Link disbanded the magic blueprint of the Birth Induction Technique, and his Sea of Consciousness returned to normal.
A magic blueprint was only similar to the Meditation Technique in form, both being three-dimensional structures.
In general, witchcraft did not require the magic blueprint's structure to be branded into the Sea of Consciousness as Meditation Technique did; instead, it was built when needed and disbanded once used up.
The witchcraft that needs to be branded into the Sea of Consciousness is called Destiny Witchcraft, one of the conditions for a third-class wizard apprentice to be promoted to an official wizard.
Those that could be used as Destiny Witchcraft were all finely selected first-ring witchcraft.
No one would brand the magic blueprints of zero-ring witchcraft into the Sea of Consciousness, as it would waste the not-so-abundant space.
Not everyone is as lucky as Link, who managed to create a vast Sea of Consciousness with the "Brain Seal Technique" and constructed a Hall of Mind that could be used efficiently.
Link was well-aware of the uniqueness of his Sea of Consciousness.
The Meditation Technique contained relevant records, and Jasmine had told him that her Sea of Consciousness was like a small, cramped room.
Of course, a wizard's Sea of Consciousness was not static. It would gradually grow with the improvement of meditation realms and the advancement of the wizard's level, eventually morphing at several key levels.
For example, a third-class wizard apprentice being promoted to a first-class official wizard.
A thought of further developing and utilising his special Sea of Consciousness faintly emerged in Link's mind.
But he suppressed it for now and did not ponder it further.
The more knowledge he learned, the more aware Link was of his deficiencies.
Before having enough knowledge and confidence, Link would not risk his Sea of Consciousness.
The "Brain Seal Technique" was unique but not omnipotent!
After placing the pot of the Sleepy Flower next to his bed, Link returned to his study, removed the protective shield, took out a new blank notebook, and recorded all the knowledge points about the secondary Misty Rain Technique and the Birth Induction Technique accumulated over time, including today's experiences gained from mastering the two zero-ring witchcraft spells.
After he finished writing, Link submerged his consciousness into the Sea of Consciousness, organised the relevant memories in the underwater reflection of the library, and then began his regular meditation before sleep.
...
Over time, understanding deepens.
The next day, Jasmine deduced the fact that Link has learned witchcraft from various inconspicuous details.
But she stayed elusive and did not voice out her suspicion.
If Link didn't bring it up, she would act as if she didn't know.
On the way from the lab to the classroom, Jasmine initiated a conversation, "Link, do you remember the guy who threatened you that day?"
"I do,"
Link nodded.
"I found out that his name is Erick, a second-rank wizard apprentice in his third year, and he is the lackey of Rivers Francis, the vice president of the New Blood Mutual Aid Association."
Jasmine continued, "He was after a girl last year and spent a lot of effort to pursue her. When he was about to succeed, Rivers intruded, tormented the girl for a few months, then discarded her. Since then, instead of hating Rivers, Erick became his lackey, and he's even helping Rivers find new targets."
After a pause, Jasmine continued, "Several girls who were tormented by Rivers and I share a common trait: we all have blond hair and blue eyes. I believe that Erick planned for Rivers to notice me."
"Hmm,"
Link replied, then advised, "Be careful, don't accept food and drinks from strangers, don't get drunk, and don't easily be led outside by people."
"I will,"
Jasmine brushed her hair behind her ears, her voice sombre.
"Rivers Francis was promoted to a third-class wizard apprentice some time ago, and he's very likely to become an official wizard before entering his fourth year. I'm worried that he might resort to underhanded tactics to deal with you...Although the college does not allow private fighting, the punishment on Rivers wouldn't be severe if something did happen."
At this, Link laughed, "Don't worry too much; being vigilant is enough. Eat and drink as usual, study as you should, and raise your wizard's level quickly, then there's nothing to worry about. As for now, let's just handle things as they come."
"You still need to be more cautious,"
Jasmine warned. She seemed apprehensive; after all, her pursuit of pleasure caused trouble for herself and Link, especially the latter.
Upon seeing this, Link didn't voice out his reassurance, nor did he try to ease Jasmine's anxiety.
Everyone had to take responsibility for their choices.
For many things, if one doesn't have their setbacks, they wouldn't know their limits.
However, beneath Link's nonchalant appearance, he felt slightly uneasy as he felt his sleeve crossbow that was worn on his left wrist.
Relying just on a spell-breaking sleeve crossbow with only three crossbow bolts to ensure his safety wasn't realistic.
"I have to earn some Magic Stones. Can't wait any longer,"
Link made a decision quietly, prepared to give his all to work, become a worker, earn Magic Stones, and arm himself.
Upon entering the classroom, Link took out his portable computer, filled in the information to apply for the part-time job at the botanical garden.
The response came quickly, setting an interview time and location that, if he passes, he could start working as soon as possible.
The day's classes ended.
After dinner, instead of going to the library as usual, Link went to the agreed upon interview location, which could also be his future part-time job place, the Third Botanical Garden of Ravensmouth Biological and Medical College Primary Campus.
When Jasmine learned about Link's arrangement, she didn't go to the library by herself but instead returned to the dormitory.
After finding out about Rivers Francis's past misdemeanors, she felt somewhat uneasy and sensitive.
Without Link by her side, she firmly refused to act alone.
Link saw Jasmine's attitude and behavior, then became more resolute.
Self-reliance is required for safety in an extraordinary world. Without power, there's no safety.
With the guidance from the map on his portable computer, Link found the Third Botanical Garden.
The big gate was tightly closed, but a small gate for pedestrian traffic was open. A girl about the same age as Link was waiting outside.
"Link Grande?"
The girl's voice was cold and indifferent, "A new student who joined this year? Have you really mastered the secondary Misty Rain Technique and Birth Induction Technique?"
Hearing the girl's tone, Link replied seriously, "I can demonstrate on the spot."
"Hmm,"
The girl took a deep look at Link, left a comment before turning around and walking in, "There's no need for demonstration. If anything goes wrong, you'll take responsibility."
"So, do I pass? When can I start working?"
Link called out to the girl's receding figure.
"Come same time tomorrow, use your identity card to get in,"
The girl didn't even look back, and the small gate closed on its own.
Link scratched his head, not quite understanding why the girl's attitude was so cold and reluctant.
"Forget it, don't think about it,"
in a short while, Link dismissed the thought.
The most important thing was, he got the job that pays two standard first-tier Magic Stones a month.