The title of Sage was an honor that Sky City bestowed specifically upon scholars. Any Wizard who achieved outstanding accomplishments in academic fields and earned the recognition of the Sage Council could receive it.
Once a scholar was certified by Sky City as having earned the Sage title, it came not only with tremendous prestige, but also represented enormous benefits! Not only could one receive a two-tier physique enhancement from the Arcane Scepter, but there was also the opportunity to join Sky City itself. Even without joining, with the Sky Throne's patronage, one could travel freely throughout the entire Central Continent without hindrance.
Therefore, whether for fame or profit, or even simply to exchange knowledge and learn from others, a great number of scholar-type Wizards came here every year, earning Sky City its celebrated reputation as the "Cradle of Truth."
When it came to competing in academic attainments, Leylin had the Chip in hand and wasn't particularly worried.
In fact, even if he couldn't pass the evaluation, as long as he could impress the Sky Throne, undergoing a single baptism of the Arcane Scepter wouldn't be a problem.
Leylin was brimming with confidence this time. The gift he had prepared would absolutely be enough to move a Tier 6 Radiant Sun Wizard!
The coordinates of an otherworld! That was more than enough! After all, he had never promised Wade that he wouldn't sell the coordinates of the Magma World to a third party.
And its appeal would certainly be sufficient for the Sky Throne to make an exception.
He just wondered whether Wade and Gesia would spit blood when they found out about this.
When those Wizards obtained the coordinates of an otherworld, every last one of them kept them hidden under lock and key. Only a freak like Leylin would pull them out and hand them around as gifts.
"Bofiel!" The visitor announced his name while sizing up Leylin.
Young! That was the first impression Leylin gave Bofiel. Whether it was his handsome features or the vibrant life force rippling about him, everything about him conveyed a sense of remarkable youth.
"From what I've heard, this Lord Leylin is less than three hundred years old? And he's already advanced to Morning Star and built up such a fearsome reputation!" Bofiel studied the genius warlock.
The other man wore a platinum-white Wizard robe, gold-threaded gloves on his hands, and his eyes held nothing but a gentle warmth, radiating a sunny quality. The crescent moon pendant dangling from his ear, combined with his handsome features, made him exactly the sort of figure that would send countless young girls — and even female Wizards — into screaming fits of adoration.
"So it's Lord Bofiel!"
Leylin looked at the fellow before him who resembled an angel and couldn't help but feel somewhat exasperated by the other's appearance. However, the Morning Star radiation emanating from him was certainly no illusion.
The forces controlled by the Sky Throne spanned the entire continent. There were quite a few Tier 5 Radiant Moon Wizards among their ranks, and naturally even more Morning Stars beneath them. Bofiel was obviously one of them.
After advancing to formal Wizard status, one could undergo various modifications to one's body. By the Morning Star stage, almost every Wizard had all manner of strange additions grafted onto them. At this point, Leylin couldn't tell at all whether the light wings on Bofiel's body were the product of a bloodline or some kind of Wizard spell — not without capturing the fellow and running a few experiments on him.
"Might I ask what brings you here, Lord Leylin? Are you here representing the Ouroboros Ring on some important matter?"
After exchanging pleasantries, Bofiel finally asked the question that had been buried in his heart for a long time. He had heard quite a bit about the Ouroboros Ring's recent activities and the conflict with the Thunder of Jupiter, and he absolutely did not believe that Leylin had come all the way here to sightsee at such a critical juncture.
"Indeed! I heard that Sky City's Sage Assessment is about to begin, and I have come bearing my faith in truth!"
Leylin made absolutely no attempt to conceal his purpose.
"The Sage Assessment?!" Bofiel was somewhat stunned. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that Leylin would be interested in something like that.
The Sage title merely granted the scholar who earned it a bit more convenience when traveling the continent. But Leylin was already a Morning Star! What organization would dare not show him face?
As for those benefits and honors, to a Morning Star Wizard, they were as light as spider webs. Perhaps for Morning Stars, the only thing truly worthy of their attention was the baptism of the Arcane Staff.
An increase of nearly 20 points in physique still held great attraction for many Morning Stars.
"The Sage Assessment is an open selection held for Wizards across the entire Central Continent. I wonder if I qualify?" Leylin asked with a smile.
"Of course! With Lord Leylin's presence, this Assessment is bound to be even more spectacular!" Bofiel answered without the slightest hesitation.
The Sage Assessment's reputation had long spread far and wide. It was precisely because it was open and fair, regardless of faction or status, that it had earned the unanimous recognition of the Central Continent's Wizards. Sky City had been able to become a holy land for Wizards and absorb vast quantities of fresh blood. Bofiel would have to be a fool to refuse.
"Heh heh… In that case, please follow me to the villa that has been specially prepared for you. You may settle in there, organize your paper and experiments, and wait for the Assessment to begin!"
Bofiel extended a warm invitation. Those Morning Stars who came for the Sage Assessment, though few in total number, were never entirely absent. Sky City had long since developed its own set of protocols for handling them.
Generally speaking, as long as the visiting Wizards did not break any laws or violate any taboos, they were to be left in peace, with the only requirement being that they be received with warmth and hospitality.
"Then I thank you for it!" Leylin did not refuse Bofiel's invitation.
After all, there would be surveillance no matter where he went. It was better to simply stay at the location they designated, where the treatment would surely be superior.