904 End of Imprisonment and Arrival of Enemy Reinforcements
A new month had slipped by, with Vicente still entrenched in the same cultivation room he had entered four months earlier.
Today, however, he emerged as a transformed individual, having mastered over 150 spells and 40 forging techniques. His control over his elements was now unparalleled. He had achieved remarkable feats during his time in isolation.
As he concluded another intense session of cultivation, Vicente opened his eyes, a determined glint shining through. "I'm so close," he thought. "Just a few more techniques or a spark of inspiration, and I'll ascend to the next stage within months."
Glancing around the room, a sense of pride washed over him. The brand new robotic artifacts and armors he had meticulously crafted stood testament to his progress. The new forging techniques, combined with his magical knowledge, had revolutionized his designs. His latest armor was now so formidable that even Archmages would struggle to leave a scratch.
He couldn't help but wonder, if he had showcased these creations before the disaster, would the continent's 6th stage magicians have fought tooth and nail for them?
They were so good that they couldn't be classified as 5th stage items. In fact, they were quasi-6th-stage artifacts. They weren't exactly 6th stage artifacts, but they were closer to that quality than they were to the lower stage.
In the hands of Archmages or even High-level Paragons, they could injure and even endanger the lives of Intermediate Archmages.
When used without the help of a magician or magical beingwhen used independently with the Magical Symphony, which could imbue these artifacts with consciousnessthey were slightly weaker, but still enough to challenge Beginner Archmages!
With powers over air, ice, fire, earth, lightning, poison, shadow, and even light, these artifacts were unique artificial organisms on the entire continent.
Seeing the 15 robotic armors he had developed in the past few months, along with armors, shields, firearms, weapons for humans and monsters, Vicente clenched his fists with a determined look on his face.
Not only had the techniques and spells he studied in these months brought Vicente closer to the 6th stage, but they had also made him undeniably stronger. He now possessed a set of tools that could significantly arm his allies.
"It's time to go," he muttered to himself, the resolve clear in his eyes. "I must find new techniques and spells... I heard the former headquarters of the Blacksmith Association is in the far northwest of the region. According to Tenglin, high-level monsters have overrun that area. But we must face these dangers if we are to take the next steps in our journey."
As Vicente's group prepared to emerge from their hiding place, the vampire contingent readied themselves for an ambush. Recent reinforcements had bolstered their ranks: six High-level Paragon vampires and two Advanced Archmage monsters, all eager for battle.
The seven High-level Paragons and three Advanced Archmages occupied various tents in the camp, meditating and awaiting the signal to attack. Their strategy had been discussed over the past few weeks. Confident in their plan, they believed Vicente's group lacked the strength to overpower them or escape.
The camp was a hive of muted activity. The air was thick with anticipation, the murmur of preparations blending with the rustling of the nearby forest. Inferior 6th stage vampires patrolled the perimeter, their senses keen for any sign of movement, while mid-level 5th stage vampires coordinated their efforts, ensuring no detail was overlooked.
One of these creatures suddenly narrowed his eyes when he saw the entrance of the tunnel that Vicente had built leading to the entrance of the bunker change slightly.
Dust rose from that place, covering the surroundings, while the mana there vibrated as if something powerful had appeared.
Vicente and his companions left the bunker, already using their abilities to hide their auras and become invisible.
But the vampires had their own methods. Aware of Vicente's advanced camouflage methods, the vampires keeping watch in the area were prepared to deal with someone like him.
Moments after Vice left that place and reached the surface of the City of Angels, one vampire identified Vicente's position and sounded the alarm their leaders had been waiting for.
The ten beings opened their eyes, each of them opening an exuberant bow in their mouths as they rose from where they were about to move.
Vicente and his companions noticed powerful beings in the area, and he soon stopped at the location of the monsters' camp.
"We have problems," Acidbelly said in a low tone. He quickly realized they wouldn't be able to go ahead with Vicente's new plans so easily.
All they could do was prepare for the imminent battle, and Vicente became even more serious when he saw he was about to test his powers and his new creations!