Wizard: I Have a Cultivation System

Chapter 399: Chapter 86: The People of Antiquity, All Lived Past a Hundred Years

Murphy’s promotion to Legendary Knight, earning him the title of "Holy Protector," even granted him access to higher-level channels, making it easier for him to procure Mithril.

But 3.0 was the limit.

It wasn’t the limit of the model.

The optimized model on the screen was the 4.0 Flying Sword model.

However, because Murphy had failed to advance to Foundation Establishment, his "God" was stuck at the 3.0 value.

This left him without enough precision to etch the Dao Patterns.

For now, the perfect model on the screen could only be shelved as a technological reserve.

Murphy moved the mouse, closing the tempting 4.0 blueprint on the screen.

At the same time, the 3.0 Flying Sword in his palm, representing the peak of his current power, emitted a nearly inaudible hum. A streak of Dark Gold light flashed, and the sword disappeared into his Dantian Qi Sea.

...

「The next day.」

The morning sun streamed through the high windows on the east side of the castle’s long gallery, casting golden patches of light across the polished, dark oak floor.

Eleanor stood under the portico outside the castle’s main hall. She was dressed in a practical, black, belted traveling gown with a lightweight dark cloak over it. Her long black hair was tied simply at the nape of her neck.

A modest pack rested at her feet, containing essential personal items, Magic Materials, and emergency rations and potions.

Aurora and Murphy were already there, waiting for her.

"Do you have everything?" Aurora stepped forward and gently adjusted the collar of her daughter’s cloak. "Where do you plan on going this time? Will you follow the same route as before and check on those disaster-stricken Baron’s Domains to the south?"

Eleanor nodded, then shook her head. "I’ll follow the old route first to see how things are. If... if I find people who need help, I’ll do what I can. But this time, I want to travel farther, to see what’s happening more to the south. I’ve heard a few cities in the middle of the Kingdom have been unstable recently."

As she spoke, her gaze drifted involuntarily to her father.

Murphy met her gaze, his voice steady. "Remember what I told you. Don’t overreach, and put your safety first. The Monte Territory will always have your back."

"I will, Father," Eleanor answered solemnly.

Aurora sighed softly and took her daughter’s hand. "It’s getting more chaotic out there, Eleanor. I know you can’t bear to do nothing and feel you have to help. But no matter what, you must protect yourself. Remember to send word back periodically, even if it’s just to let us know you’re safe. It will put our minds at ease."

"I will, Mother." Eleanor squeezed Aurora’s hand. "I won’t be reckless. This time, aside from seeing if I can help, I also want to... see for myself what the world has become."

"It’s good to see more," Murphy said, "but as you observe, you must also think. What is the root of all this suffering? What’s driving the chaos beneath the surface? The food and medicine you carry can provide temporary relief, but they can’t solve the core problem."

Eleanor listened intently. "I understand, Father. I will watch and think carefully."

Just then, Kaiden hurried out from the castle, a small leather pouch in his hand.

"Eleanor, wait." He walked up to her and handed her the pouch. "Here are some emergency Gold Coins and a few special signal flares. If you run into an emergency, light one. If our people see it, they’ll come at once. You probably won’t need them, but take them just in case."

Of course, Eleanor didn’t need them; as an Official Wizard, she had far better methods. Still, she took the pouch, warmed by Kaiden’s concern. "Thank you, Kaiden. How is Alina? Was she still feeling sick this morning?"

At the mention of his wife, a tender yet anxious look crossed Kaiden’s face. "Much better. She drank the fruit tea Mother prepared for her, and her appetite has improved. She wanted to come see you off, but I made her stay and rest."

He paused, his gaze on Eleanor growing serious. "Be careful out there on your own. Things aren’t what they used to be."

"I know." Eleanor nodded.

With all the warnings seemingly given, a brief silence fell over the portico.

Only the morning breeze whispering through the courtyard broke the silence, carrying the faint neighing of horses from the distant stables and the soft sweeping of servants’ brooms.

Eleanor shouldered her pack and adjusted the ties on her cloak.

She took one last look at her family.

"Father, Mother, Kaiden... I’m leaving now," she said softly, her voice clear and firm.

"Go on," Murphy gave a slight nod.

Aurora stepped forward to give her daughter a gentle hug, whispering in her ear, "Come back soon."

"I will." Eleanor nodded firmly.

Without further hesitation, she turned and walked down the stone steps of the portico.

A convoy was already waiting in the castle courtyard.

She boarded a carriage and waved one last time to her family on the portico.

The coachman flicked the reins, and the carriage began to move, rolling slowly over the smooth flagstones toward the main gate of the castle.

Aurora watched until the carriage disappeared through the archway of the main gate, then slowly turned her gaze to Murphy.

Murphy was also looking in the direction his daughter had gone. His face remained expressionless, but a faint ripple seemed to stir in the depths of his dark, profound eyes.

"She’ll be all right, brother," Aurora said softly, perhaps comforting Murphy as much as herself. "She’s stronger than you think and has a better sense of what she’s doing."

Murphy was silent for a moment. "I know," he said slowly.

He maneuvered his wheelchair, turning to face the sun-drenched gallery within the castle.