Chapter 17: Elemental Crystals

“Tell me, have the animals here been drinking from this pool for hundreds of years without it ever drying up? I see quite a few wild creatures around,” Qin Yuan asked as he gazed at the overflowing spring water on the ground.

“First, creatures below level zero cannot use the Magic Spring water, as it would cause their bodies to be unable to process it,” the Whispered Grimoire shook its pages decisively. “Second, beneath this pool lies a wondrous magical array that continuously regenerates the Magic Spring. Even if all the water here were drawn out, it would refill within less than a month. Moreover, there is a water level threshold set, so once it reaches a certain point, it automatically pauses, preventing any leakage.”

“This unique dungeon array layout is incredibly intricate; even the old man praised it highly.”

Qin Yuan nodded slightly, inhaling the fresh fragrance emanating from the spring. “Can this water be consumed directly?”

“Of course. The Magic Spring has broad uses. Drinking it is somewhat akin to taking a mana potion—it accelerates mana recovery. Additionally, it is used in some alchemical potions. If you can’t use it all, you can always sell it in shops.”

Qin Yuan immediately crouched down and took out a transparent container from his backpack, a vessel he had found on an alchemy workbench. The Eye of Revelation had already provided some information about the Magic Spring beforehand.

...

[Magic Spring ★ (Magical Material): A magical substance that may emerge in certain underground areas. It has wide-ranging applications and can rapidly restore mana when consumed directly.]

[Note: First appeared among the Elves, who called it the “Water of the Mother.”]

...

After filling the container, he hesitated a moment before taking a sip. The water carried a light, pleasant aroma; initially, it had no distinct taste, but after swallowing, a subtle sweetness lingered. It was quite palatable.

Without further delay, Qin Yuan brought out all the bottles and began filling them. The pool was not very large, and soon all six and a half bottles were filled.

“Oh, there’s one more thing,” the Whispered Grimoire suddenly recalled.

“What is it?” Qin Yuan asked curiously.

“Wait here!” Before finishing, the grimoire flapped and plunged into the spring water.

After about a minute, it resurfaced, its pages partially open, revealing something nestled in the middle that shimmered with rainbow-like light. Upon closer inspection, it was a colorful stone.

Dropping the stone onto the ground, the grimoire sighed, “As expected, it’s still here.”

“What is this?” New text appeared in Qin Yuan’s vision.

...

[Elemental Crystal ★★ (Magical Material): A rare, wondrous material that has a very slim chance of forming where elemental energies converge.]

[Note: The temperature of this crystal fluctuates continuously. Handle with care!]

...

“The old man once said that such magic arrays are places where mana gathers, and there is a chance for these to form,” the Whispered Grimoire explained. “They have many uses—numerous elemental-themed magical equipments require them. Furthermore, they serve as a primary ingredient for crafting ‘Elementalist Potions.’”

“Elementalist Potions? What are those?” Qin Yuan, intrigued, heard a new term.

The grimoire quickly elaborated: “Humans cap at level nine. To break through that ceiling, one must drink special potions to change class. Regular potions can be bought at larger Mage Association outposts, but these usually only allow transformation into common classes like ‘Fire Mage’ or ‘Frost Mage.’ There is, however, a rarer category—‘Special Classes’—that possess far more potent innate skills. ‘Elementalist’ is one such class. The most reliable way to become one is to brew the corresponding potion and drink it, guaranteeing a 100% change into that class.”

“Of course, even regular potions sold by the Mage Association can occasionally cause a random rare class change, but the odds are very low.”

After listening, Qin Yuan recalled something. The first time he entered Ironstone Village, he noticed that the captain of the guards, Richard, was level eleven with the title ‘Feral Warrior’—suggesting he had undergone a class change.

“With this crystal, if you want, you just need to gather ‘Alice Leaf ★★ (Alchemical Herb)’ and ‘Crystal Mushroom ★★ (Alchemical Herb)’—two not particularly rare materials—and I can brew an Elementalist Potion for you.”

Qin Yuan pondered and nodded. “How much stronger is a special class compared to a normal one?”

“It varies, but generally, with a well-coordinated skill set, their combat power can surpass regular classes by several levels,” the grimoire said.

Sounds promising...

Qin Yuan thought quietly that if given the chance, he’d prefer to become a special class—starting the race far ahead of others. Yet, since he hadn’t come across those two herbs, he concluded, “I’ll decide when the time comes.”

Checking the time, nearly half an hour had passed since arriving. Seeing the task completed, Qin Yuan packed away the Elemental Crystal, and together with the Whispered Grimoire, left the place.

Nearby, the feathers fluttering around him took notice and gathered together.

Following the original path, they ascended to the surface, where the grimoire sealed the entrance again.

The towering one-eyed giant Dagan sat cross-legged, lost in thought. Seeing Qin Yuan emerge, he spoke in a low voice, “Are you done?”

Qin Yuan nodded. “You said you’d take us to your home, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I was just about to mention that.” Setting down his palm, he gestured for Qin Yuan to step up.

The giant turned and resumed walking.

Soon, Qin Yuan saw a vast, shadowed cavern ahead, seemingly carved directly out of a mountainside.

“This is it.”

Inside, Dagan set them down.

Qin Yuan surveyed the space. The cavern was large but bare, devoid of decorations or furnishings.

They spent the remaining time sitting together. Mostly, the Whispered Grimoire chattered on about trivial matters, while Qin Yuan and Dagan listened, occasionally interjecting.

The one-eyed giant seemed to relish the company, listening intently.

After a while, as dusk approached, Qin Yuan rose, indicating it was time to leave.

Even the previously lively grimoire appeared tired and retreated into the storage pouch to rest.

Once again perched on the giant’s palm, Qin Yuan was carried swiftly along the way, the giant’s immense stride impressive in speed.

Birds and beasts scattered in all directions, intimidated by the overwhelming presence.

The journey had been calm until approaching their destination, when Qin Yuan heard a rustle in the forest to one side.

Concentrating, he discerned growls from wolves coming from the front-left.

He decided to have Dagan change course to investigate.

...

Within the dense forest, a fierce battle was unfolding.

Two black-striped magic wolves, one leading and one following, eyed a young man intently.

The youth, seemingly in his twenties, held a shield in his left hand and a fiery red longsword in his right, cautiously watching the beasts.

Closer inspection revealed his pale face, torn clothing on his arms and abdomen, from which blood slowly dripped.

“This is bad...” Zhang Wenbin forced a bitter smile.

His condition was dire; blood loss caused dizziness, and the wounds throbbed painfully.

“Give it everything!” he gritted his teeth as the leading wolf charged again. Dodging swiftly to the side, he swung down his Flameweave Sword with force.

The blade cut into the wolf, leaving a wound shimmering faintly red.

The burning pain made the beast snarl and shrink back, wary.

Zhang Wenbin exhaled in relief, but suddenly a sharp pain stabbed his back.

Turning, he saw the second wolf had sneaked up, slashing a deep claw wound across his back.

“Damn it...” If it were only one wolf, he could handle it, but these two seemed paired, coordinating their ambush, leaving him overwhelmed.

He felt his strength fading; even holding his weapon felt heavy.

Seeing his worsening state and the wolves’ predatory stares, a wave of helplessness and despair rose within him.

“Am I going to die here...?” Zhang Wenbin pressed his lips together, his face even paler, gripping his weapon tighter.

Though he had heard that death could lead to resurrection, this was not mere game stats but a tangible, real world where the ripping pain in his wounds reminded him constantly.

Fear of death was etched into every human bone.

And if given a choice, no one wished to pin their life on the uncertain hope of revival.

What if accidents happen? What if resurrection applies only to some? What if it’s only probabilistic? After all, the dead don’t post on forums.

Though unlikely, who could be certain?

These swirling thoughts cast a shadow over his heart.

At that moment, a rumbling sound arose nearby, accompanied by shaking like an earthquake beneath their feet.

The black-striped wolves sensed the disturbance too, seemingly recalling a terrifying presence they dared not forget. They abruptly halted their attack, trembling uncontrollably.

Then, something even more astonishing occurred.

Hearing the approaching noise, they whimpered and then decisively turned tail...

The two wolves fled desperately, scrambling with all limbs to escape some dread calamity, vanishing in a blur.

They abandoned even the prey that was nearly within reach.