Chapter 84: Heretical Assassins (Third Update! Subscription and Monthly Votes Requested!)

As the inheritor of the original host's memories, Li Ge saw almost entirely positive memories of strategic-level mages from the original host.

There was no way around it; the original host came to the big city to strive for a better life and to become a noble.

For a commoner like him, there were only a few ways to become a noble.

Either he had to earn great merit and be granted a title by the kingdom.

Or he could climb the social ladder by marrying into or joining a noble family.

Or the kingdom could recognize his worth and offer him a title to recruit him.

The original host chose the last method.

With his innate vast magical power, becoming a tactical-level mage was not a difficult task for him.

Moreover, if he worked hard enough and had enough talent, becoming a strategic-level mage was not entirely impossible.

If he could become a tactical-level mage, he would immediately be promoted and granted a noble title.

And if he could become a strategic-level mage, he would be considered a national treasure of the entire Ginass Kingdom, granted the title of a grand noble, and become a figure second only to the monarch.

With such aspirations, the original host's memories of strategic-level mages were naturally filled with admiration and longing.

Not only the original host, but most people in this world also revered and aspired to be strategic-level mages, considering them the most powerful mages in the world.

As long as they could successfully cast a strategic-level spell, they could instantly destroy a city or even a small country. This kind of power, in the eyes of commoners, was no different from that of a deity.

Only those who lacked sufficient magical power and could not cast strategic-level or even tactical-level spells, held the belief that true strength lay in combat-level spells, and that strategic-level spells were merely weapons of war with no practical use, only military significance, and thus looked down on strategic-level mages.

This viewpoint was not entirely wrong.

According to Li Ge's understanding, the conditions for casting strategic-level spells were indeed stringent. The incantation time alone was longer than that of ultra-long incantations. To cast a strategic-level spell, one often needed to prepare and chant for several minutes or even tens of minutes.

Such a long incantation and preparation time were of no use in the rapidly changing battlefield.

Not to mention strategic-level spells, even tactical-level spells required one to two minutes of incantation, making them impractical in combat.

On the contrary, combat-level spells often required only a few seconds of incantation, and some did not require any incantation at all, making them the mainstream in combat.

In a one-on-one duel, a mage who was not proficient in combat-level spells, even if he were a strategic-level mage, could be easily defeated, even by a street thug.

Therefore, tactical-level and strategic-level spells were almost useless in combat and were only effective on the battlefield or in war.

Moreover, due to their vast range and destructive power, these spells could not be used in densely populated areas, especially in large cities, where their use would be a disaster. In principle, all major countries prohibited the use of tactical-level and strategic-level spells.

This was quite ironic.

To enhance national strength and military power, all major countries desperately sought to recruit tactical-level and strategic-level mages.

However, except on the battlefield, the use of these spells was strictly prohibited.

This led to many tactical-level and strategic-level mages being heavily restricted. Major countries would not even allow them to leave their territories without necessity.

In essence, tactical-level and strategic-level mages were under constant surveillance, both by their own countries and by others.

Thus, strategic-level mages were often viewed as mere tools of war by some, beyond the common people.

From Yuli's reaction, it was clear that she did not feel honored by her identity as a strategic-level mage and even found it somewhat burdensome.

It seemed that she, too, had faced many restrictions and lacked freedom in her life.

Li Ge silently sympathized with his savior and spoke at the right moment.

"Did you suddenly mention your identity because it's related to my attack?"

Li Ge considered this possibility.

Otherwise, why would Yuli bring up an identity she herself was indifferent to?

There must be a reason.

Indeed, there was.

"Although tactical-level and strategic-level spells are almost useless in combat, they are indeed formidable weapons on the battlefield, which cannot be denied," Yuli sighed. "All countries on the Akashya continent desperately seek these mages, but conversely, if such mages appear in enemy countries, they pose a significant threat."

Li Ge narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying that I was attacked for this reason?"

"Yes," Yuli nodded. "I had my suspicions when you were attacked. After failing to find any leads on the attackers, I concluded that they were likely the heretical assassins who have recently gained attention."

Heretical assassins.

Li Ge knew of them.

This had been happening in recent years.

"In recent years, many people in various countries have been suddenly assassinated, dying under mysterious circumstances," Yuli explained. "Some were nobles, others were renowned geniuses. They seemed to have no common ground, but in reality, they shared one trait: they were either tactical-level mages or had the potential to become tactical-level or even strategic-level mages."

These sudden deaths shocked all major countries and spread across the continent, causing a significant stir.

Gradually, even commoners knew that a group of people were secretly targeting tactical-level and strategic-level mages and those with the potential to become them.

"Some suspect they are a secret assassination squad organized by one or multiple countries to eliminate foreign war tools."

"Others suspect they are a criminal gang formed by combat-level mages who failed to become tactical-level or strategic-level mages, seeking revenge and venting their frustrations."

"Still others suspect they are radicals opposing the use of magic in war and the excessive emphasis on tactical-level and strategic-level mages by major countries, aiming to change this phenomenon."

Yuli's voice slowly reached Li Ge's ears.

"These are the heretical assassins, an underground organization that has gained prominence in recent years."

Yuli suspected these heretical assassins were behind the attack on Li Ge because of their targets.

They targeted users of tactical-level and strategic-level spells and those with the potential to become them.

Li Ge fit this description.

Furthermore,

"Each time the heretical assassins strike, they clean up the aftermath thoroughly. For years, no major country has uncovered any leads, suggesting that they likely have the support of one or multiple national powers."

This was Yuli's reason for suspecting the heretical assassins.

The attackers who targeted Li Ge also cleaned up their tracks exceptionally well, suggesting state-level support, making it impossible for even a marquis family's intelligence network to uncover anything.

"If the heretical assassins are indeed behind the attack, leaving here would not be a good choice," Yuli said. "Your opponent is a state-level terrorist organization, and you cannot fight them alone."

Li Ge's brows furrowed deeply.

This was indeed a tricky situation.

While Li Ge was not afraid, he was not arrogant enough to believe he could handle a state-level terrorist organization.

The enemy was unexpectedly powerful, and with Li Ge's current strength, he could only protect himself temporarily, not indefinitely.

He was not a reckless person who would rush into danger without considering the risks.

If there was a reason, Li Ge might take the risk.

But without a compelling reason, he would not foolishly face such danger.

This was not an adventure; it was merely falling into the enemy's trap and causing pain to loved ones and joy to enemies.

Unfortunately, Li Ge despised such plots and malice.

"Stay here for now," Yuli said, seeing Li Ge's furrowed brows. "I have already discreetly leaked your condition. If all goes well, the crisis should be over soon."

"Condition?" Li Ge was initially puzzled but then realized. "You mean the damage to my 'Gate' and my inability to use magic?"

"Exactly," Yuli smiled. "Your 'Gate' is damaged and you can no longer use magic. This might not be entirely bad."

If this news reached the heretical assassins, they might abandon their plans to attack Li Ge.

After all, their target was those who could use tactical-level and strategic-level spells. If Li Ge could no longer use magic, he would lose his value as a target.

"Stay here for a while. It's not shameful."

Yuli said this.

"What about you?" Li Ge asked. "Aren't you their target? Aren't you afraid of danger?"

Yuli was a strategic-level mage and should logically be the primary target of the heretical assassins.

But—

"Have you ever heard of a strategic-level mage being killed?"

Yuli's casual remark left Li Ge speechless.

There were only eight known strategic-level mages in the world.

And none of them had been killed.

"Don't worry. Even if I wanted to die, this country wouldn't allow it."

Yuli said this sarcastically before continuing.

"Stay here for now. Once the situation calms down, we can make other plans."

Li Ge considered this and nodded.

Staying here was a good idea.

This way, he could also study the world's power system.

"Is that settled, then?" Yuli seemed pleased when Li Ge nodded. "Come, have afternoon tea with me."

Li Ge looked at the tea in front of him and his expression stiffened.

For a moment, he wondered if he had made the wrong decision.

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(End of Chapter)