Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 535 Mood
However, the current situation is still in a period of calm before a sudden storm, so we should adjust our focus accordingly.

The infinite possibilities brought about by the sorcery school's communication with endless planes are indeed tempting, but Zhang Yuan, who is currently in a conservative position, has no intention of embarking on a risky and opportunity-filled adventure to other worlds.

The Energy System draws upon the power of the elements for its own use, making it the most destructive force among all schools. However, Zhang Yuan has long since passed the point of relying solely on his artillery spells to conquer the world. The combined magical power of his pawns surpasses that of spells of the same rank.

On the contrary, it was by chance that his exploration of the mysteries of life, death, and the changes between the forms of matter immersed him in it, allowing him to truly view arcane art from a perspective that strips it of its instrumental nature and transcends pragmatism.

By moving from technique to understanding the Way, he finally began to comprehend some of the words his teacher had once told him.

And today, several years later, having measured enough of this road with his own two feet, he has been fortunate, or perhaps it is destiny, to encounter this long-awaited opportunity.

Lucky?

Compared to many fellow travelers who are limited by talent, resources, or inheritance, this transmigrator, who went from a novice to touching the boundaries of high-level arcane arts in just a few years and then embarked on his own path as if water had flowed into a channel, is indeed someone who can make those trapped at the high-level or even mid-level bottlenecks green with envy.

But to say it was purely coincidental is not necessarily true.

With all of the above elements present and extraordinary talent (a cheat code) that ordinary people cannot match, it is only natural that he can go further and achieve greater success.

As for clarifying one's own path?
Indeed, no one can walk the path for you, and Tyrande is not some patient and persuasive old professor. However, the depth and breadth of the latter's knowledge and vision are so great that even the afterglow of his light is enough to ignite a spark and dispel a veil of confusion.

Not to mention that after Luskan's group, Zhang Yuan took this opportunity to join their ranks, thus gaining a higher seniority out of thin air.

This is not just empty talk. Being able to enter such a faction and have the right to communicate on an equal footing with many pioneers who have already achieved considerable success in their respective fields is a qualification that many people would rather die for.

Gaviel, despite being the son of a Grand Duke, had to travel far north to study, largely because even if he stayed in Bode, it would be difficult for him to establish connections within that circle.

High-ranking spellcasters rarely deign to serve as spell advisors, especially since Grand Duke Iltan was elected rather than hereditary, and in the eyes of wizards, power lacking continuity was hardly worth valuing.

As for becoming a disciple?

Hmm, who would turn down money? If the gold dragon is filled up, it's just a matter of hanging up a sign. But what's the point of this thing?

Unless Gavial himself is promoted to the ranks of high-level mages, money or connections are not enough to grant him entry into this circle.

There's a reason for high barriers to entry, and one's environment can influence their self-improvement to a certain extent.

So what if Zhang Yuan didn't find inspiration in this collaborative research?
He can still look forward to the next research project, the next discussion and demonstration with his teachers or fellow students, or even if he gets stuck in a dead end, he can go to Gaolibao to seclude himself and honestly work as his mentor's assistant to make a name for himself.

The smooth sailing was somewhat accidental, but the final achievement was almost predetermined.

From a completely clueless magical barbarian who arrived in Faerûn, to a magical technician after receiving basic education, and now to a magical engineer with a certain open mind who can examine problems from a considerable perspective, Zhang Yuan took three years.

He sought to explore this endless path of mystery until he became a seeker who touched the truth of arcane arts. He didn't know how far away a sorcerer was, nor did he care, nor did he have any doubts or hesitations.

The road lies ahead, and also beneath our feet.

However, this is still a small comma to mark the beginning of a long journey.

Strolling out of the castle, the end of Winterclaw was the tail end of winter. The lord was a little disappointed that he could not see the snow-covered scenery in the fields. However, the high cliffs with their special terrain, while fortunate to be spared from the harsh cold of the north, also lost the magnificent snow scenery of the north.

Only in the harshest part of winter does this region, embraced by both mountains and the sea, receive the hard-won snow that has traveled over mountains and valleys, and the thin snow cover it provides can only cover the land for less than a month.

Now, the snow and ice on the high cliffs have melted, nourishing the earth and awaiting the arrival of spring. Winter sowing has ended, but spring plowing has not yet begun. During the off-season, the fields are sparsely populated, but in contrast, the nearby earthen buildings are bustling with activity.

The Tulou (earthen buildings) have brought not only exotic charm to this land, but have also changed the original lifestyle of the residents.

The original small-scale farming life, where people lived scattered and had their own courtyards, is gone forever. In its place, there is a living environment similar to the tenement buildings in urban settlements and a production model similar to collective farms.

They start working at sunrise, leaving the earthen building and following the winding paths like a spider web to the fields surrounding it.

As the sun sets and people return home at dusk, they are like birds returning to their forests. Sparse streams converge into a tide, and people jostle and greet each other as they pour into the slightly narrow but sturdy building entrance.

During this off-season for farming, the golden hills of wheat ears and grains on the threshing grounds surrounding the earthen buildings had already been transformed into ample reserves in the granaries by the end of autumn. The threshing grounds were still bustling with activity, but the shouts were not work chants.

"Hey! Ha!"

"Step forward with your left foot and thrust!"

"Shield up, shield down, spears at the ready!"

On the flat threshing ground, a group of farmers who had been militiamen for less than half a year shouted commands and practiced various movements under the guidance of their instructors.

The instructors are rotated among the Canaan team members and Dota heroes.

Both the dwarf brothers and the Tusk have ample authority to speak on the use of the shield, sword, and charge axe.

Mars is a master of polearms, and no one could challenge his position before the Phantom Lancers appeared.

The training of crossbowmen is handled by the Drow Ranger Steward, but Talinda, who has learned the ropes from Little Black, often takes on this task as well.

As for the training results?

In short, he's a farmer.

There's nothing I can do; no matter how good the master is, he can't stop his disciple from being dull-witted.

The militiamen, who were only brought in for a short training session during the off-season for farming, have hardly undergone any change in their ideological awareness. They are probably still immersed in the joy of the harvest, and their shortcomings in physical fitness and intelligence are even more difficult to make up for.

The former is easier to deal with. Given time, and with proper training and nutrition, they can improve. It's not like we're training Spartans; having the level of an ordinary or even elite soldier is enough.

The latter is truly difficult to handle. There are already few options available, and those with insight and intelligence have already been screened out during the apprentice recruitment process, leaving only a handful of promising talents.

We can only observe and select a few with better qualities during training to cultivate as reserve sergeants.

Zhang Yuan had previously scratched his head and muttered a few words about it, but now, looking at it again, he has a completely different state of mind.

Even if the foundation is weak and future achievements are uncertain, at least there is progress, right?

A monk who has truly grasped his own future path is qualified to view everything around him with greater confidence and composure.

If it exists, we are happy; if it doesn't, we are not afraid.

Thanks to the Nonsense Section and Eric Jin for the monthly ticket support, thank you!
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(End of this chapter)