CHAPTER 190: A CHALLENGE AND A PROOF

The present era is very different from a thousand years ago. Much of the magic from that time has been lost and now exists only in historical records.

This loss did not happen without reason. A thousand years is long enough for a civilization to rise, fall, and rise again.

Just like civilization, magic underwent major changes during that time. In the past, mages had to chant long, complicated spells, but now such lengthy incantations are no longer necessary.

With just a few short words, magic can be instantly formed in the air. This remarkable change reflects the progress civilization has made over a thousand years.

However, this advancement also had a downside. Shortening spells meant sacrificing some of the magic’s power.

That’s why the magic Malverna chanted seemed far stronger—powerful enough to even influence the surrounding weather.

Malverna gasped in shock at Nolan’s words.

"How do you know about ancient magic?" she asked, confused.

Then she remembered who Nolan really was, and her composure returned.

Quickly, she changed her question. "Are you able to use ancient magic as well?"

Nolan smiled faintly and nodded. "Of course. But ancient magic is quite complex and not as easy as modern spells, so I rarely use it."

"Oh?" Malverna raised her eyebrows. "I know your abilities well, but hearing that you can perform ancient magic makes me a bit uneasy. Can you show me?"

When it came to Nolan’s strength, Malverna knew better than anyone. He was incredibly powerful—far beyond anyone she had ever known.

But when it came to ancient magic, she remained skeptical. History books said it had vanished completely.

Even if it still existed, its power was no longer comparable to modern magic. That was why most had abandoned it.

"Are you underestimating me?" Nolan feigned offense. With a playful grin, he added proudly, "Well, let me prove I can still use it."

With that, he looked up and opened his mouth.

In the next moment, he began chanting ancient magic in a language no one alive had heard before.

Yet Malverna, who understood the spell, stared in stunned disbelief.

"Fool! What are you—" Her words were cut off as Nolan snapped his right fingers.

Snap!

Buzz!

A magic circle two hundred meters wide appeared in the sky, stunning everyone around.

"What the hell is that? A magic circle? It’s huge!"

"I don’t know! Could enemies be attacking? If so, let’s run!"

"Run!"

The people gathered on the outskirts of Redhoven’s port stared wide-eyed and fled in panic.

Elina, Luvistar, and Rafine were equally shocked. The magic circle was so vast it almost covered half of Redhoven’s port.

The sea began to swell, the sky darkened, and lightning—more fierce than ever—struck, accompanied by roaring thunder.

It felt as if the world might collapse at any moment.

"What the hell is this? Who cast such a powerful spell?" Rafine exclaimed in horror.

Her eyes widened, and fear crept up her spine. Somehow, being beneath the magic circle made her feel a sense of impending doom, as if whatever emerged from it would annihilate everything below.

Singularity of Chaos? Elina muttered, swallowing hard.

She didn’t know why, but the magic circle radiated a familiar aura—the aura of the Singularity of Chaos.

"Don’t just stand there, Princess and Young Miss Rafine! We have to run!"

Luvistar’s loud voice snapped them out of their trance. Without hesitation, they, along with fifteen hundred troops, turned and fled from Redhoven’s harbor.

They knew the magic unleashed from the circle would surely destroy the two warships and the entire port—but they didn’t care.

The most important thing was to save their lives.

Whoosh!

A meteor suddenly shot from the center of the magic circle. The temperature rose dramatically, and the air expanded with tremendous force.

"You crazy bastard! Nolan, what are you doing?" Malverna shouted in panic.

She hadn’t expected Nolan to dare cast magic on such a scale.

If that meteor had fallen, everything around the port—or even the entire city of Thalora—would have been reduced to ashes.

Just as the meteor neared, a black hole appeared out of nowhere and instantly swallowed it. It happened so fast it lasted barely two seconds.

Nolan chuckled, casting a sarcastic glance at Malverna.

"So, how about now? Do you believe I can use ancient magic?"

Malverna stayed silent, but her eyes revealed a mix of annoyance, disbelief, shock, and... fear.

This guy is really terrifying, she muttered under her breath.

Ancient magic was divided into five main levels: Basic, Enhanced, Advanced, Arcane, and Divine.

Each level took years to master, and a mage’s talent and rank influenced how quickly they could learn.

The spell Nolan just cast was at the Arcane level—one step below the highest, Divine.

His calmness while casting such powerful magic was truly impressive, as if he had mastered it completely.

That sight changed Malverna’s view of the young man before her once again.

Shaking off her thoughts, she said weakly, "I trust you, but please don’t do something that crazy again. You almost gave me a heart attack."

With her powers, she could have stopped him—but it had all happened too fast for her to react.

"Don’t worry. I only did it to show you. Besides, it’s your own fault for challenging me," Nolan replied casually, shrugging.

Malverna froze, her eyes flashing with exasperation. Still, she couldn’t deny he was right.

"Oh, and you did well. I have something for you."

With that, Nolan opened his palm, and a small black box—about the size of a palm—materialized out of thin air.

Without another word, he handed it to Malverna, who accepted it without hesitation.

"What’s this?" she asked, curious.

"Just open it. You’ll find out."

After a brief pause, Malverna opened the box. Inside lay a bottle filled with a blood-red potion.

The bottle was small—about the size of two adult thumbs. Intrigued, Malverna examined it closely and asked, "What kind of potion is this?"

She lifted the bottle and inhaled its fragrant yet slightly pungent aroma.

"It’s a soul recovery potion," Nolan explained calmly. "Although you’ve recovered physically, your soul hasn’t fully stabilized within your body. I prepared this potion to help with that."

Malverna was stunned by his explanation. Her eyes locked onto Nolan’s in disbelief. Her mouth moved as if to speak, but she didn’t know where to begin.

Nolan’s unexpected thoughtfulness surprised and touched her, stirring a warm feeling in her heart.

He noticed the change in her expression but said nothing.

Turning away, hands slipped into his trouser pockets, he simply said, "Go back. Your task is complete. Thank you."

Without waiting for a response, he walked ahead, leaving her behind.

Malverna remained silent, watching his retreating figure. Her gaze was filled with complex emotions and unspoken gratitude.