Advent of the Archmage

The Morgenstern family resumed its peaceful days after the ball.

After his initial joy, the old patriarch Raymond went back to his wastefully lavish lifestyle. Lumier, the eldest, quickly forgot the conflict with Link because she was completely immersed in Milmilu’s beautiful hallucination.

The other kids weren’t any better. They just played around every day. Even Theodore’s true sister Lamiel wasn’t an exception.

Link had wanted to help Lamiel, but he soon learned that this sister had five different boy toys and lived a nice life. He quickly gave up on that idea.

Reality was cruel. To grow up in the dirt without being sullied was only a legend. It was practically impossible to not fall when growing up in such a rotten family.

The only one who was different was probably Theodore, whom Link was disguised as. He entered the royal capital almost every day. Instead of looking for fun like his siblings, he would wander around. When he was tired, he would find a random place to rest.

This lasted for three days.

Three days later, when Link went to rest beside the street in the city, he saw Magician Seve walk over.

Link sat there without moving or changing his expression. He waited for the Magician to speak first.

Seve soon arrived before Link. Looking at him for a few seconds, she said, “My servant told me she saw you walk around the city these days. You aren’t a bored person and wouldn’t do this normally. Can you tell me the reason?”

Link smiled faintly. “I went through days of danger outside the Isle of Dawn. These hard times made me stronger but also made me fatigued. Now that I’ve finally returned to this peaceful place, I must enjoy the serenity.”

Seve lived in the Isle of Dawn since birth. She couldn’t imagine the danger that Link spoke of and so didn’t feel much. She could see that Link was genuine though, and he looked content. She couldn’t disturb him, so she fell silent.

After a long while, she suddenly said, “Her Majesty will hold an urgent meeting with the Elder Council this afternoon.”

Link was intrigued. With his last visit to Aragu, he’d practically upended the Fire Sect. Of all the powerful figures, only Saroviny had escaped. It was about time that Saroviny told the High Elf Queen of what had happened.

Saroviny also represented the Ruler of Light and Darkness. He must not wish for the realms to be fused. Thus, Link guessed that this urgent meeting was definitely about the fusion. The High Elf Queen would most likely try to stop it.

Thinking of this, Link made himself put on an interested smile. “The Elder Council meets once a year, usually when the moon is waning. But it’s a full moon now. It’s too early. Did something happen?”

Seve looked around, and then her wand flashed softly. Faint green light enveloped the two; the bustling of the street faded. Seve’s expression was grave.

Link knew that she had something important to say, so he didn’t say anything. He sat on the ground, waiting patiently.

“Mr. Theodore, as you guessed, Our Majesty found a demon in the palace. According to our eyes in the palace, the demon wore a horrifying battle robe, and she uses two swords. She is beautiful but cold and cruel inside. Nothing bad has happened to the palace, but everyone who has seen her can easily feel the evilness in her.”

Link wasn’t surprised that Saroviny had come. His face didn’t betray anything. Arching an eyebrow, he said, “The World Tree repels any dark aura. The palace is especially pure and holy. How can something so evil be there?”

Seve guessed that this must be some powerful existence. When her father and the other elders knew about this, they were all thrown into panic.

They had worked with the demons of the Black Forest before, but that was to fight against the humans. The elves still hated the dark side ever since the ancient times. Now the High Elf Queen was allowing this demon to stay in the pure royal court. Not only was it bizarre, but it also tainted the wisdom that the ancient sages had given them.

The Elder Council could hold a meeting to dethrone the queen just because of this!

Link’s question concerned the problem’s essence too. Why didn’t the World Tree do anything? This was a terrifying question.

“Perhaps… this demon’s power is beyond our imagination. I personally believe that it’s not that the queen wants to work with the demon. She just can’t drive it away, so she was forced to cooperate,” Seve said. This was a horrible guess. If it was true, it meant that the High Elves on the entire Isle of Dawn would be forced by a demon from another realm. The High Elves were facing a catastrophe!

Link agreed with Seve. The World Tree was powerful, but it was still a dead object. Saroviny wasn’t at Level-19, but her father was a true god. His advice could easily help her avoid the World Tree. Link did the same, after all.

Thinking of this, Link tapped his sword’s hilt. “It seems like we have reason to believe that Her Majesty is being controlled by the demon. Tomorrow’s meeting is critical. If something happens, the elders may be killed by the demon. The Isle of Dawn may become the demon’s lair… We must prevent this!”

He’d just put his hand on his sword, but Seve felt his aura change. Cold murderous intent rose from her heart, piercing her skin. She felt extremely uncomfortable as if she would be beheaded if she moved.

As a Level-9 Magician, she’d seen many things. She shuddered after sensing this aura. The Heart of the Strong had said that the true strong didn’t only have great power. They also had the courage to go against any difficulties. The book also said that true Warriors all had condensed murderous aura. When it was activated, everyone around them would feel unsettled. The more serious ones might even faint… Theodore had become a truly strong figure after his year in the Black Forest. But sadly, he was still too weak. How could he fight against the scary demon?

Thinking of this, Seve urged, “Mr. Theodore, many elders have thought of this, but the demon is honestly too powerful. We suspect that she’s at least Level-17. This isn’t something either of us or the entire Isle of Dawn can face.”

Link’s brows twitched, and he glanced at Seve. “Can’t face? But you don’t look too scared. Do you have an idea?”

“Yes.” Seve nodded. “My father and his close friends discussed it last night. They prepare to ask the Ferde lord for help.”

Link was surprised. He didn’t think things would go so smoothly, but it was still a good thing. He nodded. “That’s a good idea and the only solution. But you must not have come to me to say this. Tell me, what can I do?”

“I need you at the Elder Council tomorrow. Use your experience in the Black Forest to delay things. If you can help the queen see through the demon’s trick, it’ll be even better.”

“I see. I will try my best. It’s also my wish.” Link agreed without hesitation.