Chapter 124: Polar Star Crystal (Additional Update 4/4)

The group fell silent for a long moment. Fortunately, Corent seemed accustomed to such tasks and worked swiftly. Before long, the magical materials Midiel had brought were seamlessly integrated into the original grand formation.

Simultaneously, Fulvie produced a small frosted token. Though she made no overt moves, the Winter Gate and the spirit artifact formation trembled instantly, emitting a dazzling light. When Qixiao regained his sight, all the spirit artifacts and magical materials on the field had vanished, yet the Winter Gate stood wide open.

Curious, Qixiao peered into the gate. The once ominous and mysterious aura had completely dissipated, replaced by the image of an unremarkable door standing atop the icy platform. The mages, evidently having reached a prior agreement, exchanged glances. Midiel and Fulvie stepped in side by side, and the moment their feet crossed the threshold of the Winter Gate, it slammed shut with blinding speed, without a sound.

Observing the expressions of the remaining three mages, Qixiao noticed no surprise; clearly, the situation aligned with their expectations. He thus eased his lingering anxiety.

Eleanor, always approachable, caught Qixiao’s gaze after a brief silence. Unable to resist, he asked, “Lady Eleanor, what exactly is this...?”

Eleanor, idly twirling a bone flute in her hands, smiled faintly at his question. She crouched down, leaning close to Qixiao’s ear, and whispered mysteriously, “Curious, are you?”

Qixiao’s eyes sparkled, nodding rapidly as if clapping his hands.

“Heh...” Thankfully, Eleanor wasn’t one to dangle riddles. She shifted to a more comfortable position beside him and spoke casually: “This is called the Winter Gate. Legend has it, it existed long before Lord Winter became a legend himself, and it has aided him greatly on his path as a mage. Thus, the Winter Gate is renowned among formal mages.

“But as you might expect, being a legacy left by Lord Winter, no one dares harbor ill intent. Everyone must abide strictly by the draconian rules set by the Frozen Sanctuary...”

“Hey, I’m still listening! What draconian rules? So many have begged for favors and come away empty-handed. As the current pontiff of the Sanctuary, I’m holding you accountable!” Corent, who had been leaning against an ice sculpture, interrupted with a disgruntled protest.

Eleanor merely rolled her eyes, ignoring his outburst, and continued: “The gate’s opening schedule is irregular, but once opened, it remains so for at least a day.

“Sometimes it opens every few years; other times, it can take a hundred years or more. The various great powers take turns sending representatives, bearing eighty percent of the costs for opening the gate. It’s a burden that’s almost unbearable.”

Suddenly, Eleanor chuckled softly. “But every time we come, the rewards far exceed the price, so we just let it be.”

Qixiao, puzzled, pressed on: “If it stays open for at least a day each time and there’s no limit on how many times it can open, why do they take turns? Why not all go at once? Finish one group and then the next.”

Corent, having quietly moved closer and sat down without any airs, answered promptly: “Every time the Winter Gate opens, it requires preparation of magical materials and spirit artifacts matching the rank of those entering. Each mage who passes through receives an item attuned to themselves—usually a piece of alchemical equipment suited to their nature.

“However, after tens of thousands of years of trials, it’s found that 5 to 8 entrants per opening is optimal. More than that causes the next opening to be delayed exponentially. Once, fifteen people entered within three days, and it didn’t open again for a full century. From an efficiency standpoint, it’s not worth it, so they take turns sending representatives.”

Qixiao nodded in understanding.

Yet Corent, like a teacher passionate about his subject, continued: “Except for members of our organization who have special methods, everyone else can only enter once in their lifetime. This chance is extremely precious, and the earlier one enters, the better. An apprentice once acquired a piece of growable alchemical equipment suited to him inside, which greatly benefited him. I hear he’s on the verge of becoming a formal mage.”

Seeing that Corent could answer most of his questions, Qixiao put on a curious expression and asked, “Over all these years, what’s the best thing anyone’s ever obtained from inside?”

Corent’s face suddenly darkened, showing a hint of pain. Eleanor stifled a laugh beside him and said, “Three hundred years ago, Dimos came once and took a mysterious spirit from within. That petty pontiff still resents it to this day. Truly, a disgrace to Lord Winter’s name.”

Corent’s expression turned grim, teeth clenched: “You must understand, I could never have agreed to let him in given his fate! You see...”

Suddenly alert, Corent eyed Qixiao suspiciously. “You didn’t bring an apprentice with you this time, did you...?”

“Impossible. Do you think our Eternal Vault could find two of a rare constitution like Dimos’s in three hundred years?” Eleanor rolled her eyes, mocking Corent: “You’ve been stuck on the threshold of true understanding for centuries. Try looking further ahead, be magnanimous. Always nitpicking and counting pennies won’t get anything done.”

Corent seemed wounded by the jab and snorted a couple of times without replying.

Soon, the silent Lorseis spoke up: “They’re coming back.”

No sooner had he finished than the Winter Gate swung open, emitting a soft blue glow. Midiel and Fulvie emerged.

Fulvie’s smile was barely concealed; it was clear she had gained much. Midiel, as ever, remained expressionless, revealing nothing of his mood.

“So? What did you get? Share with us,” Eleanor’s eyes brightened as she quickly rose and eagerly peppered Midiel with questions.

Corent, abandoning his earlier stinginess, gazed warmly at Fulvie. This new demeanor somewhat redeemed his image in Qixiao’s eyes.

Fulvie did not hide her prize. She produced a palm-sized ice crystal from her arms.

The crystal emitted a gentle blue light in her palm. Its form was natural yet exquisite, like a snowflake eternally preserved. Transparent with faint blue hues, it seemed untouched by even a speck of dust.

Its shape resembled a delicate snowflake, each crystalline petal flawless, edges sharp and translucent. At its center was a tiny six-pointed star, appearing as if skillfully carved by an artisan.

It exuded an aura both cold and warm, reminiscent of the radiant glow in the polar night sky.

Gently stroking the crystal, Fulvie smiled and introduced it to the group: “This is the Polar Star Light Crystal. It's not only a potent alchemical material but also a rare magical medium.

“It can enhance and channel magic related to light, ice, and stars, making spells more precise and powerful.

“It has a particularly strong connection to the North Star, able to sense the trajectories and forces of corresponding planes, which greatly aids in prophecy and astrology.

“Moreover, this ice crystal contains aurora energy—gentle yet formidable—offering its bearer a certain degree of protection and healing.

“Such crystals are exceedingly rare in the outside world, only formed under specific conditions through prolonged natural gestation. Each one is unique. I’ve been seeking one for a long time, and this is the first I’ve ever seen. It’s truly a dream come true.”