Military Remuneration

"It's full again..." Jialan carefully picked up the small green bottle. The liquid inside shimmered with a strange light under the sun. He knew this liquid would be one of his most important trump cards in the upcoming war.

Jialan quickly walked out of the wooden house and went to an inconspicuous corner behind it. The area within a mile around the Spellcaster's wooden house was a restricted zone for the military camp, and ordinary people were not allowed to approach without special circumstances. In the corner grew a special plant, whose bark was one of the best materials for making blank scrolls. Normally, this plant would take decades or even centuries to mature, but with the help of the liquid in the small green bottle, it only took one day.

"I hope I can harvest more this time..." Jialan muttered to himself, and began to carefully drip the liquid onto the plant's roots. He could clearly see the plant growing rapidly, its bark gradually becoming smooth and resilient.

For the next few days, Jialan was completely immersed in the work of making scrolls. He slept only a few hours each day, spending the rest of his time busy at his workbench. When his Mana and Mental Power were depleted, he would meditate directly on his bed.

Although the success rate of scroll making was very high, it couldn't withstand the continuous supply of materials. More and more completed scrolls piled up on the workbench. Jialan categorized and stored them for quick access in emergencies. These were his lifelines on the battlefield.

"If only I had a little more time..." Jialan sometimes thought. But the clouds of war loomed closer, and the atmosphere in the encampment grew more tense with each passing day.

One evening, as Jialan was busy at his workbench, he suddenly sensed someone approaching at high speed. He stood up alertly, already gripping a defensive scroll in his hand.

"Mage Jialan! Open the door quickly!" It was the anxious voice of Squad Leader John.

Jialan quickly opened the door and saw John, sweating profusely, his face pale.

"What's wrong?" Jialan's heart tightened.

"Magic Beasts... the Magic Beasts have rioted!" John gasped, "The front lines have already engaged, we might have to go to the battlefield too!"

Jialan's heart sank. He knew the real test had arrived. He told John to go back first, and after tidying up, he rushed to the military camp without delay.

Knocking and entering the Captain's office, Jialan saw Captain Kendy talking with an old man with white hair. The old man wore a dark gray mage robe, with a shining badge pinned to his chest. Jialan could clearly sense that the old gray-robed Mage possessed Peak Junior strength.

"Mage Jialan, you're here." Captain Kendy greeted him, "This is Mage Albert Green, sent by the military to support us."

Jialan bowed slightly and performed a mage's salute, "Greetings, Mage Green."

Albert scrutinized Jialan, a hint of admiration and deeply hidden envy flashing in his eyes, "Not bad, you're already an Intermediate Junior Mage at such a young age. I heard from Captain Kendy that you are the only Spellcaster in our encampment?"

"Yes," Jialan replied, "but I'm just a Junior Mage, lacking experience."

Albert smiled, "Experience can be accumulated slowly. When I was your age, I was still buried in my studies at the magic academy."

Captain Kendy interjected, "Mage Albert has participated in many wars and is very experienced. The military sent him here to support us."

Jialan felt a warmth in his heart. He knew that with such a senior figure present in the upcoming war, his chances of survival would be much higher.

Albert nodded and continued, "I heard you've been making scrolls like crazy lately?"

Jialan was a little surprised but answered truthfully, "Yes, I want to make more preparations for the upcoming war."

Albert's look of approval deepened, "Very good, preparedness is key. Sufficient preparation is a mandatory course for any Spellcaster. I didn't expect you to have a talent for making scrolls, it's truly enviable." This time, he didn't hide his true feelings and added, "This is the reward the military gives to Spellcasters, and I was also specifically asked to bring some war supplies."

As he spoke, he took out several exquisite boxes from his Spatial Bag.

"These are pills to increase Mental Power and Mana," Albert opened the first box, revealing dozens of dark pills neatly arranged inside. "Take them during your regular cultivation to speed up your meditation efficiency."

Jialan's eyes lit up. He had taken these pills before. After joining the military, as a Junior Spellcaster, he received 100 Jintana each month, along with two of these pills. After taking them, his meditation speed would increase by three to four times for 12 hours. Unfortunately, they were expensive, and he couldn't afford them usually.

"This is a potion to temporarily increase Mana," Albert opened the second box, which contained 6 vials. "Take it during combat to greatly increase your Mana for a short period. However, it has side effects, and you will experience a period of weakness after using it, so use it with caution."

Jialan examined it carefully. This was the first time he had seen this kind of potion. He wondered how its effects compared to Moonlight Potion, although Moonlight Potion didn't have a weakness period.

From the last box, Albert took out three scrolls.

"Resist Fire Ring, Frost Shield, both are good defensive spells," Albert explained. "As for this Lightning Blast..." He picked up the obviously more exquisite scroll. "This is an intermediate offensive spell, very powerful. At your level, unless absolutely necessary, do not use it. Be especially careful of the distance when using it."

Jialan took the scroll and could feel the powerful Mana contained within. He knew that such intermediate scrolls were expensive on the market, this one alone was worth at least two to three hundred Jintana. The military had indeed invested heavily this time.

"Thank you for the military's support," Jialan said sincerely, "I will definitely make good use of these resources." Albert nodded with satisfaction, "Very good. For the next few days, you will follow me, and I will teach you some battlefield experience. Spellcasters play a crucial role in war, but they can also easily become targets for the enemy."

Captain Kendy patted Jialan's shoulder, "With Mage Albert's guidance, I can rest assured. You two chat, I'll go check on the soldiers' training."

After Kendy left, Albert gestured for Jialan to sit down, "Come, tell me about yourself. What spells do you specialize in? What is your Mana reserve like?"

Jialan detailed his abilities, of course, only those expected of a normal Intermediate Junior Mage. He hid whatever he could. Albert listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

"Good," Albert praised, "your foundation is very solid. However, the battlefield is completely different from practice. We need to do some targeted training."

Over the next few hours, Albert imparted much battlefield experience to Jialan: how to quickly assess situations, how to protect himself in chaos, how to cooperate with soldiers