Gray’s energy gradually tainted the central crystal following Gunter’s movements…like a drop of ink in clear water.

The situation gradually became delicate.

And Gunter’s astonishing action seemed to be exceedingly energy-consuming. The speed at which it devoured the surrounding magic power suddenly increased several times.

The majestic energy around the altar became the best supplement at this moment.

No one knew how much energy it would take to forcefully refine a three-star crystal that could become the center of a Resplendent Wizard Tower’s Arcana Magic Hall into a soul phylactery.

At this moment, the scattered magic energy around the altar for countless years by chance had become Gunter’s food.

If the wizards who built the Arcana Hall knew this, they would be furious.

If someone controlled the Arcana Hall, Gunter would not be able to succeed if it was even ten or even a hundred times strong.

However, the central crystal at this time was a dead object. No matter how powerful the energy was, it would only operate according to the original design.

The wizards who built the Arcana Hall would never think that hundreds of thousands of years later, there would be a mummy who had obtained the power of a lich and would be bold enough to refine it into a phylactery of the soul.

Moreover, it was using the power of the central crystal to devour it.

It was simply a stroke of genius.

The majestic energy accumulated for countless years was quickly consumed.

The dark light of the central crystal also gradually deepened.

Time passed slowly.

At this moment, Richard was half excited and worried.

He wondered if Gunter could control the central crystal. Could it also control the entire Arcane Hall or even the entire ruin?

He didn’t want much. Three or five thousand glorious-level soldiers would be enough…

Time passed quickly while Richard he had scattered thoughts.

The magic energy around the altar gradually faded, and the phylactery of the soul was finally completely devoured… And when the last wisp of blue energy disappeared.

The blue light in the central crystal extinguished and starkly turned into a phylactery of the soul that emitted a dark atmosphere.

[Ding~ Gunter Fresh Blood has created a new soul phylactery — dark crystal. The current number of soul phylactery: 2.]

Richard was shocked. As he opened the central crystal again, the status panel had already changed.

[Dark Crystal (bound to Gunter Fresh Blood)]

[Level: 3-stars]

[Characteristics: Soul phylactery. After the lich dies, it can be resurrected without any loss.]

[Skills: Magic Energy Strengthening (increases the mage’s magic energy damage by 100%.]

[Magic Energy Storage (Can store 5,000 magic energy points in the central crystal space. Can be used directly when used.)]

[Magic Energy Imprisonment (Can suck out magic energy points within a diameter of 300 meters and store it in the central crystal space. During this period, you can freely use the magic power in it. Lasts for 10 minutes. Cooldown time is one day.)]

[Description: Once Upon a time, the central crystal of a certain Resplendent Wizard Tower’s Arcana Magic Hall had a powerful Magic Resistance ability—even if used to cast a forbidden spell.]

‘Good stuff!’

Richard’s eyes lit up.

The three skills that came with the azure magic crystal were each stronger than the last.

There was no need to say much about strengthening magic attacks. Magic Energy Storage and Magic Energy Impisonment were both superb skills.

Richard thought about it. Didn’t this mean that Gunter had taken a big step in the direction of the magic cannon?

The amount of magic energy was always an important factor in measuring the battle strength of the mage unit.

With the support of the dark crystal, Gunter’s battle strength soared by several levels.

It had received an exaggerated reinforcement.

Richard was excessively delighted.

The combat strength of an A-rank hero was distinct to all. Gunter’s power had made his superb battle strength sharper.

A crisp cracking sound interrupted his thoughts.

He turned his head to look at the source of the sound. He saw massive cracks on the altar that had just filled the central well like glass that fell on the ground.

Richard heard another crisp cracking sound as if something had broken… Richard instantly felt an indescribable pressure that assaulted him.

Every cell in his body warned him at this moment…! A threat, extreme threat!

It would collapse in ten minutes once someone took the central crystal…

The Fire Elemental Lord’s words rang in his ears again.

Instantly, his hair tingled.

There must be some kind of rule carved into the central crystal. After Gunter refined it, he directly touched the carved rule.

‘If they continued to delay, they would die.’

“Everyone, evacuate immediately!! Go to the furnace!!”

Richard turned over,sat on the dark gargoyle’s back, and went straight back.

The troop did not stop and immediately ran out of Arcana Hall’s warehouse.

‘Crack!’

As they moved forward, the sound kept on exploding, and the magic inscriptions around the wall began to show enormous cracks…

This scene made people’s scalps go numb. The shadow of death hung over everyone’s heads.

No enemies blocked the way. With a solemn expression, Richard returned to the furnace as fast as he could.

Only at this moment did the sense of threat decrease a little. But still, Richard felt uneasy.

Dozens of furnaces sensed the intrusion of outsiders and immediately burst into flames.

The raging fire element once again burned the furnace red.

The enormous furnace in the center spat out a stream of hot molten iron, which fell to the ground with a sizzling sound.

A giant hand stretched out from the furnace and suddenly climbed onto the top of it.

A gasp of marvel.

Countless chains condensed from blue inscriptions made a crazy noise at this moment. Light shone brilliantly.

The flame giant, more than 15 meters tall, was immediately sealed. No matter how hard it struggled, it could not climb out of the giant furnace.

“Ah!!!!”

A furious, hysterical roar resounded in the surroundings.

The terrifying aura was like lava erupting. It was boundless, and it was like a mountain collapsing in an instant.

Unable to resist, unable to resist.

It gave an exceedingly terrifying psychological shock.

Fire Elemental Lord.

Level 18 Boss.

Its indescribable strength was so powerful.

“Central crystal!!”

High-level elemental language.

The Fire Elemental Lord’s surprised voice sounded.

Because of the excitement, the invisible chain above the furnace sounded even louder.

‘Boom!

Countless magma-like molten iron erupted.

The temperature of the air began to rise rapidly.

Richard reached out his hand to signal Gunter.

His tone was calm.

“Fire Elemental Lord, I have completed your task and obtained the central crystal!

“Now, it’s time to fulfill your promise.”

The Fire Elemental Lord was exceedingly satisfied with him.

“Human… You’ve earned my trust and friendship!”

[Ding ~ The Fire Elemental lord’s affection towards you has increased to friendly.]

The hundreds of thousands of prisoners were about to end, and he would obtain his precious freedom!

The Fire Elemental Lord’s excitement could not be greater.

“Fire Elemental Lord, the central crystal is sealed by powerful magic energy. Ordinary methods are impossible to obtain.

“My subordinate risked soul destruction to refine the soul phylactery. Only then did he remove the central crystal.

“After breaking the seal, please return this item to him.”

The fire elemental lord nodded. “Breaking the seal will not affect this crystal ball. There’s no need to worry.”

He didn’t care about the soul phylactery. It was enough that the central crystal didn’t break. Even without magic energy, it wouldn’t affect him breaking the seal.

Richard nodded slightly and asked Gunter to send the dark crystal to the furnace.

Gunter didn’t dare to go near. No one could withstand the damage of high-temperature that could instantly melt rocks.

It spread hands instead, and the dark crystal slowly floated up and flew toward the furnace.

After a dozen breaths, it approached the furnace.

Then, endless flame energy surged out from the furnace.

In an instant, it enveloped the crystal.

A large amount of flame energy caused the dark crystal ball to become fiery red and endless light burst.

In an instant, the light shone on the furnace.

The magic chains solidified by the inscriptions were now cracking. They cracked when stretched to the extreme.

It broke into pieces.

It was as if ice had melted into the flames and disappeared without a trace.

The next second, it was as if gasoline poured into the fire.

The 20-meter vast furnace instantly burst into flames.

The surrounding temperature rose by dozens of degrees.

Richard, who was 100 meters away, only felt the heat approach. His hair in front of him immediately bent.

At this moment, two enormous troops climbed out of the furnace from both sides.

A giant over 15 meters tall with two horns on its head and burning flames stood on top of the furnace.

Furnace constantly spewing red molten iron under its feet. The flames on its body shot up to the sky. It burned the dome engraved with countless magic inscriptions above until it constantly exploded.

Dozens of furnaces also exploded molten iron around it.

This scene was like the birth of the legendary inferno demon from hell.

It was a very visually striking scene.

“Hahahahaha!!”

“Countless years of imprisonment!!

“Countless years of despair!!

“Freedom!!!”

The high-level elemental language resounded throughout the land.

The tone contained the fury of countless years and the excitement of being reborn.

Richard looked at this surging scene, and his heart suddenly wavered. Was this the power of a Level 18 Boss?

Its gaze was incomparably hot. Sooner or later, Twilight City would also possess such power.

Even Fire Elemental Lord would have to lower its head!

The unyielding nature in its heart aroused its even greater fighting spirit.

After a long time, the anger and joy in its heart finally calmed down a little.

The Fire Elemental Lord looked at Richard. Its giant ruby-like eyes became more and more eye-catching under the burning flames.

“Human, thank you for your help. It has been hundreds of thousands of years… the taste of freedom is truly intoxicating…”

As he spoke, its tone turned cold.

“I will personally take back the mistakes this wizard tower has made. Even if they are already dead!”

After the angry roar, his tone softened again.

“Elemental lifeforms have always kept their promises. I will not break the contract we made…”

With a wave of its hand, the space in front of Richard shattered.

‘Crash!’

Countless fire elemental cores fell to the ground.

“These things formed after my power overflowed. My descendants were all born with these cores…”

Richard understood. No wonder the Fire Elemental Lord did not care about these things.

“Next, the treasures I obtained inside… There are two in total.”

The shattered space split open again, and two balls of light fell out.

A black mace half an arm’s length and a black mage robe engraved with countless runes.

[Magic Mace (Main hand)]

[Level: 2-stars]

[Characteristics: Increases magic damage by 30%.]

[Skills: Magic Energy Strengthening (Can be used 5 times a day, increases the strength of the troop within a 100-meter radius by 30% for 10 minutes.)]

[Description: A magic mace with extraordinary magic energy. It has a good bonus for the troop. Perhaps, every lord would want it.]

**

[Mysterious Robe]

[Level: 2-stars]

[Characteristics: Increases the wearer’s spellcasting damage by 30%.]

[Skills: Magic Shield (Can be cast five times a day. When attacked, it can automatically cast a magic shield with strong defensive power. Lasts for 10 minutes. It will shatter after receiving overload damage.)]

[Description: Contains a mage robe. When attacked, it can automatically defend itself. This is enough to make it a highly sought-after and valuable item.

Richard was thrilled after he obtained the two pieces of equipment.

The skills of the two pieces of equipment were not accumulated. They were both first-class and practical.

The Fire Elemental Lord did not give him time to look at the attributes for the second time.

“That exceedingly powerful rare level — yellow sand mage. It is an ancient class that those despicable mages obtained from other ruins. It possesses the most fundamental power.”

“After I help you change level, I will give you three B-rank spells compatible with the desert power in your body. This is our contract.”

Glorious level… The most fundamental power…

The Fire Elemental Lord’s words immediately filled Richard with anticipation.