Wizard: My skills can be upgraded indefinitely.

The red-haired witch Freya sat up straight, abandoning her earlier casualness.

"Freya, from the Flame Clan, is skilled in fire magic."

During recent operations to clear out the remaining monsters in the "Lava Rift," an abnormally high temperature was discovered deep within the rift... Colleagues who have accepted related missions should prepare for the high temperatures.

"Thank you for the reminder." The Tideborn Wizard nodded and continued.

"tide Lan, a person of the tides, is skilled in water elemental magic and reconnaissance. An unknown water elemental contamination has appeared in the Howling Cave..."

"Edwin, the Wither Council," the pale sorcerer said coldly.

"A new type of mutated poisonous mushroom has appeared in the 'Rotten Poison Swamp' to the south; its spores have hallucinogenic effects..."

"Liana Emerald Blade, Emerald Woods," the cold-faced elf witch said briefly.

"On the eastern edge of the 'Withered Forest,' the frequency of apprentices going missing has increased abnormally recently, and the energy field is becoming increasingly disordered, suggesting the presence of a mentally polluting monster. I have accepted the reconnaissance mission and will depart tomorrow."

A withered forest?

Ian's eyes flickered slightly.

He remembered seeing this location in the task list.

"The withered forest..." Freya frowned.

"Wasn't that area always infested with low-level corrupted tree spirits? How come it suddenly leveled up?"

"I don't know," Liana shook her head.

"But the last message from the missing apprentice mentioned hearing whispers and the trees moving, after which contact was lost."

"Mental pollution-type monsters are the most troublesome," tide Lan said solemnly.

"They are often adept at group attacks and can corrupt minds, almost to the point of slaughtering apprentices."

"Do you need to team up?" Freya asked Liana. "Although I major in fire magic, I also have some knowledge of purification magic."

"Not for now," Liana refused decisively. "I'll go scout first and decide after I determine the threat level."

Edwin sneered: "Elves are always so confident."

Liana glanced at him without saying a word, but her hand was already on the hilt of her sword.

The atmosphere became somewhat tense for a moment.

"Ahem." The old man coughed lightly, looked at Ian, and said, "It's your turn."

Ian put down his cup.

"Ian, a lone wolf, is skilled in potions and ice and fire elemental magic."

During recent cleanup operations in the "Black Stone Forest" area, a small-scale group of people suspected of mental pollution was encountered, but they have since been eliminated, and no abnormal source has been found.

"Black Stone Forest..." the old man murmured. "That area is not far from the withered forest. The contaminant may have spread there."

He paused, then looked at everyone: "Since we're talking about the Withered Forest, I'd like to add something."

An internal command briefing indicated that 27 trainees from the Eastern Theater Command went missing in the withered forest and surrounding areas over the past month, with a zero survival rate.

"Twenty-seven people?!" Freya gasped. "This is no ordinary anomaly!"

"Therefore, Liana's mission is very dangerous."

The old man said slowly, "According to the permissions, level one wizards can view more detailed area reports. The Withered Forest has been temporarily marked as a 'yellow alert,' and it is recommended that wizards at the mid-stage of the Mist Realm or above travel there in groups."

He looked at Ian: "You've just been promoted. If you want to take on related missions, it's best to find someone to accompany you."

"Thanks for the reminder." Ian nodded.

He already had a plan in mind.

A mind-polluting monster... Perfect, let's try out the effects of [Soul Devouring].

Moreover, he was more likely to make a name for himself in a solo mission, and he didn't like to share the spoils with others.

"Alright, that concludes our information exchange." The old man stood up and tapped the ground lightly with his wooden cane.

"Next is free time for you to exchange resources, discuss witchcraft, or simply get to know each other."

He looked at Ian, a barely perceptible glint in his cloudy eyes.

"Newcomer, remember this: here, strength is fundamental, but intelligence and connections can sometimes save your life."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the side door of the hall, his figure quickly disappearing into the shadows.

The atmosphere immediately relaxed considerably after the old man left.

Freya immediately moved closer to Ian, her smile warm and friendly.

"Ian, you just said you're good at potions? Can you brew 'Blazing Resistance Potion'? I need a few bottles urgently, the price is negotiable."

"Yes, but you need to bring your own materials. Each bottle will cost fifty magic stones or equivalent."

"No problem!" Freya readily agreed. "I'll deliver the materials to your residence tomorrow!"

tide Lan also came over and said gently, "Wizard Ian, the Tide People have some unique water-based materials. If you need them, you can trade with me."

"Thank you, I'll contact you if needed."

Edwin watched coldly from the sidelines, not stepping forward, and began to speak quietly with the other two wizards.

Liana sat alone in her original spot, closing her eyes to rest, as if isolated from her surroundings.

After dealing with Freya and Xilan, Ian exchanged a few words with the other wizards and their contact information.

Everyone was curious about his identity as a "freelance cultivator," but seeing his cautious words, they stopped asking.

After all, who among those who can advance to become a formal wizard on the underground front doesn't have some secrets?

"Ugh, this is boring. I thought there would be lots of delicious food."

It made a clattering sound as its little paws idly fiddled with the empty fruit pit.

"Energy Fruits aren't enough?" Ian glanced at it.

"Just three! Gah!" Gah gah said, sounding aggrieved.

"I'll make it up for you when I get back."

"Really? Huh!"

The exchange lasted for an hour.

Ian received several potential cooperation offers and gained a rough understanding of the situation in other war zones.

More importantly, he confirmed the anomaly of the "Withered Forest".

When the event ended, Liana was the first to leave, her footsteps silent.

Freya and Xilan arranged to meet with Ian another day to discuss the matter further, and then took their leave.

Before leaving, Edwin gave Ian a cold, ambiguous look.

Ian remained calm as he led Gaga out of the Starlight Hall.

Outside the door, the Tideborn wizard Xilan was waiting in the corridor.

"Wizard Ian, please wait a moment."

"What's up?"

tide Lan lowered her voice: "Regarding the Withered Forest... Our clan is skilled at sensing the earth's veins. Recently, we discovered that the underground energy flow in that area is abnormally chaotic, as if something is 'breathing'."

If you are going, please be careful and it's best not to go alone.

Ian's eyes narrowed slightly.

Thank you for letting me know.

"You're welcome. Consider it a good deed." tide Lan smiled and turned to leave.

breathe……

Ian recalled the description he had heard at the meeting earlier.

He walked toward the core area. The stronghold was still busy in the night, but in his perception at this moment, the whole world was completely different.

His Level 1 Wizard privileges allowed him access to a more realistic and dangerous front line.

"Gaga, where are we going now?" Gaga asked.

"Go back and prepare." Ian continued walking. "Tomorrow, we'll receive our mission."

"A withered forest? Huh!"

"Um."

"A fight? Huh!"

"Highly likely."

"Then I'll bring lots of snacks! Haha!"

Ian chuckled and ruffled its hair.

But he had already begun to make plans in his mind.

Bring enough [Concentration Dew], be familiar with [Ring of Layered Peaks], and further practice is needed to master [Frost Ray]...

There's also [Soul Devourer], which might have a surprising effect in that kind of environment.

He looked up at the east side of the stronghold, as if he could see through the rock wall to the dark place known as the "Withered Forest".

There, there are missing apprentices, abnormal energy fluctuations, and monsters suspected of causing mental pollution.

After comparing other missions, I still think the solo mission "The Withered Forest" is more suitable for him.

Back at his residence, Ian did not rest immediately.

He took out the Demon Hunter Jade Token, brought up the quest list, and looked at that quest again:

[Investigate unusual energy fluctuations in the "Withered Forest" in the east (Independent Mission)]

With a tap of the fingertip, one is instantly transported to the extraordinary and wonderful world of Chapter 122.