Vivian glanced at Duke upon hearing this, about to say something, when Grace’s voice came through.
"The temporary spatial passage established through the Summoning Ceremony can only accommodate one person."
Grace could see right through Vivian’s thoughts, cutting off her idea directly.
"Then what about Duke?" Vivian looked worried.
"He can take a ship to the Appalachian Coast, it’ll just be a bit later than you." Grace said.
Vivian frowned; she had heard of how dangerous sea voyages could be, especially such a long one from one continent to another.
The entire journey would be filled with various dangers and uncertainties, and whether the ship could successfully reach the West Coast was unknown.
After a moment of thought, Vivian said, "I’m sorry, Lady Grace, I’ve decided to travel to the West Coast with Duke by ship."
When Grace heard this, she fell silent.
"Vivian!" Duke and Earl Hardy instantly became anxious, with Earl Hardy even glaring at Duke, as if wishing he could eat him alive.
Duke tried to persuade, "You don’t have to do this, you go first, I’ll follow shortly."
But Vivian shook her head, "No, I can’t let you embark on such a journey alone, I wouldn’t be at ease."
Letting her take the safe and quick spatial passage, while Duke crossed the ocean alone, was something she couldn’t do.
Grace said, "Vivian, you should think it over. Through the spatial passage, you can instantly reach the West Coast, while taking a ship will take several months. If some special circumstances arise, it could take even longer."
"The sea is home to many mysterious and powerful creatures; it’s the territory of the Sea Race. Even wizards cannot act recklessly there. Are you sure you want to give up this chance?"
With determination, Vivian said, "I want to sail with Duke. I’d rather sleep forever in the sea with him than live with regret for the rest of my life."
Duke sighed, knowing that no one could dissuade Vivian now.
A moment later, Grace said, "Very well! I like you even more now, young lady. Youth is really wonderful! Should you arrive at the Thorn Holy Tower, I’ll personally take you as a student."
"Vivian! Hurry and thank Lady Grace!" Earl Hardy was pleasantly surprised to hear this.
Vivian hurriedly bowed, knowing well the weight of these words.
Originally, Grace promised Earl Hardy that one of his descendants could join the Thorn Holy Tower.
But becoming her student was a completely different concept.
Even in the Thorn Holy Tower, Grace was a highly esteemed wizard, and many wizard apprentices of the seventh and eighth grade yearned for the chance to become her student but had no opportunity.
Now, she had given Vivian such a chance, showing she truly cherished this somewhat stubborn young girl.
"In that case, I look forward to our future meeting, Vivian." Grace’s voice faded into the mist, gradually becoming ethereal.
The purple mist gradually dispersed, and the basement slowly returned to its previous state, everything once again calm.
"Vivian..." Duke was somewhat heavy-hearted, not knowing how to express himself.
Vivian’s actions left him unsure of how to repay her.
Vivian smiled slightly, "Don’t you think that experiencing a sea voyage is a fine thing?"
Earl Hardy approached, glanced at Duke, snorted, and then took off his red glove, handing it to Vivian.
"Father, I can’t take this, you need it for protection." Vivian hurriedly refused.
This red glove was Earl Hardy’s most important item, which had saved him from numerous crises over the years.
With heartfelt earnestness, Earl Hardy said, "Child, this was always yours, I just kept it for you for a few years. I’m quite safe in the territory and don’t need demonized items. You are about to enter the wizarding world, and it’s dangerous there; you need this more."
In the end, Vivian accepted the red glove, wearing it on her right hand, where it fit perfectly.
Originally, Earl Hardy wearing this feminine red glove seemed incongruous and had been privately mocked by many.
Now, with Vivian wearing it, it added a touch of mysterious allure to her girlish charm.
"The enchantment on the glove can stop an opponent’s heart and cause their blood to clot temporarily." Earl Hardy glanced at Duke while saying this, "If this boy ever treats you poorly, use this glove... humph!"
Earl Hardy’s gaze at Duke was as sharp as a dagger, seemingly hoping Vivian would use the red glove to take Duke’s life, as if it would be akin to doing it himself, venting some of his pent-up frustration.
Vivian, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but laugh.
...
Over the following month, Earl Hardy assisted Duke and Vivian in preparing for their departure.
Parad Province, the southernmost province of the Vera Kingdom, also boasted the most ports, with various ships available.
Duke and his companions needed to take a ship to the Appalachian West Coast, yet ships capable of such long-distance journeys were scarce, even in Parad Province’s ports.
Earl Hardy looked everywhere, leveraging numerous connections and networks, and finally secured some reliable information, settling the ship arrangements.
During this month, Duke focused on mastering skills, advancing the Giant Whale Breathing Technique to the eighth level.
Just one more level, and he could ascend to the rank of a Great Knight.
[Giant Whale Breathing Technique Level Up, Constitution +0.3, Strength +0.1, Agility +0.3]
[Giant Whale Breathing Technique: LV8 (1/3000)]
[Constitution: 11.6]
[Strength: 12.4]
[Agility: 11.6]
[Spirit: 9.1]
[Free Attribute Points: 1]
Duke examined his attributes on the Skill Tree, noticing that attributes like constitution were becoming difficult to improve.
Even after elevating the Breathing Technique to the eighth level, it only brought minimal attribute enhancement.
Further advancements would likely become even harder.
He considered directly adding the point to Spirit, but after some thought, decided to hold off, leaving it for flexibility in future situations.
More importantly, Duke understood the value of free attribute points, aiming to enhance Spiritual Power through other means first, maximizing value by using them afterward.
During this period, Duke also returned to Yining Village and Endland Town, bidding farewell to Uncle John and others, informing them of his journey to distant lands and potential long absence.
He specifically requested Earl Hardy to look after Mr. Wood and the villagers, giving Mr. Wood a considerable amount of Gold Coins.
These Gold Coins were intended for the villagers’ use, with Mr. Wood acting as custodian, available for any needs that might arise in the future.