Chapter 334: Into the Abyss

The Avila Restaurant was initially booked for three days for the gathering, but solving the problem in one night was unexpected.

Israel joked that Helag was saving the Wizard Array Association money.

The 100,000 magic stones and 500 contribution points were credited to Helag’s account the next day, providing him with a sense of security.

Attending the gathering was highly rewarding, not only financially but also in expanding his network.

Connections might seem unnecessary at times but prove invaluable in critical moments.

Helag’s plan was straightforward: with enough magic stones, he would continue meditating at the wizard tower, aiming to reach the crystallized stage soon.

***

In the Mozambi slums, Franz was in his dimly lit hall, with only a few oil lamps providing light.

A high table resembling an altar stood at the back, where Franz stood, eyes closed, murmuring something.

Strangely, the altar was empty.

Bron, standing behind Franz, knew why.

Franz had said placing items on the altar left evidence.

As long as one held the great god in their heart, the altar didn’t need a statue.

Franz was praying, with Brown silently joining him.

After a while, Franz opened his eyes and asked, “Any news?”

Bron replied, “Nothing significant, but there’s someone to watch. A wizard array master named Helag solved a relic’s array at a recent gathering. He’s quite promising.”

They monitored talent in Silvermoon City, noting anyone exceptional.

The goal wasn’t recruitment but elimination.

Their aim was to summon the Abyssal Plane’s dark god, and Silvermoon City’s talents could hinder this.

Thus, those on the list were targets for removal.

“Noted,” Franz said, unconcerned. Their list often included rising stars like Helag.

Bron continued, “Helag’s also linked to Doren, Max, and Diglan’s captures. He uncovered clues leading to their arrests.”

Franz paused his table-cleaning, asking, “Really?”

They had spies in Silvermoon City’s government to stay informed.

Bron confirmed, “Yes, though it seemed coincidental. But Helag might be problematic; it’s unlikely all those events were mere coincidence.”

Franz resumed cleaning, saying, “Let’s test him.”

“Test him?” Brown asked, surprised.

“Yes, he’s a first-level liquefied wizard. Not strong, but not weak. He has no background and has caused us trouble. Let’s use him for an experiment,” Franz decided.

Bron nodded, “Alright.”

“This relic is the god’s first gift. To ensure success, you’ll handle it and gain access to the Abyssal Plane,” Franz instructed.

Bron, excited, thanked Franz, “Thank you for this opportunity!”

“Take this. After learning Helag’s habits, find a suitable place to act,” Franz said, handing over a fiery red, gem-like stone.

Bron accepted it, his breath quickening.

It was a holy relic recently bestowed by the Abyssal Plane’s god, capable of briefly dragging someone into the Abyssal Plane.

Abyssal cultists wielded power granted by the dark god, suppressed in the wizard plane.

But in the Abyssal Plane, their power was fully unleashed.

Conversely, wizards’ power was suppressed there.

This disparity created a significant power gap.

The dark god provided this tool to eliminate specific targets.

Briefly entering the Abyssal Plane meant a target’s death left their body there permanently.

To the wizard plane, it was as if the person vanished without a trace.

Abyssal cultists used this method to hunt specific targets.

Knowing a target’s strength in advance allowed them to send a stronger agent.

In the Abyssal Plane, cultists had an overwhelming advantage in one-on-one combat.

The only issue was the tool’s untested nature, necessitating experimentation.

Helag was a suitable test subject, not too strong or weak, with no background to prompt relentless pursuit.

Silvermoon City had many talented youths, often from wizard families or Seranthiel’s elite.

Targeting them was troublesome, as powerful wizards would investigate thoroughly.

Franz and his cultists avoided direct conflict with wizards, hence never targeting those with strong backgrounds.

But Helag, fitting their criteria, became a target upon entering their sights.

Bron pocketed the red stone, promising, “I’ll handle this perfectly, ensuring the god’s relic isn’t wasted.”

He took a deep breath, calming himself.

Bron had long revered the Abyssal Plane’s god, viewing it as a holy land.

Now, with a way to enter, he was thrilled.

Bron yearned to use the red stone immediately to visit the Abyssal Plane.

But the god’s relic was precious, not to be wasted, and had to be used wisely.

After bowing respectfully, Bron left the hall.

Outside, he gazed at the sky, eyes resolute.

—

For half a month, Helag’s plan to meditate at the wizard tower remained unfulfilled.