Chapter 410: Wildfire Tent

Helag sat in his meditation room, a tome of arcane knowledge open before him.

His fingers moved swiftly, channeling magic to inscribe runes into the book, gradually completing a first-level magical array.

This array, known as the Wildfire Tent, was a defensive spell formation.

It was typically used in the wilderness as a temporary shelter. Once activated, the Wildfire Tent could adapt to its surroundings, blending in and concealing itself.

Wizards often used the Wildfire Tent while traveling, providing a relatively safe and hidden spot for resting in the wild.

Though only a first-level array, its defensive capabilities were formidable, not easily breached even by second-level wizards.

Helag hadn’t prepared such a tool before because he hadn’t anticipated needing to venture into the polluted zone.

Last time had been an accident, and a Wildfire Tent would have offered significant safety.

Knowing he would enter a low-tier world this time, Helag made sure to prepare thoroughly.

He crafted three Wildfire Tents, though one would typically suffice. Helag made extras for backup.

If second or third-level arrays weren’t so costly, he would have opted for those instead.

He glanced at his wallet, deciding to stick with the first-level array, which he could make himself, saving money.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t afford second-level arrays, but the Wildfire Tent offered better value.

Helag’s fingers traced the final rune into the book, then he set it aside.

Magical ripples emanated from the book, gradually subsiding.

The first-level array, Wildfire Tent, was complete.

Helag picked up the book and headed to the courtyard.

After completing an array, he always tested it to ensure it worked properly—a quality check.

These were tools he’d rely on later, so ensuring their reliability was crucial.

Helag released the book, letting it float.

It opened as if caught by the wind, releasing a wave of magic.

An invisible barrier enveloped the area around the book, covering about thirty square meters.

It was roughly the size of a bedroom—small, but sufficient for wilderness use.

From inside, the outside was visible without obstruction.

From outside, however, the courtyard appeared empty, as if no one was there.

But Helag stood within, hidden by the Wildfire Tent.

Using Deep Blue’s environmental detection, Helag surveyed the area, confirming everything was in order before retracting the tent.

He hadn’t been idle, also developing a water purification bucket.

This bucket, designed by Deep Blue, could purify most contaminated water.

For those in the wild, water safety was paramount.

Helag knew clean water sources weren’t always available, making this tool essential.

In addition to this, he stocked up on drinking water, food, and potions, always well-prepared.

Uncertain how long he’d stay in the low-tier world, Helag prepared even more supplies than usual.

***

While Helag prepared, other wizards participating in Operation Cradle did the same.

In Hibertus City, within the Eye of the Storm.

Malcolm stood before a massive blood pool, watching the blood churn and bubble.

His ruthless tactics in the elven plane war had impressed Fran, a third-level wizard of the Eye of the Storm, who took Malcolm as a disciple.

Malcolm thus entered the Land of Dawn, becoming an official member of the Eye of the Storm and a disciple of a third-level wizard.

This status was prestigious, promising a bright future.

Malcolm, naturally talented, had been a crystallized wizard before arriving in the Land of Dawn.

He only lacked the conditions to advance to a second-level wizard, as the Barren Lands had no Rule Keys.

After joining the Eye of the Storm, Malcolm’s strength rapidly increased with Fran’s resources, reaching the crystallized wizard’s peak.

He could attempt to advance to a second-level wizard at any time.

But Malcolm wasn’t in a rush, as Fran had informed him of an opportunity.

Operation Cradle offered a chance to seize control of a world, allowing Malcolm to perceive various rule powers as a temporary World Master.

Achieving this would almost guarantee his advancement to a second-level wizard.

Though arrogant and dismissive of others, Malcolm heeded his mentor’s advice.

It was advantageous, so Malcolm prepared for Operation Cradle.

The blood pool bubbled and steamed, churning continuously.

The pool alone indicated Malcolm had violated countless regulations in the Land of Dawn.

Only he knew the extent of his heinous acts.

Any single act could warrant a death sentence for a wizard.

But Malcolm didn’t care, having Fran’s tacit approval.

With a third-level wizard backing him, few dared to speak out, and few even knew.

Those who did turned a blind eye out of respect for Fran.

As a necromancy-specialized wizard, Malcolm saw no issue with his actions.

In the Barren Lands, his deeds were far more audacious. Here, he had to be discreet, even building his lab in a basement.

Malcolm watched the blood pool, timing it perfectly, then infused it with magic, chanting rapidly.

The pool roiled, forming a swirling vortex.

The blood gathered into a tornado, then condensed into a blood sphere hovering above the pool.

Malcolm grinned maniacally at the sphere, visibly excited.

“With this, no one can beat me there,” Malcolm laughed.