Wizard: There Is No Upper Limit For My Professional Panel Chapter 85: I Really Envy That You've Already Made It - Novel Cool

Chapter 85: I Really Envy That You've Already Made It

Chapter 85: I Really Envy That You've Already Made It

The male apprentice carefully stored the fragments away and handed Luo En a slip of paper:

"‘Mana Circuit Optimization’ is in Classroom Seven on the east side of the third floor at one PM. ‘Spiritual Energy Stabilization Technique’ takes place in Classroom Three on the north side of the fifth floor at three PM. Don't be late."

"Oh, almost forgot to mention", the duty officer added as Luo En turned to leave:

"As a newly promoted Elementary Apprentice, you have the privilege to choose one foundational course for free. But this opportunity only comes once, so choose wisely."

Luo En's eyes brightened. This unexpected bonus was perfect. He immediately decided to save this free spot for a more expensive course later.

After thanking the officer, he was about to leave when a hesitant voice called out:

"Wait a moment, Apprentice Luo En." The duty officer hesitated slightly before reminding him:

"Now that you're on the Observation List, the School will be watching you more closely. I hope you... understand what that means."

Luo En nodded, his mind already racing. This scrutiny was both an opportunity and a burden.

Leaving the academic building, he headed to the Dining Hall to grab some food before his afternoon classes. As he sat with his tray, he noticed a group of gray-robed Elementary Apprentices nearby engaged in hushed conversation.

Their tired expressions and stained robes suggested they'd just returned from an external mission.

A tall, lanky figure suddenly spotted Luo En and lit up. "Hey, Lalf! Long time no see!"

Recognizing Karl, a fellow candidate apprentice from his initiation batch who'd barely survived the final elimination period, Luo En replied warmly: "Karl! You're back from a mission?"

"Yeah, harvesting Mana Blooms in Edge Forest. Three grueling days." Karl rubbed his bloodshot eyes, pride flickering beneath his exhaustion. "At least the reward was decent - fifteen Mana Shard Fragments."

A stout apprentice beside him chimed in: "Only because Karl used his ‘Gentle Breeze Technique’ to shoo away those venomous insects. Without him, we might not have made it back alive."

Karl waved off the praise, turning to Luo En. "Enough about us. I heard you're working under Madame Ellen now? Landing that position was pure luck!"

"I suppose I got lucky", Luo En humbly replied. "Madame Ellen's alchemical knowledge is profound. I'm learning a great deal."

"How I envy you", Karl sighed bitterly. "We ordinary folks have no special talents to speak of. We'll be stuck in the Tower District for at least eight to ten years before even considering ascension to Intermediate Apprentice."

The stout apprentice leaned in, voice tinged with envy: "They say Madame Ellen rarely takes apprentices. Heard she's been through over a dozen assistants without finding one satisfactory."

Karl elbowed his companion sharply, then smiled apologetically at Luo En: "Don't mind him. He's just jealous. The point is, you've secured a stable position that frees you from dangerous commissions. For us struggling Elementary Apprentices, these missions are our only way to survive."

Luo En recognized the genuine envy in Karl's eyes. In Black Mist Jungle's rigid hierarchy, Elementary Apprentices lived at rock bottom despite surviving the probationary period. Their future remained bleak.

"What's your next assignment?" Luo En asked.

Karl's expression darkened. "A collection mission in the Edge District's ‘Screeching Swamp’ for some ‘Crying Vine’. Thirty Mana Shard Fragments reward, but..."

"Too dangerous!" the stout apprentice interrupted, trembling. "Last month five apprentices went there. Only one returned - minus an arm."

"We have no choice", Karl exhaled. "You know, Luo En? Elementary Apprentices aren't truly part of the School. Only after becoming Intermediate Apprentices can we gain official recognition and start receiving stable Mana Stone incomes through duty assignments."

"That's right", Luo En nodded, recalling An Di's teachings. "I've heard that in the Commoner Realm, Intermediate Apprentices are honored as nobles by kings."

Intermediate Apprentices not only possessed vastly stronger spiritual energy and mana reserves, but their spell strength also multiplied several times over.

"Exactly!" Karl's eyes burned with longing. "My father once saw an Intermediate Apprentice obliterate a dozen soldiers in seconds with a single spell."

He mimed an explosion, his face glowing with imaginary fire. "Even battlefield legends who can take on a thousand soldiers barely match an Intermediate Apprentice."

The stout apprentice sighed heavily, shoulders slumping as he stared at the table. "The School sees us as worthless. That's why we're stuck in those crowded Tower Districts worse than our probationary days."

Karl gave a bitter chuckle, making an exaggerated fist gesture: "Actually, we're lucky. Outside these walls, countless rogue apprentices and exotic race practitioners would kill to enter Black Mist School. This is the pinnacle of supernatural cultivation in this region."

His gaze drifted to a Sapphire-badged Intermediate Apprentice laughing with companions nearby - their vitality and confidence sharply contrasting with the exhausted Elementary Apprentices.

"I won't stay here forever", Karl suddenly lowered his voice. "If I haven't ascended within two years, I'm leaving Black Mist Jungle to seek opportunities elsewhere."

"Leave? Where to?" Luo En asked, surprised.

"Eastern Black Mist Jungle's ‘Emerald Tower’ is expanding recruitment", Karl's eyes gleamed with determination. "Though less prestigious than Black Mist School with only two or three Full Mages, their ascension system isn't so harsh."

"But leaving Black Mist Jungle is dangerous", Luo En warned.

"Staying is equally dangerous", Karl smiled bitterly. "At least leaving offers hope instead of rotting away here."

Listening to their conversation, Luo En felt a pang of sympathy. Without the Blessing, he might have been among those struggling apprentices - perhaps even worse off, failing the probationary period altogether.

"I need to go. My afternoon class starts soon", Luo En rose, offering a final farewell. "Wish you both luck on your mission."

Karl managed a smile: "Thanks. Keep in touch. Truthfully, we all envy you, Luo En. Securing a stable position under Madame Ellen is a dream most Elementary Apprentices can only wish for."

(End of Chapter)

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