Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 454 Partial Release of Power

The former is understandable, as mechanical craftsmen and the Shadow Plane have no connection whatsoever, but the indifference of the Enigma and the Spectres is somewhat puzzling to the mage.

It wouldn't be accurate to say there was absolutely nothing amiss; their shadowy bodies, formed from condensed energy, appeared exceptionally profound, with wisps of shadowy mist seeping into them like strands of hair.

But that's all there is to it. It seems that without the guidance of a complete consciousness, these one-star chess pieces, like puppets, will ultimately be unable to grasp the power that is close to the essence of the plane.

"For managers, cognition is existence itself, and it is also the source of power."

The Soul Splitter's already deep voice became even more resonant, its booming tone barely adequate to describe it, like a muffled clap of thunder in a gloomy, overcast sky:
"The material and structure of the chess piece's body are certainly important, but it is ultimately just a vessel for our will. Otherwise, it would be nothing more than an inanimate object, unable to touch the infinite possibilities and miracles."

The words of the Soul Splitter answered the mage's doubts. The latter, whose guess had been confirmed, was not too disappointed. He just shook his head with some regret and then looked at the other party.

The Soul Splitter, having completed his transformation or rather, released his new form, was now in a stable state. He calmly nodded in response to the gaze directed at him. Shadows gathered beneath his feet, and his entire body, shrouded in shadow, appeared somewhat blurry and indistinct, yet exuded a powerful sense of impact and oppression.

"How are you and Nevin Moore feeling now?"

With such a commotion, it couldn't possibly be just a sound and light effect, could it? The mage was somewhat curious.

"Very good, my power finally has room to be used. This space reminds me of the beauty of the Soul Abyss Prison. With every breath, I can feel the shadows and the taste of souls."

Before the Soul Splitter could reply, the Shadow Fiend, swaying his upper body, leaned closer:
"How abundant is the power of shadow, it will eventually be at my disposal."

As Nevin Moore spoke, he casually waved his hand, and shadowy mist rolled on the open ground not far away. Red light flickered under the swollen black curtain. In just one breath, bang!

Like a volcanic eruption, the Shadow Demon casually conjured a stream of dark flames that shot into the sky, carrying shadows with it, and struck the more than ten-meter-high ceiling of the underground palace, like a waterfall of fire flowing backwards.

"Shadow of Destruction? You can use that spell now?"

The mage was somewhat pleasantly surprised. Did this mean that Shadow Suppression Black Three Cannon was about to make a comeback?
"The use of magical abilities is merely a manifestation of the control over the rules of power. The energy of this plane suits my needs perfectly; with just a slight twist, I can use it at will."

Shadow Fiend swung his arms with a smug look on his face, his shoulders shaking as if he had Parkinson's disease.

The mage didn't hold back his praise for the arrogant performance of the man before him, clapping his hands in a sigh before turning to the Soul Splitter: "Speaking of which, what about you, Balasen?"

"In this world, my connection with the plane has become much closer. With the shadow as a medium, I can travel freely in this plane."

Is this the awakened ultimate move?
The monk raised an eyebrow, then suddenly remembered something and asked in a suggestive manner:

"What if we return to the main plane? Will you still be able to use your newly acquired abilities?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the Shadow Demon and White Bull exchanged glances. After a moment of silence, the Soul Splitter pondered for a moment before answering the mage's question:

"The rules of the main plane are too perfect and solid, and the expression of matter has overshadowed the flow of ordinary energy. It is much more difficult to mobilize the basic elements under the surface of matter than in this place. I estimate that it will not work." "I was wrong. But even if it can only be used in the shadow plane, it is enough. I am more confident in this trip."

Zhang Yuan waved for everyone to proceed and explore, while in his mind he was assessing the potential abilities of the other chess pieces. The different abilities of the chess pieces were based on their mastery of different rules and powers. If that was the case, could these potentials be realized in other planes?
For example, could a water elemental plane filled with endless ocean currents allow mutant sprites to roam freely?
For example, would the Earth Elemental Plane, which is buried and nurtures countless gems and mineral treasures, welcome the visits of Tiny, Earth Spirits, and Earthshakers?

However, these are all things that are quite far away at present. Unlike the Shadow Plane that can be reached by using the existing Shadow Gate, it is by no means easy to establish a constant passage to the Elemental Realm. Without the support of mage towers and elemental pools, even high-level spellcasters can only stare helplessly.

Given Mr. Zhang's current capital, he's basically dreaming.

It's just a mage tower...

Ugh!
The thought of spending money on my territory alone already made me feel a pang of pain. Building a mage tower?

Even with the support promised by his seniors, the remaining budget was enough to bankrupt this poor guy who currently seemed to have some savings.

Shaking his head to stop worrying about these heart-stopping problems, the monk strolled to the exit of the underground palace and began to examine the structural details of the walls and steps.

This mirror-shaped underground palace is almost identical to the Gaoyabao underground palace in terms of architectural structure, but it is quite different in terms of stone texture.

"This stone is no ordinary stone. There are almost no mineable reserves in the surface world. It seems to be the legendary Deep Pit Rock. We'll probably have to ask our distant relatives, the rats, in the Underdark about its origins."

Redvale's blatantly discriminatory language drew angry glares from several grey dwarves among the Word Bearers, but they had no choice but to answer honestly under the questioning gaze of the mage.

"Deep Pit Dark Rock has another name underground—Deep Earth Nightmare Stone. It's a type of stone produced only in the deepest mines in the Dark Regions. It's quite solid, but it's not usually used for building dwellings or fortresses; rather..."

"But what?"

Seeing the gray dwarf's evasive words, the mage vaguely guessed what was going on.

"These stones are mostly used as materials for building tombs."

The gray dwarf simply said it outright.

Goodness, no wonder I felt something was off when I touched the stone wall earlier. But considering that this castle was born from the shadow plane, it's normal for it to be biased towards negative energy.

The group proceeded cautiously, as there might still be some remnants outside the underground palace. Although it was unlikely that there were any other powerful monsters in the territory of the Giant Insect Nightshade, it was always better to be careful.

Unsurprisingly, the advance team from the underground palace wiped out the entire Mirror Cliff Fortress without suffering any casualties. They were just a group of scattered soldiers, and the scene was far too cruel when faced with the combined onslaught of the Shadow Demon and the Soul Splitter, who were itching to fight after their power increased.

Although progress was smooth, the harvest was meager. Looking at the completely cleared castle and the remnants of ghosts, skeletons, and ribs that the Word Bearers presented after cleaning up the battlefield, Master Zhang's face was not very pleasant.

Thank you to Aussie Liangbaikai and Wanliu Tongyuan for your monthly ticket support!


(End of this chapter)