Sorcerer's Handbook-Chapter 659: Nightmare Inheritance

“So, they’re finally stepping in…” freewebnøvel.coɱ

In the Distant Sky Domain, Ash and his companions watched the crimson lightning devouring the golden Phantoms in the distance. Though surprised, they weren’t caught off guard.

They had anticipated this moment.

Among the four Inheritances, the Lake Inheritance might hold less allure for the Divine Sovereigns, but the Eternal City within the Inheritance of Time, the Shattered Oneiria of the Specter’s Inheritance, and the Wishflux Celestium of the Wishflux Inheritance-each was enough to captivate the Divine Sovereigns.

What, you think the Divine Sovereigns wouldn’t compete with mere sorcerers for the Inheritances? After all, they are Divine Sovereigns, and should possess the magnanimity of the strong, right?

It’s understandable for ordinary people to think this way, but Ash and his group, being sanctuary sorcerers themselves, had long abandoned such naive notions-they themselves lacked that so-called magnanimity!

To forsake significant gains for the sake of magnanimity?

If Ash dared to do that, the sword Princess would surely bash his head in.

As the saying goes, touching one’s interests is harder than touching one’s soul. If benefits that could stir the hearts of the Divine Sovereigns truly appeared, they would undoubtedly intervene! The Appointation War of the Six Nations on the Time Continent had already demonstrated that the Divine Sovereigns had both the ability and the will to meddle in the lower Virtual Realm.

If one were to think cynically, perhaps the Lake Angel, King of Time, Specter Seer, and Lord of Wishflux chose to place their Inheritances in the lower Virtual Realm precisely to avoid having them seized by the Divine Sovereigns.

Ash had vaguely realized that although the Divine Sovereigns were powerful individuals with immense strength, they were also the decision-makers of their own factions.

Each of them was a Kingdom unto themselves, a force of their own. When every action involved countless interests, they couldn’t possibly act freely and whimsically; they had to weigh benefits and risks.

The so-called magnanimity of the strong is about trading benefits for emotional value. If one were an unburdened individual, with no responsibilities, then personal happiness would suffice; but if one were a leader responsible for the rise and fall of an entire organization, would they sacrifice tangible benefits for a bit of emotional satisfaction?

More importantly, although they were in a state of peaceful development, at their core, they were still competitors.

These Inheritances, if not seized by oneself, would be taken by other Divine Sovereigns, leading to a shift in power. Just like between nations, if a new resource point isn’t claimed, and another country takes it, it results in an increase in their national power and a decrease in one’s own.

So Ash and his companions knew that the Divine Sovereigns’ intervention was only a matter of time.

However…

“Isn’t this a bit too much?” Ash remarked, watching the lightning that seemed capable of tearing the sky apart. “I thought they’d be more discreet…”

“There are definitely more covert attacks,” Vesser noted. “Perhaps from the very first day, there have been divine interventions infiltrating and eroding the Specter’s Inheritance. Tonight’s blatant assault likely means someone crossed the line.”

Deya asked, “What line?”

“The boundary of the Specter’s Inheritance,” Sonya explained. “Someone’s nearing the end. To prevent the victor from monopolizing all the Inheritance’s benefits, they probably intend to dismantle the Specter’s Inheritance and then let everyone scramble for the pieces.”

“What? How can this be!” Deya exclaimed in shock. “Does this mean we have no chance to inherit the Specter’s Inheritance?”

“The situation in the Distant Sky Domain is still manageable, but Ruby Mountain is likely far worse,” Sonya remarked. “The Specter’s Inheritance is protected by the Shattered Oneiria, so the Divine Sovereigns would have to dismantle it first to interfere. But at Ruby Mountain, everyone is exposed. If someone crosses the line…”

“The Wishflux Inheritance concerns the ownership of the Celestium, and it will inevitably involve a clash among the Divine Sovereigns before a victor is decided,” Vesser analyzed. “Without strong backing, or if one’s backing isn’t powerful enough, a legendary sorcerer can’t simply rely on effort to seize the Celestium.”

Deya was visibly upset. “Will the Lake Inheritance and the Inheritance of Time also be snatched by the Divine Sovereigns? That’s just too much…”

“The Lake Inheritance and the Inheritance of Time might actually be safe,” Ash said. “The King of Time has a strong grip on the Eternal City, and even the heroic soul legion can’t breach it. Unless something unexpected happens, the heroic soul legion is the strongest force the Divine Sovereigns can deploy on the Time Continent.”

“The Lake Inheritance is the safest- the power level of the Sea of Knowledge is too low, normally only allowing One-Winged Sorcerers to enter. One-Winged Sorcerers are like children; no matter how powerful a weapon you give them, they can’t wield much strength. The Divine Sovereigns’ interference in the Sea of Knowledge likely won’t exceed the level of two-wings, and in the Angelic Heritage at the Demigod level, they can’t stir up much trouble.”

“Compared to One-Winged Sorcerers, sanctuary sorcerers and legendary sorcerers are already considered adults. If the Divine Sovereigns arm them with enough weapons, they can exert power far beyond their own. Thus, the Divine Sovereigns’ interference in the Distant Sky Domain and Ruby Mountain can reach the level of divine intervention!”

Although Ash and the others understood the situation, there was nothing they could do.

If One-Winged Sorcerers are children and sanctuary sorcerers are adults, then the Divine Sovereigns are akin to aircraft carriers. Whatever they intend to do, Ash and the others can only watch, and they must be careful not to get caught in the crossfire.

The question now was whether to continue participating in the Specter’s Inheritance. After some discussion, they unanimously decided- to keep pushing forward!

The Specter’s Inheritance wasn’t collapsing just yet, and even if it did, they could open up a Sanctuary to escape, or even seize the opportunity to grab some freebies!

More importantly, they had already surpassed 60 levels, and were close to the next Specter’s Appendix or Canon! Abandoning the potential gains due to some worries would be too cowardly- this is the Virtual Realm, after all. Even if they die, they can start over. When it’s time to take risks, they must do so!

“Observer, your new outfit looks great!”

Deya finally noticed Ash’s new attire, a menacing soul reaper look with chain accessories, in black and silver, with effects that seemed to echo the wails of lost souls as he moved. Since it was hard-earned, even if he wasn’t entirely satisfied with the effect, he had to show it off, lest the Source Crystal be truly wasted!

“Right?” Ash chuckled. “Thanks!”

Vesser had naturally noticed earlier, but waited for the Witch to mention it before she added, “It suits you well.”

“Thanks.” Ash glanced at the sword Princess, confirming she wasn’t planning to comment, then said, “Let’s go.”

The group stared at the golden Phantom, and in the next moment, they entered the Specter’s Inheritance.

Despite the chaos outside, the Inheritance seemed unaffected, continuing to function normally.

They advanced to the 15th level, where the Underground Hall was filled with countless light points and a pattern formed by these points. Ash and the others stepped back, allowing Vesser to take the lead.

This level had appeared multiple times before, and the method to clear it was straightforward: connect all the light points in one stroke to match the given pattern exactly. Though it resembled a simple game, the sheer number of densely packed light points in a three-dimensional structure proved challenging. Ash and the others had attempted it but always ended up wasting too much time and spirit energy.

Only Vesser navigated this level effortlessly, clearing it with ease. Hence, similar levels were always left to her.

This was the advantage of their teamwork: the sword Princess excelled in combat levels, the Witch often worked wonders in movement challenges, and Vesser dominated the intellectual puzzles. With them around, Ash only needed to stick close and play the role of the Guardian, ready to take hits.

As Vesser completed the level, Ash stood beside the sword Princess, lightly brushing his fingers against her hand.

No reaction. The sword Princess remained focused on the rapidly forming pattern.

He tickled her palm.

Still no response; she didn’t even glance at Ash.

(￣︿￣) Ash scoffed, stepping back to distance himself from her.

Vesser soon finished the level, and three reward options appeared in the hall. She glanced at them and said, “Witch, you take this ‘Flowing Soul’ spirit.”

They had already established a routine for which spirits to claim from previous levels, so there was no need for extra discussion; they simply took what was available.

As the Witch went to claim the reward, Sonya approached Ash and whispered, “You look quite dashing tonight, satisfied?”

Ash: “(￣︿￣) You’re so dismissive.”

Sonya couldn’t help but laugh. She brushed her finger across her lips and then quickly tapped Ash’s lips, chuckling softly, “Can you stop being so adorable?”

Boom!

Suddenly, the entire Inheritance space shook violently!

The four immediately went on high alert, a shared thought crossing their minds-had the Specter’s Inheritance been breached so soon!?

Yet, in the next moment, they were all transported to a golden hall.

Unlike the crude and dark Underground Hall, the golden hall was luxurious and solemn, bright and warm, with marble-tiled floors polished to a mirror-like shine.

The four stood back-to-back, surveying their surroundings, quickly noticing a large black leather book on the floor in the center of the hall.

Before they could investigate, the book opened on its own, and a sharp, sinister black arm extended from its pages.

As more of it emerged, the book shrank proportionately, until the black mist-like form was fully revealed before them, and the book vanished entirely.

It had no lower body; its upper body was composed of black mist, clad in black and silver armor. Its head bore no features, only a snake-like white line where the eyes should be, emitting a chilling glow as it gazed at Ash and the others.

“I am the Sorcerer’s Handbook of the Nightmare Angel, the Devil… Nightmare.” The voice of the Nightmare echoed throughout the grand hall. “Sorcerers, if you complete my trial, not only will you inherit all the heritage of the Nightmare Angel, but you might also gain control over the Dreaming Celestium-a complete Dreaming Celestium!”

Nightmare Angel!?

Ash and the others immediately recalled the contents of the Specter Handbook-the original master of the Dreaming Celestium was indeed the Nightmare Angel! Back when the Specter Seer was still a sorcerer, the Dreaming Celestium hadn’t shattered yet, but it was already the exclusive domain of the Nightmare Angel, barring ordinary sorcerers from entry.

“You’re the Sorcerer’s Handbook of the Nightmare Angel?” Ash was incredulous. “Can a Sorcerer’s Handbook actually speak?”

“A Sorcerer’s Handbook is the culmination of a sorcerer’s lifetime. For ordinary sorcerers, their handbook can only project an Inheritance Trial. But once a sorcerer steps into the Divine Dominion, their handbook can manifest angels and devils.” The Nightmare explained, though it left more questions than answers, and it seemed disinclined to clarify further. “So, are you willing to accept the Nightmare Angel’s trial?”

The group exchanged glances. Judging by reputation and name, the Nightmare Angel didn’t seem like a benevolent predecessor. Recklessly refusing might not end well.

“We’ve entered the Dreaming Celestium multiple times before,” Vesser cautiously inquired, “Why are you only bringing us here now?”

“Because part of the seal placed by the Specter Seer on the Dreaming Celestium has been broken,” the Nightmare surprisingly did not conceal. “The original, in life, was almost one with the Dreaming Celestium and secretly left an inheritance. Even though the Specter Seer obtained the remnants of the Celestium, as long as I hid, he couldn’t deal with me.”

“He placed multiple seals on me to ensure his inheritance proceeded smoothly. But now that the seals are broken, my power has extended through the gaps, regaining partial control over the Dreaming Celestium, and thus I brought qualifying sorcerers here.”

Ash and the others suddenly understood.

The Dreaming Celestium actually had two layers of inheritance: the outer inheritance of the Specter Seer and the inner inheritance of the Nightmare Angel! But the Nightmare Inheritance had remained hidden, not exposed through the ten-plus owners of the Dreaming Celestium, until the recent divine intervention disrupted the Specter’s Inheritance, prompting the Nightmare Inheritance to activate!

Deya curiously asked, “Hasn’t the Dreaming Celestium changed hands among many Demigods? Among so many sorcerers, was there not one qualified to inherit the Nightmare Inheritance?”

The Nightmare shook its head. “If a Demigod wished to seize it by force, I would be powerless to resist. The original foresaw this and stipulated that only mortal sorcerers could qualify for the inheritance.”

Vesser asked, “And what is the trial for the Nightmare Angel’s inheritance?”

“To condense a Divinity and create a deity.”

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