Chapter 539 - 538: Training Plan

Chapter 539: Chapter 538: Training Plan

"That’s a map. Based on what happened to you, we suspect it’s an Elven research outpost, and it’s likely related to the Murmurers," Asvir said, handing her teacup to Edwin.

Seeing this, Orelia immediately stepped forward, took the teapot, and began pouring tea for the others.

"A map? If I go, I might find something unusual," Colin said, accepting the teacup from the Tiefling.

A rich, fragrant aroma of tea wafted toward him. The quality was clearly a cut above what Edwin usually drank.

"That’s what we were thinking, too. Besides the ruins inside the Undercity, the nearest location is Gray Peak," Asvir said. "We’ve already sent a Gray Squad to scout it out. Barring any surprises, we should have a report from them soon. As a precaution, we’d still like you to make a trip there sometime soon. We’ll give you a map later."

Colin nodded. "We’re free anytime."

"Furthermore, we’ve also assigned some people to search for other Murmurers with abilities like yours," Asvir said. "But we’ve come up empty-handed so far."

"Really? Well, the trial to become a Murmurer is quite difficult," Colin mused, stroking his chin. ’Perhaps the few who realized the Murmuring Ring was useful all died during the trial.’ "Also, when I was fighting the Aboleth, it said something strange to me."

"What did it say?"

"It said I was a plaything of the Gods, and that someone would come for me," Colin said. "Could it be that someone, or something, is hunting Murmurers across the world?"

"Is someone after you, Colin?" Ale asked with concern.

For someone like her, who had been forced into seclusion after being hunted by the Dragon Worship Cult, this was indeed a sensitive topic.

"I don’t know." Colin shrugged. "So far, no strange characters have shown up at my door. If it were really like the Aboleth said, I feel like I’d be dead already. After all, if an enemy like that really exists, they must have mastered High-Tier Prophetic Magic. It makes no sense that they haven’t found me."

"We can’t rule out that possibility..." Asvir took another sip of her tea, then placed her right hand on the table, her fingers tapping idly against the surface.

After a moment, she spoke again. "If anything happens, Edwin and I will get there in time."

"I promise," Edwin said, sipping his tea.

With assurances from both the Master of the Black Tower and a Legendary Paladin, Colin felt there was nothing to worry about. Besides, this so-called enemy was nowhere to be seen.

Speaking of which, Colin asked, "Have you finished deciphering that secret Demon missive we found at the White Dove Monastery?"

"Not yet," said Edwin, taking a sip of tea. "The encryption on that missive is extremely sophisticated. Its contents must be very important to the Demons."

"Speaking of which, Lady Rime seems to be stirring up trouble lately. Do any of you know why?" Kase suddenly asked.

Colin also looked at Asvir, curious.

’That was exactly what I wanted to know, too.’

"Let me give you an example... Suppose everyone knows a devastating winter is coming. When it hits, game will become scarce, and harvests will fail." Asvir swirled the tea in her cup. "Who do you think would risk getting caught to poach in the forest?"

Kase scratched the back of his head. "People who don’t have enough food?"

"Correct. But to be more specific, it would be those who don’t have enough food, but have weapons at home and the ability to hunt," Asvir said with a smile.

Colin was a little surprised that Kase had actually gotten it right.

’For Asvir to come up with a question even Kase could understand... As expected of someone who runs a Magic Academy. She’s a natural at teaching to her audience.’

"To put it simply, the world is on the cusp of a great change. The Gods are the first to sense it, though even they don’t know the specific cause.

"Deities with middling Divine Power will become increasingly aggressive. In contrast, the very weak and the very powerful will remain quiet. The weak lack the power to act, while the powerful are confident enough to remain observers, waiting for the opportune moment."

When she finished, Asvir smiled and asked, "Does that make sense?"

"Perfectly clear," Colin said.

"In any case, let’s put this topic aside for now." Asvir looked at Colin. "You’ve been able to use Tier Four Magic for a while now. Have you considered advancing your studies?"

"Of course," Colin said. "In fact, I’ve been wanting to learn some useful Low-tier Magic to fill out my Spellbook."

"How about this: you can join the Black Tower’s ’Research on the Magical Mechanics and Controllability of the Shadow Magic Net’ project. Just go find Morel. It’s the research topic he’s in charge of, and he can guide your study of Magic," Asvir said, absentmindedly swirling the tea in her cup.

’Research on the Magical Mechanics and Controllability of the Shadow Magic Net? Sounds like a college student’s thesis project.’

Considering his future development and various other factors, Colin brazenly asked, "So, if I wanted some Magic Scrolls... is there any chance—I mean, would there happen to be any spare ones you could give me?"

"There are no free Scrolls, no. But we can give you a discount so you’ll spend less. Of course, you probably think that since the Black Tower has so many powerful Mages, we must not be short on cash."

Asvir paused before continuing, "But the truth is, a Mage needs to conduct experiments to grow stronger. And while a powerful Mage is more efficient at making money, growing stronger means they need to spend even more money on experiments. Therefore, the conclusion is: the more powerful the Mage, the poorer they are."

"Oh, is that really how it is?" Orelia said, looking as if she’d just had an epiphany.

Asvir sipped her tea in silence.

She blinked. "That was actually a logic joke... In any case, joke or not, there isn’t a single Mage in the world who feels they have enough money."

"Alright, I get it." Colin sighed, his attempt to freeload a failure.

Asvir continued, "For Orelia, a friend of Edwin’s can guide your Divine Arts. As for Kase, I believe we can find a few Rangers from the Silver Star Court to serve as your instructors. And for the other two of you, please feel free to share any ideas you have."