The Wizard's Pursuit of Truth

Wang Ya found the relevant records, and a clear picture of the two Small Secret Realms formed in his mind.

The environment would affect the performance of different Wizards and their Witchcraft. Without a doubt, if he were in Heaven-Filling Fire, the natural Fire Element Particle Energy there would greatly amplify any Witchcraft Wang Ya cast.

Its magnitude, power, or what have you, would be far more terrifying than if it were cast in any other environment.

Conversely, if the competition were held in the Erosion Forest Secret Realm, he would be at a slight disadvantage since it wasn't his home turf.

"Looks like you found what you were looking for." Slate Wizard walked over with a smile, placed a book back in its original spot, and said casually, "There's a lot involved in the Secret Realm competition. Work hard. I believe you can get a good ranking. I'll be watching your performance through my Wizard Mark."

"Don't you dare lose now. I bet on you to make the top three. If I lose this wager, I'll have to work to pay off my debts." Slate Wizard's tone was extremely solemn, as if he had bet his entire fortune.

"A wager?" Wang Ya was taken aback for a moment.

Slate gave him a surprised look. "You don't know? The Dark Land Headquarters, the Free Zone, and all the surrounding Wizard Cities are buzzing right now. Betting pools, large and small, are being held everywhere."

"They're using the Glowing Corridor to collect information on all you Wizard Freshmen and set up predictive gambling. Quite a few Official Wizards are even placing bets on the sly, just for fun."

"Of course, only we Wizards from the Dark Land Headquarters can view the footage of the Secret Realm competition through our Wizard Marks," Slate said, reassuring Wang Ya. He then added, "But as for whether any Headquarters Wizards sell the footage... well, who knows."

Wang Ya: "..."

'This is all the proof I need. The Glowing Corridor must be run by the Dark Land Headquarters itself.'

'The intel has to be accurate, since it's all about Wizards from their own faction...'

Slate seemed to understand his thoughts and said, "I've been through this before, so I know how it is. Just focus on doing your best. I have high hopes for you."

As Wang Ya walked out of the Library, his expression was still a bit dazed. Then, an idea popped into his head.

'If other people can bet on the Wizard Freshmen, why can't I bet on myself?'

'I'm running low on Magic Stones, and my plan to increase income and cut expenses has been on hold because of this Secret Realm competition.'

'This is a great opportunity. I might even be able to earn enough Magic Stones to last me five years.'

'Harak is a huge drain on my Magic Stones, especially after its transformation with the Infinite Genome.'

Lately, Wang Ya had been buying as many powerful Extraordinary Creatures as he could to supplement and enhance Harak.

He couldn't bring himself to buy High-tier Extraordinary Creatures. The price was simply too steep, and it would take Harak longer to digest them.

At this thought, Wang Ya's pace quickened. After so many days, Harak should have finished digesting and absorbing the Extraordinary Creatures in the Biological Cultivation room.

The combination of its two Traits, Infinite Blood Core and Flesh Melting Furnace, filled Wang Ya with anticipation.

...

"Yi Si, you look a little unhappy. I only told a few amusing stories about you. Is there any need to pull such a long face?"

The familiar voice of the Xugus Wizard drifted over from the garden corridor, causing Wizard Yi Si, who was sitting on a chair drinking a cup of milk tea, to frown. The cup in his hand turned to bone, but he steadily finished his drink.

"Let's make a bet," the Xugus Wizard said, plopping down onto a chair. "The top three spots in the Secret Realm competition... which Wizard Freshmen do you think will get them? Any little tykes you've got your eye on?"

Wizard Yi Si sneered, "The members of the Wizard Clans have been preparing for so long. There's no way the top three spots will go to any of the commoner freshmen. What's the point of betting?"

"That's not necessarily true. Isn't there still that little guy who rejected you?" The Xugus Wizard's smile grew wider, her eyes narrowing into slits.

In contrast, Wizard Yi Si's expression was absolutely foul; he nearly threw the cup in his hand.

"Erin, that staid fellow Saiya, and I are all placing bets on this little guy. It's just between us. Want in? My bet is that he *won't* be able to get one of the top three spots," the Xugus Wizard said with a grin.

Wizard Yi Si snorted. "How many Magic Stones? I'll match it, but I'm betting the opposite of you."

Even though he knew Wang Ya's chances of getting a top-three spot were slim, he still made that choice.

'It's only Ten Thousand Magic Stones. I can afford to lose. The thought of agreeing with this wretched wizard is what I can't stand.'

"Just like that rigid fellow Saiya, huh? Do you all hate me that much?" The Xugus Wizard put on a wounded expression. "And here I am, your most beloved chief. You're breaking my heart."

"As for the Magic Stones, though, I'll happily accept them." The Xugus Wizard added meaningfully, "This crop of freshmen from the Wizard Clans is quite unusual. Some of the Direct Lineage members are so strong that even some Level 2 Wizard Apprentices are no match for them."

"We'll just have to watch the battles closely with our Wizard Marks. The kids these days are just terrifying, you know? It puts so much pressure on me."

Wizard Yi Si stared at Xugus, his face devoid of expression. His aura began to erupt, and his Biological Force Field threw the surrounding temperature into disarray.

'That's her, all right. Taking advantage and then playing innocent.'