Mage Adam-Chapter 403

This was an Anti-Magic Formation.

Inside this array, so long as one’s level did not surpass that of the array’s controller—the so-called “bodyguard”—even a mage would become no different from an ordinary mortal.

The thousands of mortals trapped within, along with over a hundred free-faction mages who had incited them, looked at one another in panic. They knew they had been discovered. But at this point, there was no way to retreat.

“A mortal society should be ruled by mortals! We want no surveillance, no forced education! Even mages should not be allowed to control our thoughts!”

Amid the silence, a silver-haired, pot-bellied man raised his voice.

“Who are you?”

The man swallowed nervously and lowered his voice.

“I am Bert Robin, King of Regina Island.”

Adam ignored him and instead fixed his gaze on the youth behind him—a Fourth-Rank Mage.

“I wasn’t asking him. I was asking you. Who are you?”

The mage’s expression tightened. He knew he had been singled out. Such was the risk of being the one to step forward—if the mission succeeded, he would earn the most merit; if it failed, he would be the first to die. Retreat was no longer possible. Steeling himself with a show of resolve, he declared:

“Louis, Governor of the Kingdom of Regina.”

“A kingdom’s governor? And you’re just a mortal?”

Louis stiffened his neck.

“Of course. Respected mage, I am but a common man.”

Adam nodded.

“Good. Then you… and you… and you. All of you—are you also mortals? And the words you speak, do they represent the will of mortals? Is that correct?”

Adam calmly pointed out the hidden free-faction mages one by one, then asked in an even tone.

When all of them gave affirmation, Adam smiled faintly.

“In that case, excellent.”

“Perhaps it is the long neglect of mages that has made you forget to whom this world truly belongs. As mortals, you ought to have the awareness of mortals. The reason you are able to live peacefully in this world is not due to so-called rights or freedom—it is a gift from mages. ℞ἁΝỖᛒΕŝ

The mages of the Holy Tower risk their own lives to battle in the void, safeguarding the Mage World. That is why you enjoy your wealth and comfort. You should be grateful, not foolish enough to oppose us.”

On the surface, these words seemed directed at the mortals, but every free-faction mage understood clearly: they were meant for them.

A bad premonition welled up in their hearts. Yet they did not believe Adam would dare to kill them. Louis quickly interjected:

“We never meant to oppose the mages! We only seek the rights that are rightfully ours!”

Adam’s gaze turned cold.

“The base and the lowly… have no such qualifications.”

With that, he turned and rose into the sky. At the same time, the magic array surfaced from the ground, completely sealing them within. Inside the array, an independent space formed, and under Aisha’s power, the free-faction mages’ connection to the Magic Net grew sluggish.

“Do you truly intend to kill them? I don’t think this is wise. Killing is easy, but the aftermath will be troublesome.”

Aisha’s voice carried worry.

The other side had made their move; Adam’s counter was fair within the rules. But now that their identities were known, to kill them outright would be to challenge those rules. The free faction would inevitably—no, certainly—use this as a pretext to launch an attack. Adam’s situation would only worsen.

But Adam saw it clearly.

“Whether I kill them or not, my situation won’t improve. I’ve heard whispers—the free faction is already maneuvering to send a Transcendent Mage to the Academy Continent as the second deputy minister. If I don’t eliminate them now, they will become greater trouble later. Give them an inch, and they’ll take a mile. My actions here are critical.”

“The High Excellencies are already trying to obstruct them. If you kill these people now, you may only give the free faction a perfect excuse to plant their spies.”

Aisha tried to dissuade him.

But Adam’s response was resolute.

“That grand feast cannot be ours alone. The free faction planting spies is inevitable, excuse or no excuse. Since we cannot uproot them entirely, concessions must eventually be made. The Excellencies are not so much blocking them as they are buying me time to open the way forward.” 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Once a problem of strength became a problem of politics, it was bound to grow complicated. Yet the Mage World, at its core, still respected only power. Adam had to show both his power and his stance. He could not afford to appear weak or pliable.

Thus—these people must die.

Far away, in an unknown space beyond the Academy Continent, the free faction’s high command silently watched the events unfolding. They saw Adam seize control of their pawns—yet did nothing to stop him.

This had been but a probe. Losing the pieces was no great loss.

“Our deputy minister seems angry. Tell me—does he have the guts to kill our people?”

“If he is truly clever, then yes—he will kill them.”

“Heh, I never thought matters would escalate so quickly. Wasn’t maintaining the status quo good enough? The Mage World grows stronger every day. They pursue their ideals, while we enjoy our comforts. Why must we push so hard?”

“This day was bound to come. They know it better than we do. Rather than letting contradictions accumulate until they explode, it’s better to guide them out bit by bit, until we find a balance acceptable to both sides. That, in fact, is a good thing.

After all, whatever our ideals, we are still mages. Our interests and the interests of the Mage World are inseparable.”

Though their ideology differed, they were not deluded. They knew well that everything they now enjoyed stemmed from the Mage World’s collective strength. To launch a reckless war, or attempt secession, would be the height of folly.

Besides, they lacked the strength to defeat the Holy Tower—or to survive independently in the Aether Void.

“But we all know… the final contradiction is irreconcilable. When that day comes, neither side will be able to compromise.”

“That day is still far off, isn’t it?”

“He’s making his move. Should we find a way to get rid of this brat?”

“Put away that thought. It’s not time yet. Don’t even think about challenging the will of those two Excellencies of the Mage World!”

They knew all too well. The Guardian and the Watcher—embodiments of good and evil—were the most resolute, the most ruthless of all.

The magic formation flared brighter and brighter. Everyone within felt their very existence evaporating. Their wails and screams were useless. Even their voices could not escape.

The free-faction mages could no longer afford to hide. One after another, they chose self-detonation, hoping to flee back to the Magic Net. So long as their souls endured, their higher-ups could arrange for resurrection.

But they soon realized—their souls were shackled by chains of chaotic runes. Their link to the Magic Net was severed, their preserved souls and avatars beyond reach.

Adam stepped forward, seized Aisha’s authority, and personally activated the final power of the array—burying the first wave of rebels.