Two days later, Link's group returned from the South, fully loaded .

This time, they brought back 569 Ethereal Crystals . They'd practically wiped out all the Ethereal Warriors around the Syndicate .

After returning to Ferde, Link didn't rest . He immediately gathered the core Magicians of the territory to start producing Ethereal magic equipment .

This equipment could transform into Legendary-level power, making up for the lack of high-level martial combat in Ferde . In other words, these were strategic resources . They had to be perfect and flawless .

Naturally, this required powerful Magicians .

At the present, there were six core Magicians in Ferde . Other than Link, there was Eliard, Vance, Alloa, and Celine .

Celine especially had studied Link's enchantments for about half a year without rest . Paired with Link's obvious help, she was very advanced in enchantments now . She was practically equal to Vance and the others .

Other than Alloa who used Link's Dragon Power due to her special circ.u.mstances, the other five were all above Level-8 . Eliard's Sunlight Power was even in the upper stages of Level-9 . His power was quite active too . Soon, he would reach Level-10 .

This was the most powerful force in the history of humanity; they could look over any other human territory arrogantly . However, compared to the 80,000-strong Magician army of at least Level-6 Magicians from the Isle of Dawn, they were still far off .

Just these few hundred Ethereal Crystals was already stretching them thin, let alone being able to deal with the Isle of Dawn . Each Ethereal Crystal had a unique function . They couldn't use ma.s.s production . Due to the high level, they also couldn't get help from ordinary Magicians .

Thus, the six had to process the crystals one by one . It was very inefficient .

The bottom line was that Ferde needed top-level Magicians . Thus, after working for a day, Link and Eliard walked to Evelina's imprisonment room .

Even though she'd gone to the South and had worked hard, she was still technically Ferde's prisoner . Plus, her many subconscious reactions along the way had showed that she didn't really want to join Ferde . She was just staying here due to fear of Link's power .

This wasn't a good thing, because once she had the ability to escape from Link's control or was intimidated by someone stronger, Evelina would sell Ferde out . It was just like how she'd betrayed the Syndicate .

Halfway there, Link asked, "Eliard, what do you think of Evelina?"

Link's knowledge of her was limited to the game . There, Evelina had been a wandering vigilante . She'd walked around and sometimes joined important battles but never joined the core of the alliance .

In reality, Eliard was always with Evelina . He would be more familiar with her .

Eliard flinched and then nodded . "She's good . I would sometimes discuss magic with her, like secret spells and techniques . She would answer straightforwardly without keeping anything back . "

"Oh . " Link seemed to have some thoughts .

Since she was at the point of sharing secret spells with Eliard, there was something to be considered . Just like technology from earth, there were two levels of spells .

The first was magic theory . This was the basics and there was nothing to hide . Even if you figured it out first, others wouldn't be too far off .

For example, Link had created the spatial theory . There must be other spatial Magicians in the world that reached similar levels but were just a bit off . There wasn't a really significant gap .

The second level was in specific applications . This was the specific spells and techniques . These were secrets—the things that could cause the gap in abilities .

For example, everyone knew the principle of leverage . However, some would use a wooden stick to throw stones while others would use a catapult . The difference was too big to put in words .

It could be said that secret spells were a Magician's best tricks . They wouldn't tell people who weren't close or trusted . Since Evelina shared them with Eliard so straightforwardly, she either had feelings for Eliard or Ferde . They were both good things .

These thoughts flashed through Link's mind . "I see," he said . "Later, you persuade her . I'll just stand to the side . "

Eliard nodded . He'd been wanting Evelina to join Ferde . He had said this many times before, but Evelina never gave a definite answer . She always had some worry . He didn't mind trying to persuade her again . If she didn't agree, he would come a second or third time . He felt that if he tried enough times, she would agree .

The place where Evelina was "imprisoned" wasn't far . It was a guest room in Eliard's sub-tower . The two arrived quickly .

At the entrance, Link stood to the side while Eliard knocked . "Eve, are you free?"

"Of course . Come in," Evelina said .

Eliard opened the door and entered .

Evelina was only imprisoned in name . In reality, Eliard didn't put any restrictions on Evelina . As long as she wasn't walking around on the street, she could use all the resources in the tower, such as the Elemental Pool and alchemy room .

The guest room had everything necessary too . Eliard had even remodeled the room in the style of the High Elves .

Entering the room, one could see many fine silver veins on the doorframe . Going further in, there was a st.u.r.dy and smooth wood floor and a deer head hanging on the wall . The living room had an elven warmer . The bedroom, bathroom, and toilet were all decorated sincerely too .

Link followed Eliard into the living room and felt that he was in a different world . It wasn't like a room in a Mage Tower at all . It was more like a house in the woods .

In the room, Evelina was lying lazily on a leather chair, reading a magic book . Link peered at it and discovered it was the enchantment book he'd written .

Seeing Link and Eliard come, Evelina set the book down . Her hand twitched and an innocent-looking magic puppet brought two cups of hot water over .

This magic puppet was a top-cla.s.s product of the Gold Rune Workshop . They were ma.s.s-produced now and were popular with the n.o.bles . Many people would come to Ferde just to order a pretty servant . The price was good too . The workshop had a list of specific prices, clearly stating the different materials and functions . The price went from 500 to 10,000 gold coins .

Evelina smiled . "You two must be busy . How come you're here?"

Link sat on the side without replying . He just blew at his hot drink . Eliard cleared his throat and said straightforwardly, "Evelina, here's the deal . We sincerely invite you to join Ferde . "

Evelina arched an eyebrow . Smiling at Eliard, she said, "Aren't I already in Ferde?"

Eliard shook his head . "No, not just like this… What I mean is, we're inviting you to join the core group of Magicians . "

He was being very clear . Evelina fell silent and glanced at the quiet Link . Then she looked back at Eliard . "You and the lord are both here . Is this the ultimatum something?"

Eliard shook his head . "Of course not . We just need you . "

Evelina pursed her lips . After a pregnant pause, she confessed, "To be honest, even if you have the Ethereal Crystals and Link, I still don't see Ferde's future . The Isle of Dawn won't let you develop like this . When none of the overt tricks can solve a problem, it'll lead to an outright war . "

Eliard didn't give up . "That's why we need you… I need you . "

His words were direct and his tone was earnest .

This wasn't just Ferde wanting a strong figure to join . After all these days, Eliard felt that he really wanted to be with this half-elf . He didn't want to become enemies trying to kill each other someday .

Evelina laughed instinctively . Before, she would definitely scoff at something like this . She would sneer and say mockingly, "Who are you to interfere with my fate?"

But this time, her laugh cut off halfway . She saw the fervent antic.i.p.ation in Eliard's eyes . For some reason, she felt deep inside that if she missed this chance, she would never find anyone who fit with her so well .

She couldn't face that heated gaze . After two seconds, she couldn't do it anymore and averted her eyes .

Lowering her head, she murmured, "Eliard, I'm not as good as you think . I can't meet all of your expectations—"

Before she could finish, Eliard wanted to try again, but Link reached out to stop him . He stared at Evelina and uttered, "You fear the Isle of Dawn . "

He got straight to the point!

Evelina's head shot up . "Should I not? The power of an 80,000-strong Magician army can wipe Ferde off the face of the planet . Who can stop them?"

Link shook his head . "No," he said seriously . "Evelina, you're too obsessed with the comparison of power . It's not that important . "

Seeing that Evelina wanted to refute him, Link continued, "I have a sword and the Isle of Dawn has 1000 swords . They can use 1000 swords to kill me, but I also have the opportunity to use one sword to defeat the Isle of Dawn . The number of swords isn't actually that significant . "

Right now, they were both afraid of each other . Of course, Ferde's power wasn't real, but as time went on, they would only grow stronger .

"But the Isle of Dawn has the Level-19 World Tree . You won't have a chance . " Evelina shook her head .

Link chuckled . "Then why am I still alive?" he asked .

"Uh…"

"I'm alive because the Isle of Dawn can't handle me . Since they can't kill me, they'll be afraid of my reaction . During this time, Ferde will keep strengthening . There are close to 300 million humans . There is unlimited potential . But the Isle of Dawn only has three million people . So what if their power reaches the pinnacle?"

Evelina had never thought of this .

Link continued without stopping, "The High Elves have a stable tradition and they're used to peace . Their power won't change too much in the near future, but as you've seen, Ferde will keep going . It's possible that we'll reach the Isle of Dawn's level within five or ten years!"

Link didn't add any fervent emotion while speaking . His tone didn't change either . He was just stating facts with a cool gaze . It made him seem indescribably confident, like he grasped the truth .

Evelina was a bit swayed .

Seeing her soften, Eliard walked up and grasped her hand . "Eve, why did you leave the Isle of Dawn? Wasn't it because of the arrogance of those pure elves? Ferde doesn't have that . Here, the only thing that matters is your magic . No one will look down on you because of your bloodline or background . Ferde is developing quickly, but it's still fragile . Stay and protect it . "

Conation appeared on Evelina's face . Her lips quivered; she wanted to say something .

Link chose this time to add, "Eve, the current power difference isn't that important . "

"Then what is important?"

"Who's growing . "

As long as they kept growing, they would surpa.s.s the other someday .

Evelina's mouth opened a bit . She looked dazed . Being in Ferde for these days, she indeed saw that the territory was changing . Something new was created almost every day . In the Mage Tower, new spells would be invented daily .

This kind of place was growing indeed . Right now, it may just be a small tree, but as long as it wasn't destroyed, it would rise to the sky one day .

Then she looked to Eliard . Something warm flowed through her heart .

People were strange . You would feel disgusted by some people at first glance; but for other people, your heart would speed up . To Evelina, Eliard was the type that sped up her heart . In her eyes, this half-elf was practically perfect .

Finally, Evelina held Eliard's hand too . "You asked me this question more than ten times . This time, I'll agree . "

Ecstasy filled Eliard's eyes . If Link wasn't there, he probably would've kissed Evelina hard now .

Link wasn't stupid . "Eliard, I'll go now . You can take care of everything else . "

As he spoke, white light surged around him and he disappeared . A short while later, he was inside the main tower . After sitting down, Link took out the Moon Stone reward from the mission . Just as he was about to study it, someone knocked on the door .

"Enter . "

Gildern walked in with a letter . It had a glowing red magic seal . Seeing it, Link's brows furrowed .

"Lord, this letter is handwritten by General Kanorse of the Orida Fortress . "

Chapter 549 More Importantly, It s GrowingTranslator Nyoi Bo Studio Editor Nyoi Bo StudioTwo days later, Link s group returned from the South, fully loaded . This time, they brought back 569 Ethereal Crystals . They d practically wiped out all the Ethereal Warriors around the Syndicate . After returning to Ferde, Link didn t rest . He immediately gathered the core Magicians of the territory to start producing Ethereal magic equipment . This equipment could transform into Legendary level power, making up for the lack of high level martial combat in Ferde . In other words, these were strategic resources . They had to be perfect and flawless . Naturally, this required powerful Magicians . At the present, there were six core Magicians in Ferde . Other than Link, there was Eliard, Vance, Alloa, and Celine . Celine especially had studied Link s enchantments for about half a year without rest . Paired with Link s obvious help, she was very advanced in enchantments now . She was practically equal to Vance and the others . Other than Alloa who used Link s Dragon Power due to her special circ.u.mstances, the other five were all above Level 8 . Eliard s Sunlight Power was even in the upper stages of Level 9 . His power was quite active too . Soon, he would reach Level 10 . This was the most powerful force in the history of humanity they could look over any other human territory arrogantly . However, compared to the 80,000 strong Magician army of at least Level 6 Magicians from the Isle of Dawn, they were still far off . Just these few hundred Ethereal Crystals was already stretching them thin, let alone being able to deal with the Isle of Dawn . Each Ethereal Crystal had a unique function . They couldn t use ma.s.s production . Due to the high level, they also couldn t get help from ordinary Magicians . Thus, the six had to process the crystals one by one . It was very inefficient . The bottom line was that Ferde needed top level Magicians . Thus, after working for a day, Link and Eliard walked to Evelina s imprisonment room . Even though she d gone to the South and had worked hard, she was still technically Ferde s prisoner . Plus, her many subconscious reactions along the way had showed that she didn t really want to join Ferde . She was just staying here due to fear of Link s power . This wasn t a good thing, because once she had the ability to escape from Link s control or was intimidated by someone stronger, Evelina would sell Ferde out . It was just like how she d betrayed the Syndicate . Halfway there, Link asked, Eliard, what do you think of Evelina Link s knowledge of her was limited to the game . There, Evelina had been a wandering vigilante . She d walked around and sometimes joined important battles but never joined the core of the alliance . In reality, Eliard was always with Evelina . He would be more familiar with her . Eliard flinched and then nodded . She s good . I would sometimes discuss magic with her, like secret spells and techniques . She would answer straightforwardly without keeping anything back . Oh . Link seemed to have some thoughts . Since she was at the point of sharing secret spells with Eliard, there was something to be considered . Just like technology from earth, there were two levels of spells . The first was magic theory . This was the basics and there was nothing to hide . Even if you figured it out first, others wouldn t be too far off . For example, Link had created the spatial theory . There must be other spatial Magicians in the world that reached similar levels but were just a bit off . There wasn t a really significant gap . The second level was in specific applications . This was the specific spells and techniques . These were secrets the things that could cause the gap in abilities . For example, everyone knew the principle of leverage . However, some would use a wooden stick to throw stones while others would use a catapult . The difference was too big to put in words . It could be said that secret spells were a Magician s best tricks . They wouldn t tell people who weren t close or trusted . Since Evelina shared them with Eliard so straightforwardly, she either had feelings for Eliard or Ferde . They were both good things . These thoughts flashed through Link s mind . I see, he said . Later, you persuade her . I ll just stand to the side . Eliard nodded . He d been wanting Evelina to join Ferde . He had said this many times before, but Evelina never gave a definite answer . She always had some worry . He didn t mind trying to persuade her again . If she didn t agree, he would come a second or third time . He felt that if he tried enough times, she would agree . The place where Evelina was imprisoned wasn t far . It was a guest room in Eliard s sub tower . The two arrived quickly . At the entrance, Link stood to the side while Eliard knocked . Eve, are you free Of course . Come in, Evelina said . Eliard opened the door and entered . Evelina was only imprisoned in name . In reality, Eliard didn t put any restrictions on Evelina . As long as she wasn t walking around on the street, she could use all the resources in the tower, such as the Elemental Pool and alchemy room . The guest room had everything necessary too . Eliard had even remodeled the room in the style of the High Elves . Entering the room, one could see many fine silver veins on the doorframe . Going further in, there was a st.u.r.dy and smooth wood floor and a deer head hanging on the wall . The living room had an elven warmer . The bedroom, bathroom, and toilet were all decorated sincerely too . Link followed Eliard into the living room and felt that he was in a different world . It wasn t like a room in a Mage Tower at all . It was more like a house in the woods . In the room, Evelina was lying lazily on a leather chair, reading a magic book . Link peered at it and discovered it was the enchantment book he d written . Seeing Link and Eliard come, Evelina set the book down . Her hand twitched and an innocent looking magic puppet brought two cups of hot water over . This magic puppet was a top cla.s.s product of the Gold Rune Workshop . They were ma.s.s produced now and were popular with the n.o.bles . Many people would come to Ferde just to order a pretty servant . The price was good too . The workshop had a list of specific prices, clearly stating the different materials and functions . The price went from 500 to 10,000 gold coins . Evelina smiled . You two must be busy . How come you re here Link sat on the side without replying . He just blew at his hot drink . Eliard cleared his throat and said straightforwardly, Evelina, here s the deal . We sincerely invite you to join Ferde . Evelina arched an eyebrow . Smiling at Eliard, she said, Aren t I already in Ferde Eliard shook his head . No, not just like this What I mean is, we re inviting you to join the core group of Magicians . He was being very clear . Evelina fell silent and glanced at the quiet Link . Then she looked back at Eliard . You and the lord are both here . Is this the ultimatum something Eliard shook his head . Of course not . We just need you . Evelina pursed her lips . After a pregnant pause, she confessed, To be honest, even if you have the Ethereal Crystals and Link, I still don t see Ferde s future . The Isle of Dawn won t let you develop like this . When none of the overt tricks can solve a problem, it ll lead to an outright war . Eliard didn t give up . That s why we need you I need you . His words were direct and his tone was earnest . This wasn t just Ferde wanting a strong figure to join . After all these days, Eliard felt that he really wanted to be with this half elf . He didn t want to become enemies trying to kill each other someday . Evelina laughed instinctively . Before, she would definitely scoff at something like this . She would sneer and say mockingly, Who are you to interfere with my fate But this time, her laugh cut off halfway . She saw the fervent antic.i.p.ation in Eliard s eyes . For some reason, she felt deep inside that if she missed this chance, she would never find anyone who fit with her so well . She couldn t face that heated gaze . After two seconds, she couldn t do it anymore and averted her eyes . Lowering her head, she murmured, Eliard, I m not as good as you think . I can t meet all of your expectations Before she could finish, Eliard wanted to try again, but Link reached out to stop him . He stared at Evelina and uttered, You fear the Isle of Dawn . He got straight to the point Evelina s head shot up . Should I not The power of an 80,000 strong Magician army can wipe Ferde off the face of the planet . Who can stop them Link shook his head . No, he said seriously . Evelina, you re too obsessed with the comparison of power . It s not that important . Seeing that Evelina wanted to refute him, Link continued, I have a sword and the Isle of Dawn has 1000 swords . They can use 1000 swords to kill me, but I also have the opportunity to use one sword to defeat the Isle of Dawn . The number of swords isn t actually that significant . Right now, they were both afraid of each other . Of course, Ferde s power wasn t real, but as time went on, they would only grow stronger . But the Isle of Dawn has the Level 19 World Tree . You won t have a chance . Evelina shook her head . Link chuckled . Then why am I still alive he asked . Uh I m alive because the Isle of Dawn can t handle me . Since they can t kill me, they ll be afraid of my reaction . During this time, Ferde will keep strengthening . There are close to 300 million humans . There is unlimited potential . But the Isle of Dawn only has three million people . So what if their power reaches the pinnacle Evelina had never thought of this . Link continued without stopping, The High Elves have a stable tradition and they re used to peace . Their power won t change too much in the near future, but as you ve seen, Ferde will keep going . It s possible that we ll reach the Isle of Dawn s level within five or ten years Link didn t add any fervent emotion while speaking . His tone didn t change either . He was just stating facts with a cool gaze . It made him seem indescribably confident, like he grasped the truth . Evelina was a bit swayed . Seeing her soften, Eliard walked up and grasped her hand . Eve, why did you leave the Isle of Dawn Wasn t it because of the arrogance of those pure elves Ferde doesn t have that . Here, the only thing that matters is your magic . No one will look down on you because of your bloodline or background . Ferde is developing quickly, but it s still fragile . Stay and protect it . Conation appeared on Evelina s face . Her lips quivered she wanted to say something . Link chose this time to add, Eve, the current power difference isn t that important . Then what is important Who s growing . As long as they kept growing, they would surpa.s.s the other someday . Evelina s mouth opened a bit . She looked dazed . Being in Ferde for these days, she indeed saw that the territory was changing . Something new was created almost every day . In the Mage Tower, new spells would be invented daily . This kind of place was growing indeed . Right now, it may just be a small tree, but as long as it wasn t destroyed, it would rise to the sky one day . Then she looked to Eliard . Something warm flowed through her heart . People were strange . You would feel disgusted by some people at first glance but for other people, your heart would speed up . To Evelina, Eliard was the type that sped up her heart . In her eyes, this half elf was practically perfect . Finally, Evelina held Eliard s hand too . You asked me this question more than ten times . This time, I ll agree . Ecstasy filled Eliard s eyes . If Link wasn t there, he probably would ve kissed Evelina hard now . Link wasn t stupid . Eliard, I ll go now . You can take care of everything else . As he spoke, white light surged around him and he disappeared . A short while later, he was inside the main tower . After sitting down, Link took out the Moon Stone reward from the mission . Just as he was about to study it, someone knocked on the door . Enter . Gildern walked in with a letter . It had a glowing red magic seal . Seeing it, Link s brows furrowed . Lord, this letter is handwritten by General Kanorse of the Orida Fortress .