"Is it true? The Godslayer Staff has reappeared, and it is now in Owen's possession?"
"I think it must be true; otherwise, how could he have defeated Miss Madelyn?"
"The Godslayer Staff is the ancient artifact of the dark god king. Even a master-tier mage couldn't tame it. What qualifications does he have to wield it?"
News about Owen, especially regarding the Godslayer Staff, spread like wildfire across various kingdoms. Almost every mage was discussing the matter.
Most mages believed the news to be false. They had heard tales of the ancient artifact, the Godslayer Staff, since childhood, and its impression was deeply ingrained in their minds. They were convinced that the staff Owen possessed was a counterfeit and that he could not truly wield it.
However, many other mages believed it could be true. Owen, who had once been so ordinary, had suddenly become dazzling, overshadowing the once-unstoppable Miss Madelyn. Something as legendary as the Godslayer Staff could very well be the only thing capable of causing such a dramatic change!
As a result, many mages, curious about Owen and the Godslayer Staff, began heading toward where he was.
While the mages of various kingdoms were already in an uproar, a change in the Academy City's Genius Leaderboard further ignited the atmosphere. In the top position, which had been coveted by countless genius mages, a name that had been vacant was now filled with golden letters: Owen!
Number one on the Genius Leaderboard!
Everyone who saw the leaderboard ranking was shocked and astonished. Whether from the black mage faction or the white mage faction, both were filled with outstanding prodigies, all young and ambitious, making the top ten positions on the Genius Leaderboard highly contested. The top three spots often remained unfilled.
This leaderboard was curated by the highly rigorous Academy City, the only truly neutral city-state on the continent and the headquarters of the continent's eight great academies.
Academy City was formed by numerous academies focused primarily on the study of magic, historical documentation, evaluating distinguished individuals and geniuses, and recording history. It was renowned across the continent, with many of today's leading figures having studied there.
The credibility of the Academy City's leaderboard is extremely high, making the rankings highly prestigious.
"Owen, nineteen years old, bronze-tier level 9, defeated silver-tier level 10 Madelyn, suspected of possessing the Godslayer Staff, limitless potential, ranked first!"
The records about Owen on the leaderboard were brief, and after reading them, everyone was shocked. Although they had heard rumors of Owen defeating Madelyn, it had seemed unbelievable, and they were unsure if it was merely a myth. Now, with Academy City's acknowledgment, it was certain to be true!
"Undeniably, Owen's ability to cross such a significant tier and defeat Madelyn shows immense potential. But ranking him first? I refuse to accept this!"
"This leaderboard was crafted by Master Neill of Academy City. If he says Owen is ranked first, it is absolutely fair!"
"Master Neill is highly respected in Academy City and cannot be bribed or influenced by anyone. It looks like I need to meet this Owen and see how capable he truly is!"
...
In Gowato Sanctuary, Alfonso, who practiced both black and white magic, placed the Genius Leaderboard on the ground and twisted his neck, causing his bones to crackle. His fiery red eyes began to blaze with flames.
As the first heir of the sanctuary, his strength and reputation were well-known across the continent, making him increasingly indifferent to others. However, this Owen had undoubtedly caught his attention.
"I hope you don't disappoint me..."
The flames in Alfonso's eyes roared, and a faint illusion of a fire dragon flickered behind him, sometimes appearing and sometimes disappearing.
The Genius Leaderboard was not a ranking of combat strength; being ranked first only indicated great talent. The true measure of strength could only be revealed through battle!
...
Meanwhile, in the Moonspring Kingdom, before the cold and majestic Holy Spring, mist swirled. A young girl with meticulously groomed sky-blue hair, standing barefoot with delicate feet, hovered above the gushing Holy Spring. Facing the six-winged angel at the center of the spring, she bowed slightly and spoke with determination on her rosy lips:
"With the angel's blessing, Saint Annie will bring the Godslayer Staff back to the kingdom!"
After she finished speaking, the mist swirled around her and gathered on her smooth back, forming a pair of vaporous wings. The wings flickered between solid and ethereal, and with a powerful flap, her figure disappeared from the Holy Spring.
...
Far from the Azure Kingdom, the Sahano Church was also in turmoil due to the changes in the Genius Leaderboard. Andre, struggling to lift a massive dark stone the size of a house while climbing a steep staircase, suddenly received some news.
The patterns on his bronze skin began to glow, and his already robust, towering frame swelled with even more muscle.
"First on the Genius Leaderboard and the Godslayer Staff—interesting!" he laughed heartily before slowly placing the massive stone on the ground.
The earth shook as if a mountain had fallen.
After setting down the stone, his figure disappeared, leaving only deep footprints to show where he had been training.
---
In the Nether Kingdom, Prince Carlos crushed the letter in his hand into powder.
After a moment of hesitation, he decided to take action personally.
"First on the Genius Leaderboard—it's been many years since anyone held that position." Even with the bloodline of the Dark Emperor, he felt far behind in talent rankings.
"Is it the Godslayer Staff's influence? If it is, then this ancient weapon will only reach its true potential in my hands!"
With that thought, mana surged around Prince Carlos, and he transformed into a hawk, soaring into the sky and leaving the palace behind.
---
On his way to Pharaoh's Tower, Owen originally intended to ignore the trivial matters along the way. However, as time passed, he gradually noticed that more and more presences were gathering around him, mostly young mages.
Their gazes were complicated, filled with provocation, curiosity, and a keen desire to challenge him. If not for Benedict and the others firmly protecting him in the center, he had no doubt that these people would have immediately challenged him.
"Master Owen, things seem to be getting worse. You've been listed as number one on the Genius Leaderboard by Academy City, and it mentions that you are suspected of wielding the Godslayer Staff..." Benedict's magical artifact lit up, and after receiving some information, he spoke to Owen with a serious expression.
Hearing this, Owen frowned slightly. He had anticipated that Leslie might spread information to muddy the waters, but he hadn't expected to catch the attention of Academy City or to be placed at the top of the Genius Leaderboard!
If he didn't know the old folks at Academy City so well and wasn't aware of his own talent, he might have thought they were setting him up for failure.
Being in this position brought fame and recognition, but it also led to endless challenges and troubles.
"Master Owen, perhaps we should return to the Duke's mansion to lay low for a while?" Benedict suggested, noting Owen's silence.
Most of the young mages gathering around them were at the bronze or silver tier levels, not posing a significant threat. However, he understood this was only the beginning.
The news spread quickly, and soon it would attract more powerful forces, leading to a situation beyond his control. Returning to the Duke's mansion before truly formidable characters arrived would be the best course of action. Once inside the Duke's mansion, no force would dare to challenge Duke Charles' authority, ensuring Owen's temporary safety.
The other Wolf Guards around Benedict nodded slightly in agreement.
Just then, a blue-haired woman stepped into their path ahead.
Her slanted phoenix eyes stared at Owen, who was protected by Benedict and the others, and a smile slowly curled at the corners of her lips. "You must be Owen. I challenge you to a duel!"