The rushing water didn't behave as Aslan expected. It didn't pry open some secret door unknown to the old magician. This man was far tougher than Aslan had imagined. Or rather—how could a magician who'd lived to this age and completed such research be a good person?
The more specialized a family's magic is, the more likely it carries hidden side effects beyond ordinary understanding—like the Lion Tribulation.
The Sisigou family fled Europe for Japan several generations ago. They were already in decline before migrating, their magic seals nearly gone. After settling in Japan, their decline accelerated. Within less than a generation, they barely qualified as magicians anymore.
Back then, the Sisigou Family head signed a contract with some unknown entity, allowing the family to miraculously revive and even surpass their former glory. They regained status as a major Far East magician family—though they'd long since forgotten their old magic and instead mastered necromancy.
Miracles come at a price. After several generations, the final victim was Sisigou Li. His children died at birth, and his wife left him. Despite precious magic seals, the Sisigou family was destined to end with him.
Other ancient magician families fared no better. Those who survived either never crossed the forbidden line or had allied families.
This old magician's family must be similar—declined, with most of his peers losing their magical gifts decades ago. Considering some magicians prolong life through special means, he might well be over a hundred years old.
Such an old magician naturally had unique methods and strength. As the water chains wrapped around him, he had already snapped out of his madness and swung his staff—a dragon claw—dispersing the water in a flash.
"Young man, if you came to admire my great work, I welcome you. But if you intend to stop me, then you will die beneath it."
The smile vanished from the old magician's face. His glare turned fierce as the dragon claw-shaped wand aimed at Aslan. Judging by the attack, this family's magic imitated dragons, but not nearly as refined as the dragon-slaying magic of Fairy Tail.
It was natural. Fairy Tail's dragon-slaying magic was taught by dragons themselves. This family might not have existed for more than a thousand years and could only approximate dragon forms from relics and legends.
They wielded third-rate magic simulating second-rate dragon power. Aslan, half-dragon himself, could tell immediately.
Still, this old man had vision. He set his sights on Great Britain's White Dragon—the island's premier dragon species. Even harnessing a fraction of the White Dragon's power would grant strength equivalent to a [Color Rank] in this era.
"Young man! I give you one last warning. I will soon become the White Dragon of the New Era. If you just stand there staring, once I gain this power, I will give you a swift death. Don't say I didn't warn you!"
Perhaps because his long-awaited goal was near, the old magician babbled to buy time—saying things no one would believe.
"To be honest, I'm embarrassed by your interference here. I share a profound bond with these ruins—one you can hardly imagine. Your very existence here, seeking to draw power, offends me. I cannot allow it."
What? He wanted to steal the White Dragon's power in front of his son? After taking that power for himself, he still wanted Aslan to call him father?
Suddenly, the old magician curled his lips and raised the wand high. His words had delayed the ceremony just enough. The small dragon eye atop the wand solidified fully. Dark island power radiated from it—a force beyond anything the old man had ever felt.
"Done! Little one, blame your bad luck! I'll use you to test the island's newly acquired power. See—the power of this island. Who today can contend with it? Hahaha! My dream is fulfilled!"
The old magician swallowed the small dragon eye whole. The black island power enveloped him. Even as a remnant from 1,500 years ago, this power was still priceless, coveted by all magicians.
His back straightened. Wrinkles vanished, and youth returned. Feeling renewed strength, he swung his wand at Aslan. A black light-covered attack shot forward like a claw.
Recognizing the power, Aslan scratched his head, took a deep breath, and his light blue eyes flickered to gold. "[Go back]!"
With a roar, the island's force halted abruptly, transforming from a ferocious tiger to a tame kitten. It rubbed against Aslan's hand, then turned back and destroyed the old magician.
-End Chapter-
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