Three Materials

Calvin and Raymond exchanged a glance, seeming to argue silently about something. In the end, Calvin gave in. With a silent sigh, he said, "A plant called Star Brilliance Grass, a mineral called Shadow Crystal, and a fruit called Sun Fruit. They have special effects against magical beasts."

Calvin took three small crystal bottles from his robe and showed them to everyone. Each contained a different sample: black star-shaped herbs that emitted a faint blue glow, transparent crystals with what seemed like stars flowing within them, and a white fruit radiating an aura of light.

"These materials are crucial to the fortress's defensive array," Calvin explained, but Jialan keenly noticed a flicker of unease in the old mage's eyes.

Albert suddenly spoke up. "Forgive my bluntness, Master Calvin. These things can only be found in Shadow Valley, a legendary gathering place for shadow creatures. Even mid-level mages would face extreme danger there. Why not..."

"Because time is pressing," Raymond cut him off. He walked to the wall and lifted a map. "According to scout reports, magical beasts are gathering near Shadow Valley. We need to obtain enough of these materials before they are contaminated."

Jialan stared at the map and discovered that Shadow Valley lay deep within the Misty Forest, already very close to its central region. It was roughly two days' travel from the fortress.

"The mission will depart tomorrow night," Raymond continued. "You have one day to prepare. Everyone will receive a set of specially made concealment gear and a Communication Crystal."

Calvin added, "Considering the danger of the mission, every participant will receive 2,000 Jintana, have one military merit mission waived, and be awarded a piece of intermediate magic equipment."

The generous terms made the mages present exchange glances. Such lavish compensation also confirmed the mission's danger from another angle.

"Any other questions?" Argyle spoke for the first time. His gaze swept across everyone's faces before finally settling on Jialan.

Jialan gathered his courage and asked, "Sir, if these materials are so important, why not send more people?"

Argyle exchanged a glance with Raymond before answering, "The more people there are, the easier it is to be exposed. Five mages and a squad of elite soldiers are the most suitable arrangement."

Raymond concluded, "You may return and prepare now. Remember, tonight's discussion is strictly confidential."

After leaving the stone house, Jialan walked back to his quarters alone. Albert seemed to have other matters to attend to and hurried off first. The night wind, carrying the forest's distinctive scent, brushed against his face. Under the moonlight, the fortress appeared exceptionally peaceful. Yet beneath that calm, he always felt that hidden currents were surging.

"Star Brilliance Grass, Shadow Crystal, Sun Fruit..." Jialan murmured the names under his breath. He vaguely remembered reading something about Sun Fruit in an ancient book, but he could not recall its specific use.

Back in his room, Jialan began preparing for the next day's mission. He checked all his Magic Scrolls and potions. Those things might save his life at a critical moment.

Just as he was organizing his belongings, a light knock sounded outside the door.

"Who is it?" Jialan asked warily.

"It's me, Argyle." The Light Knight's deep voice came from outside.

Jialan opened the door, and Argyle strode in quickly.

"As an old friend," Argyle said bluntly, "I advise you to reconsider whether to accept this mission."

Jialan raised a brow. "Why? Didn't they say that once we knew the mission details, we couldn't refuse to carry it out?"

Argyle's gaze became unusually sharp. "Because Calvin did not reveal the whole truth. Star Brilliance Grass, Shadow Crystal, and Sun Fruit do exist, but they are not meant to fight magical beasts at all."

"Then what are they for?" Jialan pressed.

The Light Knight fell silent for a moment before finally shaking his head. "I'm not entirely sure either. But based on some intelligence I know, this mission is extremely dangerous. If you give it up, I can use my family's connections to have you exempted from it."

Jialan fell into thought. Argyle's warning was indeed worth taking seriously. A high-ranking knight with the title of viscount, whose father was one of the empire's eight great marquises—even someone with such status did not know the military's true purpose. That, too, reflected the danger of this mission.

On the other hand, this might be his best chance to complete the military's assignment early and gain his freedom. The Little Green Bottle was like a ticking time bomb. There were too many people and too many watchful eyes in the Barracks; sooner or later, someone with ill intent would discover it.

"Thank you for the warning," Jialan finally said. "But I've still decided to participate. I'll be careful."

Argyle looked deeply at him and sighed. "All right. Since you've decided, remember to stay close to me tomorrow. I'm the commander of this mission. The depths of the Misty Forest... are far more dangerous than you imagine."

With that, he left the room.

At dawn, Jialan was meditating when another urgent knock startled him awake. He rubbed his aching waist and found that the sky outside had only just begun to brighten.

"Mage Jialan," a soldier's voice called from outside, "the commander requires all mission participants to gather at the armory to collect their equipment."

Jialan quickly dressed, checked the pack he had prepared the night before once more, and followed the soldier to the armory.

The armory was located in the fortress's northwest corner, a building constructed from heavy stone blocks. When Jialan arrived, he found that the other four mages were already there. Argyle and Raymond stood before a long table, upon which several sets of equipment had been neatly arranged.

"One concealment cloak and one Communication Crystal per person," Raymond said.

Argyle stepped forward and handed each person a sheet of parchment. "This is a detailed map of Shadow Valley and the material collection sites. Remember, our primary objective is to gather the materials. Avoid combat whenever possible."

Jialan unfolded the parchment and found that it not only marked the route of travel, but also recorded various potentially dangerous areas in detail. One location circled in red was particularly eye-catching: the Shadow Rift.

"When do we leave?" asked the Fire Element mage named Ryan, who was in his thirties.

"At sunset," Argyle answered. "Magical beasts are less active during the day. The scouts will first clear a relatively safe path. You have one day to familiarize yourselves with the new equipment and make plans."

After leaving the armory, Jialan decided to find Anna and say goodbye. Passing through the busy Barracks, he arrived at the priests' station, only to find Anna preparing a large quantity of healing potions with several military medics.