rather a large one." Bosain licked his lips with anticipation, his silver metal armor fully covering him.

Suddenly, a gigantic black figure charged towards the acolytes from the darkness, concealed by the shadows.

Countless tentacles extended from Roth's right hand, forming a protective shield around them. The snake hissed and spat its tongue continuously.

"It looks like we've found our dangerous creature!" Roth exclaimed.

Leylin's instincts kicked in, and he summoned Aralis to identify the creature.

[Similarity to the Black Horrall Snake: 98.7%!] Aralis reported.

'Black Horrall Snake? Retrieve its data!' Leylin demanded, intrigued.

[Black Horrall Snake, an extremely dangerous creature. It possesses a trace of the bloodline of the Ancient Kemoyin Serpent, known for its immense power and astonishing life force.]

'Ancient Kemoyin Serpent? The Great Withering Mankestre Snake I encountered inside that cave in Dark Night Woods also had traces of that particular bloodline... And I should know since I worked for hundreds of hours to get that same bloodline to react with the Demon Tree's heart so that I could successfully evolve my human DNA…'

'I believe I have stumbled upon a data goldmine. It may even be that Serholm's inheritance is all about knowledge. Not an actual magic artifact or secret magic scroll…'

With this new revelation, Leylin was faced with an even greater challenge within the secret plane. Unraveling the truth of this ancient Magus' experiments.

Leylin's eyes flashed red for a second. 'I need that snake for dissection. I can't let these fools kill it with destructive magics... Although to be fair, I highly doubt that my useless companions would even muster the necessary strength to harm such a beautiful creature...'

[Doctor, I have the results of my full scan ready. Projecting them now in your field of view.] Aralis informed.

//

Species: Black Horall Snake (female)

Estimated age: 3000+ years

Health Status: Extremely weakened due to an unknown factor.

<Power Scaling>

Peak A-Class threat

<Physical Stats>

Strength - 18

Agility - 15

Vitality - 20

<Mystical Stats>

Spiritual Force - 22/22

Mana Energy - 22/22

<Abilities>

1. Scales Defense: The Black Horrall Snake's rhombus scales have a defensive force field encircling it at all times. It is immune to physical and magical attacks under 5 degrees and exhibits significant resistance against attacks of 5 degrees or higher.

2. Shadow Stealth: Inheriting the Kemoyin Serpent's shadow powers, the Black Horrall Snake can enter a stealth state at any time, concealing all signs of energy waves.

3. Lightning Blaze: Emits a lightning flame from its horn. Estimated degree of attack: 12 to 15 degrees.

//

'Stats like this...' Leylin's eyes widened in astonishment. 'It has far surpassed the boundaries of a level 3 acolyte and is most likely on par with an official Magus... just like me.'

"Roth, be careful! It's a Black Horrall Snake! Its power far exceeds your capabilities!" Leylin warned with a concealed smirk.

Before Leylin could finish his warning, the Black Horrall Snake let out an ear-piercing hiss. Its massive body writhed, and its tail flailed, causing the cave to tremble.

Roth's milky white tentacles constantly broke apart as the struggled to keep the creature's attacks at bay, oozing dense white pus from their wounds.

The triangular pupils of the snake seemed to glimmer with ridicule. It reverted to its beastly instincts and lunged at the vulnerable Roth.

"Roth!" Bosain and Merlin roared, sending green vines and silver flying knives toward the Black Horrall Snake.

The knives and vines struck the snake's scales, creating sparks, but the snake remained unaffected. It opened its bloodied mouth and swallowed Roth in one gulp, tentacles and all.

"No...! He's dead, and we couldn't save him in time! Damn it!" Leylin exclaimed with a pained voice, though inwardly he found it equally amusing and disgusting. Roth had died like a total wimp, not even putting on a decent fight.

A bulge appeared on the snake's neck as if someone was struggling inside. Soon, the bulge disappeared into the snake's stomach, and the struggle ceased.

The whole process happened so quickly that Bosain and the others had no time to react. As for Leylin, he crossed his arms and stayed at the back of the battle formation. He had no intention of fighting this monster.

And he didn't need to.

Thanks to the Great Mankestre DNA in his blood, every Reptile-class Mysterious Entity equal to or weaker than Leylin would act friendly towards him. Leylin had grown even more powerful since his breakthrough to level 3 acolyte, so the Black Horrall Snake obviously fell under the category of 'friendly reptiles.'

"A Black Horrall Snake? Those snakes are said to be as powerful as a Rank 3 Magus! Why is it here?" Bosain, now recovered from the shock, asked.

"Could it possibly challenge a Rank 3 Magus? That's absurd! It means we're as good as dead!" Merlin was equally astonished. Rank 3 Magus, the same level as the leader of the Lighthouse of the Night, capable of suppressing the belligerent three factions during the Inter-Academy War.

"Calm yourselves, my friends. If it were a Rank 3 Magus entity, we wouldn't be having this discussion," Leylin's thoughts reached his companions, reassuring them of their safety by his side.

"True... I believe this Black Horrall Snake hasn't fully matured," Bosain speculated, trying to sound knowledgeable.

'As expected from a monkey such as him... This is indeed a mature Black Horrall Snake. However, due to being sealed for a long time, it is completely famished. The lack of nutrition has forced it to regress from a Rank 3 Magus to a diminished state. Moreover, I'd guess the beast was awakened by the smell of blood from that human boy from earlier...' Leylin deduced based on the information from Aralis.

This Black Horrall Snake could be a creation of the Great Magus Serholm from the past, left here according to his wishes. There was likely no food in this secret plane, forcing the Black Horrall Snake to hibernate and conserve energy.

Yet, hundreds of thousands of years had passed, and even with its efforts to conserve strength, it couldn't reverse the process of decay. From a creature capable of fighting a Rank 3 Magus, it had regressed to a level below that of a Rank 1 Magus.

"It's still a young Black Horrall Snake, not even an official Magus-class entity. We still have a chance!" Leylin quickly shouted to boost Merlin and Bosain's confidence.

Leylin had Aralis to help him uncover the truth behind the snake's regression, but he decided to keep it to himself. There was no need to 'burden' Merlin and Bosain with this knowledge.

"A fledgling?" Bosain's eyes lit up. "Indeed! This Black Horrall Snake is too weak, even weaker than a Rank 1 Magus. It's definitely in its pre-adolescent phase!"

"This creature could fight against Rank 3 Magi in the future when it grows up! If I were to form a contract with it..." Bosain mumbled, his armor flashing as he gripped a silver-white sword in his right hand.

"Come! The legendary ferocious Black Horrall Snake! Let me, Lord Bosain, be your master!" Bosain's eyes filled with frenzy as he charged forward. The thin silver sword slashed the snake's scales, leaving a long gash and causing a few palm-sized scales to fall off.

'What a stupid bastard. I never thought acolytes could reach these pitiful levels of intelligence. This is turning out to be such a learning experience.' Leylin smiled darkly, eagerly anticipating yet another death in his party.

"If it were a fully grown Black Horrall Snake, breaking through its defensive force field would be impossible!" Bosain exclaimed. "This one is mine! The Black Horrall Snake is to be mine!"

The Black Horrall Snake hissed furiously and swung its tail. Its tail struck Bosain like a bolt of black lightning, sending him flying and creating a large hole in the cave wall.

Mud and rocks tumbled down, revealing Bosain in his shining white armor.

"Leylin, Merlin, help me restrain it! Not only will you earn the favor of the Lilytell family, but I am also willing to give up all the rewards we obtain from this expedition!" Bosain, now recovered from the dizziness, sought assistance from his friends.

"Let's restrain this Black Horrall Snake first. Otherwise, we won't have a chance to claim anything!" Merlin spoke, channeling a large amount of Spiritual Force and magic power into his magic artifact—a green wooden wand adorned with colorful jewels.

Ocean blue ripples emanated from the wand, and countless torrents of water attempted to entangle the Black Horrall Snake, followed by a series of strong, dark brown vines that were only strong enough to restrict the snake for a moment.

"Cloud of Afterlife!" Leylin invoked his prized spell, summoning a large murky green cloud that enveloped the snake, emitting corrosive sounds. However, he had only cast an elementary version of the spell, more to maintain appearances than anything else. He knew that the snake would resist any serious damage without issue.

After the dark green Cloud of Afterlife dissipated, the massive figure of the Black Horrall Snake was revealed. Its scales still glistened, but the flesh around Bosain's gash had been corroded to a purple-black color.

The snake's eyes appeared dispirited, indicating that Leylin's attack had taken some effect.

"Let's go!" Merlin nodded at Bosain. Countless steel-like water arms entangled the Black Horrall Snake, leaving imprints on its body. Bosain followed up with a series of incantations that created dangerous sparks of electricity, utilizing the water arms to shock the monster into submission.

The snake lost its balance and crashed to the ground, causing dust and rock shards to fly.

"Well done!" Bosain praised, leaving white afterimages as he moved.

He reached the top of the Black Horrall Snake's head and said, "Little one, you're mine now!"

Bosain withdrew a scroll emitting immense energy waves and opened it in front of the snake's eyes.

'A sealing contract within a scroll,' Leylin recognized it, as he was quite familiar with that type of item. Such a powerful contract scroll would cost tens of thousands of magic crystals and was not easily obtainable even with money.

Leylin noticed that Bosain's face carried a feverish gaze, and he chanted an incantation while tearing open the magical scroll.

An extremely radiant white light enveloped Bosain and the snake. The white light formed a strange magic formation with mysterious runes and characters.

"Surrender! Become my contractual partner!" Bosain muttered, and a green light entered his forehead.

Another flash of green light was directed towards the Black Horrall Snake, imprinting itself on its skull. As if sensing its impending loss of freedom, the snake thrashed and resisted the entry of the green light.

"Hurry! Faster!" Bosain's face was covered in cold sweat, his hands trembling as he stared intently at the snake's skull.

"My dream, my life, when I obtain this Black Horrall Snake..." Bosain's face filled with a smug and zealous expression.

Just as the green light completely entered the snake's head, a strange sight unfolded before them.