Chapter 787: Nami is Happy

The emblem of the Sky Knight, soaring; the advanced magic of the Great Magician, Invisibility.

At this moment, Parris shattered the shackles of two cultivation systems, becoming a Light-Magic Swordsman who embodied both the Sky Knight and the Great Magician.

No longer an ordinary Light-Magic Swordsman, she could now be called a Grand Light-Magic Swordsman.

Maintaining her invisibility, she flew back to her original spot and knelt on one knee before Liszt, barely containing her excitement: "Thank you for your tutelage, Lord. Parris shall be your lance, charging into battle at your command!" She had fully embraced the knightly system.

Liszt's Magic Eye was still active, carefully observing the flow of mana within Parris's body. He replied casually, "Your successful breakthrough makes all the effort Acheronides and I put in worthwhile."

Parris immediately bowed to Acheronides: "Thank you for your assistance, Lady A Ke Luo Yi De Si. Parris will never forget it."

Acheronides, never one for minced words, said, "You’ve just broken through into a new cultivation system. There’s still much information I need you to help me record and study."

Parris replied solemnly, "The honor is mine."

Her gratitude was genuine—no one, woman or not, would refuse the chance to grow stronger. Parris was no exception, especially after witnessing the relentless training of Emily, Liszt’s youngest follower. It had deeply moved her—only by growing stronger could she keep pace with her Lord.

To follow the Lord, forge a new kingdom, and become part of a legend.

Yet Liszt felt a twinge of melancholy seeing Parris so reverent.

The Parris who once dared to kill nobles, boldly storm castles, and later blush at the sight of him—that Parris was gone. In her place stood another knight shaped by the chivalric order. It wasn’t that this change was bad, but losing that spark of personality always left him wistful.

Liszt valued loyal followers, even if they were like puppets—so long as they were loyal to him.

But for those he had known since humble beginnings, he wished they could retain their original personalities. Sadly, under the tide of the knightly system, few could hold onto their former selves. That was why he dragged Acheronides to the piano to sing—he didn’t want her to become just another "mage."

One of those fanatics who warped themselves in pursuit of magic and truth.

"Parris, you’ve just ascended. Take some time to adjust to your body’s changes—no need to rush into research with Acheronides. Join me for the banquet at Thorn Keep and dine with me."

"As you wish, Your Highness."

...

Parris couldn’t wait to explore her newfound strength.

Meanwhile, Liszt summoned the smoke quest: "Quest complete. Reward: a lead on the Flame Swordsman."

Parris’s successful ascension marked the feasibility of the Light-Magic Swordsman path, meaning the Flame Swordsman path was now viable. The clue would be easy to find—a quick consult with the Archmage would suffice.

"Acheronides, what have you gleaned from observing the Light-Magic Swordsman? Do you have a complete idea on how to replicate the Light-Magic Swordsman, or perhaps the Flame Swordsman?"

"Further analysis and comparison are needed, but I already have a complete framework. Given time, I should be able to decipher the cultivation methods for Light-Magic, Flame, and other Dragon Swordsmen."

"That’s good. But don’t rush—you have too many magical research projects. Take your time."

"Mmm."

With that, Acheronides vanished into her lab.

Left to himself, Liszt returned to his study, pondering the observations he had made during Parris’s ascension, trying to uncover the secrets within. Perhaps there was too much to process—his mind was a whirl, and after much deliberation, he couldn’t distill any clear conclusions.

Frustration simmered.

He took a few deep breaths to steady himself, then focused and summoned the smoke quest once more.

"Mission: As Acheronides continues to care for it, the mangrove thrives, and the ducklings and firebirds grow in waves, the mangrove sprite Nami stays cheerful every day. Keep her spirits up. Reward: a Grand Sprite from the mangroves."

"Nami's going to evolve too."

Looking at the Serpentine Smoke, Liszt couldn't help but feel reinvigorated.

Although Nami wasn't a spirit bug he personally contracted, emotionally there was no difference. Moreover, she had proven her worth through hard work, earning a place in Liszt's heart far above other spirit bugs.

"Since the smoke task has been issued, it's perfect to have Acheronides spare half an hour each day to play with Nami. This will keep Nami in good spirits while also allowing Acheronides to take a break from magic and relax her mind." Liszt immediately made this kill-two-birds-with-one-stone decision.

Then he smiled.

Searching the sea for the Giant Kelp forest to contract the Giant Kelp Grand Sprite Parker, capturing the Raging-Wave Marquis in exchange for the Pea Grand Sprite Ai Xi, exploring the Flaming Mountain forest to discover the Phoenix Perching Grand Sprite Ai Ni, stimulating the Thorn Fairy Jie La to evolve into a Thorn Grand Sprite, and now helping the Red Tree Fairy Nami evolve into a Red Tree Grand Sprite.

The fifth Grand Sprite was soon to be acquired.

Something to celebrate!

Soon, another piece of joyous news arrived via magic transmission from the exploration fleet. They had discovered a large island in the sea 400 kilometers south of the First Archipelago.

Initial estimates suggested this large island wouldn't be smaller than Coral Island in area. To put it in perspective, Black Horse Island was roughly the size of a typical county, while Coral Island matched a typical city, typically around 10,000 square kilometers—indeed a large island.

"The island is lush, with dense mangrove forests even along the coast, and large flocks of seabirds circling overhead. I am leading the exploration fleet to find a suitable landing spot for an expedition. We will rest and resupply here, awaiting Flame to replenish our provisions."

After hearing the message transmitted via the magic platform, Liszt immediately instructed Lucy and Ruth to reply: "Tell Yevich that Flame will set sail as soon as possible. Also, advise him not to venture deep into the island—just check out the surrounding areas. The priority now is to search the surrounding seas thoroughly; there must be more islands!"

With war looming, Liszt could no longer spare knights for exploration missions.

Moreover, the distances to newly discovered islands were growing increasingly vast, making resupply difficult. He and Acheronides couldn't afford to waste time sailing endlessly just to support the exploration fleet.

Three islands—Dragon-Turtle Island and the First Archipelago—remained undeveloped, and now another large island had been found. There simply wasn't the capacity for further exploration.

Even if he went to the new island himself, it would be hard to fully explore it in a short time.

Though the Dragon Eye Trajectory was powerful, forests that are too dense made it difficult to observe the undergrowth, potentially missing magical beasts, herbs, and spirit bugs. Back on Flaming Mountain, it took five or six days of effort—had he not spotted the Phoenix Perching Grand Sprite's fungus-grass, he might never have found the Flame Dragonbird.

"I hope this island is part of a larger archipelago... Black Horse Island is 3,300 kilometers from the First Archipelago, and the First Archipelago is 400 kilometers from the new island—that's over 3,700 kilometers. A regular sailing ship would take nearly a month to cover that distance."

Even with Acheronides speeding ahead on Flame, it would take a good seven or eight hours to arrive.

The distance was truly too great.