In the quiet room, the faint scent of tea mingled with the sound of the stream outside the window.

Mira’s voice was clear and steady, as if she were stating an established rule.

"For the conscription of the Demon Hunting War, the Glowing Forest region, as per tradition, will be assigned to the Eastern Seventh War Zone, which is under the command of the Silver Ring.

All Wizards and family factions within the war zone will be organized into the same combat units. However, solitary High Level Apprentices like you will be randomly assigned to units in need of reinforcement before you head underground."

Ian picked up his teacup, feeling the slight warmth of the celadon with his fingertips.

"How are the war zones divided? And how do participants earn rewards?"

"The divisions are based on the distribution of the underground sealing nodes and the concentration of Wizard power in each region."

Mira traced a rough outline of a map in the air above the table with her fingertip.

"Our Seventh War Zone is primarily responsible for clearing a defensive line stretching from the Rotting Moss Cave to the Iron Ridge Canyon, a section about three hundred miles deep. As for Merit Points..."

She paused, and a glint that no Wizard could resist flashed in her deep violet eyes.

"All rewards are paid out in Abyssal Crystals. After killing the underground Demons, you can collect the crystals that have condensed within their cores and turn them in. Merit Points will be awarded based on the crystal’s quality and the Demon’s Level.

These Merit Points can be used to exchange for various resources from a wartime redemption list accessible to all four major organizations.

Magic Stones, High-Level Potions, Rare Materials, and even... some of the secretly-guarded Tier One and Tier Two Witchcraft Models from within the organizations."

Ian’s gaze hardened. ’Secret Witchcraft Models... That’s knowledge no Wizard Organization would ever share lightly.’

"To motivate participants, the four major organizations will each put up some of their treasured collections as additional rewards," Mira continued.

"This time, the Silver Ring is offering three Blood Origin Contracts. They are ancient Contract Scrolls capable of transforming the bloodline of a Magic Pet or Summoned Demon, raising their potential as high as the Level Three Grand Wizard level.

Shadow Moon Tower has opened up access to the Star Moon Secret Realm. Deep Red Castle is offering trial slots for the Crimson Heart, and the Withered Council has promised a chance to use the Ashen Rebirth secret rite."

She looked at Ian. "But only those who rank in the top ten for Merit Points across all four war zones will be eligible to compete for these top-tier rewards."

As Mira finished listing the rewards, her eyes grew fervent.

"In addition to those rewards, legend says that during the Demon Hunting War, the more Abyssal Creatures you kill, the more likely you are to earn the recognition of the Wizard World’s Will and be granted a sliver of the World Origin!"

Ian didn’t show much of a reaction after hearing this.

’I don’t know what that is, but the name alone tells me it’s something incredibly valuable.’

"What’s the specific number of kills needed? What is the World Origin like?"

Mira didn’t answer directly, her gaze drifting to the hazy light outside the window.

"In past Wars, there have always been participants whose Realms become exceptionally stable after a breakthrough. Some even comprehend unique forms of Witchcraft or Secret Techniques.

Although no one has ever publicly admitted to receiving this boon... it’s an open secret.

That’s why every Demon Hunting War, even those old recluses are willing to risk coming out of seclusion."

"How long will the War last?" Ian pressed on.

"Three months at the shortest, six months at the longest. During that time, the four major organizations will work with the other races to deploy Purification Barriers in major surface strongholds and mortal towns. This is to prevent the Abyssal Aura from seeping to the surface and causing Erosion.

But outside the Barriers..." Mira’s gaze returned to Ian, her tone a clear warning. "You will be responsible for your own life and death."

She stood up, the hem of her gray robe stirring slightly. "This is all I can tell you.

In about ten days, Amos will arrive to deliver the final batch of war supplies. After that, all traveling merchants from the Silver Ring will stop going out. You must use this time to make all necessary preparations." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Ian nodded, rising to give a slight bow. "Thank you."

When he left the Dream Weaver’s Cottage, the early morning mist had not yet completely dissipated.

Ian walked along the forest path, mulling over the information Mira had revealed.

’Forced conscription... the underground Abyss... a gift from the world...’

’All I want is to pursue my Cultivation in peace. Why does that have to be so hard?’

But no matter how much he grumbled, the task at hand was to arm himself to the teeth before the Demon Hunting War began!

Returning to his tent, Ian closed the door and lit a stick of Calming Incense.

He didn’t immediately begin his Cultivation. Instead, he sat down at his workbench, took out a rough sheet of Parchment, and began to map out his war preparations.

’First, solidify my foundation and hoard resources.’

His gaze swept over the materials piled in the corner; a plan had already formed in his mind.

’When Amos arrives, I’ll use all my savings and current inventory to ramp up production of Rock Bear Potion.

A Potion that permanently strengthens one’s Physique and Power in a short time will be extremely practical in the complex, hostile environment of the underground. Plus, it’s a hot commodity; I’ll have no trouble selling it.

As long as I have enough Essence Blood, I can quickly achieve Limit-Breaking with the Rock Bear Potion. The Potion’s effects will undergo a fundamental transformation!

Then, I’ll combine that with my Bloodline Purification Technique, which has already undergone Secondary Limit-Breaking and possesses the "Awakening" special effect...

The Rock Bear Blood Essence I extract then will be astoundingly pure.

Then, I’ll use that top-tier Blood Essence as the main ingredient for a new Potion. Combined with the Dream Potion I bought from Sterling and have been saving, I can undergo a deep Body Tempering and achieve spiritual resonance!

The effects of the Dream Potion might very well awaken the latent potential in my bloodline, allowing my Physique to take a massive leap forward. It would lay the most solid foundation possible for my breakthrough to Official Wizard!’

’Second, find a Summoned Demon to cover my weaknesses.’

Ian’s gaze fell on the scroll to his side: the *Spirit Contract Manual (Fragment)*.

’The limitations of the Eye of Vigilance are becoming increasingly apparent. The underground environment is complex and treacherous. I need a more agile, more intelligent partner for reconnaissance and support.

Although the conditions for the Cunning Method are demanding, it’s worth a shot.’

’The Silent Death Mountain Range... I might have a chance there.’

Ian tapped his fingers on the desk, making a decision.

’I’ll set out tomorrow. Head deep into the Silent Death Mountain Range to search for a Summoned Demon. I’ll give myself seven days.

After seven days, I have to return to Misty Creek and wait for Amos, regardless of what I find.

Once the supplies arrive, I’ll go into seclusion immediately—a frenzy of Alchemy, Purification, and Body Tempering, right up until the conscription order comes!’

With the plan complete, Ian burned the Parchment.

In the past seven months, Ian had already completely mastered the contents of that Parchment scroll.

’And the Rock Bear Potion... one month should be enough time to achieve Limit-Breaking!’

Before leaving Mira’s cottage, he had asked her to urgently contact Amos and have him collect a large amount of Essence Blood from Rock Armor Demon Bears.

He sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes, and focused his mind, beginning to circulate the Star Moon Middle Level Meditation Method.

Within his Sea of Spirit, a phantom image of a star and moon slowly rotated, creating a faint resonance with the Power of the Stars in the outside world. Wisps of pure Energy seeped in, nourishing the fully vaporized Sea of Spirit.

The Limit-Broken Meditation Method was now about thirty percent more efficient. Considering the Realm he was on the verge of breaking through to, this was an astonishing improvement.

The faint glow from outside flowed silently past the window, and the inside of the tent was as still as the depths of an abyss.