Fire Mage-Chapter 684: Riverdale City

Chapter 684: Riverdale City

"Yes," Charles nodded. He extended his Wisdom Power in every direction, sweeping a radius of over 100 kilometers. Then, with practiced ease, he summoned the False Flame and created a Flame Portal.

He jumped in without hesitation.

"I need to study that False Flame when I have the time," Runeth muttered before stepping into the portal and vanishing.

A second later, the portal shrank to the size of a pebble and vanished entirely.

Using this method repeatedly, they crossed the Blood Empire, a dozen small kingdoms, and eventually arrived in the Iron Kingdom. But instead of heading to Rebirth Tower, they teleported again—passing through the Moon Kingdom—until they reached the outskirts of Riverdale City.

The two landed near the city and began walking toward the main gate.

"This brings back memories," Charles murmured, his gaze settling on the towering seven-meter-high fortress-like stone wall that encircled the city.

"So, what’s the plan?" Runeth asked.

"Let’s visit the Life Church and speak with Bishop Reynolds first," Charles replied, quickening his pace.

Though they had no Arc Coins, they managed to enter the city by paying two Iron Gold coins. Inside, Charles immediately noticed changes.

The first was the gloom etched into the faces of every passerby. There were beggars on nearly every street corner, their eyes hollow and hands outstretched.

The second change was the sheer number of mystics. Dozens of Rank-3 Mystics roamed the streets, mingling with patrols and keeping an oppressive watch.

Security is tight, Charles noted. Paladins, Bishop-ranked members, and all kinds of mystics are swarming the city.

He also picked up murmurs about new tax laws. Curious, Charles asked Genesis to tap into the Wisdom Link and gather more information.

Three harsh laws had been enacted by the new King, Arion Stormarc:

Wealth Tax on Nobles:

To subjugate the noble class and consolidate power, the king imposed a sixty percent annual wealth tax on noble estates—including lands, metals, and magical artifacts. Defiance meant confiscation, exile, or worse. Nobles, in turn, squeezed commoners for every coin. Labor Tax on Peasants:

Peasants were forced to contribute labor to state projects. Failing quotas resulted in fines, conscription, or even slave-like contract to pay. Artifact Tithe on Mystics:

Every mystic, sorcerer, and wizard—except those in Lawful Churches—was compelled to surrender a portion of their enchanted items, spellbooks, or relics. Noncompliance meant imprisonment or execution.

And Count Vossenburg... Charles’s eyes narrowed. He’s the one running Riverdale now—one of the King’s staunchest allies. Controls three major cities and holds the wealth and power of a Marquis.

As they gathered this information, the two walked through the main road, turned into side streets, and eventually reached Ivy Street. At the end stood a dome-shaped building with four white pillars at its corners. Two silver-armored guards stood at attention near the entrance, spears in hand.

As Charles and Runeth approached, the guards bowed respectfully and stepped aside.

Once inside the nave, Runeth glanced around at the gathered crowd and asked, "Do you plan to get involved with Arc Kingdom’s current chaos?"

"I’ve no interest in mortal squabbles anymore," Charles said, striding down the aisle. "But I plan to settle here for a few years."

"You want to stay here? Not in Rebirth Tower?" Runeth asked, puzzled.

"This place matters to me, old man. I don’t care about the people or their ruler, but I want to live in my house for a while. Then, I’ll leave this world for good. Will you come with me?"

Runeth stopped in his tracks. "You want to leave this world? But... where will you go?"

Charles fell silent. His eyes landed on a familiar white statue—crafted from rare stone. The woman wore a flowing blouse, a tulip skirt, and elegant footwear. Her big blue eyes sparkled with life, framed by long curly hair. A gentle smile graced her lips.

In the past, he would’ve clasped his hands together and prayed to Goddess Nira with reverence.

Now, he felt nothing.

After a pause, Charles spoke quietly.

"I plan to visit a world called Garden of the Undead."

Chapter 703: Reynolds

A voice from the left interrupted before Runeth could ask more questions, causing them to turn.

"May the Blessing of Eternal Life be with you!"

A white-robed young man in his thirties approached, holding a book. He offered a polite smile and asked,

"You don’t look like followers of Life, sirs. May I ask the reason for your visit?"

He must be a newly appointed bishop, Charles thought as he silently cast the [Curse of the Overlord] spell. Observing the man, he asked directly,

"Do you know Bishop Reynolds? I’m here to find him. I heard he’s been sick for a long time, possibly due to a curse. I came to see if I could help."

"Bishop Reynolds? Oh, you mean that sick old man?" The young man’s face tightened with annoyance. "He’s still alive, but under surveillance. Don’t call him Bishop anymore—he got involved with some demon. The higher-ups stripped him of his title long ago. He now serves as an assistant to Head Deacon David. If you’re looking for him, go to the secret house at 45 El Street."

"45 El Street?" Charles narrowed his eyes. "Is Cardinal Benedictus also there?"

The young bishop looked puzzled but answered honestly,

"Of course not. The Cardinal stays at the newly built base outside the city and rarely returns. He was cursed by something powerful in the Star Tombs Dungeon, but he seems to have found a clue for a cure. Last I heard, he brought some of his friends from headquarters and is running an important experiment. I’d advise staying far away from that place, sirs."

A second base outside the city? Don’t tell me they turned our villa into a secret base too...

Charles clenched his fists, a surge of anger bubbling beneath his calm exterior.

"Then, we’ll take our leave," he said curtly and turned away.

They left the Life Church and followed the main road to El Street. After a few minutes, they arrived at a familiar two-storied building surrounded by a sturdy concrete wall.

As Charles studied the house, he noticed it hadn’t changed much—it looked as pristine as before. But his eyes narrowed.

Six people inside. One in the kitchen, three upstairs, two in the living room. There’s also a ritual circle in my old bedroom. No... a spatial array? 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Heh, they built a ’Dream Planar Array’ in that tiny room, huh?" Runeth commented, observing the structure. "Looks like they’re exploring the Dream World using that fake Eddie’s link. Let’s go."

Charles nodded and quietly approached the gate, pushed it open, and stepped into the front yard. He made his way to the wooden entrance and knocked twice.

For a few minutes, there was only silence. Then, the door creaked open.

A white-robed man in his late thirties appeared, his expression puzzled. He had a pale face, blue eyes, and a stern look. He was the high priest of the Life Church, now serving as Head Deacon David’s assistant.

"Who are you?" he asked, frowning.

Though Charles was a legendary powerhouse, he concealed his aura well and looked like an ordinary man. The priest didn’t sense any threat.

"I’m Charles Nightwind—the owner of this house."

"Your house?" The priest scoffed. "Do you even know where you are, young man? This property belongs to the Life Church and is registered under Cardinal Benedictus. I think you’ve come to the wrong address."

He began to close the door but froze mid-motion. His mind blanked. He couldn’t even remember what he was about to say.

"I don’t want to stain this floor in blood again," Charles said calmly as he pushed the man aside and stepped inside.

Behind him, Runeth released a burst of wisdom power and knocked the priest unconscious.

They entered the living room. A young woman was lounging in a wooden chair, mid-conversation with someone in the kitchen. She looked about twenty, with flowing blonde hair, a heart-shaped face, and crimson eyes.

"Even after going half-blind, you’re still clinging to that dumb habit, aren’t you? You’re getting addicted, old man."

"Hmph, what do you know?" came an old man’s voice from the kitchen. "These leaves are a catalyst—I use them to reach our Goddess’s sanctuary and receive blessings. You’re just jealous you can’t enter it like me."

"That’s called delusion. You think those cannabis leaves are—" She stopped mid-sentence as she noticed two strangers entering the room.

She jumped up from the chair and unsheathed her sword. A crimson aura flared around the blade.

"Who are you?" she snapped, raising her weapon.

But before she could move, something invisible gripped her in place.

"A Rank-3 [Blood Swordsman] and also a Rank-4 [Inquisitor], huh? But since you’ve lost your divine power, you’ve regressed to Rank-3," Charles said coolly, manipulating invisible strings to restrain her. His gaze scanned the room.