Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

Archmage Horn's words were like a gentle spring rain, carrying the tolerance of an elder and the principles of organization, temporarily soothing the sharpest fear in Chen Lin's heart.

The abundant life energy within the barrier, pure and vast, indeed put the restless Bloodthirsty Vine patterns on his right arm into an unprecedented "dormant," and the Seed of Origin also became more active and its analytical efficiency improved due to the nourishment of the environment.

The residence arranged by the wizard Lina was located in the middle layer of the fortress, a quiet stone chamber covered with living moss and exuding the fragrance of plants. From the window, one could overlook a part of the fortress's interior—a meticulously planned herb garden, a meditation garden with a clear stream flowing through it, and in the distance, on the training ground, apprentices were practicing vibrant plant-based spells.

On the surface, this is a thousand times better than the mossy corridor of the thorn garden.

There was no pungent sulfur or putrid stench, and no ever-present threat of death.

Chen Lin was even allowed to use the basic meditation room and botanical library of the Barrier under the supervision of Wizard Glenn.

He behaved like a survivor eager to integrate, diligently completing Glenn's task of "symbiotic stability observation"—mainly recording the subtle reactions of the Blood-Eating Vine at specific concentrations of life energy—and eagerly absorbing the knowledge about basic plant cultivation, life energy guidance, and low-level purification arrays revealed by the Hand of Life.

The gentleness of Archmage Horn, the concern of Wizard Lena, the rigor of Wizard Glenn, and even the occasional serene expressions on the faces of the ordinary apprentices at the bottom of the wall, all contribute to a picture of a beautiful homeland.

However, deep in Chen Lin's heart, that strange, thorny discomfort never dissipated.

The Seed of Origin was coldly operating deep within consciousness, analyzing every magic rune it came into contact with, the characteristics of every magical plant, and even the energy fluctuations and logical structures hidden in the words of every wizard.

It tells Chen Lin that Horn's gentleness is not a pretense, Lina's concern is sincere, and Glenn's scrutiny is based on duty.

The life-giving array of the barrier is exquisite, with a highly efficient and stable energy cycle, far surpassing the brutality and bloodshed of the Thorn Garden. All of this is "real" and "superior".

But it was precisely this "superiority" and "authenticity" that made Chen Lin feel a deeper unease.

The cruelty of the Thorn Garden is naked, like the fangs of a beast, clearly visible. But here... the beauty here is like a carefully woven net, warm and comfortable, yet carrying an invisible constraint.

Horn's words, "Order and balance are the foundation of our existence," echoed repeatedly in his mind.

What is this "order"? What is the price of "balance"? Can the Bloodthirsty Vine within him, this "thorn" originating from darkness, truly be "guided" towards the light in this "evergreen" land?

Or will they ultimately be seen as heretics who disrupt the "balance" and be pruned or even removed by the "order"?

This doubt was brutally confirmed when he was first allowed to go to the "Green Market" inside the walls, guided by a junior apprentice, to exchange for some basic materials.

The market is located inside a huge cave at the base of the wall, where glowing vines hanging from the dome provide soft light.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of herbs, the aroma of fresh bread, and a faint odor mixed with sweat and anxiety. The stalls were neatly arranged, selling various magical plant seeds, basic potions, enchanting tools, and even some exquisite handicrafts.

The apprentices spoke in hushed tones, the guards patrolled quietly, and everything seemed peaceful and prosperous.

However, Chen Lin's Seed of Origin, that cold core that analyzes the origin of all things, captured the undercurrents beneath the surface of prosperity.

In an inconspicuous corner, a shop with an exquisite signboard that read "Youlan Yashe" caught his attention.

The shop was elegantly decorated, and two beautiful and gentle young women stood at the entrance. They wore simple green dresses and had polite smiles, but their eyes held an indescribable weariness and emptiness.

Soft music and whispers could be faintly heard from inside the shop. The Seed of Origin instantly deciphered a faint energy mark at the shop entrance—an extremely subtle mental suggestion array designed to soothe emotions, lower vigilance, and simultaneously mark the "client."

This is no ordinary teahouse or lounge.

brothel?

The word, like a cold, venomous snake, instantly darted into Chen Lin's mind.

How could such a place exist within the Hand of Life, an organization that prides itself on life and order? Those women... were they there voluntarily, or were they some form of "contract workers"?

Immediately afterwards, in front of a thriving potion shop in the center of the market, an argument caught Chen Lin's attention.

A haggard-looking young man, dressed in faded apprentice robes, was clutching a small vial of potion that shimmered with a faint blue light, pleading with a well-dressed, professionally smiling middle-aged pharmacist behind the counter:

"Mr. Carlos, please grant me a few more days! My mother's mental distress can't be delayed any longer! This bottle of 'Calming and Tranquilizing' potion is my last hope! That magic stone... I will definitely repay that magic stone! I can take on more quests, I can..."

The pharmacist's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes were as cold as frost: "Apprentice Allen, I sympathize with your plight."

But rules are rules.

The 50 standard magic stones you borrowed from me, plus interest, are already three days overdue.

This bottle of "Calming and Tranquilizing" is quite valuable; it would take you ten years to save up your current apprentice allowance without eating or drinking. An extension? My magic stones didn't come from thin air either.

"I...I can sign a contract! Extend the repayment period! I'll even accept a higher interest rate!" The young apprentice Allen's voice trembled with despair.

Apothecary Carlos slowly took out a roll of parchment shimmering with magical light: "Extend? Of course. We at 'Breath of Life' are the most reasonable."

This is a "labor debt repayment contract". Once you sign it, 90% of all your apprentice allowances and task rewards within the barrier for the next thirty years will automatically be transferred to this store to repay debts and interest.

At the same time, you need to complete the designated drug processing work at this store for no less than ten hours each day. During the contract period, you may not leave the protected area. Once you sign it, you can take this bottle of medicine immediately.

Thirty years! 90% of the pay! No leaving! This is tantamount to selling yourself into slavery!

Allen's face turned deathly pale instantly, and his body swayed.

He looked at the medicine bottle in his hand, then turned back to look at his mother on the hospital bed, his eyes filled with struggle and pain.

Ultimately, the hope of a cure and his concern for his mother overwhelmed everything. With trembling hands, he used his spiritual power to imprint his soul's mark on the parchment.

"A wise choice, Allen." Carlos smiled as he put away the contract and handed over the potion. "I wish your mother a speedy recovery. Remember, starting tomorrow, come to the shop on time for work."

Allen, as if his soul had been ripped out, clutched the potion and staggered away into the crowd.

The other apprentices around seemed to take this for granted, casting only a sympathetic or indifferent glance before continuing with their own business.

Chen Lin stood there, his whole body ice-cold.

The scene before them eerily overlapped with images of Derek oppressing apprentices in the Thorn Garden and Ella eliminating the "worthless."

The methods here are more "civilized" and more "legal," cloaked in the guise of "contracts" and "rules," using hope as bait to drag people into a longer and more desperate abyss.

"Order and balance..." Chen Lin pondered Horn's words in his mind, a chill rising from his spine and rushing to the top of his head.

He got it.

The Hand of Life is not heaven.

It is just another form of thorn garden.

The "order" here is built on a strict hierarchy and seemingly fair but actually harsh rules.

The "balance" here refers to the use of the dedication or sacrifice of one group to maintain the well-being of another group and the operation of the organization.

So-called "asylum" comes at a price.

The so-called "light" also hides fangs that devour the weak in its shadow.

That "Elegant Abode," and those apprentices who signed indentures, were all victims of this "order."

Horn is indeed mild-mannered, but he maintains the "order" of the entire organization, rather than the absolute freedom of any individual.

Lena's concerns are genuine, but her first priority is to ensure that the "balance" of the barrier is not disrupted.

Glenn's meticulousness is genuine; he needs to assess whether he, this "outsider thorn," will pierce their carefully maintained "evergreen" facade.

The Seed of Origin operated wildly, comparing and analyzing everything it saw in the marketplace with the rules of the Thorn Garden:

The Thorn Garden is a brutal jungle where the strong prey on the weak; failure equals death.

Resources are acquired through plunder, exploitation, and "proving value." Rules serve the strong.

The Hand of Life represents superficial peace and the rule of "fairness".

Resource acquisition depends on contributions, tasks, and loans (usury).

Failure or hardship could lead to becoming a long-term indentured servant.

Rules serve the purpose of organizational stability and the interests of those at the top.

What they have in common is that entry-level apprentices or individuals are all consumable resources.

Value determines treatment. There are mechanisms in place to "clean up" or "dispose of" individuals who do not conform to "order".

This realization was like a bucket of ice water, completely extinguishing Chen Lin's unrealistic fantasies and longing for the "White Wizard".

He no longer felt uncomfortable; instead, he felt a cold clarity and resolve.

Relying on others? Waiting for salvation? No! Whether in the thorn garden or the hand of life, strength and the ability to utilize the rules are the foundation of survival!

His goal became clear instantly:

I must break through to the fourth level of wizard apprenticeship as soon as possible!

Leveraging the advantages of the Bloodthirsty Vine and the Seed of Origin, we can fuse more and stronger magical plants!

The abundant life energy within the barriers and the relatively safe environment present an excellent opportunity.

Glenn's "observation" can be used to guide the Bloodthirsty Vine to absorb and fuse with the energy of specific magical plants under the cover of "stability testing," in an attempt to break through the bottleneck.

At the same time, it is essential to secretly research mental enhancement potions, as this is crucial for advancement.

The library and marketplace of the walled city served as channels for acquiring knowledge and materials.

Don't just sit and wait for the Barrier's supplies. Utilize the Seed's terrifying control over plants to cultivate high-value, rare magical plants in the Barrier's herb garden or through quests, and exchange them for magic stones, potions, and rare materials at the market.

At the same time, the resources obtained will be immediately converted into capital to improve strength—purchasing materials for mental energy potions, strengthening equipment, and exchanging for auxiliary items needed for fusing with magical plants.

Ella was the only person he could truly trust in this world. They had gone through the darkness of the thorn garden and the life-or-death struggle of their escape together.

More importantly, Ella is of immense value—she was once an elite apprentice of the Hand of Life and has access to information about the organization; the suppressed abyssal fungi within her body and the memories in her mechanical brain may hold the key to defeating Vivian.

If she recovers, the barrier between Chen Lin and the Hand of Life will be greatly reduced. He must quickly learn about the Hand of Life, especially its knowledge of the soul, spirit, mechanical modification, and abyssal fungi, to find a way to heal her.

This also increases one's value within the barrier.

On the surface, one should actively cooperate with Horn and Glenn's "observation" and "guidance," appearing docile, eager to learn, and possessing a sense of belonging to the organization.

Diligently complete assigned tasks, such as tending the medicinal herb garden and participating in basic purification work, to demonstrate the value of your talents in botany.

Prove through your actions that you are not a threat, but a valuable "asset".

At the same time, in the process of gaining trust, we need to gain a deep understanding of the operating rules, power structure, and resource flow of the Hand of Life, find key figures with whom we can establish "connections of interests," and make use of these powerful individuals with strong backgrounds.

The library of the fortified house is a vast treasure.

Not only must one learn botany and the application of life energy, but also contract magic, mental protection, energy detection and shielding, and potion-making—especially mental power enhancement and soul stabilization—and even basic knowledge of golem construction and energy systems.

Knowledge is power, armor to protect oneself, and a prerequisite for fulfilling the promise to help Ella.

Chen Lin's eyes turned sharp and cold, like a sharpened dagger.

He took one last look at the exquisite signboard of "Youlan Yashe" and the direction in which Allen disappeared, then turned and left the market.

Upon returning to his residence, he immediately got to work.

Take stock of the small amount of basic magic stones and materials given by the wizard Lina.

The Seed of Origin scans its own status: [The Blood-Devouring Vine Symbiote is stable, full of energy, and at the critical point of the peak of the third-level apprentice].

As night fell, the Evergreen Barrier was enveloped in a soft magical glow. Chen Lin sat cross-legged in the stone chamber, a small pot of Moonlight Moss seedlings, which he had just optimized with the Seed of Origin and which emitted a faint silvery light, on the windowsill.

He closed his eyes and focused his mind, his consciousness sinking into the Seed of Origin, and began to analyze a basic mental meditation array that he had noted down in the library earlier that day.

The Bloodthirsty Vine patterns on the right arm lay dormant in the dim light of the moonlight moss, but deep within the core of the Seed of Origin, a new analytical path was being generated: [Target: Simulation of the mental barrier structure of a Level 4 Wizard Apprentice].

In his mind, a vague plan was being outlined: how to use the "contract trap" pattern he had seen at the market to turn it around and benefit himself in the future...

Under the protection of the evergreen barrier, the seeds of thorns did not wither. Instead, they absorbed the nutrients of light and grew quietly, their roots penetrating deeper into the soil of reality, preparing to break through the soil again and pierce through all the illusory dawn.

"Boiling a frog in lukewarm water!"

Chen Lin thought to himself, "This is just a different form of battle. This battle will be a more subtle and protracted war."

This time, his battlefield is in this seemingly peaceful "evergreen" land.