Fire Mage-Chapter 644: Sage’s Gem

Chapter 644: Sage’s Gem

Charles nodded, understanding the risks. These sealed chambers likely housed powerful but dangerous relics. The idea thrilled him—but also kept him on guard.

Victor’s anticipation grew as they approached the entrance of the Second Chamber. He took a deep breath, bracing himself.

Within moments, both stepped into the chamber—and paused in awe.

The Second Chamber was massive, domed, and decorated with intricate carvings of ancient battles, celestial beings, and mystical creatures. The ceiling disappeared into darkness, giving the illusion of endless height.

Just as Victor described, four towering statues stood at the center. Each one, around five meters tall, was crafted from shimmering black stone that radiated faint magical energy. Their lifelike detail evoked a sense of beauty and subtle menace.

The first statue depicted a regal male figure clad in armor, holding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. Its eyes glowed with ethereal light, as though it were watching them.

The second statue was a serene woman in flowing robes, her hands folded in meditation. Her closed eyes conveyed tranquility and ancient wisdom.

The third statue was of a majestic winged lion. Its claws looked razor-sharp, its gaze piercing. Wings outstretched, it seemed ready to leap into flight.

The fourth stood apart—shrouded in a hooded cloak that merged with surrounding shadows. A staff rested in its hand, its features hidden. It radiated secrecy and mystery.

"Which one did you choose last time?" Charles asked as he walked toward the center.

Victor smiled. "Of course, the beautiful woman, Your Excellency."

He approached the second statue, bowed his head, and touched its feet.

A blinding golden light poured from the statue’s eyes, enveloping him. In an instant, Victor turned into golden light and vanished.

"I didn’t even sense elemental energy from that light," Charles murmured. "Divine Power? No... it felt different. Could that be Law Power... or even something beyond—like Realm Creation?"

He shook his head and looked toward the remaining three statues.

He studied the muscular warrior statue first but felt no pull toward it. Then, he turned to the winged lion—and something stirred. A strange resonance.

’The Winged Lion might suit me...’ Just as he was about to step forward, Grace—the sword at his waist—let out a screech and suddenly lashed out at the lion statue.

’What the hell?’ Charles froze. Grace had never acted on her own, never communicated. If not for Azoth’s words, he wouldn’t have believed she had a will of her own, let alone a violent past.

’She doesn’t like the Winged Lion? But... I can’t just give up.’ He lifted his foot to take another step—but stopped abruptly.

A sharp pain slashed across his neck.

"F*ck!" He winced, stepping back. A bluish flame ignited in his palm, sealing and healing the wound.

"Forget it. I’ll choose the fourth statue," he sighed and turned toward the cloaked figure.

He reached it, raised his hand, and touched its left foot.

A moment later, his vision blurred.

When it cleared, he found himself inside a small, dim room—barely ten feet wide.

A simple wooden cot sat at the center. On it lay a skeleton wrapped in a black robe.

"He died in his sleep?" Charles muttered as he stepped closer. The skin and flesh had long since decayed, leaving stains on the cot.

But the bones caught his attention. Despite the decay, they pulsed with faint divine energy.

"Remnant will of the previous owner?" he guessed aloud.

You carry Periyon’s scent, an ancient voice echoed in his mind.

Hmm... Not from you. From something in your space ring...

Suddenly, the crystal dimension stone floated out of his ring and hovered in midair.

The Eye of Destruction and Chaos... No, this one’s an imitation of Periyon’s third eye. Where did you find it, lad?

Though surprised, Charles remained composed.

"I found it deep within a meteorite. May I ask who you are, sir?"

Hohoho, a polite lad. The voice chuckled, shaking the room with its laughter.

I was called Esim in my time. Gods, Demons, even Devils called me Archfiend Esim. But that name doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is: Are you worthy of my inheritance?

"Inheritance? I thought this chamber held an artifact," Charles replied honestly.

Hmph! An artifact? Mere tools. Useful, yes—but limited. Before the voice could finish, Grace suddenly sprang to life.

In a flash, she sliced the skeleton’s neck clean off.

The room fell into stunned silence.

Holy Mother of Corruption and Creation! the voice gasped.

What kind of sword is that? I sense madness... nightmares... even the boundless void. And it cut through my bone like paper!

Charles gently patted Grace’s hilt.

"Please forgive her, Lord Esim. She doesn’t speak... and has a temper."

He added, "So... what exactly does your inheritance include? Can it help me? I’m already on the path of the Fire Mage."

Worry not. My inheritance won’t interfere with your path—it will elevate it.

As the voice spoke, a strange bluish gem materialized and hovered in the air before him.

This is my life’s research: the Sage’s Gem. It can deduce any complex question or problem and help you understand things on a deeper level.

"Is it like my Rune Eye skill?"

No. The Rune Eye helps you observe more clearly and find weaknesses—but this gem? It’s the heart of wisdom itself, the voice said proudly.

Chapter 652: Skills of Sage’s Gem

"How do you want to check if I can receive this inheritance?" Charles asked, his eyes fixed on the bluish gem floating in the air.

’Simple. Use your knowledge of runes and attempt to comprehend the Wisdom Essences hidden within this Sage’s Gem. If you can unlock ten essences and master the first five skills within the next ten days, the inheritance will be yours.’

’From what I see, your [Rune Eye] can barely comprehend a single essence. Even that demands tremendous focus and comprehension speed.’ The voice paused, a flicker of intrigue entering its tone. ’But sometimes, miracles occur. If you manage to grasp even a sliver of this gem’s essence, your comprehension and analytical speed could increase manifold.’

’It’s nearly impossible. Unless someone possesses a Genius or Prodigy-level affinity with wisdom, this feat is unachievable.’

Frowning, Charles caught the gem in his hand, gently setting the Crystal Dimension stone on the cot before sitting on the cold floor.

He activated [Rune Eye] and [Accelerate Thoughts], directing his full focus toward the Sage’s Gem.

Time slowed. His thoughts sharpened. He isolated a single streak of Wisdom Essence and began dissecting the intricate patterns of the Wisdom Runes.

Fifteen minutes passed.

A surge of understanding swept through him.

He had succeeded in grasping the first streak—unlocking the first skill: Enigmatic Unraveling.

The knowledge filled his mind: this skill would allow him to unravel complex riddles, puzzles, and mysteries at astounding speed, revealing secrets buried in ancient enigmas.

’Even with [Accelerate Thoughts], it takes over 15 minutes for a single essence. At this rate, I’d need far more than ten days just for one full essence.’

Esim had been right—on its own, the [Rune Eye] would’ve needed six to seven hours per streak. But [Accelerate Thoughts] boosted his mental pace significantly, pushing his progress forward.

’Still, this is only the beginning.’ Without hesitation, he transformed into his elemental form and projected his consciousness into the Crystal Dimension stone.

Inside, the Will of Esim stirred.

’A flame body? And not just any... That’s Rebirth Flame. You’ve mastered over ten of its laws?’ The ancient voice was rattled. ’Just who are you? How old are you really?’

"I’m turning forty-eight. Though, after traveling through different worlds... it’s probably more than that. Still not a century."

Before Esim could respond, Charles vanished.

’He entered the sealed dimension? With that Eye Incarnation still inside? Isn’t he afraid of being frozen in time?’

Then, realization struck Esim.

’No... he can move within frozen time. Is he... a Reincarnator?’

Meanwhile, Charles stood before the giant fireball, his attention locked on the blue gem in his palm. Activating [Rune Eye], he once again delved into comprehension.

Two hours passed as he worked through the second streak. Slower than before, but progress nonetheless.

’I can feel it... My ability to analyze and solve problems is evolving.’

He pressed on, pouring effort into the Sage’s Gem.

By the end of the day, he unlocked the second skill: Analytic Enchantment.

’This can dismantle and analyze magical enchantments and curses, revealing their nature and effects. It can also identify how to dispel or enhance them.’

He didn’t rest. He kept going.

A week passed in a blur.

He had now comprehended 100 essence streaks and unlocked the third skill: Mystic Algorithm.

’This lets me understand magical algorithms and the hidden rules behind mystical spells and rituals.’

His pace accelerated. The skill itself amplified his comprehension speed.

Within a month, he had reached over 800 Wisdom Essence streaks and unlocked the fourth skill: Phantasmal Analysis.

’This one allows me to analyze illusions and phantoms—discerning reality from deception. Useful in a world of tricks.’ A rare smile crept onto his face.

’This old man’s inheritance is far better than I expected. Even my [Rune Eye] is evolving alongside it.’

Four and a half months passed within the Crystal Dimension—just one day in the outside world.