Chapter 39: The Forest of Shadows

Lin Wei took the letter paper from the withered old man’s hand and slowly pressed it to his forehead.

The moment the paper touched his skin, a powerful repulsive force flicked Lin Wei’s fingers away, and in that instant of daze, he felt his consciousness begin to sink, much like the sensation of shutting off his senses during meditation.

It was as if his soul separated from his body, entering a void where countless ink-black, dust-like particles floated around him.

“There’s a strangely familiar feeling…” Lin Wei could sense those innumerable particles calling out to him.

He tried to reach out and touch them, only to realize he had no physical form in this space.

Suddenly!

Before he could react, a mighty force yanked his consciousness back into his body.

The letter paper, which had been pressed tightly to his forehead, slipped from his skin the moment his awareness returned.

With a crisp sound, the withered old man caught the falling paper in mid-air.

“Hm?” The old man glanced at the sheet in his hand, an unexpected expression flickering across his face.

Following his gaze, Lin Wei noticed something had changed. The previously immaculate sheet was now slowly mottled with black spots, just like the drifting dust particles he had seen in that mental void.

“What pure shadow energy…” The old man couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

Lin Wei had no idea what this transformation meant and could only wait for the explanation.

The old man looked up at Lin Wei, his expression slightly odd. “There’s good news and bad news.”

“Please enlighten me,” Lin Wei requested humbly.

“The bad news is, you have affinity only for shadow elements. The good news… is that your affinity for shadow is exceptionally high.” The old man explained.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Lin Wei asked, “So in future cultivation, I can only acquire the power of shadow-type sorcerers?”

The old man nodded. “That’s right. You could put it that way.”

“In fact, you should count yourself fortunate,” the old man added, noticing Lin Wei’s thoughtful expression.

“Oh?” Lin Wei was puzzled.

Instead of answering, the old man opened a drawer on the desk and took out a folded card. The card was entirely gray-white, unadorned, bearing only a few words in the sorcerers’ script on its front.

“The Sorcerer Academy Alliance…” Lin Wei instantly recognized the inscription.

The old man opened the card, picked up a quill, and, dipping it in ink, began to write with fluid strokes.

“Your name?” He looked up at Lin Wei.

“Lin Wei of Nolan Mountain,” Lin Wei replied.

With swift movements, the old man finished writing, blew gently on the still-wet ink, then closed the card and handed it over. “Congratulations, young man. From now on, you are a student of the Forest of Shadows.”

“The Forest of Shadows?” Lin Wei immediately thought of the word “Shadow” on his sorcerer’s token.

The old man tapped the desk with his index finger, his eyes starting to droop. “Yes, the Forest of Shadows is the academy you’re about to enter.”

“The shadow affinity you possess is the very thing most revered in the Forest of Shadows,” he continued. “With your level of affinity, you’ll be granted resources equal to students with fourth-class talent.”

“Thank you for your guidance, sir.” Lin Wei thanked him again.

Waving a hand dismissively, the old man suddenly tapped his own forehead. “Ah, make sure you look after this admission notice. In seven days, bring it to the Port of Barulek.”

The Port of Barulek was the closest harbor to Saint Ervekhan, known for its immense capacity and bustling crowds, famous throughout the Empire of the Luminous Moon and even the entire western coast.

Noticing Lin Wei’s confusion, the old man patiently explained, “You’re not the only one here for testing, and not everyone will be admitted to the Forest of Shadows. You’re quite lucky—you need only wait seven days to head for the academy. The great ship that sails there departs but once a year.”

Lin Wei immediately distilled the useful information from the old man’s words.

“The port… the ship… So the academy isn’t on the western coast at all; I’ll have to cross the ocean to reach it,” he mused.

“Sir, may I ask…?” Lin Wei suddenly recalled the term “black sorcerer” that the little girl with braided hair had mentioned.

The old man, though somewhat eerie, was patient and kindly toward Lin Wei. “Go on.”

“What is a ‘black sorcerer’?” Lin Wei lowered his voice a little.

The old man suddenly chuckled, a trace of mockery in his smile. “Where did you hear that term?”

Lin Wei recounted his encounter with the girls who’d wandered into the testing site.

“Those two little girls…” the old man murmured, thoughtful. Judging by his tone, Lin Wei surmised the old man might have been around even longer than the “old fellow” the girl had mentioned.

“Some people divide sorcerers by their practice and conduct into two kinds: black sorcerers and white sorcerers. Your Forest of Shadows belongs to the black sorcerers’ camp.” His eyes held a glimmer of nostalgia and his voice grew tinged with melancholy. “It’s been a long time since I heard those terms. I’ve been on the western coast too long…”

“Black sorcerers and white sorcerers?” Lin Wei repeated inwardly, the corners of his mouth curving up. “It doesn’t sound like black sorcerers have the best reputation… but I rather like that.”

Suddenly, a thought struck him. He pulled out a magic stone he’d received from Count Lamo and offered it to the old man. “Sir, I’m grateful for your help. Please accept this.”

“Oh?” The old man looked a bit surprised. “You actually have one of these? Interesting.”

But he merely waved his hand. “I have no use for it. You keep it.”

Lin Wei was momentarily taken aback, wondering to himself, “Does he think I’m being stingy with the gift?”

Sensing Lin Wei’s thoughts, the old man explained, “I just have no use for such things.”

“Remember, when you reach the sorcerer academy, do not show off your wealth so carelessly. The world of sorcerers is far harsher than you imagine, especially among black sorcerers, whose only order is… no order at all.” The old man’s words were slow and deliberate.

“Take your admission notice and be on your way. Don’t miss your chance.” The old man gave a gentle hint, clearly signaling the end of the conversation.

Lin Wei took the cue, bowed deeply, and quietly withdrew.

As he stepped out of the tower, he glanced back over his shoulder, his gaze deep and contemplative. “This old fellow… seems far from ordinary…”