Assignment, Leaving the Arcane Academy

Besides that, more importantly, he needed to familiarize himself with how the Star Source Meditation Method operated at the First Circle.

Within his Mental Sea, the Morning Star slowly rotated, constantly drawing in faint Starforce, transforming it into specialized mana, and nourishing the Mental Sea.

He needed to adapt to this continuous growth in power and the rhythm of the stars, integrating them perfectly with his spellcasting and meditation.

Baha's transformation was also completed during this time. Its size had not changed much, but its feathers had become darker and glossier. The gray markings at the bases of its wings and along its tail feathers seemed to come alive, faintly flowing with starlight.

Its three pairs of eyes grew even deeper. The Obsidian Eye saw energy more clearly, the Dark Silver Eye could see through stronger illusions and concealment, and the Dark Gold Eye had a broader range of danger foresight, even allowing it to vaguely sense "malice" directed at Luo Lin.

The power of Dark Insight it fed back through their contract had also completely fused with the properties of Starforce, becoming purer and more penetrating.

About a month later, Luo Lin felt that his realm had completely stabilized, and he could wield First-Circle power as easily as his own limbs.

Only then did he end this long period of seclusion.

When he stepped out of the stone house, the deep and vast spiritual pressure naturally emanating from him immediately startled Captain Holm and the nearby team members.

"Luo Lin... you..."

Feeling that pressure far beyond the apprentice level, Holm was both shocked and delighted. For a moment, he did not even know how to address him. Official Wizards and apprentices belonged to two entirely different classes.

"Captain Holm, it has been a long time."

Luo Lin smiled faintly and reined in most of his pressure, his attitude as calm as ever.

"I merely succeeded by luck."

Once he confirmed that Luo Lin had truly advanced, Holm broke into a heartfelt smile and firmly patted him on the shoulder, though his movement was far gentler than before.

"Good! Excellent!"

"Our Gray Tower Outpost has finally produced another Official Wizard! This is wonderful news!"

The news quickly spread, shaking the entire Outpost. The birth of an Official Wizard, especially at a frontline Outpost, carried extraordinary significance.

Luo Lin's past performance had already earned widespread praise. Now that he had successfully advanced, he won everyone's respect and congratulations.

Luo Lin did not remain at the Outpost for long.

His ten-year term had ended. He needed to return to the headquarters of the Shadow Crow Holy Tower to report on his service and decide where he would go next.

He bid farewell to Captain Holm and the many team members he knew, then once again stepped onto the teleportation array back to the academy amid their complicated yet admiring gazes.

When Luo Lin appeared in the Administrative Tower of the Shadow Crow Holy Tower to update his information, the sensation he caused was even greater than at the Outpost!

"A First-Circle Wizard! Wizard Luo Lin!"

The steward responsible for registration saw the unmistakable First-Circle Wizard fluctuations displayed by the detection array, along with the deep, heart-palpitating spiritual power surrounding Luo Lin. His attitude immediately became incomparably respectful, and he addressed him with honorifics.

The news spread through the academy as if it had grown wings.

That once-unremarkable First-Rank Wizard Apprentice, who had even faced elimination at one point, that dark horse who had ranked among the top thirty in the selection, had truly advanced to become an Official Wizard during his ten-year assignment!

And apparently, he had not relied on signing that two-hundred-year contract!

Wizard Eric and Wizard Stone soon sent word summoning him.

In Wizard Eric's study, which was filled with specimens of all sorts of strange insects, the two Official Wizards examined Luo Lin with burning eyes.

"Very good!"

Wizard Eric's eyes were filled with approval.

"I knew I had not misjudged you. In such a short time, you not only reached the limit, but successfully broke through as well."

"And..."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the unusual spiritual fluctuations around Luo Lin, which carried a hint of vastness.

"The path you took does not seem to be an ordinary one?"

"You did not sign a contract, so how did you obtain a meditation method?"

"Did you encounter another opportunity in the secret realm?"

Wizard Stone also stared at Luo Lin, clearly extremely concerned about this question.

Luo Lin had long expected this question and answered calmly.

"This student indeed encountered some opportunities in the secret realm and obtained an incomplete ancient meditation method. Combined with my own accumulation, I succeeded by luck."

He spoke half-truthfully, without revealing the existence of the Star Source Meditation Method. He merely summarized it as an "incomplete ancient meditation method."

This could explain the source of his advancement without exposing his greatest secret.

"An incomplete ancient meditation method..."

Eric and Stone exchanged a glance, each seeing understanding in the other's eyes.

Such cases were rare, but not unprecedented.

Advancing through an incomplete method carried enormous risks, but once successful, it also meant that the apprentice's foundation and luck were both extraordinary.

"Since you have advanced, according to academy rules, several choices lie before you."

Wizard Eric stopped pursuing the details of the meditation method and changed the subject.

"First, remain at the academy headquarters."

"You may apply to establish your own independent research room. The academy will provide a basic site and some initial resources, but you will need to find your own ways to secure future research funding, recruit personnel, and so on. You will also need to undertake certain teaching or research duties."

"The advantage is a safe environment, relatively concentrated resources, and convenience in exchanging knowledge and studying."

"Second, become an assigned wizard."

"The academy has many industries, strongholds, and even border regions shared with other factions that require Official Wizards to oversee them."

"Assignments usually last thirty years. During that time, you must fulfill your duties and protect the academy's interests."

"The advantage is relatively greater freedom. Depending on the place of assignment, there are often additional resource allocations and profit shares, allowing you to accumulate personal wealth and resources more quickly."

"The disadvantage is that the environment is complicated, and you may face all kinds of challenges and dangers."

Wizard Stone added, "Given your circumstances, if you choose to remain at the academy, Eric and I can offer you some help and allow you to establish yourself more quickly."

"If you choose an assignment... the Black Forest, or several other resource-rich strongholds, might be good choices."

The two wizards offered their advice, but the choice rested entirely with Luo Lin.

Luo Lin fell into thought.

Remaining at the academy would be safe and stable, conducive to deeply studying the Star Source Meditation Method and all kinds of knowledge. In particular, he could make use of the academy's library and resources to make up for his deficiencies in fields such as stellar studies.

However, the competition would inevitably be fierce, and he would need to fight for resources himself. He would also be subject to more academy rules and restrictions.

Choosing an assignment better suited his temperament of tempering himself through actual combat.

He would have greater freedom, and the means of obtaining resources would be more direct. Places like the Black Forest in particular, though dangerous, contained countless opportunities. It was highly suitable for consolidating his realm and searching for materials to solidify innate spells.

But the risks were indeed greater, and he would need to leave the academy's core sphere for thirty years.

After weighing the pros and cons, Luo Lin gradually formed an inclination. He raised his head and looked firmly at the two mentors.

"Thank you for your guidance, mentors. This student has decided... to choose an assignment."

He yearned for a broader world, more direct means of acquiring resources, and the feeling of continuously breaking through amid danger.

The academy was good, but it was like an exquisite birdcage. As an eagle just beginning to spread his wings, he yearned more for the storms and skies beyond it.

Wizard Eric and Wizard Stone were not surprised. They seemed to have long expected Luo Lin's choice.

"Very well. Since you have decided, we will not try to dissuade you."

Wizard Eric nodded.

"The Administrative Tower will contact you regarding the specific arrangements for your assignment."

"Remember, no matter where you are, you are a wizard of the Shadow Crow Holy Tower. Should you encounter difficulties you cannot resolve, you may seek aid from the academy."

"I will remember your teachings, Mentor." Luo Lin bowed.

After leaving his mentors' study, Luo Lin went to the Administrative Tower to handle the procedures for his assignment.

He knew that once the procedures were complete, he would leave the academy again before long and embark on a new journey.

And this time, he would face a broader and more splendid world as an Official Wizard!

After deciding to accept an assignment, Luo Lin did not immediately leave the academy.

There was still some time before the specific location was determined and his departure date arrived. He decided to make full use of his final days at the academy and thoroughly prepare for the road ahead.

He first submitted his assignment application to the Administrative Tower, expressing his preference for a resource-rich region with a certain level of challenge.

Processing the application would take time, giving him a precious period of respite.

He devoted most of his energy to two matters.

Deeply studying the Star Source Meditation Method and related knowledge, while gathering materials and information for solidifying innate spells.

With his newly acquired Official Wizard authority, Luo Lin was able to enter deeper areas of the Shadow Crow Holy Tower's library.

These areas contained a vast number of books involving ancient history, mysticism, advanced runes, elemental essences, and even planar knowledge. Many of them had been strictly kept secret from apprentices.