Nia's Choice

The suite where the Advanced Apprentices lived was spacious and comfortable, far exceeding the usual accommodations for apprentices.

Deeply colored velvet cloth lay flat on the table, illuminated by soft magical light, making it look even more high-class and elegant.

Exquisite fruit platters were arranged on the table, holding fresh fruits and snacks.

In front of each person was also a fruit juice drink that Roy had casually made while researching the Dark Orchard, presenting a scene of a symposium.

"Everyone looks well-rested and in good spirits. How about it, do you have any ideas about your Mage Body Modification and enhancement directions?"

Sitting at one end of the long table, Roy surveyed everyone with a smile.

This trip back had been quite fruitful, equivalent to several Advanced Tasks under normal circumstances.

In the past, it would have required hard work and a long period to achieve such results.

"Actually, I've had a general idea for a long time. I plan to take this opportunity to buy some Physique Strengthening Potions and raise my strength to the Intermediate Knight level!

This is the most basic and comprehensive direction for attribute-less enhancement, possessing three times the physical fitness of an ordinary person."

Renion spoke up first.

"And the Mage Body Modification of the Star Soul Beast Arm that I mentioned before can also be done simultaneously."

Roy nodded upon hearing this, "I have some homemade Adrenaline-like potions that I can sell to you at a reasonable price, to be used as Rage Potions.

Your combat ability will reach a whole new level then!"

Renion said happily, "That would be wonderful!"

The similar potions sold outside were too expensive, and ordinary people couldn't afford them.

Roy's offer to sell them at a reasonable price was practically a friendly price.

Andov casually picked up the juice on the table and took a sip. It tasted like a mix of fruit beer and carbonated drink, becoming more intoxicating the more he drank. "I want to get a Demon Eye for myself, a Demon Eye with spell-like abilities...

Although the money I have on hand is only enough for the cheaper ones, if it has certain auxiliary functions, it would be comparable to an Enchanted Item."

Roy coughed dryly and immediately agreed with his choice, "I'll keep an eye out for you. Things on the third floor are sometimes better than those on the second. You can also use the excuse of looking for me to come around more often."

Andov wasn't changing his eye just because he had nothing better to do; it was damaged by someone, forcing him to replace it.

He didn't have any Magic Stones before, and the few hundred he got from the last mission weren't enough, so he had been saving them, reluctant to spend them.

Tigro pondered for a moment and said, "I want to find a type of Elemental Antibody, or an enhancement direction that comes with a powerful physique and can resist magical attacks."

He seemed to be haunted by the deaths of his companions. After witnessing tragedies one after another, he decided to seek some sense of security.

Unbeknownst to him, when the others heard this, they silently praised him in unison, "Such high aspirations, he's excellent material for a tank!"

Sailen said, "I've already been enhanced by Sophia. If my Spiritual Power doesn't break through further, I won't be able to make much progress, so I'd rather find an Enchanted Item."

Roy and the others knew that she was destined to have her brain transplanted by Sophia in the future, so they also thought this was a good idea.

Roy suggested, "If possible, try to get one that can perform long-range reconnaissance, such as a flying bird Puppet, or a magical pet."

Sailen replied, "Okay, I'll try my best."

Next, it was Nia's turn to speak, and her decision was somewhat unexpected, "I, I don't plan to enhance myself!"

Seeing everyone, including Roy, look at her in surprise, she felt a little guilty and helpless. "I plan to use this money to bribe the stewards in the Tower and get a stable and easy position, one that exempts me from Mandatory Tasks.

From now on, I'll diligently serve and no longer go out adventuring..."

Everyone was astonished, "Are you so sure that you have no future potential and want to be a steward for the rest of your life?"

"Only the most mediocre Old Apprentices make such choices, but most of them are over 35 years old..."

"You're only 20! If you don't continue to improve, what will you do in the future?"

"In the future... if there's a chance, perhaps I'll return to my hometown and get a small noble title!"

Nia seemed to have made a mature decision, even planning her future path.

Roy said solemnly, "Nia, are you planning to retreat from the rapids and abandon this extraordinary path to becoming a Wizard?"

"I, I'm sorry!"

Nia's eyes darted away, not daring to look at him.

"I don't fear you laughing at me...

I was actually so scared by what happened last time that I was in a daze the entire way back. I had Nightmares at night and cried several times in secret.

I know I can't go on like this anymore.

The adventure journey of a Wizard apprentice is truly too dangerous. For someone as mediocre as me, surviving this time was a fluke, and I might not be so lucky next time."

Roy sighed, but he was surprisingly understanding, "Everyone has their own aspirations. You don't need to apologize to me, nor to anyone else."

Nia's body trembled, "Aren't you angry that I'm breaking up the team?"

Roy shook his head slightly, "A bit of selfishness disguised in the name of the collective."

How could he not be annoyed?

Out of the blue, she decides to retreat, and instead of telling him privately, she chooses to announce it during a gathering of everyone...

If he were a bit more ruthless, he would use the remains of his companions as a stepping stone for promotion and immediately make an example of her, showing others the consequences of quitting.

But people are not plants; who can be without feelings?

There's no need to be so absolute.

Moreover, Nia's departure isn't necessarily a bad thing; in fact, it's a great thing.

It served as a wake-up call for him: human hearts are unfathomable.

Don't try to grasp those illusory, meaningless things.

Grasping the true key is what will make oneself stronger.

What is the key to the Wizarding World? Is it gathering friends and allies, having a large crowd?

Is it being smooth-tongued and manipulating people's hearts?

No, neither!

The key is Witchcraft!

It's a stronger self!

It's not a problem for an extraordinary being to be worth a hundred or even surpass billions of ordinary lives, not to mention their long lifespans.

He might not be able to go far with these Apprentice companions who have shared life's hardships, so there's no need to spend too much time and energy on them.

Therefore, let her be.

While Roy remained silent, Renion and Andov were also silent.

They really had nothing to say.

Tigro was even less qualified to speak, so he became deaf and blind, acting like a Puppet.

However, Sailen offered comfort, "This is good too. This way, we can be safe and sound."

Roy looked at her strangely.

Weren't you the fierce one who desperately wanted to stay? Why are you envious of Nia now?

But then, he felt relieved.

If given a choice, who would want to fight so hard?

Nia might actually have a chance to return to the Old Continent in the future and live a comfortable life with what she learned and gained in the Wizard Tower.

Sailen, however, did not have such an opportunity.