Chapter 48: War Conscription Order

Chapter 48: The Call to War

Outstanding contribution?

Li Wei pondered for a moment, guessing it might be rescuing Guze and the other two.

The Mage Tower had already lost one apprentice mage on that mission.

If three more were to fall, it would truly be a devastating blow.

Putting away his magical badge, Li Wei smiled faintly.

"One step closer to purchasing a first-tier spell."

Though his foundational meditation technique could no longer increase in level, he hadn’t abandoned its practice.

Even without leveling up, it still expanded his maximum mana capacity.

His mental strength grew steadily, and his daily meditation time stretched to six hours.

"Six hours of cultivation each day—time is becoming too tight. If only I could cultivate while sleeping."

Meditation couldn’t replace sleep; in fact, it drained mental energy. Only rest and sleep could restore it.

For mages, slumber was indispensable.

Li Wei shortened his daily cultivation to three hours, dedicating the rest to spell practice, striving to master the Fireball Spell as soon as possible.

Two days later, deep in focused training, Li Wei received an urgent notice from the Magical Steward.

Interrupted mid-cultivation, he made his way to the third floor of the Mage Tower.

Already, many apprentice mages had gathered there.

Li Wei glanced at Rohta, whose dark circles had deepened further, and felt surprise.

No wonder he hadn’t been able to enter Rohta’s dreams these past days—the man hadn’t slept at all.

Rohta’s face looked weary, yet his eyes burned with unusual brightness, brimming with vitality.

Even standing among the crowd, Li Wei could sense Rohta’s mind wandering far beyond, mentally constructing new spell models.

He approached Guze and whispered, “Master Guze, why have we been summoned?”

Guze replied, “The war between the Kingdom of Markeil and the beastmen has raged for over half a month. Rumor has it the frontlines are deteriorating. Markeil has issued a call to arms to every supernatural faction within its borders.”

“The powers of Maple City are answering the summons, sending a quota of supernatural practitioners to aid in battle.”

“The Mage Tower must also dispatch mages to assist at the front. We just don’t know how many yet.”

Guze glanced at Li Wei. “I’ll definitely go. I’m on the verge of breaking through to first-rank magehood. This is my chance to earn contributions and gather resources for cultivation.”

“As for you, there’s no rush. You’re still far from breakthrough. Stay here and train in peace.”

Li Wei nodded silently, saying nothing.

*But I’m not far from becoming a first-rank mage either,* he thought. *I should seize this opportunity to earn some contributions.*

Just learning a single first-tier spell demanded contributions that left him uneasy.

Granted, he had an advantage—reading a spellbook once was enough to memorize the spell model.

Yet even so, the cost felt immense.

He couldn’t fathom how others managed to accumulate such vast contributions.

Spending months—or even years—hoarding points just to learn one spell? Unthinkable.

Too slow.

Li Wei looked ahead. Several full mages emerged from the golden doors of the hall.

Leading them was a yellow-robed mage, with Elr behind him—and beside Elr, a woman clad in blue robes.

Guze whispered, “The one in front is Magus Martin, a third-rank earth mage.”

“Beside Elr is Magus Marina, a second-rank water mage.”

The first-rank mages stood scattered among the apprentices, blending into the crowd.

Li Wei studied the two briefly, committing their appearances to memory.

Martin surveyed the gathering and spoke. “The Mage Tower has just received the Kingdom of Markeil’s call to war. As members of this kingdom, we must offer our strength when it faces crisis.”

“After consultation with the Mage Association, the Tower will send one third-rank mage, two second-rank mages, six first-rank mages, and fifteen apprentice mages to answer the call.”

“The third- and second-rank participants have been chosen—I, Magus Aaron, and Magus Marina will represent the Tower. The remaining six first-rank and fifteen apprentice positions are open for volunteers. Should numbers fall short, the Magical Steward will assign suitable candidates.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

Soon, hands rose in volunteer.

Within moments, all six first-rank slots were filled.

Half the apprentice positions were claimed too—Guze and Rohta among them.

Li Wei glanced left and right, then raised his hand.

Martin turned toward him, brow slightly furrowed. How did a mere boy slip in here?

Li Wei looked too young—Martin wondered if a mere apprentice had sneaked past the gates.

Still, anyone who reached the third floor must have legitimate status.

“What is your name?” Martin asked.

“Li Wei,” he answered quickly.

Guze turned, saw Li Wei’s raised hand, and stared in astonishment.

Elr leaned close to Martin and murmured something—likely explaining Li Wei’s background.

Martin nodded, eyeing Li Wei again. “You needn’t go. Stay and cultivate in peace within the Tower.”

Li Wei’s talent was extraordinary—he shouldn’t risk himself in war.

Hearing this, Guze smiled faintly. No surprise there.

Li Wei lowered his hand, startled. He hadn’t expected rejection.

Martin scanned the others. “Anyone else?”

A few more hands rose, but several spots remained unfilled.

Martin didn’t hesitate. “Magical Steward, select suitable combatants.”

Magical Steward: “Xiuwen, Drelles, Jenova, Li Wei.”

The three named flinched slightly, clearly reluctant.

Martin looked at Li Wei in disbelief, then turned to the steward. “Are you certain Li Wei is more suitable than the others?”

Magical Steward: “Based on mission completion records and combat performance, Apprentice Li Wei is no weaker than the other three.”

Xiuwen, Drelles, and Jenova stared at the youth in shock.

Martin, too, was taken aback—never expecting this young apprentice to rival those who’d served for years.

Seeing no reason to dispute it, he simply said, “Then it’s decided. Prepare yourselves. Tomorrow morning, you depart with the main force for the battlefield.”

Those not chosen breathed a sigh of relief.

Participating in battle meant abundant contributions, but also peril.

War was no trivial matter—carelessness could claim even full-fledged mages.

The group returned to their rooms.

Gu Ze walked beside Li Wei, saying nothing. The decision was final; there was no changing it.

"On the battlefield, never be the one to stand out. War is unlike ordinary missions—your survival comes first. A mage who reveals their position often becomes a target. And above all, never stray from the main force."

(End of Chapter)