Chapter 109: Chapter 108: Returning to the Free World
In the Sky Arena, the White Tower Mage was thrown into utter chaos, and Fang Zheng had contentedly acquired what he desired.
However, unfortunately for him, the outcome was not wonderful.
“Yes, Master, during today’s battle, you were controlled by Enchantment School mages eighteen times and fell into illusions seven times, with the shortest breakout time being one second and the longest five seconds.”
“The situation is not good…”
Hearing Nymph’s report, Fang Zheng furrowed his brows and crossed his arms in thought.
If there were any troublesome foes in the Sky Arena for Fang Zheng, then mages of the Enchantment and Illusion Schools were his most headache-inducing adversaries.
The School of Illusions was manageable, as the Prophecy System countered illusions, and under True Vision, all illusions were exposed. But the Enchantment School was different. Various psychic manipulation spells emerged continuously, causing Fang Zheng endless complaints. Fortunately, the Enchantment School mages he currently encountered were mostly of low rank, using only rudimentary spells like the Sleep Spell. Even so, it frightened Fang Zheng, who for the first time realized, no matter how powerful his combat skills, how mighty his spells, and how perfect his physique were, his spirit was still so vulnerable. Even a minor Enchantment School mage could impact him.
What disturbed Fang Zheng more was that within the Enchantment School were many bizarre and terrifying techniques. For instance, he had once read about a spell called “Binds of Mercy”, which simply forced a creature to fight in a more merciful manner—no poisoning, no infliction of fatal injuries, no deadly strikes on non-threatening targets… When Fang Zheng read this, he felt chilled from head to toe.
This was simply forcing a boss to set up a flag for defeat!
Fang Zheng could almost confirm that this spell effect could explain the death of over ninety-nine percent of bosses across various worlds.
At its zenith, the Enchantment School even possessed horrifying spells such as “Weave Memories,” “Invade the Mind,” and “Decree of Death”—Fang Zheng was not willing to experiment with whether he could withstand these spells.
Unfortunately, when Fang Zheng consulted Rex about this, he also said that there were very few real methods to counter the Enchantment School.
“Like the Prophecy System, the Enchantment School isn’t suited for direct combat. But, as the future represented by prophecy cannot be avoided by anyone, the same is true for the Enchantment School, as human will and spirit are always the most complex and elusive. People yearn to escape fate, to change the future, but they will eventually find that everything they do is a part of fate. And the same goes for will and spirit, always sought to be escaped from and changed but ultimately it is in themselves.”
“But no one can be sure whether it comes from the outside or is born within.”
In response to Fang Zheng’s rebuttal, Rex remained silent for a long time, finally giving him this answer.
“Does it matter? After all, you are the only one who knows.”
According to Rex’s words, regarding spells of the Enchantment School, one could either rely on one’s own strong willpower to break free or wear magic equipment that provides immunity to mind control.
The latter Fang Zheng currently lacked, and regarding the former… after these days of battle, he was not very confident.
He felt he should be strong, but now Fang Zheng was no longer so sure.
Fortunately, Nymph was by his side, the Artificial Angel who did not dream and was immune to all Psychic System and illusionary techniques. Therefore, Fang Zheng was always able to break free in time, and of course, this was inseparable from his complete trust in Nymph.
But Fang Zheng was worried—what if he encountered more formidable mages from the Enchantment School?
The techniques of mages of this rank were still rather simple, but having seen plenty of novels, animations, movies, and games, Fang Zheng knew all too well how easy it was to destroy someone from the depths of their will. He could now trust Nymph without reservation, but what if someday someone purposefully targeted him with a suggestion?
Quick and forceful methods like sleep and paralysis could be resisted by will, but the most frightening were subtle suggestions. What if Fang Zheng no longer trusted his summoned beings? Or if he even started doubt himself?
Thinking of this, Fang Zheng felt worried. It’s better to be safe than sorry. He once thought he was very strong. After all, dying hundreds of times in the Black Soul World made him indifferent to death; what else could be frightening?
But now it seemed he was not as strong as he had imagined.
Regarding this, Rex did not have good advice, as a qualified Prophecy Mage would never let themselves be controlled or influenced by an Enchantment School mage. This was the mutual restraint among the various Spell Schools; while the Enchantment School could influence a person’s spirit and will, the Prophecy System could sense danger in advance and avoid it. Each had their own methods, and the less skilled one deserved their misfortune.
However, Rex also agreed that Fang Zheng should train his spirit and will, as for mages, a firm will is essential. Especially so for Prophecy Mages.
“The future is not unchangeable, nor is it predetermined fate. What is woven into the web of fate is not necessarily fact; it can also be a deceptive dream. How to see through the fog of fate, everything depends on your inner strength. Those who are too fragile cannot become Prophecy Mages; this is also a path you must take, so strive hard.”
“Master, are you really prepared?”
Facing Nymph’s inquiry, Fang Zheng nodded, then he reached out his hand and touched the head of the Little Angel.
“During this period, I’ll trouble you to look after things. If anything happens, remember to record it and tell me.”
“Of course, no problem, Master.”
Hearing Fang Zheng’s command, Nymph nodded with a smile.
“I hope you can return safely.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
With that, Fang Zheng once again opened the Dimensional Codex.
While Teleportation to other worlds was still cooling down, the teleportation to the Free World could be used. Previously, out of the “Spirit,” “Skill,” and “Body” Free Worlds, Fang Zheng had only visited the “Skill’s” Black Soul World, and had not visited the other two worlds. However, now, Fang Zheng decided to open another new instance of the Free World.
“Skill” had honed Fang Zheng’s abilities, so “Spirit” must be about training the soul and mind.
It was just unknown what kind of world he would visit this time.
Looking at the Dimensional Codex before him, Fang Zheng felt somewhat apprehensive. It was no surprise, as in Fang Zheng’s understanding, any world related to the “soul” and “will” was not easy to deal with. Physical pain could be endured, but pain inflicted on the soul was true torture.
Even Fang Zheng was not sure if he could resolve it smoothly.
But after all, this was the path he had chosen.
Thinking thus, Fang Zheng’s gaze grew much more determined. He took another look at Nymph standing beside him, then firmly pressed the button.
The next moment, the Dimensional Codex instantly dissolved, turning into photon particles that enveloped Fang Zheng.
In just the blink of an eye, the light ascended, then disappeared into thin air.
This time, it was not soul transference.
When Fang Zheng opened his eyes again, he was sitting in a minibus, a rather old one. Apart from himself, there was only an old lady on the bus who was squinting her eyes, speaking with the driver driving the minibus.
Listening to their conversation, Fang Zheng looked down at his attire. His outfit was different from before. Now, Fang Zheng was wearing only a plain shirt and trousers, with a small travel bag beside him. Looking out of the bus window, he could see dense forests on both sides of the road and fields in the distance.
The time seemed to be… modern, and the place was… Japan, more precisely, the countryside of Japan?
As Fang Zheng pondered, the bus had already slowly stopped in front of a dilapidated bus station, and the old lady who had been on the bus before had already alighted. Then the driver turned his head and greeted Fang Zheng. Hearing the driver’s words, Fang Zheng nodded, then picked up his travel bag and disembarked.
It was already dusk. Looking into the distance, one could see the bright red sunset shining over the land.
And softly echoing in Fang Zheng’s ears, was the sound of cicadas chirping from somewhere unknown…
Th𝗲 most uptodate novels are published on free(w)ebnov(e)l.𝒄𝒐𝙢