Ivan slowly advanced deeper into the D-4 Resource Zone.
With every step he took away from the wilderness road, the forest around him grew darker and more oppressive. Towering ancient trees stretched high into the sky, their massive trunks rising like ancient pillars while their enormous canopies intertwined overhead, blocking out most of the afternoon sunlight. Only a few scattered rays of golden light managed to pierce the dense foliage, casting irregular patches across the damp forest floor.
The air carried an unpleasant mixture of moisture, decaying leaves, and poisonous pollen. Strange fungi clung to ancient tree trunks, glowing faintly with emerald and violet light. Thick vines wrapped themselves around branches like sleeping serpents, while countless unfamiliar flowers bloomed beneath the undergrowth. Their colors were beautiful, but Ivan knew better than to underestimate anything growing inside a poison resource zone.
According to the academy's records, nearly every plant here possessed some form of toxicity. Some released poisonous spores, others secreted corrosive sap, while a few even lured unsuspecting prey before injecting deadly venom through their roots or creeping vines. The forest itself was every bit as dangerous as the magical creatures inhabiting it.
Ivan's expression remained calm.
Holding the semi-finished Rune Sword firmly in his hand, he continued walking through the dense forest. Although the weapon had yet to become a true magical artifact, it had been forged from high-quality steel, and the crimson runes engraved across its blade shimmered faintly beneath the dim forest light. From time to time, Ivan casually swung the sword, cleanly cutting away hanging vines and waist-high weeds that blocked his path.
After advancing several hundred meters, Ivan stopped and carefully observed his surroundings. His sharp eyes swept across the dense forest while his heightened senses remained alert for even the slightest movement. Only after confirming that no immediate danger lurked nearby did he speak inwardly.
"Nova."
"Perform a deep scan within a five-hundred-meter radius."
"Prioritize moving lifeforms and hidden dangers. Notify me immediately if anything capable of threatening me enters the scanning range."
"Yes, Master."
An invisible wave silently spread outward with Ivan at its center. Unlike ordinary spiritual perception, Nova's scan did not rely solely upon magical fluctuations. Terrain, movement, temperature differences, biological structures, and countless microscopic details were simultaneously analyzed before being reconstructed into an accurate three-dimensional map inside Ivan's mind. Within moments, every swaying branch, every crawling insect, every movement beneath the soil, and everything inside the designated scanning area had been rapidly catalogued.
Even so, Ivan deliberately restricted Nova's scanning distance.
Nova was fully capable of surveying an area spanning nearly twenty kilometers, but Ivan had no intention of using such an extreme range. According to countless records copied from the academy library, powerful magical creatures possessed extraordinarily sharp perception, with some even capable of sensing a wizard's spiritual perception. Even among wizards, casually scanning another person with spiritual perception was often regarded as a provocation unless both parties were familiar with one another or already engaged in battle.
Although Nova's scanning method differed fundamentally from ordinary spiritual perception—and magical creatures might not even be capable of detecting it—Ivan had no intention of gambling his life on a single assumption. If a high-level magical creature interpreted an unknown scanning wave as hostility, the consequences could be devastating.
Five hundred meters struck the perfect balance.
It was large enough to provide ample warning while remaining discreet enough to minimize unnecessary risks.
Only a few seconds after the scan activated, notifications began appearing one after another.
"One group of Poison Vipers detected."
"Three Venom Frogs detected."
"Seventeen venomous insects detected."
"Multiple toxic plant clusters identified."
Ivan quietly adjusted his route according to Nova's guidance.
Most of the poisonous creatures posed little threat individually, but unnecessary battles would only waste stamina and potentially alert nearby magical creatures. His true objective lay deeper within the resource zone.
As he continued walking, Nova suddenly highlighted several nearby plants.
"Master."
"Magical herb identified."
Ivan approached cautiously.
Growing beneath the roots of an ancient tree was a cluster of dark-green leaves surrounding several crimson berries no larger than fingernails.
"Blood Dew Grass."
"Low-grade Potionology material."
"Commonly used in apprentice-level Blood Recovery Potions."
Its value was only moderate.
Still...
Even a mosquito's leg was still meat.
After carefully inspecting the surroundings, Ivan harvested the herb without damaging its roots. The moment it left the soil, it disappeared directly into the storage space of his Spatial Ring.
Along the journey, similar discoveries appeared one after another.
Poison Mist Moss...
Silver Vein Fungus...
Black Thorn Ivy...
Some were common ingredients suitable for beginner Potion Apprentices, while others were considerably rarer and could only be found inside poisonous environments. Although Ivan himself had not studied Potionology in depth, Nova possessed complete records of countless magical plants and potion materials copied from the academy library.
Every magical plant was quickly identified.
Whenever harvesting posed little risk, Ivan quietly collected them. Without realizing it, the number of magical herbs stored inside his Spatial Ring steadily increased.
More than an hour later, the dense forest unexpectedly opened into a broad clearing.
Warm sunlight poured through the gap in the canopy. After remaining inside the dark poisonous forest for so long, the sudden warmth made the surroundings feel noticeably fresher. Ivan briefly swept his gaze across the clearing before crouching beside a fallen tree and taking out the academy-issued mission map.
After comparing several distinctive landmarks—including a weathered boulder covered in blue moss and the twisted trunk of a giant ancient oak—he quickly confirmed his current position.
He had already reached the outer boundary of the Poison Fang Spider's territory.
Just as he prepared to continue forward—
Nova's voice sounded abruptly.
"Warning."
"Multiple lifeforms approaching."
"Estimated highest combat capability: Low-Level Knight."
"Several additional organisms detected between Mid-Level and High-Level Knight Apprentice."
Ivan's pupils contracted slightly.
Without wasting a single second, he silently sprinted toward the nearest ancient tree. Relying on his Intermediate Knight physique, he used the protruding roots and rough bark as footholds, climbing more than twenty meters within only a few seconds before disappearing among the dense branches overhead.
Hidden behind several layers of leaves, Ivan completely concealed his figure.
Before entering the forest earlier that morning, he had already applied a scent-concealing potion purchased from the academy market. As long as he remained perfectly still, most magical creatures relying primarily upon smell would struggle to detect his presence.
The forest gradually fell silent.
Then...
Heavy footsteps echoed from the opposite side of the clearing.
Crunch... Crunch... Crunch...
Several enormous reptilian creatures slowly emerged between the towering trees.
Seeing them, Ivan narrowed his eyes.
The largest measured well over two meters in length. Its body was covered with thick dark-gray scales that reflected the afternoon sunlight like forged steel, while a ridge of overlapping black scale armor extended from its neck all the way to the tip of its tail. A sturdy black horn projected from the center of its forehead. Despite its massive body, its legs remained surprisingly short and muscular.
Behind the leader followed several smaller members of the herd.
Nova immediately produced the corresponding records.
Name: Ironback Horned Lizard.
Classification: Apprentice-Level Magical Beast.
Primary Habitat: Poison Resource Zones.
Natural Attribute: Poison Resistance.
Ivan silently read through the information while continuing his observations.
Unlike most magical creatures inhabiting poisonous forests, Ironback Horned Lizards possessed remarkable resistance to poison. Their thick scales prevented many toxins from penetrating their bodies, allowing them to prey upon poisonous insects, venomous reptiles, and even Poison Fang Spiders.
In essence they served as one of nature's regulators.
If poisonous species multiplied without restraint, the ecological balance inside the D-4 Resource Zone would eventually collapse. To prevent such disasters, White Ring Saint Academy intentionally cultivated several predator species alongside the poisonous creatures. Rather than relying solely upon artificial management, they allowed natural competition to maintain long-term stability.
It was a simple yet elegant solution.
Ivan watched silently as the herd entered the clearing.
Several immediately sprawled across the warm ground, absorbing the afternoon sun. Others lazily searched beneath nearby rocks for insects and small reptiles.
Their relaxed behavior clearly indicated that they regarded this area as completely safe.
Ivan naturally had no intention of disturbing them.
Time passed quietly beneath the warm morning sunlight. Nearly thirty minutes later, the largest Ironback Horned Lizard slowly raised its head before releasing a deep, rumbling growl that echoed throughout the clearing. It lazily turned around and began walking back toward the dense forest. Seeing their leader leave, the remaining members of the herd gradually rose one after another and quietly followed behind.
Within only a few minutes, accompanied by heavy footsteps, the entire herd disappeared back into the forest once again. The clearing gradually returned to its previous silence.
Only after Nova confirmed that every lifeform had completely left the scanning range did Ivan finally descend from the ancient tree. Landing soundlessly upon the damp forest floor, he casually brushed the fallen leaves from his shoulder before retrieving the academy-issued map once more.
After comparing several nearby landmarks with the markings on the map for a second time, Ivan silently confirmed that he hadn't deviated from his intended route. The territory of the Poison Fang Spiders lay deeper within the ancient forest, where poisonous mist lingered throughout the year and few magical creatures willingly ventured.
Putting the map away, Ivan tightened his grip around the semi-finished Rune Sword. With renewed caution, he stepped deeper into the forest, steadily making his way toward the Poison Fang Spider territory.
Less than half an hour later, an unfamiliar odor gradually drifted through the forest. It was pungent, sharp, and almost metallic, carrying with it an unsettling aura that immediately put Ivan on guard.
The surrounding forest also became noticeably quieter. The chirping of insects and the occasional cries of magical creatures had almost completely vanished, replaced by an eerie silence that lingered beneath the towering canopy. Wisps of pale-green fog drifted silently between the ancient trees, and with every step Ivan took, the strange green fog grew increasingly dense, gradually enveloping the surrounding vegetation beneath a ghostly emerald veil.
Nova's warning immediately sounded within Ivan's mind.
"Master."
"According to environmental analysis, the surrounding mist contains airborne toxins."
"Short-term exposure poses minimal danger."
"However, prolonged exposure will gradually weaken muscular performance, interfere with internal energy circulation, and significantly reduce overall combat capability."
Hearing Nova's warning, Ivan immediately stopped walking.
"Estimated safe exposure time?"
Nova answered almost instantly.
"Based upon Master's current physique and poison resistance..."
"Approximately three hours."
Ivan frowned slightly.
Three hours was far from sufficient.
He still needed to locate the Poison Fang Spider nest, eliminate enough spiders to complete his mission, harvest their valuable materials, and safely return before nightfall. Remaining inside the poisonous mist for such a limited period greatly reduced his margin for error.
After several moments of silent contemplation, an idea suddenly surfaced.
"Nova."
"Can the Void Furnace manufacture protective equipment capable of filtering those toxins?"
A brief pause followed.
Then Nova answered calmly.
"Yes, Master."
"Recommended equipment: Adaptive Anti-Toxin Mask."
Hearing the answer, Ivan's eyes brightened slightly.
A faint trace of anticipation appeared within them as he calmly issued his next command.
"Begin construction."
As Ivan's words fell, the air before him began to distort.
A tiny black point suddenly appeared before him, as if space itself had been punctured. Within only a few seconds, the distortion rapidly expanded into a circular void no larger than a dinner plate. Soft mechanical sounds echoed continuously from within the miniature void, accompanied by faint silver runic light.
Moments later, a jet-black, sci-fi-looking mask slowly emerged from the void.
Its streamlined structure, elegant curves, and intricate mechanical design perfectly blended advanced magical craftsmanship with futuristic technological aesthetics.
Even from its appearance alone, Ivan could immediately tell that this was unlike any magical tool he had ever seen.
Although Ivan had encountered many magical tools since entering White Ring Saint Academy, nearly all of them had followed the traditional artistic style of the Wizard World. Whether they were staffs, robes, enchanted rings, pendants, ancient weapons, or defensive accessories, every magical artifact carried an unmistakable classical elegance that had been preserved for countless years.
However, the mask before him clearly resembled a high-tech mechanical creation rather than a traditional, old-fashioned magical artifact. Its appearance was sleek, sophisticated, and unlike anything commonly seen within the Wizard World.
Suppressing the curiosity rising within him, Ivan carefully picked up the mask and slowly placed it over his face.
The moment it made contact, countless tiny mechanical segments automatically shifted into position. Flexible bands extended around the back of his head while internal seals quietly adjusted themselves according to the contours of his face, forming a perfect airtight connection.
The fit was flawless.
Nova calmly began explaining the mask's functions.
"Adaptive Anti-Toxin Mask successfully activated."
"The mask utilizes a three-layer filtration system."
"Primary filtration layer: technological particle filter capable of removing dust, venom droplets, spores, microscopic airborne contaminants, and other harmful particles."
"Secondary filtration layer: apprentice-grade poison-resistant magical membrane capable of resisting corrosive gases, airborne toxins, and low-grade poisonous substances that penetrate the primary filtration layer."
"Final purification layer: optimized Mana Purification Array for neutralizing magical toxins before inhalation."
As Nova continued explaining, Ivan instinctively took a slow, deep breath.
A cool stream of purified air flowed into his lungs.
The unpleasant smell lingering throughout the poisonous forest almost completely disappeared. Even his breathing became noticeably smoother, as though the poisonous environment surrounding him no longer existed.
Nova continued.
"Additional functions include thermal vision assistance, environmental hazard analysis, and limited combat data support."
A faint glimmer of satisfaction flashed across Ivan's eyes.
This single piece of equipment had already exceeded his expectations. With the mask protecting him from both ordinary toxins and magical poisonous mist, the forest before him no longer appeared nearly as threatening as it had only moments ago.
However, only a few seconds later, another thought suddenly surfaced in Ivan's mind.
"Nova."
"The final purification layer utilizes a Mana Purification Array."
"Shouldn't an array like that require Magic Stones to operate?"
Although Ivan's understanding of wizard arrays wasn't particularly profound, he still grasped the fundamental principles taught within the academy.
Most wizard arrays required Magic Stones as their energy source or needed to be deployed in areas with an exceptionally high concentration of magical particles in order to function continuously.
The Mana Purification Array embedded within the mask was only a miniature array.
Logically it shouldn't have been capable of operating autonomously.
Nova answered immediately.
"Master."
"The Mana Purification Array originates from the Basic Array Notes stored on the first floor of the Academy Library."
"According to its original creator, the array was designed to absorb ambient magical energy as its power source, allowing it to operate without consuming Magic Stones."
"However, the original design remained incomplete and couldn't maintain stable operation."
"After analyzing the creator's research together with the academy's basic knowledge regarding magic theory, array theory, mana circulation, and structural optimization, I successfully completed and optimized the unfinished design."
"The optimized array can now continuously absorb ambient magical energy with greatly improved efficiency."
"It no longer requires Magic Stones for sustained operation, nor does it depend upon environments containing exceptionally dense magical particles."
A trace of surprise appeared within Ivan's calm eyes.
He had always known that Nova possessed astonishing computational capabilities.
Even so...
He hadn't expected Nova to optimize an unfinished wizard array using nothing more than the academy's basic theoretical knowledge.
Its analytical ability had once again exceeded his expectations.
However, this wasn't the time to dwell on such matters.
His current priority remained the mission before him.
With the Adaptive Anti-Toxin Mask protecting him, the poisonous mist blanketing the surrounding forest no longer posed any meaningful threat.
As long as the mask remained operational...
Ivan could remain within the poisonous fog indefinitely without worrying about its effects.
After checking all of his equipment one final time, Ivan slowly stepped deeper into the poisonous mist.
The farther he advanced, the denser the forest became.
The drifting green mist gradually obscured the surrounding scenery, while towering ancient trees blocked out most of the sunlight overhead. The forest floor became increasingly damp, and strange poisonous plants spread in every direction.
Not long afterward, Ivan finally discovered unmistakable traces of the Poison Fang Spiders.
Massive spider webs stretched between towering trees.
Some covered entire sections of the forest canopy.
Others extended across fallen logs, tangled bushes, and even the ground itself, forming nearly invisible traps that blended seamlessly into the surrounding environment.
Seeing those enormous webs, Ivan immediately became even more vigilant.
Although the Poison Fang Spider was a magical creature, it still retained many of the instincts possessed by ordinary spiders.
One of those instincts...
Was sensing vibrations transmitted through its webs.
Even the slightest contact with a strand could instantly alert every nearby Poison Fang Spider.
Understanding this, Ivan deliberately altered his route whenever a web appeared before him.
He calmly navigated through the forest, carefully avoiding every strand he could detect while steadily advancing deeper into the spiders' territory.
The poisonous forest remained eerily silent.
Only the occasional rustling of leaves echoed faintly through the mist.
Several minutes later, Nova's calm voice suddenly sounded within Ivan's mind.
"Master."
"Twenty-four lifeforms detected at the outer limit of the scanning radius."
"Behavioral analysis indicates coordinated group movement."
"Estimated combat capability of the strongest individual: High-Level Knight Apprentice."
Ivan immediately focused on the three-dimensional projection displayed within his consciousness.
Near the very edge of Nova's scanning range, twenty-four lifeforms slowly moved through the poisonous forest.
Each possessed eight long, slender limbs supporting a dark, rounded body. Their movements were silent and coordinated, while faint traces of poisonous mist lingered around several of them. Every visible characteristic perfectly matched the records of the Poison Fang Spider described within The Myriad Magical Beast Compendium.
A faint light flashed across Ivan's eyes.
He had finally discovered his first Poison Fang Spider nest.
Without making the slightest unnecessary movement, Ivan slowly lowered his center of gravity and quietly began approaching the nest.