"Huh?"
Helag was surprised to learn that Larry had prepared the Dawn Potion for him.
Larry chuckled. "I wanted you to use this opportunity to gain some potion-making experience. The Dawn Potion is quite challenging for you, but I didn't expect you to actually succeed."
"You're a genius. I've seen many wizards, but your talent in potionology is unparalleled. Your wizard aptitude is seventy-five, but your potionology talent is a solid ninety-five."
Helag scratched the back of his head, not expecting such high praise from Larry. Deep Blue played a crucial role in the potion-making process; without it, he wouldn't have succeeded.
"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Larry. Here are the Dawn Potion materials I borrowed from you." Helag returned the unused materials.
Larry snapped his fingers, collecting the materials, and then said seriously, "In a few days, you'll be a second-class apprentice. The academy might assign you some tasks."
"Tasks?"
Larry explained, "You're aware of the recent issues with Green Cottage, right? Initially, it was just Malcolm's personal vendetta. Such conflicts have happened before. But a week ago, first-class wizards from both sides clashed."
"First-class wizards." Helag realized the gravity of the situation. Conflicts among apprentices were minor, but when first-class wizards got involved, it escalated into a conflict between wizard organizations.
"So, it's foreseeable that our battles with Green Cottage won't stop anytime soon. The situation will only get more tense. The potions the Woodland has commissioned from me indicate they're preparing for something big."
"Both sides seem eager for a major confrontation. The fighting won't stop easily and might turn into a war between the two organizations."
Helag had read about wizard wars in some texts. Even official wizards might not be safe, let alone apprentices, who were considered expendable.
Many spells and formations required the sacrifice of hundreds of apprentices to unleash their full power.
"I remember the last wizard war I experienced. Every day, countless people died in horrific ways. After the war, few houses in the northern forest had lights on at night," Larry recalled.
"Weren't there any apprentices who tried to escape?" Helag asked.
In a large-scale war, weaker apprentices would likely try to flee.
Larry shook his head. "Do you remember the form you filled out when you joined?"
"Form?" Helag suddenly had an epiphany. Moonlight Woodland seemed to have little control over its wizards, but there were actually binding measures in place.
"That's right. That form had magic on it. Besides recording and verifying your identity, it was also a contract. If Moonlight Woodland wants to act against you, you can't escape," Larry explained.
Helag was surprised but realized it made sense.
There's no such thing as a free lunch. Moonlight Woodland wouldn't provide these resources for free. When they needed you, you had to step up.
However, this realization left Helag feeling uneasy. He didn't want his fate controlled by others.
"So, during a war, we apprentices must follow Moonlight Woodland's orders?" Helag asked.
Larry shook his finger. "There are four ways. First, if you advance to an official wizard, the magic's binding power will be nullified. Then, you can choose to stay or leave Moonlight Woodland. If you stay, you'll sign a new contract, a fair exchange of benefits."
"Second, you can apply to leave Moonlight Woodland, but that's usually not feasible. Only apprentices nearing the end of their lives are allowed to leave."
"Third, if you're often away, Moonlight Woodland can't control you. Many wizards are in distant places, out of contact. But this method isn't viable now. The Woodland has imposed travel restrictions. You need a valid reason to go out."
"Lastly, you can be on a mission. That's one of the legitimate reasons to be outside now."
Helag listened intently and, after some thought, asked, "Mr. Larry, it seems the best option for me is to take on a mission and leave openly?"
Larry replied, "In theory, yes. But such missions must be officially issued by Moonlight Woodland, and many people compete for them. The duration of these missions varies; you might have to return in a month or two."
Helag frowned. What he thought was a safe haven in Moonlight Woodland now seemed fraught with the risk of war.
"But there's another way." Larry's face showed a meaningful smile as he looked at Helag.
Helag felt a bit uneasy under his gaze and asked tentatively, "What way?"
"Become my student," Larry said slowly.
"Student?" Helag had somewhat anticipated this outcome.
Larry had always been kind to him, not because he was a good person, but because he saw potential in Helag. Helag had always been aware of this.
If he became Larry's student, he would undoubtedly avoid many pitfalls.
Larry smiled. "So, Helag, do you want to be my student?"
Helag didn't rush to answer but asked, "What do I need to give in return?"
Larry laughed. "Don't worry, I won't ask for your soul or anything like that. A teacher-student relationship is essentially a strong mutual benefit. I help you now, and if you can help me in the future, you will. Wizards don't talk about feelings; benefits are the most effective tool for maintaining relationships."
"Honestly, what I've given you so far costs me nothing. There's no significant expense."
"I originally planned to observe you longer, at least until you could advance to a third-class apprentice, before considering taking you as a student. At that point, you'd have enough value. But your talent in potionology made me reconsider. After some thought, I believe you already have enough value."
"So, Helag, do you want to be my student?"
Helag smiled. "Greetings, Teacher Larry!"
"Good. Wait a moment, and I'll explain the key points of the advancement process and how to handle special situations. After you complete your advancement, I'll assign you a mission. You can leave Moonlight Woodland and avoid the conflict," Larry instructed.
"What about you, Teacher? Will you stay in Moonlight Woodland?" Helag asked.