Chapter 177 - The First Step

"Have a seat, we have a long conversation. Turning the "Void Liquid" into the first end of a star is not an easy procedure. Although, you can intuitively understand it." Draven said seriously.

Evan nodded.

"You're right, I do understand what needs to be done, my whole essence seeks to become stronger, and that guides me. But, I'm sure one can make a mistake in such a difficult task, and the cost of that mistake will be exorbitant." Said Evan.

"You're right. For starters, you shouldn't take the next stage in the places like the city, because it's too crowded. For this process, nothing should get in your way. You need to eliminate any risks. In such cases, all magicians find some deserted area. It can even be a simple forest. The main requirement is no one should be around."

"But what about beasts and monsters? They could bother me." Evan asked, puzzled. In his opinion, humans were less dangerous than monsters. At least they wouldn't attack him without a good reason.

Draven shook his head, "You don't have to worry about that. All monsters of the same rank as yours won't want to approach you, and it's correct to say that they will even avoid you. The main thing is that high ranked monsters do not inhabit the place you choose."

Draven sighed and continued: "I should warn you about what happens the moment you move to a new level. When you break through some "Barrier," the "Splash" happens. This time it will be the same, only the "Splash" will be several times stronger. It could be said that it's this immense and unrestrained energy that scares the monsters away."

"Got it."

"I'm not going to give you advice on how to get to the next stage. You won't make a mistake if no one bothers you. All you have to do is concentrate and disconnect yourself from the world around you. It will be an unforgettable experience, I promise you."

"Okay, then I'll go right now," Evan said and quickly left.

Draven smiled and muttered: "That's right, fortune waits for no man. I'm sure when you come back, you'll be times stronger."

...

When Draven spoke of a safe place, Evan had already decided where he would go. It was a vast area called - "The Forest of Aquamarine Crystals." This area was quite close to the city.

There were many dangerous monsters and beasts in this forest, but one part was perfectly safe. Ordinary people often went there to gather aquamarine fruit from the trees. But one should not go out of the safe area because one might encounter some monster.

The "Forest of Aquamarine Crystals" got its name because of the bark of the trees, it looked like crystals. There were also a huge number of different caves in this area, and most of them were abandoned, but for Evan, they might have been the perfect shelter.

Evan didn't delay and headed straight toward the forest. He planned to get there in a few hours.

...

While Evan was on the road, Draven was sitting and thinking about their conversation. He looked up at the blue sky and said quietly:

"You know, it's not very polite to eavesdrop."

Immediately after Draven's words, Arve came out from around the corner. The whole time Evan and Draven had been talking, he had been here.

"Draven, don't you think this guy is kind of weird?" Arve asked seriously.

"Why?" Draven said calmly.

"Just a month ago, during a special test, he broke through his second "Barrier." Now his "Warp" is filled with the "Void Liquid," and he's ready to move on to the next stage. That's just incredible speed."

"You exaggerate things, as usual, it's funny to hear you say that at all. After all, you're the man who reached "One-Pointed Star" only in a month after awakening your talent for magic. Compared to Evan, you're the real anomaly."

"Well, we're not talking about me now. We're talking about this young man. You know, to become a student of the first rank, you have to reach "One-Pointed Star," and you have three years to do it. Of course, many students enter our Academy when they have already broken their first "Barrier," whereas it takes a few years for most of them. It took this guy a little over a month." Arve said calmly.

"You complicate things a little. First of all, three years is a deadline. Evan is just more talented than the others, so he's faster than the rest, that's all." Draven said slowly.

"More talented? Hmm, there's logic in what you're saying. He was unlucky with his "Warp" color, but his temper and how quickly he progresses during battles can really be called a real talent. But has he been fighting anywhere lately? Not counting his recent arena fights, of course."

"А? I don't know. Let him do what he wants. My job is to help him when he needs it, not to be a babysitter for him. Some people don't need control. They want to explore the world on their own"

"Yeah... in that case, you look more like a living encyclopedia than a teacher, okay, I'm off. I think you're right, and this guy really is a talented student. By the way, you mentioned my speed to reach the "One-Pointed Star," but my merits are pale before a monster, like you."

After these words, Arve quickly disappeared from sight. It only took him a few steps to be tens of meters away.

On the other hand, Draven decided to distract himself from the situation with Evan and concentrate on improving his spell.

...

A few hours later, Evan reached the "Forest of Aquamarine Crystals".

"It's very peaceful here, this forest is like a fairy tale..." Mumbled Evan listening to the birds singing.

The forest was indeed unusual. The crowns of the trees were not only green but also purple, blue and blue. The unique crystal bark of the trees deserved special attention.

< It's cool to come to such a place to just relax and forget about the rest of the world, about its problems and worries>. Evan thought to himself and headed toward the nearest rock.

Evan knew he had chosen the right place. There were no monsters or beasts in this area, only small rodents, and birds. At the entrance to the forest, he encountered a few ordinary people and even magicians. The cave he had chosen was rather unremarkable. Lianas blocked the passage, and large boulders near the entrance hid the cave itself.

Evan pushed aside the vines and found himself inside his temporary shelter. He could feel the energy seething inside him, which indicated that it wanted to move on to the next stage as soon as possible.

He looked around the cave and then sat down on the cold, stone floor. Nothing could disturb him now. There was nothing around him except the cool walls of the cave and the calm forest, where peace and quiet reigned. It was the perfect setting.

Evan concentrated and entered "Nirvana." At that moment, all of his attention was focused on the "Void Liquid" in his "Warp.." Evan took a deep breath, and the next moment the liquid came into motion.