Hot Spring Conversations

Rayne stared at the spot where the ancient gate had vanished, his face filled with astonishment. Did that indescribable, mighty existence actually care about being exploited?

It seemed that He wasn't completely devoid of self-awareness after all.

That mad roar had contained no malice, of course, but neither had it contained any goodwill. It had nevertheless expressed emotion clearly, demonstrating the existence of consciousness. As long as communication was possible, regardless of how lofty one's status was, perhaps there would be a chance to interact—to exploit... no, to make a friend.

"What a pity. I've already used up both chances to reach the Ninth Circle."

Rayne thought regretfully that the next time he opened that ancient gate, the Key of the Gate would have to be upgraded to the Tenth Circle. By then, he would have reached Level 30 as well.

"Forget it."

He shook his head and examined the new spell he had obtained.

Time Stop!

This spell, reputed to be the most powerful Ninth Circle Spell in the world, truly lived up to its name. Rayne had already witnessed its might and had decided long ago to choose it when he upgraded the Key of the Gate to the Ninth Circle. It would greatly increase his strength, to the point where even Soul Saint Wizards and Archmages would no longer be people he needed to take seriously.

With Reslin and his true body joining forces, Rayne believed that there were already few opponents left for him on the Material Plane.

Nevertheless, he remained cautious and low-key.

Because of Master Ogulvi!

That strongest Wizard in history was unfathomable. All along, Rayne had felt that Master Ogulvi seemed to be everywhere, hiding behind the scenes and controlling everything. Every move Rayne made and every plan he had might already have