Chapter 328: Pioneers

Wizards in the Land of Dawn face harsh conditions and scarce resources.

To secure resources, they might invade other planes or venture into polluted zones to find forgotten resources.

This process is inherently dangerous, but the six major wizard organizations will undoubtedly send people to do it.

The relics left by past wizards hold immeasurable value for today’s wizards in the Land of Dawn.

Discovering certain knowledge in a relic could reshape the entire Land of Dawn.

Knowledge is power, a truth Helag knows well.

Helag asked, “Mr. Israel, do the wizard organizations send people into polluted zones to find those resources?”

“Yes, every wizard organization does this. Not just the six major ones; any capable faction seeks resources in polluted zones,” Israel replied.

Helag frowned, “But I’ve heard those who die in polluted zones become strange entities, stronger the more powerful they were in life.”

“That’s true. So, if possible, bodies are completely disposed of to leave no trace in the zones. Yet, over the years, some bodies remain unprocessed.”

“The zones are extremely dangerous, with casualties common. Occasionally, entire pioneer teams are wiped out, leaving no way to handle their bodies.”

Israel sighed, clearly having witnessed such events.

“Given the danger, why do people go?” Helag asked.

Helag wouldn’t venture into polluted zones lightly; steady growth was his priority.

Israel looked at Helag, smiling, “You have talent and potential, so you don’t understand the struggles of lower-level wizards. Despite the danger, people go. Not just go—they compete to enter.”

“Polluted zones are full of risks and opportunities. Pioneers keep what they find. Some find treasures and sell them to factions, becoming instantly wealthy.”

“But not everyone can enter. Only factions with pioneer qualifications can organize expeditions.”

“Factions treat pioneers well, offering good benefits and supplies, without taking their finds. This is a fundamental rule in the Land of Dawn.”

“Pioneers contribute to the Land of Dawn’s development. Their finds greatly aid its progress.”

“So, if they find rare treasures, they needn’t fear losing them to their factions. They can sell them through legitimate channels for fair returns.”

“This is why, despite the danger, many strive to become pioneers.”

***

After Israel finished, Helag pondered.

This was his first time learning about pioneers.

His previous knowledge focused on the Land of Dawn, unaware of pioneers in polluted zones.

Many wizards lack talent or background.

Some accept mediocrity, halting their progress at a certain stage, ending their lives unremarkably.

But many refuse mediocrity, seeking more, striving for advancement.

Becoming a pioneer offers a chance to leap forward; finding treasures in polluted zones can change their fate.

They can exchange finds for wealth, supporting their cultivation.

Lacking talent isn’t an issue; wealth can buy treasures to improve it.

With enough money, anything is possible.

Some, having nothing to lose, enter polluted zones to take their chances.

The six major wizard organizations have pioneer groups, with dedicated personnel.

Helag searched with his communication stone, learning that becoming a pioneer was a quick way to earn contribution points.

For a typical Seranthiel member, earning 3,000 points could take a long time.

But a single trip to a polluted zone, finding something valuable, could yield hundreds or thousands of points.

Helag sighed; it was a fast way to earn points.

But the risk was too high, so he wouldn’t consider it for now.

Entering polluted zones brought too much uncertainty; no one knew what might happen.

The rewards were tempting, but survival was paramount.

While factions wouldn’t take pioneers’ finds, nothing stopped pioneers from killing each other for treasures.

Polluted zones were lawless; if killed, no one would know.

Only survivors could tell the tale.

After learning this, Helag asked, “What’s the connection between this gathering and pioneers?”

Israel smiled, “I mentioned that when pollution spread, wizards hoped to return, taking measures to protect their belongings. If a wizard wanted to preserve something, what would they do?”

“Ward arrays,” Helag immediately replied.

He realized wizards would have set up ward arrays to protect their possessions when leaving.

Pioneers finding these items might be blocked by arrays.

Without breaking them, they couldn’t access the items.

Pioneers likely lacked array masters, as they didn’t need to be pioneers.

Aside from major factions’ teams, typical pioneer teams rarely had array masters.

Thus, ward arrays became obstacles for many pioneers.

Israel nodded, “Exactly. This gathering is because our Seranthiel pioneers found a relic. But it’s guarded by a troublesome ward array, still active after all these years.”