Mitchell's eyes lit up, and he waved to halt the team.
"You seven, follow the original plan and intercept them outside the camp. Leon, come with me."
Clearly, he intended to keep Ian's possible secret for himself.
The other seven Advanced Apprentices did not dare defy Mitchell's order. After respectfully bowing, they sped away.
Mitchell and Leon transformed into two streaks of blood-red light and rapidly pursued Ian.
Ian cursed inwardly, immediately changing direction and sprinting toward the more remote, desolate Stone Forest to the southeast.
His physical condition had been strengthened by Magic Power after his advancement and nourished by the [Rock Bear Potion]. With his exceptionally powerful mental strength coordinating everything, his burst speed far surpassed those of the same rank.
But Mitchell's arrogant voice rapidly closed in through amplification sorcery.
"You're quite fast, kid! Stop obediently and hand over your secret. This young master can let you die a quicker death, maybe even spare your soul for reincarnation."
Ian turned a deaf ear, running while observing behind him through the [Eye of Vigilance].
He noticed that Mitchell's aura was solid and concentrated. Of all the Advanced Apprentices Ian had seen, Mitchell was the strongest. As for Leon behind him, Ian simply ignored him.
One fled and the others pursued. Soon, a dead-end-like stone wall appeared ahead, and Ian abruptly turned around.
Mitchell and Leon stopped thirty meters away, blocking him from two angles.
"Not running anymore?" Mitchell leisurely adjusted his robes, his gaze full of contempt.
"Leon, tell me. What's special about this kid?"
Leon panted heavily and hurriedly said, "Young master, he's very young. A few months ago, he was still an Intermediate Apprentice, but now he's already an Advanced Apprentice. And his talent in Potion Studies is absurdly good!"
Through information secretly sent out by