Chapter 382: Anomaly in the Northern Region
Today, Solis wore a neat set of grey mage's casual clothes, draped over them a short dark blue robe. Her long black hair was neatly tied behind her head, revealing a smooth forehead and those beautiful black eyes.
Over the past few centuries within the Association, she had been dutiful and responsible, perfectly filling the gap left by Flamme's absence.
However, because she frequently appeared in public view and, as time passed, Solis's appearance showed no change whatsoever, it had already aroused suspicion among many.
After all, since the great God-Slayer Kurtz disclosed the runes of Immortality Magic, no one had truly achieved immortality in the real sense.
Even the most talented magic users could, at most, use these runes as a foundation to create some magic that could barely extend their lifespan. The extension was only about five years or so, which was already considered the limit.
Now, a young girl who doesn't age suddenly appearing in the Magic Association inevitably made people suspicious.
Over the years, there were indeed those who targeted Solis, hoping to obtain some secrets of immortality from her, but without exception, they all failed. After all, Solis's own strength was not weak; it was just that she was restricted by Lode's requirement not to kill.
Moreover, the secret to her longevity was simple: she was a demon with an inherently long lifespan, having nothing to do with that so-called Immortality Magic.
However, this was Solis' most important secret. Currently, within the entire Magic Association, only Kurtz and Serie knew about it.
"Lord Kurtz, Lady Serie," Solis entered the room, stopping a few steps away from the desk. "I apologize for disturbing you at this time. There are two matters that require your personal attention."
Serie lifted her head, tucking the fallen strands of hair behind her ear, revealing a slightly curious expression. "Oh? Solis, it's rare to see you so formal. Are you in trouble?"
Over the years, Serie had gradually stopped being hostile towards Solis. After all, the latter had consistently performed well, so there was no need for continued animosity.
Besides, she wasn't the least bit worried about Solifra secretly plotting anything. Not to mention, she had long ago established a certain spiritual contract magic with Solifra. If the latter dared to make any suspicious moves, she could easily eliminate her.
"It's not an internal Association matter," Solifra gently shook her head, her gaze turning to Kurtz as she got straight to the point. "The first matter concerns the abnormal activity in the northern region of the continent.
"Over the past few decades, the frequency of demon activity on the northern continent has significantly increased, especially among lower-level demonic creatures, showing a faint trend of migration northward.
"More importantly, several months ago, a magic user saw a very powerful demon near a valley close to the ruins of the Old Demon King's Castle. That demon used a magic that could turn objects into gold. After the Association's search through historical records, it was confirmed that this demon was the one recorded in the archives: Macht the Golden of the Sages of Destruction, who had disappeared for over five hundred years."
"Macht?" Series' originally languid posture shifted slightly. She put down the magic book in her hand and sat up straight.
Over the years, most demons had hidden themselves. Centuries ago, those famous great demons of the Seven Sages, aside from those who had died, all vanished without a trace. Macht was one of them.
Back then, Serie had briefly clashed with him. That gold magic left a deep impression on her. It was a pity that, at the time, he had several magic users of the Seven Sage level by his side; otherwise, Serie would have killed him then and there.
Kurtz, upon hearing this, showed no particular reaction.
Actually, Serie was merely somewhat reflective, without any sense of concern. After all, in the eyes of the two of them now, a mere Seven Sage-level mage was far too weak, not warranting their personal intervention.
"Did he not disappear after Anneliese was dealt with? It's been centuries; why would he suddenly appear in the north?" Serie asked Kurtz.
"To be precise, he disappeared even before that. During the war between the demons and the allied forces at that time, he was completely absent," Kurtz corrected. "Are we sure it's Macht himself?"
"The eyewitness report is rather vague," Solis replied. "That magic user was very far away at the time. He only saw a powerful golden magical radiance. After that demon left, he went over and discovered the land and trees turned to gold. He didn't dare continue tracking and immediately withdrew. The mage organization in that area has sent people to verify it, but there's no more concrete information yet."
"Gold magic..." Serie leaned back in her chair, her tone carrying a hint of mockery. "Interesting. Given his strength, it's normal for him to hide for centuries without being discovered. But why appear suddenly? To reminisce about the glory days of the demons?"
Kurtz didn't immediately answer Serie's question. Instead, he looked at Solis. "Are there any other reports regarding demon activity? Not just at the Seven Sage level."
"Yes," Solifra nodded. "In several areas in the north that originally rarely saw demon appearances, there have been frequent reports of lower-level demon attacks in recent years. Although the scale is small, the frequency is slowly increasing."
"Furthermore, based on the information currently available, the number of demons on the northern continent far exceeds that of other regions by several times. These demons seem more like they are waiting for something."
Serie pondered. "Waiting... waiting for what?"
Kurtz finally spoke. "Do you remember Carlos?"
"Carlos?" Serie was momentarily stunned, then suddenly realized. "That guy from a few hundred years ago who successfully replicated your magic? What about him? Could it be that he..."
"He used the magic that absorbs others' life force; he might have survived until now," Kurtz continued.
That magic of his was originally a byproduct created to study the essence of life, and its flaws were obvious as well.
By draining the life force of others to prolong one's own, it might be effective in the short term. But with long-term use, the caster's soul would gradually become corrupted, possibly eventually losing their sense of self and turning into some kind of inhuman monster.
This was also an important reason why he didn't use this magic on Noen back then.
And as early as all those centuries ago, Kurtz had told Serie about this.
Solis, standing to the side, timely added, "According to the records left by Flamme, there are indications that Carlos ventured deep into the north. But the north is sparsely populated and teeming with demonic creatures. If he has been surviving by draining life force, and the targets he drains..."
"Are demons," Serie finished, her expression turning somewhat subtle. "A human mage surviving for hundreds of years by draining the life force of demons... His soul and magic power have probably become closer to demons than most demons themselves. Could the appearance of Macht and the others be related to him?"
"A powerful individual is indeed an attraction for demons, who are accustomed to following the strong," Solis analyzed. "Especially when this individual carries a familiar yet strange aura of their own kind."
"Are you saying the demons might consider Carlos the new Demon King?"
[End of Chapter]