Wizard Earl

Putting aside the matter of the intermediate version of Blood Witchcraft for the time being, Connor's thoughts began to wander. The things Philo had just told him—that Reyes' rise to power and success in the wizarding world was due to his inheritance of Byzantine wizarding tradition—had many similarities to the information Martina had left him!

"Anduin Genoa!"

Thinking of Martina, the woman who left him with her last message, a hint of confusion appeared in Connor's eyes as he hurried on his way!

When Rune was still a high-ranking wizard apprentice, Connor and Margaret deduced from the information "Anduin Genoa" that the ruins of an ancient Byzantine city were buried in the Navas Forest near Frosinone, and that this place might be related to Reyes's scheme against Connor. However, in the year or so since arriving in Frosinone, Connor had been preoccupied with various matters and never had the time to go to the Navas Forest to investigate!

Now, having learned from Philo that Reyes' success might stem from obtaining the legacy of a Byzantine wizard in some ruins, Connor couldn't help but have some thoughts running through his mind. Perhaps he should set aside some time to visit the Navas Forest and see what secrets it holds...

Three days later, Connor returned to Frosinone and, through the telepathic jade ring, invited Margaret to a park on the outskirts of Frosinone. The two sat on a park bench, looking at the colorful sea of ​​flowers in front of them, and their hearts found temporary solace.

Leaning on Connor's shoulder, Margaret watched the butterflies frolicking carefree in the sea of ​​flowers, a hint of envy flashing in her beautiful eyes. She murmured softly, "They look so happy..."

Hearing Margaret's words, and sensing that her condition had worsened since their last meeting, Connor's mood darkened. After carefully considering his words, Connor whispered to Margaret beside him, "I went to Susspades a few days ago and saw that Philo!"

Upon hearing this, Margaret frowned slightly. After a few seconds, she understood Connor's thoughts and said somewhat self-pityingly, "Connor, are you saying I'm useless?"

Sensing the complaint in Margaret's words, Connor took her soft, boneless hand in his, smiled, and shook his head at her, saying, "How could that be? Margaret, you're my most important battle partner!"

At this point, Connor gently stroked Margaret's beautifully upturned nose with a look of affection before speaking to her very seriously, "Margaret, your first priority right now is to take care of yourself. I'll take care of the rest!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Connor took out the dark red crystal ball that Firo had given him from his spatial ring, and then said to Margaret with some regret and apology, "After I met Firo in Saspede, we fought. Margaret, you're right, Firo is indeed very strong! After our exchange, neither of us could gain the upper hand. Finally, after a conversation, he gave me this crystal ball. This crystal ball contains a medium-level version of Blood Witchcraft!"

"A medium-level version of blood witchcraft?" Margaret glanced at the dark red crystal ball in Connor's hand with some surprise upon hearing Connor's introduction.

In response to Margaret's question, Connor nodded somewhat helplessly and said, "That's right! The intermediate version of Blood Witchcraft is superior to the simplified version you're currently practicing, but it's still far inferior to the Blood Moon Codex that Philo is practicing. Margaret, your situation is something the previous inheritors of the Blood Moon Codex encountered, and this is their solution to the problem."

"Philo told me that switching to this intermediate version of blood witchcraft can basically make up for the shortcomings of your current practice. I checked, and what Philo said is correct. Practicing this version of blood witchcraft can indeed greatly alleviate your current physical condition, Margaret. However..." Connor stopped there, looking at Margaret with apologetic eyes.

Sensing the apology in Connor's eyes, Margaret took the dark red crystal ball from his hand, played with it for a while, then gently kissed Connor's cheek and whispered in his ear, "Tell me, I can accept any outcome!"

Seeing Margaret's understanding nature, Connor's mood grew even heavier. He took a deep breath and slowly said, "Based on my examination, while switching to the intermediate version of Blood Witchcraft can alleviate your current physical condition, it also has drawbacks. Although these drawbacks are subtle, I've still managed to uncover them. For you, this meditation method is more like drinking poison to quench your thirst, a slow-acting poison. It's less about alleviating and more about delaying—postponing your current physical condition until it erupts in the future!"

"According to my calculations, Margaret, given your physical condition, switching to the intermediate version of Blood Witchcraft could probably delay things for ten to fifteen years. While this would provide temporary safety, it would create significant hidden dangers for you later. If Margaret still cannot switch to the complete version of Blood Witchcraft, 'Blood Moon Magic,' within the next five years, you are destined to die. The rest of your time will be spent waiting to die, and no one will be able to save you..." After saying his last words in a deep voice, Connor's eyes gradually revealed a hint of killing intent.

After receiving the analysis report on this intermediate version of blood witchcraft from the auxiliary chip, Connor did not hesitate. He turned back to Navas Forest, intending to fight Firo to the death and snatch the Blood Moon Codex from Firo's hands no matter what!

Unfortunately, just a few hours ago, Philo had confidently told Connor that he would be waiting for him here for a while, and that Connor could come to him anytime. However, Philo had already disappeared without a trace, and even the cabin in the forest had been burned to ashes.

After searching carefully, Connor found no clues about Firo's whereabouts in the ashes. However, Connor did not give up and searched the towns around Susspad again, but unfortunately, the final result was still disappointing. This is why Connor did not return until three days later.