Chapter 162: A Dangerous Mission

Opportunity always coexists with danger; what the elven third-tier professionals failed to accomplish, they might not necessarily achieve either.

Most mages in the Mage Guild were homebodies who disliked taking risks. How could anything as dangerous as this compare to the joy of staying home and studying magic? Being ordinary junior mages with a strong sense of self-awareness, the first- and second-tier mages shook their heads one after another, expressing their regret.

Among the group of third-tier mages, including Chu Yun, everyone was furrowing their brows.

Only Selena was arguing exasperatedly with Nelson. The adventurous genes inherited from her father were already fully ignited in her bones; how could she possibly sit out such a fun operation?

It was a pity that Nelson had already set his mind against letting her participate—he would rather lock her up than allow it!

This behavior undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to the morale of the other third-tier mages.

"This is an operation organized by the Mage Guild headquarters, and mages from other cities will also come to provide reinforcement later. The guild will help clear away the dangers before entering the barrier, and once inside, you will not be fighting a lone battle but operating collectively. In addition to the Mage Guild, other professional guilds will also take part," Nelson continued, conveying the directives from headquarters.

"If we actually obtain a divine spark fragment by then... to whom will it belong?" asked a third-tier mage who seemed inclined to participate.

The value of a divine spark fragment went without saying. If the fragment were obtained through team collaboration, dividing the spoils later would certainly not be a simple matter.

"Ahem." Nelson gave a light cough. "His Majesty the King, His Majesty the King desires the divine spark fragment."

"By then, His Majesty will grant generous rewards to all participants, and you will not be disappointed," Nelson added. "The above is the information headquarters instructed me to announce."

"Of course, you may also participate in this operation as individuals. However, if you choose that route, you will have to clear the obstacles before entering the barrier entirely on your own. Furthermore, the guild will not protect your safety after you leave the barrier, nor will it provide you with auxiliary combat items and equipment."

The scene relapsed into silence. No wonder Nelson refused to let Selena participate; this was clearly serving as a stepping stone for others.

Although the king's bounty would be generous, no matter how generous it was, could it ever compare to a divine spark fragment?

If they teamed up, allocation would be a problem; if they went solo, the possibility of even acquiring a fragment was virtually nil.

"Guild Master, what is your opinion?" The vice-master turned to look at Nelson and asked.

Having finished delivering the official notice, the Guild Master now began to express his inner thoughts: "In my personal opinion, it is much safer to preserve our core strength to guard against an attack by Karakia. This venture is somewhat too reckless and simply not worth it."

"If the third-tier strength of the Kingdom of Karakia suffers too heavy a loss, we might even be able to take the initiative and launch an attack."

Yet the temptation of the divine spark fragments proved far greater than Nelson had anticipated. Despite the overwhelming perils, and despite Nelson's explicit warning, several third-tier mages within the guild still intended to give it a try.

Chu Yun was among the very first who planned to go.

His collection of divine spark fragments was on the verge of completion. His previous acquisitions had largely relied on sheer luck to progress so swiftly, and securing the final fragment now might take an untold amount of time.

Chu Yun was desperately curious to find out what would happen once a complete divine godhood was assembled. Armed with the divine spark sensing ability he had seized from the Holy Spear, he could efficiently hunt for fragments, and his mirror-world traversal ability would escort his actions and safeguard his safety.

As long as he wiped out the mirror-selves of the other adventurous squads or national team elites in advance, he could comfortably piggyback on a safe route within the mirror world.

Even so, Chu Yun had many doubts regarding this operation.

"Guild Master, is the interior of the barrier a water world or dry land?"

Chu Yun's question caught the attention of quite a few people. Nelson replied, "Although the barrier is at the bottom of the lake, the water inside has been pushed away. However, when we dive to the lake bottom and the barrier disappears after acquiring the divine spark fragment, the lake water is likely to rush right back in."

"What is the strength of the undead inside the lake and the City of Death? You specifically mentioned earlier that the barrier will not block undead creatures, so there must be undead exceeding the third tier inside, right?"

Nelson nodded. "Yes, there were indeed powerful undead creatures in the lake initially, but most of those that rushed out of the barrier were dealt with by the elven powerhouses. Among the undead creatures that escaped back into the barrier, the strongest is a fourth-tier undead skeletal dragon. As for the situation inside the barrier of the City of Death, it remains largely unclear."

"Most of these creatures from ancient civilizations are skeletal undead, though there are also some powerful soul-type beings, which makes them extremely dangerous," Nelson warned with a grave tone.

"The only silver lining is that these undead cannot absorb the divine spark fragments, but they will grow progressively stronger as the corruption deepens."

Darren said with a helpless sigh, "No matter how you look at it, this is an impossible mission. The crisis facing the elves won't be resolved easily."

Nelson, however, did not share that view. "I heard that a young noble in Alsis obtained a divine spark fragment and is currently at the peak of the third tier. If he can enter the barrier and continue absorbing the original divine spark fragment within to elevate his power, the mission might not be quite so difficult."

"Do not forget that there are also many potent potions on the continent that enhance strength at the cost of vitality and potential. If one can acquire a divine spark fragment, that small price is simply not worth mentioning. One only needs to take the drugs after entering the barrier to break through and boost their strength."

"Very well, enough said. All of you go back and think it over carefully. If you wish to participate in the collective action, gather at the City Lord's Mansion before sunset. By then, participants from all the major guilds in Blackstone City will assemble there." With that, Nelson turned and left with Selena, appearing intent on having a serious talk with her.

The remaining crowd exchanged bewildered glances. The first-tier mages, being lower in strength, had no such troubles and could simply stand by as spectators for gossip.

While the second-tier mages had no designs on participating in the adventure, tagging along to watch the spectacle seemed rather appealing.

The third-tier mages were the most conflicted. Now holding lofty status and leading mostly comfortable lives, they seemingly had no need to take such risks. Yet these were turbulent times; no one knew when the predicament of the Elven Forest might manifest within the Kingdom of Elno or even Blackstone City itself. Without sufficient strength, they could neither protect themselves nor those they cared about.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, a worried Anna approached Chu Yun, who was still deep in thought. Familiar with him as she was, she could tell that Chu Yun intended to take part.

"Chu Yun, you surely aren't thinking of going on this adventure, are you? It's not worth it. As strong as you are, you really might die this time!"

Chu Yun smiled. "It's not as dangerous as you imagine. If one is always bound hand and foot by fear, living becomes far too meaningless."

Among Chu Yun's equipment were still quite a few magic scrolls left behind by the First Prince, including teleportation scrolls and various other survival items. The First Prince could be considered a survival expert; had he not crossed paths with a nemesis like Chu Yun, he could have gone wherever he pleased.

"No more talking about it, I need to get ready."

Watching Chu Yun turn and leave, Anna felt an ominous premonition in her heart that she might never see him again.

She summoned her courage and took a step forward, yet in the end, she failed to voice the words she wanted to say.