After handing the captured prisoners over to the garrison at "Dierben Castle".

The officers and soldiers of the "Storm Horn", finally able to breathe a sigh of relief, didn't have time to worry about the high command's subsequent reactions, as they had already plunged into intensive training to prepare for the upcoming chaos.

At the same time.

The garrison headquarters issued orders to temporarily withdraw forces, except for maintaining basic patrol tasks.

In this atmosphere of growing oppression, noticeable even on the island, half a month flew by swiftly.

The day before the transition from autumn to winter, all crew members were reassembled, fully armed, and boarded the "Storm Horn", setting out to sea once more heading north.

During this season, the climatic differences between southern and northern regions became increasingly pronounced.

Moving from the subtropical edge of "Dierben Castle" into the temperate climate zone with distinct seasons.

The next day, they finally anchored at a fairly large deserted island, far removed from major shipping routes.

Especially at this time, it was the juncture of autumn and winter, a time marked by chilling winds. This island, already devoid of human presence, was covered in withered branches, fallen leaves, and grass, appearing exceptionally desolate.

However, this desolation was precisely what Aiven needed!

Under the command of First Mate Borg, the battleship patrolled the waters around the island, sealing off the sea. Large numbers of combat personnel, guns loaded, swords drawn, led by Boatswain Gary, divided into several patrol teams conducted a comprehensive sweep across the entire island.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

"Quick, quick, quick! Leave no corner unchecked!"

"Report, no anomalies!"

"No anomalies!"

"....."

Such a state akin to facing a formidable foe was solely to prevent any potential unforeseen factors.

Because today was no ordinary day.

It was the day their revered Captain Lieutenant Colonel Aiven would hold his promotion ceremony!

Hssss...

Approaching dusk, in a wind-sheltered pocket near the shore, guarded by trees and mountains.

On a specially arranged 15 by 30 rectangular flat stone surface, a massive and precise "Life Tree" pattern was gradually taking shape, carved by an Extraordinary Longsword.

From top to bottom, adorned with the ten original essences: "Crown", "Wisdom", "Understanding", "Compassion", "Severity", "Beauty", "Victory", "Radiance", "Foundation", "Kingdom".

Alongside the twenty-two pathways connecting these essences, forming the "Fire Sword Path", with various mystic techniques, symbols, and Spiritual Texts.

Each position was filled with corresponding multicolored Extraordinary Materials, predominantly in dark green, alongside reds, purples, yellows, and blues.

Although such a rainbow-like multicolored tree wouldn't naturally appear in the Natural World, this one seemed to harmonize surprisingly well as if aligning with a certain world rule.

As for the choice of location?

The silent sea, rugged rocks, and coarse sand were far more abundant than the marginal, already yellowed trees of the Natural World.

However.

Is the forest alone considered nature? Aren't the sea, mountains, glaciers...even deserts all part of nature? How can humans themselves be detached from nature?

Thus the Vitalist School, despite their affection for nature and neutrality, wouldn't demand that promotion ceremonies be held exclusively in vast forests, as long as the Natural World's scope outweighs Humanized World's traces.

Particularly on such an uninhabited island, traces of human alteration were nearly absent, reducing potential unforeseen events compared to lands bustling with Aboriginal activity.

The moon gradually rose, and all nearby guards saluted then sequentially withdrew to the island perimeter.

Leaving only Milan and Gary here responsible for preventing unexpected occurrences.

Although the promotion ceremonies differ among various schools of Wizards, the wizard is undoubtedly at a time of utmost vulnerability during promotion where even an unexpected mouse could cost them their life.

Unless conditions are extremely unfavorable and trustworthy individuals are unavailable, "Dharma Protector" personnel are essential.

As Aiven came to this predetermined unnamed island, he only brought his loyal cadre thoroughly vetted for loyalty from his own ship, without involving any Extraordinary officer from "Dierben Castle".

At least, without evident enemies, prioritizing the prevention of unforeseen events precedes strengthening defensive forces!

Gradually, the moon reached its zenith.

Entering the time when the world's Spiritual potential is at its strongest.

Despite the decreasing temperature in the mountain pocket, it was of no concern for the three physically robust Extraordinaries.

"It has begun!"

After Aiven signaled to the two to start, he walked barefoot in a loose white robe to the circle representing the eighth original essence "Radiance", and sat cross-legged in the most comfortable posture.

This position precisely aligned with his current spiritual realm, having illuminated the eighth, ninth, and tenth original essences.

Placing the Spirit Communication Potion, Shadow Talisman, and his original Activated Plants' seed, the "wizard flytrap", representing his greatest achievements as an apprentice, around the school's Inheritance Secret Scroll "Flesh Sacrifice" before him.

Then.

Both palms raised toward the direction of the moon.

Chanting curses in the Extraordinary Language "Jatata Language", with a rhythm both primordial and vibrantly alive, reverberated above the "Life Tree" pattern.

As the manifestation linking the Spirit Realm and Material World, a white silver sheen flowed from the sky like liquid mercury, blanketing the entire mountain pocket.

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