Nascent Soul Rebirth: Starting as a Wizard

His tone remained calm and even, but when he mentioned talismans, a faint ripple of satisfaction seemed to appear in his invisible spiritual field.

"However, the finished product is acceptable. The power of this attack is enough to completely 'erase' this production base, along with the barren associated mineral vein below, from the coordinates of this plane."

In terms of value, it's equivalent to the total output of the entire limestone production base, including mine, over a typical two-week period.

Then, another spiritual tentacle curled up the crystal core of the underground crystal beast and hovered it close.

"Approaching Level 1? Hmph, the so-called Level 1 in a micro-plane is characterized by turbid energy, rudimentary rules, and rudimentary life forms. Compared to the Level 1 life forms in the Wizarding World that have undergone a complete baptism of elemental tides and have gained insight into some of the essence of the rules, it is like dirt compared to diamonds."

His words carried the condescending indifference characteristic of the wizarding world.

"However, as a local specialty, its total energy content is decent, and its structure is quite interesting. After refining the essence, it might be possible to make a few decent earth-bound amulets, or even use it as an energy battery."

As soon as he finished speaking, an exceptionally solid spiritual tendril precisely picked out a talisman from a mountain of randomly placed talismans in the corner of the workbench, each one radiating a heart-pounding energy.

The talisman was dark gold in color, with an ancient and heavy design. Its surface was covered with faint, natural patterns that resembled the veins of a mountain range or the cracks in a tortoise shell, giving it an impression of being indestructible and eternally existing. It was carried by an invisible force and flew steadily to Solo.

"The Obsidian Spear," Saine's voice rang out, "a high-level offensive spell. Once activated, its power is comparable to the full-force attack of any quasi-Level 1 life form in this miniature plane."

Or a normal attack from a level-one life form. This is granted to you as a reward for your timely warning and the fact that your defenses did not collapse.

The talisman felt slightly heavy in his hand, not cold, but warm and substantial, as if he were holding a small piece of concentrated earth essence. The stable yet vast destructive intent contained within it sent a chill down Solo's spine.

"After all, I'd be really annoyed if that beast destroyed this base."

Finally, Sain's voice carried an undeniable authority, clearly imprinted in the minds of Solo and the inner captain—Shifa:

"Effective immediately, Solo is officially appointed as the captain of the outer perimeter defense, with full authority over the construction, training, and wartime command of the outer perimeter defense line. His authority and resource allocation are equal to those of the inner perimeter apprentice captain, Shipha."

Only then did Solo dare to slightly raise his eyes and look at the inner captain who had remained silent.

She was tall and slender, and even in a loose gray robe, her athletic figure was still visible.

Her face was covered by a silver-gray almond mask that revealed only her chin and lips. The mask's surface shimmered with subtle digital light, concealing all her expressions.

Only the eyes peering out through the mask's eye sockets were a cold, emotionless azure blue, and they were now fixed on Solo.

With a scrutinizing gaze, and a barely perceptible hint of indifferent resistance to the thinning of permissions.

Sain's voice continued, calm yet weighty: "The security and defense of the base shall be decided jointly by the two of you, and you shall report back to me regularly."

I don't want the next time I'm jolted awake from an important experiment by a level-two alert, it to be because of your shirking of responsibility, internal strife, or... incompetence.

"Yes, Master Sien." A cold, clear female voice, like ice crystals gently colliding, came from behind the mask. It was Shifa. She didn't say anything more, only bowed slightly.

"Yes, Master." Solo immediately bowed and replied, gripping the "Obsidian Spear" talisman tightly in his hand.

……

After being promoted to captain of the outer defense team, Solo's workload was finally reduced considerably.

Such extreme cases, where crystal beasts approaching the level one realm appear, are rare.

With the outer defenses that he rearranged and reinforced, he no longer needed to keep a close watch on them when facing regular rock creature attacks.

However, this is far from enough for him to leave the base with peace of mind and focus on his own cultivation.

Shortly after the audience with Master Sain, Solo went directly to Hipha.

He didn't beat around the bush, but directly stated: "I am willing to exchange the 'Obsidian Spear' charm that Master Sion just bestowed upon me for anything in your possession that can substantially enhance the outer defenses."

I need to free up more time for practice.

"You want to exchange the high-grade talisman that the master just bestowed upon you for my help?" Hipha's voice came through the mask, revealing no emotion, but his speech seemed to have quickened slightly.

"Yes, as long as the outer defenses are stronger and more autonomous, that's fine," Solo said seriously. "The defense work is taking up too much of my energy."

Hiphat's face, half-hidden behind his pale mask, was facing Solo. After a few moments of silence, he slowly spoke:

"Production within the inner perimeter is of paramount importance; I don't have the extra energy to devote to the outer defenses."

Solo thought she was going to refuse and was about to add that he only needed her to look after him occasionally when he was away for short periods, but Hipha continued speaking:

"However, I do have some 'stock' on hand, which were originally intended as an emergency plan in case the production line output did not meet the target."

The value of a high-grade talisman is enough to make me use it.

I can lend you a magical puppet; its combat power is close to that of a high-level apprentice.

Solo's face lit up with joy upon hearing this. A puppet approaching the level of a high-ranking apprentice?

That means that, except in extreme cases where a truly advanced apprentice is needed, it can almost completely replace you in holding down the line of defense!

"Don't be too happy yet." Shifa's tone turned cold instantly, like a bucket of ice water being poured over him. "This puppet 'Fabre' is my masterpiece, and I'm just 'lending' it to you."

I have the right to take it back at any time, and you must return it immediately. Furthermore, you are responsible for the cost of the essential magic crystals needed to power it.

Solo's joy froze on his face. Exquisite magic crystals? Aside from a few ordinary magic crystals he carried, he was completely penniless.

As the peripheral manager "recruited" by the Emerald Academy, he didn't even receive the military pay of the guard knights.

It's pure free labor, not to mention the exquisite magic crystals that are worth hundreds of ordinary magic crystals each!

Hiphan noticed the change in his expression and seemed to take a barely perceptible half-step back.

"Oh, I forgot, you're just a low-level apprentice, not even qualified to accumulate magic network contribution points, you're dirt poor." Her voice was neither sarcastic nor factual. "Well then..."

By signing this contract and voluntarily becoming my research subject for the 'Puppet Syndrome,' I will waive the cost of magic crystals during the use of 'Fabre.'

She spoke quickly, and a faint light flashed on her index finger, revealing a clearly defined contract outlined by energy before Solo.

Solo instinctively took it. He was currently short of money and had no choice but to check the terms first.

contract

Contracting parties: Party A (Solo), Party B (Shifa Reinhardt)