Nighttime.

Black Swamp was pitch black.

Insects chirped and birds called out from time to time.

Inside the room, an oil lamp gently swayed, casting a soft halo of light.

Carl, clad in his Wizard Robe, held a quill, dipped it in ink, and wrote on the yellowed paper.

Writing a letter.

He still preferred to do it by hand, not enlisting the help of a lesser wizard, as if this way showed more sincerity and better conveyed his emotions.

Dear friend Jenny,

May your days be filled with sunshine and peace, just like the blooming flowers of spring. I write this letter here, hoping to convey my profound longing and blessings.

The last time I received your letter was months ago; time flies swiftly, passing by unnoticed.

I often recall the blissful times we spent together, when we walked side by side, discussing the dreams of our future.

Now, although we are thousands of miles apart, a friend's blessings are always with you.

Life here is filled with various challenges and hardships. We often have to face wars and turmoil, but I believe that as long as we maintain firm convictions and courage, we will surely get through these difficult times.

I dearly hope that you can live a safe and happy life, far from these disturbances and suffering.

In your last letter, you mentioned making new friends and progressing in your studies, which truly delighted me.

Furthermore, I often miss the delicious food you made; compared to your beautiful and moving singing voice, your hidden culinary talent is equally astonishing.

I hope that one day, we can meet again, share the beautiful moments of our youth, and recount the experiences we've had while apart.

Finally, I once again express my longing and blessings to you.

In the coming days, in order to avoid the ravages of war, I will travel to a distant place, and it may be a very long time before I return. But no matter where I am, I wish every day for you to be filled with sunshine and warmth, and I hope your dreams come true.

Please believe that no matter where we are, our friendship will forever reside in our hearts.

Your friend,

Carl.

Date:...

He folded the letter neatly, placed it into the envelope, sealed it with wax, and set it aside.

After some thought, Carl took out another sheet of paper.

Cousin Iweni:

Cousin.

It has been several months since my last letter. I wonder how you have been and whether Jinsley has remarried...

Before long, I will be setting off on my journey.

Under the oil lamp, Carl's eyes filled with contemplation and a faint sense of attachment.

Relatives, friends, and homeland... as one ages and experiences strife, it's always hard to let go.

As he wrote, he seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

「...」

The Stout Dwarf Tavern.

It was said that the tavern keeper was of dwarven Bloodline.

Whether that was true or not, no one knew, but the fact that the owner was short and stocky with considerable strength was undeniable.

The beer was also brewed exceptionally well.

Today was a small gathering of the Star Mystic Society members; only a few were present.

"Cheers!"

Hibell's face was flushed as she raised her glass in a toast.

"BANG!"

The four members from the Star Mystic Society lifted their glasses at the same time, and everyone, regardless of gender, downed their drinks in one gulp.

"This time we part, and who knows when we'll be able to meet again."

Modili, still not fully recovered from her injuries, set down her goblet and let out a sigh, "I thought we would all go to the Wizard World, but it turns out... only I am able to go."

"We wanted to," began Oma, shaking her head, "but with only twenty spots, you're a disciple of an Official Wizard and have sufficient merit to go."

"We..."

"Carl and I are going to the Magic Forest."

"I'm staying," Hibell interjected, "I'll wait for the next group in ten years and go to the Wizard World then."

Carl nodded lightly.

"Oma," Modili turned to her side to address her, "You really want to go to the Magic Forest? That place is said to be dangerous. You might be better off waiting for the next decade to go to the Wizard World with Hibell."

Oma and Hibell, both Advanced Wizard Apprentices, would hold high positions in Black Swamp after nearly all the Official Wizards departed, almost certain to secure their spots in the next decade's quota.

Especially Hibell.

She was already the acting president of the Star Mystic Society and also the leader of a patrol team, commanding dozens of Wizard Apprentices, subtly forming a not insignificant power within the Swamp Union.

"No," Oma shook her head, "I don't like doing tasks, and even if I stayed, I'm not sure I would earn a top-twenty spot by the next decade."

"Going to the Magic Forest, I can join the Six Rings Tower straight away and even receive instruction from an Official Wizard."

As she said this, her eyes gleamed slightly.

Her tutor was just an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice. Reaching her current status was entirely due to her own efforts.

With proper tutelage and sufficient resources, I could have become an Advanced Wizard Apprentice several years earlier.

"Wizard Marian has agreed to take me on as a disciple, offering thirty hours of free lessons."

"Of course," Oma continued, "once in the Magic Forest, I would need to work for her."

A look of regret flashed in Modili's eyes, though she understood Oma's choice. She then turned her gaze toward Carl.

"Carl,"

"I thought the two of us would be able to go together."

Carl shook his head, "Ah, forget it!"

"BANG!" Hibell slammed the table fiercely, her pretty face tight with tension, "The Official Wizards are unfair! My junior brother's merit ranks in the top three; he should have been eligible for the Wizard World."

"It's fine," Carl smiled, "My Wizard Talent is too low. Even if I went to the Kaliem Continent, I wouldn't be able to join a major power."

"Now that I'm going to the Magic Forest, I am a member of the Six Rings Tower. Moreover, I have received a bottle of Green Potion. Actually, I'm the one who has benefited."

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