Chapter 327: Gathering

Over the past five months, Silvermoon City seemed calm, with no major events disrupting the peace.

Helag was particularly concerned that the mole who leaked information about Alda’s capture hadn’t been identified.

Months passed, and the issue faded into obscurity, becoming unresolved.

Helag hadn’t forgotten; knowing there was a mole meant he had to consider this in future actions.

After leaving the wizard tower, Helag walked home, as it was nearby.

His communication stone lit up; it was a message from Mr. Israel.

Israel, a second-level wizard array master, had previously given Helag advanced books on wizard arrays.

Since the ball incident, Helag had been busy with other matters and hadn’t met Israel.

Israel had been caught up in investigations after Abyssal cultists were found in his sewer, following the ball attack where several people died, complicating matters.

Israel had seen potential in Helag, intending to mentor him, but the incident diverted his attention.

The ball attendees were influential, and their deaths were problematic, especially with multiple casualties, overwhelming Israel.

Now, Israel was finally free from the incident’s aftermath.

Ultimately, he was a victim; who would expect cultists in his sewer?

Israel’s message read: “There’s a wizard array gathering in a few days. Interested?”

His first message was an invitation, reminiscent of the previous ball invitation.

Helag didn’t know what the gathering entailed, but he had to attend.

An invitation from Israel couldn’t be ignored.

Having spent months in the wizard tower, attending a social event seemed fitting.

“Of course, what’s the gathering about?” Helag replied.

“This gathering is special. You’ll see when you come; you won’t regret it. Three days from now, 7 PM, Avila Restaurant,” Israel provided the details.

“Avila Restaurant…”

Helag remembered it as an expensive hotel, with prices marked in magic stones.

Unaffordable for most, even many wizards.

He had caught Doren there last time.

The event, hosted by the Wizard Array Association, wasn’t short on funds.

Israel didn’t reveal much about the gathering, but hinted at interesting content.

***

Three days later.

The Wizard Array Association had booked Avila Restaurant, allowing only invited guests.

Security was tight, with patrols around the restaurant and even in the sewers, learning from past mistakes.

When Helag arrived, many carriages were already parked outside.

After showing his communication stone for identification, he was allowed in.

The restaurant had been transformed; tables were sparse, leaving ample space for mingling, resembling a ball.

Tables offered food and drinks for guests to help themselves.

In a corner, kettles on flames brewed hot coffee and beer, also self-serve.

“Helag, long time no see!” Israel emerged from the crowd, greeting him.

Israel, with his familiar beard, looked well.

“Mr. Israel, it’s been a while. Let’s have a drink sometime—Fire Dragon Whiskey,” Helag suggested with a smile.

Israel laughed, “Sure! You won’t regret coming today; you’ll see some interesting things.”

“Interesting things?” Helag was curious.

He glanced around; it seemed like a typical noble ball, nothing special.

Israel led Helag to a quieter corner.

“You know the Land of Dawn is surrounded by polluted zones, right? These zones are much larger than the Land of Dawn, many times over. Compared to them, the Land of Dawn is insignificant.”

“These zones were once normal lands, unpolluted. During their prime, the wizard plane was at its peak, with countless powerful wizards and factions across the continent.”

“But as desolation spread, many areas were polluted before they could react. Most wizards escaped, but couldn’t take everything.”

“Unable to stay long in polluted zones, powerful wizards and factions left behind resources and treasures.”

“Wizard towers, for example, couldn’t be moved quickly, so they remained.”

“Some were eroded over time, but many are intact. Wizards hoped to return one day, taking protective measures.”

“But years passed, and they couldn’t return; the zones only grew.”

“Resources left in the depths await rediscovery.”

Helag understood: the rapid spread of pollution left resources and items behind.

During the wizard plane’s peak, what they couldn’t take must be valuable.

The six major wizard organizations in the Land of Dawn wouldn’t ignore such resources and treasures; they must be planning actions.