A rare, faint smile appeared on Mentor Clark's face.
He took out a brand-new Wizard Robe and a badge gleaming with profound light from behind him.
"Benjamin, this is the badge of a Level 1 Formal Wizard, as well as your formal robe."
Mentor Clark handed the badge to Benjamin. It was not simply cast from metal, but fashioned from some translucent material. Complex wizard runes were engraved upon it, and within it seemed to rage a miniature elemental storm, representing recognition of a Level 1 Wizard's control over the elements.
The robe was woven from a special black thread. Not only could it effectively shield against external energy interference, it was also a symbol of a Formal Wizard's status. Large blank areas had been reserved on it for the wizard to inscribe enhancements of their own.
Benjamin accepted the badge and robe, feeling the powerful force contained within them. A ripple passed through his heart.
From this day onward, he could cast off the title of apprentice and become a Formal Wizard recognized by the entire Wizard Civilization.
This was not merely an honor. It was the crystallization of his years of arduous cultivation, and a pass into a broader world ahead.
"Very good." Mentor Clark nodded in satisfaction. "Your performance exceeded my expectations. I look forward to even more surprises from you in the future."
"Thank you for your guidance, Mentor." Benjamin bowed, then stood behind his mentor to observe the ceremony. Aside from a small number of students whose talent was truly too poor, all the other graduates successfully received the badges and formal robes representing Level 1 Formal Wizards.
Most of those whose talent was too poor to reach Level 1 Wizard wore stubborn expressions, unable to stop glancing repeatedly toward the Space Teleportation Array nearby.