In the time between the Harvest Moon and the War Moon, Lu Cang did quite a bit of research on Death Spells.

Every Death Spell requires a soul to be cast.

But the soul requirements vary.

The requirement for Death Substitute is to consume a soul with Spirituality equal to or greater than one’s own.

The requirement for Spirit Burst is to consume any soul, but its power varies based on the soul’s strength.

The requirement for Soul Wound Curse and Evil Binding Curse is a soul of Low Spirituality.

’I’m not sure what exactly qualifies as "Low Spirituality"... I just know that of all the Demon Souls I currently possess, almost all of them are of "Small Spirituality" if they don’t trigger Noble Soul.’

’Oh well. For me, all these casting conditions just mean I can use any soul anyway.’

In the process of contemplating the Root Source, he managed to create a Death Spell of his own.

「Corpse Bone Ice Storage (Tier One Death Spell) (Level 201)」

「Cost: 1 Dead Soul of the same tier as the corpse, 0.05 Magic Power」

「Effect: Perfectly preserves a corpse, keeping it in the exact state it was in at the moment of death, unaffected by the passage of time.」

This was a spell Lu Cang had created by combining concepts from Death Spells and Ice Element Magic.

Although its effect was simple, it was a small step forward in creating his own magic by combining his Dual Professions.

Unlike other Self-created Magic that could be conceived on a whim...

This Death Spell had taken Lu Cang a full night of contemplation, even with hints from Iz.

When this spell came into being, Lu Cang had the distinct feeling that he was another step closer to the Root Source.

But after he grasped this spell, the most excited person was Kumironi.

This was because the spell was very special; not only did it preserve the corpse’s integrity, but more importantly, it froze the moment of death.

This meant it could be used in conjunction with her Life Revival, preserving those who couldn’t be resurrected in time.

They could then be revived the next day, or even much later, still with a chance of success.

She could save so many more people.

Seeing how happy Kumironi was, Lu Cang couldn’t help but reflect...

’Power itself isn’t frightening, after all.’

’As long as it’s used for the right purpose, even a Death Priest can be a good person.’

...

The Harvest Moon passed, and still, there was no sign of the legendary Yakadikto, who was rumored to descend during that month.

’Gods aren’t so easy to meet, after all.’

’Perhaps it’s for the best. Who knows what would happen during a Divine Descent, or whether the god would arrive with good intentions or malicious ones.’

Lu Cang had no desire to rashly encounter anything that was beyond his ability to control.

It was only early morning, but the sky was a dim red. Countless streaks of fire, trailing long tails, cut across the horizon, which burned like an inferno.

[The Moon of War and Fire—Moon: Bani]

[Celestial Phenomenon: Streaking Fire]

During the month of war and fire, warfare yields greater rewards.

At the same time, all materials become more flammable.

Everything becomes drier.

The power of Fire Element Magic, Enchantments, Combat Skills, and the like is greatly enhanced.

Conversely, everything related to the Water Element is weakened to varying degrees.

Lakes are more prone to drying up, and temperatures rise to a certain degree... This is hardly a welcome development for countries already facing water shortages.

However, for those in a state of war, conditions become more livable. Cities and nations that initiate war become less flammable, and their water resources are not significantly impacted by these effects.

They also enjoy additional bonuses related to the Fire Element.

In short, it is a month that strongly encourages war.

For some smaller cities or nations, initiating symbolic wars during this month can sometimes be a mutually beneficial act.

Of course...

War is a matter between nations, between cities.

As for Lu Cang, all of this was far too remote.

’Hmm... Or maybe not.’

When he woke up in the forest that morning, besides the fiery red sky, he saw that raging flames had surrounded him.

It was only because of the protective territory Obades had established that the flames couldn’t get in, and the temperature hadn’t changed at all.

But looking at the fire that had formed a complete circle around them, he found it more than a little unnerving.

Lu Cang woke Iz. "Iz, the forest’s on fire. We’re about to be barbecued."

Iz woke up, stretched languidly with a yawn, and casually cast a Water Element spell.

A wall of water ten stories high surged past...

It looked like the Tier Four spell, Tsunami Technique.

And just like that, the forest fire was extinguished.

’A Level 6 Magic Saint really is something else,’ he thought.

He had heard that the power of a Level 6 Magic Saint was terrifyingly immense, a major deterrent across the continent, capable of easily annihilating most kingdoms.

Chi Cheng also woke up, scratching his head as he surveyed the scorched surroundings. "This month is such a pain. Fires just break out all over the place."

Obades nodded in agreement.

Everyone else seemed to be completely used to the sudden wildfire.

Only Lu Cang was still a little shocked by the blaze.

’The different months really have a huge impact on the world.’

Fortunately, they weren’t far from the edge of the forest.

Half a day later, they finally left the great forest behind.

...

「The City in the Circle」

He had heard that this was one of the five great cities of the Lorren Kingdom, aside from the Capital.

It was also said to be the city with the most fervent enthusiasm for combat.

This was the first time Lu Cang had ever been to a major city in this world.

The city walls were clearly much wider and thicker than Raine Town’s. They were immense and massive, roughly fifty meters high by his estimation. The wall’s surface was a brilliant white, indicating that the stones used in its construction were no ordinary bricks.

All in all, it was far more imposing than Raine Town’s thin, ten-meter-high walls.

Rows of soldiers also stood guard atop the walls.

Soldiers were stationed at the city gate as well.

Looking at the queue ahead, it was clear this wasn’t a city one could enter and exit at will.

Iz and the others were also waiting in line.

But before their turn came, a soldier dressed as an officer immediately walked over.

"My apologies! Lady Iz, I didn’t recognize you at first glance!"

"There’s no need for you to wait in line. Please, come with us into the city!"

"Kumironi, Chi Cheng, Lord Obades, you as well, please."

Oh~

’The name Izparut really is famous, just as they say.’

’It’s just that, among those names... "Lord Lu Cang" was conspicuously absent.’

Of course, Lu Cang didn’t take it to heart. He had only fought in one battle at Raine Town; it was unlikely anyone even knew what he looked like.

It was just like how he himself didn’t recognize any of the other "legendary" heroes besides Iz.

Lu Cang had been following behind Iz and the others for a short distance when the City Defense Commander noticed him.

"Lady Iz, and this is..." he said, looking at Lu Cang.

"Iz’s illegitimate son," Chi Cheng interjected.

The atmosphere instantly turned strange and awkward.

Iz tossed a Fireball at Chi Cheng’s face and replied with a sigh, "No, he’s just a child we met by chance."

"It seems his hometown was destroyed by Demons..."

The City Defense Commander, snapping out of his awkwardness, said with dawning realization, "Oh, I see."

Then, his face broke into a smile as he praised, "Lady Iz, you’re just as kind as the rumors say."

But then he seemed to recall something. "Could he be the one...?"

"Yes, that’s Lu Cang. He has a great talent for Magic."

Oh~

’So my name has traveled this far already.’

With someone to guide them, entering the city was naturally unobstructed.

Upon entering the city, his eyes were immediately drawn to a colossal tower in the distance, its spire reaching into the clouds.

Iz said, "The Enchanter we’re looking for is in this city."

"He can help you craft the Void Spirit Star Wood into the Magic Wand you want."

"He’s the one who crafted my Magic Wand, too."