Sorcery Monarch

Chapter 101: Illusion Doppelganger

 

Matthew carefully browsed through the attribute panel, his gaze settling on Illusion Spell LV4.

 

"Illusion Spell LV4: Creates a realistic illusion with 0 defense and 10 HP."

 

"The illusion cannot attack and possesses all of the target's habits, cognition, and appearance."

 

"The illusion lasts for 6 hours and can be controlled through conscious projection."

 

"Consuming 5 skill points can upgrade it to LV5."

 

But would upgrading to LV5 satisfy all of Matthew's ideas?

 

It seemed that the system had detected Matthew's thoughts, as it soon displayed deeper information.

 

"Do you want to consume 5 skill points + 500 Fate Coins + 5000 experience points to enhance and upgrade this skill?"

 

Was the system this intelligent?

 

Matthew didn't think too much about it. He first signaled for Steward Ralph to leave, then slowly closed his eyes.

 

Yes!

 

A brilliant blue light continuously flickered in the depths of his soul.

 

Fine threads gradually traced out a more complex pattern on the surface of "Little Matthew."

 

"The construction of a spell model?"

 

The thought had just crossed Matthew's mind when the scattered model slowly settled into his "body," solidifying the somewhat ethereal "Little Matthew."

 

As the process gradually came to an end, Matthew could clearly feel that "Little Matthew" had gained a sense of solidity, closer to reality.

 

"Could it be that as one's power grows, the soul gradually becomes closer to the physical realm?"

 

"This might explain how demons turn souls into soul crystals and how gods create petitioners..."

 

"Moreover, the stronger a spellcaster, the higher their success rate of transforming into a lich—this could be the reason."

 

The reflection in his body manifested as even greater control over his mana.

 

Feeling the changes in his body, Matthew exhaled slightly and looked back at the system display.

 

"Illusion Doppelganger LV5: Consumes 100 mana points to create a realistic doppelganger with 0 defense and 50 HP."

 

"This doppelganger has one-third of the main body's abilities, possesses all of the target's habits, cognition, and appearance, and has anti-detection capabilities. It can be controlled through conscious projection."

 

"The doppelganger only disappears when its HP reaches 0 or the spell is canceled."

 

Matthew involuntarily sucked in a breath of cold air. Even though he had already anticipated the power of the Fate modification, he hadn't expected it to be this strong.

 

The illusion doppelganger would persist indefinitely!

 

This meant that whenever Matthew used it, he would have a permanent doppelganger!

 

He could use this doppelganger to explore, even venture into dangerous areas, without worrying about his own safety!

 

As a top-tier player who had witnessed many unconventional strategies, Matthew had already thought of hundreds of ways to use this illusion doppelganger!

 

He even greedily wondered why the illusion doppelganger wasn't treated as a new LV1 skill.

 

He would have gladly spent more skill points to strengthen it further!

 

After putting aside these small fantasies, Matthew decisively cast the skill on himself.

 

A peculiar sensation washed over his body.

 

Matthew felt the skill sending a request to his mind.

 

He could selectively inject certain memories and abilities into it.

 

This would prevent the doppelganger from revealing any of his secrets if it were ever controlled.

 

Matthew sent in basic habits and corresponding spellcasting abilities.

 

As 100 mana points were consumed, a figure identical to Matthew appeared.

 

Matthew smiled slightly at it.

 

The doppelganger smiled back!

 

Steward Ralph walked in and immediately saw two Matthews standing side by side, freezing in place for a moment.

 

Matthew waved at him, and the doppelganger made the same gesture, saying:

 

"Can you tell the difference?"

 

Speaking in perfect unison, the sight left Ralph a bit dazed.

 

The illusion doppelganger remained motionless as Ralph approached and examined them closely, but he couldn't find any flaws.

 

He quickly came to his senses, looking at the reflection of his face in the illusion doppelganger's eyes, clicking his tongue in amazement:

 

"Congratulations, my lord, for making further progress on the arcane path."

 

"I couldn't tell them apart at all… it's incredible!"

 

Matthew knew this wasn't flattery from Ralph. He nodded in satisfaction and turned to enter the secret room, sitting cross-legged and closing his eyes.

 

Conscious projection!

 

Matthew felt a moment of darkness before light returned. He savored the feeling of the much weaker body and carefully noted the flow of mana within it. It reminded him of playing a game.

 

However, he quickly dismissed that thought.

 

He glanced at Ralph, who was still in awe, and put on a spare dimensional belt, donned a black robe, and took out an ebony staff.

 

Ralph noticed Matthew's outfit, recognizing the Ser Family crest on the cloak, and nodded in understanding, asking excitedly:

 

"My lord, your illusion spell has improved further, even I couldn't tell the difference. This ensures your safety."

 

Without elaborating, Matthew simply nodded, sitting down and feeling the subtle differences between the doppelganger and his main body.

 

At the same time, Matthew remained aware of the situation around his main body, ensuring that focusing on conscious projection wouldn't leave him vulnerable to danger.

 

Furthermore, Matthew could pause the conscious projection at any time, return to his main body, and then resume projection later.

 

It was incredibly convenient!

 

Reflecting on his earlier conversation with Adamsmith, Ralph hesitantly asked:

 

"My lord, are you planning to go personally?"

 

Rubbing his fingers lightly, Matthew glanced at the list and explained:

 

"Not yet, we won't make a move right now."

 

"Until we are strong enough, any move that fails to deter others will only expose our weaknesses."

 

"Send two teams of clay golems to Adamsmith, marked with the Ser Family insignia, and have him purchase a small teleportation array."

 

Feeling the very real sensation of his fingertips, Matthew couldn't help but smile faintly and said:

 

"If necessary, we can teleport a small force to support Adamsmith."

 

Ralph nodded, noting everything down while also realizing that Matthew seemed quite satisfied with Adamsmith.

 

However, Ralph couldn't help but feel a strange sense of anticipation when he thought about the adventurers soon exploring Troll Valley. He asked:

 

"Shall we continue capturing trolls? If we delve deeper into Troll Valley, it might lead to some adventurer deaths…"

 

Knowing how large the market for potion production would be, Matthew naturally nodded:

 

"To earn more, sacrifices are inevitable!"

 

"In a few days, I will personally lead the team!"