Sixth Ring Wizard

Herag said, "But in the end, the outcome is good, so you can't punish me for it."

Pries nodded, "That's right, it's also because of this reason, plus our arguments, that you weren't punished, and even received some rewards. However, because of these factors, the rewards you received are relatively few. A thousand contribution points seem like a lot, but they don't match your actual contribution."

"Of course, the main reason is that when your position suddenly disappeared, we all thought something had happened to you. So naturally, there wouldn't be any punishment, and in any case, you probably wouldn't have gotten those thousand contribution points."

"After all, you sacrificed for Silver Moon City, and at times like these, we definitely can't punish you, or it would chill the hearts of other members."

"Who would've thought, a few months later, you came back on your own."

Herag smiled, picked up a quill, and signed the parchment, fearing that those thousand contribution points might slip away.

If those above wanted to renegotiate, it's likely that those thousand contribution points would be gone, so he signed first.

"Alright, it'll be sent to you later," Pries said as he put away the parchment.

Herag thought for a moment and spoke, "My talisman stone was destroyed by the people from Eye of the Storm."

He thought he should mention these things to Pries, at least to make them aware since it involved another wizard organization.

"Eye of the Storm? I did hear you smuggled over from their Beilu City, Brad mentioned it to me. Tell me more specifically about your experiences in the contaminated area," Pries pondered.

Herag then recounted his experiences in the contaminated area, though he concealed many parts of his experience.

For instance, he didn't mention things like murals and steles; there was no way he could divulge these to anyone.

Herag mainly talked about his encounters with Eye of the Storm's pioneers, how conflicts arose, and how he escaped.

After listening, Pries nodded and said, "I understand, rest assured that now you're back, they can't do anything to you. Even if you killed some of their people, so what, they were the ones who attacked you first."

"I'll report this matter up the chain, and not only will they not punish you, but they'll also definitely reward you. When dealing with external matters, especially when confronting the Eye of the Storm organization, you need to handle it like this."

Serlandir and Eye of the Storm, these wizard organizations, often have many frictions, having had various grievances for a long time.

Herag's small matter is really insignificant, and nobody would question it further.

The two Level 2 Wizards encountered in the contaminated area are uncertain if they're still alive. Herag asked Pries to help keep an eye on the news from over there, so he could be mentally prepared.

In case those two are still alive, he needs to consider the possibility of encountering them again later.

Herag silently remembered these two people, right now he can't beat them, but once he advances to a Level 2 Wizard, it would be a different story.

He and Pries talked for a long time, even having dinner together, before finally heading home.

...

Upon returning home, Herag immediately began planning his next steps.

The primary goal is to advance to a Crystalization Wizard, and compressing spiritual power is a lengthy process.

For typical wizards at this stage, it usually takes twenty to thirty years to advance to a Crystalization Wizard, even for those with good aptitude.

For wizards without aptitude, they simply can't complete this step, hence unable to advance as a Crystalization Wizard.

Based on the current progress, Herag estimated he only needs three to four years to complete the compression of spiritual power.

He plans to devote the coming years entirely to the step of advancing to a Crystalization Wizard.

After planning, Herag plunged into a daily routine of practice.

During these days, Herag did nothing but compress spiritual power, eat, and sleep, occasionally going out with Reese.

Reese dutifully took on the role of the mistress, helping with all sorts of mundane affairs, so Herag could focus on his practice wholeheartedly.

In order to avoid unexpected events, Herag didn't take on any tasks and turned down almost all social activities.

Until he advances to a Crystalization Wizard, he doesn't plan to do anything else.

Ironically, Reese is the happiest during this time, as she gets to spend every day with Herag.

Previously, Herag was always busy with various things, spending the least amount of time at home, and hardly had time to accompany Reese.

Herag feels like he's a scholar concentrating on studying at home, and Reese is like the caring wife waiting for him to succeed in the examination.

Sometimes Herag thinks, perhaps living such days continuously isn't bad; the happiness level is quite high.

But reality always drives people forward, and Herag knows he can't indulge in momentary comfort.

To survive longer, there's only the path of becoming stronger until he can fully control his own destiny.

...

Three years later.

Herag sat in the center of the room, meditating with his eyes closed, sitting on a soft velvet mat beneath him.

This room was cleared out by Reese, specially prepared as a Meditation Room for Herag.

The Meditation Room was set up with some Witch Arrays to allow Herag to focus on his cultivation, undisturbed by the outside world.

In Herag's mind, the liquid spiritual power was no longer visible, replaced by a jelly-like substance.

This transparent jelly-like substance was light blue, the result of Herag's three-year-long compression of spiritual power.

The original liquid spiritual power gradually transformed into this jelly-like form over three years.

This is the final step in advancing to a Crystalization Wizard; the next step is to refine this jelly mass into a Spiritual Crystal.

Herag entered this stage a year ago, and every time he refines the jelly, a sharp pain would strike his mind.

Whenever the pain comes, a cold sensation comes from the Bloodline Mark, instantly sweeping away the pain from refining, while making the jelly more condensed.

The energy from the Divine Core in the Bloodline Mark seems endless, not yet exhausted even after three years.

Furthermore, Herag feels there's still ample energy stored in the Divine Core, like a vast ocean, virtually inexhaustible.

He's achieved such progress in compressing spiritual power within three years entirely by relying on the energy of the Divine Core; otherwise, the progress would not have been this fast.

The spiritual power has been in a jelly form for a year now, appearing as if it can transform into a crystal at any moment, yet it's still missing something.

Herag didn't become impatient or anxious but continued with the orderly refinement of spiritual power.