The Archmage's Story (Part 2)

"Everyone knows that before that female Archmage appeared, the Archmage level was just a concept. You couldn't just say 'this person is an Archmage' and expect others to believe you. Proving an Archmage was an Archmage naturally involved a lot of bloodshed."

"This is where we must mention the Archmage's teacher, the esteemed Saint of Thieves, Yula. A renowned 'rogue' known throughout the continent. If the people of the Sacred Continent prepare for a dragon to rob them from birth, they must also be prepared for a visit from the Saint of Thieves."

The storyteller steered the conversation to Mayona's teacher. Ruby didn't know much about this teacher, only learning of her existence through Mayona's fragmented words. Now, hearing the storyteller's explanation, he felt he had found the root of Mayona's occasional temper.

"Of course, the title 'Saint of Thieves' isn't something I made up. After becoming a Saint of Magic, one can choose a title for themselves. Whether it's frank or malicious, Yula chose this title for herself, making those she visited even more furious."

"The experiences of this Saint of Magic can probably be described as miracles. She stole from many ruthless individuals; being caught would have been worse than death. Yet, she managed to escape time and time again. This is likely related to her talent, but perhaps no one knows her skills except her disciple."

"Her connection with the Sacred Empire, despite being a foreigner, began when she once snuck into the former Emperor's study and was caught red-handed. His Majesty Kaiske XII did not drive her away or pursue her. Instead, he was quite interested and asked if she wanted to join his harem. The esteemed Saint of Thieves naturally refused, but after the two reached certain agreements, she promised to join the Sacred Empire once she became a Saint of Magic. Yes, our country inexplicably gained a Saint of Magic, plus an Archmage decades later."

The storyteller shrugged at the audience with a helpless expression. The crowd, after their initial uproar, burst into laughter. Thinking about it, it did seem like a windfall.

"Someone like that suddenly claiming her disciple became an Archmage, how many people in the world would believe it? First, His Majesty Kaiske XIII ordered the country's two Guardian Saints of Magic to conduct a test. Although the results weren't announced, the next day His Majesty issued a decree announcing the world's first Archmage's existence and invited guests from the other three countries to celebrate. I'm sure you all understand this was a display of pride."

"Excluding the Blackstone Empire, which was allied with the Sacred Empire, the remaining two empires each sent a Saint of Magic to offer congratulations. In reality, they were there to challenge. Faced with doubt, our Archmage only said one thing..."

"'You all come at me together.'"

Huba held up his finger, waiting until the audience's anticipation was at its peak before revealing the words. The audience was naturally awestruck by this arrogant female Archmage. To ordinary people, a Saint of Magic was already a world-ending existence. How much confidence did one need to face two powerful individuals who had achieved sainthood decades ago, all by herself?

"That's right, just those simple words. The esteemed Lionheart Saint of the Griffon Empire and the esteemed Pureheart Saint of the Tidal Empire were enraged by the provocation and immediately prepared to teach the arrogant junior a lesson under the guise of a test."

"Of course, as a nobody, I don't know the details. The Sacred Empire was also kind enough to keep the results secret from the public. However, walls have ears. In the end, I was fortunate enough to learn some tidbits. Throughout the entire test, our Archmage managed to humiliate her opponents without even using a speck of her own Magic Power."

"From then on, the name Archmage echoed throughout the entire continent. I heard that the faces of the two Saints of Magic were black when they returned to their respective countries. After that, the Griffon and Tidal Empires' attitudes towards us became much friendlier."

"One more thing!"

The audience, immersed in the Archmage's fame, noticed the storyteller had stopped. Even after finishing one story, they were still eager for more. Most people who came here to listen to stories weren't short on money, and countless shining Gold Coins were tossed onto the platform.

"You are all truly enthusiastic... Then let me tell you about the Archmage's true battle of fame. Does anyone remember last year's Monster Tide?"

Seeing so many Gold Coins, the storyteller's eyes lit up with joy. After thinking for a moment, he decided to tell his most treasured story.

"Last year? Was there a last year?"

The audience looked bewildered. It wasn't their fault; Monster Tides didn't occur at regular intervals. Usually, observation posts would detect abnormalities in the Forest of Magic Beasts and then contact the Imperial Capital to make decisions. After a Monster Tide passed, the Imperial Capital would hold a day of mourning to commemorate the fallen warriors. Naturally, there was no day of mourning last year.

"Of course, there was. You might not believe me, but I participated as a volunteer. When I saw the dense mass of beasts, my heart collapsed. Level three Mo Beasts, Earth Tigers, level four Mo Beasts, Scorpions, level five Mo Beasts, Raging Lions, and so on – Mo Beasts that are normally rarely seen were pouring out like discounted goods. Believe me, none of you would want to witness such a sight with your own eyes."

The storyteller painted a hellish picture for the audience with his firsthand experience. These people, accustomed to a peaceful life, naturally couldn't imagine what would happen if they were in that situation.

"Just as I was writing my will, preparing to wait for death, someone suddenly pointed at the sky and shouted. I instinctively looked up and saw a small white silhouette flying towards the horde of beasts. Do you guess what happened next?"

"What happened?"

"Meteor Fall. A level nine magic that ordinary people wouldn't see in a lifetime. Red magic circles spread out around that person. A thousand, ten thousand... no one could count how many magic circles there were. In my eyes, the entire sky was covered in magic circles. Then, meteors passed through the magic circles and fell. By the time I came to my senses, no Mo Beasts were standing. Many Mages, including myself, knelt down. And that Archmage, as if she had done something trivial, disappeared into the sky. Although I couldn't see her face clearly, I have no regrets in life having witnessed the Archmage's presence with my own eyes."

"But what about future Monster Tides without an Archmage?"

After hearing such a story, some timid women in the audience began to worry about life without an Archmage. The men also started to take the opportunity to comfort their female companions.