The crimson monarch nodded in satisfaction after everyone returned.
"You guys did well. I'll now choose my successor from you guys and give you my 'Crimson Dragon Spell.' But before that, I would like to tell you that although only one might get my Crimson Dragon spell, the rest of you won't go empty-handed." The crimson monarch said with a smile.
"For real?"
"Oh"
"Very nice."
...
Everyone exclaimed with delight. Previously, Everyone had a lingering fear that they won't get the legacy and their efforts would be in vain, but now it was different as he promised to reward everyone.
"Before that, let me tell you the result of the second trial." The crimson monarch spoke. Everyone became silent as they wanted to hear who was the one to ace the second trial as it represented their real talent.
"Black Reaper destroyed 95 Golems." The crimson monarch started announcing their result.
"Aaron Beruno destroyed 93 golems."
"Schwartz Darvis destroyed 110 golems."
"Margaret Adler destroyed 116 golems."
"And lastly, Max destroyed 99 golems."
...
"Dammit, I am last in this round, too," Aaron shouted in frustration. His previous arrogance where he felt he was superior to everyone slowly vanished.
Black Reaper was only slightly disappointed, but his expression soon returned to normal.
"Man, I still lost to her by six golems. She is indeed worthy of her reputation." Schwartz ruffled his hair with one hand and sighed but he wasn't disappointed. On the contrary, he was happy that the difference between them wasn't as big as he imagined.
Margaret didn't show any expression after coming top in this trial, but her posture relaxed quite a bit and if someone were to look at her in the eyes he could tell that she was also excited.
"99 golems. It's not too bad, I guess." Max wasn't happy or sad by his result as he knew that he wasn't a match for these monsters even though they were restricted to his level.
"Kid, It's an excellent result considering you are only a two-star mage and should not have any battle experience." Schwartz heard his murmur and praised. He was quite satisfied with his judgement. When he first saw him, he had guessed that he wasn't any ordinary guy and thus talked to him despite his lazy personality and now that his assumption turned out to be true he was naturally happy.
Not only did he outperform two mages who were above him in the mage realm, even though they were restricted, as Even with restrictions, no two-star mage could accomplish what he accomplished, but also, his affinity with his element was stronger than theirs. Given enough time, Schwartz was sure that Max would become a very formidable mage, even more than Crimson monarch or others.
***
"Schwartz! If I didn't know you are a darvis; I would have chosen you as my successor after seeing your outstanding talent." The crimson monarch looked at Schwartz and said with a hint of regret.
Schwartz didn't have any reaction after hearing that he would not be able to get his legacy. "It's fine. I didn't come here for legacy anyways." He lazily waved his hand and said.
The crimson monarch smiled and waved his hand, and a scroll flew toward Schwartz. He caught the scroll and opened it. After looking at the content of the scroll his mouth was open in 'O' shape. He pointed toward the scroll and stuttered when he tried to speak "Th-This... This... "
Max stared at him acting like as if he had seen a ghost. He was surprised to see him behave like this because when he confronted The crimson monarch and knew that he could be killed, even then, he wasn't flustered like this.
Margaret and others also stared at him and the crimson monarch, who had a slight smile on his face they didn't know what was in the scroll.
"Yes you are right. This is the skill invented by Hellfire. He had planned to pass this on to your family after the war with the black dragon empire, but unfortunately, he didn't have the opportunity. He had given this to me before in case something bad happened and he couldn't make it out alive from the war." The crimson monarch paused as he closed his eyes for a second and then continued,
"Fortunately, you have come here before my last bit of will vanished from this world along with this art. Remember, although Hellfire was slightly weaker than me but this 'Hellfire emperor art' is equally if not more powerful than my 'Crimson Dragon spell.'
Schwartz was dazed for a while. He felt many emotions surging in his heart. He grew up hearing about how great his ancestor was and heard about his life exploits. Hellfire gradually became his idol. Now that he had the art that he had invented himself, he was very excited and sad at the same time.
Thud!
Schwartz kneeled in front of the crimson monarch and said, "Thank you, senior; now my family won't bow down to anyone with this skill, and I apologise for my previous behaviour."
"It's alright." The crimson monarch said casually and then looked toward Margaret and said, "Little lady, You are indeed impressive. Even though you are in the same realm as this kid, who has more affinity than you, you still beat him." Crimson monarch praised.
Margaret nodded her head but didn't say anything. The crimson monarch then continued, "I've chosen you as my successor. Do you agree to inherit my legacy?"
Hearing his words, none seemed too surprised. Even Aaron didn't say anything as he knew she was qualified to receive his legacy.
Margaret stepped forward and bowed in front of him and said, "Yes, senior monarch."
"Good. Step back for the time being." The crimson monarch nodded, satisfied. Margaret retreated to her altar.
He then waved his hand, and five rings flew toward him from Max, Schwartz and others' possession and merged into one.
He then took out A crimson sword which looked majestic and emitted an aura of dominance, and it flew towards Black Reaper.
"I bestow my Crimson slayer to you. I hope you will use it well." The crimson monarch said.
Black Reaper accepted the sword with both hands and bowed to him to express his thanks.
