Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

Chapter 85 Next Stop, The Pale Tower

The cold winds of the Bone Valley dispersed the last traces of blood and the lingering energy of the explosion, leaving only the pungent smell of burning and the chilling aura of pure death in the air.

Kate stood in the center of the ravaged battlefield. The skeletal general Mordred, along with his powerful mount, had been transformed into nourishment and precious materials for him by the greedy devouring of the Blood-Eating Vine and the precise analysis of the Seed of Origin.

Within the spiritual sea, the spacetime nursery pulsated slightly. The dark golden thorny barrier at the boundary of the "space garden," anchored by the Void Tranquil Lotus, seemed to have solidified further. The dark red energy source transformed from the Bloodthirsty Vine surged even more powerfully, clearly a feedback from devouring the vast and pure death energy of the Skeleton General.

The cold, primordial prompt flowed through my consciousness:

[Bloodthirsty Vine's Plundering Properties Enhanced: Increases the efficiency of converting death energy into high-level undead by 15%, and slightly increases the binding force of the Cage of Order]

[Time-Space Nursery Absorption: The stability of the Space Nursery has been slightly improved, and the Root of Immortality has gained a slight understanding of the origin of death.]

After confirming that there were no threats around, Kate carefully cleaned up and tidied up the battlefield.

About half an hour later, a batch of valuable materials appeared in Kate's dimensional bag, but they were also filled with a strong death aura and needed to be processed or exchanged as soon as possible.

"It's time to go back." Kate took a deep breath. The cold death aura invigorated him, but the continuous intense battle and high-intensity analysis also brought some fatigue.

He activated the stealth effect of his items, his figure blending into the gray background like a ghost returning to its nest, silently stealthily making his way towards the town along the path he had come from.

Back in the three-story building, Kate immediately activated all the protective and isolation arrays to prevent outsiders from spying on them.

Instead of immediately taking stock of all his gains, he left a short message in the mailbox by the door.

"Milo, Kate. If you have something to ask, come to my place if it's convenient."

Kate channeled a wisp of mental energy and sent out a brief message.

Less than half an hour later, Miler's energetic and respectful voice rang out from outside the door: "Lady Kate, you wanted to see me?"

Upon opening the door, the blond-haired boy, Miler, greeted Kate with a warm smile, but his sharp eyes swept over Kate's body. He seemed to sense the lingering, faint battlefield aura and pure death energy on Kate's body, and a hint of barely perceptible awe flashed in his eyes.

"Milo, sit down." Kate gestured to the stone benches in the hall. "I'd like you to help me check the prices of a few things at the market."

Without wasting words, he directly took out several representative spoils of war: a relatively ordinary "Undead Knight Soulfire Core (Servant-level)", a bone fragment containing moderate death energy, and a small piece of decaying metal with decent quality but mixed energy.

Miler immediately got into the zone, picking up the eerie green soulfire core for a close examination. He then weighed the bone fragment and metal block in his hand, his eyes gleaming. "Lord Kate, you've made quite a haul this time! This follower-level soulfire core, at the Ash Workshop or the Death's Whisper Material Shop, usually costs around 15 to 20 standard magic stones each, depending on the core's purity and energy intensity. Yours is above average; 18 magic stones should be no problem. As for this bone fragment…"

He picked up the bone, which was shrouded in deathly aura. The "Bone Forge" would collect it to make bone meal or bone carving material; this quality was worth about 5 magic stones. As for this piece of metal—"

He frowned. He might buy the "Rust Hammer," but the price wouldn't be high, worth at most two magic stones. The main problem was the excessive impurities, making refining too costly.

Kate nodded slightly, already having made up her mind.

The price of magic stones given by Miler is the market price, while the crystal exchange point system uses points for settlement. There is a difference and room for manipulation between the two.

"Very good. Also, how many points can these materials be exchanged for at the Alliance Crystal Exchange?" Kate asked.

Miler was clearly familiar with this as well: "My lord, the exchange process at Crystal is more standardized and also a bit more exploitative." For the same quality Follower-level Soulfire Core, Crystal charges a fixed 15 points.

"We only buy those bone fragments in large quantities, by the piece." A piece costs about ten dollars, and for something like this, you get 5 points.

As for the metal, the crystal might not accept it at all, or it might symbolically award 1 point.

Therefore, many wizards would exchange low-value materials (those that Crystal wouldn't accept or would accept at a low price) for magic stones at the market, and then use the magic stones to buy supplies that Crystal didn't have, or save them up.

He paused, then added, "Of course, if it's something really good like the Undead Monarch Core Fragment, the market might not be able to handle it, or the price might be heavily discounted. On the other hand, the points given by crystals are more practical. Although the price is also discounted, at least you can exchange them for top-tier items."

Kate understood.

The market is flexible but prices fluctuate, while crystal prices are stable but there is significant price pressure, especially for large quantities of low-quality or non-standard materials.

He asked Miler to wait a moment, then walked to a corner of the hall, sat down cross-legged, and immersed himself in his spiritual sea.

"The Seed of Origin, Initiating Deep Analysis."

[Command received. Analysis objective: Current inventory of materials and optimal utilization strategies.]

Materials List:

1.亡魂之心，1—水晶预估：150—200积分/集市流通价：稀缺，预估250—300

Magic Stones (Requires a special buyer)

2.亡灵骑士魂火核心（扈从级）、14—水晶预估：15积分/个=210积分/集市预估：18魔石/个=252魔石3.精炼骸骨碎片（高死气）大量（约100份）—水晶预估：5积分/10份≈50

积分/集市预估：5魔石/10份≈50魔石4.符文巨剑碎片（蕴含湮灭死气）数块—水晶预估：材料特殊，可能按稀有亡灵材料」估价，80—120积分/集市预估：可做高级武器胚料或研究素材，150—

200魔石5.暗黑骨甲碎片数片—水晶预估：30—50积分/片/集市预估：40—60魔石/片6.驳杂亡灵金属大量—水晶预估：1积分/份（或拒收）/集市预估：2魔石/份7.其他低价值骸骨/杂物—水晶预估：忽略/集市预估：忽略]

[Points Reserve: 186 points]

[Magic Stone Reserves: Approximately 500]

[Objective: 1. Optimize resource utilization and enhance real-time combat power and survivability;]

2. Prepare to obtain the heart of the deceased;

3. Accumulate points/magic stones to exchange for crucial resources later (such as spatial crystals and life rule affinity media).

[Solution Simulation:]

Option A: Maximize points acquisition (prioritize crystal exchange)

—Process: Exchange all materials (except for mixed metals) for Crystal Points.

—预估积分增量：核心碎片（取中值175）+魂火核心（345）+骸骨碎片（50）+巨剑碎片（取中值100）+骨甲（取中值40片数）≈710+积分—总积分：186+710≈896点—优势：积分可用于兑换水晶特有高级物资（如一次性高阶捲轴、定製服务、

(Advanced knowledge).

—Disadvantages: Loss of magic stone income (approximately 414+ magic stones), low-quality materials (mixed metals) are almost worthless. The market may have good items that require magic stones to trade.

Option B: Maximize Magic Stone Acquisition (Prioritize Marketplace Trading)

—Processing: High-value materials such as core fragments, greatsword fragments, and bone armor are kept for future purchases or sold to high-priced buyers; Soulfire cores, bone fragments, and mixed metals are sold in the market.

—预估魔石增量：魂火核心（414）+骸骨碎片（50）+驳杂金属（约40）≈504魔石—总魔石：500+504≈1004魔石—优势：获得大量魔石，可在集市灵活购买补给、非标材料或与他人交易。保留高价值材料待价而活或自用。

—Disadvantages: Slow point accumulation, inability to quickly acquire top-tier resources unique to crystals, affecting final trial ranking. Uncertain conversion period for high-value materials.

Option C: Hybrid Strategy (Recommended)

-deal with:

1. Undead Monarch Core Fragment (Secondary): Exchange for Crystal Points (estimated 180 points). Reason: The value of the points is higher than the market circulation value, and it is a ranking material, which may increase the attention it receives.

2.亡灵骑士魂火核心（扈从级）：10枚兑换水晶积分（140积分）。理由：快速补充积分，平衡消耗。剩余4枚于集市出售（72魔石）。

3. Refined Bone Fragments: Exchange all for Crystal Points (50 points). Reason: Market rewards are comparable to Crystal Points, and the exchange is time-saving.

4. Rune Greatsword Fragment: Keep it. Reason: It contains the properties of annihilation death energy and can be used to research and enhance the Thorn Shadow attack or for future weapon crafting. Its value for personal use is higher than its current exchange value.

5.暗黑骨甲碎片：保留2片研究或备用，剩余集市出售（预估收益：按50魔石/片计，3片出售得150魔石）。

6. Mixed Undead Metal: Available for sale in the market (estimated at 40 magic stones).

—Estimated revenue:

积分：180（核心）+140（魂火10）+50（骸骨）=370积分魔石：72（魂火4）+150（骨甲）+40（金属）=262魔石—总积分：186+370=556点—总魔石：500+262=762魔石—优势：兼顾积分与魔石增长，保留关键研究材料（巨剑碎片、部分骨甲），处理掉低效资源（驳杂金属）。积分可用于兑换急需品，魔石保障集市灵活度。

Option D: Extreme personal use (high risk)

—Process: Retain all high-value materials (core fragments, greatsword fragments, high-quality bone armor), and attempt to use the Seed of Origin to analyze the Undead Essence within the Heart of the Dead, stimulating the Immortal Root Fragment to absorb and grow. Exchange Soulfire Cores and other materials for a large quantity of Undead Essence materials at the market.

—Advantages: If successful, it may greatly advance the cultivation of the Immortal Root and grant unique power.

—Disadvantages: Extremely high risk (analysis failure, backlash), delays other preparations, stagnant points/magic stone growth, heavily reliant on external acquisition of undead essence materials (scarce and expensive).

[Analysis Conclusion: Recommended Option C (Hybrid Strategy). This strategy balances efficiency and risk, aligning with both short-term (enhancing combat power, preparing for Abyssal Resentment) and medium-term (resource accumulation) goals. Option D can be considered as an alternative, to be considered once a stable source of Abyssal Resentment is secured.]

The cold, hard data stream was clearly presented in Kate's mind. Solution C was indeed the optimal solution, balancing efficiency and resource reserves. He decided to adopt it.

"Milo," Kate opened his eyes, "get rid of these 8 Soulfire Cores, these bone armor fragments (he pointed to 3 of slightly lower quality), and that huge pile of junk metal as soon as possible, according to the market price you mentioned, and exchange them for magic stones." He pushed the specified materials over.

Miler's eyes lit up, and he patted his chest, "No problem, Lady Kate! Leave it to me, I guarantee you'll get a good price! I'll deliver the magic stone to you by this time tomorrow at the latest!" He quickly put the materials into his storage bag.

After Miler left, Kate didn't delay and immediately headed to the Alliance Hall in the center of the town. The hall was still bustling with people, the atmosphere even more tense than before. Many apprentices hurried about, bearing the marks of battle and a chilling aura. Small queues had also formed in front of the crystal exchange counters.

Kate patiently waited in line. When it was his turn, he submitted the Undead Monarch Core Fragment (Secondary), 15 Follower-level Soulfire Cores, and all the Refined Bone Fragments (packaged in sets) to the exchange crystal through the recorder.

The crystal shimmered with light and quickly provided an assessment:

[Submission: Heart of the Dead - Quality Assessment: Good - Redemption Points: 200]

Submission: Undead Knight Soulfire Core (Prince Level) 10 — Quality Assessment: Standard — Exchange Points: 150

(15.10)

[Submission: Refined Bone Fragments (High Death Aura): 10 pieces - Exchange Points: 50]

[Total points earned: 400]

[Total points updated: 186 + 400 = 586 points]

It is very close to the estimated score of 556 points for the Seed of Origin (Bone Armor not redeemed).

Kate was fairly satisfied. He didn't leave immediately, but instead browsed the redemption list again. He had more points now, and his goals were clearer.

[The Seed of Origin, based on the current score (586 points) and objectives (exploring the Pale Tower and obtaining Undead Essence materials), deduces the optimal exchange plan.]

[Core Requirements:]

1. Improve the survival rate of exploration in the Pale Tower (strong stealth, curse resistance, environmental adaptation).

2. Enhance resistance to and ability to deal with abyssal resentment (purification, mental protection).

3. Replenish key consumables (medicines, reels).

4. Reserve some points to prepare for emergencies and subsequent use of core resources (such as space crystals).

Recommended redemption list:

1. One-time space jump scroll (1 km), 1 (300 points): the ultimate life-saving trump card to deal with uncontrollable risks (such as encountering the undead lord).

2. Whispers of the Dead Scroll (One-time): 1 (150 points): The Sage's message mentions the key to the Pale Tower and may be used to decipher environmental information or traps.

3. High-purity spatial crystal fragment, 1 piece (300 points): Used to stabilize the spacetime nursery, enhance spatial perception and stability, and cope with the complex environment of the Pale Tower.

Kate thought for a while. The function of the analysis scroll could be replaced by the Seed of Origin. She could only choose one between the Space Jump Scroll and the Space Crystal Fragment. Considering that a distance of 1 kilometer was only a 10-second movement distance for a formal wizard-level undead, and that she had already exchanged for a one-time defensive item, she decided to exchange for the Space Crystal Fragment to strengthen her core magic.

A flash of light, and a fragment of high-purity spatial crystal fell into Kate's hand.

He carefully put away the cold, heavy fragment of space crystal, which seemed to contain nebulae flowing inside.

Back at the small building, Miler was already waiting outside, a smile on his face indicating he had accomplished his mission: "Lady Kate, I have accomplished my mission! Soulfire Cores are sold for 18.5 magic stones each, Bone Armor for 55 each, and the metals for 2.2 each."

份，总共是418.5+355+402.2=74+165+88=327块魔石！您点点！」

He handed over a heavy bag of magic stones.

Kate took it, scanned it with her divine sense, and confirmed the quantity was correct.

"Very good, thank you for your hard work."

He took out five magic stones from Miler as a reward, and the boy left with a smile on his face.

After closing the door, Kate placed the fragment of the spatial crystal in her palm. The spacetime nursery in her mental sea trembled slightly, emanating a strong desire.

Instead of absorbing it immediately, he guided the power of the Seed of Origin, slowly integrating it into the boundary framework of the "Garden of Space".

The fragments blended into the dark golden thorny barrier like mercury, making the boundary of that void garden clearer and more stable, and the spatial structure seemed more resilient.

Then, he retrieved the information stream given to him by the wise Aldridge, and the clues about the "Pale Tower" resurfaced clearly: "...The Pale Tower, the tombstone of the dead's obsession, where immortal vengeful spirits and twisted seekers of knowledge linger...In its depths, the tentacles of the abyss seep in through the folly of scholars...To find the pure crystallization of resentment, one must confront the curse of knowledge and the whispers of the abyss...The whispers of the dead are both the key and the trap..."

Kate had a clearer plan in mind.

The Pale Tower may contain undead essence materials; it is itself a vast and perilous place filled with undead obsessions and distorted knowledge, far more dangerous than the Valley of Bones, but also containing immense opportunities.

One day later.

Kate stood at the door of the small building, checking herself one last time.

The spacetime nursery is operating steadily, and spatial perception has become more acute after incorporating the crystalline fragments: medicines and reels are ready.

He looked northeast of the town, in the direction where the pale tower mentioned in the wise man's message might exist.