The massive metal ring spun silently, with seven silver-white towers standing below it, and the eighth being erected.
Suddenly, the clouds in the sky dispersed, and a figure exuding an unparalleled brilliance, burning like the Arrogant Sun, strode through the air.
The oppressive aura of a Dawn Rank Wizard spread across the Magic Ring, and numerous Magic Ring Wizards looked up, their eyes filled with shock and admiration.
Quickly, the highest of the silver-white towers within the Silver Magic Ring ignited its own "Arrogant Sun," and a figure rose to meet it.
Two "Arrogant Suns" confronted each other, touched briefly, and then the former departed while the latter also vanished once more.
Quickly, figures flew out from the tops of the other seven towers of the Magic Ring, each heading toward the top of the first tower.
After a brief silence, the Magic Ring Wizards began to stir and chatter among themselves, all speculating about what significant event had just taken place.
Inside the vast, metallic-styled great hall, eight Ring Masters of the Silver Magic Ring sat around a semicircular table.
The First Ring Master sat at the head, sweeping his gaze across everyone below, and spoke calmly:
"The Chairman of the Thunder Council has just come forward, imparting two pieces of news, both concerning the Southern Wizard Genius Gathering."
"The first piece of news, the Ancient Witch Revival Association has appeared again, with one verified Level 5 Wizard and one Level 4 Wizard...
In the Ancient Fairy City Ruins, they have caused a monumental disaster, with over three thousand wizards from various great Southern Wizard Forces falling..."
As these words fell, a buzz immediately erupted below.
All the Ring Masters’ faces showed shock and solemnity; someone spoke in a grave voice: "What does the Wizard Union say? Do they require our assistance?"
"Level 5 Wizard... even if we’re willing to help, we might not be of much use, right? This is no longer an existence ordinary wizards can contend with...
For those of us who haven’t even reached Level 4, going there would be nothing but cannon fodder..."
"Why is the Ancient Witch Revival Association making such big moves in the Southern? What exactly are they plotting?..."
The First Ring Master listened to everyone’s discussions and stated indifferently: "This incident is associated with several Central Wizard Forces... The Spiritual Power Dawn and the Wizard Union side have also contacted Wizard Ronan to go there; the commotion should be quelled soon..."
Hearing the name "Wizard Ronan," many Ring Masters visibly relaxed.
This was a highly respected elder wizard from the Southern, also a veteran powerhouse who had reached Level 5. With such a figure overseeing the situation, along with the aid of numerous medium to large wizard forces, there should be no issues.
"The main reason for calling you all here is for the second matter..."
The First Ring Master continued speaking, paused halfway, and his eyes took on a complex look.
Seeing his expression, the hearts of the other Ring Masters, just eased, became solemn again.
"Could there be... news worse than the appearance of a Level 5 Wizard from the Ancient Witch Revival Association?"
Someone helplessly spoke out.
"That’s not it; this, on the other hand, is... good news."
The First Ring Master shook his head, his gaze sweeping across the seven Ring Masters, finally resting on a slender and stunning figure.
Everyone’s gaze unconsciously followed, turning toward Kosti, the unanticipated "focus" of the group, who looked up in confusion.
At that moment, they heard the First Ring Master slowly say:
"An outstanding genius member from our Seventh Magic Rings of the Silver Magic Ring..."
"In this Southern Wizard Genius Gathering, he defeated all opponents, completed the blood ritual of Heramus, inheriting Heramus’ mantle, becoming the... Genius Chief of this assembly!"
With these words from the First Ring Master.
Every Ring Master level individual present seemed to be collectively struck by a powerful soul spell attack, their figures all trembling.
The one most impacted by this announcement, Kosti, sat there instantly stunned, her expression blank, utterly failing to react.
In the boundless wilderness, a figure stumbled and ran.
Blood trickled down through the fingers, dripping onto the ground, leaving an intermittent trail of blood.
Selena, pale-faced and disheveled, walked step by step forward.
At this moment, her breath was so weak that she seemed almost lifeless; her armor had long disappeared, her body covered in blood, and even her hair had clumped together in strands, soaked in dried sweat and bloodstains, hardly maintaining an ounce of her former nobility and composure.
She couldn’t even manage to fly with the wind anymore.
Her injuries were too severe, and she could feel her life force ebbing away from her body.
If it weren’t for the fact that those who captured her did not wish for her to die so easily, perhaps she couldn’t have escaped alive from the last round of battle.
Selena didn’t know where to go now; she was running forward merely driven by a strong desire to survive.
After an indeterminate length of time running, as her vision blurred from excessive blood loss, suddenly...
A pair of boots appeared before her eyes.
A beautiful pair of boots, whose material was unknown, with the white surface embroidered with many intricate and exquisite gold patterns, exuding a sense of utmost opulence.
A voice dropped from above Selena’s head.
"So wretched, you’re even worse off than a dog..."
"I really don’t want to call you this, my... sister."
A hand gently descended, slowly caressing Selena’s cheek, the cool touch bringing her a hint of familiarity.