113: Special Mission - Counter Sniper (I)

“Greene, well done.”

“I didn't misjudge you.”

Mentor Jordan said with a solemn expression:

“But you don’t need to worry; the Academy won't assign you a mission that sends you to your death.”

“However, the wilderness is not like the Academy. The situation in the wilderness is complex and ever-changing, and enemies can be overt or covert. Everything is like a mist, full of unknowns.”

“That’s why it’s called a fight to the death.”

“No one will cover for you anymore. At that time, you’ll need to be more vigilant, always have a backup plan, and avoid falling into traps.”

Mentor Jordan earnestly advised Greene like an old father.

Greene listened very attentively.

These were all words of experience. Greene was no longer a naive young man just starting out. Not listening to the words of elders and insisting on stumbling into pitfalls himself—wasn't that just asking for trouble?

...Time flew by, and soon it was February of the 24th year of the wizard's path.

In the past six months, Greene hadn't done anything else.

He focused on two things:

1. Learning how to assemble three Spiritual Power rune chains into a stable triangular foundation.

This was taught by a senior Advanced Wizard Apprentice-level mentor specializing in Meditation Technique, through one-on-one VIP instruction.

This was a compulsory course for the Advanced Wizard Apprentice stage, requiring the practice of a special secret Meditation Technique. Only after hundreds of combinations and trials could a sufficiently stable foundation be built.

According to Greene's estimation, even with the Golden Finger's enhancement, Greene would need at least three years, which meant at least three brain overclocks, to complete this vast and intricate process.

There was no other way; to ensure a stable foundation, he could only take his time and refine it gradually.

Tuition fee—free... 2. Learning the 0-ring Advanced Wizardry, Exploding Fireball, and integrating it into his combat system.

A senior Advanced Wizard-level mentor, who had mastered Exploding Fireball to the point of silent, instant casting, provided Greene with weekly Wizardry guidance.

Thanks to the solid foundation laid by previously practicing Exploding Fireball and mastering it to the dual-casting realm, Greene's progress was rapid.

It only took him two months to master the Exploding Fireball Wizardry to the phrase-casting stage.

So, with the remaining time, Greene also practiced the Magic Whirlwind Wizardry to the phrase-casting stage.

The Magic Whirlwind, capable of both offense and evasion, was an essential Wizardry for travel and everyday life.

Tuition fee—free... Wizard Tower, fifth floor, armored training room.

Mentor Jordan gathered the five members of the Devil Squad and Greene here.

“Ahem...”

“Today, I am here to announce your combat mission.”

“According to reliable intelligence from the Academy, the mastermind behind last February's hijacking of the Knight's Potion transport convoy has been found.”

“Some of you may not be aware of this incident, so let me first explain the full story of this major robbery.”

“Every February, the Academy transports a large batch of mid to low-level Knight series potions to the capital of the Motlan Grand Kingdom—Motlan Grand City. This is worth hundreds of thousands of magic stones!”

“But last year, a group of Black Wizards attacked our transport convoy, stole a significant portion of the resources, and burned most of the potions. This caused the Academy heavy losses, a significant blow to its prestige, and forced it to pay a huge amount of resources to appease the matter.”

“After a year-long investigation by the Academy, this group of Black Wizards is very likely our old adversaries—the Blood Fortress Wizard Academy and the Black Wizard pirate group—the Blood Bone Forest Pirate Group, working together.”

“Moreover, this year—

They are again stirring, intending to strike at our Knight's Potion transport convoy once more.”

...“Therefore, your mission is—counter-sniping!”

Mentor Jordan said emphatically, his tone filled with chilling murderous intent and the fighting spirit of war.

“Being passively beaten has never been our style.”

“So, we must sever those dog paws that the Black Wizards have extended!”

“Regardless of whether they are Black Wizards, whoever dares to reach out, chop them all off.”

“If we're going to fight, we must fight fiercely, beat them until they are afraid! Beat them until they submit!”

“Yes, Mentor Jordan is right, chop off their dog paws!”

Greene loudly echoed.

His teammates also chimed in, chattering. Everyone had fought Black Wizards before and detested them deeply. Who was afraid of Black Wizards?

On the contrary, they were even a little excited:

“That’s right, it’s time to teach those Black Wizards a lesson...”

“Heh, we’re going to chop up those black dog brats again. I knew these black-skinned dogs wouldn’t stay quiet for a moment...”

“Great, our Devil Squad has been resting for over two years now, hasn’t it? It’s time to make them remember our terror...”

“Count me in for fighting Black Wizards. This is a big operation; I want to chop off ten heads...”

“Heh, with me here, no one will break through our squad’s defense. This time I’m sure I’ll make a big name for myself...”

...“Good, morale is high.”

Mentor Jordan waited until everyone had expressed their opinions, then gestured for them to stop discussing.

“You are the Academy’s top combat squad, and you have Greene’s armor enhancement.”

“Therefore, the mission you are assigned will be very significant.”

“Besides the escort team openly displayed by the Academy, all available top combat forces have been secretly mobilized and divided into three teams. You are the only team responsible for the right flank of the potion transport convoy.”

“Similarly, this combat mission will be fully commanded by Captain Andre, the Wizard.”

“Greene, you must also obey Captain Andre’s command and not act on your own initiative, understand?”

...“Understood, Mentor Jordan.”

“I will do my part and follow orders.”

“Wherever the captain assigns me, I will go.”

Greene agreed without hesitation. This combat mission was clearly very unusual, and it might well turn into a chaotic free-for-all.

Individual strength, as long as it doesn't exceed one magnitude (i.e., all are below 100 Intensity in the Wizard Apprentice stage), can only rely on the strength of the group to survive in such circumstances.

Greene didn't want to die before achieving success.

Playing the hero alone wasn't about having great skill and courage!

It was dancing on a knife's edge, acting crazy on the crest of a wave.

This did not align with Greene's philosophy, values, or worldview at all.

Greene had only one thought—

Develop cautiously, don't be reckless!—Don't be reckless!

Stay steady, don't be reckless!—Don't be reckless!

...