The next morning, the Guiding Ship slowly landed.
The hatch slowly opened, revealing the world outside. A vast plaza unfolded before them, its surface paved with smooth, polished flagstones, large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of people.
The most striking features in the plaza were a dozen or so massive, semi-circular metal structures. They resembled severed steel rainbows, arching over the ground. Light and shadow flowed within them, and figures and cargo would periodically materialize or vanish into thin air.
'Those must be the Cross-plane Teleportation Star Gates they mentioned,' Allen thought.
These were the key devices that connected the myriad realms. The plaza was like an airport from his past life, transporting cargo and passengers, only the destinations were entire worlds.
The moment they stepped off the ship and onto solid ground, many of the youths felt their legs go weak. Wizard Gray stood at the foot of the gangplank, scrutinizing the anxious rookies.
"Go on. Find an organization based on your assessment scores. A word of advice: ask plenty of questions before you decide."
The crowd began to disperse. The young men and women who had been deemed unqualified, their faces etched with bewilderment and despair, were led away by another group in black robes toward the edge of the plaza.
That area was home to minor organizations, considered second-rate by the greater Wizard community, but they still wielded enough power to influence the rise and fall of kingdoms. The failed aspirants would have to make their own way there.
"Allen Wesren."
Gray stopped him.
Allen stopped and gave a slight bow.
Gray took a few steps closer. The indifference in his gray eyes from the day before had faded, replaced by a complex, appraising look.
"Don't waste your time on these small fry." He gestured toward the small Wizard Organizations and families in the plaza, who were holding up all sorts of banners and loudly trying to recruit apprentices.
"With your 'Special' assessment, you can go directly to the central district and seek out the three major factions' local headquarters."
Gray gestured toward the three magnificent, stylistically distinct buildings in the very center of the plaza.
"Get one of them to sponsor your entry into the best Wizard Academy. Only there will your talents not be wasted."
Having said his piece, Gray didn't linger, turning to head back into the ship.
'Sponsor…' Allen mulled over the word.
The crowd scattered completely, like a handful of sand tossed into water. The qualified aspirants clutched their assessment reports, running toward the recruitment booths with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Those with A-rank assessments were swarmed by recruiters, while those with B and C ranks were busy trying to sell themselves.
"Hello, Mr. Weisren. We're from the Silver Moon Tower, and we're prepared to offer you a full scholarship..." A well-dressed, middle-aged man blocked Allen's path.
"Excuse me." Allen politely sidestepped the man, not breaking his stride in the slightest.
He rejected offers from at least five or six small- and medium-sized organizations, heading straight for the center of the plaza.
He could sense a hesitant gaze trailing him from a short distance away.
It was the girl named Vera.
She seemed to be at a loss. Seeing that Allen, her fellow S-rank, had a clear destination, she had subconsciously started following him.
Allen paid her no mind, his attention completely fixed on the three buildings ahead.
In the center of the plaza, three buildings stood in a triangular formation, each one sharply distinct from the others.
The central building was pure white, with strict, symmetrical lines that exuded an aura of justice and authority, much like a courthouse.
The building to its right was the complete opposite: a fortress forged from black iron and brass. Massive gears were exposed on its exterior, and its smokestacks belched sulfurous steam, filling the air with the iron-and-blood scent of industry and war.
To the left stood a quaint, ancient tower. It lacked any ornate decoration; instead, countless arcane Runes flowed slowly across its stone walls, evoking a sense of tranquil profundity, as if it had accumulated the wisdom of ages.
Allen stopped in front of a nearby glass-like screen, which seemed to be a public information terminal. It displayed all sorts of information, from trade data and "flight" schedules to details on the various organizations.
He tapped the screen, and descriptions of the three organizations appeared.
The three major organizations Gray had mentioned were the cornerstones of order for the entire Wizard community. They were three cross-plane, super Wizard Organizations that maintained the very foundation of Wizard Civilization, representing the highest authorities of law, military might, and knowledge.
[Mystic Code Council: The highest court and legislature of the Wizard community... Upholds the *Wizard Codex*, defines taboos, and arbitrates plane-level disputes.]
'A political hub.' Allen immediately dismissed it.
Joining a place like that meant endless political maneuvering, games of influence, and power struggles. For an individual pursuing strength and truth, it was far too inefficient.
[Ring City Alliance: A military-industrial complex formed by the twelve most powerful Floating Cities... Philosophy: Might is Truth, Resources are Justice.]
'A war machine,' Allen's assessment was just as swift.
Joining them would undoubtedly mean being forged into another cog in the war machine.
While he would gain access to top-tier Alchemy Creations, his personal freedom would be severely limited, and he could be dispatched to a meat-grinder of a battlefield at any moment. His dual S-rank talents might be useful for battlefield command, but the risks far outweighed the rewards.
His gaze finally fell on the third option.
[Gate of Truth: A purely academic institution dedicated to exploring the ultimate laws of the universe... Philosophy: Knowledge Above All Else.]
'This is the one.'
Allen's analysis had taken less than ten seconds.
[DSeek: Target confirmed. 'Gate of Truth' shows high compatibility with Host's current core directive (parsing the fundamental rules of the world in pursuit of truth). The organization emphasizes individual research capabilities, which is highly compatible with the Host's 'Memory' and 'Concentration' talents.]
A purely academic organization meant less political infighting and more freedom for research.
Their pursuit of knowledge perfectly aligned with his own goal of understanding the fundamental nature of the world.
Most importantly, they valued a Wizard's "software" more than their "hardware."
'My body's unremarkable Magic Power affinity and Meditation aptitude might not be a fatal weakness here. There's too little information for now, but this should be my best option.'
Allen started walking, heading for the ancient tower.
When Vera saw him make a choice, she hesitated for a moment, then scurried after him.
The tower's doors were wide open, revealing a surprisingly spacious and bright interior. There was no clamor of voices, only the faint scent of old books and ink, and the soft glimmer of Energy Crystal Stones.
A dozen rows of towering, ceiling-high bookshelves stood in neat lines. The books they held all seemed to be analytical reports on this very plane. Several people in gray Apprentice Robes were quietly consulting the materials.
This place looked less like a recruitment booth and more like the entrance to a library.
Behind a long table at the far end of the hall sat an Elder Wizard with a white beard and hair.
He wore a monocle and was carefully perusing a manuscript in his hands, oblivious to their entrance.
Allen walked up to the desk and gently placed his assessment report on it.
The Elder Wizard paused. He raised his head and picked up the report with one hand.
When he saw the words "Overall Assessment: Special," he finally set down his manuscript.
"Allen Wesren." He read the name aloud, then carefully reviewed the data on the report.
"Magic Power Affinity: A. Meditation Aptitude: B."
"Memory: S. Concentration: S."
The Elder Wizard removed his monocle and studied Allen.
"An interesting combination. Powerful mental manipulation abilities paired with a relatively mediocre Soul Container. You are a... very specialized individual. But those two S-rank talents will certainly make your path as an apprentice far smoother than others."
His tone was calm, containing neither praise nor condescension, merely stating a fact.
"I prefer to think that exceptional memory and focus are the sharpest tools for exploring the truth," Allen replied, his tone neither servile nor arrogant.
"A fine sentiment." The Elder Wizard placed the report back on the desk. "The Gate of Truth welcomes all souls with a passion for knowledge. But we are not a charitable institution. Until your talents are actualized, you are of little value."
He took a document from a drawer and pushed it across the desk to Allen.
"An agreement of intent for initial investment."
"We can fully fund your basic studies at the Seven Towers Alliance—it's the best Wizard Academy. We will cover all your tuition and basic living expenses during this period, until you become an Advanced Apprentice. At that point, you can sign a more advanced contract with us."
"In return, regardless of whether you graduate, you will be required to serve one of our subsidiary organizations for at least ten years. Alternatively, you can buy out this contract with an outstanding research achievement certified by the Council."
The terms were fair, even generous.
Allen picked up the agreement and quickly scanned it. The terms were clear, rights and responsibilities were well-defined, and there were no contractual loopholes.
"I agree, but I have a question. Why a subsidiary organization? Can't I work directly for the Gate of Truth?"
"Work directly for the Gate of Truth?" The Elder Wizard scoffed. "Boy, even instructors at the Seven Towers Academy might not have that privilege. Don't get ahead of yourself."
The Elder Wizard picked up a Feather Pen and a bottle of ink from beside him.
"Well then, sign your name."
Allen was just about to reach for the pen.
"Oh, right," the Elder Wizard added suddenly. "Before we make it official, there's one small formality. A... routine confirmation."
He placed his hand on a Crystal Ball resting on the desk.
The previously dull orb instantly lit up from within, glowing with an ethereal blue light as countless Runes flickered in and out of existence.
"We need to confirm that your soul... is intact."