Wizard + System

CH225

At the entrance of the Lim Mountains.

Helag and the other wizards stood on a hill, watching the fierce battle unfold below.

They wouldn't intervene this time, only observing and ready to adapt if unexpected situations arose.

Around ten thousand creatures were deployed, aiming to inflict heavy casualties on the border troops through relentless combat.

Even if all ten thousand creatures perished, Parker wouldn't feel a twinge of regret.

In fact, if all the creatures died, the army would have paid an even greater price.

On the battlefield, the grass was trampled and soaked with blood.

The air was filled with the cries of the wounded and the clash of weapons, chilling the heart.

The distant roar of arrows seemed to blanket the sky.

Horses neighed, creatures crushed through the ranks, and the sound of breaking bones was incessant.

Countless bodies lay on the ground, blood flowing freely.

Sunlight filtered through the smoke, casting a gray pallor, as if the place were cursed.

An hour passed, and the battle raged on. Border soldiers fought fiercely, their bodies agile yet bloodied.

Some soldiers, gravely injured, fought calmly, striving for one last chance.

Others, weary and wounded, staggered across the battlefield, appearing ready to collapse at any moment.

War was never glorious; it was bloody and brutal.

As night fell, the creatures began to retreat, leaving most on the battlefield exhausted.

Parker hadn't expected the ten thousand creatures to annihilate the soldiers in one go.

This attack was mainly to show that wizards were not to be trifled with.

***

At Base 27.

Parker called Helag and his team over.

"You've been here for eight months, and in four months, you'll have completed a year and return. I have a mission for you. If you succeed, I guarantee entry into the Land of Dawn and my wizard organization," Parker said.

Helag glanced at David and Reese, seeing the eagerness in their eyes.

Parker was a third-level wizard, and his organization was undoubtedly one of the top wizard groups.

Joining such an organization meant a bright future.

But Helag remained cautious.

Such a tempting offer implied a challenging mission.

Helag asked, "Lord Parker, what is the mission?"

He needed to understand before agreeing, unlike David and Reese, who seemed ready to accept immediately.

Helag's caution was for the mission's sake, his own, and David and Reese's safety.

Parker chuckled, "We've located three elven tribes. Their focus is on the Oberstein battlefield, and they'll likely send more support."

"I didn't wipe them out to lure more forces here. This way, their tribal areas will be vulnerable, allowing us to attack Oberstein while targeting their settlements."

"Each elven settlement has a World Tree, which is our true target."

Helag nodded, "I see."

He had wondered earlier why Parker hadn't deployed all thirty thousand creatures and the base's wizards to crush Oberstein's defenses.

Now he understood Parker's true objective lay elsewhere.

Through interrogating captured elves, Parker had learned the locations of the three tribes.

The World Tree was the ultimate goal.

"Lord Parker, what is the World Tree's purpose?" Helag asked.

Parker explained, "Simply put, transplanting a World Tree to the wizard plane would make the area ideal for wizard cultivation."

"Over time, those born there would have enhanced magical aptitude. This alone is invaluable, not to mention the World Tree's material is a precious treasure."

Helag understood.

Acquiring a World Tree and transplanting it to their territory would benefit countless generations, transforming the region.

"So, the mission involves the World Tree?" Helag asked.

Parker nodded, "Yes. The nearest is the elven tribe in Strange Valley. I need you to infiltrate and place teleportation coordinates. We'll use them to teleport directly into Strange Valley, catching them off guard."

"The closer the coordinates are to the World Tree, the better. Do your best. The closer to the World Tree, the nearer to their core. Elders and chiefs usually gather under the World Tree."

"Of course, this mission is difficult and highly dangerous. Few are willing to undertake it, so I'm seeking your input. If you decline, I'll find another way."

Though Parker spoke casually, Helag knew refusing would likely mean failing the annual assessment.

Parker controlled their fate; entry into the Land of Dawn depended on him.

For Helag and his team, accepting the mission was essential if they wished to enter the Land of Dawn.

Helag considered the mission's difficulty and feasibility.

Infiltrating an elven settlement like Strange Valley was inherently dangerous.

"Lord Parker, we're willing to undertake the mission," Helag agreed.

Parker smiled, "Good, Helag. I have high hopes for you. Don't worry; we've gathered enough intel from the elves."

"Elves may disdain humans, but they often interact with them in daily life. Caravans frequently enter Strange Valley, supplying the elves with needed goods."

"So, there are conventional ways to enter Strange Valley. Find a way to join a caravan and place the teleportation coordinates in an inconspicuous spot."

"Remember, the closer the coordinates to the World Tree, the better."

Parker handed them three red crystals, "These are the teleportation coordinates. Place them in different spots in Strange Valley, avoiding detection."

CH226

Helag took the three red crystals and nodded, "We'll complete the mission."

Parker patted Helag's shoulder, "It's up to you now. If you succeed, your assessment will be unquestionable. That's my promise to you."

A promise from a third-level wizard was beyond doubt.

After leaving Parker, the three were silent, feeling a bit tense.

Back at the cabin, Asna was cleaning, dressed in a maid outfit, sweeping the floor.

She wore red high heels, with thick black stockings wrapping her long legs, accentuating her alluring curves.

Asna knew Helag liked this, so she rarely wore her regular clothes.

Helag hugged her from behind, whispering, "Tomorrow, David, Reese, and I will be leaving for a while. Be careful while we're gone. We'll be back after we're done."

"How long will you be gone? Is it dangerous?" Asna asked worriedly.

Helag replied, "Not long, nothing to worry about. It's late; we should get some rest."

Asna blushed slightly, nodding softly, then swayed her hips against Helag.

Thinking about leaving the next day, Helag felt a surge of excitement and scooped Asna into his arms.

***

The next morning, Helag, David, and Reese traveled through the Lim Mountains.

Helag held a map, found on Severus when captured.

The map covered a vast area, including the entire Norn Kingdom and surrounding regions.

They planned to head east through the Lim Mountains, not towards Oberstein, as Strange Valley lay east of the Norn Kingdom.

"How will we enter Strange Valley, by joining a caravan?" Reese asked.

Helag pondered, "Maybe there's another way."

He felt the bloodline mark on his chest, knowing he could use the royal elf bloodline power within.

Helag hadn't fully activated the royal elf bloodline yet.

Fully activating it would likely change his bloodline aura and possibly his appearance.

He glanced at Reese and David, deciding not to try it in front of them.

He'd find a chance to try it alone in a human town.

"What way?" Reese asked, leaning in.

Her low-cut outfit revealed a scar across her chest.

Helag said, "I'm still considering. Let's keep moving."

Traveling through the primitive Lim Mountains would take about seven to eight days.

The terrain was more challenging than around Base 27.

Though they aimed for a straight path, the varied landscape, with cliffs and rivers, made it difficult.

As wizards, natural obstacles couldn't hinder their progress.

Traveling was dull, but the Lim Mountains' scenery was a blessing.

The mountains were layered, with winding valleys and misty peaks.

Fog shrouded the area, with spiritual energy flowing through.

Red leaves fluttered, petals drifted, and unknown birds flitted among the trees, their calls echoing.

On sunlit slopes, lush grass grew, and wild goats grazed leisurely.

Helag and David were quiet, especially David.

He could go a whole day without speaking unless spoken to.

Reese was livelier, humming tunes while traveling.

She'd drag Helag to admire the scenery, like a tourist.

Helag thought if they had a camera, Reese would be snapping photos everywhere.

Seven days later.

The trio finally exited the Lim Mountains, reaching a wide road.

The road was muddy and rutted, with many wagon tracks.

Helag checked the map, heading north along the road.

Walking would take at least two months, even at their pace.

They'd need to find horses or join a caravan for faster travel.

After walking most of the day, they heard hoofbeats behind them.

Turning, they saw an adventurer group.

The leader rode a tall horse, appearing around thirty, with grand knight-level strength.

The group had seventeen members, five of whom were knight-level.

All were dressed as adventurers, a strong group by adventurer standards.

Helag's group stood by the roadside as the adventurers approached and stopped.

The leader glanced at Reese, her figure and face catching his eye.

Seeing Helag as the leader, he asked, "Are you heading to Nightfall City? If so, we can give you a ride."

The other adventurers also looked over, many men eyeing Reese with interest.

Helag's group wore concealment rings, hiding their aura, appearing as ordinary people.

The adventurers saw them as three ordinary travelers, with Reese's beauty sparking interest.

The leader glared at his men, who quickly composed themselves, averting their gaze from Reese.

"Sorry, we just finished a long mission. These guys are a bit restless and rude. Please don't mind them. I'm Pierre, leader of the Wind Sword Adventurer Group, a grand knight," Pierre said politely.

Reese feigned admiration, "Wow, a grand knight! That's impressive."

Pierre, pleased by the praise, remained stoic, "Thank you, but a grand knight isn't much. I hear powerful creatures have appeared in distant Oberstein, beyond even grand knights."

Reese replied, "Really? Is there someone stronger than a grand knight? You're so modest."

Pierre smiled, "Would you like to join us on our wagon?"

"Thank you. I'm Helag, this is Reese, and this is David. We're wandering adventurers," Helag introduced.