A book?

What kind of book?

Everyone participating in the auction couldn't help but look curious.

Several of them had solemn expressions and stood straight, probably knowing something about this book.

Maybe,

The purpose of their visit this time is to obtain this high-level magic item.

Control the soil and rocks!

Under the influence of witchcraft, the soil in the middle of the platform rose up and came in front of the host with a book.

This is a yellowed parchment scroll.

The cover should be made of a whole piece of carefully tanned and polished sheepskin, and the delicate texture is like the accumulation of years.

The ancient golden lines outline complex patterns, which, after the test of time, still sparkle with a mysterious and charming light.

After just a few more glances, Karl quickly looked away.

In his perception, a strange force lingered above the books, which made people feel alarmed.

“Wizard Duke was a wandering wizard hundreds of years ago. He loved his wife Athena deeply, but was betrayed and abandoned by her.”

The host said:

"In the dozen years before his death, Wizard Duke wrote this love story with his own soul."

“And this book also possesses a mysterious power.”

He waved the staff in his hand, and an invisible force flipped open the cover of the book, revealing the papers inside.

The paper is thin and tough, slightly yellowed, and exudes a faint scent of ink and the unique aroma of sheepskin.

The scent of ink?

Carl's heart sank.

How could a book from hundreds of years ago still have the scent of ink? It was obvious that my sense of smell was distorted by a mysterious force.

The pages were densely covered with ancient characters. The letters seemed to have life, jumping back and forth on the paper, narrating the legends and stories of two official wizards hundreds of years ago.

Carl subconsciously wanted to see the words clearly, but then he suddenly came to his senses and closed his eyes to stop looking.

“Wow…”

The host waved his staff again, and the book closed by itself.

Although it was only a few breaths, many people in the field had already turned pale and had fear in their eyes.

This book and the words inside it seem to have a mysterious power that attracts their attention and makes people immerse themselves in it involuntarily.

"careful!"

The host reminded again: "Don't read the contents of this book out of curiosity, and don't even pay too much attention to it."

"According to a wizard, this book Duke's Love Story has created an illusory world. If the reader's will is not strong enough, he or she will gradually sink into the story in the book until his or her soul is taken away by the book, which adds some fun to the story in the book."

He said seriously:

"Over the centuries, this book has devoured the souls of dozens of people, though most of them were ordinary people."

"certainly!"

"If you master this book thoroughly, you can use it to plunder the souls of others."

There are many benefits to plundering souls.

for example,

Interrogate secrets, refine certain special magic items, or directly devour and refine them with black magic.

A complete soul can even be sold at a high price.

If you get the soul of a wizard apprentice, it is entirely possible to ask about the wizard's heritage from him.

This high-level magical item can plunder the souls of high-level wizard apprentices, which can be said to be very terrifying.

"Starting price: 230 magic stones!"

As soon as the host finished speaking, someone raised his hand.

"Two hundred and forty pieces!"

"Two hundred and sixty pieces!"

“…”

The price was quickly raised to three hundred magic stones, and even so, there was no sign of the bidding slowing down.

The people who bid the most aggressively were the ones whose expressions were different from the others just now. It was obvious that they were prepared.

"Wait for me here."

Orseya glanced at a distance, then whispered to the two of them, "I have something to do and will be back soon."

"Um."

Amy nodded:

"Go ahead, we'll wait for you."

She looked excited, still immersed in the excitement of the high-level magic items and the bidding.

"Two."

Not long after Orseya left, a handsome man approached the two of them and whispered, "Are you interested in participating in the next small secret meeting?"

"Secret meeting?"

Amy blinked:

"What secret meeting?"

"My beautiful lady, you should know that the items sold at the auction need to give the dark wizard 20% of the net profit." The man smiled and said, "And the secret meeting held privately can save this amount of magic stones."

"Usually, after the auction, there will be a small secret meeting, and the items inside are not only of high quality but also of low price."

"My name is Cronin. I'm responsible for introducing guests to the event and earning some pocket money from it."

His gentle voice and sunny smile easily made people like him, and Amy couldn't help but become interested.

But she didn't forget Althea's instructions: "Where is it?"

"Not far away." Cronin pointed to a place not far away: "It's over there. After the auction is over, there will be a lot of people going there to participate. You two can go together."

“No!”

Before Amy could speak, Karl shook his head:

"We are not interested. Please stay away."

"Um?"

Cronin was stunned: "My friend, I have no ill intentions..."

"Leave!" Karl frowned and his voice became deep:

"Don't let me tell the organizers here. I'm sure the dark wizards won't be happy if I try to win over guests privately."

"..." Cronin's smile froze, he grinned awkwardly, and shrugged helplessly:

"All right!"

Watching Cronin leave, Amy blinked:

“Mr. Karl, are you not interested?”

"Before I came here, Orthea reminded me not to pay attention to other people's approaching." Karl shook his head: "I just abided by the agreement with her."

"oh!"

Amy nodded slowly.

actually,

There was another reason that Carl didn't mention.

Malice!

He felt a sense of malice from that Cronin, a malice that was deeply hidden but very pure.

Just like sensing the presence of an invisibility cloak.

Carl's perception is like a radar that can be triggered at any time, and it will issue an early warning once something approaches.

That feeling is very unique.

Everything was normal the moment before, but the next moment, he suddenly felt a sense of induction and instantly locked onto the direction and existence of the induction.

Make sure to respond immediately.

"It seems that the blood of the creatures of the abyss still holds many secrets that cannot be fully revealed by experimental data alone."

Althea came back soon, and after listening to Amy’s account of what happened, she couldn’t help but nodded and gave Karl an appreciative look.

"Carl did the right thing!"

"I've heard of Cronin. Although there's no direct evidence that he's done anything harmful, he's most likely a dark wizard."

"Amy!"

"You are too young and have not yet seen the dangers and viciousness of human hearts. Remember not to trust strangers."

"Oh!" Amy nodded bewilderedly.

…………

The oars swung, pushing the canoe forward.

Overall, I was very satisfied with today's auction. Not only did I see two high-level magical items, but I also bought a feather of a young thunderbird.

After we go back and do some test analysis, we will know whether the feather in our hand belongs to a thunderbird.

in the case of……

Then it is worth at least one hundred magic stones! When my alchemy skills are further improved, I can even use feathers to refine a high-level magic item.

'The reason why the invisibility cloak can be invisible is not because of the good refining skills, but because it uses a special witchcraft material.'

'If I have the right material, I can do it too.'

"Duke's Love Story!" is because it embodies the obsession of a formal wizard throughout his life.

'They both have their own magic, but the difference is not in the refining techniques, but in the raw materials.'

'I……'

'It may be possible!'

The experience accumulated from hundreds of witchcraft materials is no joke. Thinking about the possibilities in the future, I can't help but feel excited.

"Um?"

Carl frowned before reaching the shore.

'Anyone landed on the island?'

"Hiebel's friend?"

But he realized in an instant that something was wrong. It was impossible for Xibel's friends to land and destroy the witchcraft trap.

There's an intruder! "Swish!"

The figure flickers.

Carl stopped near his residence.

A body was lying in the grass, covered with various wounds.

There were frostbite, burns, poison, corrosion, etc., many injuries eventually took his life.

In order to hide his secrets and verify what he had learned, Carl set many witchcraft traps on the island.

Especially near where you live.

The many witchcraft materials brought from the other world turned into densely packed witchcraft traps, crisscrossing and overlapping.

Without understanding, even if a senior wizard apprentice broke in, he would lose half his life.

It is remarkable that this man died only after arriving here.

"To me?"

Carl looked back and could tell from the signs of damage to the witchcraft trap that the man had come straight here.

It was obvious that he was coming for him.

"When did I offend ..."

“Swish!”

Before the voice fell, a dark shadow flashed out from under the corpse, and the vision and perception suddenly became brighter.

Flame Technique! The sudden burst of flames not only blocked the vision, but also burned the perception, making people lose the ability to control the outside world in an instant.

A moment of hesitation allowed the black shadow to move closer, stabbing Carl's throat with a thin dagger.

“Swish!”

The attack, which was originally sure to hit, missed the target.

The black shadow was stunned.

"Bang!"

A vast fighting spirit burst out from Carl's body, and his fist fell from the sky like a giant axe, smashing down at an angle.

The black shadow was blown away without a sound.

"Who are you?"

Karl looked gloomy and followed him: "What is your purpose in coming here? Why do you want to assassinate me?"

He spread out his five fingers and simply clasped them together, but it made people feel that there was no escape or avoidance.

The roaring fighting spirit came down like a sky curtain.

A great knight! And a great knight at the top level! The shadow's eyes widened in disbelief. This was totally different from the news he had received before coming here.

Fighting with a top knight at such a close distance...

I’m dead! With a chill in his heart, a flash of fire suddenly appeared in the black shadow’s eyes.

Hmm? Karl raised his eyebrows, his body suddenly stopped, and then he retreated at a faster speed.

The next moment.

"boom!"

The black shadow exploded on the spot, as if there was a high-explosive bomb hidden in his body, and burning flesh and blood flew everywhere.

If Carl hadn't retreated so quickly...

That's not a big deal! "Who?"

Carl frowned:

"Who wants to deal with me?"

The black shadow is obviously a killer or a assassin.

Knowing that it was impossible to get close to the house, he hid under the body of his companion and looked for an opportunity to launch a sneak attack.

Knowing he was no match for his opponent, he decisively blew himself up.

Judging from the means used, they should be from Cologne. It is said that Cologne has specially trained a group of killers.

"I have been in Black Swamp for nearly three years, and I have been off the island only a few times. When have I ever offended anyone?"

“They chose to go to the island today, obviously because they knew I was not on the island. Not many people knew my itinerary for today…”

After turning over the body, Carl's eyes moved slightly:

“This thing…”

“Auction!”

* * * Black Swamp.

Amy looked panicked as she quickly shuttled through the dense forest.

There was a breeze surrounding her, making her move very fast, and she could jump several meters with a single leap.

“Chichi…”

Above her head, a bird the size of a palm flapped its wings.

Every time the wings vibrated, Amy's speed increased by one point, but even so, her face was still full of panic.

"Little girl, you can't run away!"

rear.

Cronin's voice sounded in the distance.

The branch broke, and Cronin, with his upper body naked, had a hideous smile on his face, and he stepped forward like a cannonball and shot out.

Each jump is more than ten meters.

Besides him, there was another person behind him.

The man got on all fours, like a hound, and moved flexibly through the complex terrain of the dense forest.

The two were getting closer and closer to Amy.

"hey-hey……"

Looking at the fleeing figure in front, Cronin grinned and said, "Now that you are here, why are you in such a hurry to leave? Do you think I am not a good host?"

"You..." Amy yelled:

"I shouldn't have believed you!"

She originally liked Cronin because of his handsome appearance and gentle temperament, so she went to find him after the auction to get to know him.

Unexpectedly.

This man turned out to be a dark wizard! He tricked her into a place where no one was around and then attacked her. Her originally sunny smile turned into a hideous and terrifying one.

If Amy didn't have some tricks up her sleeve, she would have lost her life long ago.

"Haha..." Cronin laughed:

"You came to me on your own initiative. You can't blame me for that. I never thought there was a magical creature in you."

"It seems like today is my turn to get rich!"

Although I don't recognize the magical creature, it is just a larva and can provide witchcraft support.

The grade must be not low.

It will definitely sell for a big price!

And Amy also has a lot of good things on her. If we can get them, we won’t have to worry about magic stones for a few years.

"superior!"

As the distance shortened, Cronin stretched out his hand and pushed forward suddenly.

Earth-type zero-ring witchcraft—Earth Cage! "Boom!"

The ground shook, and dozens of railings made of mud emerged from the ground, forming a cage that trapped Amy.

With the power of witchcraft, the soft soil turned into solid rock in an instant.

"roar!"

The man at the back let out a low howl, his body leaping up and down like a cheetah pouncing forward.

No! Not like.

It was a cheetah! Blood witchcraft! It was in mid-air, its hairy flesh bursting through its clothes, and its size became more than a fist.

The five-colored fur indicates that the leopard’s bloodline is very unique, and it must also be a magical creature.

Not every wizard apprentice wants to become a formal wizard.

Quite the opposite.

Most wizard apprentices are well aware of their potential and give up trying early on.

Just like a blood wizard.

Without the analysis of legendary creatures, there is no hope of advancement.

Since I can't become a formal wizard, I might as well refine the blood of ordinary magical creatures, which can also increase my strength and means.

'Cheetah' is like that.

"ah!"

Trapped in a cage and attacked by another cheetah, Amy screamed as wind blades burst out around her body.

The wind blade instantly turned into a tornado and rushed in all directions.

Zero Ring Witchcraft - Secondary Storm! The violent wind blade tore through everything that stood in its way, and the solid cage instantly shattered into pieces.

The cheetah that pounced on them had to retreat temporarily.

"snort!"

Cronin snorted coldly: "The same trick again!"

Ordinary secondary storms do not have such great power. Amy obviously borrowed the power of magical creatures.

"Bang!"

Cronin rushed forward against the storm, and the surface of his skin was covered by rocks without him knowing.

The wind blade cut through the rock, leaving hideous cracks, but that couldn't stop his movements.

He took two steps at a time and rushed towards Amy, then punched her.

"Bang!"

Amy's head tilted back, her eyes blurred, and she fell heavily to the ground. The magical creature that was screaming beside her was also knocked away.

"Xiaofeng!"

"You still care about your pet?" Cronin threw away the rocks on his body, reached out and grabbed Amy's throat:

"It's really loving. I'm a little reluctant to do it."

"It's a pity. If I don't kill you, I will definitely retaliate. But that woman, Orseya, is not easy to deal with."

"so……"

"You'd better go to hell!"

As he spoke, the strength in his hands became stronger and stronger.

Amy had difficulty breathing and her struggles were in vain. Gradually, her face turned blue and her eyes turned white.

'I'm dying!'

"Sister Orthea..."

"I shouldn't have disobeyed you. How great it would have been if I had listened to you. How great it would have been if I hadn't gone..."

Due to lack of oxygen, her consciousness became increasingly blurred, her struggles became weaker, and everything in front of her eyes began to turn dark.

"Bang!"

Suddenly, a muffled sound was heard not far away.

"who?"

Cronin turned suddenly and saw a burly figure holding his companion's front and back limbs high in the air with both hands.

The figure's arms were muscular, and he pulled suddenly.

"puff!"

The 'Cheetah' in his hand was torn into two halves, with blood mixed with internal organs pouring out.

The screaming stopped abruptly.

How is that possible?

This scene made Cronin's eyes widen.

The companion 'Cheetah' is an intermediate wizard apprentice who practices blood witchcraft. After fusing the blood of magical creatures, his physique is strong enough to tear steel.

Even when facing a knight at the peak level, he can still firmly occupy the upper hand.

Now,

Just like a rag doll, it was torn in half easily.

After killing the 'Cheetah', the figure flashed and appeared next to Cronin, and suddenly struck out with his five fingers clenched into a fist.

Earth wall!

"Bang!"

The summoned earth wall exploded instantly, and a figure appeared in front of Cronin.

Chaos' facial features were dark and deep, like a bottomless black hole, swallowing everything.

“Plop!”

“Plop!”

“…”

Cronin's eyes were wide open, his body was stiff, his heart was beating rapidly, and an uncontrollable fear rose in his heart.

This fear almost destroyed his sanity in an instant.

"ah!"

He screamed and stepped back repeatedly, and a flash of clarity flashed through his confused thoughts.

witchcraft!

Soul-shattering witchcraft! Although he realized that something was wrong, no matter how he adjusted his emotions or cast secret spells, it was useless.

fear!

confusion!

despair!

Many negative emotions completely overwhelmed rationality.

Carl grabbed Cronin's collar with one hand, his eyes glowing with a dark light, and looked directly at him and asked, "Why are you targeting me?"

"Why!"

His voice was low and powerful, echoing in Cronin's ears and impacting his consciousness in waves.

Aura of fear!

"Well……"

Cronin's body struggled frantically, and his flesh and soul began to wither as if being burned by fire.

The vitality is weakening rapidly.

Hmm? Carl raised his eyebrows.

The fear aura actually has this effect?

He could clearly feel that as Cronin's vitality faded, his body was generating a sense of satisfaction.

It's like tasting a delicious dish.

There was even a slight increase in mental strength.

"Legend has it that creatures of the abyss love the fear of others and feed on it. Could it be that I have this ability as well?"

"It's you!"

Cronin finally saw Carl's face clearly, opened his mouth, and despair and fear slowly filled his eyes.

"Why?" Carl asked in a muffled voice: "Why are you targeting me?"

"No...it's not me." Cronin's face was withered and sunken, and he struggled and demanded: "Anslot!"

"yes……"

"Anslot... let me do it, please, spare me... spare me."

Anslot?

Tim's friend? Tim has been dead for three years, and his friend is still thinking about revenge on him. This is really...

It's invaluable.

“Crack!”

Carl's eyes narrowed, and he exerted force with his hands, breaking Cronin's neck.

Then he skillfully rummaged through the two bodies, took away a few items, and disappeared in a flash.

Not long after.

"ah!"

Amy's scream echoed around.

She struggled to get up from the ground and looked around in horror, but saw only two corpses.

One was violently torn in two.

A dried corpse that looked like it had been buried underground for decades and then dug out.

What happened? Who saved me?

Amy looked confused. When she came to her senses, she hurriedly called "Xiaofeng" and ran away.

…………

The canoe moved slowly in the swamp.

Anslot held a staff that looked like an old man's cane and leaned on the boat, looking into the distance.

There was anxiety in his eyes: "No news yet."

"Owner."

The boatman was a knight in armor. Hearing the voice, he spoke: "Don't worry. Since the Shadow Hand absorbed the Fire Thief of Cologne, it has become much stronger than before."

"With the price you're offering, even a high-level wizard apprentice could be killed if they're not careful, let alone just asking them to go to an uninhabited island to get something?"

"I hope so." Anslot's eyes changed: "But..."

"I always have a bad feeling. You know I also studied divination and stargazing. My premonitions are often very accurate."

"This..." The knight hesitated for a moment: "With the preparations of the black wizard Cronin and Shadow Hand, and the one you are dealing with is a junior wizard apprentice, you will definitely get what you want, Master."

"It doesn't matter if you don't get it. No one knows it has anything to do with you. There will be other opportunities in the future."

"Heh..." Anslot chuckled, "If it were anyone else, I wouldn't be in a hurry, but Karl...he has hardly ever left the island in the past three years."

"If we can't succeed this time, we don't know when the next time will be."

“I can’t wait!”

Three years!

After waiting for three years for a chance, even if he had good patience, he would still feel anxious.

"That's true." The knight nodded. "This guy is really weird. Even among wizard apprentices who are obsessed with research, there are very few who stay at home for years like him."

"Um?"

"careful!"

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly drew his sword.

at the same time.

The wooden boat beneath the two men suddenly split apart, and a figure with tentacles on its back rushed out of the swamp.

Please vote for me! (End of this chapter)