Chapter 180: Conclusion

Helag noticed only Brack and the liquefied wizard couple remained.

The two gaseous wizards were gone.

Most notably, even Elder Karen was missing.

After three days, those inside would be automatically transported out.

Not being transported out meant they were dead.

Elder Karen, a crystallized wizard, had perished inside.

“Lady Karen…” Helag began.

Brack sighed, “She didn’t have much time left, so she went to a dangerous place to try her luck. I couldn’t stop her.”

Brack felt a deep sadness, knowing Karen’s fate might be his own someday.

With the Land of Dawn controlling the path to becoming a second-level wizard, Barrens wizards had no choice but to take risks.

Brack, still young, didn’t need to risk his life yet.

But if he couldn’t advance, he’d eventually have to gamble too.

Helag remained silent, knowing the truth was even more despairing.

There was nothing with rule power inside; Elder Karen had died in vain, a sacrifice for the planar rift’s sealing array.

Helag knew the secret but couldn’t speak.

Crystallized wizards in the Barrens were mostly high-ranking figures, and the Land of Dawn dangled hope before them.

If that hope were shattered, it would affect the Land of Dawn’s control over the Barrens.

Helag sighed, “I didn’t expect Lady Karen to…”

Brack patted his shoulder, “It was her choice. Let’s go back.”

Brack seemed to have anticipated Karen’s risk, prepared for her not returning.

Their losses were severe, losing a crystallized wizard and two gaseous wizards.

For pure-blood wizard families, gaseous wizards were important, each requiring significant resources.

The four waited a bit longer, hoping for a miracle.

An hour later, the purple gate closed, and no one else emerged.

Brack glanced around, smiling, “Old Carl didn’t make it! The Moss family took a heavy hit; they won’t last long, with everyone eyeing them.”

Helag had seen Carl’s death, likely at Feigal’s hands, with the wraith finishing him.

The Moss family, failing to seize the Terchy family, lost a crystallized wizard, weakening significantly.

In this world, the weak lose resources.

If the Moss family were smart, they’d voluntarily relinquish resources to regroup.

Otherwise, they’d be devoured, threatening their survival.

Brack took a quill and a bottle of purple liquid, drawing runes on the ground.

Karen had drawn the teleportation runes, but with her gone, Brack took over.

He seemed prepared, anticipating Karen’s possible demise.

As he drew, Brack said, “Lady Karen entrusted this to me.”

***

The four teleported, arriving at Blackrock Valley’s entrance.

“Helag, you head back. I need to report to the family. Watch over Blackrock Valley for a few days.”

Brack had to report to the family with the liquefied wizards; Karen’s death was significant.

Though expected, it was still important for the Terchy family.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Brack, I’ll keep an eye on things,” Helag assured.

Brack nodded, “Thanks, I’m off.”

Brack trusted Helag, capable and reliable.

Returning to Blackrock Valley, Helag was greeted by the potion garden apprentices.

Most were new, managing the garden’s operations.

They knew Helag’s status, living alone in the northern castle, served by a beautiful elf maid, an unusual privilege.

Helag was diligent, inspecting the garden and noting issues before returning to the castle.

“Master, you’re back.”

Shatia, in a maid outfit, ran out to greet him, flour on her hands.

“What are you doing?” Helag asked, noticing her hands.

Shatia smiled, “I’m trying to make pastries, like you mentioned.”

“Keep at it,” Helag encouraged.

Helag had told Shatia the food here was bland and monotonous.

Unlike his past life, food preparation was basic, either boiled or roasted, with no pastries.

To eat well, Helag had to cook himself.

But busy with training and study, he had little time for cooking.

After hearing him, Shatia asked how to make those foods.

Helag casually explained, not expecting Shatia to remember and try it.

If she succeeded, it would greatly improve his quality of life.

Helag sketched cooking tools like spatulas and pans on parchment.

He called Lennon, handing him the parchment, “Have a blacksmith make these tools.”

Lennon examined the simple designs, nodding, “Yes, sir, I’ll handle it.”

Once made, Helag planned to teach Shatia how to use them and write some recipes.

Shatia was quick to learn.

Once she mastered it, she could handle daily meals.

The elven princess was now Helag’s cook.

After jotting down some recipes, Helag set the parchment aside and reviewed his Death Swamp haul.

He’d acquired many valuable items, the most precious being the hundred Magic Energy Crystals.

These rare items were hard to find in the Barrens.