Ivan’s gaze grew sharp as he glanced around and, noticing no suspicious figures, he directly leaped onto the roof of the dormitory. Similarly, he found nothing there.
He knew that the sender didn’t necessarily have to be a person; if someone was intent on hiding, they could naturally evade his pursuit.
“I didn’t expect Toyennes to have accomplices within the academy, and using this method to send messages is probably not just to intimidate me.”
Tracking methods proving ineffective, Ivan returned to his dormitory. He understood the underlying message Toyennes wanted to convey: ‘Hiding within the academy is useless.’
He opened the letter and inside was a piece of parchment with a light blue seal imprinted on it.
No sooner had he spread out the parchment than the light blue seal transformed into wisps of smoke that rushed towards him, landing precisely on the curse mark of the Curse of Demon’s Resentment with speed too fast to evade.
Toyennes had clearly made significant progress in the realm of curse marks.
“With such meager curse power, it’s not even enough for the rapid wood silkworms,” Ivan said indifferently. Let alone this little curse power, even ten times more wouldn’t cause any trouble.
What concerned him more was that he couldn’t dodge it.
The gap in power between an apprentice and a sorcerer was a chasm tough to cross. No matter how down and out Toyennes was, he wasn’t someone an apprentice could underestimate. Only another sorcerer could counter a sorcerer.
‘Ivan, I hope this letter finds you well. Do you remember your guide? Back then, in your innocent ignorance, you set foot on the island and embarked on the path of sorcery, under my eager anticipation. Those were such peaceful and hopeful times.’
‘Do you remember your distant homeland? Flying Fish Port is a beautiful little city, and your domain, Mulberry Valley, is also a splendid place with radiant sunshine. Under the hard work of your father, Mr. Leider, your elder brother, and your lady, Mulberry Valley has become a forest of mulberry wood–‘
‘Ivan, I have found a way to completely resolve the curse and invite you to explore the secret realm together. July 4th at Lake Nichols, I eagerly await our long-overdue meeting.’
‘Your guide—Toyennes.’
After reading the contents of the letter, Ivan’s expression turned somewhat grim.
Toyennes was still so hypocritical. The letter seemed casual, but every word was a veiled threat.
One could guess that inviting an apprentice like himself, despite the risk of exposure, meant it was not just about exploring a secret realm.
With over half a month until July 4th, he had to consider and prepare thoroughly. Toyennes had put so much effort into this; he absolutely couldn’t afford to let him down.
After a moment’s thought, Ivan made up his mind.
An hour passed, and Ivan arrived at the three-story round tower to find his mentor Randall and handed him the letter to read.
“I’ve never had much interaction with Toyennes before. I only knew him as a core member of the Hunting Team, nearly a hundred years older than me and someone who has made many contributions to the academy. It’s a shame that such an old sorcerer could fall like this.”
“What are you planning to do?”
Randall did not take over the situation recklessly; the fierce aura emanating from him made clear his resolve.
Ivan said, “I’d like you to help me identify a runes array first.”
“Where?”
“The enchantment workshop.”
Randall readily agreed to his disciple’s request.
Later, the two went to the enchantment workshop, temporarily used by Ivan. On the floor lay the runes bundle array Ivan had just finished engraving.
“This formation serves two purposes: one is to convert pure mental energy, and the other is to evolve mental energy into Confinement Power. When advancing, the Confinement Power will contend against Confinement Power; if ineffective, the mental energy serves as a backup force.”
After explaining the function of the formation to his mentor, Ivan casually activated the runes bundle array on the stone table, causing it to operate smoothly.
Soon after, a black wind began to blow through the workshop.
At Randall’s gesture, the mental energy transformed into a black wind that gusted against his bear-like stature. Even as a sorcerer, he could feel a mental oppression, which undoubtedly affected his strength.
Being in an environment filled with black wind, his powers could be reduced by as much as half or even more.
It was impressive to him, a veteran sorcerer, that his disciple could achieve this.
“That’s sufficient.”
After the black wind blew persistently for a while, at Randall’s signal, Ivan stopped the array; the wind in the room quickly settled.
Ivan watched Randall closely, eager to hear his mentor’s opinion and whether the runes bundle array could be used during a sorcerer’s advancement.
“What is this formation called?” Randall asked after some contemplation.
“It doesn’t have a name yet, but how about we call it ‘Black Magic Wind Array’?” Ivan suggested a name that echoed ‘Black Magic Hand.’
“Ivan, your approach is correct, and you’ve thought of everything comprehensively. The effect of the formation is also sound. As an official sorcerer and enchanter, I believe your Black Magic Wind Array is a success,” Randall said solemnly.
“Knowing you say that, I feel relieved.” Ivan sighed in relief.
“Have you noticed that if the effect of the formation were expanded, it could increase the success rate of advancement by more than just ten percent?” Randall hinted suggestively.
“Please rest assured, I will assess the required intensity to ensure that the Black Magic Wind Array remains absolutely controllable,” Ivan replied, having considered this issue before. He would rather reduce the effect of the formation than risk it going out of control.
Randall nodded slightly, clearly satisfied with that response.
“There’s not much else to say, but remember, don’t reveal this to anyone,” Randall advised.
It was not difficult to see that what was considered an alternative solution was actually quite interesting—assuming someone would act recklessly without considering the significant hidden dangers they might face after advancement.
Using directly refined mental energy for promotion greatly increases the chances, and there are plenty of people around, such as those apprentices who have already lost hope for advancement.
Even if the ultimate level they can reach is only a Level 1 Sorcerer, even if the process is fraught with great dangers, some would still be willing to risk it all.
Once the effects of the Black Magic Wind Array spread, it would spell great trouble for Ivan.
“I understand,” Ivan of course understood the principle of possession inviting trouble, “But, I’m planning on making a deal with the Lidia family to exchange for another ten percent increase in my chances of success.”
In fact, the estimated increase in the probability of promotion was just that—an estimate; no one would complain about having too much, they just feared capsizing like Wayne did.
“Then simplify it, make it less conspicuous. Once you become a sorcerer, a lot of these problems will diminish,” his mentor advised.
“Mentor, I hope you can accompany me on my journey,” Ivan requested again, as Sorceress Madeline was not easy to deal with.
“Of course, that’s no problem,” Randall did not refuse, as he was also worried about his disciple being fooled, “So, have you decided to start the process of becoming a sorcerer in the next few days?”
“Yes, after preparing so much for so long, the time has come,” Ivan admitted. Before meeting Toyennes, he planned to become a sorcerer first and then surprise the other party.
Daring to threaten him like this, Toyennes must pay the price; he no longer cared about the rules of the sorcerer world, keeping him would always be a hidden danger.
“The mentor believes you can succeed; you’re the most talented person I’ve ever taken on as an apprentice. There’s no reason for you to fail, is there?” Looking at his exceptionally gifted apprentice, Randall offered his blessings.
“You’re right,” Ivan agreed.
The mentor and apprentice exchanged smiles.
Afterward, under Randall’s guidance, Ivan created an encrypted, simplified version of the Black Magic Wind Array to trade.
Two days later.
The experimental area, a strictly confidential testing ground.
This was rented by Randall, who chose this place over the enchantment workshop simply to avoid making deals on someone else’s territory, which was not conducive to negotiating official terms. When it came to promotion, one could never be too cautious.
Madeline, accompanied by Heidi and Carmel, arrived as promised without delay, and there were no others present.
“Sorcerer Randall, are you really going to let your disciple act so recklessly?” Sorceress Madeline was quite impolite with her opening remark.
“Sorceress Madeline, seeing is believing. We’ll know whether it’s reckless once we’ve seen it. I trust my apprentice’s research on the Black Magic Wind Array won’t disappoint you, I just fear that you might lack sincerity. If so, I’ll have to take him to someone else,” Randall stood his ground, unfazed by her words.
As a Level 1 Sorcerer, Randall naturally would not let her words affect him.
“I hope it will not be a waste of my time,” Madeline stated noncommittally.
“Ivan, is this the runes sorcery array you’ve discovered? Did you name it ‘Black Magic Wind Array’? The name is quite good, very impressive,” as soon as the two sorcerers came to a consensus, Carmel couldn’t wait to rush forward and started inquiring about the sorcery array on the stone platform.
Seeing this, Madeline subtly rolled her eyes; she was at a complete loss with this naive son of hers.
“It’s just a runes bundle array, as for the name, you’ll understand once I activate the sorcery array,” Ivan signaled to the two sorcerers, and seeing no objections from them, he activated the formation in front of everyone.
In a short while, the formation completed the transformation from Magic Stone Water to mental energy and from mental energy to black wind.
The black wind blew across each person present.
“This is the power controlled by that person; you’ve actually managed to reproduce it,” Heidi recognized at a glance that this was the same black wind that had trapped them in the magic stone mine.
“It’s similar and yet not the same; what was used back then was not just the power of magic stones.”
“Fine, let me take a look.” Madeline forcefully took over control of the formation.
Ivan did not object.
Compared to Randall, Sorceress Madeline’s enchantment expertise was higher—these were the mentor’s own words. He also said it would be better to let Madeline take a look for added insurance.
“How is it, does it meet your standards, Sorceress Madeline?” After a while, Randall asked with a smile.
“Not bad, I agree to the exchange,” Madeline nodded in approval.
Ivan was secretly delighted; if the simplified version could impress someone with such deep enchantment expertise, it was sufficient proof of the Black Magic Wind Array’s uniqueness.
“Ivan Marichardon.”
“Yes?”
“Would you be interested in forming an alliance with the Lidia family? You could gain the full support of the Lidia family.”
Upon hearing Madeline’s words, Ivan instinctively glanced at Carmel.
“I didn’t say that,” Carmel quickly waved his hands, as he was someone with a sense of propriety and knew what not to say, “But, Ivan, you could really consider Heidi; she spoke in your favor before.”
“—-“
Ivan looked at him speechlessly, unsure whether the man was doing it on purpose.
If looks could beat someone, Carmel would probably be battered by everyone there, except for Randall.
“Sorry, I haven’t considered anything other than becoming a sorcerer beforehand.”
“That’s a pity,” Madeline responded.
In a two-for-one exchange, Madeline produced quite a few valuable items, and under Randall’s suggestion, Ivan set his eyes on a magic scroll named ‘Rose Chain.’