Ch: 61-70
Chapter 61 – worm talisman! Law of Gu!
worm talisman?
Linn's eyes flashed.
Before him, Beelzebub, King of Flies, was immense, his compound eyes dense, fleshy wings sprouting from his back, a demonic form wreathed in fiendish qi.
At his core, still just a fly!
Since the quest had been issued, sealing the Fly King meant he could be forged into the fourteenth talisman!
Then you leave me no choice.
Beelzebub.
Fire qi oozed from Linn's palm; using the magic crystal method, it shaped itself into an octagonal stone rune.
With a sweep of both arms he released Levitation Power like a towering wave, pinning Beelzebub in mid-air!
What is this?
Damn—there's actually a power like this?
Beelzebub struggled, beating his fleshy wings to summon a storm of insects: countless flies became a black cyclone that surged toward Linn.
Closer inspection showed each fly as large as a bee, stingers on their tails, metallic shells that bullets couldn't pierce.
As the Fly King, Beelzebub's spells all concerned insects, laden with venom and corruption.
The swarm pounced on Linn, clinging to his arcane avatar, which withered rapidly.
Clearly the insects could devour magic!
The avatar's muscles bulged, abscesses erupted; flies bred frantically beneath its skin, turning the body into a cradle that birthed an insect-man.
Cockroach-like, muscles swollen, it radiated lethal menace, possessed of inhuman strength; the moment it tore free it charged the Asgardian Guards.
A punch swung—
The guard vomited blood, his war-plate dented, hurled a hundred metres to smash a tower.
What?
Beelzebub can create monsters like that? Cockroach or man-demon?
Thor's eyes widened.
He knew the Fly King's fame, but the King's abilities were a mystery to him.
Yet the tide of insects kept spreading, sweeping toward the Asgardian Guards.
Wherever it passed life withered; plants shrivelled like locusts had ravaged them.
The guards were drained, skin over bones in a blink, vitality sucked dry.
Worse, the swarm seeded humans, spawning more man-demons and freeing Beelzebub from the invisible bind in an instant.
Acting Sorcerer Supreme, how foolish—do you think that meagre skill can defeat King?
If the Ancient One were here I might feel some dread; you're just a cheap imitation.
Beelzebub's steel bristles stood like a giant fly, the swarm cloaking him, forming a living coat of insects.
To strike his true body, every bug must first be erased.
I did underestimate you.
So the worm talisman's effect is insect control.
Linn's lips curved.
Though the Demon Lords invaded, the Three Sanctums still stood and he had cards unplayed; against the Fly King, fire qi was the perfect pesticide.
Boom!
Linn spread his hands; twin gouts of flame erupted, each as hot as the Sun's core—twenty million degrees.
Blazing clouds spiralled and crashed into the swarm.
Even if Beelzebub's flies hailed from the Hell dimension and scorned mortal fire, this was the Saint's fiendish qi—
stronger than hellfire!
Crackle-crack!
Sparks shrieked.
Insects touched by the fire carbonised instantly, shattering as they hit the ground.
No!
Beelzebub shrieked.
He had not guessed Linn had hidden such power; the fire qi blazed like a Sun, turning every carefully bred gu-bug to dust.
Yet he refused to yield; commanding the cockroach man-demons to attack, he chanted a spell, the earth splitting as a titanic spider crawled out.
The monstrous arachnid, truck-sized and twisted, fired silk that cocooned Beelzebub.
The fire qi swept through; swarm and cockroach fiends turned to ash—
no match for solar heat.
But Beelzebub laughed wildly.
The spider had died in his stead, dulling the fire, and his living coat of insects had left him almost unscathed.
After a spell like that your mana must be spent.
Linn, I will refine you into a gu-slave, bound to me for eternity!
Beelzebub lunged, clawing for Linn—
but Linn's form shattered!
Surprise flicked across the Fly King's face.
Illusion?
Where did Linn go?
Beelzebub swivelled his head, every compound eye scanning, yet Linn was nowhere.
Today is your death-day, Beelzebub.
Linn's voice drifted from nowhere.
He swept both arms; Levitation Power gushed out, freezing Beelzebub in place. A tide of mana surged, terror on the Fly King's face, helpless to fight back.
What is this?
You cannot slay a Hell Lord!
Beelzebub wailed.
His body stretched like noodles, twisted by the vortex!
The other Demon Lords watched, none lifting a finger; even the Hell Lords were curious what harm it might bring.
The Fly King lost to the Acting Sorcerer Supreme?
This acting lord is no simple thing.
I see no use in it.
Lucifer, Hades, Satanich sneered—then their expressions froze.
Beelzebub became a streak of light, sucked into the octagonal stone rune that Linn casually caught.
The stone bore the image of a fly.
It was Beelzebub, King of Flies!
[worm talisman] (Basic): bears the Law of Gu; you will wield the Gu Dao, commanding all insects.
The Law of Gu? A law like that exists?
So everything in the World might rest upon a corresponding law?
And Hell Lords and Demon Lords are the favoured children of these laws?
Linn's eyes shone, as if he had glimpsed the truth of the Universe.
Behind all things lie laws—
or, one might say, divine sequences!
Every being in the Universe has a chance to awaken, just like the living storm Alioth or the living planet Ego—
protection of the laws.
The original twelve talismans have become fourteen; if I refine every Demon Lord I will master ever more laws until I become a totem incarnation!
Excitement flashed across Linn's face, murderous intent hidden in his gaze.
As the worm talisman merged with him his aura surged anew, fourteen talisman phantoms circling, awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Acting Lord, you forged the Fly King into a magic artifact?
Khonshu the moon god said gravely.
To kill a Demon Lord—an existence rivalling Sky-Father level—by such means was unheard of.
He was certain: Beelzebub was utterly erased by Linn.
The Fly King is just… gone?
If he can slay Beelzebub, could he slay me as well?
Time to flee!
Lucifer, Hades, Satanich's pupils shrank to pinpoints; without hesitation they turned to smoke and vanished.
Their assessment of Linn now surpassed even the Ancient One; when the Venerable Ancient Onestruck, she could not kill a Hell Lord—
yet Linn could refine one into an artifact!
If they stayed, when would they run?
Linn, your artificer skill is unimaginable—but you're planting mines beneath yourself!
Do you plan to forge Khonshu the moon god into a talisman as well?
Mephisto stood proud, voice dripping with provocation, sowing discord.
Chapter 62 – book of the vishanti!
Mephisto narrowed his eyes.
Seeing the Lord of Flies forged into a talisman by Linn made him uneasy.
He might end up the same way!
Yet were the gods of earth any calmer?
Especially Moon God Khonshu—an out-and-out egoist who wielded lunar law; how was he different from a demon?
"Mephisto, save your breath!"
"Linn is nothing like you."
Thor roared a war cry.
He spun mjolnir; blazing lightning blasted Mephisto into a fading after-image.
But the seed of doubt had already sprouted.
Moon God Khonshu lifted his head toward the Acting Sorcerer Supreme. The skull-like bird head showed no expression, yet hostility radiated from him.
"I won't take Mephisto's word."
"Venerable Linn, though several Demon Lords escaped, I have seen your justice. I grant you the Moon's Protection."
"Your magic will be strengthened at night."
With a wave, Khonshu shaped magic into runes that settled before Linn—crescent-moon in form.
It let Linn feel wondrously linked to the moon, sensing its orbit and drawing lunar energy.
[You have banished the smuggler Demon Lord and received Khonshu's blessing.]
[You have slain Beelzebub and gained 10,000 opportunity.]
[You have stopped a Demon Lord from obtaining the Aether Particle and gained 10,000 opportunity.]
Bubbles of text popped up.
Linn curled his lips in a smile.
Though far from perfect, he had made the Hell Lords tremble; even in Midgard they would think twice before acting again.
"Only Hela…"
"will likely head for Asgard."
Linn frowned.
He turned to Moon God Khonshu, respect showing. "Lord Khonshu, Mephisto's sowing discord is transparent. As Acting Sorcerer Supreme I will not harm an ally."
He left it open—Khonshu walked the line between friend and foe; who knew when he might switch sides?
"I'll keep chasing the Demon Lords; the Dark Elves are yours."
Moon God Khonshu vanished.
Hela, Hades, Lucifer, Satanich, Mephisto, Nightmare—the six great demon lords had crossed the magic barrier into Midgard; disaster loomed.
It had to be dealt with.
Moon Knight disappeared as well, leaving Asgardian Guards and Dark Elves to their melee; he handled magical creatures and nothing else.
"He's just gone?"
"Khonshu… was once among the Prehistoric Avengers!"
Thor scratched his head.
He had led Asgard's host on Odin's orders, briefly faced Hela, and felt a swirl of emotions.
"Venerable, what of the Dark Elves?"
Master Aisuo asked.
He longed for the Ancient One's return; had she not been traveling, the Demon Lords would never have invaded.
"You overrate me. With seven Demon Lords in reality and Linn slaying Beelzebub, he has surpassed me."
A voice filled with Zen calm sounded.
A Mystic Gate opened; a figure of immortal bearing stepped through, gaunt of cheek, hairless and sharp-witted.
In an instant the Ancient One formed seals; the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak became chains that bound every Dark Elf present.
Even Malekith could not break free and became a prisoner in the blink of an eye.
"Venerable, I thought you'd lend a hand."
Linn's gaze was plaintive.
He had sensed the Ancient One hiding in the Imprint Dimension yet she had not intervened.
"This is a fixed point in time."
"Linn, the day is immutable; the Demon Lords must invade so the future stays unchanged."
The Ancient One sighed.
She had named Linn Acting Sorcerer Supreme partly to shift blame: she would guard Earth's ley-lines, so the invasion would not be laid at her feet.
But she had not foreseen Linn's heaven-defying crafting turn Nastir and Beelzebub into a talisman—
eradicating a Demon Lord at the root.
"A fixed point? Immutable?"
"So it's not that I'm weak, but Heaven wills it?"
Linn's eyes widened.
He knew full well what a fixed point meant.
death was one such point.
It could also be called a story Fulcrum; without it the rest of the tale would collapse, causing a paradox that unmade all existence.
"Exactly."
"Your performance, though, surprises me. Linn, would you become Sorcerer Supreme? Then I can retire and roam the Universe."
The Ancient One smiled.
Passing the title would not derail Doctor Strange's destiny; under Venerable Linn's tutelage Stephen Strange might learn even deeper truths.
"Gladly."
Linn nodded.
With Thor and the Mystic Arts practitioners as witnesses, the Ancient One there and then passed him the Supreme Tome.
It was a scroll holding insights of every Sorcerer Supreme, filled with secrets and methods; mastering it made one worthy of the title.
"Linn, you now speak for Kamar-Taj."
"Do not disappoint me, nor the Vishanti's trust. When weary, pass the mantle to Strange."
The Ancient One hinted heavily.
Soon Stephen Strange would seek Kamar-Taj, and with her roaming the cosmos the task of mentoring him would fall to Linn.
"Understood."
Linn answered gravely.
He accepted the Supreme Tome, stowed it in his storage space, and allowed himself a small smile.
Now his post was permanent!
From this day the only Venerable of Kamar-Taj was Linn.
"Ancient One, where will you wander?"
Master Aisuo asked.
He felt uneasy; Linn's power was sufficient but his prestige might not command respect.
The title of Sorcerer Supreme was both honor and hot coal—anyone could challenge the holder, and the loser must step aside.
After a millennium under the Ancient One no one dared, yet Linn's name was little known; trouble was sure to come.
[s-rank opportunity mission: defeat successive challengers and gain 1,000 opportunity.]
"Successive?"
"Meaning more than one? It really is a hot coal."
"Still, I'll fight whoever comes."
Linn felt radiant.
His risks had proved worth it; he had earned the Ancient One's recognition.
[You have taken charge of Kamar-Taj and received the book of the vishanti.]
Another bubble popped.
A sharp gleam flashed in Linn's eyes.
book of the vishanti!
Touted as the source of the Arcane Arts, bane of the darkhold, holding only defensive spells.
Even during her tenure the Ancient One had not obtained it, yet now the radiant tome appeared in Linn's hand.
Surprise crossed the Ancient One's face.
"Is that the book of the vishanti?"
"Ancestor Agamotto has granted you the Book as well?"
She sighed with emotion.
Clearly The Eternal Vishanti endorsed Linn as Sorcerer Supreme; all was fate.
"Venerable Linn, magnificent!"
Thor gave a thumbs-up.
He felt nothing but joy for Linn—jealousy never entered the mind of one born to rule Asgard.
With the Dark Elves vanquished Thor also claimed great merit; stepping through the Mystic Gate he cast Malekith and the entire host into the dungeon.
The Nine Stars Alignment incident ended in complete success.
Yet when Linn returned to Kamar-Taj he sensed something amiss.
Chapter 63: Make Arcane Arts Great!
Kamar-Taj.
Linn and the Ancient One returned, and looking at the atmosphere within the sect, they clearly felt something was amiss.
The once bustling holy land was now deathly silent, without a single sorcerer on guard, appearing exceptionally empty.
"What is going on here?"
Linn narrowed his eyes.
Soon, Master Hamir and Wong approached them, their faces showing a hint of embarrassment, hardly daring to speak.
But Master Hamir braced himself and said, "Venerable Lin En, Mordo and Kaecilius have each taken a group of apprentices and left Kamar-Taj. They believe Kamar-Taj has become corrupted and have decided to form another sect."
"They even took the book of cagliostro, and Wong and I were unable to stop them."
Master Hamir was ashamed.
Linn and the Ancient One's expressions grew solemn.
"What?"
"They left Kamar-Taj and decided to form another sect?"
Linn frowned.
How could such a plot point occur?
However, this move was no different from a mutiny. Taking the sect's elites and leaving without a word to him was equivalent to a complete falling out!
"Mordo... is truly greedy."
"For the sake of the position of Sorcerer Supreme, he's willing to betray the sect?"
The Ancient One sighed.
However, she was no longer the Sorcerer Supreme and was about to travel the Universe. In a tone of entrusting a heavy responsibility, she said to Linn, "Linn, I believe in your ability to solve this problem. I hope that when I return, I will see a different Kamar-Taj."
Opening a Mystic Gate, the Ancient One stepped through.
Linn gave a wry smile and shook his head.
"She really is a hands-off manager. Now that she's not the Sorcerer Supreme, she just does whatever she wants, huh?"
Linn felt deeply helpless.
He even felt that becoming the Sorcerer Supreme didn't bring him joy, but rather immense pressure!
Mordo and Kaecilius had staged a mass defection with their disciples!
Where would they set up their new base?
[SS-Rank Opportunity Mission: Annex Braddock Academy to obtain the Star Staff of Merlin.]
"Braddock Academy?"
"Merlin?"
"Baron Mordo and Kaecilius went to Great Britain?"
Linn pondered for a moment.
He was quite familiar with the surname Braddock.
It seemed Captain England was named Brian Braddock!
After dying in a car accident, he happened to be summoned by the wizard Merlin. Given a choice between the sword of divine might and the Amulet of Right, Captain England chose the amulet and gained its magical power!
He even founded Braddock Academy to personally train and cultivate Superheroes for Great Britain's MI13.
In other words, Captain England, Brian, was Merlin's agent!
He also served as the Guardian of Avalon.
"Yes, Braddock Academy also has magic courses and has been recruiting Master of the Mystic Arts. Baron Mordo and Kaecilius never responded before."
"But not long ago, they chose to defect collectively and become instructors at the academy."
"Nearly half of the Master of the Mystic Arts have gone to the academy."
Wong nodded.
Kamar-Taj was not the only magical sect.
Besides it, there were also the X-Mansion across the ocean, Wakanda's Alternative Research Academy, the U.S.'s S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, and even a HYDRA Academy!
They just weren't as famous as Kamar-Taj.
However, with Baron Mordo's defection, the prestige of the academy grew exponentially.
Because Baron Mordo, as the Ancient One's primary disciple, came with his own popularity and aura!
In contrast, Linn was a latecomer. Although he had become a Sanctum Master and succeeded the Venerable Ancient One as the Sorcerer Supreme, few people knew of him!
"Don't tell me there's also a Latverian Academy of Sciences teaching magic."
Linn had a playful expression.
The Latverian Academy of Sciences was founded by Doctor Doom, Victor Von Doom, primarily to cultivate magical talent!
"I seem to have heard that rumor."
"The Prime Minister of Latveria has been replaced, and there's suspected to be a manipulator behind the scenes, but the specific details are unclear."
Wong and Master Hamir looked at each other, their eyes filled with concern.
As the Nine Stars Alignment shifted orbits and the Earth's spiritual nodes moved, it would bring unknown troubles. This could also be understood as a revival of spiritual energy, where magical talents would awaken!
Furthermore, anyone daring to establish a magic academy must have a powerful backer. In the case of Braddock Academy, the source of its magical power was Merlin!
The Guardian of the Omniverse, the Master of the Starlight Citadel, and the creator of the magic web matrix.
To Merlin, the Universe was a chessboard, and all living beings were mere pawns!
He was almost equivalent to The Living Tribunal of the magical World!
Even The Eternal Vishanti, as a trinity of gods, would need to avoid a direct confrontation with the wizard Merlin.
"The magic taught at Braddock Academy comes from Merlin?"
"What a mess."
Linn smiled wryly.
He didn't have a way to directly cause trouble at the academy yet.
Because Captain England's combat power was equivalent to Shazam from the DC Universe—a genuine magical Superman.
However, everything has its pros and cons.
Baron Mordo and Kaecilius were bound to betray Kamar-Taj, and he believed they would eventually betray the academy as well!
Villains are villains; a leopard never changes its spots!
And as the Sorcerer Supreme, he could completely implement new policies!
[a-rank opportunity mission: Recruit disciples widely for Kamar-Taj to obtain an item blind box.]
A line of text bubbles popped up.
The corners of Linn's mouth curled up.
It seemed the decision he made could clearly bring benefits, because he could identify opportunities; he could tell who had magical talent almost at a glance!
Although Baron Mordo and Kaecilius had defected with half of the Master of the Mystic Arts, the other half remained.
It wouldn't be that easy for Braddock Academy to become a holy land of the Mystic Arts!
"Master Hamir, I am very pleased with your support."
"As a reward, I will heal your severed hand."
A brilliant light overflowed from Linn's fingertips.
The restorative power of the horse talisman enveloped Master Hamir, and his severed hand rapidly regenerated, growing back a complete palm.
Master Hamir's face lit up with surprise and joy.
"Venerable One, it was only right."
Master Hamir bowed.
One must maintain respect for the Sorcerer Supreme.
"Wong, I will refine more combat doll to substitute for the Master of the Mystic Arts until we recruit talented disciples. Then, Kamar-Taj will flourish once again."
Linn was full of confidence.
Baron Mordo and Kaecilius's defection also took away the fence-sitters and the double-dealers. The Mystic Arts practitioner who remained in Kamar-Taj had undoubtedly earned his trust.
"Talented disciples?"
"Venerable One, if I may be so bold, magical geniuses are rare and cannot be sought; they require both opportunity and destiny."
Wong frowned.
It is already quite difficult to find one magical genius among ten thousand people!
In other words, magical geniuses are one-in-a-million existences.
They are almost certain to become Masters and Sanctum Masters!
"There's no need to worry about that, because I have created the Zodiac Cultivation Method. By awakening one's zodiac sign, one can obtain magical power and step onto the divine sequence!"
Linn's eyes gleamed.
As the twelve talismans lit up, he completely understood the essence of the zodiac signs. This was the manifestation of Conceptual Gods and the embodiment of totem.
Natasha and Wanda were proof enough that the Zodiac Cultivation Method was viable!
He would even teach the Zodiac Cultivation Method to other Superheroes.
Recruiting Superheroes into Kamar-Taj.
"What? Can this even be called Kamar-Taj anymore?"
Wong and Master Hamir couldn't help but be stunned, feeling that this subverted tradition and was too closely tied to the secular World.
After all, the former holy land of the Mystic Arts was a secluded sect that would not reveal itself to the public or interfere in the affairs of the real World.
"Now that I am the Sorcerer Supreme, naturally, I have the final say."
Linn's expression was majestic.
He wanted to turn Kamar-Taj into a cradle for sorcerers, where anyone could submit a resume, and they would be screened through the Arcane Arts.
In other words, he wanted to make the existence of Kamar-Taj known to the whole World!
There was absolutely no need to hide!
Chapter 64: A Visit from Captain England
One hundred combat dolls stood in a square formation on the plaza.
Their surfaces bore different paint jobs, representing their vastly different functions.
There were combat dolls, sparring dolls, cleaning dolls, and logistics dolls.
Every Mystic Arts practitioner had even received an exclusive doll to serve as an assistant and bodyguard, or for sparring; it was like owning a 'Baymax'!
"Venerable Lin En, I heard you're going to make the existence of Kamar-Taj public?"
"Is this true or false?"
An apprentice asked.
An exclusive doll stood beside him, with a mystic incantation on its wrist representing a binding relationship; only he could command the doll.
"It's true."
"Since I have succeeded the Venerable Ancient One as Sorcerer Supreme, I should implement new policies."
"Who says Kamar-Taj must remain a hidden sect?"
"There is no need for that!"
"Baron Mordo and Kaecilius jumping ship to Merlin Academy is undoubtedly a declaration of war, and Kamar-Taj must never lose."
"If your friends wish to enter Kamar-Taj, they can come for testing. If they possess magical talent, they can join and receive a doll."
Linn wore a smile.
He then patted a nearby Totem Pole, which bore the marks of the twelve zodiac signs, corresponding to the twelve talismans and noble animals.
It could both detect mystic aptitude and awaken one's natal zodiac sign.
This allowed one to step directly onto the divine sequence and learn the Zodiac Cultivation Method!
Furthermore, he had crafted four Totem Poles: one for Kamar-Taj and three to be distributed among the Three Sanctums, all for the purpose of recruiting disciples far and wide!
He was going to create a golden age where everyone could become like a dragon.
He would ensure the Arcane Arts were no longer aloof and untouchable!
"Venerable, the Principal of Merlin Academy wishes to see you."
A voice called out.
A Mystic Gate swirled open.
A burly, well-built man in uniform with a Union Jack emblem on his chest strode into Kamar-Taj.
He was accompanied by Baron Mordo and Kaecilius.
Linn narrowed his eyes, a hint of coldness rising in his heart.
"Should I call you Captain England, or Merlin's Proxy, or Principal Braddock?"
Linn's tone was indifferent.
He had only just succeeded the Ancient One as Sorcerer Supreme, and already Baron Mordo and Kaecilius had jumped ship to Merlin Academy.
This was a blatant slap in the face!
Furthermore, it was clear from this that Brian Braddock had been poaching his people for a long time!
"You can just call me Brian."
"Venerable Lin En, meeting you is better than hearing about you; you truly are a talented young man. Although Baron Mordo and Kaecilius have come to my academy, it doesn't mean we are enemies."
"Thank you for saving Great Britain before; I was in Avalon at the time and couldn't return in time."
Captain England paid his respects.
He acted like a proper gentleman; in fact, he wasn't even aware of Baron Mordo's defection.
That was the result of his brother, James Braddock, operating in the shadows.
"Avalon?"
"What danger happened there?"
Linn raised an eyebrow.
Avalon.
A secret realm on Earth, much like Ta Lo.
It was also the place where the wizard Merlin grew up.
It was said to be a medieval environment with orcs and elves, also known as the Isle of the Blessed, a paradise of the Otherworld.
He just hadn't been there yet and didn't know the specifics.
"The Witch Morgan Le Fay appeared on the continent of Avalon intending to cause a disaster, and I stopped her."
"However, I didn't capture Morgan Le Fay; she may have escaped to the Reality Dimension."
"Venerable Lin En, the reason I came here is because I hope to cooperate with you to hunt down Morgan Le Fay together."
Brian Braddock spoke candidly.
Morgan Le Fay.
The eldest disciple of the wizard Merlin!
Hailed as the greatest Witch in history.
She was even related to the Evil Arrogance Society, the creator of wizard technology, and the original Master of the darkhold, being no less formidable than the Ancient One!
If Morgan Le Fay lost her mind and decided to cause trouble in the Reality Dimension, the consequences would be unimaginable.
However, Linn shook his head.
"You are Merlin's Proxy, but I am not."
"The six great demon lords are still hiding in the Reality Dimension. Only after I deal with them will I have any free time."
Linn politely declined.
He had been trying to predict the tracks of the six great demon lords through the eye of agamotto, but they were very alert, moving from place to place, leaving him helpless.
Even Mephisto had vanished recently, clearly planning something big!
"Morgan Le Fay's goal is to become the Lord of Avalon, and since she has been in contact with the darkhold, she will definitely come looking for you."
"I know the darkhold was taken away by you, Venerable."
Brian said seriously.
"The darkhold?"
"You've reminded me."
Linn curled his lips.
A book then materialized in his palm—a cold, pitch-black tome that emitted a foul aura.
Through his research, he had discovered the secret of the darkhold: there wasn't just one! The darkholds of all Universes were actually interconnected!
Doctor Strange of Earth-838 had used the darkhold to defeat Thanos with four Infinity Stones.
But Doctor Strange had also caused an Collision Event, angering the Illuminati, and was executed by Black Bolt's sonic scream.
Thus, the power of the darkhold was absolutely beyond imagination.
Obtaining the darkhold would allow one to rival the Infinite!
Furthermore, the Dreamwalking spell within the darkhold allowed the soul to traverse the Multiverse, taking over bodies through possession to reach other different Universes.
"However, this would also trigger an Collision Event..."
"Better to be cautious."
Linn looked thoughtful.
However, seeing the appearance of the darkhold, Baron Mordo and Kaecilius couldn't help but feel excited.
Because almost every spell in the darkhold was comparable to high-tier mystic arts!
It covered various fields: artifact refining, psychometry, summoning, rituals, magic circles, and runes!
Even the Scarlet Witch's spells would double in power when using the darkhold!
"Chaos Magic?"
"I have that too."
Linn rubbed his fingertips, and a wisp of scarlet energy ignited, flickering like fire or electricity, coiling like a fluid.
"How is that possible?"
"You are not the Scarlet Witch, yet you also possess Chaos Magic?"
Baron Mordo and Kaecilius exclaimed in shock.
"Is your brain squeezed by a door?"
"Chaos Magic comes from Pluto Chthon. Is Chthon the Scarlet Witch? What's so strange about mastering Chaos Magic?"
Linn's gaze was contemptuous.
He had displayed the darkhold just to show off and make Kaecilius and Mordo regret their decision to jump ship!
Moreover, as he put away the darkhold, a glowing tome reappeared in his palm, its surface covered in mystic incantations and the emblem of the Vishanti.
At this sight.
Baron Mordo and Kaecilius could hardly believe their eyes!
"The book of the vishanti?"
"How do you have the book of the vishanti?"
"The darkhold and the book of the vishanti are like the yin and yang of magic, representing the light and shadow of the Arcane Arts!"
"Even the Venerable Ancient One never found this book..."
Baron Mordo's heart bled.
If he hadn't jumped ship, he might have had the qualification to peruse the book of the vishanti!
"Damn it!"
Kaecilius was filled with resentment.
Although he held the book of cagliostro, compared to the darkhold, it was like a small Witch meeting a great one.
Borrowing magic from Dormammu was not as good as borrowing Chaos Magic!
"Your Excellency Brian."
"I must remind you that traitors who betray their Masters will eventually betray again."
"Perhaps these traitors haven't joined you in good faith, but merely have ulterior motives and hidden ambitions."
Linn's tone was solemn.
Baron Mordo and Kaecilius jumping ship to the Braddock Royal Academy was definitely not a spur-of-the-moment move.
[s-rank opportunity mission: Train Doctor Strange to complete his apprenticeship to receive 10,000 opportunity points.]
[s-rank opportunity mission: Prevent the Dark Lord from invading reality to receive the Cagliostro Key.]
Chapter 65: Chaos Magic Becomes a Disciple!
Stephen Strange?
Has already arrived at Kamar-Taj?
Linn's expression was subtle.
Training Doctor Strange to graduation—doesn't that mean he has to take Doctor Strange as his disciple?
"This is actually quite good; the future Sorcerer Supreme will be personally taught by me."
"With the Zodiac Cultivation Method, he will definitely be second to none."
Linn looked around.
Then, he saw a homeless man pushing and shoving at the door, with messy hair and stubble, looking like a beggar.
"Hunter, let him stay."
Linn spoke softly.
He stopped the apprentice Hunter. Stephen Strange also showed an expression of excitement, his hands trembling slightly; he had been in a car accident that left his hands disabled.
He had been searching for a way to heal himself ever since!
It wasn't until he heard about the existence of Kamar-Taj that he came here to try his luck, and he just happened to overhear Linn speaking, learning that Linn was the Sorcerer Supreme!
"Venerable Lin En, my name is Stephen Strange. I used to be a top neurosurgeon, but a car accident left my hands disabled, unable to hold a scalpel."
"I want to heal myself."
Strange said excitedly.
He completely ignored the Strange look from Captain England.
"Venerable Lin En, you must be wary of Morgan Le Fay; she might go looking for the Book Collection of Cagliostro. Since you have other important matters, I won't take up any more of your time."
Captain England bowed.
Then, he left with Baron Mordo. Even though Linn emphasized that a rebel would always be a rebel, he still harbored goodwill.
"The Kamar-Taj under your leadership is truly disappointing. You even take in homeless people?"
"Do you believe whatever he says?"
Baron Mordo sneered.
He absolutely did not agree with Linn serving as the Sorcerer Supreme!
Once he obtained what he wanted at Merlin Academy, he would issue a challenge and take charge of Kamar-Taj himself!
"Venerable, you're just letting the traitor go like this?"
Hunter said, his face full of resentment.
However, Baron Mordo and Kaecilius were genuine masters of the Mystic Arts; even with his Runic Bracers, he might not necessarily gain the upper hand.
"There's no need to rush, Hunter."
"Kamar-Taj will always be a sacred place for the Mystic Arts. This is just a temporary setback; believe that things will turn around when they reach their extreme."
Linn smiled.
He had long ago grasped the truths of the Universe: things don't just fall into place; the situation must hit rock bottom before it can bounce back.
As the old saying goes, one must find life in death!
Since Kamar-Taj had fallen into a trough, it could be imagined that every day from now on would be an uphill climb.
Moreover, he had created the Zodiac Cultivation Method and had the fourteen talismans with him!
The donkey talisman and the worm talisman.
Carrying the Law of the Beast and the Law of Gu, respectively.
If he could defeat Nightmare, he would also obtain a dream talisman. Even if a Hell Lord came to reality, it would merely be paving the way for him, destined to become a talisman sooner or later!
"Strange, I can heal your hands, but will you really be satisfied with just that?"
A brilliant light overflowed from Linn's fingertips. The restorative power of the horse talisman healed Strange's hands, making all the scars disappear completely.
They were even more flexible than before; he could hold a scalpel!
But Strange hesitated, a longing growing in his heart. Studying medicine couldn't save Americans; only the Arcane Arts could!
"Venerable Lin En, I hope you will allow me to stay at Kamar-Taj."
Strange bowed his head in obeisance.
He used to be arrogant and conceited, and it wasn't until he lost everything that he understood what was truly precious—only knowledge is immortal!
Moreover, having tasted the coldness of the World, he was completely tired of the vanity fair. Secular wealth was meaningless; even if he picked up the scalpel again, he could only heal one patient at a time.
But if he learned Arcane Arts and magic, he would have the chance to purify the World and make incurable diseases vanish!
"Then I shall take you as my disciple."
"Strange, I hope you understand that the origin of all diseases is not accidental; they are caused by Demon Lords and Dimensional Demon Gods."
"Just like fatal cancer, it is actually related to the Old Ones. The souls of all cancer patients will return to the Old Ones."
"All diseases are, in fact, curses."
Linn's expression was serious.
He knew of Doctor Strange's talent—the most outstanding Sorcerer Supreme in history. If Linn didn't have the twelve talismans protecting him, he probably wouldn't be able to rival Doctor Strange.
And taking Doctor Strange as a disciple naturally brought significant benefits!
However, according to seniority, Strange was ranked second; Wanda was the senior sister.
Through his careful guidance, Wanda's magical attainments had also reached the master level. She knew many spells by heart, and combined with Chaos Magic, her power was not to be underestimated.
Furthermore, he had decided to appoint Ares as the Instructor of Kamar-Taj.
Ares would train the apprentices to master martial arts and combat techniques. Only with a strong enough physique could they withstand the backlash of mana and avoid the curse-killing of Great Demons.
"I'm to be the Instructor?"
"That's truly a waste of talent! But since it's the boss's order, I will definitely do it!"
Ares, with his muscular build, slapped his chest with a thud. As the champion gladiator of Sakaar and the God of War of Olympus, he was most proficient in martial combat!
"Valkyrie, I appoint you as the Chief Manager of Kamar-Taj, responsible for receiving foreign guests. Your status will be second only to mine."
"I believe you should be able to do it."
Linn smiled.
After Ragnarok, the Asgardians moved to the coast of Norway, and Valkyrie was the Prime Minister, turning Norway into a vacation paradise.
It was clear that Valkyrie's governing talents were definitely above the passing grade.
"Me, the Chief Manager? Aren't you afraid I'll run off with the funds?"
Valkyrie said with a half-smile.
In fact, after spending time together, she was already truly convinced. Especially seeing Linn's rapid rise, her lost spirit had also returned.
"I trust you, Valkyrie."
"After all, Hela is still in Midgard. Don't you want revenge?"
Linn's gaze was burning.
He hit the nail on the head.
This was Valkyrie's desire!
"Indeed, I want to avenge the Valkyries."
Valkyrie nodded.
Then, she took over from Master Hamir as the Chief Manager. As a member of the Valkyries, a scavenger of Sakaar, and an honored guest of the Grandmaster, her social skills were well-proven.
Next, Linn appointed Carter Slade again, this time as the History Instructor of Kamar-Taj, primarily teaching shooting and general knowledge courses.
Even the God of Mischief Loki held a position, teaching runic knowledge at Kamar-Taj.
At this moment, Kamar-Taj was no longer a reclusive sect but more like a true magic academy, where the Instructors were all talented and spoke eloquently.
"Wanda, you will take over my duties as the New York Sanctum master."
Linn's gaze was soft.
He then handed the master's Seal to Wanda, representing the passing of the mission.
"Sanctum Master? Am I qualified?"
Wanda's beautiful eyes trembled.
She clearly doubted her own abilities.
"No one is born knowing everything; one must learn truth through practice. And I believe in your wisdom because you are the Scarlet Witch."
Linn gave her his trust.
When he served as the master of the sanctum, he wasn't without flaws either.
However, the good thing about the Venerable Ancient One was that she didn't forcibly interfere, which allowed him to grow rapidly and become qualified to lead Kamar-Taj!
"I will do my best."
Wanda's expression was solemn.
With the elimination of her inner demons, there were no more shackles on her cultivation, and her control over Chaos Magic was gradually becoming superb.
Guarding the New York Sanctum was not a problem at all.
Moreover, Quicksilver would also assist, and various models of magic Puppets had been allocated to the Three Sanctums.
"Venerable Lin En, a visitor has appeared outside the door, claiming to be from the City of Omnipotence."
Master Hamir requested instructions.
Then, he ushered the visitor in—a young demigod wearing Winged Divine Sandals, a pair of flying boots that could traverse space.
"Hermes?"
"Why have you come to Kamar-Taj?"
Ares greeted him, his tone carrying a hint of oddness and clear hostility.
Chapter 66 – Gorr's Token!
Hermes, clad in leather armor and looking handsome and proper, arrived at Kamar-Taj and saw Ares, the God of War.
Yet Hermes was displeased by Ares's presence, for Zeus had exiled him, deeming Ares unworthy of godhood.
"You are Venerable Lin En, the new Sorcerer Supreme?"
"To actually shelter a rebellious God."
"Still, I'm here to deliver Zeus's decree: an invitation to the City of Omnipotence."
"This thunder staff is the token."
Suppressing his impatience, Hermes offered a crystalline bolt of lightning to Lin En.
Lightning crackled, suffused with divine power; it could transport its bearer in a single second to the heavens beyond heavens, the heart of the boundless Universe—the City of Omnipotence.
That is where the gods of earth reside, every deity who enters or leaves the City of Omnipotencesteeped in profound faith and magic.
Hermes's arrival proclaimed, without doubt, the stance of the City of Omnipotence.
The Sorcerer Supreme must pay homage!
Otherwise, whatever consequences follow, Lin En alone would bear them!
[You have received Hermes and obtained Zeus's token.]
A line of text floated up.
Lin En flicked his fingers and pocketed the thunder staff, but he neither used it immediately nor planned to go to the City of Omnipotence.
Even the corners of his mouth curled slightly as he stared straight at Hermes. "Hermes, the City of Omnipotence must already know that the six great demon lords have invaded reality—among them, Hades."
"Does Zeus have nothing to say? No intention of seizing Hades?"
Lin En's words were blunt.
Hermes's expression soured.
"Venerable Lin En, the Gods are still deliberating. Besides, the invasion of the six great demon lords is Kamar-Taj's dereliction of duty—what has it to do with us?"
"Without the Gods' help, must humanity perish?"
"Stop begging Gods and buddhas at every turn; we Gods have our own troubles. The wielder of the black death sword has been slaughtering deities!"
Hermes frowned.
The bearer of the black death sword hunted Gods for sport, yet Hermes had risked death to come to Kamar-Taj, only to receive no tip and face condemnation instead.
This new Venerable was simply inhuman!
"Hermes, you haven't changed at all—still expecting a tip?"
Ares went for the throat.
"Heh, Venerable Lin En, keeping Ares in Kamar-Taj will be a fatal mistake. He is the God of mutiny, the source of chaos.
Sooner or later Kamar-Taj will suffer calamity because of him!"
Hermes snorted.
Then his winged boots lifted off the ground, stirring a spatial vortex, and he teleported away.
He resolved to report Lin En's attitude truthfully to almighty Zeus!
"Venerable, angering the Gods brings no benefit,"
Master Hamir said, sweating.
"Fawning on the Gods brings no benefit either. Self-reliance is the way; Kamar-Taj will always be the holy land of the Arcane Arts."
Lin En's tone was light.
He was thoroughly disappointed in the slothful gods of earth.
Still, Hermes's mention of the black death sword made him cautious.
[s-rank opportunity mission: eliminate the God Butcher to obtain the black death sword.]
"God Butcher?"
"Seems there was one before Gorr."
Lin En pondered.
The black death sword—
Forged by Black King Knull, drawn from the Abyss Dimension and re-cast in the blood-flame of a Celestial.
It even gave birth to the Symbiote race.
The Land of Nihility had once been a celestial head; who had severed it?
Precisely Black-Clothed Emperor Knull!
When the Celestials created the Sun, spreading light and power, they roused the slumbering Knull, who beheaded one with a single swing.
Yet he too was banished by the Celestials.
The black death sword drifted through the Universe, carrying Knull's will.
Whoever wielded it would become the God Butcher!
"If I obtain the black death sword, I can behead a Celestial and strangle the Celestial Spawn Earth is nurturing in its cradle.
Wouldn't that solve Earth's crisis?"
Light flashed in Lin En's eyes.
But where was the God Butcher? He was completely in the dark; he could only bide his time until the hunter appeared.
"Venerable, strange movements in Hells Kitchen—possibly related to an Evil Beast."
A Mystic Arts practitioner reported.
Surprise flickered across Lin En's face.
"Almost forgot: The Hand venerates Evil Beasts and performs rituals to summon them into reality."
"By eliminating the Evil Beast and The Hand, I can obtain the dragon bone fossil and the water of true sight."
Lin En nodded.
At once a Mystic Gate opened before him.
He came alone to Hells Kitchen.
West Manhattan.
A place where the good and bad mingled; since the last century it had been a slum and a lawless zone.
Wanted criminals, local tyrants, gangs of every sort, and the fingers of The Hand all ran companies here.
Midnight.
Dim streetlights flickered on and off.
Midtown International Tower.
A ripple of magic made Lin En narrow his eyes; he faintly heard chanting—some kind of ritual!
Though no longer Sanctum Master, he would seize this opportunity alone. The Rabbit talismanmanifested, and he reached the tower's top floor in an instant.
Shadows shifted, scarlet eyes lit up, and ninja soldiers in night-black garb appeared in droves.
Top floor.
Not a glimmer of light; in the vast space stood a pool of blood.
Five fingers chanted softly, and the pentagram array beneath their feet flared red—an eerie sight.
The spatial veil twisted and tore.
The blood pool surged, bubbles gurgling.
A ghostly figure rose slowly from the crimson depths, like the tengu of ancient lore: black face, high nose, wooden clogs, and crow wings on its back.
Wearing a straw cloak, it stood upon the air.
As its hands clenched, a thunderous crack rang out, and every member of The Hand knelt to welcome the Evil Beast!
"I shall turn the World into a Shadow Realm and fill all humanity with dread!"
The Evil Beast's voice was magical,
like nails scraping a blackboard.
It was the Dread Dimension Lord—no match for the other Demon Lords, yet still a lord!
[s-rank opportunity mission: eliminate the Evil Beast to obtain the Shadow talisman.]
"Shadow talisman?"
"Seems this Evil Beast is a real treasure."
"I'm starting to find it kind of cute."
Lin En walked through the wall, hovering mid-air, the cloak of levitation billowing as he made a grand entrance.
Instantly
the Evil Beast's eyes blazed; The Hand was stunned—no one had expected a mage hiding in the shadows!
"You are Lin En, the Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj?"
The Evil Beast murmured, haughty and cold.
As the Dread Dimension Lord, it feared no Sorcerer Supreme; even if the Ancient One came, it would not yield.
"Correct—good eye."
"Seems my fame has already reached hell?"
"Known to all, feared by none?"
Lin En smiled.
The eye of agamotto on his chest shimmered.
The title of Sorcerer Supreme commanded respect everywhere.
To Demon Lords, however, it spelled doom!
"So arrogant—what fame?"
"Of the seven Demon Lords invading reality, how many have you stopped?"
"I will place your head upon the path and take my seat upon satans throne!"
The Evil Beast grinned savagely,
its information outdated; it hadn't heard that Beelzebub had become the worm talisman.
"Satan's throne?"
"Becoming Satan is every Demon Lord's ambition?"
Lin En snorted.
"Once Satan, you command all Demon Lords and rule every hell; even Pluto Chthon must bow to Satan!"
"Offer up your head and Satan's throne will grant me power. A greenhorn like you I can crush with a flick!"
The Evil Beast raised its arms and roared.
At once the surrounding shadows rose, turning into spear-like spikes that shot toward Lin En.
The Dread Dimension Lord wielded the law of Shadow!
Under nightfall its magic doubled; a lone Sorcerer Supreme could never stand against it!
Chapter 67 – Dread Dimension Lord My Foot!
"The Law of Shadow? Is that so?"
"If I were blessed by Khonshu, what would you say then?"
Linn looked perfectly calm.
Khonshu's Blessing!
Lunar Guardianship!
He could draw on the Moon's energy and grow stronger at night.
Facing the Evil Beast's shadow spikes, Linn snapped both hands into a seal, swept them to either side, and conjured arcane runes out of thin air, shaping them into a magical barrier.
Seraphim Shield!
A Seraphim Shield cast by him rivaled the strongest defensive Arcane Arts.
The shadow spikes struck the arcane barrier with crushing force, scattering sparks without leaving a crack.
Meanwhile, the ninja soldiers he had summoned clashed with The Hand, hurling thunder-bombs and shuriken; their mystic bracers overflowed with golden runic light.
There were only two hundred ninja soldiers, yet each bore a mystic bracer—an upgraded model inscribed with many potent runic spells.
Even with The Hand's full might, they could not suppress the ninja soldiers.
The five fingers who had defected from K'un-Lun felt the pressure mount—had the Sorcerer Supremeactually changed?
"This Sorcerer Supreme is downright heretical—she's using witchcraft!"
"Those ninja soldiers look just like the ones Lord Evil Beast commands!"
"Surely Lord Evil Beast will subdue this greenhorn!"
Madame Gao, Murakami, and Alexandra gripped their katanas; through the Evil Beast's blessing and the help of dragon bone fossils, they had gained longevity.
Beneath the skyscraper lay an intact dragon bone fossil, but a barrier kept The Hand from claiming it.
In prehistoric mythic ages, there had once been a Dragon Epoch.
Humans and dragons co-existed until humanity betrayed dragonkind and glorified dragon-slaying.
That was how dragon bone fossils came to be.
Yet the leader of those dragons, the Extraordinary Dragon, never died—it merely slumbered within Earth.
Sooner or later it would have its revenge on humanity!
[a-rank opportunity mission: turn the Extraordinary Dragon into a pet to obtain Dragon Language Magic.]
"Dragon Language Magic?"
"That does sound worth looking forward to."
A sharp gleam flashed across Linn's eyes.
He had read about Dragon Language Magic in the book of the mystic arts; it belonged to the realm of Word Spirit, tied to dragonkind.
With Word Spirit one could summon clouds and rain.
Mastering that power would clearly bring great benefits.
"Losing focus mid-fight can be fatal, Sorcerer Supreme."
"You're such a greenhorn I almost can't bear to kill you—be my servant instead!"
The Evil Beast roared in fury.
In an instant darkness swallowed every trace of light; a prison formed of the Law of Shadow suppressed all Arcane Arts.
Linn frowned.
He could feel his Arcane Arts failing, but the corner of his mouth curled—arcane spells were only one of many tools.
The fourteen talismans were his true life!
"Evil Beast, it seems you don't know—the stronger the power you show, the more excited I get."
"Because I'm going to refine you into a talisman."
"I will master your Law of Shadow!"
Lightning blazed in Linn's eyes.
Two golden rays shot out, blasting the Evil Beast to pieces and shredding its straw cloak to dust.
Pig Talisman!
Laser power!
Combined with the fire energy of the Dragon Talisman, it rivaled the Sun's heat—equal to a solar ray!
"What?"
"Refine me into a talisman? How is such Arcane Arts possible? Don't you know Demon Lords are immortal?"
The Evil Beast rose again, tall and imposing, voice thick with disbelief.
Shadows converged, mending its wounds and weaving into armor that fully clad its body.
Turning shadow into a huge blade, it swung a searing cold arc that crushed ninja soldiers in its path!
"Immortal?"
"Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies, became the worm talisman—I haven't even used it yet."
"Let me show you its might."
A divine light shone in Linn's eyes.
His pupils shifted into an octagon, the outline of an ebon stone talisman.
On its surface was the emblem of a fly.
It was none other than Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies!
Before the words finished leaving his mouth,
Linn flicked his fingers; insects crawling in the corner took flight, forming a swirling cloud that devoured one another until only one remained.
A Gu.
The worm talisman carried the Law of Gu.
It bore pestilence and plague, ignoring both magical and physical harm. Drifting toward The Hand, it brought festering sores to any skin it touched.
An unbearable itch.
Scratching tore flesh open, the pain so great victims died screaming!
"No!"
"Lord Evil Beast, save me!"
Alexandra shrieked.
Gu insects gnawed her; in the blink of an eye her face erupted in pustules filled with white maggots.
Moments later the insects drained her life; Alexandra died with eyes wide open, unable to rest in peace.
"The Law of Gu…"
"You actually killed the Lord of the Flies?"
A chill ran down the Evil Beast's spine.
Only Beelzebub had ever wielded such a horrific power—yet the Sorcerer Supreme could do the same?
That alone proved the point.
Most likely Beelzebub truly had been turned into a talisman!
"Not just Beelzebub—every Demon Lord will end up the same."
Linn curled his lips in satisfaction.
He was very pleased with the worm talisman's power.
Yet he sensed the Evil Beast preparing to flee and instantly raised one hand skyward.
He dragged the Evil Beast into the Imprint Dimension!
Prism-like fragments covered Hells Kitchen; the Evil Beast glanced around, a hint of dread rising, but it refused to surrender.
Shadow power boiled, surging toward Linn.
It formed a prison that locked Linn inside!
Spikes shot through the cell, the power of the Law howling; joy flashed in the Evil Beast's eyes—sure Linn was dead—until mocking laughter rang out.
"You thought that could defeat the Sorcerer Supreme?"
"Evil Beast, the Hell Demon King Council was right not to reserve you a seat."
Linn's tone dripped with scorn.
"Shut up!"
The Evil Beast flushed with rage.
The Council's rejection had always been its shame—was the Dread Dimension Lord not a lord?
Yet Mephisto had vetoed its entry, leaving it bitter to this day.
"Because you're ignorant and stupid."
"Just look at the name you chose—Evil Beast? Clearly a Little Kalamity."
"Your fate is to become a talisman!"
Linn lifted both hands and released a torrent of Levitation Power, freezing the Evil Beast in place like a mighty wave.
Fire energy shaped itself into an octagonal stone talisman.
With a casual wave of his arm the Evil Beast felt control slip away, its body distorting!
"Damn it!"
"Don't treat a Demon Lord like he's not a Demon King!"
The Evil Beast's form turned ethereal, suddenly switching places with Murakami—who was hurled into the stone talisman in its stead.
Yet no new talisman was created; the result was merely a magic artifact.
At the sight
the Evil Beast's pupils dilated, genuine terror flooding in—this Sorcerer Supreme really could slay Demon Kings!
Most likely the same move had felled Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies!
"Still struggling?"
"If you'd stayed quiet no one would have bothered you, but you insisted on making trouble—now I have to deal with you."
Linn declared in a ringing voice.
Those words were not for the Evil Beast; they were for the other Demon Kings!
He could clearly feel hidden gazes, as if someone were using spells to observe his actions.
And the answer was obvious.
It had to be the six great demon lords!
Hela, Nightmare, Lucifer, Hades, Mephisto, Satanich!
Because he had slain the Lord of the Flies and turned Beelzebub into a talisman, the six great demon lords were terrified and had not dared show themselves.
But Linn had them firmly in his sights!
Let him spot even one of them and none would escape—all would be forged into talismans!
"Moon God Khonshu and Merlin can choose proxies—so why can't the Demon Lords? Pool your magicand pick a champion to fight Linn for you!"
Chapter 68 – Shadow talisman! The Law of Shadow!
"That's a fine idea."
"And I already have the perfect candidate—Parker Robbins, alias red hood."
"The very cloak on his back was a gift from me."
Mephisto stood before a mirror, a cold glint in his eyes; if the Lords of Hell joined forces and bestowed their full blessings upon red hood…
…then the Sorcerer Supreme would be doomed beyond doubt!
Only by eliminating the Sorcerer Supreme could his plan proceed—turning Earth into a living hell.
"Wait!"
"The Evil Beast lost to Linn as well, forged into a talisman—what manner of Arcane Art is this?"
"How exactly is one to counter it?"
The six great demon lords drew a sharp collective breath.
They watched the Evil Beast turn into a streak of light and plunge into an octagonal stone talisman, its surface now bearing the beast's likeness.
[You have slain the Evil Beast. opportunity +10. May be used to illuminate the Shadow talisman.]
A line of text bubbled up.
Linn quirked the corner of his mouth.
He rubbed the Shadow talisman between his fingers; the warm, jade-like texture carried a pulse of magic that lit up his eyes.
[Shadow talisman (Basic): bears the Law of Shadow, commands shadow creatures, allows travel through the Fear Dimension.]
"Shadow creatures?"
"ninja soldiers ought to count."
Linn's eyes flashed.
He glanced at the two hundred ninja soldiers, lifted a finger, and their frames swelled. In a blink they became hulking oni like sumo wrestlers.
A permanent enhancement!
Even without the other masks, he could now evolve his ninja soldiers into varied battle forms.
Of course, he could still command only two hundred of them.
To wield the Law of Shadow, he chose at once to upgrade, spending opportunity to empower the mask!
Two flashes of light followed.
The description of the shadow mask changed.
[Ninja Mask (Ultimate): summon 1,000 ninja soldiers; they resurrect after death; mask's magicdoubles; may don or remove at will.]
Linn nodded in satisfaction.
The ultimate-grade Ninja Mask expanded his force from two hundred to a thousand.
That brought convenience.
Yet he was startled to discover ultimate was not the ceiling—the mask could advance to god-grade!
"Only… the opportunity cost doubles?"
Linn frowned.
To push the Ninja Mask to god-grade required a minimum of 50,000 opportunity.
Empowering a single talisman cost only 10,000.
So he shelved the idea for now and turned his attention to the fifteen talismans, pondering which to upgrade.
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
Donkey, Worm, Shadow!
They formed a perfect cycle, their divine energies nourishing one another without strife, and Linn's mood lifted.
Who could have guessed he could refine a Demon Lord into a talisman?
He hadn't even imagined it himself!
[You have disrupted the ritual and obtained a dragon bone fossil.]
[You have destroyed The Hand and obtained the water of true sight.]
Linn raised an eyebrow.
As ninja soldiers hurled shuriken and the last Finger fell, the opportunity quest was at last complete.
A dragon bone fossil and a vial of mysterious spring-water appeared in his palm.
They had been The Hand's collection.
To perform the ritual, dragon bone fossil and water of true sight were indispensable, and the water's value far exceeded that of the fossil!
For the water could awaken wisdom.
It eased mastery of Arcane Arts, let one see the essence of things and discern the laws of the World.
"Still giving it to Strange—since he's my disciple, I'll spoil him."
Linn swirled the flask.
He dispelled the illusion, opened a Mystic Gate, and stepped straight back into Kamar-Taj.
The Evil Beast was dead and every Finger of The Hand slain; the cleanup could be left to S.H.I.E.L.D.
His job was exorcism.
The Sorcerer Supreme's appearance fee is steep, after all.
Just now he minded his image; as Kamar-Taj's leader and supreme master of the Arcane Arts, he must project authority and majesty.
"Strange."
"How fares your study of the Arcane Arts?"
Linn smiled.
Strucker, now in coarse hemp robes, practised with the sling ring alongside other apprentices.
But while the apprentices advanced swiftly, he could only conjure sparks, and frustration welled up.
"Venerable One, perhaps I'm not cut out for the Arcane Arts."
Strange wiped sweat from his brow.
In truth, his pride was wounded!
A World-class neurosurgeon, unable to master a sling ring?
Utterly laughable.
"Come with me."
Linn's solemn, unsmiling air inspired awe.
They entered the great hall.
Linn sat, poured the water of true sight into a teapot, brought it to a boil, and personally poured a cup for Strange.
"Venerable One, I wish to leave Kamar-Taj…"
Strange began, but Linn already handed him the teacup.
"Finish this cup; then speak."
Linn watched expectantly.
"Very well."
Strange nodded, drank the water of true sight in one gulp, and suddenly his pupils shrank; his soulseemed to leave his body and plunge into an endless abyss!
He beheld wondrous, resplendent vistas—the myriad dimensions of the Multiverse and their bizarre denizens, whirling like a kaleidoscope.
The sight rocked his mind.
The water of true sight awakens wisdom!
Through it he saw the root of his trouble: not lack of talent, but his own disbelief in magic.
"Your doubt blocks your gifts, Strange."
"You see this Universe—do you think leaving Kamar-Taj will free you?"
"All is destiny, including your arrival here, and you must endure, for you are Doctor Strange."
Linn's voice drifted near and far.
It filled Strange with dread as he drifted through the Multiverse, traversing dimensions.
He beheld the very weave of the magical net!
He even saw a starlit castle straddling the limbo between dimensions, and his doubts vanished.
"I am Doctor Strange?"
"Venerable One, thank you for your guidance."
Strange bowed, utterly reverent.
He resolved to leave his past behind and from this moment become a true mage.
Because medicine alone cannot save Americans!
"But first, you must master the sling ring."
"It opens portals through space and lets you escape danger."
Linn sliced open a Mystic Gate.
The gate shifted, carrying him and Strange to the summit of the Himalayas.
A blizzard howled.
Linn's body blazed with fire; he felt nothing, but Strange, a mere mortal, shivered violently.
"Venerable One, is this truly necessary?"
Strange hugged himself; frost already whitened brows and beard.
"It is part of the training."
Linn remained impassive.
He watched Strange move stiffly, trying to conjure a portal with the sling ring.
Sparks sputtered, flickering on and off.
His body heat drained away; he was nearly frozen to death.
Yet Linn only watched, offering no aid.
Moments later.
A circle of sparks formed a portal.
Strange stumbled through and collapsed, unconscious.
"Wong, take him for a soak."
Linn nodded to himself.
Now he understood why the Ancient One called Strange the finest of all time!
Strange possessed unyielding will; with such tenacity he could reach inhuman heights in the Arcane Arts.
"Venerable One."
"You have received a challenge."
After Wong carried Strange away, he produced a letter and handed it to Linn.
The envelope bore Sanskrit script.
It translated to one word: Challenge!
Chapter 69: Ending the Battle in One Second!
[a-rank opportunity mission: Defeat Parker Robbins to obtain the red hood.]
A line of text bubbles popped up.
Linn opened the challenge letter and saw a name: Parker Robbins!
Following the tradition of Kamar-Taj, he initiated a challenge.
If Parker Robbins won, Linn would have to step down and pass the title of Sorcerer Supreme to him!
However, Linn narrowed his eyes, realizing Parker Robbins' true identity: the supervillain red hood!
"Mephisto's agent, why come to challenge me?"
"It seems this is Mephisto's plan—to use Parker Robbins to bring me down?"
Linn curled his lips.
Soon, he deduced the truth behind it: the six great demon lords had crossed the magic barrier and appeared in the real World, but they hadn't made any rash moves yet.
Because they were scared out of their wits by him!
Refining Beelzebub into a talisman.
That meant he could refine all the Demon Lords into a talisman!
Thus, the Demon Lords were wary and could only cause trouble for Linn indirectly through this method.
But he wasn't afraid.
"Old Wang, let Parker Robbins in. We'll have the duel in Kamar-Taj!"
Fire ignited at Linn's fingertips, burning the challenge letter to ashes, his eyes surging with fierce electric light.
No matter what magic Parker Robbins possessed, he wouldn't leave Kamar-Taj alive!
"Venerable Lin En, my name is Parker Robbins. I've come to challenge you. I'm glad you accepted; otherwise, I would've thought you were a coward."
Parker Robbins wasn't old, but he had a big mouth. His expression revealed a hint of malice, and he was wrapped in a magic cloak.
His hood covered the upper half of his face, and his hands rubbed together to create Mystic Arts light wheels, already assuming a fighting stance.
He had received the blessings of the six great demon lords: Lucifer's strength, Satanich's endurance, Hela's divine power, Mephisto's hellfire, Nightmare's evil wisdom, and Hades' flight!
The Hell Lord had given him the ability for a mortal body to rival a god's, but he had to wear this cloak to use the power of the six demons!
"power of the six demons?"
"Hela, Hades, Lucifer, Satanich, Mephisto, Nightmare..."
"They appointed you as their agent? They want you to finish me off and become the Sorcerer Supreme?"
"You really aren't afraid of death."
Linn smiled.
He stood proudly in the center, right in front of Parker Robbins.
Then, with one hand raised to the sky, a substance like prism shards enveloped the entire Kamar-Taj, dragging all the Mystic Arts practitioners into the Imprint Dimension.
Together, they would witness this once-in-a-lifetime duel!
"Sorcerer Supreme is just a title, not exclusive. You aren't the only Sorcerer Supreme."
Parker Robbins sneered.
Sorcerer Supreme.
It can be understood as the strongest mage; however, this is limited to Midgard. Every different dimension has a Sorcerer Supreme.
For example, the Sorcerer Supreme of Asgard.
The Sorcerer Supreme of Hells Border, the Sorcerer Supreme of the Dark Dimension, the Sorcerer Supreme of the Sixth Dimension, the Sorcerer Supreme of the Purple Dimension.
Even the Almighties of the magical planes hold periodic wars to decide the establishment or abolition of many ancient covenants, reshaping the laws and order of magic!
This war is called: the Seven Realms War!
The contestants are all Sorcerer Supremes!
"So what?"
"It's just the Seven Realms War. If I can't even handle you, how can I deal with the other Sorcerer Supremes?"
Linn smiled and said.
He had already read about the secrets of the Seven Realms War in the Supreme Manual; even the darkhold and the book of the vishanti had related records.
The outcome of this war will also determine the future of magic. The rules of mana borrowing were established by the Vishanti themselves during the last Seven Realms War!
In other words, as the Sorcerer Supreme, Linn must also compete on behalf of the Vishanti and risk his life in the Seven Realms War!
"After the Nine Stars Alignment comes the Seven Realms War."
"I think it's very dangerous for you to represent Midgard. You're definitely no match for the other Sorcerer Supremes. Therefore, I will become the Sorcerer Supreme and help the Vishanti win the war!"
Parker Robbins said coldly.
However, a hint of disdain flashed in Linn's eyes. "You'll help the Vishanti? Or Mephisto? You think there's no price for receiving the power of the six demons?"
"You really make me laugh."
Linn understood it all.
Everything has a price!
This is also a law established by the Vishanti.
Therefore, Parker Robbins' fate was sealed the moment he accepted the power of the six demons!
He is bound to become a puppet of the Demon Lord.
But Parker Robbins was actually trying to be clever, thinking that with the power of the six demons, he could be exempt from the price?
The mana others bestow upon you can be taken back by them at any time!
This is the bug in mana borrowing!
Fortunately, he started with the twelve talismans and could also refine Demon Lords into a talisman!
Even if the Seven Realms War breaks out, he will remain invincible, and no one will be able to harm him in the slightest!
[sss-rank opportunity mission: Win the Seven Realms War to obtain the quantum body.]
"quantum body?"
"Like the one Dr. Manhattan has? That's possible? Wouldn't that make me invincible?"
Linn's eyes sparkled.
sss-rank opportunity mission!
quantum body!
Dr. Manhattan from the neighboring DC Universe is immune to causality and transcends time and space; he is a literal Quantum God with no weaknesses or flaws!
If he obtained this ability, Linn would also ascend to godhood, becoming a Quantum God on equal footing with the incarnations of magic!
Furthermore, according to his reasoning, all energy entities are a type of quantum life, merely manifesting in the three-dimensional World. The essence of matter is molecules and atoms, and molecules and atoms are isotopes.
isotopes are quanta!
However, unlike ordinary quanta, Cosmic Incarnations possess consciousness and act according to their personal preferences.
The origin of the Seven Realms War is also related to personal preferences. A thinks mana should be borrowed, B thinks it should be an equivalent exchange, C thinks energy is conserved... when no conclusion can be reached, war is the only option!
Each picks an agent and holds a Seven Realms War; whoever wins is right!
As the Sorcerer Supreme, Linn represents Kamar-Taj, and other Dimensional Demon Gods will also send their agents.
Although Linn felt disdainful, he knew the power of a Sorcerer Supreme. Every dimension has a Sorcerer Supreme, beings standing at the tip of the pyramid!
"Therefore, I must drag out the Demon Lords and turn them all into a talisman."
"Only then can I feel at ease."
Linn's gaze was playful.
However, Parker Robbins was furious. His magic cloak fluttered as he suddenly broke free from gravity and charged at Linn!
"You are my sacrificial offering for ascension!"
"Linn!"
"I made a deal with Mephisto. As long as I get your head, I can be exempt from the price and possess the power of the six demons forever!"
Parker Robbins shrieked.
Immediately, hellfire ignited in both his hands, turning into two torrents of energy that almost set the air on fire!
It unleashed a terrifying heat, causing the Mystic Arts practitioners to retreat. They didn't dare come even half a step closer, fearing for their lives if they were caught in the crossfire!
"My head?"
"The head of a Sorcerer Supreme is worth that much? But the Ancient One is still alive—why not go after her?"
Linn had a strange expression.
Could it be that the Ancient One chose to wander the World just to escape for her life?
By offering the head of the Sorcerer Supreme to satans throne, one can become Satan and command all of Hell.
And this was also Mephisto's ambition.
"You talk too much!"
"Linn, surrender to me voluntarily, and maybe I'll give you a quick death."
Parker Robbins said menacingly.
The hellfire suddenly merged, forming a demonic phantom that abruptly opened its bloody maw, its hot flames scorching the sky.
But Linn's expression was calm.
Then, he gripped a Casket of Ancient Winters and channeled the magic within, releasing absolute zero!
Freezing the hellfire into an ice sculpture!
Even Parker Robbins felt the cold. Ice crystals spread rapidly from his feet to his head, and he was frozen solid in a single second!
Chapter 70: Jotunheim!
The ancient winter coffin?
Master, when did you obtain the ancient winter coffin?
Master Hamir and Old Wang nearly dropped their jaws at Linn's move.
ancient winter coffin.
The Frost Giant clan's sacred artifact, Jotunheim's inherited treasure. A thousand years ago during the Battle of Tønsberg, King Laufey of the Frost Giants wielded the ancient winter coffin and nearly froze Earth.
To stop the Frost Giants, both the Eternal and the Sorcerer Supreme joined the war.
In the end, Odin sacrificed his left eye, gained the blessing of runic power, defeated the Frost Giants, and took the ancient winter coffin for safekeeping.
It was enshrined in Odins Vault.
Yet the ancient winter coffin is not in the Heavenly Palace—Linn has it!
How can this be?
Kamar-Taj and Asgard have long been allied, though it was never announced.
Now everyone knows.
Asgard will forever be Kamar-Taj's shield, and Kamar-Taj will forever be Asgard's shield.
Linn declared in a clear voice.
He proclaimed the pact between Asgard and Kamar-Taj within the Imprint Dimension!
Master Hamir and Old Wang sucked in cold air, filled with sincere admiration for Linn's covenant with Odin.
After all, Asgard rules the Nine Realms, and the King of the Gods' fame is known worldwide!
The six great demon lords haven't invaded reality, most likely because of Odin.
Indeed, with Odin guarding the divine realm and Heimdall seeing and hearing all, they're also tracking the six great demon lords.
But I want to know…
What scheme are the six great demon lords plotting?
Linn's eyes gleamed with wisdom.
The hidden movements of the six great demon lords had always unsettled him—clearly they're saving a killer move!
But who would aid them?
That clown Paolo Robbins is useless, a laughingstock.
Linn's eyes crackled with lightning, shattering Robbins; the ancient winter coffin, rivaling the Infinity Stones, sealed the fury of a thousand deadly winters and froze him solid.
Even his cells were ice-locked.
A magic cloak drifted down; Levitation Power turned to threads and lifted it.
Another trophy.
[You have defeated Paolo Robbins and obtained the red hood.]
red hood!
Woven of spiritual thread like the cloak of levitation, exuding danger and bearing the power of six demons!
Lucifer's strength, Satanich's stamina, Hela's divine force, Mephisto's hellfire, Nightmare's cunning, and Hades' flight!
Linn's lips curled.
Fire surged from his fingertips as he used The Way of Artifact Refining to reforge it, sketching runes in the air that made the red hood blaze.
He severed Mephisto's will in one stroke!
The red hood was tamed!
cloak of levitation, go to your destined Master; this red hood is mine.
Linn grabbed the cloak and flung it toward Doctor Strange.
Draped in the red hood, his body erupted in brilliant color—six demon powers at his command!
What is this?
Master, you're giving me a magic artifact?
Doctor Strange exclaimed.
Now free of his vagrant look, his beard neatly trimmed, hair silvering at the temples, he wore a proper blue sorcerer's robe.
As the cloak floated over he felt a mysterious magic that could free him from gravity.
As my disciple, you deserve the best. Treat the cloak of levitation well; it's loyal and protective.
Linn smiled.
Master, possessing the ancient winter coffin may draw the Frost Giants' hatred—they'll want it back…
Master Hamir cautioned.
After all, it's the Frost Giants' clan relic!
It's like the imperial seal—who could abide foreigners holding it?
Sooner or later the Frost Giants will come to reclaim the ancient winter coffin!
I think I understand Mephisto's plan.
Linn's eyes sharpened.
Who even knows the ancient winter coffin is in Kamar-Taj?
The Frost Giants don't!
But Mephisto surely does, and the six great demon lords need cannon fodder to raze the Three Sanctums and topple Asgard.
So their target must be… the Frost Giants!
Win the Frost Giants' allegiance, bait them with the ancient winter coffin, spark a war between Asgardand Jotunheim, and wipe out Kamar-Taj along the way!
[s-rank opportunity mission: quell the Frost Giant revolt to earn an item blind box.]
Linn's pupils shrank.
His deduction was spot-on!
The six great demon lords are likely in Jotunheim!
Mephisto may already be allied with the Son of Ymir, poised to ignite the War of the Realms!
Master?
Any concerns? Worried about the Frost Giants? Let's go to Jotunheim and find out.
Strange suggested.
Indeed, I must visit Jotunheim.
Linn nodded.
A Mystic Gate slowly opened.
A frigid world appeared, glaciers towering, temperatures lethal.
Snowstorms swept the land.
Everything was ice; crops, flowers, and trees were almost nonexistent.
A beast's roar echoed—huge crocodile-like monsters with armored backs.
Scenting fresh prey, they lunged at Linn!
So dangerous?!
Legend says Jotunheim's Frost Giants are mighty to survive this cold.
Strange said warily.
A mere mortal, how could he endure the extreme cold?
Then stay in Kamar-Taj; I'll go to Jotunheim alone.
Perhaps all six great demon lords are there.
Linn's eyes were sharp.
He stepped through the Mystic Gate, conjured a fire spear, and blasted the frost beast away!
But in Jotunheim fire's power waned, and the native beasts had terrifying defense and stamina.
Stronger than the Hulk?
Linn sneered.
Reading his mood, the frost beast bristled and shrieked; noise erupted from every side.
More beasts answered, surrounding Linn!
Perfect—I've never tasted frost beast before.
Linn clapped his hands, forming two blazing discs that he slashed downward!
Clang!
The fiery wheels shattered the beasts' armor in an instant, releasing a rich meaty aroma.
Linn's appetite stirred.
His shadow rippled, turning into a thousand crimson-eyed ninja soldiers in night garb!
They hurled kunai and shuriken at weak spots, blinding the monsters instantly!
To stay unnoticed, I'll wear the shadow mask.
Might even infiltrate the Hell Demon King Council.
Linn grinned.
He donned the mask; it molded to his face, hiding even his aura.
He chose no Arcane Arts, fighting bare-handed—grabbing a beast's foot and smashing it into the ground!
In moments the monster was pulp!
Impressive skills.
A voice of praise rang out.
Figures appeared atop the glacier, each exuding monstrous power and deadly menace.
Mephisto led them, playful and amused, failing to recognize the masked man before him as his hated foe Linn!
Thanks to the shadow mask and the reforged red hood, no one could uncover his identity unless he revealed it himself.
So the six great demon lords are hiding in Jotunheim, planning to use the Frost Giants…
Linn's gaze turned cold.
He had already decided to infiltrate the enemy ranks!