Chapter 396: News of David

To Reese, Helag, despite his exceptional talent, seemed like he would take decades to become a crystallized wizard.

She never imagined Helag spent the past three years working towards this goal, thinking he was merely meditating.

Thus, when Helag announced his advancement, Reese was genuinely surprised.

Helag hugged her, smiling, “This is just the beginning. I’ll become a second-level wizard eventually, gaining more power to control my destiny.”

Reese, delighted, kissed Helag repeatedly, but soon her expression turned somber.

“What’s wrong?” Helag asked, noticing her change in demeanor.

“You’re advancing too fast…” Reese said, looking downcast.

Helag was puzzled, “Too fast? You know how fast I am.”

Reese giggled, playfully hitting Helag, “Not that. I mean your progress is so rapid, I feel I’ll never catch up. As you advance, we’ll drift further apart.”

Helag was momentarily speechless. As he ascended to higher levels, the gap between him and Reese might widen.

Eventually, they might not even share the same life tier, unable to enjoy simple moments like this.

Moreover, as Helag’s lifespan increased, those around him would age, lacking his longevity.

It seemed likely that, in time, he’d be the only one continuing forward.

Reese had clearly thought of this, realizing she might not accompany Helag throughout his life, hence her sadness.

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she leaned into Helag, saying, “It’s okay, I’ve come to terms with it. I may not be with you forever, but I’ll be with you as long as I can, as long as you don’t mind me growing old.”

Feeling the dampness on his chest, Helag embraced Reese, saying, “Don’t worry. As I grow stronger, I’ll find a way to solve these problems.”

Though it seemed unsolvable now, Helag believed that what might be insurmountable for others might not be for him.

If he advanced quickly enough, he could extend the lives of those around him.

At 24, Helag knew he had a long road ahead.

The two embraced tightly, emotions deepening into another passionate encounter.

***

A month later.

Helag spent his days meditating at the wizard tower, stabilizing his newly advanced mental power and adjusting his state.

Over time, he stabilized his mental power, no longer fluctuating as it did post-advancement.

For wizards, stable mental power is crucial for consistent spellcasting, model construction, and potion experiments.

Though seemingly minor, it’s of great importance.

One day, as usual, Helag left the wizard tower, walking along King Street towards home.

From a distance, he saw a middle-aged man in a black bowler hat stepping off a carriage, looking towards his house.

“Can I help you?” Helag asked, approaching the stranger.

The round-faced man turned, recognizing Helag, and smiled politely, “Are you Helag Merlin?”

“Yes, that’s me. What can I do for you?” Helag replied.

“Oh, Mr. Helag, hello. I’m Toby, vice president of the Eastern Source Trading Company. I’m here to discuss something important with you,” Toby said, his expression complex.

“Eastern Source Trading Company?”

Helag recalled the company.

David had joined it to explore future trade routes for the Turchi family, assessing the situation.

Eastern Source was a large trading organization with business across the Land of Dawn.

Joining was beneficial for David, helping him understand the Land of Dawn and build resources and connections.

However, Toby’s visit suggested something happened to David.

“Did something happen to David?” Helag asked immediately.

Toby hesitated, unsure how to proceed, then sighed, “Mr. Helag, I’m sorry. We didn’t take good care of him. Recently, while traveling with a company caravan, he was attacked by Abyssal cultists outside Crystal City.”

“Many from the company died or were scattered, now missing in the polluted zone. You know how dangerous it is there; their situation isn’t promising.”

Helag asked for details.

Toby explained.

While the airship was still some distance from Crystal City, Abyssal cultists attacked, causing it to crash in the polluted zone.

Those with strength or luck reached Crystal City.

Many remained in the polluted zone, their fate uncertain.

Despite Eastern Source’s wide reach, they lacked the means to retrieve everyone from the zone.

For a trading company, rescuing them was too costly.

Those missing were ordinary members, lacking the importance to warrant rescue.

Thus, their survival depended on themselves.

Toby informed Helag because he was a Seranthiel member, and records showed David as his follower.

This connection prompted Toby to notify Helag, ensuring he wasn’t unaware.

Helag pondered silently.

Reese, having overheard, emerged, her eyes wet.

She knew the zone’s dangers; Helag barely survived it. David’s chances seemed slim.

Reese felt grateful to David, her cousin, who always cared for her.