The Coming Storm

Azure radiance spread like slowly rippling water, shining upon the pristine white protective barrier. The sphere, engraved with countless exquisitely intricate runes that could be called works of art, rotated little by little in midair.

At one corner, a bright crimson point of light adorned the sphere's outer structure. Bloody light flickered through the slender energy circuits... like a demon's eye, gazing maliciously upon the mortal world!

This laboratory had already been abandoned. Everything inside it was merely an exquisite energy model. Once the ruthless mage who had built it found what he sought, this small model lost its purpose.

And now... within the clouds directly above White Stone City, the Legendary Mage, having accomplished his intended objective, stared solemnly and intently at his "new toy."

It was a breathtakingly beautiful Magic Lock. Countless nanoscale runes formed an incomparably sturdy energy structure, gleaming brilliantly beneath the light of Azterlan's "artificial sun." Although the mad knight and the maiden goddess standing nearby could not fully comprehend the magical artistry represented by those layered runes, the beauty of the Magic Lock alone was still enough to captivate any creature with normal aesthetic sensibilities.

"What a beautiful thing. Unlike those ordinary Energy Barriers, this thin curtain of light possesses the polished, crystalline clarity of colored glass. Looking at it reminds me of those dazzling crystals in the Raging Waves Desert that refracted sunlight..."

Quietly observing the Magic Lock from up close, Smile could not help offering heartfelt praise for the beautiful creation.

Although she knew that in a few seconds, this beautiful construct would be shattered beneath some spellcaster's brutal decryption, Smile, who cared somewhat about appearances, still held sufficient appreciation for this work of art that embodied such powerful strength.

Though the maiden goddess's appreciation was only a momentary interest.

"Cackle cackle