My inventory is full of monster materials.

Chapter 120 Unexpected Incident During the Operation

Independent training ground.

In the center of the arena, Mark stood with his eyes closed and his hands hanging naturally at his sides. His blue mage robes fluttered without wind, but the icy chill that usually lingered around him was gone, replaced by rhythmic magical fluctuations that caused the surrounding space to tremble.

Suddenly, Mark opened his eyes wide, a sharp glint flashing in them. He parted his lips slightly and whispered a spell.

"h9plcs!"

(Flash!)

In an instant, Mark felt his body lose weight, his form twist, and he was caught in a vortex of space.

The next second, the feeling of weightlessness dissipated, and the space released Mark, allowing him to land steadily. He looked around and found that his position had hardly changed.

Mark looked puzzled, then suddenly remembered something and quickly looked down at his feet, only to notice something amiss.

Before casting the spell, Mark had deliberately drawn a black line around the outline of the foot with a charcoal pencil.

At this moment, his foot was on the black line, with half of his foot exposed.

Half a step!

It looks so unremarkable.

But in Mark's eyes, it was an overwhelming joy; he clenched his fist and let out a low shout.

"It's done!"

At the same time, a panel notification appeared.

Learn the skill "Flash (Green)".

3环法术「闪现术L1（绿）」：在剎那间，位移至不超过5米範围的可视见空间。（下一级Lv2—法术辅助+30%）

"Hurkey took a deep breath, raised his hand and rubbed his throbbing temples to relieve the lingering excitement under his eyes."

Then, Mark looked at the rest area of ​​the training field, raised his hand and snapped his fingers, his figure instantly twisting and disappearing.

Four or five meters away, the space rippled with swirling patterns, and then Mark landed in front of the bench, the whole process like a display of "divine power".

Mark has begun to gradually get used to the casting process of "Flash".

At this point, Mark finally made a decision to move the 3rd Ring "Frost Lance" to the spell slot in the Magic Web.

Then, rely on your own brain to maintain daily memory of the 3rd Ring "Blink" spell to ensure that the casting delay is minimized.

On the one hand, the "flash spell" is all about timeliness; in dealing with sudden crises, let alone 1 second, even 0.1 seconds is crucial.

Even a delay of a second is not allowed.

On the other hand, this spell is really too cool. If it weren't for the fact that third-circle spells have a high cost, Mark would have used it for daily transportation.

Composing himself, Mark looked back at the bench, where several spellbooks and scrolls were piled haphazardly, all materials he had consulted over the past three days.

Examples include "Mastering the Spatial Anchor Point of Blink," "Nate's Explanation of the Fundamentals of Spatial Spells," and "Magic Channeling Techniques for Spatial Spells."

However, none of this information was the key to Mark's success in mastering the "Flash" spell.

Mark pushed aside the miscellaneous books and carefully picked up a yellowed parchment scroll from among them.

The edges of this parchment scroll are worn, indicating it is quite old. The cover is covered with the words "Lockland's Spatial Conjecture" written in hasty handwriting.

It was the handkerchief that Mark had stolen from the "Black Scale Workshop" on the black market.

Mark's ability to master the 3rd level "Blink" so quickly can be attributed at least half of the credit to this scroll.

Here, the archmage named "Lochland" put forward a unique conjecture about "folded space".

That is, space will bend under the influence of gravity, just like if you put an apple on a blanket, the blanket will be wrinkled.

Mark is a soul from another world. His thinking and cognition may not be stronger than those of the natives, but they are definitely unique.

It is precisely because of this uniqueness, combined with the experience and understanding summarized by scholars in the past, that we can corroborate each other.

Mark had only learned a few basic tricks of the art, grasping the techniques of using magic to manipulate space, create folds, and teleport instantly.

Of course, there is another reason why Mark was able to learn this third-circle spell so quickly: his class.

According to the corresponding learning thresholds of spellcasters' spells and intelligence:

0rd Ring Spell - Intelligence 10

1rd Ring Spell - Intelligence 15

2rd Ring Spell - Intelligence 25

3rd Ring Spell - Intelligence 30

Mark's current Intelligence attribute is 24 points, and "Flash" is not an ice spell, so it cannot receive the "Frostblood IV" buff.

Logically speaking, Mark should find this spell very difficult to learn.

However, Mark is a first-tier "magician" under the "wisdom" path, possessing the basic class trait "magic beginner," which includes the effect of "magic learning efficiency +33%."

If we make a simple and crude conversion, Mark's actual intelligence when studying magic is equivalent to 24 ×

(1+33%)≈32 points.

This meets the learning standard for a 3rd-circle spell, meaning that Mark himself could easily master a 3rd-circle spell within six months to a year.

This is the advantage of the "Mage" class compared to other spellcaster classes.

In addition, the profound interpretation of the nature of space in "Rockland's Spatial Conjecture" reduced the learning difficulty, and Mark's own little talent enabled him to successfully master the 3rd level "Teleport" within three days.

The main reason why Mark was so eager to master "Flash" was that the spell itself was a high-quality movement spell.

Whether it's a surprise attack in battle or an escape from danger, it can play a crucial role, adding an extra layer of protection for one's own safety.

Another important reason is that the 3rd-circle "Blink" is one of the prerequisite spells for the 4th-circle spell "Anywhere Door".

Mark happens to have the "Anywhere Door" skill book on him.

Mark took out his mithril dimensional bag, and with a thought, a faint light flashed, and a thick blue-covered book fell into his palm.

The most valuable item seized from Zeffer's safe was the skill book "4th Ring Spell: Anywhere Door".

According to the information Mark consulted, although "Anywhere Door" and "Flash" are both spatial teleportation spells, the former is far more powerful and practical than the latter. It can achieve long-distance teleportation of hundreds of meters and can even carry other creatures, making it of great strategic significance.

Mark is currently favored by President Patrick and Professor Morris, and has considerable authority within the Wizarding Guild, but the highest-level spells he can access in the library are only 3rd-level.

Unless he is promoted to the second-tier "Archmage" or makes an additional significant contribution, Mark cannot go up to the third floor of the library to look up higher-level spells.

Now that he has the opportunity to master another fourth-circle spell, how could Mark possibly miss it?

The current plan is actually quite clear.

Mark plans to first master the prerequisite skill "Teleportation", then delve into "Rockland's Spatial Conjecture" to solidify his foundation in spatial knowledge before challenging the 4th-circle spell "Anywhere Door".

If all goes well, Mark will be able to acquire a second rare skill before advancing to the second tier.

Speaking of Zeffer's legacy, Mark took out two more items from his dimensional bag: a green-covered book, "3rd Ring: Command Plants," and a black, unknown scroll.

"Command Plants" is a level 3 plant-based spell.

Mark majored in ice magic, so he naturally couldn't use it, but considering that his senior sister Cecily had once demonstrated emerald green magic, it was obviously a plant-related ability.

Consider this skill book a souvenir; return to Pinewood Town and give it to your senior sister Cecily.

As for that pitch-black scroll...

Mark carefully unrolled it. The scroll was entirely black with red lettering, the characters twisted and eerie. As soon as it was unrolled, a suffocating atmosphere wafted out.

Mark suddenly felt dizzy, his vision blurred, and his intracranial pressure spiked, causing a dull ache in his nerves.

The next second, a system panel notification popped up.

[Forbidden knowledge detected. Do you accept it?]

【no】

Mark never expected that this would be a tool containing knowledge about foreign lands.

Looking back, Mark first came into contact with "forbidden knowledge" not long after arriving in this world, and then obtained a "Watchful Eye" skill scroll from a goblin shaman.

Mark today is no longer the naive and impulsive young man he once was. He understands the dangers of forbidden knowledge and would never rashly accept anything from it.

Mark carefully rolled up the reel, put it back in his dimensional bag, and muttered to himself.

"When we get back to Pinewood Town, we'll leave it to my senior sister Cecily to handle. She's quite knowledgeable about scrolls."

Looking back on this period, besides participating in project meetings, Mark spent most of his time practicing spells, learning new spells, and perfecting the combat system.

Mark had a strong premonition that the days to come would be anything but peaceful.

Just then, a clear female voice interrupted Mark's thoughts.

"Lord Mark, there is a letter for you. The messenger repeatedly emphasized that the letter must be delivered to you personally, saying that the matter is very urgent."

"urgent?"

Mark snapped out of his daze and looked up at the envelope Lina had handed him.

The off-white letter was sealed with a lifelike violet flower printed in purple sealing wax.

Mark had seen this mark before.

Li 8 Fu 8 Li Fu Violet Tavern.

Bell Mark appeared at the doorway. Because of his tall stature, he had to duck slightly to avoid the door frame.

Although it was daytime inside the tavern, the environment was still dim and the light was dim. The air was filled with the smell of alcohol and anxiety, and the usual hustle and bustle was gone.

The guests huddled together, whispering amongst themselves, their voices heavy with unease, a chilling atmosphere permeating every corner.

"We used to get news of the raiding party every day, but why haven't we heard anything for the past few days?"

"I heard that the main force was ambushed by a large number of drow elves in the Tabora Mountains and is now surrounded!"

"Huh? Aren't those dark, shadowy things supposed to stay in the underground, gloomy regions? How dare they come up to the surface and cause trouble?"

"Who knows! Anyway, there have been quite a few casualties. It's said that even the eldest son of the Grover family is seriously injured and unconscious."

"What?!"

The surrounding drinkers whispered amongst themselves, and panic spread through their hushed conversations.

Mark listened without showing any emotion, then walked straight to the counter. Next to him lay a still-attractive woman, reeking of alcohol.

Mark sat on a high stool, two silver coins between his fingers, and tapped them lightly on the counter twice, giving instructions to the cautious bartender.

"Give me a glass of Jinxu mead, with an extra spoonful of honey."

The bartender, wearing a gray vest, saw Mark in his deep blue mage robe, made of luxurious fabric, and immediately realized that Mark was a mage of high status. He quickly nodded in agreement.

"Yes, sir, please wait a moment, I'll be right there!"

As he spoke, the bartender turned around and quickly took a drink from the liquor shelf to mix.

Just then, the woman lying on the counter suddenly raised her head.

It was none other than Margot, the tavern owner!

Her face still bore traces of tears, her eyes were red and swollen, and her cheeks had become much thinner. Her haggard appearance made her look pitiful.

When Margot realized that the person next to her was Mark, her eyes narrowed instantly, and she sobered up considerably. As if grasping at the last straw, she clung tightly to Mark's robe.

"Lord Mark... you've finally arrived!"

Margot's voice choked with sobs as she looked at Mark with teary eyes, but she dared not get too close for fear of upsetting him, and could only plead cautiously.

"Please, please save Henry! Save Anna! They're in danger!"

Mark was taken aback by her sudden outburst of tears. He frowned, reached out and gently pressed her wrist to comfort her.

"Calm down and tell me slowly. I know Henry went to be a mercenary to fight bandits; I also know Brady went with him."

"But why would Anna, a newly recruited mage apprentice, get involved in this mess?"

Margot wiped away her tears and explained, her voice choked with emotion.

"This...this story begins that night."

As Margot slowly recounted her story, Mark gradually came to understand the ins and outs of the matter.

It turns out that among the two girls and one boy Anna brought that night, one of them, a man named Pierce, was a member of a collateral branch of the Glover family.

Knowing some behind-the-scenes information about the "Wolf Extermination" operation, he felt it was a rare opportunity to gain prestige, so he volunteered to participate in the encirclement and suppression operation.

Upon hearing the news, Helena also gained the right to participate thanks to her cousin relationship with Pierce.

A few days later, Dorothy also heard the news and realized that this was a great opportunity to get to know the sons of the upper nobility, so she insisted on joining.

Meanwhile, Dorothy knew that Anna and Helena were close, so she pulled Anna along to plead with Helena on Anna's behalf.

Anna didn't want to get involved, but she couldn't resist Dorothy's persistent pleading, especially when she kept bringing up her father Henry's situation.

Finally, Anna, still concerned for her father Henry, reluctantly stepped forward and begged Helena to help inquire about the available spots.

Helena couldn't resist her two best friends, so she reluctantly asked her cousin Pierce for help.

Surprisingly, Pierce readily agreed and arranged spots for the three girls that very day, allowing them to join the raid with the team.

Upon hearing this, Mark couldn't help but frown, feeling utterly bewildered.

Mark had a vague idea beforehand that the "Wolf Extermination" operation was essentially a political show.

It was to be expected that the various noble factions in Sergei would send their sons into the ranks to gain merit and prestige.

But this was ultimately an activity exclusively for nobles.

As the daughter of a wealthy businessman, it's barely understandable that Helena was able to squeeze in.

Dorothy and Anna were both daughters of commoners.

Why would Pierce be so considerate, so easily arranging spots for them? This is a genuine sharing of resources and connections.

Judging from appearances alone, Mark even suspected that Guils might have taken a liking to one of the girls.

However, Mark quickly dismissed this naive idea, and at the same time, he couldn't help but recall the words he had said to Guils when they parted that night.

"Lord Mark, if you ever need any help in the future, you can come to Zhenshi Fortress to find me."

Mark's heart skipped a beat.

Oh no, it seems that Sirius might not be interested in these three girls.