Chapter 394: The Rule Key

Obtaining a second-level spell is relatively easier, as the Land of Dawn doesn’t strictly regulate this aspect, and it’s often impossible to completely control the flow of such knowledge.

Spells, being a form of knowledge, are relatively easy to disseminate, so strict regulation is often not enforced.

Even if you acquire a second-level spell, you must have the ability to learn it.

However, Rule Keys are unique entities, very scarce and easily controlled.

Even in the Land of Dawn, Rule Keys are extremely valuable and rarely make their way to the Barren Lands.

This is why no second-level wizards have emerged from the Barren Lands over the years.

If they do, it’s only after reaching the Land of Dawn that they become second-level wizards.

Helag thought about it and realized he could obtain a Rule Key through Seranthiel’s channels.

Once his historical contribution points reach 3,000, he can apply for a Rule Key, pending approval.

Helag felt his chances of approval were slim due to his lack of seniority.

However, there was no rush. Checking his communication stone, his current historical contribution points were 1,870, with 1,600 remaining.

He still needed over a thousand points to meet the minimum requirement for a Rule Key application, requiring time to accumulate.

Moreover, Helag couldn’t advance to a second-level wizard immediately; he had just become a crystallized wizard and needed time to accumulate mental power.

He couldn’t rush the process of advancing to a second-level wizard.

During the advancement process, the strength of the mental power crystal is crucial.

If the crystal isn’t strong enough, it might break under the pressure of a second-level spell model.

If the crystal breaks, even if he survives, he can no longer be a wizard.

For someone on the brink of becoming a second-level wizard, becoming an ordinary person is a cruel fate.

Thus, the crystallized wizard stage is vital, and wizards must ensure their mental power crystal is strong enough.

Most crystallized wizards push their mental power to the limit before attempting advancement.

This opportunity comes only once in a lifetime; failure is not an option, as it leads to irreversible consequences.

Therefore, most crystallized wizards approach advancement with great caution.

Helag was no exception; he intended to fully develop his mental power before attempting advancement.

Though slower, it ensured stability.

He desired rapid growth but understood the dangers of haste; recklessness was not an option.

Helag examined his newly formed mental power crystal, knowing it had a long way to go before reaching its limit, so he wasn’t in a hurry.

Helag then considered the second issue: choosing a second-level spell for advancement.

There are many types of second-level spells, with a vast selection.

Helag wasn’t worried about acquiring one; he could exchange for a second-level spell from Seranthiel’s secret vault or purchase one elsewhere in the Land of Dawn.

With enough magic stones, obtaining a second-level spell wasn’t a concern.

Helag needed to decide which type of second-level spell to choose.

Typically, most crystallized wizards choose a spell aligned with their specialization.

Only if their specialization is particularly niche would they choose another type.

Specialized spells indicate a high affinity with that energy type, making it easier to sense corresponding rule power.

However, Helag had no such limitation; he originally specialized in dark energy.

After absorbing the royal elf bloodline, he became a universal specialist, able to quickly learn any spell type.

Helag considered time and space spells as optimal choices.

Few wizards choose these due to their rarity, especially time spells.

Additionally, few specialize in time or space, as these are rare attributes, unlike common ones.

Moreover, time and space spells are complex and difficult to master.

Correspondingly, time and space rules are elusive and hard to grasp.

Most prefer a safer path to becoming a second-level wizard; choosing time or space is risky.

Helag decided against these, acknowledging the high risk.

He could study them after advancing, without complicating advancement.

While pondering, Helag glanced at his spatial ring.

He remembered two stone tablets inside, with the second’s content unreadable with his current mental power, likely a second-level spell.

Helag realized the first tablet contained high-potential spells like Great Dark Heaven, so the second likely held something valuable.

If possible, he might decode the second tablet’s spell, using it for his mental power crystal.

A spell solidified in the crystal is akin to an innate spell, requiring no magic or incantation, essentially an innate ability.

Helag retrieved the large tablet; the room’s high ceiling accommodated it.

He avoided looking at the second tablet’s content, as prolonged exposure could harm his mental power.

“Deep Blue, how long to decode this tablet’s content at 30% daily magic consumption?” Helag asked.

“Analyzing…”

“Estimated 397 days.”

“Over a year…” Helag pondered, then instructed Deep Blue to begin decoding.

This estimate was based on 30% daily magic consumption, but it could be faster.

During idle times, he could increase magic consumption to speed up decoding.

Of course, during busy times, he’d maintain or pause consumption to stay in top condition.

Decoding the tablet wasn’t urgent; it shouldn’t disrupt daily life.

After instructing Deep Blue, Helag stored the tablet, ensuring it remained unseen by others.