Serena, Rejection

A good one can have five or six times the space, and an even better one can have more than ten times the space, and it is fully equipped with all kinds of facilities, including gardens and swimming pools, which is almost equivalent to an entire portable manor.

Of course, the price also reached a level that left even Ronan speechless.

Ronan ultimately chose a mid-range [Space] Tent, which was reasonably priced at only 500 High-Level Magic Stone.

After the deal was completed, the First Level Wizard who was selling the [Space] Tent left Ronan a Communication Stone, politely stating that if any problems arose with the tent during the battle, he could contact them for repairs and maintenance.

There are many similar "wizard merchants" around the Fairy Ancient City ruins. They wear the same type of gray-green robes, with a beautiful pattern of a Gold Coin surrounded by a staff, books, and keys embroidered on their chests.

These people belong to an organization called the "Hammett Merchant Guild," which even set up a sizable trading market at the junction of the outer and middle layers of the ruins, and whose energy methods are remarkable.

After purchasing the [Space] Tent, Ronan walked through the crowd toward the inner part of the ruins.

The area surrounding the Fairy Ancient City Ruins was filled with people, divided into three distinct zones based on strength: the innermost zone was the residence of Third Level Wizard, the middle zone was for second-level wizards, and the outermost zone was filled with the largest number of Level One Wizard.

When there are many people, friction is inevitable.

Ronan witnessed no fewer than five conflicts in the short distance he walked from the outermost layer to the middle layer. However, both sides involved in the conflict were quite restrained. They would simply exchange a couple of spells and then stop fighting. Those who couldn't hold back would go to the outermost layer to fight together.

The key point is to highlight "order amidst chaos".

More than 10,000 formal wizards of level one or above gathered in one place. Above the vast Fairy Ancient City Ruins, a large number of free energy particles were drawn by the spiritual energy fluctuations naturally emitted by the wizards, forming colorful streams of light that could be observed with the naked eye, which was quite strange.

Ronan observed with the Eye of Truth, and it was as if he were in a vast and dazzling constellation. Each twinkling light represented a formal wizard of level one or above, and deep inside were rings of "Moonlight and Sun" representing level three.

"Call--"

Ronan stepped into the area designated for mid-level level two wizards and found a relatively open and flat spot near the outer edge.

While he was setting up the [Space] Tent, people peeked out from several tents about twenty meters away.

Ronan glanced at them indifferently, then spread his mental energy fluctuations, which were at the late stage of level two. Most of the people who had peeked out to investigate quickly retreated, which was considered an "acknowledgment" of his right to be stationed here.

Several other people walked directly out of the tent and came straight towards him, seemingly intending to strike up a conversation and make his acquaintance.

Ronan didn't give them a chance. After setting up the tent, he went straight inside. At this stage, he really didn't have the mind to waste time and energy on networking, which was not very meaningful.

The [Space] Tent, purchased for 500 High-Level Magic Stone, has an interior space of only about 45 square meters, but despite its small size, it is quite fully equipped.

In addition to the essential rest bedroom and bathroom, there is also a small living room and meditation room.

Everything needed for daily life is provided inside, including some fresh water and food.

The tent has excellent [Soundproofing], blocking out most of the external noise, but it is not completely unable to perceive external movements. In addition, it also has certain defensive and early warning functions.

The biggest difference between [Space] Tent and a regular space storage device is that it is not a completely independent private space. Considering ventilation and the possibility of external attacks, the space inside the tent is actually quite fragile. According to the wizards of the "Hammett Merchant Guild" who sell the tents, even First Level Wizard can tear the tent apart and escape in time if necessary.

It must be said that the person who developed this Spell Item has considered almost every aspect.

Ronan washed his hands and face, getting rid of the "dust" of the journey, and then took out several Communication Stones from his Space Ring, sending messages to Kosti and Bennigo respectively that he had arrived at the Fairy Ancient City Ruins.

Checking the previously sent Communication Stone, neither Orian nor Grace had replied. However, the other Communication Stone that the Silver-Haired Witch had given him in the Life Royal Court of the Mechanical Heart had now sent a message.

The message indicated that the other party, representing the Life Royal Court, extended an invitation to him.

Ronan was quite curious about the Life Royal Court, a wizarding power in the central region, but the message did not specify the exact location of the people from the Life Royal Court. Even if Ronan wanted to keep the appointment, he couldn't find them.

It's most likely in the innermost area, but the innermost area is where level Third Level Wizard gather. Now, anyone who enters will receive a special "welcome ceremony," just like the Third Level Wizard Ronan saw before who rode a giant yellow bat.

I thought about it and decided to forget it; I was too lazy to reply.

Ronan had just put down the Communication Stone when he noticed that someone outside had triggered the "access control" of the [Space] Tent.

Ronan initially thought it was one of the "neighbors" who had tried to befriend him before, but after spreading his mental energy to check, he discovered that it was actually the Silver-Haired Witch from the Life Royal Court whom he had met before.

Ronan confirmed the visitor's identity, his eyes flickered, and after a moment's consideration, he went out.

"It is a pleasure to meet you again."

The Silver-Haired Witch stood five meters away from Ronan's tent and gave Ronan a brief greeting.

Ronan looked at her calmly and said, "Good afternoon. Could you tell me how you found me?"

He had only just finalized the location of his tent when the people from the Life Royal Court showed up at his door.

"This place is actually not very big, and we have prophetic guidance."

The Silver-Haired Witch answered.

Ronan frowned. Even though the silver-haired wizard of the Life Royal Court was impeccably respected by all sides, he still inadvertently displayed a subtle sense of superiority.

However, considering that the other party was level three while he was level two, and that the Life Royal Court was a Wizard Empire from the central region, this inherent sense of superiority seemed justified.

'I should probably practice that divination spell, [Arcane Divination], which I got from the Mechanical Heart.'

Ronan, after considering the matter, did not refuse the Silver-Haired Witch's invitation and readily went with her.

Just as he had guessed, the Silver-Haired Witch led him straight to the innermost area.

With the Silver-Haired Witch leading the way, Ronan didn't receive the same treatment as the yellow giant bat witch before. However, as a level two wizard, he had suddenly entered the activity area of Third Level Wizard and was walking with the Life Royal Court wizards, who were quite mysterious to most southern wizards. He inevitably received a lot of mental probing from southern Third Level Wizard along the way.

It felt like a pair of eyes were constantly staring at me.

Ronan walked all the way to the innermost part of the Third Level Wizard's activity area and saw a beautiful meadow.

It was late autumn, and the grass and trees on the surrounding hills and plains had withered and turned yellow, but the lawn in front of him was as lush as if it were the turn of spring and summer.

Ronan could sense a strange power surrounding the area, like a huge and ancient mysterious magic circle. This magic circle constantly pulled the free-floating energy particles in the sky down, as if it were accumulating some kind of power. The entire ancient magic circle was gradually "awakening". The residence of the Life Royal Court was located at the edge of the magic circle. It was not [Space] Tent, but several uniquely designed huts. Each hut was guarded by Third Level Wizard wearing the Life Royal Court's signature moon-white robes.

The Silver-Haired Witch led Ronan to the largest and most beautiful cottage in the middle and stopped in front of it, saying to him, "Princess Serena is waiting for you inside."

Ronan nodded and pushed open the door to enter the small house.

The moment he stepped into the small house, a sudden shift in light and shadow revealed a colossal and magnificent palace before him.

Sixteen platinum metal pillars encircled and supported the entire hall. A beam of sunlight shone down from the dome, which was painted with the sun, moon, stars, forests, and rivers. Underfoot were beautiful and expensive translucent white crystal bricks. Directly opposite Ronan was a long red table. At the end of the table, ten steps led up to a blonde woman in an elegant long dress who was quietly watching him.

Ronan stopped in his tracks, squinted, and sized up the legendary Princess Serena of the Life Royal Court before him.

She was a very beautiful woman with beautiful blonde hair like the morning sun and lake-green eyes. Her skin was as white, delicate, and radiant as milk and jade.

She seemed to radiate a dazzling aura, making everyone who tried to look up at her feel the urge to bow down.

Of all the people Ronan knew, Kosti, the Queen of the Seventh Ring of the Silver Magic Ring, was the woman with the most noble air he had ever seen, but compared to the blonde woman before him, she was not even one ten-thousandth as beautiful.

The blonde woman stood in the bright white light, exuding an aura of inviolable purity and nobility, calmly looking at Ronan.

"Aren't you going to sit down, Your Excellency Damien?"

Serena's voice came from the end of the hall, echoing with a melodious yet chilling sound like ice crystals colliding.

"No need."

Ronan shook his head, feeling a little uncomfortable. This woman was too domineering; he felt suppressed from the inside out as he stood there.

Serena didn't say anything about Ronan's deliberate distance, but said directly, "Thank you for everything you've done for Grace."

Tell me your request, and I will do my best to fulfill it.

"Grace is my friend, and I never expected anything in return."

Ronan answered.

"It's not just because of Grace."

Serena seemed to have anticipated Ronan's rejection, and said calmly, "And you, I'm equally interested in you."

"Um?!"

Ronan was stunned by Serena's words and subconsciously touched his cheek.

Serena, who was on the steps, noticed his subtle movements and said calmly, "What I mean is, I'm inviting you to join the royal court."

"Join the royal court?!"

Ronan slowly lowered his hand, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

"You come from the Silver Magic Ring"

Serena said calmly, "You should know that the Silver Magic Ring comes from the Omnipotent Magic Ring in the Central Region."

Coincidentally, the Omnipotent Magic Ring is one of the pillars of our Mara Empire. The Royal Court and the wizards of the Omnipotent Magic Ring have always been on good terms. If you come with me to the Central Region, I can personally recommend you for entry into the Omnipotent Magic Ring, at least for a core member position."

Ronan didn't speak, lowering his head to think, while Serena simply watched him quietly.

After a moment, Ronan looked up and said thoughtfully, "Is it because of Grace?"

This statement sounds like a meaningless repetition, as Serena had just mentioned earlier that it wasn't solely because of Grace.

However, when Ronan brought up Grace again, Serena nodded instead.

"You are a smart person."

Serena's tone seemed to soften a bit, "Grace is very important to me, in a way that you can't understand."

And you are very important to Grace; she is lonely. You should understand what I mean.

"Clear."

Ronan nodded. "Grace will be responsible for keeping you company, and I'll be responsible for keeping Grace, right?"

Serena seemed to sense something unsettling in Ronan's words, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Serena frowned and said calmly, "You can understand it that way for now, but what I'm trying to say isn't as cold as you think. I can help you and Grace become partners, and at least guarantee that you can advance to Dawn together in the future."

You have good talent, and if your potential can be fully developed, you may be able to go very high in the future.

But if it were in the south, I'm sure everything would be significantly different."

"If you have the ambition to ascend to the Dawn before you turn one hundred, given your current strength, status, and background, it is almost an unattainable goal."

To emerge from the fog and grasp the Dawn, the most important step is the deep purification of mental and Soul Power. However, this step has blocked countless Third Level Wizards are outstanding in both talent and intelligence.

It's not that they aren't good enough, but rather that they lack the corresponding legacy.

As Serena spoke, she extended her right hand, and a soft white light emanated from between her fair and slender fingers, revealing a floating Rune Stone within the light.

"And here I have such a tradition."

"By piercing through the fog, ushering in the Dawn, and nurturing the primordial spirit, you will inevitably need this secret method for purifying your spiritual and Soul Power in every stage you go through."

"Isn't there Arcane Circle?"

Ronan suddenly interrupted Serena.

"Of course there is Omnipotent Magic Ring."

Serena glanced at Ronan and said calmly, "But that will require you to pay a greater price, to prove your worth more diligently, and the secret technique you ultimately obtain may not even be as good as the one I have now."

"This is a decision that concerns your future."

I can tell you plainly, after Dawn, a wizard's strength largely depends on the rank of their elemental spirit. The rank of your elemental spirit determines your potential for advancement, and the rank of your elemental spirit is determined by the quality of your spiritual power and Soul Power. Perhaps the threshold of advancing from level three to level four won't stop you, but after level four, you'll feel that something is missing, and every step forward will be incredibly difficult. Think about it carefully, Damien."

Ronan fell silent at Serena's words.

The spacious and magnificent hall fell into a brief silence, as if everything had stopped moving, except for the dust particles under the central beam of light floating silently in the air.

After a moment, Ronan spoke.

"I've made up my mind."

A faint look of satisfaction appeared in Serena's eyes.

Ten minutes later, Ronan emerged from the beautiful white house.

His expression was calm, his face showing no emotion, just as it had when he went in earlier.

However, he had only walked a short distance from the hut when a figure blocked his way.

"If you think that getting close to Grace will win Princess Serena's favor... then you're just delusional."

Donny, a young wizard dressed in a moon-white robe with a gloomy face, stood in front of Ronan and spoke with a cold smile.

"Oh?"

Ronan stopped and looked at him, saying calmly, "Then I'll give you this chance to rise to the top?"

The young wizard Donny was taken aback. After a half-breath, a look of embarrassment and anger appeared on his handsome face, as if Ronan had exposed something to him.

"You clueless brat!"

Donny suddenly unleashed a powerful mental energy fluctuation belonging to Third Level Wizard, and the air around him seemed to be completely emptied in an instant. Ronan stood in front of him without moving, his hair and robes being blown high by the sudden gust of wind.

"Donny!"

A sharp reprimand came from not far away, and Donny's aura faltered for a moment before slowly receding.

He gave Ronan a deep look, then quietly walked away.

Ronan turned around and met the Silver-Haired Witch's calm eyes.

He nodded slightly to the other person, and without waiting for a response, strode forward and soon disappeared into the outline of a distant mound.

The Silver-Haired Witch watched Ronan walk away, and when Ronan could no longer be seen, she pushed open the door and went into the hut.

It was still that spacious and magnificent palace. The noble and holy Serena stood on the steps, intently watching her right hand, which was wrapped in golden light.

"Your Highness."

The Silver-Haired Witch bowed respectfully to Serena, who nodded slightly. After a moment's hesitation, Serena asked in a low voice, "That southern wizard... refused?"

"Yes."

Serena nodded slightly, her porcelain-like face showing no emotion whatsoever.

"His soul age is no more than thirty, he's about to advance to the third level, and his foundation is quite solid. The techniques he possesses are even enough to withstand a casual blow from Moriel. Such talent might not be worth mentioning in the central region, but in the south, it's truly outstanding. A bit of arrogance is to be expected."

"He gave up the opportunity to go with us to the central region, join the royal court, and enter the Omnipotent Magic Ring for further study. Instead, he chose to take something directly from me, which can be considered as settling all scores with us."

The Silver-Haired Witch couldn't help but shake her head and sigh, "How utterly foolish!"

"It wouldn't be considered stupid."

Serena shook her head and said, "Compared to those southern wizards who keep coming to flatter us after learning our secrets, his refusal actually makes me happier."

"That's because his perspective is too narrow, like a frog at the bottom of a well gazing at the bright moon. Those closer to the well's edge know better than he does the vastness of the world outside. He has no idea what he's actually rejecting..."

The Silver-Haired Witch answered.

Serena didn't say anything more, but simply asked, "Where's Grace?"

"Grace is well. Your Highness."

The Silver-Haired Witch hesitated slightly before whispering, "This southern wizard is unwilling to leave with us. What about Princess Grace?"

"It doesn't matter. I will naturally make better arrangements for Grace after we return to the Central Region."

Serena said casually, and the two quickly ended the topic.

For both Serena and the Silver-Haired Witch, Ronan's appearance and departure were insignificant, perhaps not even a ripple. From then on, they would never cross paths again.

Since the opportunity has already been given, Ronan's refusal was his own choice, and he will have to pay the price for any future regrets.

Just as the two continued talking about other things, suddenly at a certain moment, Serena, who was standing on the steps, had a slight change in expression.

A layer of frost instantly covered her noble and perfect face.

A complex and mysterious golden rune appeared between her brows, and countless golden threads accompanied by white light surged from her body.

In the next instant, she seemed to be draped in an incomparably magnificent and exquisite armor, transforming into the legendary war goddess witch who hunts monsters, and suddenly bursting through the light from the dome of the hall.

"Boom!"

As soon as it appeared outside, it collided violently with a red staff that was burning with raging flames and spinning at high speed.

The sudden surge of energy startled all the Third Level Wizard stationed in the surrounding area, sending powerful mental energy beams soaring into the sky. "It's Moriel..."

Ronan stood on a high earthen slope near the innermost layer of the area, holding his hand as an umbrella, watching the sudden battle that broke out in the distance at the location of the Life Royal Court's residence.

He saw Moriel's iconic Red Lotus Scepter.

The Ash Witch Moriel and Serena both come from the Central Region, and she and Serena are mortal enemies.

Ronan wasn't surprised that Moriel appeared at the Fairy Ancient City Ruins, but he was astonished that Moriel had directly attacked the Life Royal Court's headquarters without any hesitation.

"Judging from her background, she must have a similarly powerful background and be completely unafraid of the Life Royal Court."

After all, what ordinary wizard would dare to go out of their way to cause trouble for a Princess of a vast Wizard Empire?

If the previous entry of the Third Level Wizard riding the giant yellow bat into the innermost area was like throwing a small stone into a quagmire, splashing a few tiny water droplets, then the great battle between the Ash Witch Moriel and the Life Royal Court Serena was like directly smashing a giant boulder into this quagmire, causing the entire quagmire to tremble.

The battle between the two lasted for almost a full day and night, and most of the wizards around the Fairy Ancient City Ruins were alerted by the commotion they caused.