Genius

Don't let the fact that Kramsh is a legendary warrior fool you; he really doesn't have much of a chance against a legendary mage. Getting close is difficult enough, and even if he did manage to close the distance, the outcome might not be any better.

Many high-level mages record spells like Contingency or Chain Contingency—magic that doesn't require the mage to trigger it themselves. (Contingency, Evocation, 6th-level spell: once the trigger conditions are met, two selected spells are cast automatically. After learning this, as long as the spell is prepared, a mage can react almost instantly when in danger. Chain Contingency is a 7th-level spell that allows for three selected spells.)

Furthermore, high-level mages will inevitably prepare the insane Spell Sequencer and Spell Trigger. (Spell Sequencer, Evocation, 7th-level spell: can store three spells that can all be unleashed at once without occupying spell slots, though they must be prepared in advance and cannot exceed 4th level—the damage is off the charts. Spell Trigger, Evocation, 8th-level: also three spells, but none can exceed 6th level.)

Such mages are nearly invincible, not to mention that high-level mages are generally wealthy and covered in an absurd amount of magical equipment. Basically, if you can't kill them in one hit, you will immediately be drowned in spells. A legendary warrior might be able to defeat a high-level mage by relying on their own superior magic resistance, but once a mage reaches the legendary level, their spell intensity and wealth skyrocket by several tiers; they are simply not something a legendary warrior can contend with. The dignity of a "Mage Lord" is not something these poor, blue-collar professions can challenge.

That is why Arando gave up on direct revenge, turning instead to this desperate, ineffective method to strike back at the Arcane Brotherhood. Although this was no different from cowardice, it was better than throwing his life away. In truth, it also had to do with Arando's mental collapse; after suffering so many blows, he no longer possessed the fearless, reckless drive of his youth.

Kramsh felt a pang of heartache seeing his friend's despondency. He knew Arando wanted revenge more than anyone, but...

Kramsh didn't know what to say. After all, he wasn't Arando. While he didn't like his friend's choice, he couldn't make the decision for him. In truth, deep down, he was perhaps a little relieved—relieved that his friend wasn't actively seeking death. Isn't being alive more important than anything else?

"You don't need to persuade me. I know this doesn't look like something a man would do, but I really don't want to drag you, my last friend, into this," Arando said slowly, taking a sip of wine.

The old man didn't speak; he just drank his wine slowly, then said, "What are you thinking? I mean, besides revenge, what do you plan to do from now on?"

"I haven't thought about it. The situation was critical, so I could only run to you. As for what happens later, we'll see. At the very least, I need to stay here for a while to lay low and let the storm pass."

Then, the two fell into silence again. After a long while, the old man spoke once more.

"Stay in Avalon from now on. Don't think about going out. You are an Arcane Knight; you should know that legendary mages have many ways to find people. Whether it's Wish or divination magic, they can find you easily. If you go out, you're dead. Since you've survived, don't throw your life away easily. In Avalon, under the protection of the Heroic Spirits, they wouldn't be able to find you even if they turned the entire continent upside down."

Arando looked up at Kramsh in surprise, wanting to say something but not knowing how to begin.

"I know you never intended to give up on revenge. You planned to leave the Arcane Eye with me and go seek vengeance alone, right? You just didn't want to drag me into the mud. I'll say it again: I know you too well. But I still have to say it—as long as you're alive, there's a possibility. If you're dead, there's nothing left," the old man said calmly. Kramsh had been leading his clan for many years, after all, and he had the experience. Just a moment ago, consumed by rage, he had wanted to grab his axe and settle the score with the Arcane Brotherhood, but after Arando's persuasion, he had gradually cooled down. Seeking revenge against the Arcane Brotherhood was like throwing an egg against a rock; there was simply no chance of winning. Since Arando had already come to him, he couldn't watch his friend die in vain. It would be meaningless.

"But if I don't seek revenge, what else can I do? This is the last thing I can do for them. My entire family died at the hands of those bastards. My brothers also died trying to save me—they're all dead, all of them! Besides revenge, what else can I do for them!!!!" Arando suddenly shouted frantically, his white-bearded face already streaming with tears.

"Live! That is the most important thing you can do for them. Do you think they gave their lives just so you could live on??? Are you going to let their sacrifices go to waste???" the old man raised his voice. It had to be said that a fully calmed-down Kramsh saw things clearly: senseless sacrifice was not the way.

"Live... if I can't avenge them, what is the point of living..."

"Of course there's a point. For instance, what exactly does this Arcane Eye do? As long as we unlock this secret, we'll have a chance at revenge. Even if we can't do it, I have a son, and I have a grandson. One day, they will be able to do it."

The old man continued to counsel his old friend, even going so far as to "sell out" his own children and grandchildren. However, to the Avalon Orcs, this was perfectly normal. Since your ancestors received kindness from others, as descendants, you naturally have the responsibility and obligation to repay that debt.

And so, under Kramsh's comfort and encouragement, Arando gradually put aside his death wish. The two of them sat there, laughing, cursing, and crying, drinking cup after cup. They didn't know how long they had been drinking, but it was already pitch black outside.

"By the way, Kramsh, your grandson Solam is really different from you. He's much smarter than you." As he said this, he told Kramsh about teaching Solam how to write on the road. "Back then, I taught you for half a year, and you couldn't even put together a complete sentence. Solam is much better than you."

"Nonsense! Look at whose grandson he is. Each generation is better than the last." Speaking of his grandson, the old man Kramsh immediately became smug. "You don't know, that kid's intelligence is frighteningly high. In any case, his intelligence reached 18 points two years ago."

"Pfft!!!!!!" This sentence caused Arando to spray the wine he had just taken directly onto Kramsh's face.

"How much???? 18????" Arando had been nearly drunk, but Kramsh's words sobered him up instantly.

"Pah! Where are you spitting? I'm telling you, you're not young anymore, why are you still so impulsive?"

"Impulsive my foot! 18 points, and that was two years ago? Wait, how old is Solam now?" Arando grabbed Kramsh by the collar and asked.

"Hey! If you have something to say, say it, don't grab my collar!" It took some effort to pry Arando's hand off. "He hasn't turned 16 yet, so what?" To be honest, although Kramsh had spent a few years out in the world, he didn't have a deep understanding of intelligence stats. He knew Solam's intelligence was high enough to become a mage, but he had no concept of what that actually meant.

"Even if he's 16, two years ago he was 14, and he had 18 points? That means he has at least 19 now. Damn!!!! A genius!" Arando was excited, but then he looked at Kramsh with suspicion.

"Tell me, this old guy isn't joking with me, is he?"

"Damn! What would I have to lie about? Is it worth it?"

"That's impossible, though. Is Solam really your own flesh and blood???"

"Damn!!! What kind of talk is that? If it weren't for your age, I'd beat you to a pulp!" Kramsh was very unhappy. He really only felt sorry for the old man Arando, otherwise, he would have rolled up his sleeves and started a fight long ago. If someone came up to you and said your grandson wasn't yours, see if you wouldn't beat them into a pulp. "He was verified by the Shaman. Solam is my grandson, blood-related, no mistake about it."

Hearing Kramsh's firm, unwavering words, Arando was stunned for a moment, then began to laugh like a madman.

"Hahahaha, thank you, Dorial, Lord of Shadows! Hahaha, I have hope for revenge now, hahahaha." Arando laughed wildly, as if he had lost his mind. He even started thanking the god he worshipped. Kramsh knew that Arando was a follower of the Lord of Shadows, but if you asked how devout he really was, well, let's just say he was a casual believer at best. Most people in the underworld or gray businesses worshipped this deity, much like how people in the underworld of Solam's past life worshipped Guan Yu. But as a mage-side spellcaster, Arando didn't care much about faith; if he weren't afraid of being "plastered to the wall" after death, he probably wouldn't even bother with lip service.

(Dorial, the Lord of Shadows, was once a Chosen of Mask, the God of Thieves. But during the Year of Dark Boiling, this Chosen killed the god he served and ascended to godhood himself. The Lord of Shadows (Intermediate Deity) holds portfolios over shadows, theft, thieves, assassination, and outlaws. As for the God of Thieves, Mask, he is a very interesting clown; we will talk about his story later.)

Arando was actually running off to thank the gods, which showed just how excited the old man was.

"Are you serious about what you said?"

"What?" Kramsh was still wondering if Arando had been stimulated and gone crazy, so he hadn't heard what Arando said clearly.

"I mean, if we can't get revenge, your son and grandson will help me get it?"

"I'm serious. My word is my bond, why wouldn't I be?"

"That's good, that's good."

"Uh, what's wrong with you?" The old man was starting to worry about his friend's mental state.

"You don't know?"

"Know what? You're rambling, what on earth do you mean?"

Arando finally remembered that Kramsh wasn't very familiar with mage matters, so he didn't realize how terrifying Solam's talent was. He suppressed his inner excitement, wiped his face, and said to Kramsh in as calm a tone as possible:

"Solam is a genius. A mage genius."