Chapter 411: Malcolm

As Malcolm trembled with uncontrollable excitement, the blood sphere floated closer to him.

Malcolm opened his mouth and absorbed the blood sphere into his body.

His expression remained unchanged as magical energy rippled through him.

In an instant, Malcolm transformed into a blood-red figure, his skin resembling raw, exposed flesh.

He glanced at the pool below, crossed his arms, and with a swift movement, hovered above the blood pool.

Malcolm extended his right hand, forming a fist, and punched the ground.

The pool shattered instantly, spiderweb cracks spreading across the floor, causing the entire basement to tremble, showcasing the immense power of his punch.

A terrifying smile spread across Malcolm’s face. “Excellent.”

This was a spell Malcolm had been developing for a long time, originally requiring more time to perfect.

But with the upcoming Operation Cradle, he expedited his research.

Malcolm had created a spell using flesh imbued with resentment, hatred, and fear, forming his blood-red skin.

This skin granted Malcolm unparalleled speed and strength, making him unbeatable by ordinary first-level wizards.

More importantly, the blood-red skin absorbed magical energy from spells.

Many spells not only failed to harm him but replenished his magic instead.

Malcolm was pleased with the spell’s effects. With such physical power combined with his magical prowess, he was already contemplating which rule power to choose for his advancement to a second-level wizard.

In his eyes, no one could be his match.

The participants in Operation Cradle were, at most, at the peak of the crystallized wizard stage. Without advancing to a second-level wizard, there was no qualitative change, and Malcolm saw no threat.

Even before acquiring the blood-red skin, Malcolm was a formidable crystallized wizard. Now, he had ascended to a new level, bolstering his confidence.

Suddenly, Malcolm sensed something and turned to see a middle-aged man with a balding head.

“Master,” Malcolm greeted respectfully.

Fran nodded, pleased with Malcolm. “Very impressive. You have great talent to develop such a powerful spell. You should have no trouble in Operation Cradle. Just remember to keep a low profile.”

“Your spells tend to attract attention. While I’m not worried, dealing with the fallout can be troublesome. Try not to create more work for me.”

Malcolm scoffed, “Why should we care about what others say? To me, those without power are just experimental materials, no different from pigs and dogs. Killing a few ordinary people and weaklings for experiments shouldn’t cause such a fuss.”

Fran chuckled, approaching Malcolm. “You’re young. Some things can be done but not openly. Keeping a low profile is always beneficial.”

Malcolm remained silent, clearly disagreeing with Fran.

Fran knew Malcolm wouldn’t heed his advice and didn’t press further, knowing Malcolm would find it annoying.

Fran had mixed feelings about his student. Malcolm’s talent was exceptional, the best Fran had seen in years—a true prodigy.

But Malcolm’s arrogance was excessive, disregarding everyone, including Fran.

Though respectful in Fran’s presence, Malcolm held no one in high regard.

Fran didn’t mind. Young people were often sharp, and geniuses tended to be that way.

Fran smiled, “Prepare well. When you return from the low-tier world, I have a surprise for you—a wonderful gift.”

With that, Fran’s figure slowly faded, leaving Malcolm alone in the basement.

Malcolm glanced at the empty blood pool. “I’ll need to replenish it when I return.”

As the blood-red skin faded, Malcolm’s freckled face was revealed.

***

Silvermoon City, Northern Dock.

“Wait for me to come back.”

Helag smiled, hugging Reese before boarding the airship.

Reese watched him leave, her gaze lingering on the horizon even after the airship disappeared.

Operation Cradle was set to begin in four months, and Helag needed to depart early for the central region.

Silvermoon City was at the southernmost point, far from the central region, requiring a three-month airship journey.

To avoid potential delays, Helag set out four months in advance.

He traveled alone, as he was the only one from Silvermoon City selected.

With thirty spots divided among Seranthiel’s many cities and factions, they were scarce.

Some cities didn’t receive any spots, but Helag’s was arranged directly by Parker.

Parker remained in the elven plane, as plane wars weren’t quickly resolved.

Though absent, Parker kept informed about the wizard plane, influencing matters with a word.

Pruis, responsible for Silvermoon City’s security, couldn’t accompany Helag.

Helag didn’t need company. Upon reaching the central region, he’d be received.

He stayed in the most luxurious suite, representing Seranthiel, so the trip was funded, not out of his pocket.

The airship’s suite was identical to his previous one, as the large airships shared the same model.

With prior experience, Helag settled in, brewing coffee and enjoying the view.

After a bath, Helag sat on the bed to meditate.

In his mind, another star’s shadow was nearing solidity, the second since becoming a crystallized wizard.

At this stage, meditation was visibly slower than before.

It was known that crystallized wizards had a limit, beyond which mental power growth nearly ceased.

Even before reaching this limit, mental power growth slowed significantly.

The higher the mental power, the harder it was to increase, slowing the meditation process.

However, Helag’s pace seemed unchanged, thanks to the Divine Core’s energy stored in his bloodline imprint.