Chapter 49: Dark Earth

Regarding Naimi Xisi's question, Xia Nai nodded.

"In Fa Qi's world, the Magic Net is active, but no one knows why the magical inertia is so strong; magic there is a rare mystery, a story from myths and legends."

Fa Qi took over the conversation and said, "If it weren't for discovering this gem and learning of the greatness of the Multiverse from Rajat's mouth, I would probably still be a frog at the bottom of a well who thinks theology is superstition."

"Speaking of that," he announced to Xia Nai with an excited expression.

"Since I became a Mage using the spell notes you gave me, I've searched for a long time, and finally a few days ago I found someone similar to me."

"Those people also access the Magic Net and practice spells, but they call themselves 'Experts' and are very averse to the term Mage."

His eyes were filled with fascination, as if proud to have uncovered some mystery.

"Those Experts told me that the process of practicing the Magic Net must be done carefully; the inert magic within the Magic Net contains a highly contaminating darkness, and if one advances too quickly, the darkness will corrupt them into monsters."

His speech grew faster, excitedly explaining his discovery.

"I have consulted many scriptures and found that history contains many obscure references to this phenomenon, but no officially recognized text offers an explanation."

"Our Magic Net has been polluted by some entity, and someone is deliberately concealing this fact."

Naimi Xisi's fingers tapping the table stopped, and Fa Qi finally piqued his interest.

"An entity that can pollute the Magic Net? It seems his world is not simple either."

He pondered for a moment, noticed that the mysterious half‑elf Rajat gave no response, and then tossed a finely crafted Ring, which was an advanced Plastic Energy Magic Ring.

"Take it; this Ring lets you release any Fourth Circle Evocation Spell each day, which should be enough to deal with that vampire."

Fa Qi's eyes flashed with joy; saying he wasn't nervous would be false, but his neurotic nature makes him distract himself with other matters before a life‑or‑death crisis.

He was about to take the Ring when Naimi Xisi extended a finger to stop him.

"I'll give you this Ring, but with one condition: you must allow me to travel to your world once, whenever I need to," Naimi Xisi said with a smile.

The advanced Plastic Energy Magic Ring has almost no effect on him now that he has already ascended to the Fourth Circle, but gaining a chance to go to another world is a good deal; of course, as a young dragon, he won't go before evolving into an adult dragon.

Moreover, according to the other's description, that world has a very low level of mystery, and its safety is greatly increased.

The most important point is that another reason for his interest in that world is the entity that pollutes the Magic Net, as mentioned by the other party.

For some reason, Naimi Xisi feels this resembles the entity behind the twisted Mana, except one twists the Magic Net and the other twists Mana.

Regarding Naimi Xisi's proposal, Fa Qi thought for a moment and then agreed, for a simple reason.

If the other side intends to harm him, they can simply stand by and watch him die; and if they aim to seize the gem he holds, he thinks that's unlikely, since multiple gems mean nothing to the duke.

On the contrary, the more visitors from different worlds, the higher the quality of the meeting.

Fa Qi took the Ring, and with a solemn expression said, "Thank you for your help; I will not forget this kindness." Naimi Xisi smiled and changed the subject: "No need for that; we are merely making a fair trade. But I'm more curious—Mr. Rajat doesn't seem to be a simple fellow, does he?"

"An ancient relic that has lived for at least several thousand years, why doesn't he lend a hand to help our companions?"

Naimi Xisi made a sarcastic remark, hoping to gauge the other's reaction, but before Rajat could speak, Fa Qi awkwardly scratched his head and said.

"That old fellow is now a pure waste; he was sealed by his own disciples, a group calling themselves Witch Kings, for thousands of years. Without the power of the gem, he couldn't even appear here."

Rajat snorted coldly, "Sooner or later I will make those traitorous idiots pay!"

Naimi Xisi narrowed his eyes; though he couldn't gauge the other's strength, he instinctively sensed Rajat's danger, and that before being sealed he must have been an extremely powerful being.

Legendary, perhaps only the most conservative speculation! Fa Qi fulfilled his request, and Rajat at this moment raised his hand, the old man putting on a pitiful expression, even wiping away nonexistent tears.

"Ah, Naimi Xisi, I can see you are a very kind dragon; otherwise you wouldn't help that foolish Fa Qi."

"Could you also help me, a pitiful old man betrayed and tormented for thousands of years?" Rajat's eyes held the same hope.

"Come to my world, help me lift my seal; I will definitely repay you, I will fulfill any of your wishes, even co‑rule my world with you!"

Beside them, Xia Nai, hearing this, said angrily, "Don't trust that cunning old man."

"He was indeed sealed, but what he didn't tell you is how dangerous that world is! And how powerful his betraying disciples are!"

She extended her slender white left arm, which bore a crimson antler mark.

"He deceived me into his world, and I found it to be a barren planet without even a Magic Net! Worse, that world is full of Spellcasters who can wield powerful Psychic Ability."

Saying that, she gritted her teeth in anger and glared at Rajat.

"I hadn't been in that world long when a slave trader captured me; if he hadn't found me attractive and intended to offer me to the city's Witch King, giving me enough time until the Throne reopens, I might have perished there!"

"This mark was given to me by that slave trader! Sooner or later I will return there and kill all those damned scoundrels!"

Rajat blew his beard and glared, "Bullshit! That's because you're useless; who knows you're a powerless waste? Had I known, I wouldn't have let you come rescue me!"

Seeing them argue again, Naimi Xisi helplessly interrupted, "Enough, stop arguing; since we aim to form a mutually‑helpful organization, we should see it through."

"However," he said, looking at Rajat, "your world is too dangerous; I don't yet have enough strength, and since you've already waited thousands of years, you shouldn't mind waiting a bit longer."

Regarding Rajat's grand promise, Naimi Xisi clearly realized this is not something he can swallow now, so the best approach is to ignore it temporarily until he is qualified to force the other side to fulfill the promise.

Rajat, hearing this, could only agree helplessly; his words were indeed correct—he truly doesn't mind waiting, as time is the only consumable he doesn't care about.

(End of Chapter)