Chapter 147

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Astral stones are the most important component for cosmic travel. It is also a very valuable resource which is only circulated usually in the Morning Star Magus or higher echelon. Even if one were to get their hands of them, they would be extremely expensive and the amount of astral stones wouldn't be much. The expense of Astral stone is humongous so, there is never really a surplus in the first place.

The lack of the circulation in lower rank is obviously because magus below simply cannot make use of astral stones the same way Morning star Magus could. Lower rank magi could at most send a spiritual seed through the gate since the travelling with the body, only being possible and viable for Morning Star. There is also the expensive price one has to pay which is very hard to accumulated for lower level magi because although Rank 3 is respected in central continent, only the Morning star Magus holds the true brass ring.

There is alse various risk involved as well such as the unusual beings in the cosmos which are also very powerful and threatening, so much so that even some are capable of contending or even threatening against a Rank 4.

This is the reason why the practice of astral experimentation is usually not conducted by Magus lower than Rank 4. There is obviously some exception to this rule, who indulge in this risky endeavor either way.

This is on the premises, if they could get their hands on astral stones necessary for the travel, cosmic transportation array needed to create the gate, and good enough Magus Tower to support the extensive usage of the energy needed amidst the process.

These three reason have shunned various Rank 3 Magus and only the descendants from great magi Royal Family have a leeway through this, credit of their powerful elders.

For Leylin these hurdles weren't much difficult to cross. The first step which is acquiring the Astral stones which is also the most difficult for normal Magus, was in fact the easiest for Leylin since he got few pieces of Astral stones hidden somewhere in the corner of the Vaults in Beast World. These stones are both good in numbers and great in quality it could easily support his experiment even after his ascension into Rank 4.

Leylin also knew about some other sources to get the astral stone like Rolithe Family head earrings which contained a small astral stone or the auction by Azure Mountain Auctions, Leylin could have managed it even if he didn't got some in Beast World but he greatly appreciated this finding since both the amount and the quality is very high and it saved him lots of trouble.

Speaking of Azure mountain, that is a good juicy and fat piece of meat that Leylin couldn't wait to have a piece of later on, when he has the ability to negotiate with them.

The second step is gaining the astral gate lower version to allow spiritual seed to pass through was also not much difficult, courtesy of his teacher benevolence towards teaching him along with his participation in the gate experiment and various books he got to explore.

And today, the last step which was hindering him was also completed, as his Magus Tower was finally established up and running.

'There is still some modifications I need to make with the knowledge I have about the cosmic gate and then create the formation afterwards, then I would be able to start experimenting but it would be better to first make use of the gains from Quicksand Organization.' Leylin left the room and sat down in the longue room to enjoy a cup of tea. He was already contemplating about his future path. Currently, it would be better to not be so hasty. There is about a hundred years left before the situation become detrimental for the clan.

Leylin was quietly bidding his time, since he has to first accumulate and assimilate his strength completely. He also needs to find a way to gather more information about the Point Mass of Morning Star. The main reason crossing the bridge from Rank 3 and ascending into Rank 4 is so hard is because of the lack of knowledge people have during the breakthrough. Leylin wouldn't make that mistake, he would make sure he succeeds with guarantee and not only become Rank 4 but become the strongest Morning star magus.

'When I get the information about the experiments on modifications and studying of various bloodline from the Quicksand Warlock Organization it would be very helpful for me. The only thing limiting me is some gaps in more knowledge, once this step is successfully completed, It would mark my rise. There is also that Lamia Fingerbone along with innumerable bloodline treasures, those would be great.' Leylin couldn't help but salivate thinking about the prospect of the treasures there.

Leylin knew that Robin wants to create a team for an expedition towards the pocket dimension of Quicksand Warlock organization which is in the Forgotten Land.

Quicksand was the organisation that created the pocket dimension. Legend had is that it was a Warlock-based organisation, but it was unlike that of the Ouroboros Clan which only accepted Warlocks of the same bloodline. Instead, it was heterogeneous, and would accept Warlocks of any bloodline. As a result, the condition of the members was extremely complicated, and there were even some members with bloodlines that were only heard of in folklore!

And this pocket dimension seemed to have been constructed by the Quicksand Organisation, as a place meant for experimentation on the modulation and combination of bloodlines.

Of course, no matter how formidable Quicksand once was, it had disappeared in the ancient final war, and was now an abandoned mysterious region.

Just recently, In the Eastern region of the Forgotten Land, a pocket dimension was found and Robin knew about this through his channels.

According to speculations, The pocket dimension has been damaged during the clash between Morning Star Magi. Due to its regenerative abilities, a small portion of it was preserved and was unearthed recently.

The damage output of a Morning Star Magus was immense. Their final techniques held power akin to nuclear bombs, and had the ability to wipe out countries. Thus, the central continent had signed a peace agreement that forbid the wanton usage of final techniques, restricting Morning Star Magi from using their full strength.

Still, even with such a contract, some disputes escalated to the point that battle was inevitable. Clashes between Morning Star Magi still occurred, and devastated the land every single time.

In Twilight Zone, two Morning Star Magi had inadvertently destroyed the passages linking it to the rest of the Magus world, isolating the place for thousands of years.

Even in the much vaster central continent, with Morning Star, Radiant Moon and even Breaking Dawn Magi watching over, such battles would still cause a large amount of damage to the area.

Moreover, some regions would be damaged to the extent that there was no return. All sentient species would go extinct, and elemental particles would start leaking whenever someone visited the area, causing the strength of a visiting Magus to drop greatly.

Gradually, some of the affected areas became lands of death. Only strange species and convicts who could not mix with the rest would bear the hardships of the environment and settle down there.

The Forgotten Land was one such place.

Legend has it that in such vile conditions all the beings would strive to promote their strength, and evolve in a horrifying direction. Over time, they would form an extremely strange race, and the place would be fraught with dangers.

Pocket dimensions were naturally not rare in the central continent, and the Ouroboros Clan itself had the powers to construct one themselves. Although the major powers of the central continent were focused on interdimensional travel, rank 2 and 3 Magi still built pocket dimensions.

But the resources in the Forgotten Land were extremely poor normally. That a pocket dimension, a type of region known for being rich in resources, had appeared there would lead to a lot of competition and bloodshed.

According to the intelligence Robin got, there is a huge pocket dimension there filled with resources. It belonged to a Warlock organisation of ancient times and as long as it's a Warlock organisation, due to the bloodline limitations of Warlocks, they are the most passionate about collecting bloodlines to mix and modulate in their experiments. As a result, one will be able to find many materials Warlocks urgently need.

Originally Robin would have invited Leylin along with Kesha and begin this expedition accompanied by their vassals but it wasn't the case now. Although Leylin could feel that Kesha wanted to get him included, it must have been Robin decision to not have him join.

The reason why Robin did not invite Lucan who is Crystal Phase, or even directly reported it to Gilbert, is exactly why he didn't invite Leylin too!

Robin himself was at the Hydro Phase, and with Kesha at the Vapour Phase too he could suppress her easily. If they were to call Leylin, how would they distribute the potential yield?

And if he were to inform their Mentor, there might not be many resources left for him.

Of course, Robin had made the decision after examining their strength. He knew that if the three of them were to join forces, they would be able to obtain the resources in the mysterious region but it wouldn't be in his favor. Robin didn't want to invite someone who could overrule him, although they are friends, in front of benefit no one can say for sure what may happen.

If by an off chance they were to meet obstacles they could not overcome or were not able to succeed eventually, there was still time to invite Lucian, Leylin or Gilbert then.

Leylin didn't mind this outcome either because he won't go there either way. This is because he already got a method to have his way.

Leylin has commanded the company of Lancy, Cole and Roderick to extract the benefits way before anyone else get their hands of the valuable information about the pocket dimension tear. The trio has already moved into the location and has been stalking the area. Lancy with her prophetic skills could detour around the troublesome area, her being a Magus with A. I. Chip assistance enabled her to outsmart, outperform and outmanoeuvre any Magus at equal strength as her. Both Cole and Roderick combined together could distress a Crystal Phase Magus. This team is the most efficient one to get the job done and when one adds the insight about all the secrets that Leylin knew about the pocket dimension and the obstacles they could expect, their success become all the more inevitable.

Robin have to make preparations on his end and it need about 2 more months. After 3 months, They would gather at the headquarters and set off then. By that time Leylin subordinates would have returned with the riches. With Leylin estimation of the actual turn of events, the interruption of The Morning Star Magus involvement wouldn't be arriving until his team was already sitting near him handing him the treasures.

.....

About three months had passed in the blink of an eye.

Leylin was now inside of the black Magus Tower, with various runes and strange metal plates on the ground.

"Form!" Crystal spiritual force congealed to form a solid rune pen that carved out refined, complicated patterns on the metal plates. All the patterns combined to form a dazzling spell rune and imprint.

After the last stroke was completed, the many metal plates were shrouded with dim light.

'Hmm the work has been good, there is still many work to do done but the progress is as expected.' Leylin smiled as he put the pen down and ordered the tower genie Flair to prepare some snacks for him.

A ring-shaped rune suddenly brightened on Leylin's hand.

"I have ordered the genie to let you in. Come over!" Leylin said, his tone holding within a command that was difficult to ignore. He was rather nonchalant despite the slight expectations in heart.

Three black figure appeared from the air, and came to stand silently beside Magus Tower.

The entrance to the Magus Tower opened up with a rumble, welcoming its master's guests.

They went all the way to the reception room, and only then did the tension around the group and their facial muscles relax as they respectfully bowed towards Leylin.

"Stand up! You don't need to conceal yourself anymore here. My Magus Tower has powerful detection spell formations. Even the spying of Morning Star Magi can be recognised!"

The trio in black robes didn't hesitated, and then threw back their hood, revealing a bunch of familiar faces. These were Lancy, Cole and Roderick, although Leylin could see that their appearance were a bit shabby, beat down and spent with few minor injuries, but they seemed to be okay.

Today is the day when Robin leaves the clan to Forbidden Land near Nefarious City, and today is also the day when Leylin servant returns with all the riches leaving nothing for him to gain except of some meaningless fights.

"Master!" Lancy went forward and exclaimed in a low voice. She had a beautiful smile and was in a very pleasant mood. Leylin signalled them to sit down.

"You have done a fabulous job, I expected nothing less from you. Cole, Roderick you both has also served me well. I have prepared some awards for you. It can help you to breakthrough so be sure to work hard." Watching taking a seat, Leylin spoke. Both Cole and Roderick were unable to hold in their excitement when they heard his words. They stood up again and bowed respectfully.

Leylin smiled mildly and asked them to rest while Lancy would report about the mission.

After they left Leylin called her over and Lancy stood up from her seat sitting near Leylin resting her head on his soldiers and letting all of her worries and stress out. Leylin wrapped his hands around her and asked slowly, "I hope there weren't any troubles on the way here."