In any case, spraying aptitude-modification potion was hardly a troublesome task. In many cases, magical puppets or artificial lifeforms were simply assigned to carry it out.
But Benjamin had one virtue: he listened to advice. Once he confirmed that Mentor Clark bore him no ill will, he did not resist much. After accepting the task, he set off at once.
Piloting the spreading apparatus provided by the Academy—a streamlined small airship fitted with an automatic dispersal device and an energy-detection system—he steadily flew toward the designated area according to the coordinates provided by his mentor.
As the airship slowly descended, he saw a small team on the ground coming to receive him. At their head stood a regional lord dressed in splendid robes.
When he clearly saw the lord's face, Benjamin froze slightly, his pupils abruptly shrinking.
He knew this lord!
They had met several times before. This very lord had been the one to send him to Noren Academy!
The area he was responsible for was actually his hometown in this world!
"...Heh! He may be a bit stone-faced, but Mentor is actually a good man." After a moment of silence, Benjamin could not help grinning.
Only then did Benjamin truly understand why Mentor Clark had arranged this task for him.
A year later, he would be taking the test organized by Noren Workshop, involving several hundred Academies.
Though he did not know the exact reason or purpose, judging by Noren Workshop's sudden decision to conduct the test and its demand that high-ranking wizards and apprentices return by force, those who passed would likely be assigned elsewhere.
Benjamin had always been modest, but he would never underestimate himself. Whether he could take first place in that test was uncertain, but passing it would absolutely not be a problem.
And