Locke nodded slightly, remaining composed. "How much earlier do you need to act, and when?"

Warwick said in a low voice, "Two months from now. At the Ash Cult academy on Whirlpool Floating Reef No. 13 in the Jade Splendor Enclave wizard land next to the Three Marsh Lands, you, me, and a friend of mine, also a First Circle crystallization stage archaeological doctor, will act together."

"We'll wait for you there. The Ash Cult controls a natural underground river entrance into the Abyssal River."

Locke frowned. He had only heard of the Jade Splendor Enclave after arriving in the Three Marsh Lands.

The Jade Splendor Enclave was next to the Twilight Border Lands, located to the north of the Three Marsh Lands.

Locke asked in a low voice, "The Ash Cult is a black wizard land?"

Warwick chuckled. "Yes, are you afraid?!"

Locke frowned without answering. It wasn't fear, but rather there was no need to take on the risk.

Warwick said to Locke in a low voice, "In black wizard lands, as long as you show that you're an archaeological scholar, you can basically avoid most risks. In black wizard society, we archaeological scholars are very respected."

"You don't need to worry. Many white wizards also put on black robes to enter black wizard lands, then put on white robes again when they leave."

"However, there's one thing I should tell you. In black wizard lands, don't show sympathy, kindness, or weakness. That would be like an injured beetle without its shell, you'd be targeted by all carnivorous insects who would try to skin you and pick your bones clean. In black wizard lands, kindness is the most useless thing."

Locke smiled. This was like good people born in evil lands, but that wasn't the fault of good people.

In that godforsaken place of black wizards, one could barely protect oneself, let alone maintain the luxury of sympathy there.

Surely if he dared to show such emotions there, he would attract countless evil wolves dressed in sheep's clothing who wanted to bite him hard.

Warwick summoned his Book of Demons, saying, "Are you coming or not? My Book of Demons contains materials on fifteen abyssal ruins. Last time I only gave you historical materials on five of those abyssal ruins."

"If you agree to participate in my operation, I'll give you all the remaining historical materials in advance before we enter this abyssal ruin."

Locke said, "That generous?"

Warwick said in a low voice, "Normally I wouldn't be this generous, but when I came over this time, I discovered you're already a First Circle crystallization stage wizard. Your advancement speed is really too fast. It's incredible."

"That's one point."

"Second, if you're also a First Circle crystallization stage archaeological scholar, then the historical materials in that ruin will absolutely tempt you. If I give you the materials in advance and let your Book of Dragons become a First Circle crystallization stage Suzerain book, it will only increase your ambition."

"Both of us being First Circle crystallization stage archaeological scholars, I don't believe you can resist the temptation to enter that abyssal ruin with the chance to obtain legendary historical materials."

Legendary historical materials?

Locke immediately remembered reading about such things when he studied Wizard King Grimoire every day.

Some historical materials had special significance.

They were major secrets hidden in various eras, so archaeological scholars called them legendary historical materials. Legendary historical materials had very special characteristics and involved multiple secret vortexes. Those secrets disappeared with the deaths of certain famous wizards.

But there were also wizards who didn't want those precious secrets to disappear like that, so they chose to bring those secrets into their tombs, sealed by magical fortifications.

By deciphering and recording such materials, archaeological scholars could greatly enhance their Suzerain books and all the negative energy particle fields they had collected.

Moreover, Wizard King Grimoire recorded that archaeological scholars didn't need legendary historical materials for their own advancement, but to advance in the archaeological field to Second Circle level and become expert archaeological scholars, they would need legendary historical materials.

Locke asked, "Whose ruin is that abyssal ruin exactly?"

Warwick hesitated, but he really wanted an additional helper, which would give him more hope of conquering the ruin.

Therefore, Warwick said, "It's a ruin from the Era of Stars. The Era of Stars has many historical mysteries. We archaeological scholars can only explore small historical fragments."

"In the Era of Stars, there was no division between wizard lands and quadrants, and no wizard academies, only magic kingdoms one after another."

"The chasms that now exist between the major wizard lands hadn't appeared in that era yet. We archaeological scholars have been tracing why the chasms suddenly appeared and in exactly which era they appeared. Opinions vary."

"Based on our explorations over these years, we've basically confirmed that although the Era of Stars was chaotic, there were still several countries called hegemon nations at the time, which were the protagonists of that era."

"The target tomb we're exploring this time belongs to the wife of a great hegemon kingdom, the wife of that Nameless King who, after the Era of Stars, nearly unified the wizard world for the third time to become an empire but ultimately failed."

"If he had succeeded, he might have greatly changed history, recreating that historical magic empire. He could have ended the Era of Stars and changed current history. Unfortunately, he failed."

"And left behind many mysteries."

Warwick's eyes burst with extreme interest. "That's right, it's his wife's tomb. According to verification by Second Circle archaeological scholars, that Nameless King's former kingdom was called the Neustria Magic Kingdom, but because the unification failed, it suffered the Curse of Erasure."

"Everything about that Nameless King is unknown. All his records were completely erased. We don't know why he failed, don't know how he died, whether it was suicide, homicide, disease, or assassination. We don't know anything about that Nameless King's life!"

"The Era of Stars back then hid many secrets. That Curse of Erasure destroyed our ability as later archaeological scholars to determine the specific history of the Nameless King and the Neustria Magic Kingdom, and we cannot determine the specific historical timeline of the Era of Stars."

"But a Fourth Circle Truth Wizard from the Star Domain Sea has already launched a project to organize the Era of Stars' Chronological History and write the Historical Text of the Era of Stars! This is a massive project. Countless archaeological scholars are actively participating in this project to completely trace the true face of the Era of Stars."

Warwick became very excited. "This is a plan issued by a Truth Wizard. If we succeed, we can completely decode the Era of Stars and remove the veil from that era's face. For us archaeological scholars, no secret should remain a secret!"

Locke asked strangely, "Truth Wizard? Is he a white wizard?"

Truth Wizard was an honorary title conferred by white wizard society.

Warwick coughed. "The Star Domain Sea doesn't care that much about black wizards and white wizards. Especially us archaeological scholars. Many high Circle wizards among our archaeological scholars have positions in the Star Domain Sea."

"Don't research the issue of black wizards and white wizards anymore. Anyway, these matters have nothing to do with us." Warwick seemed to know something. He wanted to say something, but he feared some power, so every time Locke mentioned this matter, he felt very uncomfortable.

As an archaeological scholar, knowing part of a secret but being unable to speak of it for life, such pain was imaginable.

Warwick said, "That Truth Wizard created a unique award, the Historia Archaeological Award. This award is very important among our archaeological scholar community. Every year, winners are selected from First Circle, Second Circle, and Third Circle scholars."

"Winners can be individuals or teams."

"Recipients of the Historia Award can receive substantial financial rewards, as well as reputation and prestige among peers! Moreover, they can receive commendation from that Historia Throne Wizard. There are many benefits."

"The Historia Award can, to a certain extent, represent our achievements in the archaeological field!" Warwick said, "By exploring the tomb of the Nameless King's wife this time, not only do we all have the chance to obtain legendary historical materials, but if we can succeed, we can completely participate in the Historia Archaeological Award evaluation as a team."

"That award's application teams have a maximum of six people. As long as it's within six people, the group can collectively apply for the award!"

Warwick said, "I also spent a lot of effort to confirm that that abyssal ruin is the tomb of that Nameless King's wife."

Locke asked in confusion, "If, as you said, you've confirmed that's the tomb of that Nameless King's wife, this is a major discovery. Why don't you develop it yourself instead of sharing this benefit with us?"

Warwick smiled. "I'm not as narrow-minded and short-sighted as ordinary black wizards. I'm an archaeological scholar, a wise person, so naturally I can see clearly what's most beneficial for myself."

"First, getting the Historia Archaeological Award jointly versus me getting the Historia Archaeological Award alone, there's fundamentally no essential difference! On the contrary, to obtain this award requires enormous effort, and I believe I can't do it alone."

"The odds aren't good."

"Second, my real core interest is the legendary historical materials needed to advance my Suzerain book to Second Circle. Also, by obtaining the Historia Award and conquering that special abyssal ruin, I can gain the special resources needed to advance to Second Circle."

A trace of solemnity appeared on Warwick's face. "But that tomb is very dangerous. First, I actually can't completely confirm whether that tomb is the tomb of that Nameless King's wife. No archaeological scholar can do that before deciphering an abyssal ruin."

"If that's a trap... if it's a deceptive cenotaph or an empty tomb, that would still be fine."

"But if it's a trap tomb specifically designed to kill tomb raiders, that would be troublesome. Moreover, the Nameless King suffered the Curse of Erasure back then, so the wizards of that time made many precautions to prevent later wizards from having ways to break the Curse of Erasure and learn about the Nameless King's life."

"That tomb is very dangerous. I only flew over the tomb once before and encountered a life-threatening crisis." Warwick said, "Therefore, I need to invite powerful archaeological professors to act together with me. By combining our magical power and wisdom, we can conquer that tomb."

"Of course, I'm not stupid enough to invite Second Circle archaeological scholars to go together. If that happened, I wouldn't even get to eat meat, I might not even get soup."

Locke tapped the table with his finger. "I have a question. Why did they apply the Curse of Erasure to the Nameless King but not to his wife?"

Warwick said quickly, "I believe this is related to the Nameless King's wife being only a princess of a small country. That small country was incredibly tiny, and she herself was only a First Circle wizard."

"Of course, the main reason is that the Nameless King divorced his wife before launching his war."

"This is the main reason his wife was spared."

"But even the tomb of a princess from the smallest magic kingdom is still dangerous. Most importantly, there may be the power of the Curse of Erasure from that era inside."

"So deciphering it is still very dangerous."

Locke nodded slightly. So that Nameless King, before doing great things, first severed ties with his relatives to ensure there were no worries behind him?

Warwick stared at Locke. "Will you act together?"

After thinking, Locke informed Witch Yekaterina of the general flow of Warwick's invitation, just without telling her the details. He only mentioned Warwick's so-called Historia Archaeological Award and the ancient tomb from the Era of Stars.

He did this to ensure his own safety, allowing Witch Yekaterina to know his approximate location.

Otherwise, going alone to the Jade Splendor Enclave and entering black wizard territory would be too risky.

Second, he needed to be away from Golden Crown Mountain for such a long time, which also required Witch Yekaterina's consent, otherwise his points would likely be completely deducted.

Witch Yekaterina quickly replied instantly. 'You can go.'

'However, since you have this resource, and the Historia Archaeological Award can have a maximum of six people evaluated, ask your black wizard friend if he's willing to bring another First Circle archaeological scholar?'

'This side doesn't need a share of the Historia Archaeological Award's financial rewards. Traveling with a wizard from your own school will also provide an additional safety guarantee.'

Locke was stunned, then received a wizard's personal resume that Witch Yekaterina sent him.

This was a witch who was an archaeological scholar, a Divine Master, and also a botanical wizard.

She was a student that Witch Yekaterina had taken when serving as chief wizard mentor at other gardens in Golden Crown Mountain. Later, after becoming an official wizard, she also chose to remain at the school as a lecturer.

From this resume, the other party was definitely among the most direct of Witch Yekaterina's direct line.

Locke then looked at Warwick and asked, "By the way, would you be willing to bring another First Circle archaeological scholar?"

Locke concealed Witch Yekaterina's involvement, only saying it was his friend, then explained her situation to Warwick.

Warwick was stunned. "As long as it's within six people, it's actually fine. I've only recruited two people so far, with you that's a total of three."

"To conquer a tomb with such great difficulty, I also feel we don't have enough manpower. But to enter the Abyssal River requires having abyssal energy or possessing strong abyssal resistance. Can your friend do it?"

"Many archaeological scholars were excluded from my cooperation range because they couldn't enter the Abyssal River."

Locke knew that since Witch Yekaterina had made this suggestion to him, it meant she definitely had a way to let his senior sister enter the abyssal ruin together.

So Locke said, "Of course she can."

Warwick said, "Then I have no objections. This can also eliminate your worries. I have two people on my side, and you also have two people on your side. Dynamic balance is the best way to cooperate. However, before that, we need to sign a contract supervised by the Eye of Truth. You and I have already signed one, but we also need to sign one with her!"

"You white wizards are at least famous for keeping contracts. As long as we sign the highest-level First Circle contract costing thirty thousand magic stones, I have no objections."

"The contract signing fee must be paid by her."

Locke inquired with Witch Yekaterina.

Witch Yekaterina replied instantly. 'Of course.'

Locke said to Warwick, "Acceptable."

Warwick immediately showed a satisfied smile and put on five layers of black magical clothing over his silver-cast wolf head again. "Traveling with a distinguished graduate of Golden Crown Mountain can indeed increase our chances of success somewhat."

"This has no downside for me."

"Happy cooperation."

"Then we'll meet in two months."

Locke watched as he wrapped himself up like a black 'hairball' again. He wanted to say something but hesitated, wanting to advise against this meaningless performance art, but thinking of Warwick's sensitive personality, he wisely remained silent.