SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

Chapter 644 Tq @Coby_barrett for Magic castle [Bonus Chapter]

The blazing sun cast long shadows over the entrance to the Desolate Desert as a large group of people assembled, led by the heir of the Lam family, Aran Lam. His striking golden robes shimmered in the light, marking him as someone of immense wealth and influence.

Beside him stood a woman of commanding beauty and poise, Roni, who carried herself like a queen. Roni was busy barking orders at the men around her. "You there, secure the provisions! And you, stop standing around like fools—move those water barrels to the front!" Her sharp voice brooked no argument.

In stark contrast, Jean walked calmly in the middle rows of the group, her light silver hair swaying in the dry wind. She exuded an air of quiet determination, her sharp eyes scanning the desert ahead. Despite the chaos of the group, she remained unfazed.

If she had arrived few hours earlier she could have found Kent, her long desired dream.

A young black woman stood close to Jean, her face pale with fear. "Lady Jean... do you really think it's safe to travel with this group? They're... they're so unruly."

Jean glanced at her and offered a faint smile. "Don't worry. Stick close to me, and you'll be fine. These men are too preoccupied with treasure to pose a real threat."

As if to prove her point, a burly man approached Jean, his expression smug. "Hey, miss, why don't you let me protect you? It's dangerous out here, and you look like you could use a strong companion."

Jean didn't even spare him a glance. "No."

The man frowned, but before he could press further, the sharp voice of Aran Lam cut through the air. "Enough with the distractions! We're not here to babysit. Focus on the mission!"

The man grumbled and backed off.

Aran turned to Roni, who was holding a half-torn map in her hands. "Do you have the route memorized?"

"Yes," Roni replied confidently. "The Hall of Eternal Music is supposed to be deep in the southern dunes. But remember, Aran, this map is only half the picture. We'll need the other half to find the exact location."

Aran smirked. "No matter. Once we reach the hall, the treasures within will make us legends. And I will get the legacy of eternal music... Keep moving!"

The group marched into the desert, their figures slowly swallowed by the endless dunes.

-

Kent's eyes narrowed. "Trust isn't something I give easily."

Grizzak chuckled. "Good. That means you'll survive longer in this world. But mark my words—if I wanted to kill you, I would've done it by now. Poisoned water, collapsing dunes... there are plenty of ways to get rid of you without breaking a sweat."

Kent didn't reply, but his hand hovered near his waist, where the divine chakra rested. He wouldn't let his guard down, not for a second.

As the hours passed, the desert grew darker, the moon obscured by thick clouds. A strange stillness settled over the dunes, broken only by the occasional howl of wind.

Grizzak finally stopped and pointed ahead. "We'll camp here for the night. The shrine moves at dawn, and we'll need to be ready to move quickly."

Kent glanced around, his senses tingling. "This spot feels... strange."

The old man shrugged. "The desert's full of strange places. But this spot is safe—for now."

Kent sat down, his back to a large rock, and pulled out a small flask of water. He sipped slowly, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Grizzak, meanwhile, began rummaging through his pack, pulling out a bundle of dried herbs.

"What are those for?" Kent asked.

"Protection," Grizzak replied cryptically. He crushed the herbs in his hands and scattered them around their camp, muttering under his breath. A faint green glow surrounded them, and the air felt noticeably lighter.

Kent raised an eyebrow. "What kind of protection?"

"The kind that keeps the nastier things out of our camp," Grizzak said. "The desert isn't just sand and wind, you know. There are things out there that would freeze your blood in an instant."

"I've dealt with worse." Kent replied casually while closing his eyes.

Grizzak chuckled. "We'll see, boy. We'll see."

As the old man settled in for the night, Kent remained awake, his mind racing. He can sense that a group of demons were really coming for him.