The Wizard's Secret Journey

Chapter 232 Territory (4k)

As Sifus finished speaking, three areas were highlighted on the map projection.

Two of the three areas are right next to the camp, on the left and right, while the other is a little further away from the camp, separated by two outposts and five watchtowers.

对应的编号分别是15-28，16-1，16-8。

The numbers at the beginning refer to the camps, and Lynn and his group have now arrived at Camp 16.

Lynn habitually looked first at the farthest watchtower, 16-8.

As can be clearly seen from the map projection, it is also a hillside of moderate height, sparsely covered with withered trees.

The surrounding area offers a wide view, and a river flows around the bottom of the hillside, so getting water for daily life should be very convenient.

At the top of the hillside projection, there are also small white characters indicating "first-level advanced".

"Lord Siforth, does this higher rank represent the concentration of magical energy?" Lynn asked, pointing to the small white characters.

"That's right, Tier 1 High-level refers to the magic energy concentration there being Tier 1 High-level. You can click on the small text for more details."

"Underground in area 16-8, there is a magic energy vein. Exploration has revealed that it is a branch of the camp's underground second-tier medium-grade magic energy vein, but it is slightly smaller in scale and cannot supply too many wizards to cultivate at the same time."

"Of course, there is absolutely no problem in supplying the daily training needs of you two and those wizard apprentices."

Lynn nodded. If a first-order high-grade natural magic vein is gathered through a witch array, it can easily reach the second-order low-grade, or even the second-order middle-grade.

While it's not extremely high, it's not so low that it would affect daily cultivation.

However, this area is quite far from the camp, and the nearest outpost is two watchtowers away. If any emergency occurs, it may be difficult to get support immediately.

Moreover, it's a protruding hillside, quite conspicuous.

Lynn pondered silently, then looked at the other two territories.

Areas 15-28 are located to the west of the camp. They are a depression surrounded by trees, making them very secluded.

However, its magic energy concentration was only Tier 1, Lower Grade. Furthermore, after Lynn checked the details, he discovered that this concentration wasn't from a magic energy mine, but rather from magic energy diffused in the air. It was probably only because it was close to a camp with a Tier 2 magic energy mine that it could barely reach Tier 1, Lower Grade.

The magic energy concentration in area 16-1 is even higher, reaching the middle level of the first tier, and there is also a small-scale magic energy vein underneath. If a magic array is set up, it can be upgraded to the high level of the first tier.

However, area 16-1 is located in a barren open space, and the nearest water source is two kilometers away, so long-term living there may not be convenient.

Lynn frowned, finding it difficult to make a decision.

Fearing their dissatisfaction, Sifus proactively explained, "Due to the Graywood Ruins, the magical energy concentration in the entire area radiated by the Graywood Ruins is relatively low. Those areas with high magical energy concentrations have been prioritized for outposts. The areas where the other outposts are located generally have magical energy concentrations below level one, and many are in remote locations, making life very inconvenient."

"These three locations are already the best three watchtower positions around the camp."

Lynn nodded and asked curiously, "Is the low magical energy concentration in this area due to the Graywood Ruins?"

"That is how the matter?"

“I don’t know much either.” Sifus shook his head and explained simply, “Anyway, the adults all say that the Graywood Ruins are continuously radiating some kind of special power, which is why the concentration of magical energy in the air is low.”

"When you two came here, you must have seen those withered gray forests. They weren't like this before the gray forest ruins appeared."

"This place wasn't originally called Grey Forest, but was known by the locals as Green Lake Forest, which was said to be lush with vegetation and teeming with wild animals."

"But as you have seen now, this is also due to the special power radiated from the Gray Forest Ruins, which caused the original Green Lake Forest to become what it is now."

"In addition to trees and flowers, ordinary people who come here will also age a little faster, but only slightly. Adults say it's about 1.2 times faster."

Both Lynn and Samuel were taken aback upon hearing this.

Accelerated aging is a big problem, as it relates to the most precious thing called lifespan, something they may not know before they arrive.

“Don’t worry, you two,” Seifert quickly explained. “This aging is just because the radiation from the Graywood Ruins causes some damage to the human body; it doesn’t actually shorten lifespan. Moreover, ordinary wizard apprentices can easily resist this kind of damage, let alone professional wizards.”

Upon hearing this, Lynn and Samuel's expressions softened slightly.

Sifus smiled and said, "I suppose you two need to discuss it before deciding which area to choose. I'll go and deal with the McKinley School apprentices first. Once you've discussed it, just tell the apprentice assistant outside."

"Yes, thank you, Lord Siforth."

"No need to thank you."

The office door closed, and Lynn exchanged a glance with Samuel before asking first, "Which area do you prefer?"

Samuel looked conflicted and shook his head, saying, "I'm not sure yet, but I think the two areas closer to the camp might be safer."

"That's true, but the concentration of magical energy in both areas is not high, which will greatly affect cultivation in the long run."

“Area 16-1 has a medium level of magic energy concentration, which should be barely enough,” Samuel said.

"It's barely enough." Lynn frowned. Generally speaking, the concentration of magical energy cultivated by a wizard should be at least one level higher than that of a wizard for the best results.

The first-tier intermediate level magic energy concentration, which can reach the first-tier high level after setting up a magic array, is naturally sufficient for Samuel, but it is not enough for him, who is already a first-tier high-level wizard.

Especially given Lynn's current level of mastery of meditation, he needs at least a mid-level second-tier magical energy concentration to avoid slowing down his cultivation progress.

“From the perspective of magical energy concentration, area 16-8 is the best choice,” Lynn said. “Moreover, there is a water source at the foot of the mountain and a large forest nearby, so there is no shortage of food sources—if the radiation from the Graywood Ruins does not affect food availability.”

“That’s true.” Samuel nodded and asked, “So you prefer this area?”

“Hmm.” Lynn nodded, then carefully observed area 16-8 for a moment before adding, “As for security, the visibility here is actually excellent. You can see all around and spot any situation immediately.”

"Moreover, the intruders' goal is the Graywood Ruins, so they'll be more inclined to sneak in. Watchtower 16-8 is so conspicuous that intruders will probably choose to avoid it. Come to think of it, this area isn't as unsafe as we thought."

"As for support... after all, there are still two of us first-tier wizards at the outpost, so we should be able to hold out for a few more minutes."

“Understood.” Samuel nodded and said decisively, “Then let’s choose Watchtower 16-8. You’re right, it’s not necessarily unsafe there, but it definitely has the highest concentration of magical energy, which is very important for both us and the apprentices.”

"Okay." Lynn nodded, feeling relieved.

Although he was the wizard in charge of recruiting apprentices this time and had the power to make a decision, it would obviously be better to gain Samuel's approval.

'However, the security of watchtower 16-8 is indeed not as good as the other two watchtowers. Perhaps we should find a way to improve that.' Lynn thought to himself as he left the office with Samuel, informing his assistant who was waiting outside of their final decision.

The latter respectfully took out a rhombus-shaped crystal and handed it to Lynn:
"This is the control hub for watchtower 16-8, which grants you Level 3 access to the watchtower. Please keep it safe. If you lose it, you'll have to ask the fortress's officials to remake it, which will be very troublesome."

Lynn nodded, took the control hub, and probed it with his mental energy, immediately obtaining more information.

He could sense hundreds of similar hubs through the control hub in his hand, which formed a circular communication network around the Greywood Ruins.

Clearly, the hub is another Silver Ring outpost, including watchtowers, outposts, and so on.

It is worth mentioning that the hubs of outposts and watchtowers do not appear particularly special in terms of sensing, but the hubs of camps are significantly larger than those of watchtowers, and those of fortresses are even larger than those of camps.

Lynn could vaguely sense that both of these nexus had the ability to directly control the nexus he currently held.

'I have level three access; it seems level two access is for the camp, and level one access corresponds to the fortress.'

After the handover of the hub, the assistant temporarily led them to the lounge where the Golden Thorn apprentices were staying, and then summoned Siforth.

The wizard was very friendly and immediately praised them, saying, "You two have excellent taste. I also think 16-8 is the best place of the three areas. For wizards, the concentration of magical energy is definitely the most important factor when considering long-term residence."

Lynn smiled, knowing that this was just a polite remark from Seifert.

"Alright, now that the control hub has been handed over, it's time to hand over the work."

"Do you two want me to tell you so you can then teach the apprentices, or do you want me to train the apprentices for you directly?"

"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Seforth. Samuel and I will just listen in from the side."

"No trouble at all, it's just my duty." Sifus waved his hand, turned to look at the neatly seated Golden Thorn apprentices, and said slowly.

"Greetings, fellow students of the Horsens School. Thank you for answering the call of the Silver Ring and coming here. I won't waste any more words and will get straight to the most crucial point."

"First of all, according to the rules of the Silver Ring Wizards, the area within 2.5 kilometers to the left and right of the watchtower is the area you are responsible for."

"Secondly, you need to form your own patrol teams to patrol 24 hours a day. In principle, there should be at least one three-person patrol team every 500 meters."

"In addition, there are some contingency plans for encountering enemies, as well as tutorials on how to use the detection magic tools distributed by Silver Ring Academy."

“Originally, you were supposed to read these things on your own later, but since the Horsens School is an ally of the Silver Ring Academy, we naturally receive some preferential treatment. I will now explain and demonstrate these things to you in detail. If there is anything you don’t understand, feel free to ask me anytime.”

Siphus spoke gently, completely unlike the coldness the Golden Thorn apprentices had shown upon their first meeting.

This was a preferential treatment that Horsens had secured for them.

Of all the allied schools, only he truly considered the interests and feelings of the lower-level wizarding apprentices.

This explanation took two hours.

Lynn and Samuel listened from the side, and didn't find it boring at all.

“Alright, I’ve covered everything that needed to be explained. You can ask any questions now if you have any questions,” Seifert concluded.

He looked around and, seeing that no wizard apprentices had raised their hands, continued, "Since no one has any questions, I'll end here."

"Thank you for your explanation," the Golden Thorn apprentices replied politely.

Siforth smiled, walked towards Lynn and the other man, and asked:

"Would you two like to stay at the camp for another night or head directly to Watchtower 16-8?"

Needless to say, this is also a form of preferential treatment.

However, Lynn glanced at the time; it was only 10:30 in the morning, so she shook her head and refused.
"It's still early, let's head straight to the watchtower and try to build shelters for the apprentices before nightfall."

“Alright.” Sifus nodded and said with a smile, “Originally, because the academy’s airship resources were limited, the recruited apprentices had to find their own way from the camp to the watchtower. But now, ‘just so happens’ there is an airship docked at the camp, which can conveniently take you to Camp 16-8.”

"Then I'll trouble you."

"No trouble."

Lynn followed Seifert out, gaining a new understanding of Silver Ring Academy's stinginess.

Although the camp was not far from the watchtower, it was still a desolate wilderness with rugged terrain and many wild animals, including some formidable beasts.

Wizard apprentices who go to the watchtower on their own will inevitably encounter some trouble.

“This is it.” Sifus led them to a slightly smaller airship than the one they had come in, gave the pilot a few instructions, and then turned to say, “I have already given all the instructions. You two can take the Golden Thorn apprentices aboard.”

"Thank you, Your Excellency," Lynn said.

"You're welcome," Siforth replied with a smile.

The airship quickly took off and slowly flew eastward.

Halfway through their journey, Lia and Rosia saw some familiar wizard apprentices below through the porthole.

Judging from the badges, they were likely McKinley School wizarding apprentices who arrived at the camp with them.

"I wonder where they were assigned," Leah murmured.

"I don't care where he is, it'd better not be near us, it's bad luck," Lucia said, pouting, then adding with obvious regret.

"It's a pity we spent too much time listening to Lord Sifus's explanation, otherwise we could have let them see us riding in airships while they had to walk. Just thinking about it makes me feel so good!"

Lia smiled helplessly and said nothing more.

A few minutes later, we finally arrived at the 16-8 base.

Just like the projection that Lynn and the other person saw, it was a small hill that was neither too high nor too low.

At the top of the hillside stood a slender, tall tower.

Clearly, this is the 16-8 Silver Ring Watchtower that Lynn's Nexus can control.

(End of this chapter)