Versatile Mage

Translated by XephiZ

Edited by Aelryinth

The base of the main ranch was half set into a mountain, built using the same special metal as the outpost to prevent the Manta Ray Evil Birds from getting closer. It had done a great job preserving the building.

When they arrived inside the building, Mo Fan noticed many devices covered with huge pieces of leather. They looked like machines that had not been used for many years, rather than being completely abandoned and run-down. The sight explained why Chen Shuo wanted to give his plan a try. The devices were still in good condition. They could be used right away, once they were connected to a power source.

“Can you see the netting above the trees? Those are actually made of metallic gravel. They aren’t used to trap the Manta Ray Bird Emperor, Evil Star, but were actually used to magnify the efficacy of the Psychic Element, like a kind of metallurgy. When the Taming Force of the Psychic Element is inserted into these devices, the nettings produce a psychological pulse to tame Evil Star. We would do it once every month before, but from what I learned, they started whipping Evil Star with electric shocks, forcing it to submit to their authority with pain.

“However, the method we used to tame Heavenly Eagles isn’t effective on Evil Star. It would never be afraid of humans and submit itself to us, despite being whipped countless times. Therefore, the best way is to Pacify it instead, and calm its thoughts. We’ll then help it remember its past, and the friendly time it spent with humans. Mo Fan will then challenge it to a duel so it will obey the orders of a human who’s stronger than it…” Chen Shuo had been quiet along the journey, yet he was very excited whenever he mentioned Evil Star. He had a passionate look in his eyes now.

“So you’re saying that I’ll need to activate the magic nets with Spirit Ripple to help it recover its benevolence first, before Mo Fan overpowers it?” Jiang Shaoxu summarized the drawn-out instructions.

“Exactly. If the plan doesn’t work, the Manta Ray Evil Birds will never be on friendly terms with humans!” Chen Shuo stated solemnly.

——

Mo Fan was not feeling very confident in Jiang Shaoxu’s Psychic Element. The woman’s main focus was on illusions. If Xinxia was here, he would only have needed to go through the motions since the creature would be Pacified pretty easily.

“Apas, come out here.” Mo Fan went to a corner and summoned his second Contracted Beast while the others were busy preparing the magic netting.

Apas had been hiding in her Contracted Space after she found the Receiver Crystals. It was the perfect time to be asking her for help. There was no way Mo Fan would let his second Contracted Beast’s talents go to waste!

“Help me subdue that Manta Ray Bird Emperor,” Mo Fan told her.

“What benefits do I get?” Apas seemed to have gotten used to the business model between them. She would be willing to help as long as she would be getting something that fancied her in return.

“I’ll sort out your identity with my connections. You will be able to study in the Plant School of Pearl Institute as you wish,” Mo Fan offered her.

Apas’ eyes glittered as soon as she heard the offer. Her attractive eyes curled charmingly in joy and excitement.

“Really? You’re not trying to trick me, aren’t you?” Apas said warily.

“Since when did I trick you?” Mo Fan said sternly, but for some reason, he almost bit his own tongue when he was talking.

Apas wanted to study at the Pearl Institute. Frankly speaking, she just wanted to live like a normal girl, being able to learn magic, go to school, go to the library, and enjoy a peaceful yet fulfilling life.

She might be a Medusa Princess, but she was not too passionate about her heritage. She was instead curious and obsessed with the magic of humans.

She had been practicing every day since Mo Fan had helped her Awaken the Plant Element. However, she was not particularly talented at it. Mo Fan was actually surprised by how clumsy she was.

“Is it possible to tame a creature like that?” Mo Fan knew how impressive Apas’ Psychic Magic was. He decided to ask for her opinion, in case all their efforts were for nothing in the end.

“If you’re relying on her and the old devices here, I seriously doubt this is going to work,” Apas judged firmly.

Taming a creature like the Manta Ray Bird Emperor would require overpowering it with Psychic Magic that was multiple times stronger than its level. The creature was most likely a Ruler-inferior creature!

“Oh, so I won’t have to arrange for you to study in Pearl Institute, then?” Mo Fan countered.

Apas stomped the ground angrily and blurted out, “There’s no way it’s going to submit itself to you! Even if you manage to defeat it, it will only treat you as an alien species that is slightly stronger than it. It’s the same as if you lost to a wild beast. What would you do if the beast demanded you be its slave?”

“Tell me your plan,” Mo Fan said calmly.

“I’m Medusa’s daughter, hence my lineage is far more superior to its, not to mention the power of my eyes. I believe it will only surrender itself to me,” Apas declared.

“So, we should force it to submit itself to you?” Mo Fan asked.

“Mm, you aren’t worthy enough!” Apas stated directly.

“…” Mo Fan did not expect to be looked down on by his own Contracted Beast. “Fine, but you must stay in a corner where no one is going to notice you and lend me a hand. Once it’s done, I’ll let you study in Pearl Institute for some time.”

“Deal!” Apas nodded.

——

Mo Fan waited until Apas went to a secluded spot. He could not help but think how he had been forced to rely on Apas’ help twice in a row recently. He had already used his trump card of giving her the chance to study at Pearl Institute. He no longer had any bargaining chips left!

Forget it, I will just rely on myself more. I can’t ask that little snake for help every time. I must become stronger myself, strong enough to conquer her so she’s willing to service a charming and impressive man like me on her knees!, Mo Fan thought with a sigh.

Meanwhile, Jiang Shaoxu was done with her preparations.

Tangyue and Zhao Manyan were in position to fend off the Greater Featherless Birds that might show up.

Mu Bai looked into the sky and said, “It’s almost daybreak. There’s no point in me maintaining the temperature. You will be struggling against the overwhelming numbers of Greater Featherless Birds and Manta Ray Evil Birds. I’ll lend you a hand.”

“There’s no turning back from here,” Zhao Manyan said.

“There never was since we came to the island. We should just focus on the current situation. We’ll figure out another plan if we fail,” Mu Bai said.

“Indeed, we will have difficulty stopping the Manta Ray Evil Birds without Mu Bai’s help. Let’s do it!”