After returning to Crossbridge Academy, Daniel started to consider something else. The overwhelming spell beast riot had left a deep impression on him.
"Although the academy is now on the right track, in times of peace, we need to foresee adversity. Relying solely on the current teachers is still not enough."
Daniel immediately made a decision. He called for Rowan, the Academic Affairs Officer.
"I need to hire a few capable teachers. Give me a list," Daniel instructed. "Remember, character comes first, then strength. As for the cost, don't worry about it."
Daniel had countless ways to enhance someone's strength, but poor character would come with the risk of betrayal.
Rowan quickly returned with a list. It contained three names, along with their respective classes and tiers. Daniel was satisfied with the list; not only could these three teach students, but they would also be an asset in times of danger.
Without delay, Daniel headed into town, planning to visit the first person on the list, the 5-star apothecary and alchemist, Synapsis.
The carriage stopped beside a pitch-black building, which was the store owned by the Synapsis family, specializing in selling various magic potions and alchemical items.
The store had three floors, and the first floor, packed with life-related magic potions, was almost bursting at the seams.
Daniel headed directly to the third floor.
The shopkeeper, seeing him, was initially startled, but then quickly put on a flattering smile and walked over.
"Honorable Headmaster Daniel, what can I assist you with today?"
The news that the "old fool" Daniel from Crossbridge Academy had suddenly come into a fortune had already spread to every store in town. Everyone was hoping for a windfall like the one Silverscale Store had experienced.
"I wish to see Synapsis," Daniel said. "I have a deal that he won't refuse."
"Ah, you want to see the grand alchemist?" The shopkeeper said awkwardly. "But he's extremely busy. You can make an appointment now, and perhaps see him in ten days."
With a "thud," Daniel casually tossed a pouch filled with mana stones onto the table.
The unique glow of superior mana stones made the shopkeeper hold his breath.
Swallowing nervously, he immediately changed his tune, saying, "I understand. I'll notify the grand alchemist right away."
Daniel nodded slightly. Financial power was a form of strength. For small characters like this, there wasn't even a need to flex muscles.
However, this was a small test Daniel had set for Synapsis. For a busy master of magic potions, if Synapsis came rushing for a mere bag of superior mana stones, it would only disappoint Daniel.
Moments later, the shopkeeper returned, looking apologetic. "The grand alchemist said he's in the middle of potion preparations. He requests that you make an appointment in advance. Apologies, but please take the mana stones with you."
"Not bad," Daniel smiled slightly. In the next moment, he disappeared like a wisp of smoke, right before the shopkeeper's eyes.
"What just happened!" The shopkeeper was dumbfounded. "I didn't even notice how he left."
He broke into a cold sweat. Although he was a platinum-tier mage, he couldn't even tell what magic Daniel had used to leave. What level was Daniel? Headmaster? Grandmaster? Or...
The shopkeeper didn't dare think further. Cold sweat covered his forehead as he decided to warn all the staff to treat Daniel with utmost respect if they encountered him.
Meanwhile, in a secret chamber, Synapsis, who was working on a potion, suddenly froze. A figure had appeared before him without warning. The mana around this person was so contained that it was almost undetectable, yet the moment he appeared, Synapsis felt an overwhelming sense of mystery.
"Who are you?" Synapsis' expression changed. "I've set up five protective magic arrays. How did you get in?"
"I just walked in," Daniel casually glanced around the lab. "Did you design this potion acceleration magic array yourself? Not bad, but it's too slow."
He casually adjusted two runes. In the next moment, the speed of the magic array increased dramatically, boosting efficiency by fifty percent.
Synapsis was stunned. This level of understanding of magic arrays far exceeded his own.
"Whoever you are, leave immediately!" Synapsis wasn't easy to deal with. Not only was he a 5-star apothecary, but he was also a diamond-tier mage. He believed that in his own lab, even against a master-tier mage, he had a fighting chance.
"You're indeed skilled in potion-making and alchemy," Daniel remarked. "It's perfect for testing your combat abilities."
"Arrogant stranger! I will make you regret coming here today!" Synapsis roared. This man had broken into his lab and was speaking down to him! Who did he think he was?
Rays of magic arrays lit up, and in an instant, Daniel was engulfed in a sea of magic arrays. Not only that, but a barrage of alchemical items rained down on Daniel—paralysis potions, sleep potions, magic suppression potions—all kinds of control-type potions appeared around him as if they were free.
Synapsis had unleashed his full power! He was determined to teach this insolent intruder a harsh lesson.
The next moment, Synapsis froze. He saw Daniel, trapped within the magic arrays, raise his head and give him a slight smile.
"What does that mean? Isn't he afraid?"
"Could he have gone mad from fear?"
Before Synapsis could think further, Daniel casually snapped his fingers. The magic arrays were instantly altered. Switching from attack to self-destruction required only three adjustments to the runes.
"Sizzle!" The magic arrays began to flicker erratically, and a second later, they all collapsed simultaneously! The explosion of energy was so intense that it blinded Synapsis, and everything—from alchemical items to magic potions—was reversed in an instant.
They were all reduced to raw materials, blown across the room by the energy storm.
"You..." Synapsis barely managed to utter a word before he was struck by the shockwave. Though he was a diamond-tier mage, he couldn't even put up a fight and was knocked unconscious.
He didn't know how long he had been out when he finally opened his eyes. Looking at the wreckage of his lab, he clutched his chest and coughed.
"You won't die, but you'll feel terrible for a few days," Daniel's voice came from behind him. "But for an apothecary, that shouldn't be an issue."
Hearing this voice sent a chill down Synapsis' spine. The other party was far too powerful. With just a flick of his finger, he had effortlessly destroyed his strongest defense!
In the face of such a person, even the proud Synapsis couldn't help but lower his head.
"Sir, what do you want?" Synapsis asked cautiously. "Is it a mysterious potion you need, or perhaps an alchemical item?"
"I want you," Daniel said, pulling out a contract.
Synapsis' heart skipped a beat. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. What did that mean? Did this powerful stranger have... special preferences?
"I am Daniel, Headmaster of Crossbridge Academy. Sign this magical contract, and you'll become a teacher at the academy," Daniel explained. "You'll be free to conduct your research when not teaching, but in case of an attack, you'll be required to help defend the academy."
Synapsis breathed a sigh of relief. He even felt a little grateful. Compared to making hemorrhoid potions every day, being a teacher seemed like a far better option.
After a quick check to make sure the contract wasn't a trap, he signed his name without hesitation.
"Aren't you afraid I'll treat you like a slave?" Daniel asked, satisfied with his quick decision.
"Your wisdom and strength far exceed mine. Even without a contract, if you wanted to enslave me, it would be easy," Synapsis said respectfully. "The contract actually protects me."
Daniel chuckled. He enjoyed talking with clever people.
"The academy offers excellent benefits for its teachers," Daniel continued. "One hundred thousand intermediate mana stones."
Synapsis was quite pleased with the compensation, which was about the same as his family's annual income.
To his surprise, Daniel added, "One hundred thousand intermediate mana stones per month. Plus a year-end bonus. You'll have three days off each month, and after one year, you'll receive ten days of paid vacation."
"If you work for three years, you're free to resign or pursue further studies, and I won't stop you."
Synapsis gasped. The offer was... amazing!
Daniel, with his wealth and power, was a boss not to be missed!
"I am honored to serve you!" Synapsis immediately knelt on one knee and saluted Daniel in the mage's fashion. "From now on, I shall be your loyal subordinate and employee."