Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 96: The Unconventional Sorcerer

Sorcerers remain magic manipulators; theoretically, they are still mages, albeit a rather unconventional branch among the many mage disciplines. Although their method of casting spells is no different from traditional mages-they still require meditation and rely on the myriad magical elements present in the multiverse-sorcerers, having established their own path, are far more powerful than traditional mages!

The strength of sorcerers is universally acknowledged among mages, yet their power does not stem from themselves or their indistinguishable magical abilities, nor from their spellcasting methods. Rather, it lies in their capacity to harness forces that do not belong to the Isilia continent or the primary planes of the multiverse.

Through magical mediums, they wield the destructive flames from the demon realm, utilizing powers from the abyss. Through contracts, they can even summon true hellish beings as servants. This is what sets sorcerers apart from traditional mages, and the hellfire, far superior to ordinary fire spells, along with the myriad bizarre creatures from hell, serves as their unique hallmark and the reason they identify themselves as sorcerers.

"However, the greater spell power and the formidable hellish servants come at a price, and that price may very well cost a mage their life before they can become a sorcerer!" Grand Mage Ambrol stated, handing Darn the sword, Haugni.

As Darn felt a sense of relief, sheathing the sword now deemed a demon sword back at his waist, the Saint-level Mage regained his composure.

For the past few hours, the grand mage had sweated profusely, expending magical energy without yielding any results, just as he had when he first encountered the Haugni sword.

"This sword must have already bound its soul to you! Just like all sorcerers, who bind their souls to something from the demon realm, be it an object or a being, to gain the ability to wield hellish powers!" Grand Mage Ambrol explained, his demeanor calm, as he believed he had unraveled the mystery behind his new disciple's affinity for fire and wind elements, the source of the inexplicable aura from the demon realm, and why he could find no abnormalities in the demon sword.

However, while Grand Mage Ambrol felt reassured, believing he had grasped the truth, Darn remained utterly confused, unable to comprehend what his teacher had just discovered. Not understanding was the most appropriate attitude for a student facing a teacher, so...

"Teacher, could you elaborate more on sorcerers? And what is the connection between this sword and me? How does it grant me power?"

"Sorcerers are a group of mages willing to make deals with devils for greater power..." The old mage began, casting a glance at his disciple.

In the vast multiverse, regardless of race or type of intelligent being, there exists a fervent desire. Some crave wealth, others seek honor, some revel in music, others in fine wine, some thrive on battle, and some embrace death. Yet, there are those who simply pursue boundless power.

On the path of seeking power, people employ various methods, which over time have been distilled into two categories: one seeks to cultivate oneself, enhancing their physical form to unleash tremendous strength and master their fate, while the other attempts to manipulate the omnipresent elemental energies of the multiverse to achieve the same goal. This is the origin of martial energy and magic!

Among the mages who practice magic, some remain unsatisfied with the powers they can wield. They yearn for greater strength, wishing to surpass other mages and warriors. To achieve this goal, mages who do not wish to become mere followers of deities capable of wielding divine power turn their gaze toward the opposing side-the demon realm.

Even the flames that can destroy deities are undoubtedly what power-hungry mages crave. However, even the most reckless would not foolishly wield such power directly, as it would be akin to courting disaster and would surely incur the wrath of the gods.