CH185
Lilian was quite famous at Augustus Academy, primarily due to her beauty and exceptional aura.
Her talent, being Professor Nina's student, attracted many admirers, with Klaus being just one of them.
Seeing a conflict involving Lilian, the academy's people couldn't ignore it and rushed to help.
Malcolm left, not daring to say a word.
Once he was gone, Lilian pulled Helag away from the crowd.
"Why provoke him? You'll be taking the test together, and I'm worried he might harm you," Lilian fretted.
Helag didn't answer directly, instead saying, "I didn't expect you to be so fierce. You really have a princess's demeanor."
Lilian tugged at him, "I'm serious. He's a crystallized wizard with strong combat skills. Be careful."
Helag nodded, "I know. I provoked him on purpose. If I don't, do you think he'll leave me alone? Besides, Malcolm nearly killed me last time. I'll repay him a hundredfold someday."
"I believe in you," Lilian smiled sweetly.
They continued exploring Augustus Academy, visiting iconic buildings and classic spots.
They talked about many things, including past experiences and tales from the Colson Continent.
Before they knew it, it was late at night.
After parting with Lilian, Helag returned to the house.
The Terchy family had three enrollees: Helag, a man named David, and a woman named Reese, both gaseous wizards.
David was sturdy and quiet.
Reese had a great figure, what you'd call curvy in the past.
Both were direct descendants of the Terchy family, with Reese being Larry's cousin.
Seeing Helag return, Brack gathered them and instructed, "In the test, cooperate and help each other. Let Helag lead; he may be young, but he's more experienced."
Brack emphasized to David and Reese, "You grew up protected by the family, lacking experience. Listen to Helag when it matters, understood?"
"Understood," David and Reese nodded seriously.
They weren't spoiled brats; otherwise, they wouldn't have been chosen to enroll.
They respected Helag, knowing he single-handedly defended Kent Valley against Carl, a well-known feat in the family.
"Be cautious. Your lives matter most, even if you fail the test," Brack advised.
"Don't worry, Mr. Brack," Helag nodded, saying little.
"Rest now; the test starts tomorrow," Brack said, trusting Helag to handle things.
***
The next morning, Lilian led them to a hall.
"Enrollees can enter; others cannot," Lilian announced at the door.
"Thank you, Miss Lilian," Brack said.
"I'm going in," Helag told Lilian.
Lilian met his gaze, "Good luck."
Helag nodded, entering with David and Reese.
They passed through the hall to a large auditorium.
Many were already present, with a few people standing at the front.
Helag felt an immense threat from them.
"Second-level… no, possibly third-level wizards," Helag assessed.
At the front stood a man in a top hat, with a monocle over his left eye, appearing around thirty.
He posed the greatest threat to Helag, seemingly devoid of magical aura yet exuding strength.
Sensing Helag's gaze, the man glanced over and smiled slightly.
Helag bowed politely, recognizing a powerful figure.
Half an hour later, everyone had arrived.
The man in the top hat stepped forward, "Hello, I'm Bennings, the main coordinator for this operation."
"As you know, today is the test. But today is more about explaining the test, and you can still opt out."
His words puzzled the crowd.
Explain the test?
Wasn't today the test day? Could they not test today?
And what was this about opting out?
Those who enrolled were ready for risks.
Bennings continued, "Our test is unique, requiring a year-long pioneering war in the Elven Plane. During this year, you'll follow orders and complete tasks. After a year, if you're alive and without major faults, you'll gain permanent residency in the Land of Dawn."
The hall fell silent, then erupted in whispers.
Bennings adjusted his monocle, letting them digest the information.
Helag was surprised, not expecting this test setup.
He'd anticipated conventional tests, perhaps involving battles.
But this test involved entering the Elven Plane for a pioneering war.
A year-long stay in the Elven Plane.
The dangers were obvious.
Plane pioneering wars were bloody and ruthless.
Whether Elven or Wizard Plane, such wars meant countless deaths.
As invaders, the Wizard Plane would face fierce resistance in the Elven Plane.
Now was the war's early stage, when the Elven Plane was strongest, making entry most dangerous.
Many considered quitting but hesitated to forgo the opportunity.
Surviving a year granted permanent residency in the Land of Dawn.
This residency was significant, making one a Land of Dawn member, no longer in the Barrens.
Residency also allowed family relocation to the Land of Dawn, for direct relatives or spouses.
CH186
After waiting a bit, Bennings sensed they had likely made their decisions.
With a wave of his hand, the doors at the back of the hall opened automatically. "Now, those who wish to leave may do so. You have thirty minutes to decide. After that, the doors will close, and you won't have another chance to refuse."
Most had already made up their minds about staying or leaving.
"David, Reese, what are your thoughts?" Helag asked.
David replied, "I'm staying."
Reese nodded, "Me too. This is a chance to revive our family; we can't back down."
The wizards in the hall were from various factions, each bearing some mission or responsibility.
Backing out now would mean disappointing those who depended on them.
David and Reese represented the new generation of the Terchy family, carrying the family's hopes.
Backing out wasn't an option.
While pioneering wars were dangerous, success meant family prosperity.
No one would refuse such a temptation.
Even knowing the challenges ahead, they pressed on.
Helag nodded, "I'm staying too."
Others might be driven by their factions, but Helag fought for himself.
He realized that backing out now might mean losing any future chance to enter the Land of Dawn.
Without entering the Land of Dawn, Helag risked being stuck at the crystallized wizard stage, like Elder Karen.
After thirty minutes, no one left.
Bennings waved his hand, closing the hall doors. "Good, the wizards of the Barrens are braver than I expected."
"Congratulations, you are now members of the Wizard Plane Expedition Team."
"After joining, you can't leave for a year. After a year, you can choose to leave or stay, as you wish."
"Expedition Team?" Helag hadn't heard of this before; it seemed to be a Land of Dawn organization.
Bennings explained, "The Expedition Team is a collective term for our Land of Dawn organization. Members are wizards from the Land of Dawn, aiming to pioneer and conquer various planes, seizing resources. You're joining the Elven Plane Expedition Team, which is newly established and needs people."
"Perform well, and this is a great opportunity. Exceptional performance might catch the eye of the Land of Dawn's wizard factions, as many high-ranking members are in the Expedition Team."
"In seven days, you'll enter the Elven Plane for a year-long test. Prepare and settle your affairs."
"If you have questions, feel free to ask. I'll answer as best I can."
Someone quickly asked, "Lord Bennings, we're all first-level wizards. The Elven Plane must have powerful beings. Will the Expedition Team send us against them?"
This was a common concern. In plane wars, first-level wizards were the lowest rank, almost like foot soldiers.
The Elven Plane likely had powerful beings, and sending them against such foes would be suicide.
Bennings smiled, "Rest assured, tasks will match your abilities. In plane wars, everyone is valuable, and we won't waste your lives. However, be mentally prepared. In the Elven Plane, anything can happen, and no one can guarantee your safety."
"War is cruel; I can only wish you luck."
Another asked, "Lord Bennings, if we achieve merit in the war, will we receive the same treatment as Land of Dawn wizards?"
This question concerned fairness.
Barrens wizards were inherently inferior, and if they couldn't receive due rewards for their merits, it would be unfair.
They feared this.
Bennings nodded, "Rest assured, the war is fair. Merits will be rewarded, regardless of your origin. You won't be deprived or shortchanged because you're from the Barrens."
Bennings answered many questions patiently.
An hour later, the crowd dispersed.
Brack and Lilian waited at the door. Helag briefly explained the test details.
It wasn't confidential, so sharing was fine.
Brack pondered, "I'll have the family send a batch of potions and other resources for you. Time is tight; I'll contact them now."
Brack left to arrange resources for Helag, David, and Reese's expedition.
They couldn't help much, but ensuring ample resources was crucial.
"I'll get you some Elven Plane information from my teacher," Lilian said.
She wanted Helag well-informed about the Elven Plane, as information was vital.
Different information could lead to different decisions, often life-or-death ones.
***
Seven days later.
Augustus Academy had an ancient arena, vast enough for tens of thousands to watch events.
The arena's original function was lost, now used for grand events.
The Land of Dawn's Expedition Team modified it for plane teleportation.
In the large arena stood a massive gate, with a dark green glow inside.
Helag and others stood before the gate. Bennings addressed them, "Enter the gate in the order called. We'll try to assign those from the same faction to the same base, based on your enrollment information."
"Our Expedition Team has thirty bases in the Elven Plane, each in different locations. You'll be assigned to these bases."
Helag sensed someone watching him. Turning, he saw Malcolm with a cruel smile.
Helag understood; Malcolm hoped they'd be assigned to the same base.
Bennings began calling names. Those called approached the gate, entering in groups of two or three.
Malcolm entered with three Green Cottage wizards.
Helag's turn hadn't come, indicating they wouldn't be assigned to the same base.
CH187
"Helag! David! Reese!"
Bennings called out the names of Helag and his companions.
The trio approached the glowing portal.
"Just walk through, no need to worry," Bennings advised.
Helag nodded, took a deep breath, and stepped into the portal, with David and Reese following closely.
As Helag entered, he felt a strong pull drawing him forward.
It felt like an endless abyss, pulling him in.
A force from behind seemed to tug him back.
But the portal's pull was stronger, pulling him completely through.
In an instant, Helag found himself on a stone formation, surrounded by wooden huts.
"Welcome to Expedition Team Base 27."
Helag turned to see a tall, hefty man speaking, weighing an estimated 500 pounds.
"You three are the newcomers from the Barrens?" the man asked.
Helag nodded, "Yes, sir. I'm Helag, and these are David and Reese."
The man patted his belly, "I'm Parker, the captain of Base 27. Glad to have you join us."
Parker's aura was similar to Bennings', likely a third-level wizard.
Parker seemed genuine and friendly, always wearing a cheerful smile.
"Come, let's walk and talk. I'll introduce you to the base," Parker said, leading the way like a moving mountain.
Helag and his companions followed.
Nearby, tall wooden and stone walls surrounded the area, with a protective barrier overhead.
"Base 27 was established just over three years ago. The base numbers reflect their order of establishment, with lower numbers being older."
"Currently, Base 27 is hidden, undiscovered by nearby elves or humans, thanks to a concealment array," Parker explained.
The Elven Plane wasn't just inhabited by elves; elves were the ruling race.
Like other planes, it housed various races, including numerous human kingdoms.
Apart from customs and language differences, these humans were much like those in the Wizard Plane.
This plane also had dragons, giants, and various races.
Conquering it entirely would be challenging, taking centuries.
The pioneering war was just beginning.
"Base 27 has over seventy people, handling logistics, defense, combat, and reconnaissance," Parker explained the personnel structure.
Base 27 had numerous small wooden huts for lodging.
Helag, David, and Reese each had a hut, all adjacent.
Parker knew groups often came from the same faction, so he arranged their housing together.
Familiarity within a faction made cooperation easier.
Parker showed them around Base 27, familiarizing them with the environment and base functions.
They saw many other wizards active within the base.
Base 27's entrance was a wooden gate.
The entire base was protected by multiple arrays.
Some arrays were still being set up, including defensive, offensive, and concealment arrays.
"Familiarize yourselves with the environment and learn our basic rules and requirements. In a few days, you'll receive assignments," Parker said, handing them a booklet.
The booklet detailed base rules, requirements, and reward and punishment guidelines.
Helag and his companions memorized the booklet's contents.
Returning to his hut, Helag examined the simple furnishings.
Basic but sufficient for daily life.
Two days later.
Parker introduced a wiry old man, "This is Cain, a second-level wizard. He'll guide you through some tasks."
"Mr. Cain," Helag and his companions greeted.
Cain nodded, "You're lucky to be assigned here. Though the base isn't fully built, it hasn't been discovered, so it's relatively safe."
"Our main tasks are surveying the surroundings, mapping, and recording local forces and population for future work."
Base 27 was new, undiscovered by nearby humans or elves, so they wouldn't face attacks or ambushes on missions.
Older bases were often discovered.
Wizards from those bases faced danger on missions, risking ambushes.
"Our priority is secrecy. On missions, don't reveal your identity. We'll provide clothing, and you must learn the local language quickly."
"When encountering locals, stay calm and conceal your true identity."
Cain provided two books, the local common language.
Helag had already learned about local customs and culture but hadn't studied the language.
Learning the language posed no difficulty for him.
David and Reese, though lacking deep blue assistance, were formal wizards, so learning the language was easy.
The local language was similar to the Wizard Plane's, making it quick to learn.
Starting today, Helag and his companions would wear local attire instead of their usual clothes.
Cain would help them master the language and local customs before undertaking missions.
They were essentially in training.
Helag and his companions needed time to learn the rules before contributing to Base 27.
Five days later.
Helag and his companions had mastered the language and donned local attire.
CH188
Cain stood in the small plaza of the base, which was really just a flat area.
In front of him were Helag, David, and Reese. "You've all gotten familiar with the area these past few days. Today, we'll leave the base for our first mission."
Cain produced a map, its shape irregular.
Centered on the base, the map showed many unexplored areas, marked as blank.
"Our task today is to map the southeastern terrain. It's a simple mission with low risk," Cain explained.
Base 27 was deep in the mountains, surrounded by wilderness, with no paths.
Helag and his companions followed Cain out of the base gate into dense jungle.
To avoid leaving traces, no paths were cleared, making the forest difficult to navigate.
Helag and his companions, being formal wizards, moved through the untamed forest without much delay.
"Deep Blue, activate environmental scan," Helag instructed.
Helag activated Deep Blue's environmental scan, staying alert to his surroundings.
The energy particle density here was higher than in the Wizard Plane, or the Barrens.
In the Elven Plane, as in the Abyss, wizard magic was less fluid than in the Wizard Plane.
Magic wasn't as smooth, and spell effects were slightly reduced.
This was due to the Elven Plane's world will suppression, though less severe than the Abyss.
Helag had tried sensing his bloodline mark here, finding it still suppressed.
However, due to the royal elf bloodline within, he could tap into some of its power.
Helag hadn't activated it, being cautious under the base's monitoring arrays.
Unlike the Abyss, Helag felt at ease in the Elven Plane, with smoother magic flow.
"Must be the royal elf bloodline," Helag speculated.
Absorbing Shatia's royal elf bloodline made the Elven Plane feel like home.
The world will here didn't suppress his magic.
Only the Abyss's lightning ancestor bloodline was suppressed; other powers weren't.
Helag and his group traversed mountains to the southeastern area.
They began using magic perception to map the terrain.
The task was tedious but simple.
Cain led them, mapping as they went.
In Helag's mind, a broader map formed.
Deep Blue's scan range was much larger than magic perception.
Helag used magic perception, mapping diligently.
Though he knew the wider terrain, he mapped within perception range.
He couldn't reveal how he mapped such a large area to Cain.
A first-level gaseous wizard's perception range was 100-200 meters.
Deep Blue's scan range was 1,500 meters, far exceeding perception.
At their pace, mapping the southeast would take a month.
Using Deep Blue's range, it could be done in seven or eight days.
Such tasks could be stretched out; finishing too quickly would bring new assignments.
Helag couldn't explain how he mapped such a wide area.
He proceeded at a normal pace, mapping slowly.
While traversing the forest, Helag noted various plants.
Many were unique to the Elven Plane, and Helag had Deep Blue record them.
***
While Helag's group mapped, another group struggled through the mountains.
These people wore light armor, carrying bows and packs.
They were border soldiers of the Norn Kingdom, patrolling the mountains.
Carrot, a veteran, had served at the border for ten years.
Mountain patrols were tough, preventing smuggling and detecting enemy movements.
Carrot's group of thirteen had been in the mountains for five months.
After another month, they'd return to the border camp for rest.
Mountain life was harsh, with difficult terrain and dangerous wildlife.
Wild beasts were manageable, with several formal knights in the group.
Most beasts avoided the large group.
Noisy patrols scared away smart beasts.
The real trouble was insects.
Various bugs were hard to guard against, sneaking into collars and pant legs.
A few bites were manageable, but many bugs were venomous.
Untreated bites could lead to limb loss.
Fortunately, there was no war, and the border was stable.
Patrolling soldiers wouldn't face enemy troops, avoiding large-scale casualties.
As long as they survived, hardships were bearable.
Carrot brushed off a black bug from his leg, applied ointment, and continued.
Today's patrol covered an unvisited area, a no-man's land.
Carrot used binoculars to survey the landscape.
He spotted four people in the distance.
"Come here, there's someone over there," Carrot called.
The team took turns with the binoculars, spotting Helag's group.
"What are they doing here?" Carrot wondered.
He saw Helag's group in peasant clothes, unarmed.
In a no-man's land, who could reach here unarmed?
Carrot decided to approach and inquire, as border patrol duty required.
Helag had noticed the soldiers but couldn't say so.
Cain, a second-level wizard, hadn't noticed; Helag, a first-level gaseous wizard, had no reason to.
TL/n -
You can up to chapter 315+ by supporting me at p@treon.com/inkbound
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