Both Floral Guardian and Partial Transfiguration are continuous consumption Witchcraft, requiring significant magic power. Therefore, before casting, Jia Na took out the attribute-less magic stone from her wizard robe, which she had been reluctant to use during previous missions.
Due to the low quality of the magic stone, the speed of magic power recovery was far less than the speed of casting consumption. Fortunately, surrounded by forests with abundant plant elements, combined with the environmental advantage and the assistance of the magic stone, Jia Na's sustainable casting time was extended by more than double.
"Ahead is the heart of the Mist Valley, a radiation zone that the tower's barrier cannot cover. Therefore, we cannot stay for too long, otherwise, we will easily be contaminated by the chaotic power of the Law."
The mist gradually thinned, morning light spilled down, and tree shadows dappled.
Looking in the direction Luo - Yinhu pointed, although the scenery was full of vibrant vitality, the few people nodded seriously, not daring to show the slightest slackness.
"Jia Na, I'll leave the matter of resisting contamination to you."
"No problem."
According to the plan, the group first quickly reached their destination under the cover of Luo - Yinhu's illusion. Then, when the few people left the tower's barrier and entered the radiation zone, Jia Na, who possessed the power of Purification, would help the team resist contamination.
After officially entering the spatial rift, Richard-Eva and Suo Luo-Lie Yan would join forces to collect source energy fragments, resist attacks from creatures of different dimensions, and protect Jia Na and Luo's safety.
"By my will, I command you, summon—Celestial Sparrow."
Quickly making the spell gesture and chanting the incantation, as Jia Na's contract magic was cast, a complex magic array quickly formed in front of everyone. Accompanied by a flash of milky white light, the Celestial Sparrow with a white jade on its head appeared in the center of the contract array.
"Afu, release the Purification barrier."
"According to your will, Master."
After giving the command through mental telepathy, the Celestial Sparrow gently landed on Jia Na's shoulder, its bird eyes closed. Rich sacred light attribute magic power rippled out from the white jade on its head, transforming into a small barrier that just enveloped Jia Na.
"Afu, make the barrier a bit bigger so the other few people can also come in."
"Okay... but Afu's magic power is limited. If the barrier is expanded, it might not last too long and won't be able to protect Master..."
"Take this light attribute magic stone for now, it can extend your casting time."
Jia Na, who had anticipated this situation, also prepared a light attribute magic stone when purchasing supplies before departure, just in case.
However, due to the limited budget, this light attribute magic stone was only about the size of a dried index fingernail, but it was barely enough for the Celestial Sparrow to use.
"Thank you, Master."
Carefully picking up the fingernail-sized magic stone with its mouth, magic power circulated, and a small barrier barely large enough to accommodate four people quickly formed around Jia Na.
"The space inside the barrier is relatively small, everyone please stay as close as possible and don't spread out too much."
Looking at the Celestial Sparrow on Jia Na's shoulder, holding the magic stone in its mouth and casting with all its might, Richard-Eva couldn't help but find it a bit amusing.
"If I had known earlier, I would have prepared a high-quality light attribute magic stone in advance."
As a Spirit World creature with sacred light attribute, the Celestial Sparrow can only use magic stones of the corresponding attribute to replenish its magic power; it cannot even use attribute-less magic stones.
And magic stones of this attribute, unless prepared in advance, are not carried by Turin Wizard Apprentices like those in Turin who mostly cultivate dark attribute particles.
"This magic stone is enough for it to use for a long time. After entering the spatial rift, I will expand the barrier range a bit. For now, the priority is to conserve magic power."
Hearing Jia Na's words, Richard-Eva also said:
"When we return to the academy, we will settle everyone's losses. When distributing the spoils later, this part of the loss should also be taken into consideration."
"Okay."
Richard-Eva's suggestion was also Jia Na's idea. After all, she spent every penny carefully. Unnecessary waste and expenditures without return did not exist for Jia Na.
As everyone's positions gradually converged, Jia Na and Richard-Eva also successively retracted their wings that took up more space. Jia Na, located in the center of the team, also became the core protected target of the team.
...
"This is the spatial rift leading to the alien domain."
Unlike the Mist Forest which is shrouded in thick fog all year round, the lower-lying Mist Valley has thinner mist and is bathed in sunlight. Even the vegetation within the valley is greener and more lush.
But everyone knew that all this was just an illusion under the Law of the dark sun, meant to confuse extraordinary beings. The ubiquitous radioactive substances and the chaotic Law that had invaded the Wizard World for years meant that even a little contact could put low-level extraordinary beings at the apprentice level at risk of mutation at any time.
And the place where Luo - Yinhu led everyone was a silvery-white rift exposed under the dark sun contamination, cracked open like a spider web.
"It seems the spatial rift will take a while longer to enter a stable period."
Suo Luo-Lie Yan, who had rich experience in exploring secret realms, quickly gave his judgment.
"This proves that we arrived at just the right time, not wasting a single bit... Who's there!"
Just as Richard-Eva was feeling complacent about his plan management ability, a hidden movement not far away suddenly made his expression alert.
"So it's the apprentices from White Coral Academy. I didn't expect you to find this place too."
From behind the tree trunk, a short youth wearing a black wizard robe slowly walked in front of everyone.
Short black hair, pale complexion, and a childlike face much younger than Jia Na's. Even though the smile on his face was extremely bright, the dark aura full of the smell of death emanating from him made Jia Na, a White Wizard Apprentice, unable to help but frown.
"An apprentice from Black Bone Forest?"
"That's right, I am a third-level apprentice from Black Bone Forest, Pading-Green."
"You are the 'Ghost Kid' of Black Bone Forest, Pading-Green?"
Hearing the other party's name, Suo Luo-Lie Yan directly identified him.
Hearing this, Jia Na, who had also frequently entered and exited the Turin Mercenary Guild before, also reacted.
It turned out that this seemingly childlike Black Wizard Apprentice was actually the "Ghost Kid," Pading-Green, who held an A-level mercenary status in the Turin Mercenary Guild. At the same time, he was also a genius apprentice from Black Bone Forest with A-level Ghost Perception talent and B-level Dark Affinity talent.
"I'm very happy you know me. It seems I have some fame at White Coral Academy as well."
Looking at Pading-Green's smiling expression, Jia Na, who had heard rumors about his ruthless methods, naturally knew the reason for his politeness.
It was simply that their side had more people and power. Even if Pading-Green's individual combat strength was strong, he was definitely no match for the four of them combined.
Otherwise, given Black Bone Forest's usual way of doing things, he definitely wouldn't have walked out so amiably and even taken the initiative to greet them...
