Advanced Apprentice

Previously, Roy had heard some things about Chalk Country.

However, because meditation and studying occupied most of his time and energy, he hadn't paid much attention.

He hadn't expected that things had already progressed to the point of searching for entrances and venturing inside.

"Interested in checking it out together?" Olinda suggested. "We could form a team and explore collaboratively."

Roy asked, "Why me? Don't you have your own companions?"

Olinda replied, "Of course, I think you're quite capable and wanted to see if we could cooperate. My original teammates have gradually fallen behind and are nowhere near the level required to learn spellcasting."

Roy was speechless upon hearing this.

How did this situation sound so familiar?

Olinda continued, "I know you might not trust me, but we can sign a contract to ensure our cooperation goes smoothly."

"A contract?"

Roy pondered this.

The Seven Towers Alliance was a civilization of plunderers that started with plane colonization. Wizards plundered and colonized one plane and world after another, and internally, they operated under something akin to a pirate code.

It clearly laid out all the divisions of labor, cooperation, and how spoils would be shared.

It could be said that the order and legal spirit of the entire Wizarding World were built upon the two major pillars of "doing the work" and "sharing the spoils."

This even included rules like no fighting within the tower and the requirement to go on expeditions after promotion, all stemming from this principle.

It was even inscribed in the world's will, becoming a "Sacred Law" jointly protected by the Power of Destiny and the Power of Contract.

Still, he said, "Sorry, I don't plan to investigate that area for now."

"Why?" Olinda seemed slightly surprised.

"Because I have more important things to do," Roy stated.

"Alright then." Olinda straightened up and shrugged.

She was quite tactful and didn't ask further questions.

Not long after, Olinda departed.

Roy, on the other hand, began to busy himself, preparing another batch of diluted Meditation Potions.

In truth, he wasn't just brushing Olinda off; he genuinely had urgent matters to attend to.

That was the promotion to Advanced Apprentice.

"I won't be leaving the Wizard Tower again until I become an Advanced Apprentice."

The Wizard Tower's requirement for promotion to Advanced Apprentice was the Manifestation of all 24 Will Runes and mastering at least one Witchcraft Inheritance.

Only at this stage would one no longer be easily treated as expendable cannon fodder.

Roy could see clearly that the Seven Towers Alliance promoted elite education. Only a few Formal Wizards emerged from tens of thousands of Apprentices, making their cultivation not easy.

They were individuals who could truly escape the fate of ants and beasts of burden, standing tall and proud. It was like a slave changing their destiny and suddenly becoming a high-ranking noble.

Becoming an Advanced Apprentice or an Elite Apprentice was a prerequisite for advancing to Formal Wizard.

If one had the ability to reach a new level, it was better to do so sooner rather than later.

"Actually, according to the usual pattern, I should be assigned a Mentor for guidance now. This Mentor is equivalent to a boss, a leader, a monarch... But with things having escalated to this point, I can only rely on my own efforts for now!"

Roy silently resolved as he prepared the necessary materials.

Time quickly passed, and evening arrived.

Roy took advantage of his mealtime to meet with Renion and others and briefly mentioned the place.

"Great Wind Land Hills? The Old Apprentices do discuss it. I didn't expect it to hide such strangeness!"

"But, it's full of difficult mission points. If we go, I'm afraid we'll find it hard to move."

Second-year Intermediate Apprentices and those seasoned Old Apprentices were indeed on different levels.

What Olinda spoke of as common knowledge, widely known, Renion and the others clearly weren't fully aware of.

However, because of him, they were now aware.

"It's fine. We can explore the surroundings and take on more high-reward missions to improve our strength. Doesn't the Wizard Tower offer many main materials for reinforcement and modification now, encouraging everyone to strive? You were also preparing resources for Mage Body Modification before."

"We don't have the strength now, but maybe in two or three months, half a year, we will."

Roy showered everyone with encouragement, offering plenty of kind words without holding back.

Renion and Andov were moved by his words, and at the same time, they fell into thought.

In truth, they were neither blind nor foolish. Ever since Roy had openly demonstrated the "Animate" spell, they had harbored suspicions and discussed it amongst themselves, gradually arriving at their own conclusions.

Roy had likely already surpassed the rest of the intermediate apprentices in his cohort by a significant margin!

That kind of casual confidence in being able to "level up" was something none of them, as ordinary apprentices, could possess.

After Roy's announcement, he paid no mind to their reactions. Instead, he closed his door and devoted himself to meditation, pushing for the manifestation of his final Will Rune.

Before the last mission, he had already reached the stage where he was just a step away from success.

He would soon succeed.

Time flew by, and more than half a month passed.

Roy never left the Wizard Tower during this entire period. In fact, he barely even stepped out of his room.

He mustered all his strength, pouring his full effort into this goal.

He rotated and combined the use of self-made Meditation Potions, Dark Orchard, Shriek Potions, and other items.

December 23rd, in his residence.

"The 24th, Othala...

Finally manifested!"

In the void of his mind, a silver light flared brightly, outlining the final Will Rune.

This rune immediately began to shimmer, as if plated with a bright silver metallic sheen.

Roy also felt a qualitative change in his Spiritual Power.

At this moment, Spiritual Power was no longer a vague, ethereal internal sensation. Instead, it had become a peculiar force, akin to the power of will, capable of directly acting upon matter.

Immediately after, all twenty-four runes ignited like torches in succession, forming a circular secret seal.

It resembled a silver moon, hanging high in the pitch-black sky, slowly rotating like the face of a clock.

A satisfied smile spread across Roy's face. He immediately got up and headed to the management office to register and apply for the status and treatment of an Advanced Apprentice.

"Roy, how did you become an Advanced Apprentice in the blink of an eye?"

When they gathered again, not only Renion and the others, but even other intermediate apprentices were astonished to discover that the color of Roy's apprentice robe had changed.

Low-level apprentices wore grey, intermediate apprentices wore dark grey...

All were plain, unadorned robes.

Only Advanced Apprentices were permitted to wear cyan robes, adorned with certain decorative patterns and designs.

Roy was now wearing such a cyan robe.

"Yes, as you can see."

Roy smiled faintly.

"I've just been promoted!"

After his transmigration, he had endured and acted cautiously for a year and a half...

He was finally gradually shedding the persona of his predecessor and able to reveal his true self!

This promotion to Advanced Apprentice was a natural transformation, a complete rebirth!

Surprise and envy immediately appeared on everyone's faces, mixed with a hint of excitement.