The World of Mercenaries

Chapter 9: The Ice Greatsword

As with everyone experiencing their first time breaking free from petrification, Amy collapsed to the ground the moment the spell lifted. A withered hand reached out and helped him up.

"I met your father six months ago inside the Ice Tower of Wishes, and we fought side by side for three months," the old mage said, taking Amy completely by surprise.

As Lake Hanfeng's spell lifted as well, he rubbed his sore rear and climbed to his feet. "Mister Mage, may I ask your name?"

"I am Leger, the Grand Mage of the Aimi Imperial Court, and the magic instructor to the 53rd Emperor Harry IV of the Aimi Empire. You don’t need to bow—I’m well aware my lineage predates even that of Chi Nian Yuan. Now then, what year is it on the Red Moon Calendar? I just left the Tower of Wishes, and it seems things have changed a lot. Sigh, a single day in the tower must be a century out here." The mage’s voice was filled with nostalgia.

Chi Hanfeng, trying to keep his composure, replied politely while carefully probing for more information. "Ah, I see. You’ve been around quite a while, sir. But the ways of the world are ruthless, and the hierarchy no longer abides by seniority. By the way, it’s currently Red Moon Year 199. So, when exactly did you see Lake Haber?"

"It’s been 93 years… I’ve spent a full 93 years in the Tower of Wishes…" murmured the old mage, his expression growing grave as he spoke.

Ninety-four years ago, Grand Mage Leger had entered the Tower of Wishes to explore unknown realms of magic, escorted by troops from the Federation. Once inside, he found himself in a completely different world. Even though the Tower of Wishes was said to have thirteen floors, it seemed to stretch infinitely, with a distant sun shining over towering, snow-covered mountains and endless snow falling. When Leger attempted to leave, he discovered that there was no door.

A hint of a smile crept over the mage’s face. "It took a long time, but I finally understood the true nature of the tower’s trial. Any mage entering the tower finds themselves in a unique, personal realm created based on their own magical attributes, aligned with the tower’s essence."

According to the Mundane Compendium, the earliest human mages were divided into three factions—Nature (Neutral), Order, and Destruction—each forming pacts with elementals of their respective domains to wield magic. Magic is divided into five levels, and an apprentice mage can use Level 1 spells across different elements. When they master Level 3 spells, they become a Level 2 mage, and by mastering Level 4 spells, they become a Level 1 mage. But only a rare few reach the level of Grand Mage, mastering their element’s Level 5 spells.

The level of Grand Mage is a plateau, where many mages spend their lives without advancing further. Only a select few attempt the Tower of Wishes, but those who survive their trials never reveal its mysteries, bound by a silent pact with higher elementals.

"When I achieved the power of the domain, the Ice Archsprite Aelranis came forth to make a pact with me, granting me dominion over the realm of ice. But knowing a domain is not enough to open the tower’s exit. That’s where your father came in," said Leger, looking intently at Amy.

"Only one door exists, which mages can never see within their realms. But your father, Lake Haber, was an exception. He’s no mage, so he could see beyond the illusions and into each realm. When I manifested my domain, its edges intersected with the tower’s barriers, and he was able to reach me."

Following this chance encounter, Lake Haber guided Leger to the exit, allowing him to leave the tower.

The Grand Mage, or more accurately, the Ice Magus Leger, reached into a magical satchel and pulled out a large, snow-white two-handed sword, presenting it to Amy.

"Your father said he left this sword at the door when he entered the Tower of Wishes. The Ice Archsprite Aelranis happened to enchant it with some magic as a parting gift. He asked me to give it to you," Leger said.

"What about my father? Didn’t he leave with you?"

"No, only by mastering a domain can a mage unlock the door. Your father lacks magical powers. But don’t worry; I left him some magical tomes. In time, he may gain the knowledge he needs to create his own domain. Aelranis has taken an interest in him, so he may well assist. Why not take a closer look at your father’s little gift?" Leger suggested.

“Oh, it feels so light,” Amy remarked, effortlessly swinging the sword single-handedly. "If it weren't for its size, I'd think it was a one-handed sword."

"Leger, I've seen this sword before, but it looked different. Originally, it was black. How did it turn snow white?" asked Chi Hanfeng, who had recognized the weapon.

"Ha! That’s the magic of the Tower of Wishes. The door was locked for years within the intersecting domains of countless Grand Mages, constantly exposed to wind, snow, and the enchantments of the ice elementals. Its structure changed, and it now carries several unique traits. First, it’s lighter due to its internal transformation. Second, it now bears the name Blade of Ice. Knowing its name allows you to cast the Level 1 ice spell Ice Blade freely. Finally, any wielder with sufficient magic power can cast advanced ice spells. And if you form a pact with Aelranis, you can even summon an ice domain. This sword doesn’t need enchantments; it’s self-sustaining," Leger whispered.

"This is incredible!" Amy exclaimed, thrilled with the new weapon.

"Say, Amy, would you like to learn magic?" Leger asked casually.

“Yes! I’d love to!” Amy was beside himself with excitement—learning magic would bring him one step closer to entering the Tower of Wishes himself.

On the side, Chi Hanfeng couldn’t hide his displeasure, his face sour as he muttered, "Of course… he's only here to steal my apprentice."

Leger laid a reassuring hand on Chi Hanfeng’s shoulder. "Young man, there are things you don't yet understand. Amy has to learn magic. In time, you’ll see why."

"Amy, I’ve never taken an apprentice before, and you’ll be my first—and probably my last. Your rigorous physical training with Hanfeng will serve you well in your studies. I expect—no, I require—that you surpass me and become a Great Magus of Nature. That’s what your father wishes for you, too."

"Well, if you’re available, would you both like to accompany me to Dragon’s Fang Mountain? I hear green dragons have been sighted there frequently as of late. If we manage to find a dragon’s lair, I think you know what treasures we might find: gold, rubies, emeralds, pearls—everything one could imagine, really. And of course, dragons are known for taking human princesses captive… you see what I’m getting at?” Leger finished, smiling at Chi Hanfeng.

As Amy struggled to make sense of Leger’s intentions, he noticed Chi Hanfeng’s face light up with excitement, as if he were already dreaming of the riches.

And so, Amy set off for Dragon’s Fang Mountain for the first time.

**Excerpt from Shanhai Jing: Tales of Mythical Creatures **

Located in the northernmost region of the Frozen Continent, Dragon’s Fang Mountain serves as the natural border between the Kingdom of Hami and North Hami Kingdom. With an average altitude of over 3,000 meters, its highest peak, the Green Dragon Terrace, stands at 4,313 meters.

The origins of the name Dragon’s Fang Mountain are unclear, but two main theories persist:

The ancient creation god allegedly quelled the battle between gods and demons by commanding a chariot drawn by six dragons, driving ice demons away and sealing them within this mountain range by pulling out the icy fangs of the green dragon in his chariot. When the fangs touched the wind, they transformed into mountains.

The mountain’s shape resembles the fangs of a dragon, thus the name.