Chapter 373: Crescent Continent

Loning departed Wushan Fortress with Elron after finalizing the subsequent manpower relocation arrangements with Rulans and Vikins.

On the way back to Wubei Domain, the two first visited the Silva Magic Energy Guild branch in Wushan Town.

Upon learning only twenty Blazing Flame Grass remained in stock, Loning swept them all up and, following the ratio, purchased forty Dewdrop Flowers and twenty fully charged magic crystals.

Blazing Flame Grass: 400 gold, Dewdrop Flowers: 200 gold, magic crystals at discounted rate of 100 gold each.

Loning spent a total of 18,000 gold coins on these purchases!

Fortunately, he had accepted Rulans' gift of 100,000 gold coins; otherwise, he would have been worried about money.

The main materials for the auxiliary enhancement potion were now secured. Once Jenny prepared the Pure Water Essence, he could attempt the creation.

Assuming a 100% success rate, this quantity of ingredients would yield 200 bottles of auxiliary enhancement potions suitable for high-ranking knights.

However, no such thing as a 100% success rate existed, even for the most skilled alchemists.

According to Elron's memories, a 50% success rate at the start was already quite impressive.

Even if proficiency improved to 80% later, it remained exceptionally rare.

If the auxiliary enhancement potions were used exclusively for their own people rather than sold, it would be a losing venture for a long time.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Loning hoped the few high-ranking knights in his domain would see some effect after taking them.

Interestingly, just two days after Loning left, Miloslav returned to Wushan Town.

His first thought was to check the inventory for remaining Blazing Flame Grass and Dewdrop Flowers.

One for making a potion to alleviate Auson's Soul-Eating Surge, the other to speculate on what potions Loning might create.

But he was told that Loning had bought all the Blazing Flame Grass.

The old headmaster froze in place, then chuckled and scolded, "That rascal, did he rush ahead to ride Rulans' Thunder Steed?"

He shook his head. "I'm not the kind of elder who hoards resources from the younger generation."

With no choice, he urged the guild members to restock immediately. These two magical herbs would surely have no trouble finding buyers in the future.

"Three months to spar with Rulans. I need to hone my skills during this time."

As a Grand Mage for so many years, Miloslav hadn't truly fought in a long time, and many combat techniques had grown rusty.

He planned to 'review' for these two months, then spend the last month in Black Serpent City for business before heading straight to Wushan Fortress.

Leaving Miloslav aside, Loning delivered Elron back to Marshland Fortress before racing to Coast City without a moment's rest.

It was the third day of the new year. Loning had spent all his attribute points; his knight rank had reached Meteor Star's peak, and his mage rank was at Grand Mage (2867/6000).

Additionally, his energy essence had reached 8,120 points.

This trip to Coast City was to elevate Ridal's power to Silver Moon level.

"How is it?"

In the forest behind Coast Fortress, Ridal closed his eyes, feeling the surge of power within.

Loning glanced at his status panel:

【Ridal Mayne】: Silver Moon Knight · Fire (0/10000)

From Meteor Star to Silver Moon required 4,000 energy essence, but from Silver Moon to Scorching Sun demanded a full 10,000—more than double.

Ridal slowly opened his eyes, his red hair glowing vividly as if bathed in flames.

A hum resonated.

The air trembled; Ridal's aura surged beneath his feet. Now he could walk on air, hovering briefly.

This was the hallmark of the Silver Moon level—the strength of knights at this rank.

Additionally, Silver Moon knights could sense the 'Mind Wheel' at their brow—aptly named for its connection to the spiritual sea.

In truth, Silver Moon knights had reached a physical plateau, shifting focus to enhancing their mental prowess.

Breaking the Mind Wheel with aura was the process of boosting mental strength.

It was said that once the Mind Wheel shattered, knights could forge a spiritual sea, gaining magical energy space and a surge in mental power to match high-level mages.

Knights at this stage were also mages.

Similarly, when an eighth-rank mage broke the 'Qi Wheel' to become a Grand Mage, they were also high-ranking knights.

Loning wondered curiously if, in the end, knights and mages would converge on the same path.

He suddenly recalled Franz from the Kingdom Tournament. His great-grandfather, Berola Silva, had instructed Franz to train both aura and magic to sixth rank before choosing a path.

Did this hold the secret to becoming a legend?

After all, there were no clear guidelines on becoming a legend. Even Loning, born into a marquis family, or Branqi of the royal house, knew nothing of it.

If it indeed related to becoming a legend, Loning's dual cultivation seemed to follow Berola's path.

"Thank you, my lord, for this gift. I've gained much from this enhancement!"

Ridal's words pulled Loning from his thoughts.

After questioning, Loning learned that Ridal, like Elron, had awakened extensive memories.

In his memories, he saw Shadow Lord Elliot and the final battle's location, Flame Canyon, and remembered the continent's name—New Moon Continent.

A continent shaped like a crescent moon.

"New Moon Continent?"

Loning murmured the name. He had never heard it before, nor did the books Branqi found mention it.

"Is it a continent beyond Orland?"

"I think... there's a strong possibility!"

Ridal pondered. "In my memories, there was a vast land called Star Continent. Could it be present-day Orland?"

Loning agreed with the theory.

Perhaps the first emperor of Orland unified Star Continent and renamed it.

But Loning wondered: if two continents once existed and were connected, why was the link severed now?

Was it related to Ridal's battle?

Had New Moon Continent been sunk?

Loning planned to ride Karllos over the sea when free, to see if there were unexpected discoveries.

Next, they discussed Elliot.

Like Elron's memories, Elliot and her servants were identical to Natalya and others in the mysterious valley.

This confirmed that the mysterious valley was Elliot's legacy.

"Beyond memories, I recalled a secret scripture and a combat technique."

Ridal explained: "The Burning Heaven Scripture. Those with strong fire affinity can train it, purifying fire aura through unique circulation, and with the secret technique Burning Heaven Flame, it unleashes immense power!"

Though this scripture and technique were Ridal's specialty, Loning clearly met the requirements to learn them.

Having endured the disadvantage in battle against Ramsey, he knew full well the vital importance of mastering the secret technique.

He immediately had Ruidar transcribe it over the next two days, that he might attempt mastery of it on the journey to the Amethyst Count's domain.

(End of Chapter)