"My physique has improved quite a bit, reaching 10 points already… Perfect, let's see if I can withstand my wizardry!"
A trace of excitement flashed through Lynn's mind as his eyes slightly narrowed, and he softly muttered an indistinct incantation.
Back when he was still a Second-Level Wizard Apprentice, casting spells required him to chant complex incantations in full.
However, ever since advancing to Third-Level, his mental power had undergone a qualitative leap, allowing him to precisely control every aspect of his spells.
Now, he only needed to utter a few key syllables to unleash wizardry rapidly.
This technique, known as "fragmented chanting," was a hallmark ability of Third-Level apprentices and a breakthrough in casting speed.
With a wave of his hand, a scorching flame rapidly coalesced in the air, instantly forming a fist-sized fireball that shot forth with blazing radiance!
Even before the fireball struck its target, his other hand had already lifted again. A piercing chill condensed in an instant, and an ice arrow, shimmering with crystalline frost, quietly took shape before whistling through the air.
Fire and ice alternated in rapid succession, pouring down like a torrential storm. Each spell was precise, like a barrage of arrows, relentlessly bombarding Little Green.
At that moment, Little Green stood motionless, its body glowing with a faint green light as it absorbed all the incoming wizardry.
Its originally vibrant green body darkened under the scorching flames, while the icy assault caused a fine layer of frost to spread across its surface.
The alternating high temperatures and extreme cold subjected its form to a relentless cycle of burning and freezing, as though trapped between a furnace and an ice chamber.
"A Grand Knight may have protective battle energy, but they are still vulnerable against wizardry. Even if they withstand one or two strikes, they will eventually be overwhelmed. They feel pain, and they lose mobility. But this puppet body… has no sense of pain. Even ten Grand Knights combined wouldn't compare to it."
Lynn's gaze remained fixed on Little Green.
The continuous bombardment of wizardry had left visible damage on its body, with charred marks spreading across its once-lush surface, some parts even completely burned away.
Yet, Little Green remained as steady as a boulder.
"Heal the injuries!"
Lynn softly commanded. The next moment, Little Green suddenly rolled across the ground, smothering the flames on its body.
Then, a gentle green glow rippled outward from its surface. The wounds covering its body began to mend at a speed visible to the naked eye.
The burned portions regrew, with fresh green shoots replacing the charred remains, akin to new buds sprouting from withered branches in the spring, brimming with vitality.
Watching this, Lynn's interest deepened.
He murmured to himself, "Where does its energy come from? It must be drawing from the power of the earth… or perhaps from the free-floating energy particles in the world. The potion I provided likely just served as a 'key' to unlock its ability to absorb these forces…"
This experiment made Lynn realize that Little Green's essence far surpassed his prior understanding of apprentice-level creations.
Its regenerative abilities, combat potential, and resonance with natural energies were all beyond the scope of what an apprentice should be able to create.
It was more akin to the extraordinary materials that only full-fledged wizards could wield. Just where had Count Greenforest acquired such a thing?
"With you by my side, my combat strength has at least doubled. If I can resolve the issue with the Seed of Life, I'll have no more worries."
Lynn rubbed his brow, a faint smile forming on his lips.
Status
Name: Lynn Cole
Rank: Third-Level Wizard Apprentice
Talent: Heaven Rewards Diligence
Progress:
Azure Sky Meditation: Resonance (1/100); Germination Phase One (91/100)
Books, Wizardry, Potions…
"Germination…" Lynn's eyes lingered on the progress bar, his brows slightly furrowed.
"This likely refers to the process of fully developing the Seed of Life into an extraordinary plant. But what about this 'Resonance'?"
Lynn vaguely recalled that his mentor, Rosalind, had never explicitly explained the concept of "Resonance."
Closing his eyes, he concentrated on recalling the apprentice-level teachings of Azure Sky Meditation. Moments later, he opened his eyes again, now with a newfound understanding tinged with intrigue.
"Resonance… it refers to the deepening spiritual connection with the Seed of Life. If fully resonated, I can gain access to a portion of the seed's extraordinary abilities in advance though in a significantly weakened form."
Lynn also noticed that his Germination progress was incredibly high, just a little short of completion. However, that was only for Phase One.
The process was divided into three phases, each significantly harder than the last. The first phase had to be completed through personal effort, but external aids could assist with Phases Two and Three.
Lynn's progress was likely the result of nearly a year of dedicated nurturing in the mental domain.
"I'll take it slow. My future is bright. No matter how intense the Furnace War gets, it shouldn't affect me here… After all, this is the headquarters of the Furnace."
With that thought, Lynn headed toward the potion garden. Recently, he had been so engrossed in Azure Sky Meditation that he had neglected his potion studies. It was time to catch up.
The Core of the Furnace
A towering Wizard Tower loomed into the sky.
The tower's entire structure was jet black, exuding an ancient aura as if it had stood the test of eternity.
Though the surrounding area was a later expansion, it had long since integrated into the Furnace's intricate system, becoming a key part of its vast sorcerous formations like a colossal chessboard where every brick pulsed with dark, mysterious power.
At the peak of the tower was the residence of the Master of the Furnace.
It stood like the pinnacle of the world, drawing the currents of wizardry from all directions.
Around the master's seat, four towering stone pillars stood in solemn defiance of the heavens, each crowned with floating crystallized manifestations of Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind. Each element emitted a faint, mystical glow.
Behind the seat, embedded in a smooth, icy wall, was a massive, eerie eye.
This eye occasionally flickered with a dim radiance.
It was not only a fragment of the Furnace Master's former soul but also the very core of the entire Furnace's will the Furnace Spirit.
"Prepare."
The deep voice of the Furnace Master echoed through the chamber.
His pale eyes were as cold as a frozen abyss. Slowly, he turned his gaze to the giant eye.
At his command, the Furnace Spirit's eye began to rotate, its center bursting forth with a radiant white light.
The glow rapidly expanded outward from the heart of the Wizard Tower, spreading like ripples, engulfing the entire Furnace territory.
The arcane formations awakened. The once-slumbering buildings began to emit dark red patterns and veins of wizardry stirring to life.
The Furnace Master's fingers rhythmically tapped the armrest of his throne, the motion eerily in sync with the pulse of time itself.
Though his gaze remained as frigid as ever, a fleeting flicker of emotion surfaced a complex blend of remembrance and unspoken pain.
His mind drifted back to a pivotal moment years ago, a memory concerning the "Landscape."
Back then, he had trespassed into that place, believing it to be a land of opportunities.
It was there that he discovered the key to advancing to Morning Star Wizard.
However, after achieving his breakthrough and stepping into the grandeur of the wizarding world, he finally understood the true nature of the "Landscape."
At last, he comprehended why, regardless of their bitter rivalry, both Dark Wizards and White Wizards would always set aside their differences… to annihilate every last trace of the "Landscape."
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