Chapter 848: Sudden Death

Half a year ago, Ouroin Master handed this Saint Rank Demon Soul to Lei En, compensating him for the investment in constructing the X Combat School.

The Combat School, now over three years old, has already produced a group of outstanding Combat Wizards.

Lei En uses his Soul Eye to guide the top students in selecting and merging Demon Souls, following the school's founding intent, and helps many young Combat Wizards open new branches.

Among them, the "Demon Sword Wizard", "Phantom Wizard", "Frenzy Wizard", "Steel Wizard" and "Soul Spear Wizard" are already well developed, with defined Main Soul and Sub Soul from the initial to advanced stages; their success rates are relatively high and the fusion stability is also steady.

From now on, Combat Wizards only need to follow the path, upgrade, and fuse the corresponding Demon Souls, and they won't have many concerns before reaching Legendary status.

As for the Main Soul of a Legendary Combat Wizard, no branch has been determined yet.

It's not that Lei En is unwilling to guide; it's that the Combat School hasn't yet had a student reach the high‑tier pinnacle to challenge the Legendary level.

Even so, Ouroin Master was very satisfied.

It has enrolled three cohorts, each year larger than the last, totaling over seven hundred students, with more than ninety percent successfully taking positions as Combat Wizards—more than the total accumulated Combat Wizards of the past hundred years!

These students are the future hope of the Combat School, and its rise has already shown a first glimmer of dawn.

Moreover, Lei En also promised that once the Magic Academy on Truth Island is completed, a Combat Branch will be established within the academy.

At that time, Ouroin Master will also be invited to serve as the Branch Dean.

Ouroin gladly accepted.

Delighted, Ouroin Master felt he should do something for Lei En, so he often went out searching for targets, but Saint Rank demon beasts are hard to find; after dozens of outings across other planes, he only located three Saint Rank demon beasts, killed them, and brought back their Demon Souls.

The three Saint Rank Demon Souls were all handed to Lei En.

Except for this "Amanthok Giant Bear", the other two Saint Rank Demon Souls were rather mediocre; Lei En dismissed them and has already sold them.

Even the remaining one, Lei En is not particularly fond of it.

The Amanthok Giant Bear evolved from a Frenzy Brown Bear; like most beast‑type Demon Souls, it possesses few Elements, only a dozen or so.

Four of those Elements are of the highest value.

Level 17 "Strength", Level 14 "Durability", Level 10 "Ferocious Bite", and "Infinite Frenzy".

"Durability" and "Ferocious Bite" mean little to Lei En; he values "Strength" and "Infinite Frenzy", both of which are Legendary Elements.

However, he already has Infinite Frenzy, and this Element cannot be upgraded or enhanced, rendering it useless.

The most striking is the Level‑17 Strength, two levels higher than Lei En's own Strength.

When Ouroin Master brought back this Demon Soul, he said the Amanthok Giant Bear was found in the primeval forest of the Southern Continent, at least fifteen hundred years old, and worshipped by some native giants. In a few hundred more years, it might be enlightened by the power of belief, gaining the ability to transmute belief into divinity, becoming a demi‑god‑level beast.

Lei En was pleased when he received it, but after careful observation he hesitated.

The Soul Eye showed that the Amanthok Giant Bear's Demon Soul frequency differs greatly from his own soul wave frequency; it can be foreseen that fusing it would cause major conflict, with only a thirty‑percent chance of success.

If it were a normal upgrade, a lower fusion degree wouldn't matter.

But Holy Soul Ascension is different.

The Legendary High‑rank fusion of a Saint Rank Demon Soul is a cross‑tier fusion, its difficulty greater than the sum of the previous six advancements, with extremely high risk.

A thirty‑percent success rate might be considered high for others.

Lei En, however, does not wish to take that risk; if the fusion fails, his soul would weaken for at least three years, possibly endangering his life.

Moreover, he is not satisfied with the Amanthok Giant Bear.

The first Demon Soul of a Holy Soul Wizard is crucial; it has only a Level‑17 "Strength" and cannot perfectly align with his magical path. Lightning, Mystery, Mind, and Metal—these four of his strongest magical abilities—at least one must be enhanced during the breakthrough.

However, after becoming a Holy Soul Wizard, he could use it as a Sub Soul for fusion upgrades.

Lei En thought it over and finally shook his head.

"Forget it, I'll wait a bit longer."

He put away the Soul Stone; two years have already passed, and he's not in a hurry.

Since Duke Silver Star promised to deliver an Ancient Dragon Demon within half a year, he'll wait another half year; having seen her Ancient Dragon Demon, it's clearly more suitable for him than the Amanthok Giant Bear.

"Lord, dinner is ready," Falanjiasika knocked and entered.

"Very well."

Lei En went down to the dining hall; the servants had already laid out delicious dishes on the long table, looking extremely appetizing.

He has modest standards for food; as long as it's tasty, he doesn't demand refinement.

However, after Falanjiasika became the chief maid, she thought Lei En's meals were too plain, unbefitting his current status.

Even if he himself doesn't mind, entertaining guests would be too frugal.

So, Falanjiasika personally took charge of Lei En's three meals a day, recruiting the most luxurious chef team in Getan; as long as Lei En resides in Getan, they cook the finest food for him, sparing no expense, preparing multiple recipes each meal for Lei En to choose from, comparable to the Empire's top restaurants.

Seeing her such dedication, Lei En let her handle it.

The Soul Eye also confirmed that Falanjiasika harbored no ulterior motives; regarding poisoning the food, she actually observed covertly before each meal.

Whether it's a chronic toxin or a lethal poison, he can spot it with a single glance.

"Big brother."

"Chairman Lei En."

Kalodi and his two friends, the Simon and Filaya siblings, were already waiting at the table; upon Lei En's entrance, they all rose to greet him.

These days they've been staying in the Highland Fortress, meeting Lei En frequently and dining together.

Today they also witnessed the unveiling ceremony of the deity statue in person; the three looked at Lei En with greater awe than before, while Kalodi remained relatively relaxed. In his eyes, the big brother is an all‑powerful hero, and no matter what miracles the big brother performs, he will no longer be surprised.

"Please, all sit down, no need to be formal."

Seeing Lei En sit at the head of the long table, the three then took their seats.

Falanjiasika lifted a crystal pitcher to pour Lei En a glass of red wine, standing beside him; the three Kalodis found it unsurprising, and under the maid's service…

The food at the Highland Fortress is the best they've ever eaten in their lives, never repeating day to day; they even worry what they'll do if they can no longer have it.

Lei En took a few bites and asked, "What did you think of today's ceremony?"

"Fantastic, big brother!"

Kalodi, unreserved, replied excitedly, "We strolled around Gotham City this afternoon; wherever we went we heard the deity statues from Truth Island, everyone was thrilled, they kept praising the big brother, and the miracles the goddess sent down!"

Lei En smiled and nodded, looking at the Hamon siblings.

"Hamon, suppose you don't know me, it's your first time in Gotham City," Lei En asked, "Would you choose to settle in Gotham?"

Hamon was flattered and startled, but did not answer immediately.

He set down his utensils, thought seriously for a few seconds, then replied, "Speaker Lei En, I think I would stay in Gotham City to develop."

"Because of the wisdom blessing?" Lei En asked again.

"Yes." Hamon nodded, "I am a follower of the goddess; praying to the goddess is something I do often. Praying continuously for three days grants a wisdom blessing, almost no cost, and can boost my meditation efficiency by twenty to thirty percent. For a low‑born transcendent like me, that's very attractive."

"There is also safety and opportunity."

"Safety needs no mention; you can't find another city in the world without a follower of the evil god, so security will only improve. I've never seen a superior like Speaker Lei En who considers his people, and I sincerely admire you."

Hamon timely flattered him, and Lei En smiled without replying.

He continued, "And opportunity!"

"Today so many Holy Soul Wizards are present, and the Consul's speech confirms Gotham City's achievements and status; it will become the Empire's bridgehead for opening the New Continent."

"In the coming decades, even centuries, opening the New Continent will be the Empire's main national policy. Anyone with a bit of insight and ambition will not want to miss this great chance."

"The New Continent's territory is vast, containing countless riches and wonders."

"Just the jurisdiction alone could create a new Empire!"

"The cake is big enough that even if most of the profit is taken by the superiors, the small remainder will be enough for many to change their fate and reach the pinnacle of the transcendent path!"

As he spoke, Hamon's tone unintentionally rose, and his eyes flashed with eager light.

Clearly, he also wanted to ride this era's wave.

This speech made everyone look at him anew; Carlod and Feilaya hadn't expected Hamon to think so much, and Falanjiasika also cast a glance, somewhat surprised.

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

Lei En clapped his hands a few times, praising, "Your analysis is good, your vision far‑sighted; truly worthy of an Alatusa Academy graduate."

"You flatter me, Lord," Hamon said modestly, "I only heard it from others in the tavern and made a summary."

The Soul Eye saw this statement was half true, half false.

Hamon's words were not spoken hastily; he had clearly prepared a lot, thought carefully, aiming to showcase his talent before me and win an opportunity.

Lei En did not expose him, but rather admired him a bit.

This sorcerer's talent and insight are fine, his temperament steady, and he knows how to seize chances—a rare talent.

Opportunities belong to the prepared, and Lei En is not stingy about offering such chances.

His gaze swept over his younger brother and Feilaya sitting beside him, and after a thought said, "Hamon, I can offer you a position in Gotham City's City Hall 'Exploration Department.' Interested?"

Hamon was stunned for a moment, then his face flushed with excitement.

"Lord, I accept this position." He quickly rose, saluted, and loudly said, "Hamon has seen the Lord."

"Do it well."

Lei En encouraged him with a word, turned and ordered, "Falanjiasika, tomorrow take Hamon to meet Glisson of the Exploration Department and have him look after him a bit."

"Yes, Lord." Falanjiasika nodded and noted it.

She glanced at Hamon; this young junior had leapt to the heavens—Lei En said he would look after him, and the Exploration Department chief Glisson would surely treat Hamon differently.

The Exploration Department is one of the most important divisions of City Hall, responsible for Gotham City's westward expansion, overseeing land planning and allocation, and commands a recruited elite transcendent force of three thousand, not yet at full strength; they cooperate with Thundercast Celestial Soldiers to clear enemies.

In short, the department wields great power; its chief Glisson is a legendary ranger qualified to report directly to Lei En.

"Excellent!"

Carlod was overjoyed, "Congratulations, Hamon, you can settle in Gotham City."

Feilaya beside him was also very excited.

"Thank you, Carlod." Hamon knew that Lei En's willingness to give him this chance was partly due to his sister's relationship with Carlod; this was unknown to the inexperienced youths, and he could not tell them.

He would definitely maintain good relations with Carlod from now on.

Seeing Hamon was very perceptive, Lei En admired him more and said, "Carlod, tomorrow you report to the Holy Spear Knight Corps; I've already had Captain Lifulin arrange it."

"Alright, big brother."

Carlod still didn't know how strict the training would be; his eyes held only excitement and yearning.

After dinner, Lei En met with a few guests who had not yet left Gotham.

As expected, he saw the chief vice‑president of the Mechanical Guild, Beilisalu, accompanied by Akalande.

The two sides have cooperated for years, so there were no secrets; Beilisalu asked Lei En about the mechanical knowledge of the Sky‑Pillar Colossus, offering to buy it at a high price. If Lei En could provide the complete manufacturing method, whatever he wanted, the Mechanical Guild could give it.

Such generous terms even startled Lei En.

He was very tempted, then refused.

The Sky‑Pillar Colossus cannot be sold; the most crucial part of the full method is the brain crystal, which the Mechanical Guild lacks; taking it away is useless, and they cannot reproduce it.

Lei En does not wish to expose his secret, nor trap the other side.

After a sincere explanation, Beilisalu left regretfully, but before departing left a word: the Mechanical Guild's terms are permanent, and anytime Lei En changes his mind, he can come to them.

In the following days, guests from the Empire gradually left.

However, the storm stirred by the celebration grew stronger across the Empire, and Lei En became the focus of the entire Empire again.

All newspapers of the Oriense Empire were filled with accounts of the goddess's descent, the statue's function, the miracles on Truth Island, analyses of Gotham City's prospects, and so on, even eclipsing the upcoming Consul election.

The statue's effect manifested quickly.

Within several days, many transcendants arrived at Gotham City from the New Continent, prayed to the statue, and received wisdom blessings.

Afterwards, more and more people arrived in Gotham.

Not only Empire citizens, but also people from other nations and intelligent races; anyone who could endure the daily magical torchlight could settle in Gotham City, pray daily to the God of Magic, providing abundant faith power.

In just a little over a month, Gotham City's population surged by one hundred thousand!

Moreover, each day a large number of passenger ships brought batches of new immigrants, and the street traffic visibly increased.

Lei En was very satisfied with this, absorbing new residents on one hand and devoting himself to building power armor on the other.

The Thundercast Celestial Soldier had already arrived at Banbei City, but had not yet had a chance to see King Wei Ke La Ma Di Ya II.

He was waiting for news of the Thundercast Celestial Soldier; just a distant glimpse would be enough.

But, before the Thundercast Celestial Soldier's news arrived, the Empire sent a shocking report: Empire Consul Ge Nie Wu Si was dead!

(End of chapter)