Chapter 186: The Expedition Team

After waiting a bit, Bennings sensed they had likely made their decisions.

With a wave of his hand, the doors at the back of the hall opened automatically. “Now, those who wish to leave may do so. You have thirty minutes to decide. After that, the doors will close, and you won’t have another chance to refuse.”

Most had already made up their minds about staying or leaving.

“David, Reese, what are your thoughts?” Helag asked.

David replied, “I’m staying.”

Reese nodded, “Me too. This is a chance to revive our family; we can’t back down.”

The wizards in the hall were from various factions, each bearing some mission or responsibility.

Backing out now would mean disappointing those who depended on them.

David and Reese represented the new generation of the Terchy family, carrying the family’s hopes.

Backing out wasn’t an option.

While pioneering wars were dangerous, success meant family prosperity.

No one would refuse such a temptation.

Even knowing the challenges ahead, they pressed on.

Helag nodded, “I’m staying too.”

Others might be driven by their factions, but Helag fought for himself.

He realized that backing out now might mean losing any future chance to enter the Land of Dawn.

Without entering the Land of Dawn, Helag risked being stuck at the crystallized wizard stage, like Elder Karen.

After thirty minutes, no one left.

Bennings waved his hand, closing the hall doors. “Good, the wizards of the Barrens are braver than I expected.”

“Congratulations, you are now members of the Wizard Plane Expedition Team.”

“After joining, you can’t leave for a year. After a year, you can choose to leave or stay, as you wish.”

“Expedition Team?” Helag hadn’t heard of this before; it seemed to be a Land of Dawn organization.

Bennings explained, “The Expedition Team is a collective term for our Land of Dawn organization. Members are wizards from the Land of Dawn, aiming to pioneer and conquer various planes, seizing resources. You’re joining the Elven Plane Expedition Team, which is newly established and needs people.”

“Perform well, and this is a great opportunity. Exceptional performance might catch the eye of the Land of Dawn’s wizard factions, as many high-ranking members are in the Expedition Team.”

“In seven days, you’ll enter the Elven Plane for a year-long test. Prepare and settle your affairs.”

“If you have questions, feel free to ask. I’ll answer as best I can.”

Someone quickly asked, “Lord Bennings, we’re all first-level wizards. The Elven Plane must have powerful beings. Will the Expedition Team send us against them?”

This was a common concern. In plane wars, first-level wizards were the lowest rank, almost like foot soldiers.

The Elven Plane likely had powerful beings, and sending them against such foes would be suicide.

Bennings smiled, “Rest assured, tasks will match your abilities. In plane wars, everyone is valuable, and we won’t waste your lives. However, be mentally prepared. In the Elven Plane, anything can happen, and no one can guarantee your safety.”

“War is cruel; I can only wish you luck.”

Another asked, “Lord Bennings, if we achieve merit in the war, will we receive the same treatment as Land of Dawn wizards?”

This question concerned fairness.

Barrens wizards were inherently inferior, and if they couldn’t receive due rewards for their merits, it would be unfair.

They feared this.

Bennings nodded, “Rest assured, the war is fair. Merits will be rewarded, regardless of your origin. You won’t be deprived or shortchanged because you’re from the Barrens.”

Bennings answered many questions patiently.

An hour later, the crowd dispersed.

Brack and Lilian waited at the door. Helag briefly explained the test details.

It wasn’t confidential, so sharing was fine.

Brack pondered, “I’ll have the family send a batch of potions and other resources for you. Time is tight; I’ll contact them now.”

Brack left to arrange resources for Helag, David, and Reese’s expedition.

They couldn’t help much, but ensuring ample resources was crucial.

“I’ll get you some Elven Plane information from my teacher,” Lilian said.

She wanted Helag well-informed about the Elven Plane, as information was vital.

Different information could lead to different decisions, often life-or-death ones.

***

Seven days later.

Augustus Academy had an ancient arena, vast enough for tens of thousands to watch events.

The arena’s original function was lost, now used for grand events.

The Land of Dawn’s Expedition Team modified it for plane teleportation.

In the large arena stood a massive gate, with a dark green glow inside.

Helag and others stood before the gate. Bennings addressed them, “Enter the gate in the order called. We’ll try to assign those from the same faction to the same base, based on your enrollment information.”

“Our Expedition Team has thirty bases in the Elven Plane, each in different locations. You’ll be assigned to these bases.”

Helag sensed someone watching him. Turning, he saw Malcolm with a cruel smile.

Helag understood; Malcolm hoped they’d be assigned to the same base.

Bennings began calling names. Those called approached the gate, entering in groups of two or three.

Malcolm entered with three Green Cottage wizards.

Helag’s turn hadn’t come, indicating they wouldn’t be assigned to the same base.