The Wizard's Pursuit of Truth

’The tickets are limited. How many are there? Can they possibly meet the demand from all the Wizard Freshmen on Ancient Forest Mountain? There are already over four hundred of us. Even after excluding those who fail the assessment, that number...’

Wang Ya’s brow furrowed. From what he’d gathered over the past two days, Ancient Forest Mountain wasn’t the only assessment site for freshmen in the Dark Land.

What Wizard Yi Si had said indicated the competition on Ancient Forest Mountain was incredibly fierce, to the point that rules were needed to prevent malicious incidents. ’You only make a rule to forbid something after it has already happened.’

According to Wizard Yi Si’s records, Wang Ya’s entry was: Extraordinary Cultivation Witchcraft, ”Iron Hide Steel Claw.” Cultivation subject: Black-Feathered Crow.

After the Thorn Heart’s mutation, Harak’s size and appearance didn’t quite match the typical manifestation of the Witchcraft, but a powerful Wizard could still perceive its underlying Extraordinary Essence.

If Wang Ya wanted to, he could get a ticket to the Dark Wizard Academy from Wizard Yi Si at any time.

However, this wasn’t Wang Ya’s best option. There was something else that required him to stay on Ancient Forest Mountain for a while longer.

A lack of basic Extraordinary Knowledge was Wang Ya’s weakness. Only by addressing this could he proceed to learn and master Advanced Witchcraft Knowledge.

Over the past two days, Wang Ya had discovered that many of the books piled on the shelves in the freshmen’s lodgings contained genuine Extraordinary Knowledge.

It was mostly foundational, but that was exactly what Wang Ya needed.

They seemed to have been deliberately scattered and mixed in among the other books on the shelves, requiring the Wizard Freshmen to look carefully to find them.

Missing out on this basic Extraordinary Knowledge now meant having to spend a considerable amount of Magic Stones, or even the internally circulated Contribution Points, to purchase it later at the Wizard Academy.

That was the real Wizard World—glorious, grand, and brutally practical. Everything was built on the foundation of equivalent exchange: you pay for what you get.

’There’s no reason to give up something I can get for free.’

A solid foundation would allow Wang Ya to adapt much more quickly at the Dark Wizard Academy.

Wizard Yi Si left the main hall.

Just then, a voice was suddenly amplified, echoing throughout the hall. ”Everyone, I am Mosi Bailin, a member of the Bailin Wizard Clan’s direct lineage. I welcome you all to Ancient Forest Mountain after your long journey across the Endless Sea.”

The voice came from the fifth row, near the center.

A figure in a white Wizard Robe stood up. His silver hair and handsome face immediately drew the eyes of the female freshmen.

He continued speaking, ”To extend a proper welcome, a few of my good friends from other Wizard Clans and I are hosting a grand welcome party, and we hope you will all grace us with your presence. I will also be sharing some information about Ancient Forest Mountain, the Dark Land, and the Wizard World at the party.”

A smile touched Mosi Bailin’s lips. His charm and bearing were captivating, and he seemed completely at ease, even under the gaze of so many people.

”This is a social gathering for us, a chance to chat and share some of the proudest moments of our lives.”

In the crowd, Anna’s crimson eyes lit up. In just two days, she had already gathered a great deal of information, including the identities of the freshmen with the very best Wizard Qualifications.

Mosi Bailin, from the Bailin Wizard Clan—one of the three strongest Wizard Clans in Ancient Forest Wizard City.

His identity, status, Wizard Qualification, and the resources he had access to were all exceptional. Even if Arthur were still alive, he couldn’t hold a candle to this man.

’If I had the support of the Bailin Wizard Clan, it would be a huge boost to my Wizard Path.’

Anna’s mind started racing. ’This gathering could be an excellent opportunity.’

”Baolin Mansion in Ancient Forest Wizard City has already prepared a sumptuous feast and sweet fruit wine. Ladies and gentlemen, what are you waiting for?”

Mosi smiled, looking calmly at the Wizard Freshmen in attendance.

”Of course, I accept. This might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Anna tossed her fiery red hair and, like a swan with its elegant neck held high, stepped forward with a confident stride.

Mosi’s eyes lit up instantly. He wasn’t the only one; few of the Wizard Freshmen present could tear their eyes away from her.

With her fiery red hair and tall, slender figure, she was a true standout among the young women.

Once there was one, a second followed, and then many more. A large number of Wizard Freshmen answered the call, preparing to follow Mosi to the Wizard City for the party.

Wizard Yi Si’s warning was completely ignored by this crowd.

Instead, the allure of the Wizard City, the promise of intimate conversation at the party, and the scent of burgeoning desire were far more enticing to them.

Wang Ya watched in silence, making no move to join them.

’Something isn’t right!’

He recalled the information Wizard Yi Si had shared and the rules announced for Ancient Forest Mountain. Both clearly advised against Wizard Freshmen leaving the mountain.

’And these freshmen from the Wizard Clans are being a little too friendly.’

’Celebrating their meeting... Don’t they realize there aren’t enough tickets for everyone? That this is a competition?!’

The more he thought about it, the more suspicious it all seemed.

Wang Ya sneered inwardly, his expression turning cold and indifferent.

’But it has nothing to do with me. Whether they go or not is their business, as long as it doesn’t affect me.’

’In any case, if you make a choice, you’d better be able to handle the consequences.’

’If you can’t, then you’ll have to accept the price.’

His experience with the Tuta Wizard had taught Wang Ya how Wizards operated: actions within the rules were strictly policed, but anything outside the rules was met with cold indifference.

Of course, he wasn’t the only one who was suspicious. A significant number of people hadn’t responded to the invitation either.

Wang Ya rose from his seat, ready to head back and continue his self-study of basic Extraordinary Knowledge.

However, a voice called out to stop him. ”Wang Ya, we came over on the same Wizard Ship. Let’s go to the party together. It’s a rare opportunity and could really benefit you.”

Wang Ya frowned and turned to look.