Chapter 565 - 381: Jade Dream Realm, Aisala

"Violators will suffer the backlash of the Wizard World’s Rules. Their Soul will be permanently marked, and their Power will wane."

Ian gazed at the Eye of Rules. He had read about it in some ancient texts; it was the highest form of contractual arbitration in the Wizard World.

It was typically reserved for major pacts between factions or transactions involving world-level interests.

Aisala showed him the contents of the contract. The terms were clear and explicit:

Ian Marcus must enter the Esok World and seize as much of the World Origin converted by the Crystal Core Insects as possible.

The seized World Origin must be given to Aisala to aid in her ascension to Level Six...

Aisala must provide the [Moon God’s Treasure Manual] Meditation Method, one World Tree Branch...

Ian must not reveal the true situation of the Esok World, nor the existence and purpose of Aisala, to anyone.

During the contract period, neither party may harm or betray the other in any way. The contract is arbitrated by the Eye of Contract and remains valid until the transaction is complete.

The terms were fair, with no hidden traps.

Even though Ian was a veteran of contracts, he read each clause carefully, then quickly weighed the risks and rewards.

First, the risks. The Esok World was already seventy percent occupied by the Insect Race and was fraught with danger.

He might encounter Level Four Peak or even Level Five Insect Race units. The attitude of the Esok World’s natives was unknown; they might be hostile to outsiders.

’The Nest Level is unknown, but it can’t be higher than Level Five, or it would have already broken through the world barrier.’

’It’s currently lurking outside the world, and if it detects anything unusual, it might intervene personally.’

’There were also unknown dangers to consider, such as the Esok World Will suddenly awakening or the Abyss taking notice again.’

’The rewards were also clear. A Meditation Method that led directly to Level Six, which would solve my most pressing problem.’

’A World Tree Branch, a top-tier core energy material for a Wizard Tower, and the promise of three interventions from a future Level Six existence.’

’And finally, the clue to the Talent for "direct communication with an Otherworld."’

’If I could grasp the principles behind the Essoke People’s Talent, and combine it with the panel’s analysis and Purification... ’

’Perhaps I could develop a safer, more efficient method of cross-world communication, and even open up new possibilities for the future "Path of Celestial Body."’

’I have the Star-devouring Eye, so I’m confident I can escape even from a Level Five Radiant Moon. My Rule Combination is well-suited for clearing out swarms of insects, and my survivability is far from weak.’

’Besides, this really is the best opportunity available to me right now.’

A look of resolve flashed in Ian’s eyes as he looked up at Aisala.

"I agree. Let’s sign the contract."

Aisala’s eyes lit up instantly, and the entire space suddenly seemed to be bathed in sunlight.

She waved her hand gently, and the golden contract drifted before Ian.

Ian extended the index finger of his right hand. A bit of Blazing Star Core Power seeped from his fingertip, leaving his Soul Mark at the end of the contract.

Aisala likewise left behind the mark of a small, green tree.

The Eye of Contract turned slightly, and a beam of Rule-light swept across the Scroll.

The Scroll transformed into two streaks of light, which shot into the space between Ian’s and Aisala’s eyebrows, respectively.

The contract was officially established.

"Well then, I wish you a successful journey." Aisala’s figure began to turn transparent as the Jade Dream Realm started to dissipate.

"Tomorrow morning, I will meet you in the real world."

"There are still a few details that need to be discussed with Serafina and Calendor."

"Good night, Ian."

As her voice faded, the Dream Realm shattered completely.

Ian’s eyes snapped open. The moonlight still streamed through the window, and the courtyard was quiet.

Gaga was still fast asleep in the corner, its small paws twitching occasionally.

Everything that had just happened felt as if it were truly just a dream.