Published at 12th of April 2026 6:45 am

Chapter 1670 Copper Lantern

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After the Herbalists had administered basic first aid to Murphy and Orion, they exited the chamber.

Now, only the four Mana Core Magi remained. They stood around the wooden table, glancing at the detailed map of the Empire's southwestern region.

Magus Vortigan drew several red lines, then crossed four points on the map. "These are the four outposts, including the one Murphy was in charge of, that have already fallen."

His hands traced the red lines, and he continued, "And these are the supply routes that have been hampered by the enemy. Our men are cautiously avoiding these routes, and it's affecting the frontlines."

He then crossed another point on the map depicting the Mourning Mountains. "And this is the Master's secret base that has already fallen..."

Orion and Murphy nodded, grim expressions on their faces. Meanwhile, Elira's attention was somewhere else entirely, though her gaze remained glued to the

map.

She wondered how the Dark King's involvement in their war was going to affect the future. What was even more infuriating to her was that the Cult Leader was still hellbent on capturing him.

Such a powerful enemy... was it even wise to capture him? No, was such a thing even possible? Not to mention, they even had to be on the lookout for the Twilight Brotherhood and the mysterious new organization that had taken down the Winter Lord a few years ago.

"To make matters worse," Vortigan continued, his expression darkening. "The Dark King's men have found a way to circumnavigate the effects of the Soulmark Lantern."

"Indeed," Murphy said with a grim look on his face. "I don't know how they've managed to even accomplish such a thing! If not... we would have already found out their current whereabouts."

"Well, according to our latest intel reports from across the Galestine, we know that he and his men are traveling on a flying vessel," Vortigan added, his eyes narrowing as he studied the map.

"We'll need to increase patrols in the skies," Elira said.

"Yes," Vortigan nodded. "I've already relayed the information to headquarters. Lord Haynam is already working on it as we speak."

Murphy suddenly thought of something and suggested, "It doesn't matter if we're unable to track the Dark King's men through the Lanterns. I mean... we only need to track him down, and he will lead us to his men."

"Correct." Vortigan nodded in agreement. "We've already confirmed from our sources that it was indeed the Dark King who killed the Flame Lord and his men. And thankfully, their Lanterns are functioning properly."

Orion's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

"Great!" Murphy beamed, his eyes flashing with a cold light. "Then we shouldn't have problems tracking him down!"

Hearing his words, Elira couldn't help but snort. "Yes, there will be no trouble tracking him down, but what about dealing with him?"

She paused for a moment, her lips curling into a sneer. "You couldn't even deal with his underling!"

Murphy had a dark look on his face. He truly wanted to rebuke this arrogant woman and ask her if she would have been able to accomplish things any differently had she been in her shoes.

But he swallowed the words. Hierarchy had to be respected, especially considering Elira was going to become the next Elder of the Inner Circle.

"Don't blame him," Vortigan said with a faint smile. "I doubt we could have done any differently."

"At least, we could have taken down the Storm King and cripple the Dark King's forces." Elira crossed her arms and harrumphed.

Vortigan simply smiled in return. He believed the same. Given the chance, they would have at least managed to deal with the Storm King, and perhaps even Blackfire Balthazar, if not the Dark King himself.

He shifted his attention back to the map and was about to explain their battle plan when suddenly Murphy spoke.

"My Lord, so when are we going to track down the Dark King?" he said eagerly. "I suggest, the earlier the better!"

Murphy had just lost his entire undead horde, including the Rank 4 undead knights that he had painstakingly cultivated over the years.

Although he himself would stand no chance against the Dark King, if enough Mana Core Magi gathered to take him down, wouldn't that just be wonderful?

"Don't speak out of turn, Magus." Elira's voice turned cold. "You have the audacity to flee to our city, tail tucked between your damned legs, and then tell us what to do!"

Murphy shrank back. He lowered his head and gritted his teeth in indignation. Both of them were at the same arcane station, yet the other person looked down on him so strongly. Compared to her, Magus Vortigan was far more amiable.

"Calm down, Elira." Vortigan's voice echoed in the room. "The man's just lost all his undead servants. It's only natural to be eager to take down the one

responsible."

Magus Elira turned to him and scoffed. But she didn't say anything after.

Vortigan turned to Murphy and said with narrowed eyes. "But Elira is also right. Practice some restraint, won't you? You're in no position to tell us what to do." "Y-Yes, my lord." Murphy nodded. "I overstepped. Please forgive me!"

Vortigan nodded ever so slightly.

"As for the matter of tracking the Dark King down," he began, his lips curling into a smirk. "We have seven Lanterns pointing to his current whereabouts. One of these Lanterns, along with reinforcements, is already on its way here as

we speak."

He paused briefly, then said with certainty.

"In fact, it should be here by sunrise."

Hearing those words, Murphy was ecstatic. "That is great, my lord!"

Suddenly, Orion couldn't help but ask, his eyes gleaming with expectations. "And what about the reinforcements? How many Magi is headquarters dispatching this time?"

This time, it was Elira was the one to answer. Her lips curled into a cold, predatory smile, and she said:

"Four Mana Core Magi, along with a hundred Mana Vortex Magi, are already on

their way here."

***

Several hours later.

Outside the walls of Jomuran, a massive flying vessel descended from the

clouds.

Its gray sails spread wide, marked with the insignia of a skull crowned in black.

On its upper deck stood four Mana Core Magi.

The one standing at the forefront was an elderly man with a receding hairline.

The aura of death and rot was heavy around him.

He held a copper lantern in his hand. Inside, a red orb flickered and danced

against the glass walls, never staying still.

A dark expression settled over the bald cultist's face, and his eyes flickered

with a trace of apprehension as he followed the direction of the orb.

It was pointing straight ahead...

To the administrative center of Jomuran!

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