Chapter 616: Chapter 525: The Foreign Exploration Team
Having raced as an Energy Body, it took about forty minutes from the capital to reach the northern region. The Space-Time Gate was not in a mine, but located in a valley.
However, like other areas, due to the massive influx of Magic Power, the entire area had begun to crystallize, giving it a shimmering appearance.
To supply logistics for the expeditionary army, the church had also set up a camp and some necessary measures here, which now conveniently facilitated the council’s post-acceptance management.
“Master Rafael, I didn’t expect you to be leading the team this time,”
Upon entering the valley, Lynn immediately noticed Rafael and others gathered around the bustling Space-Time Gate, listening to Sean explain the workings of the quartz clock, and he greeted them with a hint of surprise.
He was aware that Rafael’s name was next on the list for promotion to legendary Wizard, so he shouldn’t have been so eager to acquire merits just yet.
Lynn had thought it would be one of the lower-ranked Six-Ring Wizards chosen, wanting to use this merit to improve their promotion ranking.
Like Alade… if one didn’t consider his somewhat impulsive nature, he would be quite suitable.
“Who made me so understanding and unattached? My apprentices are all independent now, so I was chosen,” Rafael shrugged, his tone somewhat helpless.
Lynn chuckled. Of course, he didn’t believe it was for that silly reason.
At that moment, Vittorio, who was responsible for operating the Space-Time Gate, spoke up to explain a few things. Rafael had a broad involvement in various disciplines, specializing in Elemental Studies and Alchemy, as well as possessing significant research in electromagnetism and optics, and his trustworthiness was why he was entrusted with this important task.
“From what you’ve said, you definitely were the best choice for the leader of this operation,” Lynn nodded, thoroughly agreeing with Vittorio’s assessment.
The strength of a leader’s magic power was secondary; what was necessary was sufficient capability, or rather, avoiding conflict was what this operation truly needed.
In comparison, versatility in skills was more important since no one knew what situation they would encounter on the other side of the Space-Time Gate.
Under the praises of Lynn and Vittorio, Rafael’s face lost its helpless expression, replaced by a hint of a smile, indicating that being chosen also represented the council’s recognition and trust in him.
The mission to gather intelligence at the Space-Time Gate was indeed perilous, but it was ultimately not a direct confrontation with the unknown strength of the Lord of Death; he was confident of retreating safely.
In fact, he was still lacking a solid achievement to truly convince others.
Rafael had managed to rank fifth among over twenty Six-Ring Wizards precisely because he had coordinated with Lynn, Harrov, and Vittorio during the capital’s defense, killing the legendary clergyman Edwell and repelling Elara’s origin descending from Heaven’s Gate.
However, many powerful Wizards had reservations about this, even suggesting that his military exploits were merely gained by following the Councilors, asserting that even a dog placed in that situation would have managed to achieve good results.
Naturally irked by these envious slanders, Rafael had nearly lost half his life to earn that honor, though without scoring a final blow, he had still managed many assists.
This venture to the Space-Time Gate was also about vindicating himself.
Lynn looked towards the other Wizards participating in the operation, noticing several familiar faces.
Like Yoland, born in the Prophecy School and knowledgeable about astronomy and geography, and Tic, who excelled in arcane, physical, and Alchemical disciplines.
There was also a Spiritual Energy Wizard named Tika, rumored to be a linguist proficient in hundreds of dialects within the empire, and one surprising individual— Ivina.
“What are you doing here?” Lynn asked in surprise.
A week ago, he had confessed his identity to the young woman, explaining the reasons clearly, and they hadn’t met since then; later, he heard from an Attendant that Ivina had left on her own while he was talking with Sean.
Lynn hadn’t minded too much, thinking it was for the better. Some things, once clarified, only bring awkwardness to further meetings. Yet, to his surprise, she had joined the exploration team.
This puzzled him somewhat. With Ivina’s former identity as a member of the punitive force, how had she managed to infiltrate their ranks?
“She came over with your letter of recommendation; wasn’t it you who arranged for her to come?” Vittorio looked at Lynn in surprise, having thought Ivina was specifically arranged by Lynn, which is why he had agreed.
Lynn’s mouth twitched involuntarily. He had written that recommendation letter for Ivina to recover her previous civil servant exam scores without restriction by her past identity, to excel in an administrative position, and perhaps even become a mayor in a few years. He had never expected her to use it here.
Seeing Lynn’s expression, Vittorio realized his mistake and immediately frowned at the brunette girl.
Under the imposing aura of a legendary Wizard, Ivina showed no fear or panic. Her face remained serene as she began to explain.
“I’ve heard a lot about the Space-Time Gate from Bud, and perhaps I can be of some help in this operation. Like Master Rafael, I am unattached, so even if I accidentally die there, it won’t cause any negative impact.”