Chapter Seventy-Four: Seven Rings

Now, even the surrounding environment could be reflected within his mental vision. Patrick could clearly sense the positions of those nearby—Aurelia, Sylvanas, Itonis, Candiris, and others. The only minor flaw was that he could perceive their locations but not visually render the surroundings in his mental world. The physical application of arcane power had only just begun.

With the news that Patrick was safe and sound, Aurelia was visibly relieved. She immediately commanded the main force that had set out for Sebnuar to retreat at full speed. As they passed the small troll village they had encountered before, there were no trolls blocking their way; only a few pursued, easily repelled by the rangers who covered the rear.

With the spirit of the mountain cat leading the way, even the beasts that prowled the Ghostlands dared not ambush the elven troops. Though the large animals of the Ghostlands were highly aggressive and typical predators, they were still beasts at heart. Sensing danger was a basic instinct. The entire elven force had just emerged from a bloody clash with trolls, their scent thick with blood. Yet, when those predators caught wind of the mountain cat spirit’s aura, they dared not act rashly. This spared the elves many unnecessary battles.

After a long, exhausting journey, they finally saw the protective wards of the outpost. Joy filled everyone’s hearts, and they quickened their pace. The sense of returning home after such hardship and a bloody skirmish with the trolls was overwhelming.

The outpost’s officer, recognizing Aurelia and Sylvanas leading the returning company, wasted no time in opening the barrier, welcoming the bloodstained warriors back from the front lines.

All the elven soldiers filed in. When they saw the mountain cat spirit, aglow with arcane energy, everyone in the camp was struck with awe. Upon learning this was the animal god Patrick had rescued from the trolls, jaws dropped in astonishment.

Elves were no strangers to dealings with animal gods, but those encounters had always been hostile. Troll priests wielded the power of animal gods in battle, bringing great trouble to the Farstriders. But this time, the elves witnessed the so-called animal god firsthand—awash in arcane power, clean and refreshing, without a trace of the trolls’ vile sorcery or voodoo. Such a mountain cat spirit only increased their fondness.

“It was Chief Patrick who saved it from the trolls’ altar. When we entered Sebnuar, the trolls were conducting a ritual. The Lord of Witchcraft of Zul’Aman sought to steal the mountain cat spirit’s power. Chief Patrick rescued it during his battle with the troll spellcasters,” Aurelia explained.

When Patrick had flown alone to the altar to confront Maracas, all the elves were present. What is a ranger’s basic skill? A standard elven ranger can use Eagle Eye, observing enemy movements from great distance without putting themselves in danger.

Moreover, the troops that set out for Sebnuar were Aurelia’s own—elites among the rangers, the Farstriders. They had seen Patrick’s battle with Maracas at the altar perfectly clearly. That was why, when they retreated, Aurelia did not attack the mountain cat spirit upon seeing it at Patrick’s side.

“Lady Aurelia, food and wine, as well as clean clothes, have been prepared for you all. Please rest well before returning to the Sun Sanctuary,” the officer said respectfully.

“Very well,” Aurelia replied. She and Sylvanas went to instruct their adjutants on upcoming arrangements and the redistribution of forces within the camp.

Aurelia glanced at Patrick, who was still asleep, then gave some instructions to the officer and settled him in the mage tower at the outpost to rest.

Having just returned to elven lands, Patrick immediately felt the difference: abundant arcane energy surged all around. As soon as he entered the barrier, he sensed the arcane power within him growing rapidly, outpacing his mental control. His consciousness became more refined and resilient, his energy soaring to new heights.

Sensing the intense fluctuations of familiar magic within the mage tower, Aurelia hurried to Patrick’s side as soon as she had changed her clothes, not even bothering to dry her golden hair.

“Is he about to advance again?” she wondered. The last time, after the decisive battle with the trolls, Patrick had advanced a tier while asleep. Would it be the same this time?

His mental strength began to partially visualize itself within his sea of consciousness. Guided by his mind and accompanied by arcane energy, Patrick had advanced—he had stepped into the domain of the Seventh Circle.

All the elves nearby felt a tremor, for they had witnessed the birth of a new member of the Silvermoon Council. Most shaken of all was Aurelia; Patrick’s growth was simply astonishing. At this pace, a new star was set to rise over Silvermoon City.

Seventh Circle—this marked the beginning of the arcane path’s further sublimation to a higher energy level. With his mind as the guide, Patrick’s arcane power began to grasp the threads of space and matter around him, like possessing a built-in holographic projector. Yet, unlike a machine, the constructs formed from arcane energy became tangible reality.

Yes—physical objects.

Previously, Patrick could only create things like spells—fire, water, and the like. Now, having entered the Seventh Circle, he sensed that the “concepts” commanded by his mental strength were gradually solidifying.

Still “unconscious,” Patrick felt his mental perception magnified, his domain becoming a three-dimensional radar where nothing could hide. As the images in his mental vision grew clearer, he could even discern the curvature of space itself. With this, and the aid of his conjuration spells, he could directly grasp the mysteries of spatial rifts.

He awoke to find himself in a strange mage tower, Aurelia beside him, her hair still damp, the elven lady visibly anxious.

“Where am I?” Patrick asked, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.

“The mage tower of the front-line outpost. We’ve just returned,” Aurelia replied, her gentle voice soothing him like a warm spring breeze.

She was graceful as moonlight veiled by light clouds, radiant and ethereal as snow swirling on the wind.