Fire Mage-Chapter 683: Titan’s Circlet

Chapter 683: Titan’s Circlet

A jolt surged through Charles’s body like lightning. The world around him cracked and began to shatter. A scorching pain erupted in his mind, nearly forcing a scream from his lips.

In the next instant, Charles snapped his eyes open, back in reality, dizziness washing over him.

What the hell was that? Did those two titans really notice me watching them? It wasn’t the first time something like this had happened, so he forced himself to calm down.

Only then did he sense Epialos pulling at his consciousness, trying to guide it elsewhere.

"Astrape," Charles said, mimicking the same pronunciation the Sun Titan had used.

The ring’s energy froze. Then, a wave of bloodlust surged from within.

"Where did you hear that word? Who are you?" Epialos demanded.

A slow smile formed on Charles’s lips. Without replying, he activated the ’Inspect’ skill and focused on the artifact.

[Artifact Name: Titan’s Circlet – Epialos]

Title: Stormheart Whisper

Rank: Intellectual Artifact

Nickname: S-13 (Astrape’s Ring)

Definition:

One of the seven intellectual artifacts crafted by an Elder Dwarf as a gift for his only friend, Astrape. It was originally imbued with the power of Life, Wind, and Lightning. After the Elder Dwarf’s untimely death, his sole disciple completed the artifact—but not without attempting to claim it. This betrayal seeded malevolence in the artifact, forming a unique, darker trait.

(Set Intellectual Artifact: 1/7)

Rumors suggest that fusing all seven artifacts will create a powerful ****** artifact.

Restriction:

This artifact will only accept a Titan or someone with Titan bloodline as its master. It also retains the stubborn personality of the Elder Dwarf.

Abilities:

Extraordinary Vitality (Lifeforce Resonance):

Grants the bearer exceptional physical and mental resilience, permanently extending their lifespan by up to 100 years. It draws on the elemental essence of life to heal wounds, remove curses, and maintain peak condition. (Cooldown: 1/year)Thunderbolt Fury:

Unleashes devastating lightning strikes capable of paralyzing or disrupting opponents’ energy systems.Zephyr Dance:

Allows fluid control of wind, enhancing agility in battle. The winds can be shaped defensively to deflect attacks or offensively into slicing currents.Tempest’s Embrace:

Creates a swirling shield of wind and charged particles that adapts to incoming threats, neutralizing physical and magical assaults.Whispers of Malevolence:

Inflicts psychological influence during speech, inducing loyalty or hatred in listeners. Ideal for turning tides in war or undermining enemy morale.

Whispers of Malevolence... It’s almost like the ’Sacred Oath’ spell. Powerful as it is, this ring won’t stay with me unless it chooses to. Forcing it is pointless.

"If you want answers, follow me. Fulfill a promise I give you, and I’ll let you go. You’ll be free to choose your next master," Charles said coolly.

"Kekeke, interesting. You’re no Lockwood, but a human... one who sees too much. Hmph. Even if you hadn’t come, someone worthy would’ve found me in a decade or two," Epialos replied, its voice steady. Then, it began to shrink, floating before him in the form of a normal-sized ring.

"I’ll help you this once. I have a feeling you’ll meet my new master soon," the artifact added cryptically.

Charles extended his hand and caught the ring, turning to leave.

Just then, Epialos sniffed the air and muttered, "Strange... Why do I smell the blood of my master’s enemy on you? Hmm. Did you encounter a Sun Titan?"

The question widened Charles’s eyes. "You can tell just by sniffing?"

"We share... peculiar bonds. Anyway, let’s leave before those fake believers show up," Epialos said irritably.

Charles shook his head and made his way to the Royal Treasury’s entrance. He could’ve taken more artifacts, but that would risk exposing his true identity.

Killing three Legend-ranked powerhouses is manageable... but who knows what arrays lie hidden in this palace? Better not be greedy, he told himself as he walked.

A few seconds later, he stood before the tall door. With a loud creak, it opened to reveal a dim corridor.

A guard on the other side stared wide-eyed as Charles stepped out.

"You’re back already, Your Highness? It hasn’t even been two minutes," the guard said with suspicion.

"I don’t take long to make decisions," Charles replied, raising the golden ring. "I chose an artifact with a strong defensive spell. Tell Elder Finley I’ll be in my room, getting familiar with it."

As he spoke, Charles opened a metallic box and began equipping his other artifacts.

"It’s better if you report this first, Your Highness. Antony can bring Elder Finley here quickly if you—"

"It’s not a big deal. I’ll tell him myself," Charles cut in and walked away.

Though the guard wanted to stop him, his status prevented it.

Charles returned to the Crown Prince’s chamber, passed unnoticed through the halls, and reverted to his disguise as Cyrus. Then, he exited the palace.

Thankfully, Jay was still near the entrance, chatting with the Royal Guards. He ran over when he spotted Charles.

"Sir Cyrus, why did you return?"

Charles’s expression was serious. "His Highness wishes to send a banquet invitation to Duke Eldrakar. Let’s go."

Jay, though puzzled by the sudden change, nodded without question.

The Royal Guards overheard the conversation and exchanged curious glances. Whispers quickly spread about the Crown Prince’s relationship with Duke Eldrakar’s household.

Unbothered, Charles climbed into the golden-curtained carriage. Jay took the reins and drove it toward the outer courtyard. After a routine inspection, they exited the Royal Palace.

The carriage rolled through the Central Borough in silence.

Then, Jay noticed something odd—he hadn’t heard a sound from inside in a while. Concerned, he pulled the horses to a halt.

"Sir Cyrus?" he called, turning the carriage to the roadside.

No response.

Frowning, Jay climbed down and approached the door. He knocked twice.

"Sir Cyrus? Are you alright?"

Still nothing.

He opened the door and froze.

The carriage was empty.

"What the... Where did he go?"

Stunned, Jay stood silently on the road, torn over what to do.

Should I inform the Royal Guards? Maybe the Crown Prince gave him secret orders... That’s possible, he thought, falling into deep contemplation.

After stealing the Titan’s Circlet, Charles returned to the Mermaid’s Inn and soon stood before a wooden door on the second floor.

He calmly raised his hand and knocked three times.

"Old man, I’m back. Open the door," he called out.

"Wait a second, lad," came Runeth’s voice from the other side. A moment later, the door creaked open.

"You finished your job already?" Runeth asked as he stepped aside.

Without answering, Charles opened his palm and revealed the golden ring before stepping inside.

"Oh? That’s a powerful intellectual artifact indeed," Runeth remarked, his eyes narrowing. A second later, something seemed to click in his mind as he peered deeper into the ring’s essence. "So you’re the creation of Elder Dwarf Hjuldar? But why do you carry such a wicked essence?"

"You know Master Hjuldar?!" a stunned voice echoed from the ring.

"Anyone who’s stepped foot in the Elder Plane wouldn’t forget that legendary name. Though he died over a hundred millennia ago, Hjuldar remains one of the greatest Rank Runesmiths in history. Some even call him the Master of Creation. His artifacts still float through the Higher Plane, troubling even the gods. Though his achievements don’t quite match Lord Shepherd’s, Hjuldar is still held in the highest regard by all Ancient Mages," Runeth said solemnly.

"You two can get acquainted after we leave this city," Charles cut in, walking toward the center of the room. His gaze fell on the iron spear hovering quietly in mid-air, runic characters swirling around it like ethereal serpents.

"So, how’s your research going, old man? Still think this piece of metal is worth your time?" Charles asked, though he already knew the artifact might be something unique.

"Hmph. Studying an evolution-type artifact is no simple task. I’ll need over a decade just to understand how it works—how it evolves. Only then can I think about ranking it up step by step," Runeth replied, moving to the spear and carefully storing it in his space ring.

"Let’s leave now," he said, heading toward the wooden door.

Charles followed without a word. They exited the room, returned their keys at the reception, and departed the Mermaid’s Inn.

Outside, they hired a four-wheeled carriage and began navigating the bustling streets of the Central Borough. Eventually, they reached the Southern Gate—their exit point from the Holy City.

As they disembarked, they found themselves among a crowd of merchants also departing the city. Blending into the group, the duo traveled westward along a dusty trail.

Once they had distanced themselves from the city and parted ways with the merchants, Charles and Runeth ascended into the sky, flying in the direction of the Arc Kingdom.

"How far is the Iron Kingdom from here?" Charles asked, his body enveloped in Wisdom Power as he soared through the air.

"Roughly 34,000 kilometers. If we fly one kilometer every ten seconds, we’ll reach it by the end of the fourth day. It took me five days to get from there to the Sacred Empire," Runeth answered.

"But we don’t have to waste that much time, right?" Charles paused mid-air.

"Oh, I forgot you can use that invisible flame to teleport." Runeth stopped flying and turned to look at him.