"After advancing to Level 2 Wizard, you must feel the constraints of the Starlight Continent's environment even more clearly?"
After regaining her composure, Lize shifted the topic.
"Indeed," Sunan sighed lightly.
Advancing to Level 2 had made Sunan acutely aware of how energy scarcity hindered mental refinement, far more than he had initially expected.
Previously, he thought he could at least reach the Crystallization Stage of Level 2 before the planar barriers were fully restored. But now, unless the number of Star Alliance wizards surged, providing more hands to collect elemental crystal dust, such progress seemed unlikely.
Beyond this, there was also the issue of environmental adaptability.
Even inside the wizard tower, Sunan felt a faint sense of discomfort.
It was evident that as his life essence evolved, his soul and body demanded a higher concentration of energy particles.
At this rate of progression, by the time he became a True Spirit Wizard, even if the Starlight Continent's energy particle density returned to normal, it might still prove insufficient.
Perhaps this explained why True Spirit Wizards were so keen on constructing floating cities and demi-planes—they needed environments with denser energy particles.
After some further discussion, Sunan brought up another matter.
"Do you have any knowledge about the techniques for creating an Alchemical Body?"
"You want to engrave alchemical marks?"
Lize gave Sunan a surprised look, then quickly nodded in understanding.
"Now that you're a Level 2 Wizard, your mental strength likely meets the standards for the Alchemical Body transformation, and strengthening your physical body shouldn't be difficult for you. You can certainly attempt the transformation."
"The issue, however, is that most of the materials required for the Alchemical Body are exceptionally rare. I doubt they can be fully gathered on the Starlight Continent at present."
"That's fine," Sunan said, waving a hand dismissively. "Just give me the knowledge. I'll handle the materials myself."
If the transformation for an Alchemical Body could be synthesized with his alchemical cube, then materials wouldn't be an issue.
Worst case, he could do what he did with engraved gems and talent crystal models: create a lower-tier prototype with weaker effects, then refine it into a high-grade version equivalent to the original.
If synthesis proved impossible, he would study alternatives.
Seeing Sunan's confidence, Lize didn't press further.
Experience had taught her never to doubt Sunan's words.
Problems that seemed insurmountable to her were often resolved effortlessly in Sunan's hands. Raising doubts now would only lead to her being proven wrong later.
"The knowledge of the Alchemical Body and alchemical marks is extensive. I'll transcribe it for you and bring it over once it's ready."
At this, Lize suddenly remembered something.
"I almost forgot to mention—there's a message from the royal family. They'd like you to visit the palace and meet with His Majesty Krye once your retreat is over."
Sunan was taken aback, his brow furrowing.
If Krye wanted to meet him, he could have come directly or sent a message. Why involve the royal family's formal channels?
He looked at Lize, who immediately understood his question and answered with a solemn expression.
"Two months ago, His Majesty fell gravely ill. He's been bedridden ever since."
Time was the cruelest and most relentless force.
Even a mighty True Spirit Wizard could not escape the passage of time. Eventually, all life met its end.
Krye, a mere Bloodline Knight, was no exception.
As a Bloodline Knight fused with draconic traits, Krye had inherited some of the dragon race's longevity.
Being the ruler of an empire, he had access to countless life-extending treasures, including the rare and precious Elixir of Dawn.
Thanks to these advantages, his lifespan surpassed that of many Level 3 Wizard Apprentices.
Yet, after reaching the age of 200, his body inevitably began to decline.
In recent years, his health had steadily worsened, and he was plagued by illnesses.
Two months ago, Krye fell seriously ill and never recovered, leaving him confined to his bed.
This development threw the Starshine Empire into turmoil.
Fortunately, with the Star Alliance maintaining order and Crown Prince Abbott, the designated heir, assuming the responsibilities of regency, no major disruptions occurred.
When Sunan arrived at the palace, key members of the royal family, including Prince Abbott and Hailin, gathered in the emperor's bedchamber to await him.
While only core members like Prince Abbott were allowed inside the bedchamber, other royal family members waited anxiously in the courtyard.
These individuals hoped to seize the opportunity to meet the figure who wielded ultimate authority over the Starlight Continent—a man even more revered than the emperor himself.
However, before they could act, Sunan had already appeared silently in the emperor's bedchamber.
Hailin, a Level 2 Wizard Apprentice, was the first to sense the change.
He turned and, upon recognizing Sunan, instinctively prepared to attack before halting abruptly.
"Great-Uncle!" he greeted respectfully, bowing deeply.
The others turned toward the commotion, their faces lighting up with joy when they saw Sunan. They rushed to bow as well.
Sunan raised a hand to silence the crowd, stepping forward and blinking once to appear by Krye's bedside.
The emperor lay motionless on a grand, luxurious bed, his face pale and sickly.
Compared to their last meeting, Krye looked far older and more frail.
In truth, Sunan and Krye had seen less and less of each other over the years. Both were busy rulers with numerous responsibilities.
In the last two decades, Sunan had been focused on advancing to Level 2, and their meetings had become infrequent, sometimes years apart.
Seeing Krye now, his hair completely white and his face deeply lined, Sunan felt a wave of nostalgia.
The memory of the two brothers leading Blackstone City against Baron Owen seemed as vivid as if it had happened yesterday.
Time had passed far too quickly.
The surrounding people remained silent, not daring to disturb Sunan's thoughts.
Looking at Sunan—his youthful appearance unchanged, still resembling a man in his twenties—then at the frail emperor on the bed, everyone couldn't help but feel a strange sense of absurdity.
It was hard to believe that these two were separated by only three years in age.
This was the power of a wizard.
A sudden bout of coughing broke the heavy silence in the room.
Krye opened his eyes, and the moment he saw Sunan standing at his bedside, a spark of light returned to his gaze.
"Sunan… when did you arrive?" he asked weakly.
"Not long ago."
Sunan stepped forward and helped Krye sit up, channeling healing energy particles into his body.
The infusion brightened Krye's complexion, and the coughing subsided, but Sunan knew this was only a temporary fix.
Krye wasn't injured; he was nearing the end of his lifespan.
Even as a Level 2 Wizard, Sunan couldn't reverse the approach of death for someone whose lifespan had run out.
"Leave us," Krye instructed, his gaze sweeping over the others in the room.
Though weak, his authority remained absolute, and no one dared to disobey. They bowed and left quietly.
Soon, the room was empty save for Sunan and Krye.
"I can feel it. My time is nearly up," Krye said with a sigh.
Sunan looked at him silently, offering no hollow words of comfort—he knew Krye didn't need them.
As if confirming this, Krye broke into a grin.
"When Father passed, he tasked us with revitalizing the Anesir family. We've done it, and far beyond his expectations. The entire Starlight Continent belongs to our family now!"
Krye's face filled with pride as he continued, his gaze locking onto Sunan's.
"But I know this was all thanks to you. Without you, I would've died back in Blackstone City."
Sunan's expression remained calm. "I'm also a part of the Anesir family."
Krye shook his head with a wry smile. "The long lifespans of wizards inevitably dilute the concept of family. Unless it's a wizard family like the Russells, the bond between the royal descendants and you will inevitably grow distant after I'm gone."
"Of course, I'm not complaining. This is unavoidable, even among commoner siblings, let alone wizards."
"I only have one request. Please look after the royal family in the future and help cultivate more wizard apprentices among them."
After unifying the continent, Krye's last wish was to nurture more wizard apprentices within the royal family to ensure the Anesir family's continued strength and prosperity.
Sunan understood this well. Seeing the pleading look in his brother's eyes, his expression turned solemn, and he nodded.
"I promise you, the Anesir family will remain the imperial family and become a powerful wizard dynasty."
Hearing Sunan's assurance, a look of relief spread across Krye's deeply lined face.
"With this, I have no more regrets."
"I've lived for 200 years, longer than many wizard apprentices. I've had countless children and grandchildren, allowing the Anesir family to flourish. I have no complaints."
As if unburdened, fatigue once again overcame Krye, and his eyelids began to droop.
"I'm feeling a bit tired. I'll take another nap."
"Alright."
Sunan helped Krye lie back down and watched as he slowly closed his eyes.
Through his mental senses, Sunan could feel Krye's life force dwindling, like a flame burning its last embers, growing weaker until it finally extinguished.
Sunan stood silently by the bed for a while before turning and leaving the chamber.
In the courtyard, the gathered nobles and royal family members waited in quiet anticipation.
When they saw Sunan step out of the room, a subtle stir swept through the crowd, though it quickly settled.
"Great-Uncle," Hailin was the first to approach, his expression hesitant.
Sunan glanced at him and shook his head slightly.
The crowd's faces turned pale; they needed no further explanation to understand what had happened.
By the time they regained their composure, Sunan had already vanished.
Unable to contain themselves any longer, they rushed into the bedchamber.
Before long, the sounds of grief and wailing filled the air.
Starlight Era 1422, the Month of Autumn Dusk (October).
Krye Anesir, the founding emperor of the Starshine Empire, passed away, plunging the nation into mourning.
The following Month of Frostfall (November), the first snowfall of the year marked the beginning of the grandest imperial funeral in the history of the Starlight Continent.
The solemn and elaborate ceremonies, including the lying-in-state, funerary rites, procession, and burial, lasted for two full months.
It wasn't until the start of the new year that the funeral finally concluded.
Starlight Era 1423, the Month of Winter Harp (January).
Crown Prince Abbott Anesir ascended the throne as the second emperor of the Starshine Empire.
That same month, the grandest coronation ceremony in the history of the Starlight Continent was held in the capital, Radiant City.
The event was attended by tens of thousands of prominent nobles and thousands of wizard apprentices.
Even with strict screening, only those deemed worthy were allowed to participate. Otherwise, the number of attendees would have been far greater.
The ceremony took place in the royal palace square.
Among the seats reserved for wizard apprentices, Sheman gazed at the newly crowned emperor seated on a gem-studded golden throne, wearing his crown and ceremonial robes. A trace of melancholy crossed his face.
Noticing his expression, Artiel, seated beside him, asked softly, "What's on your mind? You look quite pensive."
"Nothing much," Sheman replied with a shake of his head. "I've just been thinking about how fleeting life is. If we can't break through the final barrier, we'll soon face the end of our own lives."
"Then break through," Corey said without hesitation.
As key representatives of Sunan, the three of them had been given prominent seats at the ceremony.
Hearing Corey's words, Sheman smiled but remained silent.
He was currently constructing his talent crystal model and had reached the stage of filling it with mental energy.
Yet even so, he couldn't guarantee success in taking the final step to become a full-fledged wizard.
At the final stages of life, Level 3 wizard apprentices often had a premonition of their remaining time.
Sheman had already sensed that he had no more than ten or so years left—certainly no more than twenty.
If he couldn't complete the final step in time, his fate would be to return to dust.
Even with his steadfast resolve, Sheman occasionally felt a twinge of fear.
In moments like these, he envied Corey's unwavering determination.
As his thoughts wandered, Sheman quickly shook them off and smiled. "Once this ceremony is over, I'll begin a closed-door retreat. I won't come out until I break through the final step."
"Same here," Corey said, his eyes gleaming. "It all comes down to this final stretch."
"Do you have enough contribution points to reserve a cultivation chamber for ten or twenty years?"
"More than enough."
Watching Sheman and Corey converse, Artiel's eyes flickered with a trace of confusion.
At least they still had hope of breaking through. She, on the other hand, had no hope at all.
Ever since she became their teacher's apprentice, her cultivation progress had always lagged behind Sheman and Corey.
Now, while they were filling their talent crystal models with mental energy, she had only just begun constructing hers.
Under such circumstances, the prospect of becoming a wizard was incredibly slim.
Even Master Xingyun had said that it was almost impossible for her to ascend through conventional means.
Artiel was unwilling to give up, but she had no idea which path she should take in the future.
Translator notes: Krye is the same as Kyi/Keyi/Key the brother of our protagonist.
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