Chapter 409: Behind-the-Scenes Maneuvering

Each wizard organization was sending thirty people, totaling 180 participants across the six organizations.

Those selected to enter the low-tier world were undoubtedly the elite talents from each organization, boasting impressive strength.

If Helag hadn’t known that the world’s will wouldn’t suppress his bloodline power, he might have reconsidered participating.

With access to his bloodline power, Helag believed he could at least ensure his own safety.

Nevertheless, Helag remained cautious, not underestimating any opponent.

He was determined not to be caught off guard, knowing that wizards had numerous tricky methods at their disposal.

He had his own backup plans, and surely others did too.

Of course, Helag’s primary motivation for participating was future prospects.

For many first-level wizards, this mission was an excellent opportunity, significantly aiding their advancement to second-level wizards.

The high number of applicants, as Pruis mentioned, indicated that this was indeed a valuable opportunity for first-level wizards, hence the fierce competition.

Helag was curious how Pruis could be so certain he’d be selected, given the many talented wizards in Seranthiel.

He suspected there might be some behind-the-scenes maneuvering, with many spots reserved for those with connections and influence.

“How are you so confident? I feel like I’m just another first-level wizard in Seranthiel, without any real background,” Helag said.

Pruis laughed, “You’re under Parker’s wing, and that’s your background. Advancing to a crystallized wizard at such a young age is a testament to your strength, far surpassing most.”

“With both background and strength, you’re more than qualified to be selected.”

Helag realized he had underestimated Parker’s influence. Pruis’s confidence likely stemmed from having Parker’s support.

“When does it start?” Helag asked.

Pruis thought for a moment, “The exact time isn’t set yet. They’re still selecting suitable candidates. Once everyone’s chosen, it should start soon. As for the location, it’ll likely be in the central region.”

“The central region…” Helag mused.

Since arriving in the Land of Dawn, he hadn’t visited the central region. It was a public area, not belonging to any single wizard organization, but managed collectively by the six major organizations.

Many public affairs in the Land of Dawn were discussed and handled in the central region.

“Any other questions you want to ask?” Pruis offered.

Helag considered for a moment, “The main goal is to seize control of the low-tier world, but even with magical tools, how do we actually take control of a world?”

This was something Helag hadn’t fully grasped. A world wasn’t a machine that could be controlled with a remote.

“The rules of a newly born world are just forming, and the world’s will is an amalgamation of these rule forces. Once there, you must first track the world’s will, locate it, and then use the magical tools provided to capture it, becoming the World Master.”

“This is also a test for you. While the rules of a newborn world are relatively easier to sense, it’s still challenging. If you can catch even a hint of the rules, you might trace them back to the world’s will,” Pruis explained.

Helag furrowed his brow, pondering Pruis’s words, which seemed abstract and difficult to fully comprehend.

Seeing Helag’s confusion, Pruis smiled and patted his shoulder, “Don’t worry. You might understand better once you’re there. To put it simply, for those without wizard aptitude, they can’t sense free energy particles.”

“And for first-level wizards, they can’t perceive rule power. Advancing to a second-level wizard is about opening your ‘eyes’ to see a new world, much like seeing those free energy particles.”

Helag nodded silently, gaining a vague understanding of Pruis’s explanation.

Such matters couldn’t be fully conveyed by Pruis; Helag would have to explore and comprehend them on his own.

“I need to prepare well for this. It’s a lot of pressure,” Helag sighed.

Pruis chuckled, “Prepare well. You’re Park’s most promising candidate.”

Helag smiled wryly, feeling the added pressure.

***

After Pruis left, Helag used his communication stone to look up related information.

He discovered that many people were already discussing the mission, known as “Operation Cradle.”

Helag had been so focused on his training that he hadn’t paid much attention to the news in the taverns.

If Pruis hadn’t come to him, Helag might have remained unaware of the mission for some time.

Helag realized this was a problem. Even while training, he needed to stay informed about external events to avoid missing opportunities.

Staying informed was crucial, influencing many decisions.

Reading the discussions in the tavern, Helag saw that the various wizard organizations had started the registration process, open only to official members.

Those who weren’t official members could only watch, unable to participate despite their interest.

This was one of the benefits of being an official member of a wizard organization—access to many opportunities.

After reviewing the registration process, Helag realized he was likely one of those benefiting from behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

Normally, all official members could apply, and the organization would select participants, notifying them later.

But Pruis had come directly to Helag, clearly indicating some behind-the-scenes arrangements.

Each organization had thirty spots, which seemed like a lot, but the number available to ordinary wizards was probably very limited.

Helag understood that for any wizard organization, Operation Cradle was significant.

Gaining control of a low-tier world offered immense benefits.

Owning a world provided a fallback option, a refuge if the wizard plane were ever destroyed.

Moreover, a world’s resources were vast and renewable.

The registration lasted a month, during which Helag continued his meditation training and prepared for entering the low-tier world.