CH405 - CH413

CH405

Domer couldn’t quite pinpoint what kind of impact it would have, but his instincts told him something was off.

Wizards, especially those at Domer’s level, had incredibly sharp intuition, and their premonitions were rarely wrong.

Even though Domer and the other wizards had thoroughly inspected the area multiple times, confirming that the dimensional rift had been completely sealed and no hidden dangers remained, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.

“Irina, make sure to assign regular patrols in this area. I just don’t feel at ease,” Domer said after a long moment of thought.

Irina nodded. “Understood.”

As the head of Crystal City’s Security Department, Irina could easily arrange for these patrols.

While patrols around Crystal City were common, sending them this deep into the polluted zone was a first.

Irina didn’t share Domer’s premonition, but she followed orders without question.

Domer gazed at the barren rubble in front of him, the wind sweeping through the area. He looked up at the sky, lost in thought.

***

Helag sat in his meditation room, a faint image of a star floating in his mind.

As usual, he was practicing the Starry Sky Meditation Technique to enhance his mental power.

Helag focused on the star’s shadow in his mind, then glanced at his mental power crystal. He suddenly recalled the cold sensation he had felt during his advancement to a crystallized wizard, which had come from the Divine Core in his bloodline.

That energy had been instrumental in helping him increase his mental power.

Helag wondered if he could actively tap into that energy during meditation to further enhance his training.

He decided to give it a try. With a thought, a cool sensation flowed from his bloodline imprint.

It was a pure energy that directly reached his mind and infused into the star’s shadow.

As soon as the Divine Core’s energy entered, the star’s shadow solidified significantly.

In just a short moment, Helag had achieved the equivalent of ten days of meditation.

Seeing how effective it was, Helag continued to draw on the Divine Core’s energy to aid his meditation.

The star, which had been on the verge of solidifying, fully condensed after several infusions of energy from the Divine Core.

This was the first star in the third diagram of his meditation technique, and the first one Helag had successfully meditated on since becoming a crystallized wizard.

As the star solidified, Helag noticed a subtle change in his mental power crystal.

The change was so slight that Helag could barely sense it, and upon closer inspection, he couldn’t find any obvious differences.

Helag knew that such a small increase in mental power wouldn’t cause a noticeable change in the crystal. Only after accumulating enough would it lead to a qualitative transformation.

He wasn’t sure how much energy remained in the Divine Core within his bloodline imprint, but at the current rate, he feared it might run out soon.

However, he couldn’t worry about that now. He needed to use every resource available to strengthen himself as quickly as possible.

The Divine Core’s energy likely had other uses, but if Helag didn’t use it now, it would just sit there. He decided to continue using it to aid his meditation.

With the energy’s assistance, his mental power growth would accelerate, allowing him to reach the crystallized wizard’s limit much sooner.

Helag was determined to push his mental power to its peak, growing as much as possible.

After finishing his meditation, Helag stood up and checked his communication stone. There was a new message from Pruis.

“There’s an opportunity I think you might be interested in. It’s a really good one,” Pruis said.

Helag raised an eyebrow. If Pruis was calling it a good opportunity, it had to be something worthwhile.

“What is it?” Helag asked.

“I’ll come find you. I’m near King Street,” Pruis replied.

Just as Helag received the message, he heard a knock at the door.

He chuckled to himself, “You’re already at my door.”

Now even more curious, Helag wondered what Pruis had in store for him. It was clear that Pruis had come specifically to see him, waiting outside while Helag finished his meditation.

For a second-level wizard and the head of Silvermoon City’s Security Department to wait outside for him was no small gesture.

As Helag pondered, Reese had already gone to open the door, leading Pruis inside.

David had left a few days ago. After resting for over twenty days, he couldn’t sit still any longer and insisted on returning to the Eastern Source Trading Company to resume work.

The company had reassigned him to Crystal City to handle some business matters. His last airship trip had been to take up that post, though things hadn’t gone as planned.

“Mr. Pruis, what brings you here in person?” Helag asked, his curiosity piqued.

Reese brought them both cups of hot coffee before excusing herself upstairs, giving them privacy to talk.

Pruis smiled and said, “Helag, do you know what tier our wizard plane belongs to?”

“What tier? What do you mean exactly?” Helag wasn’t sure what Pruis was getting at.

Pruis explained, “Our wizard plane is just one of countless planes. Aside from the wizard plane, there are many others, like the elven plane you’ve visited.”

“Planes are generally divided into three tiers: high-tier worlds, mid-tier worlds, and low-tier worlds.”

This was the first time Helag had heard about planes being categorized by tiers. He had never come across this information before.

“What’s the basis for these divisions? And what tier is the wizard plane?” Helag asked.

“The tier of a plane is determined by the level of the most powerful beings it can support. Low-tier worlds can only accommodate beings with power equivalent to a third-level wizard. Mid-tier worlds can support beings up to the level of a sixth-ring wizard, while high-tier worlds are said to be able to support beings of the legendary eighth level or even higher.”

“The wizard plane is a mid-tier world, meaning the most powerful beings it can support are sixth-ring wizards.”

After Pruis’s explanation, Helag began to understand.

Each world had a different tier, and the strength of the beings it could sustain varied accordingly.

In a low-tier world, a fourth-level wizard could potentially cause massive destruction, as the world wouldn’t be able to handle such a powerful entity.

Similarly, in the wizard plane, if an eighth-level being suddenly appeared, they could destroy the world with just a breath.

This was why the will of each plane instinctively repelled powerful beings from other planes. The stronger the being, the greater the repulsion.


CH406

If a powerful being wanted to enter another plane, forcefully breaking through was nearly impossible.

This was due to the immense repulsion from the world’s will.

Unless the being was so powerful that they could tear the world apart, creating their own passage, they couldn’t just barge in.

Even low-tier worlds couldn’t be easily breached by ordinary fifth or sixth-level wizards.

Only beings far beyond the world’s tier could break through, and for such entities, it was often a matter of whim. They could simply destroy a world with a casual swipe, leaving the inhabitants helpless victims of such overwhelming power.

Because they were so weak, they didn’t even have the chance to control their own fate.

Typically, the way to enter another plane was by locating its coordinates and establishing a plane passage, allowing travel between worlds.

The wizard plane’s invasion of the elven plane worked this way. Wizards like Park, a third-level wizard, could use the passage to enter the elven plane.

Though their power would be somewhat suppressed, they could still enter.

Helag also learned that the elven plane was a mid-tier world, just like the wizard plane.

Reflecting on his bloodline mark, which contained the bloodline of the Thunder God Ancestor, Helag realized why he couldn’t use the Ancestor’s power in either the wizard or elven planes.

After thinking for a moment, it became clear: the Ancestor’s bloodline was the power of a top-tier entity.

Such a level of power would naturally face the strongest repulsion and suppression from the world’s will.

Helag guessed that the Ancestor’s bloodline was at least eighth-tier, possibly even ninth-tier.

Since both the wizard and elven planes were mid-tier worlds, capable of supporting beings only up to the sixth tier, the Progenitor’s bloodline was a severe threat to the plane’s integrity. The world’s will would never allow such power to manifest within it.

Normally, Helag didn’t activate his bloodline power, so he wasn’t affected.

But whenever he tried to activate it, the world’s will exerted strong suppression, preventing him from using the Ancestor’s power stored in his bloodline mark.

This was because Helag’s own strength was too weak to resist the world’s will.

Helag understood that to even begin resisting the suppression of the world’s will, he needed to become much stronger.

At the very least, he would need to possess a complete mastery of rule power to have a chance at standing against the world’s will.

Once he reached that level, he could at least activate his bloodline mark and access some of the Ancestor’s power.

Though his strength would still be suppressed, it wouldn’t be as severe as it was now, where he couldn’t even activate the power.

“Is the Abyssal Plane a high-tier world?” Helag suddenly asked.

Pruis nodded. “Yes, the Abyssal Plane is home to many top-tier entities, which is why they’re so powerful.”

Helag had suspected as much, but he wanted confirmation.

After learning all this, Helag began to worry more about the wizard plane’s situation.

The fact that the wizard plane could only support beings up to the sixth-ring wizard level meant that its upper limit was already capped.

No matter how hard one tried, advancing beyond that was impossible because the plane itself couldn’t accommodate anything stronger.

Although Helag was currently weak, his ambitions went far beyond becoming a mere sixth-ring wizard.

Looking ahead, he realized he would need to find a way to break free from the limitations of the sixth tier.

However, that was a problem for the distant future. Right now, it wasn’t something he could do anything about.

The strongest wizards in the Land of Dawn were only fourth-level wizards, a far cry from the plane’s former glory.

If the Abyssal Plane managed to open a passage to the wizard plane, Helag could already imagine the chaos that would ensue.

In the past, the Six-Ring Tower and its sixth-ring wizards could fend off such threats, pushing back the invaders.

But now, with the strongest wizards only at the fourth level, how could they possibly fight back?

If that day ever came, Helag knew he’d have to start thinking about how to escape.

It was no wonder the wizard plane had been invading other planes—this was their way of strengthening their own world.

In the end, power was everything. Without it, the wizard plane could be invaded and destroyed by a stronger plane at any moment.

After learning more about the planes from Pruis, Helag had a clearer understanding of the situation. He then asked, “So, what’s the reason you came to see me today? Why tell me all this?”

Pruis smiled. “The reason I’m here is related to a low-tier world. Specifically, it’s a world that has just formed from a plane fragment—a very fragile one. If a second-level wizard were to use rule power there, it could severely damage the world.”

“Plane fragments can form worlds?” Helag asked.

“Yes. Plane fragments are pieces of once-complete worlds. When a plane is destroyed, it breaks into countless fragments. These fragments contain the necessary rule power to form a new world. Given enough time, they can develop into full-fledged worlds.”

“However, only a few fragments ever make it to that stage. Most fail to form new worlds due to various reasons.”

“Think of these fragments as seeds, floating in the endless void. If one is lucky enough to form a new world, it starts as a newly born world and can gradually evolve into a mid-tier or even high-tier world.”

“Recently, the wizards of the Land of Dawn discovered a low-tier world that had just formed from a plane fragment. This world is unclaimed, but there are six wizard organizations in the Land of Dawn. Everyone wants control of it, but they can’t just fight each other.”

“So, after a roundtable discussion, it was decided that each wizard organization would send first-level wizards into the low-tier world. Whichever organization claims control of the world first will own it. Everyone agreed to this, confident in their abilities.”

Pruis smiled as he finished, looking directly at Helag.

Helag immediately understood.

Pruis had come to recruit him.

No wonder Pruis had personally come to Helag’s door—it was clear he wanted Helag to participate in this mission.

The newly formed low-tier world was so fragile that even second-level wizards could damage it, which was why only first-level wizards were being sent.


CH407

Since only first-level wizards were being sent, it made sense to choose the most powerful crystallized wizards for the task.

Helag’s impressive past performance had caught the attention of those in charge, making him a natural choice.

However, there were inherent risks involved. While the opponents would also be crystallized wizards, entering a low-tier world meant unpredictable challenges.

Helag didn’t rush to decline the offer. Instead, he asked about the benefits, knowing that many issues stemmed from insufficient rewards.

As long as the benefits were substantial, everything else could be negotiated.

“What are the benefits of participating in this mission?” Helag inquired.

Pruis chuckled, “There are plenty of benefits. Just for participating, you’ll earn a minimum of 1,000 contribution points. And if—I’m saying if—you manage to seize control of the low-tier world, I won’t even mention the contribution points. You’ll definitely receive a medal as a reward.”

“A medal? What’s that?” Helag asked, puzzled.

“A medal is a reward given by Seranthiel to members who make outstanding contributions. Even the lowest-level medal represents 10,000 contribution points. For an operation like seizing a low-tier world, there will certainly be a medal involved,” Pruis explained.

“But I doubt I have the ability to seize control of a world. I wouldn’t even know where to start,” Helag admitted.

He was just a newly advanced crystallized wizard. How could he suddenly be involved in something as monumental as seizing control of a world?

Helag had always thought such matters were far beyond his reach, not something he should be concerned with.

Pruis continued, “That’s one of the hidden rewards I wanted to mention. You’re preparing to advance to a second-level wizard, right? What’s the most important thing for that?”

“The Rule Key?” Helag guessed.

“Not exactly. The Rule Key is just a tool. The most important thing for advancing to a second-level wizard is being able to perceive the existence of rules. The Rule Key merely aids in that perception.”

“The low-tier world has just been born, and many of its rules are also newly formed. It’s the perfect time for you to go in and comprehend them. Even if you do nothing else, just attempting to understand the rules is immensely beneficial.”

“As for seizing control of the world, don’t worry. You’ll be provided with specialized magical tools. If you succeed, you’ll temporarily become the World Master.”

Seeing Helag’s confusion, Pruis elaborated, “A World Master is someone who can control an entire world, typically the ruler of a plane, capable of manipulating all the rules within that world.”

“If you become the World Master of that low-tier world, you’ll be invincible there, which means Seranthiel will have successfully claimed the world.”

“For you personally, becoming the World Master is crucial because you’ll clearly see the world’s rules. This will greatly aid your future advancement to a second-level wizard. The medals and other rewards are secondary.”

Helag listened intently, gaining a clearer understanding of the mission.

For a crystallized wizard preparing to advance, the key step was perceiving rule power.

This was a critical phase, and the Rule Key was just a tool to assist in perceiving rule power.

Without a Rule Key, perceiving rule power was nearly impossible for a wizard.

Even with a Rule Key, it only slightly increased the chances of success.

Helag realized that if he could become the World Master in the low-tier world, rules would be within his grasp.

Even if only temporarily, it would significantly benefit his understanding of rule power.

Helag had to seriously consider this opportunity. If successful, it would greatly aid his advancement to a second-level wizard.

Seeing Helag’s hesitation, Pruis added, “I trust in your strength and adaptability. Everyone going in will be first-level crystallized wizards. It’s not as dangerous as the polluted zone. You survived there, so this mission shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”

“The world will is also very weak, with almost no suppression on your power. You can be at ease.”

Helag suddenly perked up, “You said the world will is weak, with no power suppression?”

Pruis nodded, puzzled by Helag’s interest in this point. “Yes, it’s a newly formed world, so the world will is weak and won’t suppress your power. But that’s precisely why second-level wizards can’t enter. Using rule power could severely impact the world.”

“What if—I’m just asking—what if my physical strength reaches the level of a second-level wizard? Would that be an issue?” Helag asked.

“Physical strength? That shouldn’t be a problem. No matter how strong you are, you can’t punch the earth apart, right? The mountains and rivers there are just like here. As long as you don’t use rule power, it won’t cause any issues,” Pruis assured.

Helag pretended to ponder for a moment. “I’ve thought it over. I can participate in this mission.”

“Really? That’s settled then. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure your name is submitted, and you’ll definitely be approved,” Pruis said with a smile.

“How many people are each wizard organization sending?” Helag asked.

“Thirty. Since the entry is random, it’ll be hard for you all to gather in one place. I’ll explain the specifics later,” Pruis said, pulling out his communication stone to make arrangements.

Helag’s decision to participate was straightforward. With the world will being weak, it wouldn’t suppress his bloodline imprint’s power.

With access to his bloodline power, who among the first-level wizards could defeat him?

Helag’s main concern was exercising restraint, relying solely on physical strength in battles.

He also needed to be cautious not to reveal the existence of his Thunder God Ancestor bloodline power.

These were his primary considerations. As for survival, that was a concern for his competitors.

Pruis looked up, “I’ve submitted your name. There will be a review process. Many have applied, but there are only thirty spots, so it’s competitive. But don’t worry, you’ll make it.”

“I’m not confident about being selected, but thank you for going out of your way,” Helag said with a smile.

Pruis replied, “You’ve earned this through your actions and performance. No one pays attention to you without reason. It’s because you’re worth investing in that you attract attention.”

CH408

Each wizard organization was sending thirty people, totaling 180 participants across the six organizations.

Those selected to enter the low-tier world were undoubtedly the elite talents from each organization, boasting impressive strength.

If Helag hadn’t known that the world’s will wouldn’t suppress his bloodline power, he might have reconsidered participating.

With access to his bloodline power, Helag believed he could at least ensure his own safety.

Nevertheless, Helag remained cautious, not underestimating any opponent.

He was determined not to be caught off guard, knowing that wizards had numerous tricky methods at their disposal.

He had his own backup plans, and surely others did too.

Of course, Helag’s primary motivation for participating was future prospects.

For many first-level wizards, this mission was an excellent opportunity, significantly aiding their advancement to second-level wizards.

The high number of applicants, as Pruis mentioned, indicated that this was indeed a valuable opportunity for first-level wizards, hence the fierce competition.

Helag was curious how Pruis could be so certain he’d be selected, given the many talented wizards in Seranthiel.

He suspected there might be some behind-the-scenes maneuvering, with many spots reserved for those with connections and influence.

“How are you so confident? I feel like I’m just another first-level wizard in Seranthiel, without any real background,” Helag said.

Pruis laughed, “You’re under Parker’s wing, and that’s your background. Advancing to a crystallized wizard at such a young age is a testament to your strength, far surpassing most.”

“With both background and strength, you’re more than qualified to be selected.”

Helag realized he had underestimated Parker’s influence. Pruis’s confidence likely stemmed from having Parker’s support.

“When does it start?” Helag asked.

Pruis thought for a moment, “The exact time isn’t set yet. They’re still selecting suitable candidates. Once everyone’s chosen, it should start soon. As for the location, it’ll likely be in the central region.”

“The central region…” Helag mused.

Since arriving in the Land of Dawn, he hadn’t visited the central region. It was a public area, not belonging to any single wizard organization, but managed collectively by the six major organizations.

Many public affairs in the Land of Dawn were discussed and handled in the central region.

“Any other questions you want to ask?” Pruis offered.

Helag considered for a moment, “The main goal is to seize control of the low-tier world, but even with magical tools, how do we actually take control of a world?”

This was something Helag hadn’t fully grasped. A world wasn’t a machine that could be controlled with a remote.

“The rules of a newly born world are just forming, and the world’s will is an amalgamation of these rule forces. Once there, you must first track the world’s will, locate it, and then use the magical tools provided to capture it, becoming the World Master.”

“This is also a test for you. While the rules of a newborn world are relatively easier to sense, it’s still challenging. If you can catch even a hint of the rules, you might trace them back to the world’s will,” Pruis explained.

Helag furrowed his brow, pondering Pruis’s words, which seemed abstract and difficult to fully comprehend.

Seeing Helag’s confusion, Pruis smiled and patted his shoulder, “Don’t worry. You might understand better once you’re there. To put it simply, for those without wizard aptitude, they can’t sense free energy particles.”

“And for first-level wizards, they can’t perceive rule power. Advancing to a second-level wizard is about opening your ‘eyes’ to see a new world, much like seeing those free energy particles.”

Helag nodded silently, gaining a vague understanding of Pruis’s explanation.

Such matters couldn’t be fully conveyed by Pruis; Helag would have to explore and comprehend them on his own.

“I need to prepare well for this. It’s a lot of pressure,” Helag sighed.

Pruis chuckled, “Prepare well. You’re Park’s most promising candidate.”

Helag smiled wryly, feeling the added pressure.

***

After Pruis left, Helag used his communication stone to look up related information.

He discovered that many people were already discussing the mission, known as “Operation Cradle.”

Helag had been so focused on his training that he hadn’t paid much attention to the news in the taverns.

If Pruis hadn’t come to him, Helag might have remained unaware of the mission for some time.

Helag realized this was a problem. Even while training, he needed to stay informed about external events to avoid missing opportunities.

Staying informed was crucial, influencing many decisions.

Reading the discussions in the tavern, Helag saw that the various wizard organizations had started the registration process, open only to official members.

Those who weren’t official members could only watch, unable to participate despite their interest.

This was one of the benefits of being an official member of a wizard organization—access to many opportunities.

After reviewing the registration process, Helag realized he was likely one of those benefiting from behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

Normally, all official members could apply, and the organization would select participants, notifying them later.

But Pruis had come directly to Helag, clearly indicating some behind-the-scenes arrangements.

Each organization had thirty spots, which seemed like a lot, but the number available to ordinary wizards was probably very limited.

Helag understood that for any wizard organization, Operation Cradle was significant.

Gaining control of a low-tier world offered immense benefits.

Owning a world provided a fallback option, a refuge if the wizard plane were ever destroyed.

Moreover, a world’s resources were vast and renewable.

The registration lasted a month, during which Helag continued his meditation training and prepared for entering the low-tier world.

CH409

Helag sat in his meditation room, a tome of arcane knowledge open before him.

His fingers moved swiftly, channeling magic to inscribe runes into the book, gradually completing a first-level magical array.

This array, known as the Wildfire Tent, was a defensive spell formation.

It was typically used in the wilderness as a temporary shelter. Once activated, the Wildfire Tent could adapt to its surroundings, blending in and concealing itself.

Wizards often used the Wildfire Tent while traveling, providing a relatively safe and hidden spot for resting in the wild.

Though only a first-level array, its defensive capabilities were formidable, not easily breached even by second-level wizards.

Helag hadn’t prepared such a tool before because he hadn’t anticipated needing to venture into the polluted zone.

Last time had been an accident, and a Wildfire Tent would have offered significant safety.

Knowing he would enter a low-tier world this time, Helag made sure to prepare thoroughly.

He crafted three Wildfire Tents, though one would typically suffice. Helag made extras for backup.

If second or third-level arrays weren’t so costly, he would have opted for those instead.

He glanced at his wallet, deciding to stick with the first-level array, which he could make himself, saving money.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t afford second-level arrays, but the Wildfire Tent offered better value.

Helag’s fingers traced the final rune into the book, then he set it aside.

Magical ripples emanated from the book, gradually subsiding.

The first-level array, Wildfire Tent, was complete.

Helag picked up the book and headed to the courtyard.

After completing an array, he always tested it to ensure it worked properly—a quality check.

These were tools he’d rely on later, so ensuring their reliability was crucial.

Helag released the book, letting it float.

It opened as if caught by the wind, releasing a wave of magic.

An invisible barrier enveloped the area around the book, covering about thirty square meters.

It was roughly the size of a bedroom—small, but sufficient for wilderness use.

From inside, the outside was visible without obstruction.

From outside, however, the courtyard appeared empty, as if no one was there.

But Helag stood within, hidden by the Wildfire Tent.

Using Deep Blue’s environmental detection, Helag surveyed the area, confirming everything was in order before retracting the tent.

He hadn’t been idle, also developing a water purification bucket.

This bucket, designed by Deep Blue, could purify most contaminated water.

For those in the wild, water safety was paramount.

Helag knew clean water sources weren’t always available, making this tool essential.

In addition to this, he stocked up on drinking water, food, and potions, always well-prepared.

Uncertain how long he’d stay in the low-tier world, Helag prepared even more supplies than usual.

***

While Helag prepared, other wizards participating in Operation Cradle did the same.

In Hibertus City, within the Eye of the Storm.

Malcolm stood before a massive blood pool, watching the blood churn and bubble.

His ruthless tactics in the elven plane war had impressed Fran, a third-level wizard of the Eye of the Storm, who took Malcolm as a disciple.

Malcolm thus entered the Land of Dawn, becoming an official member of the Eye of the Storm and a disciple of a third-level wizard.

This status was prestigious, promising a bright future.

Malcolm, naturally talented, had been a crystallized wizard before arriving in the Land of Dawn.

He only lacked the conditions to advance to a second-level wizard, as the Barren Lands had no Rule Keys.

After joining the Eye of the Storm, Malcolm’s strength rapidly increased with Fran’s resources, reaching the crystallized wizard’s peak.

He could attempt to advance to a second-level wizard at any time.

But Malcolm wasn’t in a rush, as Fran had informed him of an opportunity.

Operation Cradle offered a chance to seize control of a world, allowing Malcolm to perceive various rule powers as a temporary World Master.

Achieving this would almost guarantee his advancement to a second-level wizard.

Though arrogant and dismissive of others, Malcolm heeded his mentor’s advice.

It was advantageous, so Malcolm prepared for Operation Cradle.

The blood pool bubbled and steamed, churning continuously.

The pool alone indicated Malcolm had violated countless regulations in the Land of Dawn.

Only he knew the extent of his heinous acts.

Any single act could warrant a death sentence for a wizard.

But Malcolm didn’t care, having Fran’s tacit approval.

With a third-level wizard backing him, few dared to speak out, and few even knew.

Those who did turned a blind eye out of respect for Fran.

As a necromancy-specialized wizard, Malcolm saw no issue with his actions.

In the Barren Lands, his deeds were far more audacious. Here, he had to be discreet, even building his lab in a basement.

Malcolm watched the blood pool, timing it perfectly, then infused it with magic, chanting rapidly.

The pool roiled, forming a swirling vortex.

The blood gathered into a tornado, then condensed into a blood sphere hovering above the pool.

Malcolm grinned maniacally at the sphere, visibly excited.

“With this, no one can beat me there,” Malcolm laughed.

CH410

As Malcolm trembled with uncontrollable excitement, the blood sphere floated closer to him.

Malcolm opened his mouth and absorbed the blood sphere into his body.

His expression remained unchanged as magical energy rippled through him.

In an instant, Malcolm transformed into a blood-red figure, his skin resembling raw, exposed flesh.

He glanced at the pool below, crossed his arms, and with a swift movement, hovered above the blood pool.

Malcolm extended his right hand, forming a fist, and punched the ground.

The pool shattered instantly, spiderweb cracks spreading across the floor, causing the entire basement to tremble, showcasing the immense power of his punch.

A terrifying smile spread across Malcolm’s face. “Excellent.”

This was a spell Malcolm had been developing for a long time, originally requiring more time to perfect.

But with the upcoming Operation Cradle, he expedited his research.

Malcolm had created a spell using flesh imbued with resentment, hatred, and fear, forming his blood-red skin.

This skin granted Malcolm unparalleled speed and strength, making him unbeatable by ordinary first-level wizards.

More importantly, the blood-red skin absorbed magical energy from spells.

Many spells not only failed to harm him but replenished his magic instead.

Malcolm was pleased with the spell’s effects. With such physical power combined with his magical prowess, he was already contemplating which rule power to choose for his advancement to a second-level wizard.

In his eyes, no one could be his match.

The participants in Operation Cradle were, at most, at the peak of the crystallized wizard stage. Without advancing to a second-level wizard, there was no qualitative change, and Malcolm saw no threat.

Even before acquiring the blood-red skin, Malcolm was a formidable crystallized wizard. Now, he had ascended to a new level, bolstering his confidence.

Suddenly, Malcolm sensed something and turned to see a middle-aged man with a balding head.

“Master,” Malcolm greeted respectfully.

Fran nodded, pleased with Malcolm. “Very impressive. You have great talent to develop such a powerful spell. You should have no trouble in Operation Cradle. Just remember to keep a low profile.”

“Your spells tend to attract attention. While I’m not worried, dealing with the fallout can be troublesome. Try not to create more work for me.”

Malcolm scoffed, “Why should we care about what others say? To me, those without power are just experimental materials, no different from pigs and dogs. Killing a few ordinary people and weaklings for experiments shouldn’t cause such a fuss.”

Fran chuckled, approaching Malcolm. “You’re young. Some things can be done but not openly. Keeping a low profile is always beneficial.”

Malcolm remained silent, clearly disagreeing with Fran.

Fran knew Malcolm wouldn’t heed his advice and didn’t press further, knowing Malcolm would find it annoying.

Fran had mixed feelings about his student. Malcolm’s talent was exceptional, the best Fran had seen in years—a true prodigy.

But Malcolm’s arrogance was excessive, disregarding everyone, including Fran.

Though respectful in Fran’s presence, Malcolm held no one in high regard.

Fran didn’t mind. Young people were often sharp, and geniuses tended to be that way.

Fran smiled, “Prepare well. When you return from the low-tier world, I have a surprise for you—a wonderful gift.”

With that, Fran’s figure slowly faded, leaving Malcolm alone in the basement.

Malcolm glanced at the empty blood pool. “I’ll need to replenish it when I return.”

As the blood-red skin faded, Malcolm’s freckled face was revealed.

***

Silvermoon City, Northern Dock.

“Wait for me to come back.”

Helag smiled, hugging Reese before boarding the airship.

Reese watched him leave, her gaze lingering on the horizon even after the airship disappeared.

Operation Cradle was set to begin in four months, and Helag needed to depart early for the central region.

Silvermoon City was at the southernmost point, far from the central region, requiring a three-month airship journey.

To avoid potential delays, Helag set out four months in advance.

He traveled alone, as he was the only one from Silvermoon City selected.

With thirty spots divided among Seranthiel’s many cities and factions, they were scarce.

Some cities didn’t receive any spots, but Helag’s was arranged directly by Parker.

Parker remained in the elven plane, as plane wars weren’t quickly resolved.

Though absent, Parker kept informed about the wizard plane, influencing matters with a word.

Pruis, responsible for Silvermoon City’s security, couldn’t accompany Helag.

Helag didn’t need company. Upon reaching the central region, he’d be received.

He stayed in the most luxurious suite, representing Seranthiel, so the trip was funded, not out of his pocket.

The airship’s suite was identical to his previous one, as the large airships shared the same model.

With prior experience, Helag settled in, brewing coffee and enjoying the view.

After a bath, Helag sat on the bed to meditate.

In his mind, another star’s shadow was nearing solidity, the second since becoming a crystallized wizard.

At this stage, meditation was visibly slower than before.

It was known that crystallized wizards had a limit, beyond which mental power growth nearly ceased.

Even before reaching this limit, mental power growth slowed significantly.

The higher the mental power, the harder it was to increase, slowing the meditation process.

However, Helag’s pace seemed unchanged, thanks to the Divine Core’s energy stored in his bloodline imprint.

CH411


Medel replied earnestly, “I noticed you during the Silvermoon City slum incident and learned more about you. I found you to be an exceptional wizard. Coming from the resource-poor Barren Lands to where you are now is no small feat.”

“I’ve admired you for a long time, and since I’m also participating in Operation Cradle and heard you were on the airship, I couldn’t resist meeting you. I apologize if I’ve disturbed you.”

Helag, though skeptical, replied politely, “Not at all. It’s an honor to meet someone like you, Mr. Medel. Though I’m not fond of balls and prefer quiet, since you’ve personally invited me, I have no reason to decline.”

Helag knew that when dealing with such people, it was important to maintain appearances, regardless of their true intentions.

As the saying goes, “A smiling face invites no slap.” A few kind words wouldn’t hurt.

Medel beamed, “Let’s hurry to the ball. It’s likely started, and we wouldn’t want all the lovely ladies to be taken.”

Helag nodded, closing the door and chatting with Medel as they headed to the ball.

“Mr. Helag, there’s something you might not know. I’m seeking your help,” Medel said, his expression turning serious.

“Oh? How can I assist you, Mr. Medel? I’m just a humble wizard,” Helag replied.

Medel continued earnestly, “The Taylor family is determined to claim the low-tier world. If I succeed, my status within the family will rise, and my elders’ evaluation of me will greatly improve.”

“To be honest, Helag, the Taylor family is strong, with many talented young wizards. But that also means immense pressure for us. Resources are limited, and poor performance means fewer resources.”

“Operation Cradle is crucial for me, so I’d like to invite you, Mr. Helag, to be my ally and help me seize control of the low-tier world.

CH412

Medel appeared sincere, smiling at Helag as he awaited his response.

After hearing Medel’s proposal, Helag immediately felt a strong sense of danger.

Though Medel seemed friendly and genuine, his invitation carried a potentially fatal risk.

Helag had no intention of helping someone else seize control of a world. He aimed to become the World Master himself.

Helping Medel might earn some goodwill and potential, albeit uncertain, benefits.

In essence, Medel was offering a tempting opportunity, hoping Helag would take it.

Given Medel’s status, many would eagerly accept, even if immediate rewards weren’t guaranteed, due to his influential background.

However, Helag never relied on such intangible promises. Depending on others was less reliable than self-reliance. Strengthening oneself was the most practical approach.

The chance to become a World Master was not something Helag would give up.

Nor would he help someone else achieve it while sidelining himself.

Helag didn’t believe in attaching himself to others. For someone like Medel, once Helag’s usefulness waned, he could be discarded.

The dilemma was that rejecting Medel outright would undoubtedly offend him.

As a direct descendant of the Taylor family, Medel’s background was too formidable for Helag to contend with.

Helag found himself in a difficult position, unable to agree or refuse.

Even temporarily agreeing wasn’t an option, as it would imply allegiance to Medel, making Helag part of his faction.

This wasn’t just about Operation Cradle. Interacting with such powerful families and factions wasn’t as simple as a business transaction.

Medel was clearly striving for higher status within his family, urgently needing allies.

Helag’s impressive resume—array master, potion master, a crystallized wizard in his twenties—naturally attracted Medel’s attention.

To Medel, Helag was undoubtedly a wizard with great potential.

In need of people, recruiting Helag was ideal, prompting Medel’s personal invitation.

The ball was a pretext; the real goal was to bring Helag into Medel’s fold.

After considering, Helag didn’t directly say yes or no. Instead, he said, “As I understand, entry into the low-tier world is random, so it might be hard for us to meet. There are only 180 of us, and the world is vast.”

“True, the teleportation is random, and we might not meet initially. But during the struggle for control, most will converge in one area. I need your help then to seize control,” Medel explained.

Helag scratched his head and smiled, “Mr. Medel overestimates me. My main goal is to comprehend rule power in this new world. Seizing control is beyond me, something I can’t participate in. I’ve only recently become a crystallized wizard, so I might not be able to help you.”

Helag was as tactful as possible, implying his lack of ability. It wasn’t unwillingness to help, but rather his perceived inadequacy for such a task.

Medel smiled warmly, “I won’t insist then. Meeting you is already a pleasure. Look, the ball has started.”

Medel’s expression remained unchanged, smiling gently as he looked at the ballroom.

Soft music filled the air, played by a full orchestra with various instruments.

Many danced gracefully with their partners in the center of the ballroom.

Despite the crowd, the atmosphere was not noisy, with conversations kept low to avoid disturbing others.

Upon Medel’s arrival, though the lights focused on the dance floor, most eyes turned to him.

He was the ball’s main attraction.

For the wizards present, gaining Medel’s favor and aligning with the Taylor family was a tremendous opportunity.

People of Medel’s stature were rarely accessible.

The ball, held on the airship, was open to all willing participants.

Many attended upon hearing it was hosted by Medel of the Taylor family, hoping to meet him.

With Medel absent, the ball proceeded as usual.

Now that he was present, attention shifted to him, with many seeking an opportunity to introduce themselves.

As the music ended, those in the dance floor dispersed, leaving the stage for Medel.

Medel moved to the center, smiling warmly, “Welcome to the ball. Many of you may not know me. Let me introduce myself: I’m Medel Taylor. I’ve been focused on family training, and participating in Operation Cradle marks my first step outside…”

Medel stood in the center, surrounded by people.

Helag, avoiding the crowd, moved to a side table to eat.

The ball’s food was excellent, and Helag took the chance to enjoy a better meal.

He glanced at Medel, speaking to those around him, and grew more cautious of him.

Helag felt he might have offended Medel by not agreeing outright, effectively a refusal.

For someone like Medel, a personal invitation should not be declined.

Though Medel said nothing, he likely harbored some resentment.

Of course, he might be magnanimous and unconcerned.

But Helag couldn’t assume that. It was wise to prepare for the worst.

Caution was necessary to avoid being taken advantage of.

He didn’t leave immediately, as Medel had invited him.

Helag remained on the periphery, eating and drinking quietly, keeping a low profile.

CH413

No one paid much attention to Helag; everyone was there for Medel, not for someone who seemed like a regular bystander.

Helag was content with this, finding a sofa in a corner to sit and enjoy some food and drink.

He glanced at the crowd, noting how Medel effortlessly engaged with everyone, maintaining conversations without difficulty, ensuring everyone felt included.

Some wizards who spoke with Medel seemed thrilled, as if they believed they had secured a connection with the Taylor family.

Seeing this, Helag realized Medel was indeed expanding his network, recruiting more people.

Joining such a large wizard family wasn’t an option for Helag, as it often required strict contracts, similar to his experience with Moonlight Forest.

For wizard families, loyalty was crucial, and most required contracts.

Helag’s contract-free arrangement with the Terchy family was thanks to Larry’s influence.

He had joined the Terchy family temporarily, having nowhere else to go at the time.

The Terchy family, recognizing Helag’s potential and not being particularly powerful themselves, agreed to the no-contract arrangement as an investment.

A top-tier family like the Taylors would undoubtedly have ways to control you, ensuring reliability.

Helag didn’t look down on those seeking favor; he understood how difficult the path was for ordinary wizards, making it natural for them to curry favor with Medel.

He simply chose not to pursue such a path himself. Making friends was fine, but becoming someone’s subordinate was not.

Once you became someone’s subordinate, you lost control over many aspects of your life.

The ball lasted four to five hours, with the crowd gradually dispersing.

Helag rose to inform Medel of his departure.

Unexpectedly, Medel approached him first, smiling, “I apologize for not attending to you earlier, Mr. Helag. Did you find any ladies you liked?”

Helag smiled and shook his head, “I don’t dance. I just had some food. Now that the ball is ending, I should head back. Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Medel.”

“Not dancing won’t do. I often host such balls during my travels. I’ll find you a dance teacher in a few days. You’ll encounter many balls like this, so it’s useful to learn early,” Medel suggested with a smile.

“Thank you, Mr. Medel, but there’s no need. I prefer quiet, and with Operation Cradle approaching, I’m weak and need to focus on meditation,” Helag replied with a pained expression.

Initially unnoticed, Helag’s conversation with Medel drew attention.

Hearing Medel offer to find Helag a dance teacher surprised many—what kind of person warranted such an offer from Medel?

Most astonishingly, Helag declined, citing meditation as a priority over attending balls.

People wondered if he was out of his mind, rejecting such an opportunity.

Helag was unfazed by their reactions, indifferent to others’ opinions.

He preferred to keep a low profile, avoiding unnecessary attention.

Medel chuckled, “Mr. Helag is indeed an exceptional and disciplined wizard. I heard you rarely leave your room on the airship, spending your time meditating. Such discipline is admirable.”

“I’m glad you accepted my invitation despite that. Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you again. But if you ever feel bored, just let me know.”

They exchanged communication stone contacts to stay in touch.

After bidding farewell to Medel, Helag left the ball amid many curious glances.

Medel watched Helag leave, smiling silently.

***

Back in his room, Helag brewed a pot of coffee, reflecting on the recent events.

Regularly attending balls was out of the question; he needed to focus on meditation and training, not waste time on social events.

Balls were primarily for networking and expanding connections.

But Helag didn’t need that now; he needed to enhance his strength.

Afterward, Medel didn’t bother Helag again, allowing him to resume his peaceful meditation.

A month and a half later.

Helag finally left his room, stepping onto the deck to view the distant grand city.

This immense city was known as the Central Region, the largest city in the Land of Dawn.

Unlike other regions, separated by polluted zones, the Central Region was a single, vast city.

The Central Region, surrounded by the six major wizard organizations, was their last refuge, built to ensure safety from pollution.

Seeing such a colossal city from afar was awe-inspiring for Helag.

The airship queued for a while before docking.

Airships were abundant here, constantly arriving and departing.

Helag arrived on deck early, intending to leave as soon as the airship docked.

He wanted to avoid further entanglements with Medel, knowing too much interaction with such influential people could lead to trouble.

Once docked, Helag activated the Feather of Flight on his hand and descended.

After verifying his identity at the checkpoint, Helag officially entered the grand city.

As he stepped into the plaza, many people approached him.

“Need a place to stay? We offer great accommodations and special services, if you know what I mean.”

“Looking to hire help? I’ve got plenty of guys for any job.”

“Need a guide, sir?”

A crowd surrounded Helag, promoting their services, making him feel overwhelmed.

Helag released a wave of magical energy, giving them a cold stare, prompting them to quiet down and back off, keeping their distance.