Chapter 643
The Challenge Continues
Chapter 643 The Challenge Continues
Multicolored light flashed, and the astral energy receded like a tide.
Gaode's figure landed steadily on the second floor of Walmart's Magic Materials Store.
The sole of the boot made a soft, muffled thud when it hit the wooden floor.
I'm back.
Looking at the somewhat cramped space around him and feeling the sudden rise in temperature, Gao De let out a long breath.
Before the chill of the North had even faded from their bodies, the sweltering heat of Dorne in June hit them.
Although he was unaffected by the slight change in temperature, he still subconsciously tugged at his collar.
He returned to Dorne in March, and after settling things there, he returned to the North under the pretext of going into seclusion.
It's already the end of June, and after being away for three whole months, I can't help but feel a sense of relief at seeing the light of day again.
In reality, for a normal mage, advancing from the second ring to the third ring would not be excessive, even requiring half a year of seclusion to prepare.
Gao De wanted to use this excuse to stay in the North a little longer, but the gym challenges here had time limits.
More importantly, the competition for the twelve museum badges is not just about possession, but also about speed.
If other mages also collect all twelve, the first two will be selected as substitutes in order of their collection.
Although the probability was extremely low, Gao De was always cautious and ultimately decided to return to the Golden Flower Dynasty first to complete the challenge of the Art Hall, lest things get complicated.
However, it doesn't mean we have to set off immediately.
The successful promotion was a major event. Lieutenant General Karen's support and Lieutenant Colonel Grayling's assistance were important matters that could not be neglected. He had to personally visit them to inform them.
Thinking this, Gao De turned and walked downstairs.
He had only taken two steps when he raised an eyebrow.
First, the sense of smell detected the anomaly.
Surprisingly, the air was not filled with the faint scent of dust, but rather with a fresh aroma of grass and trees, mixed with a subtle hint of cedar.
Next comes hearing.
A clear conversation drifted downstairs; it wasn't noisy, but it had a lively and cheerful feel to it.
This is a stark contrast to the usual quietness of Walmart's Magic Supplies store, where it's rare to see a single customer for most of the day.
Gao De's mind raced, and he immediately realized what was going on.
Three months have passed since Eli was chosen as his "business" agent, and the hefty bounty from David Jones has been paid.
Of these, 180,000 goldbird coins were shipped directly to Harland Shipyard, and according to his instructions, another 50,000 goldbird coins were allocated as expansion funds for Walmart Magic Materials Store.
It appears that Eli has already taken action and achieved remarkable results after the injection of funds.
He walked quickly to the top of the stairs, looked down, and his pupils contracted slightly.
After three months away, the changes in this small shop, which was only a few dozen square meters, had exceeded his expectations.
The shelves that were originally cluttered with ordinary magical materials have been completely removed, and the floor has been paved with light gray non-slip stone tiles.
The gaps are filled with tiny fluorescent sand particles, making the path visible even in dim light.
Instead, there are two sets of parallel, built-in counters made of dark hardwood.
They divide the small space into two distinct areas, yet the compact design prevents it from feeling cramped at all.
The left side is the rare magic material area.
Dozens of small, open boxes were covered by glass domes, each lined with deep blue velvet and containing rare, extraordinary materials from the North and the Blue Flame Islands:
The pale blue thorny thickets of the ice field, covered with tiny ice crystals, refracted a cold light under the sun.
A fist-sized blue flame crystal is embedded in an obsidian base, radiating a magnificent glow.
There is also a completely transparent coral vine sap, which is stored in a crystal bottle and flows out with seven colors when shaken.
The glass dome is enchanted to both isolate external moisture, maintain constant humidity and temperature, and prevent energy loss.
Each glass dome has a small wooden tag attached to its base, with the name, core benefits, and non-member and member prices indicated in black and gold lettering, respectively.
The price tiers are clear and easy to understand.
The tree seed purchasing area on the right is more organized.
Six tiered oak storage cabinets are placed against the wall.
The cabinet doors are clearly labeled with gold lettering, indicating categories such as "common tree species," "magical plant seedlings," and "rare magical tree species."
Each drawer has a corresponding sample booklet attached to its outside.
Behind the counter stood two shop assistants in matching gray uniforms, with silver "Walmart Magic Materials" badges pinned to their chests, methodically registering tree species for customers.
A plant magician carrying a bamboo basket is pouring a bag of iron acorns onto a table covered with a white cloth.
The iron acorns are plump and hard, with a dark brown luster on their outer shell.
One clerk immediately counted the quantity, carefully checking the texture and plumpness of the acorns, while another quickly recorded the information in a standard ledger, next to which was a small points stamp.
A new acquisition notice hangs on the wall, written in bright red ink.
The eight characters "No restrictions on varieties, high price purchase" are particularly eye-catching.
The label below reads "30% to 50% higher than the market price".
It is more detailed than the previous notice, and it also breaks down the premium rates for different tree species.
There were seven or eight customers standing inside, but it didn't feel crowded. Everyone moved between the two areas in an orderly manner.
In the magic supplies section, two people dressed in mage robes were bending over to examine the Icefield Thorns, whispering among themselves: "You can't even find this stuff in big magic supply stores, but not only is it here, the quality is so high, and the member price is even 10% cheaper. The rumors that Walmart magic supply stores are very friendly to ice mages are indeed true."
"As long as you provide three or more magic tree species, you can become a member. I brought Edelweiss seeds and Shadow Vine seedlings this time, but I'm still missing one..." In the purchasing area, a burly mage who looked like a hunter was talking to a shop assistant.
His leather pouch at his waist was bulging, clearly containing many rare tree species, and his face wore an expectant expression.
Gaode slowly descended the smoothly polished stairs, the wooden steps creaking softly under his feet, a sound that was conveniently masked by the conversations inside the store.
A young shop assistant was the first to notice him, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.
He was a newly recruited employee during this period, so he didn't know Gaode.
Fortunately, the store manager of Walmart Magic Supplies Store was someone Gao De had personally recruited and was considered a veteran employee. He noticed Gao De and quickly came over, respectfully saying, "Mr. Gao De!"
"You're busy." Gao De waved his hand, indicating that the other party didn't need to be so polite.
He walked straight out of the magic supplies store.
It was midday in Dorne, and the afternoon sun was scorching.
Looking back, Gaode saw that the sign at the entrance still read "Walmart Magic Materials Store".
However, it was repainted dark brown to match the material of the counter.
The ring of tiny fluorescent stones inlaid around the edge gleams with a soft silver glow in the sunlight, making it a striking landmark on the streets of Dorne even at night.
The signboard has the number "001" engraved in common language in the lower right corner, subtly indicating that this is Walmart's first Magic Material Store, as if announcing the beginning of a brand.
Three small badges hung on the doorframe, the symbols of three small and medium-sized magic supply shops in Byron County, showcasing the initial success of the alliance network. Gao De Zhan watched all this, a smile unconsciously creeping onto his lips.
Eli certainly did not disappoint him.
This small shop, covering only a few dozen square meters, not only perfectly implements the dual-track core model, but also integrates tiered pricing, alliance networks, and other strategies into every detail.
Even the "001" logo on the signboard reveals a long-term brand plan.
The once deserted shops are now bustling with activity.
One can only imagine what that prime location shop in the Van Traren district must be like.
His "surrounding the cities from the countryside" plan, which he had discussed with Eli, has probably already seen its first branches opened in the secondary cities of Barlow County.
Eli's abilities and efficiency far exceeded expectations.
This made him quite curious about the progress of the stores, as well as the site selection and preparation of those secondary city branches.
But there's no rush.
Gao De walked towards the Van Troon district.
The news of the upgrade should first be shared with those high-ranking sea sentinels who care about me.
This is called "coming into the world".
It's not difficult to find out the exact address of a big shot like Lieutenant General Karen; it's not a secret in Dorne, at least.
I just don't know if he's home right now.
After all, a mage of this level should be extremely busy.
Fortunately, after arriving at Lieutenant General Karen's residence in the Vandrolen district and explaining his purpose to the servants, he was quickly invited inside.
The reception room in the mansion was spacious and bright. Lieutenant General Karen heard Gao De's footsteps, looked at Gao De, and a gentle smile appeared on her face: "You've arrived. Is the preparation for the Ring Ascension complete?"
He naturally remembered this young subordinate whom he had personally summoned three months ago.
His tone was natural, and he subconsciously assumed that Gao De had come to apply for cultivation resources.
Gao De stood in the hall, his posture upright, his face displaying just the right amount of humility and confidence: "Thank you for your concern, Lieutenant General Karen. Actually... I have already been promoted to the third ring."
"Yes, it's all set..." Lieutenant General Karen responded subconsciously, then suddenly stopped.
"Huh?!" He raised an eyebrow.
“Yes.” Gao De nodded, his tone as calm as if he were talking about something completely ordinary.
"I originally intended to go into seclusion to adjust my state and find my footing, but I suddenly felt that the bottleneck was loosening. The opportunity to break through was fleeting, so I simply tried to advance to the next level, and unexpectedly, I succeeded."
He deliberately spoke in a lighthearted manner, which only made him seem more at ease with his words.
Lieutenant General Karen took a deep breath, her gaze fixed intently on Gao De, her admiration turning into astonishment: "Good lad! I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"
"When you were at the second ring, you were able to obtain three magic hall badges in a row. Now that you've advanced to the third ring, it will be even easier for you."
His tone revealed an undisguised optimism.
After leaving Lieutenant General Karen's residence, God headed straight for Lieutenant Colonel Grayling's residence.
Lieutenant Colonel Grayling's reaction upon hearing the news was much stronger.
He first praised Gao De, and at the same time, he was proud of his decision to push Gao De to be promoted to warrant officer despite the opposition.
After doing all this, Gaode immediately boarded a blimp and headed to Auckland.
First, I wanted to check on the situation at Harland Shipyard, and second, I wanted to visit Theodore and greet the Auckland Chief Mage who had truly helped me.
Lieutenant General Karen was merely a superior; it was Mage Theodore who truly offered assistance.
With his status as an honorary mage of Auckland, Gao De had no trouble getting around in Auckland and was easily welcomed into Theodore's mansion by the servants.
"Why are you here?" Theodore looked at God with surprise, a gentle smile on his face.
"Weren't you busy with the art museum challenge? And why have you suddenly disappeared for the past few months?"
“Chief Theodore, I returned to Dorne in March to prepare for the Ring Ascension, which is why I haven’t heard from you,” Godd explained with a smile, his tone sincere.
"I was lucky enough to successfully advance to the third ring some time ago. If it weren't for your recommendation to enter the Wood Element Demiplane for cultivation at the beginning of the year, I wouldn't have been able to leap from the early stage of the second ring to the perfect stage in just one month, let alone achieve this successful advancement. So I've come here to express my gratitude."
Gaode's words were sincere.
If it weren't for his month of cultivation in the Wood Element Demiplane, his progress towards the third ring would definitely have been delayed for a while longer.
The Third Ring Road?!
Upon hearing Gao De's words, Theodore's deep eyes showed a noticeable change, and his previously composed expression was instantly replaced by surprise and doubt: "You said you... have advanced to the third ring?"
At the beginning of the year, Gaode Maps showed it as being in the early Second Ring Road area; now, in the middle of the year, it's already in the Third Ring Road area.
Even if the Wood Element demiplane contributed to it, it's still an exaggeration.
“Yes, I just broke through in Dorne City not long ago.” Gao De nodded.
Theodore was silent for a moment, looking at God with a complicated expression.
As the chief mage of Auckland, he had seen countless geniuses, but none of them had ever created a feat like Gaode.
However, as the chief mage, he managed to maintain his composure on the surface.
So he quickly calmed down and sincerely praised, "You spent the first ten years or so wandering in the Principality of West En, without resources or guidance. It was such a waste of your talent."
"If you had been a mage of our Golden Flower Dynasty from the beginning, your achievements would be even more astonishing."
"It's not too late now," Gao De said with a smile, his confidence radiating from him.
Upon hearing this, Theodore laughed and picked up the teapot to pour a cup of Earl Grey tea for God.
The two drank tea and ate snacks, and chatted for a long time.
During this time, Theodore also shared many of Gao De's insights and precautions regarding the three-ring practice, all of which were invaluable experiences that would be hard to come by.
"After visiting you, I'm ready to head to Avalon County to continue my gym challenge, collect all twelve gym badges as soon as possible, and secure a spot as a substitute in the Unrivaled Magic Tournament."
Finally, Gaode told everyone about his next plans.
Mentioning this matter immediately evoked another wave of emotion from Theodore.
When he first heard the news at the beginning of the year, he thought that Gaode was just going to accumulate practical experience, and that he probably wouldn't even be able to get a badge from the art club.
But now, hearing him calmly state his goal of collecting all twelve badges, Theodore felt it was only natural.
People are even starting to look forward to Gao De's performance at the Unparalleled Magic Competition.
"That should be safe. According to my information, the most challenging mage who has collected the most gym badges so far has only eight, which is still a long way from twelve."
"However, you should also be careful. Even though you have been promoted to the third ring, you have only just been promoted."
You should have no problem with the other gyms, but the gym badges from Ryukyu County and the City of Glory are not easy to obtain.
Gao De nodded in agreement, but a hint of eagerness flashed in his eyes.
Having a powerful opponent is a good opportunity for him to test his newly mastered [Resonance of All Laws].
(End of this chapter)