Sorcerer’s Handbook

As the night sky above the dome shifted with bright purple hues, Yvaren, veiled, lifted an oyster to her mouth, tilted her head back, and swallowed it promptly, casually remarking, “The ‘Empress’s New Clothes’ is ready.”

“Huh?” Anfel was taken aback, swallowing the peony shrimp in her mouth.

“The celebratory fireworks that happen every fifty years-it’s understandable you wouldn’t know if you haven’t handled it before,” Yvaren explained. “It’s a collaborative project between Belldate, Salome, and Mercury’s families. Together, we’re orchestrating a fireworks extravaganza for the Yisuo Royal Family. The preparations started three years ago, codenamed ‘Empress’s New Clothes.’ Before the official launch, we need to conduct position tests. The bright purple glows in the night sky indicate that all units are ready.”

“Every fifty years? How many times has Belldate done this?”

“If I recall correctly, Belldate has been the royal fireworks supplier since the second Empress of Yisuo,” Yvaren replied.

“That means it’s a tradition spanning seven hundred years!” Anfel thanked the chef and popped the peeled crab claw into her mouth. “But what kind of fireworks take three years to make and require cooperation from our three families?”

“I don’t know the specifics; I’m not the one doing the labor,” the blue-haired capitalist replied. “You only need to know two things: First, the fireworks require the user to be at least a Sanctuary Sorcerer. Second, these fireworks must be visible throughout the entire Gospel.”

Anfel blinked. “You mean the fireworks are already prepared all over the country and will be set off simultaneously?”

“No, there are only fifty sets of fireworks, and they will only be launched in Nabistin,” Yvaren clarified. “According to the product design, these fireworks incorporate spatial materials from the Distant Sky Domain, such as ‘The Unrememberable Wood,’ ‘Blowwater,’ and ‘Sound Palace Pearls.’ When the fifty sets resonate at close range, they can create an effect akin to a Spatial Miracle, spreading the fireworks across the entire Gospel sky, allowing everyone to celebrate the birth of the new Empress simultaneously.”

“That’s also why the user must be a Sanctuary Sorcerer-without expertise in the Spatial Sect spells, one wouldn’t even qualify to set off the fireworks.”

Anfel scooped a spoonful of crab roe into her mouth and, while eating, exclaimed in surprise, “So there are fifty Sanctuary Sorcerers on standby in Nabistin right now, just waiting to set off the fireworks?”

“What’s so strange about that?” Yvaren took a sip of Ruby Sea Lala Fatty. “The majority of Sanctuary Sorcerers and all legends in the Gospel reside in Nabistin. The Yisuo Royal Family could afford to have Sanctuary Sorcerers set off their fireworks hundreds of years ago; why not now?”

“Was it always this extravagant hundreds of years ago?” Anfel was puzzled. “In my impression, the Yisuo Royal Family wasn’t so ostentatious… Does this firework display have some special significance?”

“As long as the basic pattern stays unchanged, everything else is up to our imagination,” Yvaren shrugged. “Moreover, the Yisuo Royal Family provides the materials. Our three families are only responsible for the crafting. With such low requirements, high pay, and technical support from the royal family, when I first saw the business plan, I thought they were doing charity.”

“Because the quality is high, the fireworks display will undoubtedly be magnificent and unforgettable.” Yvaren winked at her sister. “See if you like it later. If you do, we made an extra batch on standby. I can ask a few Sanctuary Sorcerers to help set them off at your wedding.”

Anfel tilted her head while eating crab meat. “Wedding?”

“The Weaving Festival ends tonight. Do you think Annan can keep Ashe and Igor tied here forever?” Yvaren propped her chin on her hand. “Once Igor returns to Mephila, Belldate will definitely throw a grand wedding for you two!”

The “Ghost Ignorance Veil” rewarded by the Culprits Ranking was indeed effective. Yvaren seemed more lifelike than ever, Anfel thought.

To resist the bloodline domination of their ancestors, each generation of Belldate splits the family’s power between two people. One person becomes the vessel for the mental sea of all beings, with their self-awareness crushed under the thoughts of millions, eventually turning into an empty shell; the other’s soul is diluted with pure mental energy, making it impossible for any intense emotions to stir within, turning them into a rational person without blood or tears.

Belldate was willing to pay such a high price not only to extend her life but also to rebel against her selfish and cruel ancestor. Since the Necromancer Angel viewed descendants merely as resurrection machines, she couldn’t blame these cogs for being cold and unfeeling.

Now with the “Ghost Ignorance Veil,” Yvaren no longer needed to commit suicide before the age of forty to resist the increasingly heated bloodline call. More importantly, the veil perfectly protected her soul, so even if she had to use the family’s mental energy, her soul wouldn’t be diluted, and those repressed emotional depths could resurface.

Previously, Yvaren would have only urged Anfel to quickly get pregnant and give birth to the genius child, Leia. Now, she was actually concerned about the wedding. Although she was projecting her own longing for marriage onto her sister, the change was immensely comforting for Anfel. Yvaren had recently only viewed family members as breeding tools, and this was a significant shift from such rationality.

However…

“Why are you so sure Igor will return to Mephila?” Anfel asked with a smile. “Or rather, why would he come to Mephila in the first place? It’s not his home.”

“But you’ll be his closest family in the future. You’ll marry him, and you’ll both have a daughter whom even Ashe would envy,” Yvaren replied. “How can Belldate not be his home?”

“That’s what Gospel thinks, not what he thinks. He won’t accept such a future.”

“I don’t understand. Is it because he doesn’t like you? Or because he has no feelings for you?”

Anfel thought seriously for a moment. “He probably likes me.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“How should I put this…” Anfel tilted her head. “Igor, he’s a bit of a tsundere.”

The chef placed a plate of iceberg fish slices on their table. Yvaren took a bite. “So that’s what Blade Fish Dragon meat tastes like… And then? What’s wrong with him being a tsundere?”

“He finds it hard to accept himself entering a close relationship,” Anfel said. “He’s like a sensitive scallop man; when others approach, he wraps himself in coldness and hostility. Only when no one is paying attention does he quietly open a crack, showing his softness in hidden places, experiencing the warmth around him.”

“I’m not the first person he’s liked, and I won’t be the last. Although he witnesses my blooming, he won’t stay for me, because what he needs isn’t a family to rely on, but an equal opponent.”

Anfel continued, “We might like each other, our feelings might not be over, but we won’t have a future together.”

The blue-haired wealthy woman nodded thoughtfully. “I understand.”

“Good that you understand,” Anfel winked. “Since you’ve already given him all the other documents of the Dominance Sect, don’t-“

“I will bring Igor back, feed him an enhancement potion from Vamora, and wait until you both have Leia so he won’t be able to run away. Then we’ll have a proper wedding for you two,” Yvaren said. “It’s just that you’ll have to work as a female knight.”

Anfel didn’t know whether her elder sister was in a rational or emotional state now. “What I mean is that we’re not suitable for each other…”

“Maybe you’re not suitable for him, but he’s definitely suitable for you.” Yvaren rolled her eyes. “Even Gospel wouldn’t dare to claim it could make everyone happy. Now that there’s a foreseeable future where at least you can be happy, why miss it? And how do you know this isn’t the best outcome Igor could achieve? If he misses you, he might end up lonely for the rest of his life.”

“But he doesn’t want to-“

“You’re the one unwilling to accept the future Gospel has Weaved,” Yvaren said as she ate a piece of Blade Fish Dragon. “Just because Rust Crow cares more about his career than you, and you’re not satisfied with such a future, you’re ready to give up altogether-why not try to fight for a better future? You said he needs an equal opponent, so why don’t you try to become that person?”

Anfel looked at her elder sister in shock, like she was watching a Lala Fatty discuss philosophy.

“Gospel has already prepped the fish, arranged it on the plate, and handed it to you on an iceberg. You feel the taste is lacking, and instead of seasoning it yourself, you choose to throw it away?” Yvaren said. “You say he is like a scallop, but aren’t you the same? Igor uses coldness to resist others, while you use gentleness to protect yourself.”

“In the end, neither of you has the confidence to maintain a close relationship. Gospel is just your excuse,” the blue-haired wealthy woman said, clenching her fist. “So, the Gospel Ranking isn’t for you to see-it’s for me. At the rate you’re going, the world could end, and you still wouldn’t have Leia. I’ll have to pry open your scallop shells and season you both properly!”

Yvaren herself was getting hungry as she spoke and turned her head to the chef, “I’ll have an order of steamed scallops!”

The two chefs silently nodded. The sisters enjoying their feast naturally drew the attention of others in the hall.

The guests qualified to attend this banquet were part of the ruling class, sharing power with the Yisuo Royal Family outside these walls. Although the banquet offered a sumptuous and delicious spread, it paled in comparison to the allure of power.

The new Empress, Azure Lane, the Future Ranking, the Doomsday Catastrophe… There were so many topics to discuss. Everyone was busy strategizing on how to prevent a class slide or climb even higher, and yet here was this blue-haired woman, eating so much and so happily!

However, Yvaren no longer cared-after the battle at the Belldate manor, she had all but offended 60% of the Gospel forces, and the remaining 40% were extremely wary of her.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Even though it was known that Igor was the mastermind, the intelligence that “Belldate can completely dominate the Sanctuary” was enough to cause panic. Officials interfacing with Belldate had now all been replaced by ordinary people, and the sign outside the Sanctuary Sorcerer’s office now read, “No entry for people from Mephila.”

Rather than saying they were shunning Yvaren, it was more accurate to say they were terrified of her. After all, the Dominance Sect of Belldate was incredibly insidious. A casual phrase like “Sure, why not?” could turn into an infamous precursor to “I willingly become Miss Yvaren’s dog.”

So, Yvaren and Anfel tucked themselves away in a corner to enjoy the food. Though this banquet was a buffet, some delicacies were best made to order, like the seafood they were currently indulging in.

Beyond regular seafood, the menu also featured ingredients from virtual realm creatures such as Blade Fish Dragon, Mud Fish Dragon, and Foxlamp Dragon. While these ingredients were not much different from typical seafood, virtual realm creatures escaping into reality was a rare event. It was so uncommon that even top-tier families like the Belldate found it challenging to acquire such ingredients. Naturally, Yvaren wasn’t going to miss out.

As they tackled the Blade Fish Dragon, two tall, voluptuous elves suddenly sat beside them.

“Is it good?” one asked.

“It’s alright,” Yvaren replied, lifting her head to look at Qenna. “Want some?”

“I wouldn’t dare accept a favor from Belldate,” Qenna chuckled. “I’m here to discuss business.”

“Business?” Yvaren found it amusing. “Vamora doesn’t need an amusement park to provide happiness to its residents, and Mephila doesn’t need Beauty Houttuynia to boost work efficiency. The Six Heraldry won’t tolerate their clansmen being dominated, and I won’t allow a united family in Mephila… What do we have to collaborate on? Jointly developing Igor and Ashe?”

“The Six Heraldry has no current interest in Igor,” Qenna responded. “But we clearly share common interests, like a long-forgotten path cut off seven hundred years ago.”

“Are you interested in a sunrise without the Empress?”

Yvaren’s expression didn’t change, but Anfel immediately grasped the elf patriarch’s implication. “You want to deal with the princess? What gives you that idea?”

“Ashe Heath,” Nona said.

Even Annan could pick up on that lethal option instantly, and they certainly were no exception. Yvaren suddenly smiled. “Increase what they desire, gift what they need… Once again, the family motto proves insightful. What do you want me to do?”

“Of all the guests here,” Qenna fixed her gaze intently on Yvaren, “how many can you dominate?”

Anfel’s face changed, but Yvaren remained calm. “Three-fifths, but I won’t go all-in and gamble my life away, nor will I fully reveal this card. At most, I’ll have them muddy the waters to disrupt the situation.”

“That will suffice,” Qenna leaned closer to Yvaren, looking down at the younger matriarch who held greater power. “To a fruitful collaboration.”

“To a fruitful collaboration.”

With just a few words, the two major forces of the Gospel formed an anti-Yisuo alliance. This was done so casually not only because it didn’t require much effort-akin to buying a lottery ticket-but also because they had long grown tired of the Yisuo Royal Family’s constraints.

Qenna might not feel it as strongly, but Yvaren was acutely aware of the Yisuo Royal Family’s total control over the Kingdom. Unlike the family systems, Belldate’s Bell-Pay System had virtually no barriers to expansion, making it relatively easy to grow. However, they had been confined to the regions around Mephila. Despite being national champions, they were restricted to local competitions-anyone would feel stifled.

It was as if an invisible hand existed within the Gospel. Whenever Belldate tried to reach for something it shouldn’t, this hand would push them back. No matter how Yvaren tried to expand her loan business, any attempts outside Mephila faced rejection. Even the “Increase what they desire, gift what they need” secret ceased to work.

It wasn’t just Yvaren-her parents, grandparents, and ancestors had all tried to break out of the Mephila map but were quickly shoved back into their cages. There was no administrative interference, no financial sanctions, not even troublemakers-yet, they were met with complete indifference.

Other families shared the same fate. Salome, Mercury, Six Heraldry…powerful forces renowned in their regions, yet they all found themselves caged by the structures crafted by the Gospel.

So, when Qenna asked Yvaren if she was interested in taking on Yisuo, there was no other option for Yvaren. Logically, Belldate had to remove the Yisuo obstacle to advance further; emotionally, how could Yvaren not covet the supreme position within the Gospel Kingdom?

She was, after all, the Queen of the Caged Birds ruling over millions in Mephila. The yearning for power had long seeped deeply into her heart!

“Increase what they desire, gift what they need” was not only the Dominance Sect’s secret but also its inevitable side effect! What desire is more captivating than power? What temptation more intoxicating than ruling over millions?

Those who have tasted the wonders of power are like wolves who have starved for too long-they can never be satiated! Tens of thousands, millions, eventually turning the entire world into their slaves-that’s the deep-seated professional ethic of every domination sorcerer.

For Yvaren, she felt trapped in the Gospel, confined within this kingdom brimming with miracles, covered in gospels, with no room for any adventurous pursuits.

Such a world is a haven for the weak, but a prison for the strong.

And now, with the opportunity to break free from this cage finally within reach, how could Yvaren not be willing to provide a little help?

In Ashe and Qenna’s plan, pulling Yvaren into their scheme would bring the success rate to 50%!

As they quickly exchanged their plans through the Gospel Book, Anfel suddenly realized something. “Since Ashe is already here, could Igor and the others be here too?”

Qenna smiled faintly. “What do you think of these two chefs’ skills?”

In the seafood area, there were only the Belldate sisters, so the two chefs naturally became their exclusive ones. One was slightly darker-skinned, excellent in slicing and cooking, while the other excelled in plating and seasoning…

It was at that moment that Yvaren sensed something was off. She had no distinct impression of the other chef!

Height, hair color, skin tone, age, eye color… all of his features were blurry. Every time, her attention was entirely focused on the food he served, with no mental resources allocated to his appearance, making it impossible to form a clear image of him in her mind!

This was… the Domination Sect’s Attention Domination!

“Excuse me, ladies.”

In Anfel’s flushed gaze, the blond chef placed a plate of scallops on the table. “Your order of scallops has arrived.”