The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 223

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‘This forest has quite a variety of resources.’

After prompting the children to shout insults at their parents with gusto, Roxelyn found herself wandering the forest after being chased out by Edward and Albus.

‘The Captain of the Guard probably never imagined the forest would be discovered so soon.’

From what she recalled, this forest also held flowstones, a resource essential for crafting Abyss Weapons. This was also the time when materials for a control device that could completely inhibit the use of Abyss were found here.

There were also numerous undiscovered herbs, various minerals, gems, and even magic stones. With the discovery of magic stones, imperial mages had begun to make significant advancements, but…

‘I died not long after that.’

So she didn’t really know how things had developed after her death.

Anyway, magic stones were a mineral similar to flowstones. If flowstones had properties that could contain the Abyss, magic stones had properties that could hold a mage’s mana.

However, unlike flowstones, which were hard and suited for weaponry, magic stones were soft and brittle, making them more suitable for jewelry. The discovery of magic stones allowed mages, though less powerful than Abyss holders, to progress dramatically.

Since magic stones were inherently imbued with mana, if used unprocessed, it allowed mages to wield more power than they normally could.

‘Up to now, mages were just… people with slightly peculiar abilities.’

Because mages rarely won in direct confrontations with Abyss holders, they had been relegated to practical, everyday magic. They hadn’t been able to use significant offensive or defensive magic.

Unlike the Abyss, which never depleted, magic weakened or became unusable once mana was exhausted.

So, until then, mages were mainly known for their household magic. Even though the Tower Master was rumored to be quite capable, he never ventured beyond the worn-down tower, making it impossible to verify if the rumors were true.

However, with magic stones at their disposal, things began to shift. Magic stones were easier to process than flowstones, allowing it to store mana and magic effortlessly, enabling spells of immense scale previously impossible.

With magic stones, magic could be used continuously, like the Abyss.

And unlike the Abyss, it wasn’t restricted to a single ability…

‘The most significant advancement was the creation of teleportation scrolls.’

Using magic stones powder, teleportation scrolls were developed, and the last thing Roxelyn remembered was hearing about the development of a constant portal system.

“Roxelyn.”

“Arma.”

“Please don’t go too far in.”

Arma grasped her hand without hesitation, and Roxelyn chuckled softly.

“Did you come out because of me?”

“Yes, I was concerned.”

“What about Edward and Albus?”

“Marquis Gerun and the High Priest are asking the children about their wishes. Most of them want to escape their doll forms and be reborn.”

Roxelyn nodded. She had anticipated this—eternal life was, after all, an endless repetition of monotony.

“A few seem interested in seeing the outside world, so it seems some will stay.”

Roxelyn nodded again.

“And Edward?”