The Synthesis Wizard

On his way to Yuhu City, Facado had imagined many things about Sunan, including various guesses about his appearance, ranging from the ordinary to the bizarre.

Yet, seeing him in person, Facado realized Sunan looked like an ordinary person.

Unlike many wizard apprentices whose appearances were altered by bloodline fusion, Sunan looked just like any other human.

Except for his eyes.

Just a glance into them made Facado acutely aware of the vast chasm of difference between himself and the person before him.

It was a difference on a spiritual level, like an abyss separating them.

"It is an honor to meet you, Lord Sunan!"

Facado bowed deeply, lowering his head.

Facing a power far beyond his own, all he could do was express his respect.

Innosent and the other two quickly followed suit, bowing as well.

"No need for such formality, please sit."

Sunan waved them to their seats as he took his place at the head.

Once Sunan was seated, the four of them exchanged glances before sitting down again.

Facado's eyes flickered, about to speak, but Sunan raised a hand to interrupt.

"As long as the Russell family refrains from participating in the war, I can ensure that the Starlight Empire will not act against your family."

Facado was momentarily stunned, followed by joy, but Sunan's next words caused his face to change slightly.

"The condition is that you provide the clues to Falling Star City."

As he spoke, Sunan scanned the four men.

Innosent and the other two looked puzzled, but Facado's facial changes did not escape Sunan's notice.

Sunan's heart settled; the head of the Russell family indeed knew about Falling Star City.

"Patriarch Facado, how does this deal sound to you?"

After a moment of silence, Facado smiled bitterly and nodded.

"It's a fair deal."

What else could he do?

He should be grateful that the Russell family had something that interested Sunan; otherwise, given Sunan's methods, the entire family might have been ruthlessly wiped out, much like the former Council of Truth.

Hearing Facado's words, Innosent and the other two were visibly surprised.

Falling Star City?

Their family actually had clues to Falling Star City?

Why had this never been mentioned before?

Sensing their confusion, Facado explained with a bitter smile:

"Our family indeed holds clues to Falling Star City, but they have been passed down orally through the patriarchs for generations, so no one but the patriarch knows."

He glanced at Sunan, still puzzled as to how Sunan knew this secret.

Noticing Facado's gaze, Sunan remained expressionless.

He couldn't very well admit to bluffing, could he?

"Why?" Innosent couldn't help but ask.

Facado sighed, "Because for over seven hundred years, no one in our family has been able to enter Falling Star City, no matter what methods we used."

"The secret of Falling Star City would easily attract covetous eyes, especially when we can't access it. To avoid unnecessary trouble, our ancestors decided to seal this secret, known only to successive patriarchs."

Facado's explanation served both to inform his family and to clarify for Sunan the current state of Falling Star City, ensuring Sunan wouldn't accuse them of hiding entry methods out of spite.

Sunan frowned slightly but soon relaxed.

"The key to entering Falling Star City should be in your possession, right?"

Based on his experience with the Starlight Tower and the Black Forest, Falling Star City likely had a key as well.

As expected, Facado nodded, producing a gem and handing it to Sunan.

Since Sunan knew of the family's secret, he was not surprised that Sunan knew about the key's existence. Instead, Innosent and the other two looked at the gem in surprise.

They hadn't imagined that the family's cherished Sun Melting Gem was actually the key to Falling Star City.

"A wizard tool."

After examining it briefly, Sunan raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"You have a keen eye, my lord."

Facado was genuinely surprised now.

On the Starlight Continent, even twilight-grade magical items were rare, let alone wizard tools.

He had never heard of anyone possessing a wizard tool.

Yet Sunan had recognized the Sun Melting Gem's grade at a glance, a testament to his remarkable insight.

Had he known Sunan possessed nearly a dozen wizard tools, his eyes might have popped out.

"It seems the Russell family's ancestor valued their descendants, crafting the key to Falling Star City as a wizard tool."

"Unfortunately, time has taken its toll, and this wizard tool's power is likely less than half of its original."

Sunan expressed a hint of regret, looking at Facado.

"You mentioned being unable to enter Falling Star City; what exactly is the situation?"

Facado, having come this far, didn't hide anything, explaining truthfully:

"According to family records, Falling Star City opens once every thirty years, located in the Rainbow Sea at the continent's edge. However, for over seven hundred years, our ancestors could sense the city's appearance through the Sun Melting Gem but could never find it."

Able to sense but unable to find?

Sunan's eyes flickered thoughtfully.

"When was the last time Falling Star City appeared?"

"Fifteen years ago."

So the next opening is in fifteen years...

Sunan understood, weighing the Sun Melting Gem in his hand. "I'll keep this for now and return it after I've used it."

Facado hesitated but said, "As you wish, my lord."

Seeing his reluctance, Sunan chuckled, "Don't worry, I have no interest in a half-damaged wizard tool. If it breaks, I'll compensate you with a similar one."

To him, a half-damaged wizard tool was merely a trinket; its significance as the key to Falling Star City was far greater.

Facado forced a smile, unsure if he believed Sunan's assurances.

Sunan didn't bother explaining further, shifting to another topic.

"What are your family's plans for the future?"

Facado was caught off guard, then fell into contemplation.

On the way here, his mind had been preoccupied with the reason Sunan sought out his family, leaving little room to consider their future.

Sunan's question forced him to confront the Russell family's precarious situation.

Previously, the Russell family held a revered position in the Northwest Region, collaborating with many nations for resources.

But with the Starlight Empire poised to unify the continent, and having the Star Alliance as a powerful ally, the Russell family seemed insignificant.

Without resource channels, what would become of their family?

Innosent and the others seemed to realize this, their brows furrowed.

As the patriarch, Facado soon understood that Sunan's question was more than a reminder; there must be more to it. He respectfully lowered his head to Sunan.

"What do you suggest, my lord?"

A smart man.

Sunan nodded inwardly, smiling slightly. "Have you considered joining the Starlight Academy?"

Starlight Academy?

Facado and the others were taken aback.

They had heard of the first wizard academy on the Starlight Continent and even gathered intelligence on it.

However, the Star Alliance protected its academy's information so rigorously that beyond knowing it recruited numerous apprentices, they knew little else.

Wizards' inherent caution made them hesitant to join a largely unknown force.

The four hesitated, unsure.

Sunan wasn't concerned, waving a hand. "I'll have someone take you to see the academy. Once you understand it better, you can decide."

Facado and the others relaxed at his words.

"Thank you, my lord!"

Sunan then summoned Carolina to escort them to the academy and instructed Rose and her companions to handle their reception.

After they left, Sunan turned his attention to the Sun Melting Gem in his hand.

Given the situations with the Starlight Tower and the Black Forest, Falling Star City was likely another wizard legacy.

The Russell family's ancestor was probably a member of this wizard force.

Like the Kessler family, the Russell family seemed to be guardians of a wizard legacy.

But over a thousand years, both families lost control of the legacy.

The Kessler family lacked wizard apprentices.

The Russell family faced unforeseen changes within the legacy itself.

Regardless, Sunan was determined to visit Falling Star City.

The previous legacies had yielded substantial benefits, raising his expectations for Falling Star City.

Perhaps he could acquire more resources to rapidly enhance his mental refinement.

"Come to think of it, I've never been to the Rainbow Sea."

The Rainbow Sea, like the underground world, was a renowned peculiar sea.

Known for its vastness, it was the westernmost part of the Northwest Region, truly the world's end.

Named for its colorful corals and marine life, the Rainbow Sea was equally perilous, home to venomous sea creatures and numerous sea demon tribes.

Only wizards (apprentices) dared venture beyond shallow waters; ordinary people risked becoming food for sea creatures or enslaved by sea demons if they ventured too far.

"The Rainbow Sea is worth a visit."

Starlight Calendar 1280, Autumn Veil Month (October).

The Battle of Saar Plains ended with the alliance defeated and fleeing, allowing the Imperial army to advance unimpeded, gaining more territory.

Starlight Calendar 1280, Month of Slumber (December).

Snow fell, covering the land in a white blanket.

Armies struggled to march in the wild.

Except for the Star Empire's golem army and Black Rock Cavalry.

Both forces were adept at marching through snow.

The presence of clay golem logistics ensured the Empire's supply lines were barely affected by the snow.

Taking advantage of the season, the Empire's forces surged, capturing towns with lightning speed.

Within two months, five nations fell to the Empire.

Starlight Calendar 1281, Month of Renewal (February).

The Northwest's strongest nation, the Crow Empire, fell to the Starlight Empire, leaving neighboring countries in mourning.

Starlight Calendar 1281, Month of Thunder (April).

The Duchy of Frostleaf, Kingdom of Emerald, and Duchy of Mistforest surrendered to the Starlight Empire, signifying the Northwest's complete subjugation.

Thus, the Starlight Empire unified the Starlight Continent!

The first unified nation in a thousand years!

"How does it feel to be the ruler of the Starlight Continent?"

In the study, seeing Kyi's beaming face, Sunan teased with a laugh.

"Feels pretty good."

Kyi laughed heartily, raising an eyebrow at Sunan.

"Don't forget, you unified the underground world, and earlier than I did. You should know the feeling even better."

"I'm no emperor," Sunan chuckled, shaking his head.

After some banter, they returned to the main topic.

"The Northwest will take some time to stabilize. Once it does, I'll arrange for aptitude testing."

Kyi opened the window, looking at the courtyard outside.

A group of young children played under the servants' watch, their laughter bringing a sense of joy.

Since deciding to expand his lineage, Kyi had fathered many children over the years.

He held high hopes for them, especially those nearing twelve, hoping one would become a wizard apprentice.

He was particularly attentive to the upcoming aptitude tests.

Sunan glanced at Kyi, saying nothing.

He understood Kyi's obsession with wizard apprentices, not just to strengthen ties between the Star Alliance and the Starlight Empire, but also as a reflection of his own longing for wizardry.

If a wizard apprentice emerged from the imperial family, for his brother's sake, Sunan might consider allocating resources to them.

With the Star Alliance's resources, even the most modestly gifted could be nurtured into a third-level apprentice.

"Speaking of which, Sheman and Corey are close to advancing to third-level apprentices."

Sunan suddenly thought.

Recently, he had inquired about their progress; both had constructed their eighth starrings, just one shy of becoming third-level apprentices.

Perhaps, as the scepter suggested, they could achieve this before fifty.

A third-level apprentice at fifty, aside from him, would be unique on the Starlight Continent.

Suddenly, Sunan recalled something else, turning to Kyi.

"You've advanced to a fourth-ring legendary knight, right?"

Kyi turned back, nodding with a grin. "Yes, just two months ago."

With ample resources, knights could quickly enhance their strength.

Kyi's eldest son, Abbott Ayanes, the Empire's crown prince, had reached first-ring legendary knight status at twenty-seven.

Surpassing his father at that age.

Alongside his inherited talent, the Empire's vast resources were a significant factor.

"I'm seeking your advice," Kyi looked at Sunan intently. "What's the path after the fourth-ring legendary?"

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