Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1173 Setting Up The Endless Blossom Array

Of course, the one downfall to the Endless Blossom Array magic formation was its operation cost. To a place like the Order of a Thousand Blossoms that had a rich heritage, as well as Seina, who was a peak legendary realm powerhouse and grade seven Apothecary, such an operation cost was not even worth mentioning.

However, for a top guild like Sleeping Gardenia, even if they were one of the wealthiest top guilds, it would be impossible to continuously run a magic formation like the Endless Blossom Array for a long period of time with their current level of resources.

That is why Izroth instructed them to only activate it as a last resort method.

ʼLetʼs begin.ʼ

...

Roughly half an hour passed by as Izroth worked on setting up the Endless Blossom Array.

Izroth placed the 64 swords in a perfect circle around the entire Ore Cave. Each sword was placed at the exact same distance from one other. Each sword also had a paper that resembled a talisman with magic text written on it placed on its blade.

Izroth also carved out several large magic circles to the north, south, east and west of the Ore Cave and within the confines of the circle created by the placement of the 64 swords.

Within the carved magic circles was a strange powder that emitted a strong and robust scent of cherry blossoms.

ʼThat should do for the last bit of preparations. Now, itʼs time for the most difficult part.ʼ

The arrangement of a magic formation had to be perfect in order for the magic formation to work. If one was off even by a centimeter, the magic formation would not activate. This is why players had no choice but to rely on the systemʼs help via their profession to set up magic formations. However, for someone like Izroth, the arrangement of a magic formation was not too difficult.

In truth, the most challenging part was the last step in fusing the separate materials into one in order to give life to the magic formation. Under normal circumstances, this part was automatically done by the system if one had the Formation Master profession. For it to be done manually was akin to someone attempting to climb a mountain without any proper gear.

”Magic formations must become one with the surrounding environment, which means that it has to settle into the natural energies around it. There is a balance to nature. If it is disturbed, nature fights back. In order to get it to accept the magic formation, the magic formation itself must not conflict with the balance already in place.” Izroth said to himself as he closed his eyes and activated his Energy Vision Sense.

ʼBalance... A perfect balance must be maintained.ʼ

The next moment, a gentle breeze flowed around Izroth as he activated the Imitation Law of Wind. At the same time, the wind around him spread outward in every direction as he carefully guided it toward the talisman-like papers attached to the 64 swords.

Using his Energy Vision Sense, Izroth isolated the 64 energy sources being emitted by the talisman-like papers and cut all 64 simultaneously.

Oooom...! Rmmmmble!

The instant Izroth performed this action, the talisman-like paper turned into an unusual light blue liquid that seeped into the blades of the swords.

Shiiiiiiiing!

An ear-piercing shrill erupted through the surroundings of the Ore Cave, causing the members of Sleeping Gardenia to cover their ears.

Not long after, the members of Sleeping Gardenia felt an uncomfortable sharp, prickling feeling on their skin. It was as if they were being lightly poked by hundreds of tiny invisible blades.

Izroth eyes shot open as he uttered, ”Merge.”

When that word escaped Izrothʼs mouth, the 64 swords sunk into the ground with their glowing blades, leaving no visible marks of their existence on the surface. Simultaneously, the magic circles lit up and unleashed a tremendous amount of mana that gave off an oppressive aura.

This oppressive aura lasted for several breath before eventually dying down and dispersing altogether.

After the oppressive aura dispersed, a carefree smile found its way onto Izrothʼs face as a series of system alerts rung in his mind.

ʼIt looks like I was successful.ʼ

〈System Alert: You have successfully set up the magic formation «Endless Blossom Array»!〉

〈System Alert: You are the first player to set up an Expert-ranked magic formation! You will be rewarded for your achievement!〉

〈System Alert: Your world fame has been increased by 500!〉

〈System Alert: Magic formations you create will now cost 10% less resources to operate!〉

ʼThis is... It feels like Iʼve gotten my hands on something I shouldnʼt have.ʼ

An achievement like this should have belonged to someone with the Formation Master profession. Instead, it went to an Apothecary and Arcane Script Runemaster. Of course, thanks to the skill Unparalleled Craftsman, Izroth could always become a Formation Master in the future is he desired. But, since he already had the Arcane Script Runemaster profession, he felt that using one of the profession slots for the Unparalleled Craftsman skill to become a Formation Master would be somewhat of a waste.

ʼWhatʼs done is done. Besides, itʼs not a bad thing. There is always a chance that I will have the chance to set up more magic formations in the future. If so, having a 10% less operation cost will save a lot of resources.ʼ

”Since itʼs done, it would be a shame not to test it out.” Izroth said to himself.

...

A few moments later...

Izroth stood tens of meters away from the Ore Cave and watched from a distance.

”This will be my first time seeing an expert-ranked magic formation in action. Youʼve really done Sleeping Gardenia huge favor this time around, Palace Master Izroth.” Valkyria said as she stood next to Izroth and glanced over toward him.

”We are allies. Naturally, we should help one another when thereʼs a chance. Plus, I, too, am curious as to how this magic formation will operate. If it werenʼt for Commander Valkyria and Sleeping Gardenia, it would have been a while before I could see it with my own eyes. You can say that this also benefits me in a way.” Izroth replied casually.

”To be candid, I was taken aback when I saw Palace Master Izroth arrive alone. I thought something happened and the Formation Master you called would not be able to make it. I never expected that Palace Master Izroth was also capable of setting up magic formations. I am at a loss for words. You never cease to surprise me when our paths cross.” Valkyria commented.

Valkyria had many questions. For one, how was an Apothecary able to set up a magic formation? More importantly, one that was at a level that should only be impossible to set up if they were not at least a grade five Formation Master.

Was it possible to have two professions? When had Izroth become a grade five Formation Master? Did this mean that he was also a grade five Apothecary? Or, was being an Apothecary just a cover to hide his talent as a Formation Master?

These were just some of the questions that rushed through Valkyriaʼs mind. However, she was not a distasteful person. She knew that digging too much into someone who had just done a great favor for Sleeping Gardenia was not honorable.

Of course, Valkyriaʼs burning curiosity was not lost on Izroth. He could tell that she was holding back quite a bit out of consideration.

”Itʼs no great secret. The system itself is akin to training wheels on a bicycle. It makes sure you that you do not fall over; however, it also sets defined limits in place. All I did was simply remove the training wheels.” Izroth said in a meaningful tone.

Valkyria brows rose in surprise before becoming furrowed in deep thought.

ʼIʼve given her a big hint. The rest will be up to her to understand on her own.ʼ

After a few moments of silent, Valkyria released a small sigh.

”Weʼve been going about it wrong all this time. No, wrong is not the correct term. Itʼs more like we have been unknowingly limiting ourselves due to our overreliance. Still, what Palace Master Izroth said, itʼs a lot easier said than done. I suppose thatʼs the price that has to be paid for what lies on the other side.” Valkyria stated as she let out another sigh.