Outside the Mongna Ant Land Cottage.
That day, Ivan left the academy, heading in the direction of Lierre Songster Sanctuary, with a four-winged swamp king ant as his mount for the journey.
“Your body has recovered, but based on the previous situation, there should be some adverse effects. Do you feel any discomfort?”
A week had passed since he found the Ant Beings’ secret vault, and the Silkworm Queen’s recovery was slower than expected, probably reducing some potential, especially since the Silkworm Queen had used the critical ‘King’s Power’.
“I don’t feel anything bad,” said the Silkworm Queen, shaking her tiny head and giving the four-winged swamp king ant a glare. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s this Big Black One.”
Swamp ants could also shrink and enlarge their bodies, a characteristic seemingly shared among creatures with certain potential. Its true form when enlarged was nearly thirty meters long, far surpassing the Silkworm Queen’s size without the use of her collective’s power, which made her somewhat envious.
Thus, the Silkworm Queen bestowed the nickname ‘Big Black One’ upon the swamp ant.
As for the swamp ant, it simply turned a deaf ear and complied with Sorcerer Ivan’s requirements to get along well with the Silkworm Queen.
“We were enemies rather than friends before, but the situation is different now. I remember your merits,” he said.
“Hee-hee, then I won’t blame the Big Black One,” she chuckled.
As a creature that could control gravity in a certain range, the swamp ant’s flying speed was, of course, extraordinary. This was while it was still in recovery; its full strength would undoubtedly reveal the Level 3 creature’s complete characteristics.
In addition to flying, with ‘Boulder-Marsh Control’ abilities, the swamp ant could also perform ground escape, somewhat similar to Randall’s Golden Beetle General.
For Ivan, this was indeed a significant combat asset.
However, Ivan did not know whether he needed to hand over the four-winged swamp king ant. From his impression of the wealth and magnificence of Five Leaves Spear, it was highly likely that he wouldn’t need to, but there’s always a chance.
After finding the Ant Beings’ secret vault, he contacted Chairman Narnya and Sorcerer Solomon, arranging to meet them soon.
Before that, he needed to meet another person.
A few hours later, Ivan had arrived at a dominion under the charge of Lierre Songster Sanctuary, a small town on the edge of the territory—Bellou Town.
After briefly identifying his direction, the swamp ant brought him in front of a noble castle, which bore the Hobson family crest.
“Sorcerer Ivan.”
“Lord Marichadon.”
Ivan’s arrival had stirred the people within the castle, and Pearney hurriedly led a group of attendees to greet him.
“Who is this?” Ivan inquired, looking at the man in noble attire before him, a man who bore a resemblance of six or seven points to Earl Hobson of Tidal Island.
“My cousin Yul Hobson, my uncle’s second son who has been here for over a year now, currently acting as a minor Baron,” Pearney introduced.
Ivan nodded. He was aware of Pearney’s deep feelings for Earl Hobson and it’s not surprising that she would arrange matters for her cousin.
“This is not a place to talk. Let’s go inside,” he suggested.
“Fine,” she agreed.
No one present dared to object to Ivan taking charge so assertively.
Following Pearney’s lead, they made their way to a room at the back of the castle, likely Pearney’s study.
“I—” Pearney opened her mouth to speak to the man before her, now more uniquely imposing, but found herself at a loss for words.
“What, you blame me for not heeding your advice and coming here?” Ivan said blandly.
“No, it’s just—I’ve heard of your newfound fame, and a sorcerer as powerful and learned as you should really not be dealing with a mere apprentice like me,” Pearney said, her tone filled with melancholy.
Her previous failure to promote to sorcerer had undoubtedly brought a strong sense of defeat, such that the vigor of her spirit had faded, and her brows now bore a hint of gloom.
“I said I would help you become an official sorcerer, and I always keep my word,” Ivan said, frowning slightly before emphasizing, “Or do you think I would make false promises?”
“No, I just don’t want to trouble you too much.”
“Whether it’s a bother or not, I decide that for myself. It seems you lack understanding of the current me, we should get to know each other better,” he stated.
“How do we do that?” she asked.
“What do you think?” he retorted.
To Pearney’s exclamation of surprise, Ivan effortlessly broke through her defenses with his strength, allowing them to make more profound contact, hoping to rekindle the feelings they once shared.
Three days later, most of the melancholy and gloom had dissipated from Pearney, but her gaze at a certain someone held a bit of indignation. How could there be someone who wouldn’t allow her to leave day or night? How could she now save face in front of her cousin?
At Pearney’s insistence, the two finally sat down properly to have a normal conversation.
“Had I known it would come to this, I should have joined you at the Mongna Ant Land Cottage from the start,” Pearney said, her beautiful eyes casting a look full of allure and reminiscence.
“It’s not too late now, there will be opportunities in the future,” Ivan said with a smile.
Through previous interactions, Pearney knew that he, by virtue of his extraordinary Enchantment skills, had become the steward of the academy’s Enchantment Group. But even so, that was not enough to help a 3rd Class apprentice transfer schools, as such an act was forbidden by both academies.
“Then I’ll wait.”
For some reason, Pearney felt an inexplicable trust in him, always believing he could do it.
Without realizing it, Pearney had lost her initial reluctance to rely on Ivan to become a sorcerer, not wanting to become his vassal. Times had changed, and now her previous pride had dissolved unknowingly.
This time, Ivan had come in a hurry upon hearing that Pearney was about to undergo her second sorcerer promotion.
Having dispelled Pearney’s doubts, her promotion was, of course, to proceed as planned.
After understanding her preparations, Ivan took full control of her promotion plan, making appropriate adjustments. He would first assist her in becoming a Great Knight and give her a scroll of quality surpassing the Rose Chain.
Secondly, he would tailor a Black Magic Wind Bundle Array just for her.
These things would take some time. Under Ivan’s persuasion, Pearney agreed to heed his advice and wait a bit longer, to start the promotion after better preparations were made.
…
Another week passed, and Ivan bid farewell to Pearney before leaving Bellou Town for another appointment.
Near the Half Moon Alliance, Floating Clouds Square.
“Respected sir, do you need someone to show you the way?”
“Your reward, no need for guidance.”
Arriving at the Floating Clouds Square, Ivan once again met the youth who had shown him the way during his first visit. He casually gave the young man a low-grade magic stone as a reward and received continuous thanks.
“Sorcerer Solomon, it’s been a long time. I didn’t expect you to still be on Moon Pincer Peninsula.” In a small courtyard on the street, Ivan met Solomon.
This small courtyard was rented by Solomon. Ivan had contacted Solomon earlier, and Solomon had told him to come here, where Chairman Narnya would also meet them.
“Haha, you were recommended by me to the organization. I couldn’t possibly leave easily before seeing you become one of us,” Solomon observed, looking at the four-winged swamp king ant brought by Ivan.
Ivan didn’t believe that. As a sorcerer, the man surely wouldn’t be so idle. There must be another reason for coming to Moon Pincer Peninsula.
“So, is the assessment finally complete?”
“Not bad, not bad. You’re quicker than I anticipated,” Solomon nodded slightly. With his knowledge, he could certainly distinguish the authenticity of this ant beast. King Blood creatures were not easy to fake.
“Honestly, the people from the Star Moon Alliance inadvertently gave me a helping hand, otherwise, with the style of those families in our academy, this matter might have been somewhat difficult,” Ivan briefly described the process.
Were it not for the Star Moon Alliance’s interference, even with Christian’s help, they could only have sought the Ant Beings Sacred Altar and the Ant Beings’ secret vault stealthily, which would have taken many times longer.
“Haha, I’ll introduce you to Sorcerer Doug sometime.”
Ivan was about to say something when he suddenly noticed someone approaching; it was Chairman Narnya.
Chairman Narnya still had the appearance of a refined old scholar, his aura profound, making it hard to tell whether he was in his true body or an avatar.
“Chairman Narnya.”
Both hurriedly stepped forward to greet him. Continue your saga on empire
Chairman Narnya nodded to them and stepped beside the swamp ant. His presence was so overwhelming that the swamp ant didn’t dare to move, letting him place his palm on it.
Ivan involuntarily held his breath, knowing that the success or failure of his assessment hinged on this moment.
“Four-winged swamp king ant, capable of turning the land into a swamp, able to manipulate the gravity of the earth, a direct descendant of the ancient Boulder King Lords. Rarely seen nowadays.”
“Poor little thing, starved for several hundred years, has become so thin,” said Narnya.
Hearing Narnya’s words, Ivan secretly heaved a sigh of relief. The assessment should be a pass now.
“Ivan, tell us about the assessment process,” Narnya ordered casually as he took out a test tube and poured the liquid from it into the swamp ant’s mouth.
A rich aura of life diffused in the air.
The swamp ant, resisting the temptation, looked at its master to the side. Only after receiving permission did it open its mouth to consume the liquid, visibly filling out at a rapid pace.
Ivan recounted the process of searching for the Ant Beings’ secret vault once more in simple language, not concealing the fact that Christian was nearly sacrificed.
“Welcome to the Five Leaves Spear, as an official 3rd Class member,” Narnya said after listening, directly acknowledging his status.
“Haha, Sorcerer Ivan, congratulations. I always said my judgment is never faulty,” Solomon chuckled, feeling a sense of accomplishment for bringing a great talent to the organization.
Ivan received a token representing his membership in the ‘Third Leaf’ of the Five Leaves Spear—a booklet half the size of a palm. It recorded his relevant information, as well as several emblematic marks with obscure meanings.
The material of the booklet was unknown to him, but it gave him a familiar feeling, reminiscent of the state when bathed in the presence of the Small Light of Wisdom, albeit much fainter.