Chapter Summaries

Kieran announced that the Academy was shifting its focus to the war and outlined the elite disciple selection, prompting Ian to choose the Alchemy Department as his path to earning battle merits. Kieran agreed to arrange a post for Ian and offered to exchange his old inheritance for a complete First Ring alchemist legacy, leaving Ian to emerge from their meeting with a new opportunity.

• Kieran announced that war duties would increase and explained that elite disciple candidates needed to meet strength and age thresholds, earn five thousand battle merits, and secure a recommendation.
• Kieran described the rewards for elite disciples, including advancement resources, annual access to the secret realm, and higher exchange privileges, and Ian decided to pursue a post in the Alchemy Department.
• Kieran summoned El, Ian, and Bren for individual discussions and called Ian in first; Ian asked to join the Alchemy Department and explained that he had acquired an alchemy inheritance.
• Kieran agreed to arrange Ian a post through his connection to the department, but warned that earning merits and a recommendation would be difficult.
• Kieran offered to exchange Ian’s two knowledge slots for a complete First Ring alchemist legacy, and Ian accepted before leaving the room.
• Flynn greeted Ian with congratulations as he stepped outside.

After advancing to the middle stage of Rank One, Ian gained new opportunities and was appointed an intermediate researcher in the Alchemy Department. He arrived at Deep Red Fortress and met August Fisher, the deputy head of the department.

• Flynn and the Wizards congratulated Ian on his advancement, while El resolved to surpass him at the front lines.
• At Flynn’s salon, Ian learned that war was imminent and told the group he planned to join the Alchemy Department.
• Flynn’s companions offered Ian connections and cooperation, including potential benefits for the Horton Wizard School.
• Kieran assigned Ian to the Alchemy Department’s Research Division as an intermediate researcher on a wartime project team led by August Fisher.
• Ian arrived at Deep Red Fortress, showed his identification to the guards, and was escorted to meet August Fisher.

Ian joined Augustus’s wartime alchemy project team on a provisional basis, despite not being an alchemist. He had three months to become a First Ring alchemist or leave, and he began familiarizing himself with his new laboratory.

• Ian reported to Augustus, who tested his ability to analyze a First Ring fire rune and allowed him to stay on the team temporarily.
• Augustus gave Ian three months to become a First Ring alchemist, explaining that many Wizards objected to his appointment.
• Augustus told Ian that Kieran had exchanged for an alchemy inheritance covering the Zero Ring through First Ring stages.
• Xia escorted Ian through the project’s laboratory complex and showed him his equipped workspace, where he was assigned to analyze Crimson Eye fire runes beginning the next day.
• After Xia left, Ian resolved to become a First Ring alchemist within three months.

Ian joined the Alchemy Department, faced resentment from researchers who believed he had secured his position through connections, and began studying alchemy and deciphering a Rank One Witchcraft Artifact. After earning recognition and rewards for analyzing a rune, he went to take the Zero-Ring Alchemist assessment.

• Ian studied Augustus's alchemical inheritance and met Motuo, who explained the department's rules as they went to a meeting.
• Motuo told Ian that Nico had lost an intermediate researcher position to a well-connected newcomer, and Ian admitted that newcomer was him.
• After the meeting, Ian learned the requirements for advancing as an alchemist, gathered materials, and began practicing in his laboratory.
• Xia delivered a damaged Moltenfire Armor and asked Ian to decipher one of its runes within three months; Ian used his rune knowledge and Principle Insight to analyze one.
• Ian submitted his analysis to Mia, who awarded him one thousand contribution points and one hundred battle merits.
• Ian went to the Examination Department and requested the Zero-Ring Alchemist assessment, surprising the examining Wizard.

Ian advanced from an advanced zero-ring alchemist toward a first-ring alchemist, refining materials and attempting to craft a White Crystal Staff while war intensified near the Crimson Eye. After nearly three months of preparation, he requested the Rank One Alchemist examination and learned Augusto and Xia would oversee it.

• Ian earned three bronze stars as an advanced zero-ring alchemist, exchanged contribution points for the Crystal Staff blueprint, and began practicing with White Crystal.
• Augusto inspected Ian's Deadwood Staff and rune analyses, praised their quality, and decided Ian could remain on the wartime project team if he successfully refined three materials by the deadline.
• Ian learned Microscopic Eye and Smelting Hand, practiced refining White Crystal and other staff materials, and attended a project meeting as the border conflict with the Crimson Eye began.
• Ian attempted to craft a White Crystal Staff but ruined all three sets of materials, then continued training until his material-refining skills and two core Wizardry spells reached Master Level.
• After nearly three months, Ian applied to take the Rank One Alchemist examination and discovered Augusto and Xia had been assigned as his examiners.

Ian passed Augusto and Xia’s assessment, officially became a junior First Ring Alchemist, and began crafting in the Manufacturing Division while pursuing the Alchemy Department’s elite-sequence recommendation. After learning that war would begin in five years and that elite-sequence candidates faced stiff competition, Ian focused on improving his alchemy and Mental Power; his White Crystal Staff proficiency reached Master Level, pushing his Talent past 5000 and unlocking Skill Completion.

• Ian answered Augusto’s theoretical questions and crafted a White Crystal staff well enough to pass the Rank 1 Alchemist assessment, earning promotion to intermediate researcher and permission to work in the Manufacturing Division.
• Augusto warned Ian that the Alchemy Department’s recommendation was contested by Connor and Walsh, and that all-out war would begin in five years; Ian decided to stay and build his contributions through alchemy.
• At the monthly meeting, Ian met Hayden and learned more about Connor and Walsh, then resolved to meet the Mental Power requirements for the elite sequence.
• Kieran gave Ian a notebook on modifying the Four Symbols Resonance Meditation Method, but Ian judged that fully developing the technique would take too long and set it aside for the moment.
• Ian joined the White Crystal staff production line and, after three months of practice, raised his crafting proficiency to Master Level; his Talent increased from 4900 to 5100 and unlocked Skill Completion.

After unlocking Skill Completion, Ian discovered flaws in his meditation methods, spells, and alchemical skills, then began studying the knowledge needed to improve them. As the war increased the Alchemy Department’s workload, Ian pursued a plan to strengthen his abilities and eventually improve the White Crystal staff, and six months of study passed.

• Ian used Skill Completion to identify three flaws in White Crystal staff crafting and three in the first layer of the Four Symbols Resonance Meditation Method, and found a red-line link to the Fire Turbine Meditation Method.
• Ian divided his days among alchemy practice, project assignments, spell study, and meditation, while his article submitted to Elemental Warp and Weft was rejected amid the journal’s focus on the Crimson Eye war.
• At a project team meeting, Augusto warned that the growing front-line conflict would increase their workload, while Connor and Walsh argued over high-war-merit missions and elite-sequence opportunities.
• Ian mastered the Fire Turbine Meditation Method and used Skill Completion to improve the Four Symbols Resonance Method, raising its meditation efficiency, fire-wizardry boost, and fire-spell casting speed by twenty percent each.
• Ian improved Flame Hand until its flames grew about thirty percent hotter, then chose new knowledge for improving his meditation method, spells, and White Crystal staff.
• Ian began studying the Fire Element Breathing Technique, Ashfire Tide, and Alchemy Rune Adjustment Art while continuing his training, and half a year passed.

Ian improved the White Crystal Staff and received rewards for his Deadwood Staff modification, then sought restricted knowledge to complete his Four Symbols Resonance Method. After learning he could reach scholar status by contributing knowledge, he returned to Diana with a thick stack of conjectures to exchange for Academic Credits.

• Ian completed a stronger White Crystal Staff and used his Master Level Rune Adjustment knowledge to create a version with faster mana gathering, lower mental power consumption, and greater power.
• Xia brought Ian to Augusto, who rewarded his Deadwood Staff modification with contribution points and battle merits and offered him a dangerous war mission; Ian refused it.
• Ian bought alchemical materials knowledge, found a First Ring spell to supplement Flame Hand, and went to the Silver Society seeking knowledge to complete his Meditation Method.
• Diana showed Ian Harmonic Self-Shaping, the final knowledge he needed, but said it was restricted to scholars; Ian learned he could earn Academic Credits by contributing knowledge.
• Several days later, Ian brought Diana a thick stack of conjectures and asked to exchange them for Academic Credits.

Ian submitted dozens of Wizardry conjectures to the Silver Society and earned the scholars’ approval, while a new technique revealed a possible connection to his Meditation Method and the secret realm. As he set his sights on the Elite Sequence, Kieran reminded him that the annual assessment was due.

• Diana, Chahara, and Liam reviewed Ian’s documents, accepted thirty-five of them, and estimated they would earn him roughly two thousand Academic Credits pending Grand Scholar approval.
• Chahara gave Ian a level-two document, and Ian learned that scholars could seek Academy funding for research projects.
• At Diana’s salon, Ian answered her question and received her notes, prompting Hugo to challenge him and vow to prove himself through published research.
• Ian began studying Harmonic Self-Shaping and found that its Resonance Rune strongly resonated with a rune in his Four Symbols Resonance Meditation Method.
• Ian suspected both techniques originated in the secret realm and decided he needed a place in the Elite Sequence.
• Kieran messaged Ian about the annual assessment, reminding him that a year had passed.

Ian learned that Kieran’s Four Symbols Resonance Meditation Method came from a secret realm and that its fifth layer could only be found in the Sea of Spiritual Resonance’s middle region by a core member. Ian resolved to compete for the Elite Sequence, the first step toward becoming a core member.

• Ian reunited with Andre, who described the war on the front lines, and listened as Kieran assessed the wizards’ Mental Power crystals.
• Kieran noted Ian’s Meditation Method had improved and learned that Ian had incorporated the Fire Turbine Meditation Method and Silver Society Wizardry into it.
• Kieran told Ian that his teacher, Edmund Gray, had discovered the Four Symbols Resonance Method in the Sea of Spiritual Resonance, but died before finding its fifth layer.
• Kieran explained that Ian would need to become an elite disciple and then a core member to reach the sea’s middle region, and gave him one hundred grams of Wind Copper.
• Ian agreed to supervise the new apprentices for one thousand contribution points per month and resolved to secure a place in the Elite Sequence.

Ian learned about the Academy’s elite and core sequences, received resources from Horton and Cassian, and accepted a research project from Elena Windsong at Wind Whisper Academy. The chapter ended with Green Wing taking Ian to Wind Abyss, a holy land for wind-element Wizards.

• Flynn explained the core sequence and warned Ian that Cassius Silverleaf was asking about him, so Ian told Horton about the danger.
• Horton gave Ian five hundred grams of Scorching Iron Essence and said he planned to return to Veridian Forest to explore the Illusion Tower.
• Cassian gave Ian resources worth twenty thousand Magic Stones and urged him to enter the elite sequence; Ian spent the night with Audrey.
• Ian decided to use his new resources to improve the White Crystal staff and received a message from Diana about meeting Elena Windsong at Wind Whisper Academy.
• Elena offered Ian academic credits, wind-element Wizardry, and access to Wind Whisper Academy’s facilities if he identified improvements to an advanced zero-ring Wizardry.
• Green Wing led Ian to Wind Abyss so he could experience Wind Whisper Academy’s wind-element environment.

Ian trained in the Wind Abyss, advanced Windflow Barrier to Master Level, and reached 6,000 talent points. He became a Silver Society scholar and prepared to give his lecture in the Silver Hall.

• Ian practiced in the Wind Abyss for nearly twelve hours, far longer than Green Wing, and gained fifty proficiency points in Windflow Barrier.
• Ian learned that Walsh had gone to the front lines for a lucrative assignment, while Connor planned to surpass him through another wartime task.
• Ian began working on Alchemy Products needed for the second part of the White Crystal Staff and studied Elena's Wizardry.
• Ian reached Master Level in Windflow Barrier, raising his talent to 6,000.
• Diana gave Ian his Scholar's Ring and explained his new benefits, including free knowledge, materials, project funding, and facility discounts.
• Ian followed Diana into the Silver Hall and walked onstage to deliver his scholar lecture.

Ian Green advanced to full scholar and presented a method for adapting Zero Ring Wizardry to individual Wizards, earning broad recognition in the Silver Society. After his presentation, scholars examined his extensive research, and Hugo realized Ian’s academic ability was greater than he had understood.

• Diana announced that Ian Green had qualified to advance to scholar after submitting forty research hypotheses and earning 4,500 Academic Credits.
• Ian demonstrated how to adapt Zero Ring spells by analyzing and modifying their structures, showing that his revised Witch’s Hand improved its power, efficiency, and casting speed.
• Elena praised Ian’s expertise, and Diana offered to make his presentation the cover feature of the next Spark Collection.
• The Wizards applauded Ian, and Elena told him she hoped he would pass her test at Wind Whisper Academy.
• After Ian left, Hugo and other scholars studied his research materials and found viable approaches for improving First Ring Wizardry.

Ian pursued the knowledge and alchemical practice needed to improve the White Crystal Staff while his recent speech brought him recognition across the Academy. After Ian revealed his scholarly standing and promised results, Augusto funded the work, established a project team, and assigned Xia as his assistant, who soon witnessed Ian’s rapid progress.

• Ian visited the Silver Society Library, exchanged for Eagle Eye Wizardry and supplementary knowledge, and answered Hugo’s question about one of his works.
• Ian reached Master Level in his first alchemical product, began refining a second, and spent his own resources on materials for his White Crystal Staff research.
• Augusto questioned Ian about reports that he was neglecting his wartime assignments, so Ian showed him the Scholar’s Ring and explained his improvement project.
• Ian showed Augusto a failed but promising prototype and promised results within four months, prompting Augusto to approve funding and ask Ethan about Ian’s abilities.
• Augusto assigned Xia to assist Ian and approved up to ten thousand contribution points for the White Crystal Staff Modification Project Team.
• Xia processed materials in Ian’s laboratory and watched his alchemical proficiency rise from beginner to mastery within seven days.

Ian joined Elena’s wind-element research project after identifying flaws in her Wizardry, then used his accumulated materials and knowledge to create a substantially improved White Crystal Staff. The staff’s successful tests left Xia excited, and she and Ian prepared to report the results to their teacher.

• Ian identified five flaws in Elena’s Wizardry, including one she had not noticed, and Elena granted him access to Wind Whisper Academy and its facilities.
• Ian entered Wind Abyss, meditated at a thirteenfold multiplier, and rescued the unconscious Nicole Edward, who rewarded him with a High-grade Magic Stone.
• Over the next two months, Ian completed his Master Level materials and applied their knowledge to redesigning the White Crystal Staff.
• Ian and Xia tested the redesigned staff and found that its cost fell by twenty percent while its hardness and power rose by thirty percent and its loss fell by twenty percent.
• Xia hugged Ian in excitement, then told him to report the successful staff modification to their teacher.

Ian’s redesigned White Crystal staff earned high praise from Augusto and department head Calvin Parker, who rewarded him with Bloodthorn Armor and approved a first-district paper. Ian then perfected the first layer of his Meditation Method and improved Flame Hand as the paper’s release approached, while Calvin’s arrival at the project team’s meeting left the Wizards uncertain about what was coming.

• Augusto examined Ian and Xia’s new staff and report, recognized its major gains in power and reduced cost, and ordered them to keep the results confidential.
• Calvin Parker gave Ian Bloodthorn Armor, invited him to become his student, and arranged for Ian’s paper to receive a first-district placement.
• Ian studied the armor, sent Xia away after the project ended, and spent a month completing and submitting his paper.
• Ian reached Master Level in Harmonic Resonance and used it to perfect the first layer of his Meditation Method, doubling its effectiveness.
• Ian improved Flame Hand’s range to a thousand meters, and the project team summoned the Wizards to a meeting attended by Calvin.

Ian was cleared of accusations of misusing research funds and rewarded for helping improve the White Crystal Staff, raising his status in the Alchemy Department. After growing closer to Xia and setting new goals, he sought a fire Wizardry at Molten Fire Academy and awaited the arrival of the latest journals.

• Darwin declared the allegations against Ian fabricated and praised Ian and Xia for improving the White Crystal Staff’s performance by over thirty percent while reducing its cost by twenty percent.
• Darwin promoted Ian to senior researcher and awarded him contribution points, military merits, and a Minor Merit; Xia and the project team also received rewards.
• Hayden backed Ian, while Nico and Motuo apologized, and Xia invited Ian to a gathering before kissing his cheek afterward.
• Ian moved to a better laboratory, chose Hayden as an assistant, and decided to pursue Flame Hand, improve his talent, and advance his Meditation Method.
• Ian applied to read Molten Fire Academy’s collection but received no approval after a week; then Elton contacted him about newly released journals, and Ian agreed to receive them.

Ian’s papers won attention across the academies, and he learned that his cover article would earn him sales dividends as well as contribution points. After borrowing Fire Micro-Control from Molten Fire Academy and meeting Abraham Flameheart, Ian returned home determined to improve his talent and Wizardry.

• Elton delivered the journals to Ian, then learned he could be considered for a Library manager position; Gwen recognized Ian’s name in the journals and ended her relationship with Tobin.
• Augusto, Darwin, Elena, Green Wing, Nicole, Diana, and Wizards across the Academy reacted to Ian’s papers, while Jules marked him as a threat and Ove urged Connor to keep competing for the Elite Sequence.
• Elton told Ian that a Spark Collection cover earned five percent of sales profits, and Ian realized the issue could bring him substantial Magic Stones.
• Ian passed Molten Fire Academy’s review, borrowed Fire Micro-Control, and met Abraham Flameheart, who had already advanced to the late first ring.
• Ian learned Fire Micro-Control and focused on strengthening his talent and improving Flame Hand as his paper spread to other regions.

Ian built his alchemy and wizardry skills while preparing for the elite sequence, then reached Full Moon Level after his talent rose to 7,000. The chapter ended with him beginning a new stage of development as his elemental affinity talent, Principle Insight, improved.

• Isaac learned that Ian had become an academic and alchemy genius, while El and Flynn saw how his research benefited Wizards at the front line.
• Flynn arranged for Cassius Silverleaf to die during an enemy attack, then sent Ian evidence that Cassius had planned to assassinate him.
• Ian planned to advance his alchemy, study Darkfire Runes, and secure a place in the Elite Sequence while continuing his research and wizardry practice.
• Ian raised the Elemental Resonance Meditation Method to Master Level and later reached Master Level in Storm Pierce, but Elena set him a one-year deadline for her project.
• Ian focused on Microscopic Eye and Smelting Hand, then advanced both to Master Level in an advanced Elemental Pool and reached Full Moon Level with 7,000 talent.

Ian advanced to Full Moon Level talent, mastered a perfected Flame Hand, and received more contribution points before attending the annual assessment. Kieran warned him that the full-scale war was expected in two years and gave him the remaining layers of his Meditation Method, leaving Ian focused on reaching the Elite Sequence and late First Ring in time.

• Ian discovered that his Full Moon Level talent had increased his mental power, meditation speed, learning ability, and Elemental Crown, and he resolved to resume training his physical body.
• After mastering Fire Micro-Control, Ian tested his perfected Flame Hand at the Alchemy Department's Training Ground and received another twenty-five thousand contribution points.
• At the annual assessment, Sophia, Flynn, and other Wizards congratulated Ian, while Kieran noticed that Ian's Mental Power had reached forty percent and later accepted Ian's explanation for his improved talent.
• Kieran told Ian that the Academy expected the full-scale war to begin in two years, warned that Elite disciples might be sent out, and gave him the final two layers of his Meditation Method.
• Ian decided to pursue the Elite Sequence and late First Ring advancement, considered using minor merit on the secret realm, and returned to a regular routine as another year passed.