Chapter 146: Backup Mage Sequence Evaluation - Defection
Chapter 146: Backup Mage Sequence Evaluation - Defection
The grand hall of the Central High Tower gleamed with opulence, its walls adorned with portraits of mage history’s greatest pioneers. The ceiling bore an intricately painted celestial map, its glimmering stars mimicking the heavens above with eerie precision.
This was the most sacred space within the Black Mist School, rarely open to ordinary apprentices. Today, it would host the quarterly Backup Mage Sequence evaluation—a ritual held every three months.
As Luo En conducted an alchemy experiment in the workshop, a large black-gray macaw burst through the window.
“Luo En apprentice! Luo En apprentice!” The bird perched on the windowsill, its shrill call echoing. “Griffiths sir requests your immediate presence at the Central Tower meeting chamber.”
Setting down his alchemy tools, Luo En listened as the macaw mechanically repeated its message: “The Backup Mage Sequence evaluation session is about to begin. As an evaluation subject, your attendance is required.”
This must be about the letter he’d received a week earlier—the notification of his sequence ranking assessment. As a member who’d recently shown remarkable progress, he was naturally under consideration for promotion.
“I’ll leave at once,” Luo En replied, quickly straightening his robes to ensure a dignified appearance.
Half an hour later, he arrived at the twelfth-floor meeting room of the Central Tower. Two guards in deep gray uniforms stood at the entrance, their wary gazes scanning the corridor.
“Luo En Lalf, Backup Mage Sequence candidate, responding to Griffiths sir’s summons,” he announced respectfully.
The guards checked their list and nodded him through.
The spacious, well-lit chamber centered around a massive circular oak table. Several figures in colorful robes were already seated—among them, Luo En recognized Mentors Soren and Youni, as well as other senior mentors he’d met before.
One particularly chilling presence was Kelinna, the "snowland specter." She remained as cold as ever, her face hidden behind an ornate white mask. Noticing Luo En’s glance, she offered a slight nod. He bowed in return.
Near the room’s edge stood several young Backup Mage Sequence candidates—evidently here for evaluation too. Among them was Cui Xi.
“Luo En, you’re here. Head over there for now,” Soren said, gesturing toward the designated candidate area.
Luo En bowed deeply to all seated mentors before moving to his assigned spot. Cui Xi offered a small smile, her dark eyes flickering with encouragement—but her usual icy composure remained intact, as if deliberately suppressing any emotional display in public.
After a brief wait, the appointed time arrived, and everyone stood in unison.
“Now that all are present…” began Fuyuanzhang Hayek, an elder in a deep purple robe adorned with intricate insignias. “We begin this quarter’s Backup Mage Sequence evaluation.”
His piercing gaze swept over the young apprentices: “As tradition dictates, we will adjust the sequence rankings based on recent performance, potential, and mentor assessments.”
Luo En surveyed the room. The great circular table at the center was surrounded by the school’s leadership and Backup Mage Sequence candidates. He found his assigned seat—17th Seat, matching his current rank.
Cui Xi occupied 12th Seat today, her usual casual demeanor replaced by formal attire: a dark gown, her hair neatly pinned with a jeweled hairpin. Holt still held the prime position, his calm expression betraying no emotion. As the sequence’s uncontested leader, his prowess and talent ranked among the school’s elite.
Fourth to Tenth Seats belonged to high apprentices Luo En had encountered previously but never closely worked with.
To his surprise, Aolifu had dropped two places to Fifth Seat. Even more startling was the empty Ninth Seat where Xin Xi Ya should have been. Murmurs rippled through the chamber.
“Silence!” Fuyuanzhang Hayek’s commanding voice restored order. “Welcome to this quarter’s Backup Mage Sequence evaluation. First, we’ll announce ranking changes before addressing other matters.”
With a wave of his hand, an elderly guardian summoned a massive translucent leaderboard into the air.
“First, we honor Holt Erwin for maintaining First Seat—a record sixth consecutive quarter.”
Holt rose, bowing modestly as applause echoed.
“Second and Third Seats remain unchanged: Herbert Levin and Caitlyn Gardner uphold their positions.”
Fuyuanzhang paused before announcing: “Fifth to Tenth Seats see significant shifts. Cui Xi Linde rises from Twelfth to Tenth Seat—a commendable achievement. Aolifu West drops from Fifth to Sixth—requiring improved effort.”
Cui Xi, born to a hunter family without surname, had adopted “Linde” from her birthplace. At her name, the chestnut-haired girl inclined her head, her expression composed though her eyes betrayed a flicker of pride.
Aolifu’s expression remained neutral, but a shadow passed through his eyes—gone in an instant. Luo En noticed his fingers tapping subtly on the table.
Seizing the momentary distraction, Luo En discreetly activated his “Transcendent Perception” ability, scanning Aolifu’s condition.
Instantly, data streamed into his mind:
Aolifu West
Spiritual Aptitude: Sixth-Class Star (Original) / Fourth-Class Star (Current)
Status: Medium Spirit Pollution (progressively accumulating)
Special Innate Talent: Live Assimilation (Third Tier)
- Absorbs and integrates target’s abilities/memories via ritual
- Targets no stronger than self
- Each assimilation worsens spirit pollution
Luo En quickly averted his gaze. Third-Tier Special Innate Talent was exceptionally rare within the school. Yet the thick spirit pollution aura surrounding Aolifu would be unmistakable to any Full Mage.
While Aolifu’s mana reserves had indeed grown, the instability and corruption within it nullified future potential. Luo En noted a faint black mark creeping along Aolifu’s right wrist—evidence of a curse or spreading contamination.
“He’s taking an extremely dangerous shortcut,” Luo En mused, recalling Madame Ellen’s earlier warnings. Obviously, Aolifu had chosen forbidden power at the cost of long-term viability.
Fuyuanzhang’s next words drew attention: “Ninth Seat Xin Xi Ya Novik has been absent for three weeks—her sequence status is now suspended pending investigation.”
Murmurs erupted. Though not exceptionally powerful, Xin Xi Ya’s notorious “hobbies” made her disappearance shocking.
After restoring silence, Fuyuanzhang continued announcing rankings. When reaching Fourteenth Seat, his gaze turned to Luo En:
“These adjustments consider not only performance and cultivation progress, but also mentor evaluations.” He lifted several sealed letters: “Notably, Apprentice Luo En Lalf received strong endorsements from Mentors Soren, Youni, and Kelinna. Even semi-retired Masters Magnus and Madame Ellen submitted recommendations—a rarity in school history.”
The chamber buzzed with astonishment. Magnus and Madame Ellen rarely endorsed candidates personally.
“Those recommendations account for nearly a third of the school’s Full Mages…” a senior high apprentice whispered.
Fuyuanzhang raised a hand for quiet: “As Dean, I cast the deciding vote. Luo En Lalf’s rank advances to Fourteenth Seat.”
Technically, the Black Mist School had no official Dean—Fuyuanzhang effectively held ultimate authority. His word was final.
The room erupted in audible surprise. A three-seat jump in the Backup Mage Sequence was extraordinary, especially for a newcomer who’d joined less than half a year ago.
Luo En rose calmly, bowing to Fuyuanzhang and the assembled mages: “Thank you for the school’s recognition. I will strive to improve further.”
He caught approving glances from Mentors Kelinna, Youni, and Soren—Kelinna’s icy gaze even softened briefly.
Reactions among sequence members varied: surprise, envy, curiosity, and subtle hostility from a few.
Fuyuanzhang nodded, proceeding to the next agenda:
“Now, we address two urgent matters. First—the Xin Xi Ya Novik disappearance investigation.”
A senior high apprentice—the Enforcers’ deputy chief—stood to report: “Last confirmed sightings place her entering the Edge Forest three weeks ago at midnight. She vanished afterward.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
