The most powerful wizard in the magic world

Gerlin wiped off the remaining dirt and blood of the orcs on the black longbow, and turned his eyes to the mountains in the distance, alert in his heart. He knew that Soran and the female apprentice were walking towards him, bringing threats he had not expected. He bent down to pick up the cross sword, and gently stroked the hilt with his fingers, feeling its coldness and heaviness, as if it contained endless power.

"You actually live in such a world, Gerlin." Soran's voice sounded in his ears, low and threatening, like a dark wave sweeping over him.

"In order to survive, I will be fearless on the journey." Gerlin responded coldly without looking back. He knew the power of Sauron, but he knew better how to survive in desperate situations.

Behind him, the female apprentice followed Soran, her eyes flickering with curiosity and uneasiness. "Is this the man you said killed the orcs? I thought he would be as powerful as the rumors say." She said softly, with a hint of contempt in her voice.

"You don't know him." Soran smiled coldly, with a cunning gleam in his eyes. "He has the ability to survive, but at the same time, this ability may not necessarily lead him to victory."

"It may not bring victory?" Gerlin turned around, met Soran's gaze, and said firmly, "I am not afraid of any challenge. Even you are just a former demon king!"

"Well, let's give it a try." A strange smile appeared on Soran's face, as if he was looking forward to a performance by Garlin.

The female apprentice seemed a little nervous, her eyes wandering between the two. She had to admit that although Gerlin in front of her looked fearless, could he have the courage to face Sauron, who was intertwined with power and shadow?

"Sauron, what do you want? You asked me to serve you, but what exactly do you want me to do?" Gerlin realized that even when facing the former Demon Lord, taking the initiative was the key to survival.

"Simple." Soran took a half step closer, his voice as low as thunder, "I need to find the legendary ancient weapon. Only it can help me achieve eternal rule. On this road, perhaps you can become a part of me, or you may be my biggest obstacle."

"I will never be your puppet!" Gerlin replied angrily, holding the cross sword tightly, ready to fight at any time.

"Puppet? No, Gerlin, you are a cold-blooded hunter with your own thoughts and actions. Have you never imagined the true source of power?" Soran smiled slightly, but there was a dangerous fire in his eyes.

"You can't tempt me, Soran." Gerlin took a deep breath and tried to keep himself calm. The inner struggle made him more determined to find a way to escape from the shadow before his eyes.

“Young female apprentice, tell him that everything has a price.” Soran turned around, his tone of commanding was filled with unquestionable dominance.

The female apprentice hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke, "Gerlin, there are some roads that must be taken. If you don't choose to associate with the strong, you may never reach your goal. I understand your aversion to power, but behind the power is the power to protect you."

"Protection? This is just deceiving yourself." Gerlin sneered, his inner confusion about power becoming more and more painful.

"You need help, and I can provide it for you." She continued, as if hoping to persuade him in a gentle way, "Traveling with Soran means you will have more information and resources, which will be a great asset to you."

"Wealth? Yes, as long as I am willing." Gerling's heart trembled, realizing that this battle might have just begun. He didn't know if he could trust them, but the road ahead was not a choice. He needed time to find his own answer, no matter what the cost.

"Time waits for no one." Soran interrupted his thoughts again, "I'll give you one last chance. Either join me, or I'll regard you as my enemy. There are only two choices in battle, victory or death."

"You are a sensible man." Gerlin stretched out his cross sword, the sword light flashing with a dangerous cold light, as if declaring that he did not intend to give up resistance.

"It seems that you have chosen hostility." Soran's face turned slightly colder, and his expression changed from sneer to sternness. "Young female apprentice, are you ready? How important do you think this game will be?"

"I..." The female apprentice was confused, unable to make a complete choice. She looked at Gerlin and felt his true breath, which was mixed with determination and indomitable spirit.

“Don’t hesitate, stand against me, only the abyss is waiting for you.” Sauron’s pressure was gradually approaching, and the air around him seemed to solidify at this moment.

“Sauron, do you really think I will surrender?” Gerlin stepped forward, the fire in his eyes becoming more and more blazing. “Even if there is endless darkness ahead, I will remain firm in my belief and never retreat!”

"Faith? Haha!" Soran raised his head and laughed, his voice echoing in the valley, "It's just a false persistence. The real strength lies in moving forward courageously, not relying on your fearless faith."

"You'd better understand that a strong will is the key to defeating the enemy." Gerlin responded unwillingly, pointing the tip of his sword directly at Soran, "And I will never be part of your plan!"

The female apprentice felt a strong hostility in the air. Although she didn't know how to intervene, she could feel the belief that Gerlin held, and she prayed silently for him.

Finally, the smile on Soran's face disappeared, replaced by a hint of anger. His eyes were like the flames of hell, flashing with a threat that chilled people's hearts.

"It seems that you have really chosen to fight." Soran slowly drew out his dark sword, and the sword light flashed, as if absorbing the light from the surroundings.

“Come on!” Gerlin roared, and rushed towards Soran like a storm, with the cross sword drawing a dazzling arc, heading straight for his throat.

"Foolish." Soran sneered, and with a flick of his wrist, the Dark Sword easily blocked Gerlin's attack. Then, he took a step forward, aiming his attack directly at Gerlin's heart.

"You underestimated me!" Gerlin quickly dodged sideways and used the longbow's distance to launch a counterattack. He knew that only by using it flexibly could he have a chance to survive.

"You don't know how to live or die!" Sauron showed murderous intent on his face and swung his sword. The sword light was as fast as lightning. Gerlin quickly drew his sword and counterattacked.

The two men fought like a whirlwind, their swords flashed in the air, and the sharp metallic sounds were deafening, as if telling the impending fate.