Chapter 116: Letters

“Helag, I have a child now! It’s a son named Wayne Salla. You’re his godfather, so if you get the chance, come see him. We might not be around then, but he should be.”

“Grand Scholar Claude’s health is worsening. Not sure if he’ll make it through this winter.”

…

“My adventurer group is doing great. We’ve made a name for ourselves, and many seek our services.”

“I feel I’m getting closer to becoming a Great Knight. Soon, I’ll have more power to protect Wayne, Melissa, and Jimmy, who came with me.”

…

“You’ve gone to that distant continent and will face many dangers. Helag, you’re still young. Be cautious and wary of others. The wizarding world, as Grand Scholar Claude says, is mysterious and dangerous. Don’t rush into things.”

…

Emil’s letter was long, filled with family news. Helag patiently read it all.

By the end, he realized he’d been reading for a long time and still wanted more.

It felt like Emil was chatting with him in person, and he wished it could continue, but the letter ended.

Helag sighed, carefully storing the letter in his spatial ring.

Next, he opened Lilian’s letter.

“I heard there are conflicts between Moonlight Forest and Green Hut, possibly leading to war. If you don’t know where to go, come to me. No wizard would dare harm you at Augustus Academy.”

…

“I don’t know if you’ll still be in Moonlight Forest when this letter arrives. If you find another path, be cautious.”

“If you encounter any ruins, don’t enter. Most wizard ruins are beyond our capabilities. Note their locations and explore them after becoming a formal wizard.”

“Remember, those places are more dangerous than you think. Don’t go!”

…

Lilian’s letter mainly warned Helag about the dangers outside, like wizard ruins.

Helag chuckled, reading it late, as he had already visited one.

Creek Valley Town seemed to be a wizard ruin, matching Lilian’s descriptions, filled with hidden dangers. Escaping was lucky.

But high risks brought high rewards. The Great Dark Heaven slate alone was worth the danger.

Helag put down the letter, planning to visit Augustus Academy once things settled.

Unlike other wizard organizations, Augustus Academy allowed wizards from other groups to visit with simple registration and prior notice.

This openness, unlike other organizations’ strict policies, made it more like a true academy.

Of course, this was backed by strong support from a powerful wizard organization, deterring others from provoking them.

According to the map, Augustus Academy, Moonlight Forest, and Green Hut were on the outskirts of the Karag Continent, extending from a corner.

Further north lay vast unknown regions.

Augustus Academy’s backing came from these unknown areas.

Helag’s spatial ring held a Heart of the Ocean necklace, a gift for Lilian. He planned to visit Augustus Academy and give it to her.

But this had to wait until the situation stabilized. Helag needed to ask Larry about the current state.

Returning to his bedroom, Helag cleaned again, took a hot bath, and lay down to meditate.

As usual, he drank a Starry Sky Potion to boost his meditation speed.

***

The next day, Helag headed to town to see Larry.

Walking through town, he noticed fewer people.

Few had the chance to leave Moonlight Forest and avoid the war. Most were forced to stay and fight.

The missing people likely died in the war.

Checking his rune stone’s friend list, Helag saw Leo hadn’t replied.

Leo, who sold items at the flea market and studied spells, had no background and likely couldn’t leave Moonlight Forest. His silence suggested he died in the war.

Bessie was alive but injured and bedridden, planning to meet Helag once she recovered.

Reaching Larry’s house, Helag knocked. The elderly house elf, Gami, answered.

Gami looked older and frailer, struggling to walk.

“The master is upstairs. Go ahead; I can’t walk,” Gami said weakly.

Helag glanced at him and went upstairs.

Larry was removing his gloves and goggles.

Seeing Helag, Larry smiled. “I knew I wasn’t wrong about you! Already a third-level apprentice, impressive. Your training speed rivals those with high aptitude. Well done.”

Helag’s progress surprised Larry, who hadn’t expected him to advance so quickly in such a challenging environment.

“Just lucky,” Helag smiled.

He took out a wooden box from his spatial ring, revealing the Moonstone Grass inside.

Larry examined it and nodded. “Well done, task completed.”

“Is Gami dying? He looks terrible,” Helag asked.

Larry glanced upstairs. “Almost. He’s very old, probably has fifty years left.”

“Fifty years…” Helag was speechless. Elf lifespans were absurdly long.

Gami looked decrepit but still had fifty years left, a testament to his resilience.