DOTM: Chapter 542/543

Chapter 542: Teleportation is Risky

Ethan wanted to remind Kashya that he was a mage, not a warrior, but he held his tongue.

After a brief chat with Kashya, the current leader of the Rogues led him into the Monastery, and Ethan finally met Akara.

Compared to a few years ago, Akara had not changed much. Even when Ethan had seen her under the worst conditions, this high priestess of the Sisterhood of the Sightless Eye always exuded a calm and composed aura, as if the disasters caused by Diablo were merely temporary inconveniences that would soon be resolved.

Of course, the facts proved that Diablo had not caused any significant harm. The great demon king was struck down by the heroes again before he had a chance to do anything major.

In comparison, his brother Baal at least caused the destruction of the Worldstone, directly changing the structure of the world.

"I can sense a vast magic power hidden within you. It seems you have made astonishing progress on the path of magic these past few years."

Compared to Kashya, who focused on Ethan's muscles, Akara was more sensitive to fluctuations in magic power.

What surprised her most was that the fluctuations around Ethan were extremely subtle, so subtle one might think he had no magic power at all. This state appeared only in true magic masters, whereas the last time she saw Ethan, he had been just a beginner apprentice. Apprentice was a polite term, he had essentially been a complete novice.

She vaguely thought of a possibility.

"A Nephalem..."

Nephalem, also known as Nefalem.

They are the mixed-blood descendants of angels and demons. All humans in this world are actually descendants of the Nephalem. After their immense potential was suppressed by the Worldstone, the Nephalem became the humans of today.

Now that the Worldstone is destroyed, the power suppressing this terrifying potential is gone. In the years that follow, more and more humans will awaken their great potential and grow into powerful beings capable of rivaling gods and demons. The term Nephalem is now used to refer to these superhumans who have reawakened their immense power.

Because of the astonishing strength Ethan inadvertently displayed, Akara took him for a Nephalem, since only a Nephalem could grow so powerful in such a short time, reaching a height that ordinary people could only look up to for their entire lives.

Ethan heard Akara's soft whisper, but he could not explain that he was not actually a Nephalem. If one considered the three major factions of this world, was his bloodline closer to Heaven? After all, the main ingredient in the enhancement potions he used came from the blood of divine beings, but divine beings and angels seemed to be different, right?

"Are you traveling now?"

Many mages or warriors would travel after reaching a certain stage of learning.

Especially mages. After reaching a certain level, they would travel to broaden their horizons and learn how to use spells in complex environments during long journeys.

After all, using spells under a teacher's guidance in a quiet training sanctuary is completely different from casting spells during a chaotic and uncertain journey.

To better master magic, traveling is a very important stage on a mage's path.

Now that Ethan was already very strong, it was not strange for him to travel to gain experience. Coming to see her along the way also proved that he was a kind and grateful young man.

"Sort of. Actually, I mainly wanted to visit some old friends this time."

Since Kashya and Akara were relatively close, he came to see them first. He was also curious how they had been doing over the years, and if they had any troubles that needed solving, he would be happy to help.

When chatting with Kashya earlier, he had vaguely conveyed this intention, but Kashya clearly stated that she had been doing very well recently and did not need Ethan to do anything special.

"Having this intention shows that our help to you before was the right thing to do."

Akara was actually the same. She did not need Ethan to help with anything in particular.

She was doing very well now, and the Sisterhood of the Sightless Eye was back on track. Her life here was peaceful and simple. She only needed to train, make some potions every day, and occasionally help people in the vicinity who encountered difficult illnesses, and she was very satisfied with this life.

"If you encounter people who need help during your journey, you can extend a helping hand to those in need. For me, that would be the best reward."

After Akara finished speaking, she did not bring up this topic again and started chatting with Ethan about various things, such as how the Rogues cleared the monsters in the Monastery after it returned to the Sisterhood's hands, how the Sisterhood repaired the Monastery, how trade caravans started traveling frequently again because the Monastery's return removed the barrier between east and west, and how she had cultivated a herb garden and researched several new potions.

After chatting for a good part of the morning, all Ethan heard from Akara was good news. To summarize, the situation in the Sanctuary world was now excellent. Humanity had finally escaped the crisis of demon invasion, and a bright future awaited the people.

After it was completely dark, Akara tactfully suggested that Ethan should leave.

It was not that she was unwilling to accommodate him, but the Monastery was entirely populated by women, and it was inappropriate for Ethan, a male, to stay.

Even the Rogues, who served as the Sisterhood's armed force, were all female. It could be said there was not a single male in the entire Monastery.

During the time Ethan was chatting with Akara, he could clearly sense that two elite Rogue warriors were guarding the room's entrance, standing inside the room, not outside, with more Rogues hidden in concealed spots.

As a priestess with extremely high prestige within the Sisterhood, the Rogues placed great importance on Akara's safety and reputation. This would not change just because Ethan was an acquaintance.

Even after he left Akara's room, these elite warriors hidden in the shadows still escorted him until he left the Monastery.

"I'm sorry we could not properly host you. I hope you understand."

When Ethan stood outside the Monastery gate, Kashya was waiting for him there. The tall and sturdy warrior apologized again.

"No, I understand."

The Rogue Encampment back then and the Monastery now were not the same. Besides the Sisterhood's priestesses and Rogue warriors, the Encampment also had stranded travelers and merchant caravans forced to stay because they could not pass through the Monastery, so Ethan staying there had not been a big deal.

Now it was different. A man staying overnight in a place entirely populated by women would cause significant damage to the Sisterhood's reputation.

"Although we cannot have you stay overnight in the Monastery, there are villages nearby. I can accompany you there to find lodging."

While she said finding lodging, it essentially meant Kashya would arrange all of Ethan's food and accommodation. Given the Sisterhood's reputation in the area, she was confident Ethan would be well received.

However, Ethan politely declined because he was preparing to visit his next old friend.

"I plan to go see Zoltun Kulle and Eirena, so I will not be staying here any longer."

"Zoltun Kulle and Eirena?"

As heroes who defeated the great demon king, both had considerable reputations now, so many people knew where they were.

Zoltun Kulle went back into seclusion after saving the world.

Priests of the Cult of Rathma usually did not travel much. When they had nothing else to do, they persisted in ascetic practice, sometimes even until the day they died.

As for Eirena, after saving the world, she returned to the Temple of Ishal to continue refining her spells.

Compared to the reclusive Zoltun Kulle, Eirena occasionally came out and did things mages often did, so there was more news about her.

However, the places where these two were currently located were not close to the Monastery. It seemed Ethan did not need to rush his journey so much, did he?

"Have you forgotten that I am also a mage?"

"Are you planning to travel by magic?"

Kashya knew that mages' teleportation spells could speed up travel, but it was just making the journey a bit faster, right?

Only then did Ethan remember that the teleportation spells in this world were completely different from what he had mastered. The teleportation used by mages here was a lightning-based spell. Ethan had not seen it before, so he did not understand its principle, but this kind of teleportation had limited range, unlike the kind he had mastered where he could open a portal and walk through as long as he knew the exact location.

Based on the fragments recalled in his mind, he knew that in the future, a mage named Li-Ming would improve the teleportation spell, or rather, create a new kind of teleportation spell, the one used by the Wizard in Diablo III. It had far fewer restrictions than lightning-based teleportation and was difficult to counter.

But even Li-Ming's improved teleportation spell could not perform long-distance teleportation.

For people in this world, to perform long-distance teleportation, they either used specially crafted magic circles or had special teleportation items.

So when Ethan lightly waved his hand and a teleportation magic circle radiating magical light appeared on the ground, Kashya was very shocked. Ethan did not have anything on him that looked like magical equipment.

"I am very happy to see that you are living well. If you encounter trouble and need help, you can notify me anytime by crushing this amulet."

As usual, he left two amulets for Kashya, one of which was for Akara, and then he stepped into the magic circle.

Compared to having to travel himself to find Kashya and Akara, Eirena and Zoltun Kulle were actually easier for Ethan to locate because he still had the equipment they had given him, and these items carried their auras, which could be used to pinpoint their locations.

However, this kind of teleportation was a bit risky. Before the light of the teleportation circle had completely dissipated, Ethan was nearly stabbed in the side with a dagger.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 543: The Quiet Man

Ethan's current reaction speed and physical agility ensured he could dodge the sneak attack in the first instant. Although his posture was not pretty, he at least successfully avoided having his kidney pierced. Given his current physique and recovery ability, even if he were hit, it would not have a significant impact.

While dodging, Ethan immediately cast another magic shield.

This shield was constructed purely from magical energy, had no additional attributes, and its defense was very ordinary. The moment it was cast, it was pierced by a cluster of sharp bone spears radiating blue-gray light, shattering into fragments and transforming back into magical energy.

However, this shield bought Ethan some time. Even if it only blocked for a second, it was enough for him to get into position and react.

At the same time, he clearly saw who had launched the sneak attack.

"Xul!"

Ethan did not even have a chance to shout the name. Xul, on the opposite side, had already swung a scythe toward Ethan's face.

Whatever he wanted to say, if he could not block this attack, he would not have a chance to say it.

His right hand immediately made a motion to swing a weapon to parry. The moment his right hand swung up, a bizarre black and red greatsword appeared in his hand.

Due to prolonged training, he could already convert his magic power into real matter quite well. Some objects with special compositions were still difficult to create, but ordinary weapons could be condensed, and with frequent practice, the time required became less and less.

The more thoroughly he understood the structure of an item, the faster he could create it. If he practiced repeatedly with a specific item, he could also speed up the process.

This black and red greatsword, which he usually used for practicing the creation of cold weapons, could now be condensed in an instant, and it was also a magical weapon with the attribute of fire.

The moment the black and red greatsword collided with the scythe, a powerful explosion erupted. The impact from the fiery blast directly knocked Xul, who was holding the scythe, back several steps.

While Xul was retreating, Ethan thought he could finally talk properly with him, but unexpectedly, Xul slightly twisted his body, revealing a gray-white energy cluster hidden behind him.

Bone Spirit.

This was one of the most powerful attack spells of the Priests of Rathma. Besides its immense power, the most troublesome thing about it was that it automatically tracked enemies and would not stop until it hit its target.

Generally, besides taking the hit directly, one could only choose a sufficiently powerful magic spell to collide with the Bone Spirit and intercept it mid-flight.

Ethan chose a method in between. He lowered his sword-holding right hand, while his empty left hand suddenly formed a fist and pulled back slightly behind his shoulder, as if he was about to directly confront the Bone Spirit with his own fist.

Following the fist-clenching motion, a giant blue fist condensed in the air beside Ethan, adopting the exact same posture as his left hand.

Besides the energy Ethan released again, there was also the energy that had been shattered by Xul's bone spears earlier.

A major advantage of the training method Ethan chose was absolute control over his own magic power. Although this energy was shattered, it did not completely dissipate and integrate into the world, but instead lingered nearby, ready to be used by Ethan at any time.

Just like now, the dispersed energy was summoned back by him, combining with the energy he released again to condense into this large fist. Then, following Ethan's downward punching motion, the giant fist, with a diameter of two meters, heavily smashed onto the Bone Spirit in front.

The giant magic fist not only shattered the Bone Spirit, but also heavily struck the ground, creating a powerful shockwave. The astonishing force forced Xul, who had intended to seize the opportunity to approach and attack again, to retreat.

While retreating several steps to create distance, he cast Bone Shield and Bone Wall.

However, the expected attack did not arrive. When the smoke and dust cleared, Xul found the man who had suddenly appeared in his place of secluded training just standing there, waving at him.

"Long time no see, Xul."

This situation left Xul a bit bewildered, but he usually wore a poker face, and even now, there was no expression of surprise. He simply realized the situation might be different from what he expected, so he removed the Bone Wall in front of him.

The Bone Shield was not removed, and the scythe remained in his hand. Until he understood the situation, he could not truly let down his guard.

"You are...?"

Ethan had changed too much, so it was completely normal that Xul did not recognize him.

To prove his identity, Ethan took out the ring Xul had given him back then.

Seeing the ring held in the young man's left hand, Xul finally realized who the young man in front of him was.

"Ethan?"

This answer greatly surprised him. Had that outsider, who had been ordinary in appearance and slender back then, actually grown into such a powerful spellcaster?

"Has it really... been so many years?"

With great mutual understanding, both sides almost simultaneously dispelled all spells on their bodies. Except for the scythe in Xul's hand, which was not formed by magic, even the armor-like pieces protecting his vital points were formed by spells.

Compared to Xul still holding a long scythe, Ethan was just wearing ordinary clothes. Besides the ring in his hand, there was nothing else that could truly be called equipment.

Seeing this, Xul was once again shocked by Ethan's progress. At the same time, like Akara, he concluded that Ethan was a Nephalem, otherwise there was no way to explain this situation.

When they met back then, Xul was already one of the most outstanding priests among the Priests of Rathma, which was why he had the strength to become a hero who defeated the Demon Lord.

After all, this was the real world. It would not be like in games where monsters are placed from weak to strong, allowing you to kill them slowly and let the player constantly grow stronger as the plot progresses.

In reality, individuals like Xul and Itherael were already exceptionally powerful, which was why they became heroes. Those who were not strong enough had long since died at the hands of dark monsters, not even having the qualification to meet the great demon lord.

Ethan's strength back then, let alone facing Diablo, if he had not voluntarily withdrawn, he probably would have died in some battle before even meeting Andariel.

Now Ethan could fight Xul to a standstill, and judging by appearances, he did not seem to be using his full strength yet, which was truly terrifying.

Of course, Xul was not using his full strength either. The battle erupted too suddenly, and his equipment and casting tools were not with him. Furthermore, as a Priest of Rathma, the more preparation time he had, the more astonishing the combat power he could unleash. A hasty encounter should be when his combat power was at its lowest.

"It has been many years, but your reaction is a bit exaggerated, is it not?"

Xul shook his head helplessly, cleared the chaotic thoughts from his mind, greeted Ethan again, and then calmly explained.

"This is my personal place of secluded training, and my disciples are on the periphery. Coupled with the fact that it is an area rarely visited by people, no outsiders should mistakenly wander in, so when you suddenly appeared, I treated you as an enemy specifically targeting me."

Ethan looked around. This was a place that could hardly be called beautiful. Besides the land beneath his feet, which was barely stable enough to stand on, the surroundings were endless forests and swamps, with strange smells everywhere. He could also sense strong life force and death energy in this area.

This was a place where life and death coexisted, so it was no wonder Xul chose to train here. As for the environment, the Priests of Rathma had a completely different aesthetic sense compared to ordinary people in this regard.

"It is precisely because the Priests of Rathma like to stay in places like this and use frightening spells that your reputation among ordinary people is not very good."

However, these words had no meaning for the Priests of Rathma. They simply did not care about the opinions of outsiders, only adhering to their faith and doing what they believed they should do.

As expected, Xul replied with a faint, indifferent smile, and then casually sat down on the ground.

Ethan did not stand on ceremony either. He also sat down in front of Xul, and the two of them briefly chatted about their current situations.

For Ethan, Xul was one of his earliest teachers, so he maintained considerable respect for him. As for the attacks just now, there was also a bit of an idea of showing the teacher from back then that he had succeeded now.

However, Xul did not talk much about Ethan's significant progress. After a simple congratulation, he discussed his own current situation.

Finally, he concluded that unless there was something special, like things that would disrupt the balance such as Diablo, he would continue to stay in the homeland of the Priests of Rathma, which was a huge cemetery, for secluded training, and also teach some young people.

Ethan was not surprised. This was the lifestyle of the Priests of Rathma, and he was not in a position to criticize others' choices. After confirming that Xul was currently satisfied with his life, he routinely left a communication amulet and then bid him farewell.

Xul did not stand on ceremony and readily accepted the amulet Ethan gave him. Whether he could use it or not, this item could serve as a souvenir.

"Oh, right, I might come to find you again in the future. I hope you will not greet me in such an enthusiastic manner next time."

Xul nodded, indicating that he had remembered the fluctuation characteristics of Ethan's teleportation magic and would not treat him as an enemy next time.

"Oh, right, please also give my regards to Itherael."

Xul knew that Ethan was going to see Itherael next, and took the opportunity to send regards to his former comrade-in-arms.

"No problem!"

(To be continued.)