It was a few hours later when Alan awoke, not opening his eyes he had a warm sensation on his breast. Opening one eye he could just make out the top of Hopix 's nous on his chest, and then he felt the moistness. What the pit ? What had happened that Hopix had been crying ? Then he thought a import that is if she had been crying he could n't always tell with her. Looking around he saw that Merlin was alert and staring at him.

< Can you hear me boy ? > Alan heard Merlin in his mind.

< Yes, but why are you thought talking ? > Alan asked a little rummy.

< I thought I might let her sleep she was awake for quite a while tending and watching over you, > came Merlin 's answer.

< Ok, we 'll let her nap for now, thank you for your consideration. > Alan told merlin.

< I wanted to ask what you are planning on doing ? There are only 30 of the dark mages left before you face the champion. I am quite sure enough they all have laid a trap for you at one point or another. > Merlin advised Alan.

< Yes, I am well aware of that ; then again I am betting that they think I will just walk into them too. I believe that they will be surprised when I appear to, but actually do n't > Alan replied.

Falco columbarius smiled as he nodded he 'd seen this youthful man's tactics, he was sure Alan had a few surprises up his sleeve. < I also wanted to secernate you that I am as high as I can go in the mid-range. It is taking an untold amount of energy each time as you said. By the way I have felt a slight jump in your power as I said it is extremely slow. After the mid-range I am having a difficult meter increasing. >

< Just remember it takes a lilliputian bit for your physical structure to aline before you should even call back of trying to go further. What I did today was the largest I have ever done, the sleep helped greatly but I do n't suppose I want to push it like that again for a bit. > Alan explained.

< Yes I know, I have slowed trying to increase, the amount of energy as you said, is enormous. delight Alan be careful these close 30 are the regretful of the lot. > Merlin warned.

Alan nodded then reached down and gently kissed Hopix sending shivers up his spine. Withdrawing his lips he could see that Hopix was feeling it as well. `` Hello my love feeling better ? '' Alan asked when her eyes flew unresolved.

Breathing hard Hopix could only nod as she clung to Alan as if her biography depended on it.

'' We need to get started ; I feel it wo n't drive too many more before the lite council will be able to appear on this human beings. You sure you feel like going with me ? '' Alan asked a smile on his face as a sudden face of anger crossed Hopix 's face.

'' You would n't dare think of leaving without me ! '' She told him as she playfully slapped his shoulder joint.

Alan nodded then arose with Hopix 's arms still around him. `` I want to finish this as fast as potential but I think that the last 30 are counting on me being heady. ''

'' I believe you are right on, maybe a becalm meditation, '' Hopix asked, to which Alan could only stare at her. To him meditation with his wife was when she actually left him alone !

Taking a deep breather Alan sighed, and then shrugged sin it could n't hurt to try now could it. Concentrating on Hopix 's fount Alan could actually sense the tension leave his body amazing ! Then a new musical theme started to make, hmmm Alan thought a little devious but it might exercise.

Half an hour later, Alan and Hopix were leaving the sanctuary, Alan feeling for the next mage he was going after. Nodding to Hopix they started to head in that direction as fast as potential. Finally they arrived at a ... tree ? Shaking his drumhead Alan knew they were Wyrd guess he should require it. Smiling then nodding to Hopix, Alan raised his tycoon and cut the top of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree off. As he expected there was a expectant amount of screaming before the mage appeared.

'' You bastard how dare you destroy my dwelling ! I will use your bones in the construction of my next abode ! '' Firing a ( here Alan just shook his head ) vast fireball at Alan the half dame shaped mage started to express joy. `` I know you have a victor defense against fire but this is quite unlike ! ''

Alan just nodded he 'd matte the more intense heat but it was really nothing to him. Bouncing it back Alan watched as the dark mage 's face showed surprise as it extended its arm like appendages. Suddenly the face twisted into fear and hate as the fire orb did n't do away with but built to a high-pitched chroma. Alan suddenly was speaking to the air as he stated, `` I hope all of you are watching, I am through playacting with you whether now or later, alone or together. I am coming to end each of you do us all a favor and just break up ! None of you have a chance, NONE of you ! ''

Turning away Alan smiled, ‘ That ought to do it,'he thought. Looking at the bird creature mage Alan pushed some more, feeling the other lose the fight. Finally amidst an increasing measure of screaming as it died, several more dark mages appeared and started to fire different attacks at Alan. Many of the new comer faces twisted into hate as they all tried to end Alan at the same time.

Smiling Alan had felt the glide slope of the ten that were now striking at his shields. Alan had depended on the fact that well-nigh of them were conceited about their big businessman, good he thought as he slowly increased his shields and then started to push back. Hmmm Alan thought as he felt the fellow mien of the sullen council 's sensation. Turning his care back to the new arrivals, Alan made several different cutting apparent movement as four of the new mages fell bleeding from slice on their throats and necks.

Several of those left started to push arduous growling out their hatred of Alan. Increasing his king even more Alan was almost as high as he 'd been before pushing back hard as another two screamed. Their own attacks caught and consumed them as they died beside the others. Ok Alan thought, it appears that they really were starting to send the stronger. ‘ It was about time,'he thought, ‘ this would definitely be a challenge !'

Still the first that Alan had engaged was trying to escape, again waggling his finger at him Alan thought I ought to try something unlike. Concentrating Alan could experience the footing beneath him and the glum mages ; smiling he reached down and a instant later three of the four left, screamed. respective roots erupted from the primer coat and ripped them apart, the finish only smiled as he pointed a stubby finger's breadth like appendage at Alan.

'' So mage Alan you can learn ! Good it will make this victory over you that much sweeter ! '' With that the net mage faded to a mist that floated toward Alan, an iniquity cackling emitting from it. `` You can terminate most attacks but not this one ! Remember how brave you thought you were when you feel your lungs on fire and you blood boiling out of your body ! ''

Alan could only smile he 'd seen something like this before and awaited the approach of the morose mage. As it drew closer Alan 's smiling got bigger making the mist falter a here and now ; that was all Alan needed as a freezing wave of cold erupted from Alan. Screaming the mist tried to keep off the common cold and almost made it.

'' I would say it had been a beneficial fight but you were rather easy, '' Alan told the half frozen mist. `` It 's a shame you have been the most master yet, oh well. '' Stepping forward Alan brought a human foot down on the stop dead plane section of the mist effectively shattering it into thousands of pieces. Screaming the dark mage cursed at Alan then stopped as it died.

turn back to the foremost of the dark mages Alan got a queer grin on his face. The kickoff of Alan 's aggressor eyes got full then it looked behind Alan and started to grin.

'' I see that my admittedly assistance is here ! '' Quite confident the first dark mage started to laugh at Alan. `` Soon you will be short and we all will profit handsomely ! ''

Behind Alan a now familiar representative broke the air, `` I know you are n't talking about me ! You are a stupid and pathetic fool to think I would help a debile idiot like you in fact. '' Suddenly there was a monumental physique up of major power then a hurry exit that shot out and engross the wight. Screaming it was gone quicker than Alan thought it would be. `` I can not abide the weak and sniveling soft touch the council has working for them. That though, is their business I could care less. ''

'' Huh and here I thought you had no honor. '' Alan told the dark council 's champion.

'' Oh rest assured I do not ! Though when it comes to you who can know ? You are mine to pop, the sooner these unimaginable permissive waste are gone, the sooner I can banquet on your soul ! '' The muscular non-white mage said. `` I wo n't kill them ; that is your job as is dying at the appointed time of day by my bridge player. So do us all a party favour, belt down them quickly I thirst for an actual fight against a actual mage not here."HE kicked what was left of the foremost nighttime mages body. `` These wastes of space. '' Laughing evilly the creature disappeared.

Alan shook his capitulum then sat to rest a few instant, he could already experience a vast multitude coming this way. There had to be a way to belt along up the process. `` Hopix, do you think there is an easier way to complete the clearing of these hoi polloi ? ''

Sitting next to him her chin on her handwriting she also started to cogitate, a few minutes later she looked at Alan excited. `` Alan, do they have to be awake for you to actually do this ? I have seen that the more they struggle before you actually stop working on them, the more than push you use. Perhaps it would be simpler to just put them asleep ? ''

Alan sat there mulling over what she 'd said, maybe she was right it took a lot more energy to fight them trying to open them up awake then when they were asleep. The lowest radical he 'd worked on had been this way hell it was worth a shot ! Wiping out the base of the first night mage Alan set about making a major city comparable to one that he 'd seen in the minds of many of the Lobrits. He 'd just finish when he felt the overly big throng of Lobrits as they drew close.

'' I know that most of you are confused, I have created a metropolis for you, but first I need you to log Z's. '' At this all that were there dropped to the ground in slumber. Alan started on the first few thousand finding it three fourth dimension comfortable than he thought it would have been. surprise Alan tried to do even more reaching out he touched at least 50,000. Smiling he found it was a hell of a lot light plus he hardly felt the strain that he had before.

An minute later, Alan could only think that he 'd had well over 200,000 there though this time he was surprised that only about 10,000 did n't require to be release. Shaking his straits he sent all that were resign now into the city and set up all the protection. Sighing he still could n't believe that many chose to remain with their dark mage captain.

Another hour passed and he was finally done, even with them asleep he 'd found that those that did n't desire the assistance resisted him fiercely. Then he thought about what the dark council supporter had said, shaking his head he could almost sense the excitement that the former had about facing him. Was the man, ( Alan guessed he had been at one sentence ) really that much in love with fighting as Alan could find ? Alan had just turned to Hopix when he felt a familiar presence appear.

'' I thought you were going to expect 'til your power had increased more. '' Alan asked of Merlin.

'' I 'm not sure if you can tell, '' Merlin replied. `` I was practicing again when I felt something slip and I suddenly knew that I had increased into the higher range. I am now where by far even close to you but I am feeling a hell of a lot more self-confidence than I was. '' Here Merlin waved his arm with a minor flourish sending a pocket-size shower of twinkle out from his arm. `` I have never been able to do that before, neither have I been able-bodied to reckon move as far as I have. '' Leaning skinny Merlin told a now shocked Alan in a whisper, `` I made it here in two moves. ''

'' What ! ? You 'd have to moved into ..., '' Alan started to smile, so the old man had finally moved into the higher ranges. well Alan thought now the man was in for it that was for sure, the last XIX might think he WAS an easygoing prey but now Ha ! Alan could only imagine all of their surprised faces when they went after him now.

Merlin smiled when he could see that Alan had the same Revelation of Saint John the Divine that he 'd had. Then he remembered the literal reason he 'd come there, `` I came as fast as I could, the first small township you created is under attack from those that chose not to be freed. They had contacted me as you were gone, I have tried to add to a greater extent protection to the outer rampart, but I am afraid I have n't near the power you do. ''

Alan nodded he 'd feel earth tremor from the aegis he 'd erected but nothing all that serious yet. Then again with the strongest left that might switch quickly. `` I 'll channelize there as soon as we are done here. '' Alan told a care Merlin.

Merlin could only nod, he wanted these multitude free they, reminded him of a few of the kinder races he 'd met. He just hoped that Alan was n't too late, this plan of attack had been different than nearly that he 'd felt before, another shock to him that he was feeling more than. Falco columbarius nodded to Hopix a reproving looking at on his face as he concentrated and vanished.

Alan checked all of the safeguard he 'd put in place then gathered up Hopix and they both vanished. Appearing not far from the showtime place Alan had set up for the Lobrits, Alan quickly assessed the situation. Around the outside of the town there were about ten of the Lobrits that were still working for the dark mages. Each had their arms raised and were emitting various character of push towards the shields that Alan had erected around the township.

growling Alan could palpate the bearing of at to the lowest degree three of the hard dismal mages through the ten of the loyal Lobrits. Alan was approaching when he heard a voice, `` hold up mage Alan ! Under the regulation of subjugation those in this pathetic settlement are ours ! ''

Alan sneered shouting, `` Then they are all mine ! I defeated all of those before me, secrete them, and halt this flak ! I suggest you do so before you truly piss me off ! ''

'' As if there was anything you could do ! '' The voice yelled back as various of the handmaid Lobrits turned toward Alan and started firing.

Alan smirked and easily blocked the attack even as respective more bolts inject toward him from stern. Hopix screamed a warning as all three of the bolt of lightning started to get through his shields. curse it ! Distracted only a minute Alan returned flaming catching the get-go of the three mages igniting its cutis. Amid the screams, the last two poured on more power finally breaking through, one barely grazing Alan 's arm. Grimacing Alan 's now almost useless arm fell at his incline. Looking at Hopix 's furious face as she helped him to stay standing Alan concentrated and they vanished.

They only managed to go a few thousand one thousand, both of the darkness mages decided to render chase. Again Alan tried to move them but the pain was starting to distract him, as again they only moved a few thousand M. Finally unclutter of the townspeople Alan and Hopix looked at his arm, though not as bad as the first off time he 'd been injured it was more painful. Alan was about to move again when Falco columbarius appeared.

'' I thought you were in worry something had felt off when I felt your kickoff move '' Alan could barely nod as the pain racked his body almost to the point that he was fighting to abide witting. `` I 've never tried this before but I have to try, '' Merlin said as he placed a hand on Alan and Hopix.

More than one-half way to the bema Falco columbarius and his passenger appeared startled Merlin recognized where they were. Shaking his head he could suddenly feel both of the undermentioned mages but they were at an extreme distance, darn had they moved that far ? Closing his heart Merlin concentrated on the sanctuary and they vanished again appearing outside the nominal head of the refuge. Again pigeon hawk 's optic grew with child this was amazing ! This was fantastic ! This was, bullshit ! Merlin could feel the drain on his eubstance and might well he thought as he started to fall this sucks !

Hopix 's eye were encompassing when had Merlin 's power increased that much ? The hale time they had been here Merlin had never shown this much great power ! There was a sudden ruction as the Lobrits came pouring out of the bema to comport not only Alan but a now unconscious Merlin inside.

The glum wizard was shaking his nous maybe he 'd given this mage Alan far too much credit to be hurt by such a tactics. Then again it was really the first time such had been used against him, we 'll see he thought Alan learned a netherworld of a lot faster than he was used to, Maybe this was a artifice ? No there was no way that the Edward White mage would let himself get hurt was there ? Obviously there was a lot more to this Alan than met the eye. Yes far survey was required that was for sure as shooting before they faced off against each other. With a smug and extremely confident look the sorry champion vanished, already forming program of direction to defeat Alan.

They managed to get Alan inside without incident as well as pigeon hawk ; that was 'til they set Alan down and the painfulness shot through his body. Doing his best not to call Alan lay there as several healers started to work on him. damn, Alan thought he could n't even feel them at first then slowly very slowly he started to palpate a tiny bit of the pain in the ass fade.

They had been at it for perhaps four hours when Alan heard Merlin stir with a moan. Hopix had added her exponent to the healing also but it appeared that even her top executive was far insufficient to do all that much to his injuries. Merlin 's eyes opened, ‘ damn,'he thought as the room spun, ‘ I'm a little storm I am awake.'Looking over at Alan he could see that Alan 's arm was still in bad shape. Barely able to move Merlin directed some of his Energy toward Alan, watching as it enveloped the arm. Alan 's optic snapped spread as he actually felt his arm healing. ‘ Who the hell was that,'he thought there was no one powerful enough ...

Alan heard Merlin groan then the healing that had started a few second before melt. Alan tried to move his arm not corking but it was by far sound than it had been. Looking at Merlin the man smiled then promptly passed out, tinker's damn Alan thought the man really had advanced his power that far ! Concentrating Alan could finally add to the healing as he felt the tender pulp become unharmed. Alan 's last persuasion as the healing had also drained him was he had to repay the man when they were both awake, well after the last seventeen mages, and the champion were gone .