The Sweep Begins

Late at night, at the school's headquarters.

After returning to his dormitory, Matthew immediately began training the mixed elemental spirits.

Based on the information revealed by Mold, he guessed that the recruitment period should begin soon, but he didn't know if he could complete the research experiment before then.

But no matter what, Matthew will not give up hope.

Without much hesitation, he strode to the test bench.

Before mixing the two elements, he must first break down the elemental particles into a liquid state.

The reason is that the liquid state is more stable in the final step of the fusion of two elements.

However, this process will take a long time, and Matthew cannot keep an eye on the situation here all the time.

He took out two crucibles and then turned to the last page of the original body's experiment report.

The document describes a method for constructing a stable magic array to maintain the balance of decomposed elements inside the crucible.

This was an unexpected discovery by the original owner while reviewing documents.

By inscribing the stabilizing magic array onto the crucible, Matthew no longer needs to constantly monitor it; he only needs to add elemental particles periodically.

Following the instructions in the report, he carefully inscribed the stabilizing magic array on the crucible.

This is a very common traditional stable shamanic array based on a six-pointed star.

The six-pointed star represents balance and stability. It can guide the flow of magic evenly, so wizards often use it as a basis to create various magic arrays.

Although the runes in this magic array were somewhat complex, they were no challenge for Matthew.

He has long been producing documentary films and is quite skilled at depicting magical formations.

soon……

"It's done."

After inspecting the crucible and finding no problems, he inscribed a stabilizing magic array on another crucible.

After doing all this, Matthew added the wind element particles and water element particles to the two crucibles respectively, and began the decomposition of the elements.

The elemental particles that entered the crucible began to slowly liquefy, and some of them turned into gas.

However, the crucible is covered with a shield to prevent the loss of elements.

Matthew breathed a sigh of relief after seeing the crucible functioning normally.

"It seems there are no problems. All that's left is to add the elemental particles on time every day."

After fiddling around all night, it was already dawn.

"It's time to refine the elemental particles."

……

Three days passed quickly.

After refining the elemental particles, Matthew returned to the school's headquarters that day.

When he arrived at the novice apprentices' quarters, he noticed that many of the small huts that should have been lit by candlelight were gone.

He recalled that when he went out today, there seemed to be fewer people at the camp.

Matthew had a bad feeling.

"Could it be that the conscription to wipe out the Snowfang Clan has already begun?"

"But why haven't I received any instructions from the school?"

"Could this be Mord's arrangement?"

If the school really were to launch a purge against the Snowfang Clan without his knowledge, Matthew immediately thought of Mold who could do it.

"It's also possible that I'll be drafted in the next batch."

At this moment, Matthew calmed down. Since the school hadn't summoned him, at least he was safe now.

"Whatever the reason, dragging it out is in my best interest. In just four more days, I can complete the research and assessment of the project."

Without dwelling on it, he quickly left.

Upon entering the hut, Matthew immediately checked the condition of the crucible.

Under the influence of the stabilizing magic array, the liquefaction process of the elements proceeded in an orderly manner.

The elemental particles gradually melted at high temperatures, and now the amount of liquid elements in the crucible is more than half full.

"Nothing is abnormal."

Matthew breathed a sigh of relief and poured the elemental particles he had refined that day into the crucible to continue the decomposition.

After observing for a moment, Matthew began his meditation for the day.

Although the current "Basic Meditation Method" has little effect on him, he still doesn't want to waste any more time.

Matthew closed his eyes and quickly entered a meditative state.

He focused his mind and controlled his mental energy to slowly outline the shape of the rune tree. Then, branches extended from the outline, and slowly sprouted leaves...

……

Time flies, and two days have passed in the blink of an eye.

Today, Matthew returned from refining elemental particles in the snowy mountains, as he always has.

But when he returned to the school's headquarters, he found that there were far fewer lit rooms in the elementary apprentice dormitory area.

Under the moonlight, the entire area appeared deathly still.

At this moment, Matthew finally realized that the school had indeed launched a purge against the Snowfang Clan.

However, judging from the fact that the school recruited a large number of apprentices again just two days later, this purge was much more intense than expected.

But strangely, he was still not included in the second batch of conscriptions.

Based on the information Luke revealed at the time, Matthew was assigned by the School to participate in the Snowfang Clan's extermination in advance because of Mold.

The fact that he has not been drafted yet is almost certainly due to Mold's arrangement.

He guessed that, for some reason, Mold was waiting for him to come and sign the servant contract.

"It seems he's really interested in his dragon bloodline."

But Matthew also knew that a person's patience was limited, and if he didn't arrive soon, Mold would definitely break off relations.

His methods might become even more drastic then.

"but……"

"Only two days left, the research experiment will be completed soon."

……

Late at night on the sixth day.

Matthew pushed open the door to the room.

Today is the last day for him to refine elemental particles. He has gathered all the elements needed to complete the cultivation of the hybrid elemental spirit.

He couldn't wait to put the elemental particles he had extracted that day into the crucible.

"Sizzle—" The elemental particles entered the crucible and began to slowly decompose.

"Once these elemental particles in front of me have completely decomposed, I can start mixing the two elements."

Matthew hasn't slept for almost ten days. Although he feels a little tired, he's wide awake.

He sat there at the lab bench, waiting for the last of the elemental particles to decompose.

"Almost there..."

Matthew clenched his fists, staring at the cauldron in front of him. "We'll be able to leave this hellhole soon..."

However, at that moment, there was a sudden knock on the door of the cabin.

Matthew turned around abruptly. "Could it be Luke?"

"Damn it, we were just a hair's breadth away from it."

"Knock knock knock—", the knocking became more urgent, and the vibrations came through the walls of the room, making the whole small house shake.

Matthew suspected that if he didn't open the door soon, the people outside would tear the place down.

Having no other choice, he had to bite the bullet and go open the door.

The temperature plummeted, and a cold wind swept through.

After opening the door, Matthew discovered that the person outside was not Luke.

But...

"Mold..."

"Matthew, I've been waiting for you for so long."

"What have you thought about what I told you last time?"

Mold slowly took out a soul contract from his robes and said in a chilling tone.

"This time, I think you will make the right choice."