Free Web NovelChapter 143: Chapter 142: Return to the High Tower
Three days later, the massive Floating Ship returning to the Shadow Moon Tower slowly ascended.
The ship’s hull was three hundred meters long, forged entirely from a deep blue alloy. Its surface was engraved with Star Runes, which flowed with a mysterious luster in the sunlight.
The deck was filled with Wizards, most of them in tattered clothes, but their eyes were sharp and their auras formidable.
Those who survived the Demon Hunting were all elites.
Ian stood by the ship’s rail, gazing at the shrinking annular mountain range below as the turmoil in his heart gradually subsided.
Just then, Malena walked up to him, her deep blue robes fluttering lightly in the wind.
She wore a smile, looking more vibrant than she had before the battle, when she was more reserved.
"Ian, what are your plans now that we’re heading back?"
"First, I’ll report back to the High Tower and take care of some personal matters." Ian looked at her. "What about you?"
"My teacher said my foundation isn’t solid enough yet. I need to continue building it up when I get back."
A hint of disappointment clouded Malena’s eyes.
Compared to Ian’s rapid rise on the battlefield, her performance after her own promotion seemed lackluster.
"Take your time," Ian said, nodding reassuringly. "Progress isn’t a sprint."
The two stood side by side, watching the clouds drift by, a comfortable silence between them.
The awkwardness that once existed between them, born from their different statuses and the distance, had quietly dissolved in the warmth of their reunion on a life-or-death battlefield.
"Oh, right," Malena said, suddenly remembering something.
"My teacher wanted me to tell you that she’s willing to be your sponsor for your return."
Ian was taken aback. "Alevia Wizard?"
"Yes. She said your Talent and temperament are both excellent and that you’re worth cultivating."
Malena chuckled. "That’s high praise coming from her.
She also said that once you’re settled, you can go see her directly. She’s been promoted to one of the vice deans of Magic Potion Science and has the authority to make recommendations."
"Please thank her for me," Ian said earnestly.
With a recommendation from Alevia, a high-ranking Wizard at the Level One Liquidation Peak, his return to the High Tower would be much smoother, and he would gain access to core resources more quickly.
"I will," Malena nodded, then began to tell Ian about the current situation in Shadow Moon.
Ian listened intently, analyzing the information.
He had been forced to leave the tower for nearly two years; things might have changed.
According to Malena, the Tower Master was Morton, a Level Three Great Wizard nicknamed "Eye of the Stars."
He resided year-round in the Starry Sky Hall at the top of the tower and rarely involved himself in day-to-day affairs.
Daily administration was primarily handled by several deans, who were Level Two Crystalized Wizards.
Besides Magic Potion Science, where Alevia was, there was the Shadow Element, which focused on necromancy and summoning, as well as Alchemy, Runes...
Below the various schools are the Level One Wizards, like us.
"In all of Shadow Moon, the number of Official Wizards is kept at around one hundred. Every single one is an elite who has been rigorously selected and trained."
Ian listened carefully. This information was crucial for his next steps.
"So, for a Wizard like me, who left the tower under the pretext of traveling and is now returning after being promoted to Level One, what procedures do I need to go through?"
"You need a recommendation and guarantee from at least one dean-level teacher, then you have to report to the Deacon Council to verify your identity and the authenticity of your promotion. After that, they’ll update your file and grant you the authority and insignia of a Level One Wizard.
After that, you can choose to join a school or register with the High Tower as an Independent Wizard, enjoying the corresponding resource quotas and obligations."
Malena explained, "With Teacher Alevia’s recommendation, the process will be very fast for you. However..."
She hesitated slightly. "It’s not entirely peaceful within the High Tower. There’s competition for resources and factional strife between the different schools, and even within them.
Since you’ve just returned and weren’t promoted within the High Tower, you might attract some attention."
Ian’s gaze sharpened. "I understand. Thank you for the warning."
At that moment, Gaga poked its small head out from the shadows on Ian’s shoulder.
Its heterochromatic eyes curiously sized up Malena, then glanced at the other Wizards conversing nearby.
’Ian, what was your relationship with her like before?’ Gaga asked via telepathy, its voice tinged with curiosity. frёewebηovel.cѳm
’Hm... it was good,’ Ian replied in his mind, while simultaneously introducing his companion to Malena.
"This is my partner, Gaga."
Malena’s gaze fell upon Gaga, and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, particularly at the sight of its charred feathers and lively, mismatched eyes.
"A very special Summoned Demon. I saw it on the battlefield. It was incredibly fast, and its Pupil Technique seemed quite extraordinary."
"GAGA! Thank you for the compliment!" Gaga puffed out its small chest upon hearing the praise.
It flapped its wings twice in delight, sending a few charred downy feathers fluttering down.
Then, it noticed a small cloth pouch at Malena’s waist and its nose twitched slightly.
’Ian, Ian! Her pouch smells so good! It’s like... amber nuts!’
Ian shot Gaga a helpless glance and replied in his mind, ’Quiet down. Don’t be rude.’
Malena seemed to notice Gaga’s stare and chuckled softly. ƒгeewebnovёl.com
She took out two fragrant nuts with an amber glow from the pouch at her waist and offered them to Gaga.
"Want to try one? These are Amber Star Fruits, a specialty of the Moonlight Forest. They’re good for restoring Spiritual Power and taste great too."
Gaga’s eyes lit up instantly, but it turned to look at Ian first.
Only after receiving a slight nod of approval from Ian did it cheerfully take one with its claw, skillfully peel it, and start eating with a contented GURGLE.
Malena was amused by Gaga’s antics and handed it the other one as well.
"Your Summoned Demon is very Spiritual. It seems you two are very close."
Ian nodded, reaching out to gently rub Gaga’s head.
"It’s been with me since my Apprentice days. It’s my most important partner."
While busy eating the nut, Gaga nuzzled its head against Ian’s fingers.
Some of the other Wizards nearby also noticed the interaction.
They were particularly drawn to Gaga’s unique appearance and Spiritual nature.
A few Wizards who had fought alongside Ian walked over to say hello.
"Ian, we have to thank you for interfering with your Crystal Cone back there. Our squad was able to escape safely because of it."
A young Warlock named Carl said with a smile. He had been a member of Alevia’s squad.
"We were just looking out for each other," Ian replied politely.
Another Female Witch came over and looked at Gaga with curiosity.
"Its feathers... it looks like damage from Dark Magic. How is it recovering? I have some Cyan Rattan Dew that helps wounds heal. Do you need it?"
"Thank you, but we’ve already applied medicine. It’s recovering," Ian said, declining her kind offer.
Gaga also lifted its head and let out a "GAGA" at the Female Witch, as if to say hello.
The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.
Everyone exchanged stories from the battlefield and shared their plans for after their return. Occasionally, Gaga would telepathically pester Ian for a small snack.
Or it would show great interest in a Wizard’s shiny ornament, making everyone laugh.
After chatting for a little while longer, Malena turned and left.
Ian returned to his assigned cabin. The room was small, but clean and tidy.
He set up a simple Sound Insulation Barrier and began to quietly take stock of his gains from the trip, contemplating the specific steps he would take upon his return.
[Moonlight Condensed Dew]: five vials, enough to support his cultivation during the Liquid Stage.
The only regret from this trip was not exchanging for any Witchcraft Models. His Merit Points were still too low.
[Star Realm Silver] was a space-element Rare Material that could be used to strengthen his Crystal Cone or build a Contract Altar.
Three Abyssal Law Crystal Fragments lay quietly in a corner of his Dimension Bag.
Ian took one out and held it in his palm.
He extended his Spiritual Power into it, and a torrent of chaotic, violent information about Rules flooded his mind. However, under the filtering effect of his [Spirit Devourer] trait, its essential structure was gradually revealed.
’The Rules of the Abyss... they’re distorted, but not without order.’
He became immersed in it, and several hours passed without him noticing.
He didn’t snap out of it until Gaga tapped him with its wing.
"Ian, we’re here."
Ian looked up. The towering, deep blue giant tower still stood atop the mountain peaks.
The Star Runes inlaid on its body flowed with a magnificent and mysterious luster in the light of the setting sun.
The Floating Ship descended slowly. Ian pulled up his hood and followed the crowd down the gangway.
On his shoulder, Gaga asked softly, "Ian, are we going home?"
Ian nodded, his eyes as deep as the night.
"Yes. We’re going back to sever the ties that need to be cut, so we can go even further."
His family needed to be settled properly, given enough resources to ensure their lifelong peace and safety.
The old grudge with the Osborne Clan had to be settled.
They didn’t have a Level One Wizard protecting them. With his current strength, he could annihilate them with a flip of his hand.
And finally...
The mysterious librarian who had framed him back then.
’It’s time to settle some scores.’
