Special Mission

When it was Jialan's turn, he stood up nervously. As a newcomer who had only been a Junior Mage for a year, he didn't have any particularly valuable items to trade. The scrolls he had prepared initially now seemed rather cheap. Moreover, with the war still ongoing, trading away scrolls meant he couldn't guarantee his safety later on.

After a moment of hesitation, he took out a scepter from his Spatial Bag, which he had obtained from a Priest during a patrol mission. The scepter was a faint golden color, with a pure crystal embedded at the top, emitting a soft glow. Even someone unfamiliar with magic could tell that this scepter was no ordinary item.

"This is a scepter with Light attributes," Jialan explained. "While it's not an exceptionally rare item, its quality is quite good. I'd like to trade it for a practical magic item or some Jintana."

As soon as the scepter appeared, it caught Anna's attention. She examined it closely, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. As a Priest of Light, she immediately recognized that the scepter's value far exceeded Jialan's description.

"Jialan," Anna said softly, "I can trade you this bracelet for it." As she spoke, she removed a delicate bracelet from her left wrist.

The bracelet was silver-white, inlaid with a small Light gem. Anna explained, "This bracelet comes with a protective spell, 'Holy Light Shield,' which can protect the wearer from harm, especially from Dark attacks. Although its value might not match your scepter, I can add 100 Jintana."

Jialan was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Anna to value the scepter so highly. But then he considered that for a Priest of Light, a good scepter could significantly enhance her strength.

"Deal," Jialan agreed readily.

The two completed the exchange. Anna eagerly tried out her new scepter, a satisfied smile on her face. Jialan, meanwhile, carefully examined the bracelet he had just acquired, very interested in the 'Holy Light Shield' spell.

After all the Mages had finished their exchanges, the previously relaxed atmosphere in the stone room suddenly became heavy. Raymond, the Great Sword Master, who had been silent, cleared his throat and slowly stood up. His tall figure cast a long shadow under the magical lamplight, and his sharp gaze swept over every Mage present.

"Everyone," Raymond's voice was deep and powerful, "while the Magic Beasts aren't attacking the city, I need some Mages to assist the soldiers in carrying out several special missions."

The stone room fell silent, all eyes fixed on the deputy commander of the Seventh Legion.

Raymond surveyed the crowd and continued, "In return, Mages who complete these missions can use them to offset their required advancement tasks as accompanying Mages."

This statement caused a stir among the Mages. Jialan's eyes lit up. As an accompanying Mage, he knew exactly what this meant. Every new Mage joining the military had to complete mandatory missions to gain their freedom. His own mission was to serve for ten years, or train two official Mages for the military, or kill three enemy Mages of the same rank. His previous assistance to Katerina and others in killing a Necromancer had already counted as one completion.

Jialan weighed the pros and cons. Ever since he discovered how many secrets this fortress held, he had been eager to leave the military. If he could complete this mission, he would only need one more to gain his freedom early.

"What is the mission?" an old Fire Mage asked.

Raymond's expression turned serious. "The specific details will be explained separately. Mages willing to accept the mission, please remain after the meeting."

The exchange ceremony officially ended, and most Mages began to leave. Jialan hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to stay. Anna, being a Priest, didn't want to leave the military so soon, so she left first.

"Are you sure you want to take this mission?" Anna asked worriedly before she left.

Jialan adjusted his black Mage robe. "I want to try. If I can complete it, I can leave the military early."

Anna seemed to want to say more but finally just nodded gently. "Be careful."

Soon, only Raymond, Argyle, Calvin, and five Mages willing to accept the mission, including Jialan and Albert, remained in the stone room.

Raymond signaled the guards to close the door and said sternly, "First, thank you all for being willing to serve the Empire. The details of this mission must be kept strictly confidential."

He took out a map and spread it on the table. "The specific mission is to go deep into the Misty Forest to collect several special magical plants and minerals," Raymond continued. "These materials are crucial for the fortress's defense."

As soon as Raymond finished speaking, a low murmur arose in the stone room. A middle-aged Mage stood up, his brow furrowed. "If I may be so bold, Great Sword Master. If the mission is to go deep into the Misty Forest, why not send higher-level individuals? Or other professions? We junior Spellcasters aren't that capable in jungle combat..."

This question clearly voiced the thoughts of most Mages present. Jialan couldn't help but nod in agreement – indeed, if one had to venture into dangerous territory, wouldn't High Mages or Great Warriors be more suitable candidates?

Calvin slowly stood up and answered the question on Raymond's behalf. "You may not know, but the decision to deploy junior Spellcasters was made after careful consideration." The old Mage's voice was gentle yet authoritative. "Deep within the Misty Forest, there are certain high-level beings with keen senses that are extremely sensitive to powerful energy fluctuations. The fluctuations from High Mages and Warriors are like torches in the night, making it easier to expose their whereabouts."

He looked around at everyone and continued his explanation. "The Mana fluctuations of junior Mages are relatively weak. Combined with specific concealment spells, they can minimize detection by those beings. This is also why we specifically summoned you all."

This explanation made Jialan realize the truth. He recalled his previous experiences in the forest – those high-level Magic Beasts were indeed extremely sensitive to Mana fluctuations. But immediately, a new question arose in his mind: if that was the case, why not send ordinary soldiers? Why did Mages have to be involved?

As if sensing everyone's confusion, Calvin added, "Of course, there will be situations during the mission that require magic to handle. For example, breaking certain barriers or identifying magical traces. These are things ordinary soldiers cannot accomplish."

Calvin's words caused the Mages present to fall into thought. Jialan rubbed his chin, carefully weighing the pros and cons. The old Mage's explanation was reasonable, but he still felt that things weren't that simple.

"How long is the mission expected to last?" a Mage in his thirties asked.

"Three to five days," Raymond replied. "It depends on the situation inside the forest. We will provide you with the most elite escort."

Albert seemed to have thought of something and suddenly asked, "What exactly are these so-called 'special materials'? If you can't even tell us their purpose, it's difficult for us to assess the risk."