Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

Chapter 99 Trial Ends

As for the targets of the hunt, they were all pseudo-wizard-level creatures.

These pseudo-wizard-level creatures are:

A "Corrupted Abyss Colossus" mutated from devouring too many abyssal crystals; a "Lich Remains" that retains some of its former magical abilities; a "Lord of Abominations" stitched together from countless undead and possessing multiple soulfire cores; a "Parasitic Mind" dwelling within the skull of a bone dragon and proficient in necromancy curses; and finally, a "Death Knight" riding a nightmare beast, seemingly a resurrected ancient undead general.

Every battle was thrilling, showcasing teamwork and individual skills to their fullest potential.

Kate's role is becoming increasingly important: controlling the field of the Reincarnation Nursery, launching deadly attacks or rescues through spatial flashes, and interfering with the core of the undead at crucial moments with the Seed of the Spirit.

His performance earned him even greater recognition and trust from his partners.

Of course, the harvest was also extremely bountiful.

A large amount of Tier 4 peak materials, precious undead special items, and a huge amount of points.

Kate's points soared, eventually reaching a number that others could only dream of.

Throughout this process, the micro-dialysis deep within the mind never ceases.

The fragments of the Root of Immortality are quietly changing under the constant, gentle stimulation of the source of death.

Its emerald green light became more restrained and profound, the life essence flowing inside became more powerful and pure, and the mysterious regular patterns on its surface became clearer.

More importantly, Kate could clearly sense that the "immortal" characteristic contained within the fragment was being gradually activated and strengthened.

It is no longer merely a material containing life energy, but has truly begun to transform into a living, evolving, and rule-based marvel!

This transformation, when reflected in the cycle of rebirth and the sea of ​​the spirit, means an increasingly solid foundation, a slow but unwavering growth of spiritual power, and a deepening understanding of the rules of life and death.

Finally, after more than 140 days of microdialysis.

As usual, Kate ended her meditation and looked inward into her spiritual sea.

The fragment of the Heart of the Dead had become dim and lifeless. The vast source of death and fragments of rules within it had been almost completely drained, leaving only a trace of weak energy.

The fragments of the Root of Immortality, on the other hand, are emerald green, like the finest imperial jade. Their inner radiance flows, emanating a vast and resilient life force, and the golden, regular patterns on their surface are almost transparent!

[Final stage of microdialysis: Residual energy of the deceased's heart 1% - 0.5% - 0.1% -]

[The drainage channel is closed.]

[The microdialysis procedure has been completed.]

[Immortal Root Fragment Growth: Stage 1 (Mature)]

[Total amount of Life Essence increased by 120%]

[Life Rule Imprint Activity Increased: 300%]

[New Traits: Weak Death Resistance (Medium), Undead Intimidation (Weak), Life Steal (Passive, Weak - Slowly absorbs the death energy of surrounding undead and converts it into life force)]

[Stability of the recurring nursery increased by 20%]

It worked!

It was a complete success!

Feeling the newly revitalized root in her spiritual sea, radiating boundless vitality and an air of immortality, and the cold settlement data of the Seed of Origin in her mind, Kate felt an indescribable surge of excitement and a sense of accomplishment.

Nearly 150 days and nights of painstaking work, meticulous control, and countless fine-tuning —

Finally, this immense danger was transformed into a solid foundation that laid the cornerstone for future legends.

The value and potential of the fragments of the Root of Immortality at this moment far exceed those before.

Not only is its life essence greatly enhanced, but more importantly, it gains a trace of resistance to or even the ability to transform the power of death.

This will be of immeasurable benefit to his future exploration of the undead plane and even the abyss.

All of this is a safe and steady improvement based on his own unique abilities.

"It's time to go out."

Kate stood up and stretched her limbs.

The trial is coming to an end; it's time to tally up the points and claim the generous rewards.

He pushed open the door of the small building and walked outside.

As soon as they reached the vicinity of the square in the center of the town, they saw Evan, Sophia, Kyle, Serena, and Elena.

They seemed to have just returned from a hunt, still carrying a faint aura of death and undisguised fatigue, but their eyes were full of sharpness and the joy of a successful hunt.

"Kate!"

"Junior!"

Upon seeing Kate, the five of them lit up and surrounded her.

"You little rascal, this trial lasted a really long time!" Evan patted Kate's shoulder hard, feeling the increasingly unfathomable yet perfectly balanced aura emanating from him. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. "Looks like you've gained a lot! Your aura—it feels almost like that of a newly promoted full-fledged wizard!"

A smile appeared on Sophia's rock-like face: "We were worried you'd miss the deadline in the last few days of the trial."

"

Elena's silver eyes shimmered, lingering on Kate for a moment before a hint of surprise flashed across her face: "Your life essence—is more vast and purer, and—it seems to have gained a peculiar resilience, as if it can resist annihilation?"

Kyle and Serena exchanged a glance in the shadows, both seeing seriousness in each other's eyes. Kate seemed even more dangerous to them now.

Kate smiled slightly: "Some progress has been made, at least it hasn't disappointed the wise man." He didn't explain the microdialysis process in detail, as that involved his most core secret.

"Your points—" Elena stared at the huge light screen leaderboard in the center of the square, suddenly stunned.

Evan and the others followed her gaze.

At the very top of the list, the number following each name had become an astonishing figure: Kate had 11562 points, while the second-place winner, Chloe of the Starry Sky Tower, had 5899 points.

Third place goes to Leo from Thorn Garden, with 5431 points.

The other members of the Azure Summit Alliance, including Evan and Elena, were also in the top ten, but their scores were between 4000 and 5000.

between.

Kate's points are almost double that of the second-place player! A precipitous lead!

"—Eleventeen thousand five hundred and sixty-two?!" Sophia gasped, her jaw nearly dropping. "How did you do that?!"

Evan was also dumbfounded: "We risked our lives, hunting down several pseudo-official wizard-level undead, and this is only—you—"

They knew Kate had a high score, but they didn't expect it to be this high! This is beyond the comprehension of a normal Level 4 apprentice!

Kate touched his nose and said calmly, "I was lucky and found some special undead crystals and ancient relics, which have a high exchange rate." He gave a vague explanation, attributing the reason to an unknown adventure.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. Although they found it unbelievable, considering Kate's consistent performance and unfathomable strength, it seemed—not entirely impossible.

Just then, the light in the square suddenly dimmed.

The recorders on all the apprentices' wrists vibrated simultaneously.

A grand and majestic voice, as if from the heavens above, resounded throughout the town, penetrating the very soul of every apprentice: "The Myriad Manifestations Trial Tower, the seventh opening of the Southern Region's New Era, has come to an end!"

"All trial participants, cease all activity and prepare for teleportation!"

Before he finished speaking, an incredibly thick beam of light descended from the sky, enveloping the entire town!

A powerful spatial force enveloped everyone!

A dizzying sensation washed over me!

When her vision cleared again, Kate found herself no longer in the desolate and gloomy world of the Everlasting Wasteland, but standing once more in the outer plaza of the Void Corridor.

All around, the surviving wizard apprentices stood densely packed, numbering only about two-thirds of those who had entered. Each of them wore a complex mix of emotions, including exhaustion, lingering fear, excitement, and anticipation.

Immediately afterwards, on the high platform in front, several imposing figures, seemingly integrated with the rules of heaven and earth, slowly emerged.

Leading the group was none other than the Archmage Horn, who was in charge of this trial!

Beside him stood several other beings whose auras were equally unfathomable; they were likely projections of other high-ranking members of the Southern Council or legendary wizards.

The great wizard Horn's gaze swept across the entire room as if it were a tangible force. Every apprentice whose gaze fell upon him involuntarily lowered their heads, filled with awe.

"The trial is over!" Archmage Horn's voice boomed like a great bell, shaking everyone to their core. "Congratulations on surviving the Trial Tower! You are the most outstanding elites of this generation in the Southern Region!"

"Now, we will announce the final rankings and determine who will receive their rewards!"

Above the plaza, a massive list made of pure light energy slowly unfolded, clearly listing the names and scores of all surviving apprentices!

第一名：凯特（生命之手）——11562分第二名：克洛伊·光铸（星穹高塔）—5899分第三名：里奥·荆棘（荆棘园）—5431分第四名：艾文·风语者（生命之手）——4987分第五名：伊莲娜·星辉（生命之手）——4872分第六名：影歌·莫里斯（暗影堡）——455分第七名：阿尔冯斯·怒涛（潮汐神殿）——4521分第八名：索菲亚·岩心（生命之手）——4389分第九名：凯尔·影棘（生命之手）—4311分第十名：瑟琳娜·幽影（生命之手）——4255分当榜首那夸张的积分和名字出现的瞬间，整个广场先是死一般的寂静，随即爆发出巨大的譁然！

"11562?! Are you kidding me?!"

"Kate? The Kate from 'The Hand of Life'?!"

"How could he possibly be so much taller than Miss Chloe?!"

"This...this score is more than double that of the previous champions, right?!"

"A monster! He's a monster!"

"The Hand of Life has made a killing this time! They've got six of the top ten spots!"

Exclamations, doubts, disbelief, envy, jealousy—all eyes instantly focused on Kate.

In the Star Tower's ranks, Chloe Lightforged's exquisitely beautiful face remained expressionless, but her slightly clenched fists and the fleeting resentment deep in her eyes betrayed her feelings.

Leo of the Thorn Garden had a livid face, and her gaze toward Kate was filled with resentment and murderous intent, making the air around her seem to turn colder.

Shadowsong Morris of Shadowhold was hidden in the shadows, his expression obscured, but his chilling aura only intensified.

The members of the Green Crown Alliance were both surprised and delighted, their gazes towards Kate filled with pride and amazement.

Evan laughed loudly and slapped Kate's shoulder hard again: "Good lad! You're really something! Number one! Hahaha!"

High Wizard Horn raised his hand and pressed down, the powerful pressure instantly silencing all the noise.

His gaze fell on Kate, with a hint of barely perceptible inquiry and admiration: "The points ranking is recorded fairly by the All-Encompassing Recorder and is beyond question."

"According to the trial rules, the top 100 will receive the Rising Star Medal and preferential treatment in alliance resources."

"The top fifty will be able to enter the outer perimeter of the Temple of Knowledge to select advanced knowledge."

"Those ranked in the top twenty can enter the core area to select top-tier inheritances or custom-made magical artifacts."

The top ten will receive the opportunity for an elemental baptism and the privilege of asking a question to a legendary wizard!

With each announcement, a collective gasp rippled through the audience. Each of these rewards was enough to drive any wizarding apprentice mad!

High Wizard Horn's voice rose again, filled with unparalleled authority and allure: "And the top three!"

Everyone's hearts mentioned their throats!

"In addition to all the above rewards, you will receive the qualification to enter the Pool of Laws for enlightenment! And there is a very high chance that you will be accepted as a personal disciple by a legendary wizard!"

The Pool of Laws! A Legendary Disciple!

This is the stairway to supreme power, an opportunity that countless wizards dream of.

The square instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and everyone's eyes were fixed on the high platform.

Archmage Horn's gaze slowly swept over Kate, Chloe, and Leo, his voice like an ancient pronouncement: "Third place, Leo Thorn, reward: one opportunity to comprehend the Pool of Laws, and the opportunity to consult with either the Night King 'Emmon Shadowsong' or the Sage of Life 'Elune Greenleaf'."

Leo stepped forward, bowed slightly, his face filled with barely suppressed excitement and pride.

"Second place, Chloe Lightforged, reward: one opportunity to gain insight from the Pool of Laws, and the opportunity to consult with either the Lord of the Galaxy, Aaron Starpath, or the Night King, Eamon Shadowsong."

Chloe stepped forward gracefully, bowed, her posture perfect, her eyes calm, but a slight flicker in her gaze revealed that her heart was not at peace.

Finally, the great wizard Horn's gaze settled on Kate, and the atmosphere in the entire square instantly became incredibly solemn and expectant.

"First place, Kate—"

Archmage Horn paused, as if carefully choosing his words, his gaze becoming even more profound. "Your score far surpasses that of previous years. Your performance and your growth trajectory have already attracted the attention of the highest levels of the Southern Region Council."

Before he finished speaking, three deeper rifts, seemingly connecting to endless nothingness, silently opened up in the space beside Archmage Horn.

Three majestic figures, whose mere projection caused the entire world's rules to tremble, slowly emerged!

On the left is a blurry figure shrouded in an endless river of starlight, seemingly composed of billions of stars, the "Lord of the Stars," Aaron Star Orbit.

On the right is a profound being that seems to be composed of pure shadows, capable of swallowing even light—"Eternal Night King" Eamon Shadowsong.

At the center stood an ancient being, surrounded by a vast green light of life, like an incarnation of the World Tree—"Sage of Life" Elune Greenleaf.

Three legendary wizards, their projections descended upon this place simultaneously!

The entire square was instantly enveloped by an indescribable oppressive force!

All the apprentices, including the great wizard Horn, bowed their heads respectfully. Those apprentices at the peak of the fourth level felt their souls tremble.

"Kate." Elune Greenleaf, the Life Sage in the center, spoke first. Her voice was gentle yet like the sound of the world, carrying the power to make all things grow. "The life essence flowing within you is pure and resilient, deeply resonating with the laws of nature. Follow me, and your path of life will lead to eternity."

The Night King Amon Shadowsong on the right spoke in a deep, abyssal voice: "Shadows are the foundation of the universe. You control space, traverse reality and illusion, and thrive in the shadows of death. The Shadow Court needs a blade like you. Join us, and you will gain the power to control the void."

On the left, Aaron Star Orbit, the Lord of the Galaxy, has projected stars that slowly rotate: "The mystery of spacetime lies in its trajectory. The nursery you have created is the embryonic form of the universe. The Starry Sky Temple can guide you to understand all things and become a traveler of the stars."

Three legendary figures simultaneously extended olive branches to Kate, personally recruiting her.

A deathly silence fell over the plaza. Everyone was utterly stunned by this unprecedented sight! A legendary wizard! His personal disciple! Such an opportunity was extremely rare in the history of the Southern Region!

Leo in the Thorn Garden trembled slightly with jealousy. Chloe in the Starry Tower also had a hint of undisguised envy flashing deep in her eyes.

Archmage Horn's voice rang out at the opportune moment, tinged with excitement: "Kate! This is the highest honor bestowed upon the top spot by the Southern Council! You may choose one of the three legendary figures to become their personal disciple! Furthermore, your qualification to comprehend the Pool of Laws remains valid!"

All eyes were on Kate, awaiting his choice.