My System Just Exploded, And You Ask Me to Become a God?-Chapter 36 --Heart of Mana

Maron didn't actually doubt Joad's abilities.

After all, in just over a month, he had already witnessed the tremendous transformation in Ivy.

Not only had her magic rank increased, but even her magic affinity had risen to Level 2.

Although Level 2 affinity wasn't particularly impressive in itself, the fact that she had achieved it in just over a month was simply astonishing.

Such rapid progress was nothing short of miraculous!

So, Maron had no doubts about Joad's abilities.

"I wonder, Joad, how much time do you need to prepare?"

Joad frowned slightly and asked, puzzled,

"Are you in a hurry?"

"Yes."

Maron made no effort to hide it and responded directly,

"If possible, I plan to take Ivy away within the next two or three days."

Maron's intentions were already quite clear. He had received word from the outside world—turbulence was soon to hit Ilan Royal Academy.

As the young lady of House Rima, Ivy was no longer safe staying here.

Joad, naturally, understood what he meant and nodded,

"I'll need about two days."

"Then I'll be counting on you, Joad."

Maron said no more and turned to leave.

Joad looked down at the storage pouch in his hand. Reflecting on House Rima's current stance, a few thoughts formed in his mind.

Clearly, the situation could not wait any longer.

He immediately headed to Pugisburg and purchased all the magical ingredients he needed.

This time, his efficiency was off the charts. In less than two days, he had finished the potion and handed it to Ivy.

After giving her some instructions and reminders, Joad felt it was time for him to begin his own breakthrough.

"Senior Joad..."

A trace of hesitation appeared on Ivy's face.

Joad glanced at her and spoke calmly,

"Ilan Royal Academy is about to become a target. It's better for you to leave now.

If I could leave, I would've done so long ago."

"I actually..."

Ivy had just begun to speak, but Joad had already turned and walked away.

"I actually don't want to leave..."

Maron, standing behind her, couldn't help but persuade her,

"Ivy, things aren't normal anymore. You can't stay here."

"You don't even know what's really going on right now."

Ivy shook her head, confusion clouding her face.

"Uncle, the reason our family sent me here was to let me grow close to Senior Leit over time. Ilan Royal Academy didn't oppose this."

"But now the Academy is in trouble. If I just leave like this, how will that reflect on House Rima?"

Maron sighed softly and said slowly,

"I do understand your feelings. Leit is indeed an excellent young man.

If he grows strong enough, he could be key in protecting our family."

"But now, you have extraordinary talent as well.

Perhaps with you, we won't even need him."

Ivy's rapid progress had clearly made House Rima reevaluate her importance.

And with the vast resources the family could provide, her path of growth would face few obstacles.

She might even reach the level of archmage in the future!

"I'm not leaving."

Ivy said firmly, her voice laced with a hint of stubbornness.

Maron frowned as he looked at his niece.

"Ivy, this isn't the time to be willful."

"Uncle, I'm not being willful."

"I just think leaving now isn't the best choice."

"Why? Things are about to get chaotic here."

Maron lowered his voice, glancing around to make sure no one was listening.

Ivy lowered her voice too and stepped closer.

"Uncle, have you ever thought—what if the Ilan Manuscript is really in the hands of Ilan Royal Academy?"

Maron froze for a moment, a trace of shock flashing in his eyes.

"You're saying..."

"If the manuscript really is here at the Academy, and we leave now, wouldn't we be missing the best opportunity?"

"And besides, if we leave now, how will the Academy see House Rima?"

Maron fell silent. Ivy's argument made sense.

He was well aware of the value of the Ilan Manuscript.

If it truly was in the Academy's hands, leaving now could mean missing a golden chance.

Moreover, just as Ivy said, leaving at this time might sour relations with Ilan Royal Academy.

After all, House Rima and the Academy had always entertained ideas of marriage alliances.

"But if something really happens to the Academy..."

Maron still hesitated. The safety of the family always came first.

"Uncle, the Academy won't fall so easily.

Grand Duke Ilan himself is still around, and don't forget—there's also Duke Blazefury."

At the mention of Duke Blazefury, Maron's gaze flickered.

That was indeed a crucial factor.

If Ilan Royal Academy truly had Duke Blazefury as a backer, maybe there was no need to worry so much.

"In that case, Ivy, I'll report to the Patriarch.

Let's see what he says before deciding whether we leave or not."

Ivy nodded, a smile appearing on her face.

"Mm. I believe Father will make the right choice."

Maron didn't say another word and turned to leave.

He needed to report the situation as soon as possible and await the Patriarch's decision.

Ivy watched his departing back, her eyes glinting with emotion.

She really didn't want to leave Ilan Royal Academy.

It wasn't just because of Leit—

It was also because of Joad...

At that moment, Joad had already quietly left the Academy.

He hadn't alerted anyone.

His destination—Skydome Mountains.

He needed to break through his current rank and become a true archmage.

Joad moved swiftly, delving deep into the mountains and finding a secluded cave.

It wasn't large, but enough for him alone.

After entering, he did a quick clean-up,

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Then retrieved several magical materials from his storage ring and began setting up a magic array.

A concealment array was essential to keep himself hidden during the process.

Once the array was complete, Joad took out hundreds of thousands of mana stones, piling them into a small mountain.

These mana stones were his accumulated savings,

And they would be enough for his breakthrough.

He placed them at the center of the magic array, then sat down cross-legged and began to meditate.

As Joad entered his meditation, Lena arrived outside the dormitories of the Academy.

She wanted to tell Joad that she would be heading to the Pyrothian Kingdom.

She hoped to see him one last time before her departure.

She knocked gently on the door of Joad's dorm, but no one answered.

Frowning, she pushed the door open and stepped in.

As expected, Senior Joad wasn't there...

Lena sighed softly, her heart full of complicated feelings.

After this departure, she didn't know if she'd ever get to see Senior Joad again.

The thought made her eyes well up with tears...

Back in the mountain cave, Joad had already closed his eyes and was fully immersed in meditation.

His mind power slowly sank into his body, sensing the flow of mana within.

As the meditation deepened, mana inside him began to boil.

Vast amounts of mana surged through him—so much that it felt like his body was about to explode!

His skin, muscles, and flesh felt like they were being stretched to their limits,

The excruciating pain almost made Joad scream out loud.

Finally, unable to endure, he pulled out a potion made from crimson witchgrass and downed it in one gulp.

At the same time, the mountain of mana stones in front of him turned to dust, all of their energy consumed.

All the mana had now converged into Joad's body.

Even more astonishing, it had all gathered in his chest.

Hold on—he had to hold on!

The overwhelming pain drove Joad to cry out in agony.

But at last, the fiery potion took effect.

With its help, the mana accumulating in his chest gradually coalesced into a Heart of Mana...

The Heart of Mana shimmered with a mystical magical glow.

Only a true archmage could possess such a thing!

Not only could it provide immense mana,

It also significantly enhanced one's affinity with magic.

Although the rank increase seemed small—just from elite mage to archmage—

The power gap was like night and day.