The Greatest Sinner

Evan looked at the black, battered book. It was the last and strongest spell he thought he had chosen to study.

[Spellbook - Waterfall of Souls

Rank - 2

Rarity - Epic]

This was not only a forbidden spell but also a spell of soul magic. The element of this spell was hard to determine, but the most accurate would be darkness.

When the mage cast this spell, a dark matter was created behind him that looked like dozens of evil spirits eager to kill all life. The number of spirits created depends on the amount of mana used, but at this point could not be more than seven or less than three.

This spell was tough to control because Waterfall of Souls was somewhat similar to Summoning Magic, but it was not. These spirits were pure energy of darkness and echoes of the souls of long-dead beings.

Evan had to control them and guide them to their target. When the spirits reached their target, they exploded and did massive damage.

Evan decided to choose another Creation Magic spell because he needed something powerful and significant. He had used Ball Lightning as his most powerful weapon before, but that spell wasn't as useful against second rank monsters.

Lightning Arrow of Darkness was a pretty powerful spell, but not as powerful as Waterfall of Souls. If the former was like a powerful arrow or even a missile. Waterfall of Souls could be compared to a whole launch of rockets, ready to destroy its target.

Finished with his choice of spells, Evan headed for the exit of the Devil's Horn. But, before he did, he decided to stop by one of the stores.

The Devil's Horn wasn't the only Demonic Tree base, and Evan wanted to find out where the others were. To do that, he needed the most common informant.

Of course, Evan could have tried to find out this information from a mere member of the Demonic Tree, but it was much quicker and easier to pay. Moreover, he hoped the informant would tell him something interesting about each of the bases.

A few minutes later, Evan was already sitting at the same table with the informant and getting all the information he needed. Evan had to pay 5,000 platinum coins. It was quite a sum, but Evan thought the price would be much higher.

It made sense, though, because he could learn it all for free. But, he would have to spend a satisfying amount of his time.

"Are you new?" Asked the informant. His name was Franz Crane. He had short brown hair and a big, vertical scar on his left eye.

Evan nodded, "I joined just recently and want to know all about the known bases of Demonic Tree."

Franz smiled and said, "Okay, you've come to the right place. But, you have to understand something."

"What is it?" Evan asked.

"I'll tell you everything I know, but Demonic Tree has places that only the very top knows about. Moreover, many powerful members of the Demonic Tree have their own small bases. Only those who have been told about these places know about them." Franz warned.

"I understand. Just tell me about those places that every Demonic Tree member knows about." Evan said calmly.

"Well, a promising newbie like you doesn't like to waste time asking around, do you?" Said Franz and proceeded to explain.

As one of Demonic Tree's informants, he had known about Evan for a long time. Franz wasn't surprised that the moment had come when Evan joined the Demonic Tree, but he hadn't expected Evan to get the mantle with seven roots. Franz knew better than most how few people received such capes. 

  "Demonic Tree doesn't have many bases that any member of the organization can get into without a problem. There are only four. Each one corresponds to a side of the world. Devil's Horn is to the north, Demonic Flower is to the east, Blood Pond is to the west, and Scarlet Beach is to the south." Said Franz, and his spatial ring lit up.

A very accurate map of The Kingdom of Fallen Hopes appeared in his hands. He showed Evan where each of the four bases was and explained in detail how to get there. Each base had its own way of defending against unwanted guests. They had attacking formations and hiding formations.

A mage who didn't know the exact location of the Demonic Tree base wouldn't see it even if he walked a few meters away. Moreover, each of the four bases was in geographically hidden locations.

"I'll show you the exact entrances now. Watch carefully." Said Franz and put his palm to the map. He poured in some mana, and the next moment a three-dimensional image of bases, passageways, paths, and so on appeared above the map.

This map was a magical artifact created explicitly for high-level informants. Evan was surprised. Previously he could only guess where the entrance was from Franz's words, but now he had the impression that he had already been to the other bases.

After a few minutes of explanation, Evan nodded and said, "Okay. These are the main bases of the Demonic Tree, and besides them, there are places even you don't know about. But, where is the main base?"

Devil's Horn, Demonic Flower, Blood Pond, and Scarlet Beach were important points, but none of them was the main base.

Franz smiled and asked, "Look at the map and tell me where you think Demonic Tree's main base is? I'm just curious to hear your opinion."

Evan thought about it and said, "Hmm, it's probably an extremely mysterious and dangerous place that would be hard for even a king to get into. Perhaps the Demonic Tree's main base is right here."

Evan pointed to a remote spot to the east of The Kingdom of Fallen Hopes. This place was very close to the border with the other kingdom. What's more, there were mountain ranges and dense forests all around.

"It's not a bad place, but you were wrong. This is where Demonic Tree's base is." Said Franz and pointed the finger at the ceiling.

Evan looked at him, puzzled.

Franz smirked and said, "Demonic Tree's main base is high in the sky, on a huge, soaring island."