Chapter 377: Scholar

"Cooperation?"

Luo Ning's brow furrowed slightly; the other's intent was clear—the cooperation centered on the dragon.

He didn't wish to follow the other's line of thought, instead asking, "Compared to cooperation, I'd rather know how you found me?"

Berola smiled faintly, not concealing anything, as if discussing something utterly ordinary:

"It's simple. I crafted an energy sensor. Centered at my lab, it detects any strong flying beasts within a three-kilometer radius. When your dragon entered the detection range, I picked up the signal, and by the time you landed, I had already arrived."

Luo Ning understood; it was somewhat like radar, and the other had actually designed such an instrument.

"Is this an application of the 'Wind of Perception' magic?"

Luo Ning was curious, "What instrument sends and receives the magical messages?"

Berola shook his head. "The magical world is profoundly mysterious. Wind of Perception is merely one of many perception magics. Sometimes, slight changes in spell patterns can create new magics. You'll understand this deeply when you become an Archmage."

Luo Ning felt embarrassed; the tone clearly implied his ignorance.

Well, in truth, he was indeed ignorant.

Having never received systematic training, his knowledge of magic was limited; the ability to cast so many spells relied solely on his innate talent.

Berola stroked his beard, a faint, mysterious smile on his face.

He continued, "As for the instrument you mentioned, it involves many magical materials. If you're interested, I can teach you."

So generous?

Luo Ning thought of the cooperation just mentioned; teaching him would likely be the price for the cooperation.

"What do you want from Carlos?" he said bluntly.

Berola's interest surged as the topic returned to the dragon.

"Carlos is the dragon's name?"

He flew closer, as if wanting to touch the dragon.

But Luo Ning subtly signaled Carlos to step back, maintaining a safe distance between them.

The old man could only smile wryly.

"In recent years, I've traveled nearly every corner of the Orland Continent, encountered countless beasts, but never a dragon of legend. I once thought the species was extinct, yet today I'm fortunate enough to see one."

He scrutinized Carlos. "Dragons are truly wondrous creatures. I sense a faint pressure from it—not strength, but bloodline."

"Some say dragons are divine creations; it seems there's truth to that."

Luo Ning was curious, "You seem to know a lot about dragons?"

Berola nodded, then shook his head.

He nodded because few in the world knew dragons as well as he did.

He shook his head because he'd never actually seen a dragon; all his knowledge came from records.

"This world has endured great trauma."

He suddenly said, "Once, there was a flourishing magical civilization here. Magi, Archmages, even stronger Legendary Mages roamed the Orland Continent."

"Unfortunately, whether by natural disaster or human folly, that civilization was shattered, forcing humanity to start anew. Dragons seemed to vanish during that time."

Luo Ning was stunned, immediately recalling Rydar and Elron's memories.

The Flame Expeditionary Force they belonged to had fought in a massive upheaval, only to be annihilated.

A battle where even Sun Knights fell—was it related to the cataclysm Berola mentioned?

Luo Ning admired the old man's erudition. "I've been to the royal archives and library, but found almost no records of Orland Empire's past. How did you learn this?"

"Remnants of magical ruins."

Berola said, "Without a glorious magical civilization, such ruins couldn't exist."

Speaking of which, the mysterious valley in Wubei Domain was also a magical ruin, wasn't it?

The magic arrays within clearly showed the past glory of magic.

"Perhaps I should learn from you when I have time, but I don't have much."

Luo Ning said, "As Lord of Wubei Domain, I must first manage my territory."

Berola sighed. "Your talent in magic and martial energy is unparalleled. If you devoted yourself to cultivation without worldly distractions, you might become the continent's sole Legend in time."

"Franz told me you taught him both magic and martial energy. Why?"

"You know Franz?" Berola was surprised.

"I met him at last year's Golden Feather City tournament. This trip to Crystal City was at Franz's invitation."

Luo Ning mentioned his connection to Franz, hoping the old man wouldn't cause trouble.

"Since you're Franz's friend, I'll be straightforward. First, your choice is correct. Training both magic and martial energy is slower, but when you break through later, the benefits are significant—even for becoming a Legend."

To be honest, Luo Ning only knew how to become a Sun Knight or Archmage; he had no idea about advancing beyond that.

After Berola's detailed explanation, he understood.

First, the benefits of dual cultivation manifest when advancing from Level 8 to 9.

Specifically, when a Mage advances, as the energy wheel breaks through, the practitioner's physical strength is enhanced, equivalent to a High Knight.

If you're already a High Knight, this enhancement pushes you further, possibly breaking through.

Similarly, for knights, when a Silver Moon Knight breaks through, the consciousness wheel opens, creating a consciousness sea, granting the power of a High Mage instantly.

If you're already a High Mage, the reinforcement is significant, even helping stuck Level 5-6 Mages break through.

For someone like Luo Ning, with both professions advancing simultaneously, the amplification is doubled.

"To become a Legend, you must have the Ultimate Elemental Force!"

"What is the Ultimate Elemental Force?" Luo Ning asked.

Berola said, "Simply put, when an Archmage elevates their knight rank to Level 6 Gold Knight, their magic and martial energy resonate. In this state, the body generates a new force—the Ultimate Elemental Force."

"Once the Ultimate Elemental Force manifests, the person becomes a Legend, blessed by heaven and earth, able to fly freely without relying on magic or martial energy."

Luo Ning committed this to memory.

If true, would dual advancement grant him two Ultimate Elemental Forces?

"I realized too late, wasted much cultivation time. Now I'm only a Bronze Knight. To break through to Gold Knight, who knows how long it'll take? So I plan to try the magic potion from the ruins."

Berola paused, then looked at Carlos before continuing, "One of the ingredients for this potion is dragon scales."

He looked at Luo Ning. "With only you and this dragon, I can only hope from you. Of course, I won't take the scales for free. Name your demand, and I'll fulfill it if within my power."

This was the cooperation he mentioned. (End of Chapter)