Chapter 628 - 241: Can a Wizard Have This Level of Skill?

"Haven’t you received this notice, Leader Wei’en?"

"No." Wei’en shook his head. ’It seems Director Amidich has already given up on me fulfilling my duties as Shadow Intelligence Group Leader.’

"One moment."

Shadi took a roll of parchment from a drawer under his workbench and placed it on the table. "This is the original notice from the intelligence department."

Wei’en took it and glanced over it. It was exactly as he’d been told, requiring all Shadow members in the Cordo Sea Region to focus on gathering intelligence on the Dusk Sect, with a specially marked area of operation.

’The sea region near the Northern Continent?’

’It seems Specter has already taken the initiative to assign each school its own operational sea region.’

"Aside from this, are there any other notices from the intelligence department?"

"Which area are you referring to, Leader Wei’en?"

A hint of doubt appeared on Shadi’s face. A Shadow Intelligence Group Leader who didn’t know the department’s specific arrangements, nor was he aware of the intelligence situation in the sea region... ’This is completely illogical!’

Wei’en could read the confusion on his face but didn’t feel too embarrassed. He continued, "I want to know what specific actions the school is taking against the Dusk Sect."

Ever since he passed on the intelligence about the Dusk Sect and McCarthy, the "Master of True Slaughter," to the school, he hadn’t contacted Specter.

In the meantime, he had been busy with his research on Mechanical Undead and hadn’t asked Amiditch for the latest updates, making him seem rather unprofessional for a Shadow Intelligence Group Leader.

"I’m not clear on that." Shadi shook his head. "As a Shadow, my duty is to compile what I see and hear into intelligence and pass it to the department. We don’t ask what actions the school decides to take."

"Fair enough."

Wei’en accepted his reasoning. ’I’ll just ask Director Amidich directly later,’ he thought.

’Still, compared to the Eternal Life Association’s speed, the school seems to be moving much more slowly...’

"Then give me a copy of the other intelligence you have."

"It’s my duty."

As he spoke, Shadi placed a Space Ring on the workbench. "This contains all the intelligence I’ve gathered recently. Some of it has already been reported to the school. The rest is stuff I deemed worthless, but you might find a use for it..."

’So professional!’

Wei’en picked up the Space Ring, feeling a strange sense of emotion.

He remembered when he first became an Intelligence Officer. He had been so cautious back then that he didn’t even dare to gather intelligence himself, only passing on tidbits from tabloids or things he overheard from neighbors to his Liaison Officer...

"Speaking of which, Shadi Mage, you’re the second Wizard I’ve ever met in person, and also the second Shadow member."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I was wondering if you might be able to clear up some confusion for me?"

"Please, ask, Leader."

"It’s about advancing from a Wizard to a Great Mage. I’m confused about the role Innate Abilities play in that process. Why does it require one to have a basic grasp of their Innate Ability?"

Shadi froze. It was the first truly distinct expression he had shown since they met. He looked at Wei’en with suspicion. "With your status and talent, Leader, you haven’t found a Legendary Tutor?"

"No." Wei’en shook his head. "I’m sure you’ve heard about some of my activities in the Caster City State. After that, I didn’t have much contact with the school."

"I see... Innate Abilities are derived from one’s Origin Core and are also tied to one’s bloodline. Certain Era Relics within the school have records about this. The strength of your Innate Ability determines the power you can wield after advancing to Legendary Mage. It’s a Wizard’s most powerful tool, second only to Magic."

Shadi didn’t hesitate to explain, "That’s precisely why a basic grasp of one’s Innate Ability is required for advancement to Great Mage."

"In fact, many powerful Wizards raise the level of their Innate Ability as much as possible before advancing to Great Mage. They even prioritize it over their Magic level."

"Then how does one generally improve their Innate Ability?" A realization dawned on Wei’en. ’So it’s not enough to just meet the basic requirements to become a Great Mage. You have to improve your Innate Ability as much as you can...’

’How many survival points did it take to upgrade Spirit Conversion from basic to proficient again?’

’One hundred thousand!’

’And then there’s the Deception Talent...’

’Tsk. Raising my talent levels high enough is going to cost an enormous amount of survival points.’

"My tutor told me the only way is to use the Innate Ability as much as possible. However..." Shadi hesitated before continuing, "I’ve heard there are faster methods within the school. But these aren’t part of the school’s common teachings. They are unique legacies, exclusive to certain Legendary Wizards, and very difficult for an ordinary Wizard to obtain."

"Is that so?" Wei’en nodded thoughtfully. After a few seconds of contemplation, he looked at Shadi and smiled. "Thank you for clearing that up for me. I have a much deeper understanding of the Wizard’s Path ahead."

"Don’t mention it. You can find similar records in many a Wizard’s Manual."

"I’ll be staying in this city-state for the next few days. I’ll contact you again if anything comes up."

"No problem, Leader Wei’en."

Sensing he was about to leave, Shadi forced a smile.

Wei’en stood up, took Tina by the hand, retracted the chair into his Space Ring, and turned to head downstairs.

"Until next time, Shadi Mage."

"Goodbye."

As the words faded, Wei’en turned with Tina and walked toward the trade district.

He had finally figured out the source of the strange feeling Shadi Mage gave him...

A Mutated Mage... ’What a strange contamination signature. He doesn’t have any of the usual traces of corruption found on other Mutated Mages.’

"Mutated Mage?"

Shadi stood at the entrance to the intelligence post, the corner of his mouth twitching involuntarily.