Enchanters Guild is a semi-official organization; although it does not directly come under the command of the Chanay Tower United Council, it’s still under the jurisdiction of the Tower Council over at the main guild in Bertha. Many considerations are interconnected, and there are a lot of issues to consider.
As for the enchanter’s questions, the East Capital Enchantment Guild neither confirmed nor denied them.
Such an attitude made those who understood the guild’s style even more convinced that the rumors were likely true; many people came to the hall of the guild every day to inquire about the news.
Rapid Wood Tower, Ivan’s daily life hadn’t changed much from the past.
Many knew about the Black Magic Wind Fire Array, but very few knew he was the creator; therefore, no one came to bother him for the time being.
“Hey, you have no idea; it’s really lively over there, like some important gathering. Everyone says some Enchantment Master invented the Black Magic Wind Fire Array, and there were even disputes about it, claiming it was that someone—“
“If they knew the truth, our place here would probably get lively too, and then you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the quiet.”
In the past two years, Locke had grown quite a bit, improving his strength to intermediate Level 2, and he had also learned how to conceal his identity.
When he transformed into the appearance of a pure human, he closely resembled Ivan. Their relationship being One Body Two Manifestations, he was particularly adept at disguising himself as Ivan.
There he was, freshly back from a stroll around the guild hall, bubbling with excitement as he shared his findings.
“It’s no trouble; you can replace me in entertaining visitors, which will be a good exercise for your disguise skills,” Ivan said without even lifting his head.
“Ha? You’re not seriously that lazy, are you?” Locke’s smile paused.
“Do you have a problem with that?” Ivan turned and glanced at him.
“Not at all, you’re the real deal; I’ll listen to you,” Locke hurriedly denied, muttering to himself that ‘rank indeed suppresses the inferior,’ swiftly changing the subject: “Do you think the Pan Iron Root was dug up by a sorcerer from the Ancient Tree Spine from the ground?”
“Who knows. The Ancient Tree Spine has little contact with other academies,” Ivan’s gaze returned to the pond.
At the moment, they were beside the pool containing the Pan Iron Root, and as Ivan had guessed earlier, the Pan Iron Root started shedding its skin, layers of rocky bark peeling off, spilling out from the pool.
“How come your two Pan Iron Roots aren’t showing signs of molting?” Locke asked towards the Silkworm Queen and the swamp ant nearby.
“Don’t know. Maybe they don’t have as much potential,” the Silkworm Queen floated in mid-air and shook its small head.
Originally, they obtained three Pan Iron Roots, one of upper class quality, and two of average quality; there was indeed a difference in potential.
“I don’t know either,” the swamp ant followed with a shake of its head.
Earlier, the swamp ant had followed orders to return briefly to Moon Pincer Peninsula but had since returned to East Capital.
In addition to arranging for ant sentinels to watch over the Red Cloud Realm, it brought back news from the Mongna Ant Land Cottage—everything was fine there, with Justine and Pearney staying well on academy grounds.
Dean Watkin was still recovering.
Many sorcerers who satisfied the new academy’s contract provisions left the Mongna Ant Land Cottage, starting their own wandering and exploring plans, including Randall, who had gone who knows where.
The swamp ant also made a trip to Shadow Lake. Besides checking for any changes, it retrieved the previously stored Space-type energy shards, all of which were turned over to Ivan.
“It’s like I gave them to you for nothing.”
Hearing the insects’ conversation, Locke murmured to himself.
Just as the Silkworm Queen was about to say something, the energy particles in the pool surged, blowing the rocky debris around chaotically, indicating that the Plate Iron Root was at a crucial moment of its transformation, so it swallowed back the words it was about to say.
Finally, the dust settled.
Ivan reached out, and a root reminiscent of condensed Yellow Rock Water fell into his palm, only one and a half meters long.
Smooth to the touch, like stone but not stone.
As his thoughts changed, the Plate Iron Root first stretched continuously, then shrank rapidly, finally coiling lightly around his arm at the length of about ten centimeters.
The hardness was extraordinary, surpassing most composite metals, suitable for use in high-level magicalized items.
However, the energy consumption was high when used, somewhat lackluster.
The method for refining the Pan Iron Root was simple; it only needed to be doused with fresh blood to achieve a certain type of contract, which he had completed quite early.
‘Indeed, the potential has increased.’ Ivan couldn’t help but use an identification spell, considering from the perspective of Secret Method Body Double raw materials, the potential of the Pan Iron Root had increased significantly.
It was just enough to be used as a Secret Method Body Double.
Of course, the Pan Iron Root had no trace of intelligence, which seriously conflicted with the requirements for a Secret Method Body Double.
‘What exactly is this species? It’s really too strange.’ Ivan had gone through many documents, both from the Enchantment Guild and the Vernon Millennium Archive, yet he found no relevant information.
He couldn’t help but wonder if the Pan Iron Root was a new species.
“Boss, Sorcerer Ivan, will you continue cultivating it?” Seeing that he remained silent, Locke asked quietly.
“Why not? If you want one, you can check out the Lank Mercantile Association. I remember Sorcerer Tim said their goods would be delivered there,” Ivan saw through his ulterior motive at a glance.
“Really? Heh heh, I fear my magic stones might not suffice.” Locke did not deny his interest; he was quite intrigued by the Pan Iron Root indeed.
“Then learn a good craft,” Ivan suggested.
“Alright, I’ll try my best.” Locke was somewhat troubled by this: “You know, the essential nature of my energy is different from a sorcerer’s; if not handled well, it could carry the breath of an Alien Race, making the efficiency lower when crafting items used by sorcerers.”
“Take it slow, you can get your own magic stones.”
After Locke left, Ivan continued to study the Pan Iron Root.
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He discovered the Pan Iron Root that had completed a molt had become picky, no longer absorbing the Yellow Rock Water, evidently yearning for an even higher grade of energy.
After some thought, he crafted a new batch of Yellow Rock Water using Earth-type intermediate element crystals to try to fulfill the Pan Iron Root’s craving.
“Tsk tsk, you’ve truly stepped up your game,” he said with a hint of challenge.
A moment later, Ivan looked at the Pan Iron Root with some surprise.
The Pan Iron Root refused to even accept Yellow Rock Water, which was refined from Earth-type intermediate element crystals, and showed no interest in other similar level energy particles. Instead, it had set its sights on the more unique space energy.
“Well then, it’s quite a feat to be able to absorb space energy. I want to see if you can undergo a second metamorphosis,” Ivan noticed some subtle changes.
Unlike its previous decayed wood state, the Pan Iron Root had developed a tiny bit of instinct, which could be seen as a hint of intelligence.
Had he not been so perceptive, he might not have noticed this at all.
Before long, he happened to plan on researching space energy and didn’t mind sharing a portion with the Pan Iron Root.
…
Days passed, and ten days had elapsed since Ivan had completed the verification of his research project.
At Rapid Wood Tower, Vice President Angus suddenly arrived.
“Ivan, come with me, there’s someone you have to meet.”
“No problem.”
Ivan agreed immediately, knowing that anyone the Vice President would personally take him to meet had to be someone extraordinary.
The two traveled from Neighborhood No. 107 to Neighborhood No. 1, arriving at the heart of the East Capital, a nine-story sorcerer tower that was equivalent to the City Lord’s Residence of East Blade City.
Thinking of a possibility, Ivan’s heart skipped a beat.
“Once we meet Lady Philomina, make sure not to show any disrespect,” Angus whispered a reminder as they approached the doorway.
“I will maintain the proper respect,” Ivan replied gravely, nodding his head.
“Let’s go up,” Angus summoned a light breeze with a casual wave of his hand, and the gentle wind carried them upwards.
On the fifth level of the sorcerer tower was the office of the City Lord, a place that was rarely open to the public due to the City Lord’s special status.
Angus led Ivan carefully inside, where they were greeted by an open palace-like hall that felt as if they had stepped into the court of a kingdom.
“Lady Philomina, Angus and Ivan are here to see you.”
A figure dressed in a bright yellow palace dress stood on a high platform within the palace, exuding no particular aura but giving Ivan an immense sense of pressure, as if he were in the presence of the goddess Mavis.
This was actually due to the difference in the level of life because Philomina Qixing was a Level 4 Sorcerer.
The gap between a Level 4 Sorcerer and a Level 3 Sorcerer might seem small, but their strength and status were worlds apart. Level 4 Sorcerers and above were considered the upper echelon in the entire sorcerer community.
A Level 3 Sorcerer was merely part of the middle level.
Philomina was the guardian of the eastern region of Chanay Continent, and it was her presence that deterred alien races from causing trouble.
Ivan had never imagined that his Black Magic Wind Fire Array would attract such a powerhouse.
“Are you Ivan Marichardon?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Your Black Magic Wind Fire Array is impressive.”
“Thank you for your praise, my lady.”
“You have contributed to the sorcerer world, and as our creed states, merit deserves recognition. On behalf of the Chanay Tower United Council, I commend you for your achievement and hope you will continuously strive to make greater contributions to our sorcerers.”
Soon after, Ivan left the sorcerer tower with Angus and landed on the ground.
“Sorcerer Ivan, congratulations.”
“I didn’t expect to receive such a reward,” Ivan said, still somewhat dazed. They had actually designated an area for him that hid a large magic stone mine.
The reward was straightforward and unexpected.
“I wasn’t referring to the reward, but rather that you have now caught the attention of the top-tier figures. That is what truly matters,” Angus shook his head and added with a smile:
“However, you need to be more cautious from now on, too. Once your name becomes renowned across the continent, you will also attract the interest of many from alien races.”
“Eh—might someone come to assassinate me?” Ivan snapped to attention.
“It is highly likely. To squash the blossoming talent within enemy ranks is exactly what an adversary should do. But don’t worry too much. They will send at most a Level 3 Assassin. Anything beyond that would break the rules, leading to even harsher retaliation, especially for someone like you who has a certain status.”
“I understand.”
Hearing this, Ivan felt somewhat reassured.
Sorcerers had a myriad of methods at their disposal, and their combat effectiveness could often outstrip those of equal level. Even if faced with a Level 3 enemy, he was not without a chance of victory.
And if all else failed, he could still escape.
“Have you thought about how to develop the ‘Dod Magic Stone Mine’?” Angus changed the topic after giving just a reminder.
“Not yet,” Ivan shook his head.
“Then take your time to think it over. There’s no rush. Whatever the Tower Council rewards you with, no one can take it away. No one would dare to,” Angus continued.
When the two parted ways, Angus suggested Ivan prepare for fame.
Ivan paused for two or three seconds before realizing—likely the Black Magic Wind Fire Array had been thoroughly verified and was now ready to be announced to the public.