Wizard: My skills can be upgraded indefinitely.

The interior of the central fortress is far more magnificent than it appears from the outside.

Upon entering the gate, the first thing that catches the eye is a domed hall that is thirty meters high.

The dome is inlaid with countless luminous crystals, arranged in an intricate star pattern, casting a soft and bright glow.

The hall floor was paved with neatly cut black stone slabs, so shiny they reflected the figures of the wizards coming and going.

The air was filled with a subtle humming of various energy fields intertwined, as well as a faint purifying aura.

The purification array here is at least second-tier, and possibly even higher.

Unlike the bustling plaza outside, the interior of the fortress was unusually quiet.

Those who came and went were all formal wizards, dressed in robes of various colors, with a calm and composed demeanor.

They spoke in hushed tones, their voices carrying a sense of aloofness and superiority.

Ian's appearance did not attract much attention.

A newly promoted first-level wizard is not particularly conspicuous in this frontline stronghold where elites from various factions have gathered.

He looked towards the west side of the hall, where a huge light screen stood, and in the corner, several gazes quietly fell upon him.

That's the "Merit Exchange and Permission Update Area".

Three wizards stood in front of the light screen, browsing the list.

Ian stopped a short distance away and waited quietly.

His gaze swept across the light screen, where the scrolling information was completely different from that in the apprentice area.

[Tier 2 Purification Array (Core Area Residence Amenities): 500 Merit Points (Requires Level 1 Wizard Permission)]

[Advanced Theory of Elemental Resonance (Knowledge Scroll): 5000 Merit Points]

[Tier 1 Top-Tier Meditation Method: Deep Lake Meditation Method: 12000 Merit Points]

[Level 2 Wizard Guidance (Limited Time: 3 Hours): 6000 Merit Points]

……

The prices are staggering, but the items are far more valuable than those in the apprentice area.

Just a few breaths later, the three wizards seemed to have completed the exchange and turned to leave.

Ian stepped forward, submitted the Abyss Crystal, and then took out the Demon Hunter Jade Token, placing it in a groove below the light screen.

hum...

The jade tablet trembled slightly, and the silver runes on the light screen began to surge like water, rapidly reorganizing and refreshing a brand new interface.

At the very top, a line of silver text appeared:

[Identity confirmed: Ian]

[Privilege Level: Level 1 Wizard (Newcomer)]

[Available Merit Points: 13760]

Below, the exchange list is divided into several sections: Knowledge, Resources, Potions, Formations, Services...

Ian first clicked on the "Knowledge" section.

The densely packed entries cover a wide range of topics, from first-order sorcery models, meditation techniques, alchemy, potion-making, and rune array theory, to various travelogues, hidden histories, and abyssal creature guides... everything imaginable.

Prices range from hundreds to tens of thousands of merits.

He quickly scanned the list, his gaze finally settling on a few items:

"Essentials of Constructing a First-Order Complex Wizardry Model" (3000 Merit Points).

This is exactly what he urgently needs: systematic guidance to help him further optimize and integrate his existing limit-breaking skills, and even develop new composite magic.

"Refining and Controlling Mental Energy After Atomization" (2500 Merit Points).

Essential knowledge for newly promoted first-level wizards to consolidate their realm.

"Detailed Explanation of Familiar Training and Advancement Contracts" (1800 Merit Points) This involves Gaga's future growth path.

"Knowledge is fundamental." Ian checked all three boxes without hesitation.

Instantly, 7300 merit points were lost, leaving 6460 points.

A notification popped up at the bottom of the screen: "The selected knowledge scroll will be transported to the 'Knowledge Collection Point' in the core area within 15 minutes. Please collect it using your jade token."

Ian continued browsing the "Resources" section.

His gaze quickly settled on one item:

Independent residence in the core area (with a second-tier purification array, basic element adjustment, and independent protection).

Rental Price: 200 Merit Points for the first month (discounted price), 500 Merit Points per month thereafter (requires Level 1 Wizard privileges)

"This is it."

Although it is expensive, the effect of the second-order purification array is far superior to that of his first-order array plate. This is a residence, not a temporary training room.

It can not only thoroughly purify energy so that he can cultivate in peace, but also regulate the elemental environment, which is of great help to meditation.

More importantly, the core area signifies security and status.

There, even the Shadowmoon Tower or the Crimson Royal Court would have to think twice before trying to cause him trouble.

Those who can live in the core area are not weak and are protected by stricter rules of the stronghold.

He checked "rent", and his merit points were reduced by another 200.

With the remaining merits, he exchanged them for some materials to refine the [Mind-Concentrating Potion]. He wanted to try to break its limits and see if he needed to find other recipes.

Finally, he exchanged for "Concentration Dew," which is used to quickly restore the mental strength of a level one wizard. It was quite expensive, costing 100 merit points per bottle, and he exchanged for 10 bottles.

He still has some merit points left, but he'll wait a few more days to refresh the exchange list and see.

The exchange is complete, and the jade token pops out of the groove.

The color has changed from the original grayish-white to a light silver-white, with an added ring of delicate rune patterns around the edge, and the texture is now smoother to the touch.

Next to the star pattern on the back, there is an additional line of small text: [Permission: Level 1].

At the same time, a side door next to the light screen slid open silently.

A middle-aged wizard wearing a silver ring wizard's robe walked in, his aura around the mid-level of level one.

He gave Ian a slight nod with a formulaic smile.

"Wizard Ian, congratulations on your promotion. I am Eugene, responsible for guiding newly promoted Level 1 wizards through the process and assigning them housing. Please follow me."

"Wizard Ian, congratulations on your promotion. I am Eugene, responsible for guiding newly promoted Level 1 wizards through the process and assigning them housing. Please follow me."

Ian put away the jade pendant and calmly followed.

Eugene explained as he walked, his tone gentle yet conveying a sense of efficient business dealings.

"The core area is located behind the fortress, built against the mountain, and has a total of 120 independent residences, with an occupancy rate of about 70% at present."

"Your rented residence, 'Number Seventy-Three,' is located in the middle of the eastern rock face, offering a wide view and relative quiet. Here is the key."

He handed over a palm-sized, silver-white metal token engraved with intricate runes.

"The token is now bound to your jade tablet and is the core control hub of the residence's protective array. Please keep it safe."

"The residence is equipped with a second-tier 'Source Purification Array', which can filter out chaotic magic from underground and provide environmental regulation for each element, with a range of plus or minus 30%."

"In addition, the residence is equipped with early warning, soundproof, and anti-spy barrier, and wizards below level two cannot forcibly break through without permission."

Ian took the token; it felt slightly heavy in his hand, with a stable flow of energy within it.

Thank you.

"No need to be so polite," Eugene continued. "As a newly promoted first-level wizard, you enjoy the following privileges:

1. Free use of the public meditation room (two hours per day).

II. The exchange list has been updated, and a preview of some second-tier knowledge is now available (table of contents only).

Third, accept the "Level 1 Wizard Exclusive Quest" in the Quest Hall. The rewards are higher, but it is also more dangerous.

Fourth, attend the monthly "Wizard Exchange Meeting".

Fifth, within the stronghold, one is fully protected by the "Witchcraft Prohibition Edict," but this does not apply outside the stronghold's boundaries.

He paused, his gaze towards Ian somewhat enigmatic.

"In addition, according to records, you have accumulated extremely high merits during your apprenticeship, ranking ninth in the Eastern Theater Command."

As is customary, the theater command will provide an additional reward, from which the user can choose one of the following three options.

Ian was taken aback. Only ranked ninth?

"Eugene the Wizard, I wonder who the top ten are?"

Eugene handed over a thin booklet. "This lists the top ten names in each war zone. Take a look."

"Thank you." Ian took it and unfolded it.

He first looked at the Eastern Theater Command, but he had never heard of the other nine names, though he secretly memorized them.

Then, quickly scanning the leaderboards of other war zones, passing over the northern war zone of Shadowmoon Tower.

Suddenly, a familiar name caught his attention again.

"Elena!"