Chapter 331: Preparation
Chapter 331: Preparation
Upon calculating, Linen had been away from Viper Academy for half a year, and it was surprising to be able to return so soon.
Viper Academy was nestled deep within the mountains.
A narrow path wound through the dense forest, leading straight to the academy's entrance.
This seemingly ordinary mountain path was actually fraught with hidden dangers, and a single misstep could result in death without a trace.
Even a full-fledged wizard would not dare enter the academy without permission.
"Huff..."
A fierce wind howled overhead.
A dark golden golem descended from the sky, landing in front of the two:
"Little Puppet, we meet again."
"Lord Narn," Dorothea (a middle-aged woman) bowed respectfully to the golem:
"Please open the academy gates for us."
"Hehe..." The golem's fist-sized eyes rotated, and it looked at Linen behind them:
"Are you Kito's new disciple?"
"Yes," Linen replied.
This 'gatekeeper' of the academy was a Tier 2 Golden Golem, rumored to be able to withstand a Tier 3 Wizard near the academy.
It could be said to be one of the most powerful entities in Viper Academy.
Moreover, unlike the others, this golem was the strongest being that ordinary apprentices could easily encounter. If they were lucky, they might even get some good items from it. But if luck was not on their side...
The number of apprentices swallowed by it was even greater!
"Hehe..." The golem chuckled:
"Do you know where Kito's previous disciples went?"
"I don't know," Linen's eyes flickered:
"Senior, do you know?"
"Magic Stones." The golem rubbed its thick, arm-like fingers, its face revealing a greedy smile:
"Two mana crystals, and I'll help you get rid of your troubles."
One mana crystal could be exchanged for a hundred magic stones in the market, and it was often possible to get an even better rate.
Two crystals,
That's at least two hundred magic stones!
Linen's expression turned solemn.
Dorothea, who had been tense, also relaxed slightly, knowing that Linen couldn't afford this amount.
"It's fine if you don't have magic stones," the golem chuckled:
"If you sign a contract with me and help me with a few experiments, I can also help you regain your freedom."
It licked the corner of its mouth:
"Your bloodline modification is almost perfect. It would be great if we could replicate it."
Linen forced a smile.
"Sorry," he shook his head:
"I don't plan to continue experimenting on myself."
"Lord Narn," Dorothea stepped forward, interrupting their conversation at the right moment:
"Please open the academy gates for us."
The golem's eyes fixed on Linen, and the smile on its face turned cold and stern.
However, considering the consequences of killing a full-fledged apprentice, it snorted and flew into the sky.
"Buzz..."
The academy gates trembled slightly, revealing a narrow gap. The two quickly rushed through the gap and entered.
A sudden change of scenery!
The gate turned out to be a wizard tool involving spatial conversion, directly transporting them inside the academy.
"Hmm!"
Dorothea gasped and took a few quick steps forward, her face showing surprise as she looked at her own leg joints.
At some point, a layer of rust had formed on her wooden legs and was spreading upwards.
"It's Lord Narn, and he's still as mischievous as ever," Linen said, stepping forward and tapping the wooden legs with his staff:
"This is a witchery spell similar to petrification, causing your puppet body to rust and decay rapidly."
"Fortunately, your body is made of a special wood with some resistance to spells, or it might have fallen apart."
"Hmph!" Dorothea snorted:
"My mentor will help me remove it."
"That's good," Linen smiled faintly:
"If it can't be removed, you won't be able to 'live' for long, and replacing the wood won't be cheap."
Dorothea didn't respond, only glaring at him with hatred.
"Don't look at me,"
Linen shrugged:
"I'm a full-fledged apprentice of the academy, and the gatekeeper will have some reservations. You're just a puppet."
"Are we going to see the mentor now?"
"Yes!" Dorothea clenched her teeth:
"Let's go now!"
As a full wizard, Kito had his own courtyard at the academy, and the meeting place was in his study.
For a wizard, the importance of a study was irreplaceable.
The densely packed books on the shelves also symbolized a wizard's knowledge reserve.
"Come,"
Kito gestured:
"Let me see your progress in cultivation."
Linen obeyed and took a person-sized crystal ball, and placed his palms on it.
A faint glimmer of light began to flicker.
"Umm..."
Kito's eyes sparkled:
"Your psychic power has progressed so quickly; you already possess a hint of an advanced wizard apprentice's prowess."
"I don't know why, but ever since I underwent that wizard's bloodline experiment, my psychic power has been steadily rising, even increasing slowly when I'm not actively cultivating. And with the silence potion I crafted..."
"This is a good thing," Kito mused, his hand supporting his chin. "If the bloodline modification succeeds, both your body and psychic power will experience a significant surge for a period."
"Your bloodline modification is near perfect, so it's normal for it to surge. This..." Kito trailed off, a hint of concern in his voice.
His voice was faint, and only he knew what he was truly saying.
"Alright then!"
Kito raised his hands, clapping them lightly as if making a significant decision. "For the next period, you will cultivate in my wizard tower, and I will provide all the resources you need for your cultivation."
"Within two months, I'll make you an advanced wizard apprentice!"
"This..." Lynn rubbed his hands together, a mix of excitement and uncertainty on his face.
Given the psychic power he had demonstrated, becoming an advanced wizard apprentice in such a short time would likely strain the resources of any wizard. It would require a significant investment of high-quality materials.
"I'm making this offer, but it comes with a cost," Kito explained with a hint of a smile. "You'll sign a contract, and all the resources consumed during this time will be considered a loan, to be repaid once you become a full wizard. Of course, there's interest on the loan, but I believe in your potential. I'm certain you'll become a full wizard one day, and compared to that, these resources are insignificant."
"Don't worry!"
"The interest is reasonable, and I'm confident in your abilities. Compared to becoming a full wizard, these resources are a small price to pay."
They shared a knowing smile, both satisfied with the arrangement.
---
Wizard Tower.
Lynn sat cross-legged on the second floor, each breath drawing in the energy of the starry realm through the tower and into his body.
It felt like being immersed in an elixir vessel.
"This is truly..." Lynn's eyes sparkled with delight. "The Viper Academy must be located near a starry rift, maximizing the tower's tower's effects."
"Even though Kito is only a Tier 1 wizard, this tower's effects are likely no less than those of a full wizard's tower."
"And..." Lynn paused, "He's using the tower's full might to aid my cultivation."
He looked down at the array of potions and magical foods on the table, his smile widening. "These are all excellent cultivation aids!"
"These items are hard to come by, even for a wizard. I suspect Kito acquired them from other wizards to help my cultivation. This mentor is truly thoughtful and considerate."
With these resources, Lynn estimated he could elevate his psychic power to the peak of an advanced wizard apprentice within two months.
"Tap... tap..."
Footsteps echoed.
Dorothea entered, carrying a wooden tray with various magical foods to aid cultivation. "These are from your mentor."
Lynn didn't respond but instead looked at her hands, slowly rusting and eroding. "It seems your mentor has no intention of saving you."
Dorothea's eyebrows furrowed with concern. "He's been busy lately. Once his tasks are complete, he'll help lift the curse."
Lynn shrugged, unconvinced. "That could take months. Can your body endure that long?"
Dorothea's hands tightened.
"Here."
Lynn handed her his staff.
"What do you mean?" Dorothea asked, her face filled with confusion.
"This staff is made from quality materials. If you refine it, it can help resist the curse to some extent." Lynn explained, shrugging his shoulders. "You don't want it?"
"Of course I do!" Dorothea snatched the staff, a hint of mockery in her smile. "But if you think this will make me betray my mentor, you're mistaken. I would never betray him."
Lynn shook his head gently. "I just wanted to show you that compared to your loyalty to Mentor Kito, I clearly have more compassion, don't I?"
"Also..."
He pointed to a small booklet beside him. "This is from your mentor. Take it away, but remember not to peek inside!"
Dorothea huffed, taking the booklet and leaving the room.
She glanced at the booklet, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. With a quick glance, she confirmed her suspicions.
(End of Chapter)
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