As the buzz around the apprentice honor duel gradually subsided, another topic began to heat up within the academy.
"Stars, Moon, and Sun—I have no idea who came up with these names off the top of their head. I'd like to ask, what distinguishes them from junior, intermediate, and senior mages? And more critically, we can tell the hierarchy from the names of junior, intermediate, and senior. But if someone outside the magical system were asked to distinguish between Stars, Moon, and Sun, who can guarantee they'd make the correct choice?" Archmage Spear expressed this opinion in Arcane Ring Magic Weekly.
"I won't dwell on the flaws of the Stars, Moon, and Sun mage rating system; many experts have already summarized them in detail. However, it is, after all, a tradition of the Arcane Ring, and it has its unique significance. I think this rating method innovatively quantifies an apprentice's progress at each stage, dividing it into ten levels so that students can clearly understand their standing. At the same time, it presents this in a lively way, such as by representing the number of stars or the phases of the moon and sun, allowing for more nuanced expression, perhaps even inspiration." A mentor voiced this view during a public lecture.
"'The traditional ten-level magical grading system has its appropriate context, at least having a complete evaluation standard. More importantly, it has been widely accepted across all levels of the Wagrand continent for centuries. There's no need to challenge a practice that's been in place for a millennium. Although the ten-level system may no longer fully suit the current magical civilization, we can adapt and supplement it based on this framework, preserving the original terms and calculations as much as possible. This will make any modifications more easily accepted by the continent and become the new standard.'
This excerpt is from Professor Piero's paper On the Advancement of Magical Grading Systems, as reported by the Arcane Ring division of Millennium Magic News. I'm intern broadcaster Susie." A gentle voice transmitted this news through the academy's public broadcast system.
More and more information emerged from various channels, consistently presenting different perspectives on the history and development of magical grading systems, detailing the strengths and flaws of past rating methods.
Charlie knew that the academy was beginning to guide public opinion in preparation for the upcoming debate tournament.
After the final sketching class, Master Nall approached Charlie.
"Do you sense it?"
"Sense what?" Charlie asked, puzzled. "Are you referring to the recent discussions about magical grading?"
"Yes!" Nall smiled and said, "I wanted to know if you feel any pressure. In less than a week, we'll be facing the academic community's scrutiny.
I have a few old rivals—Reagan, Brandt, Kyle—they'll definitely try to give me trouble. They're probably scouring the data right now."
"Not really! After all, if the sky falls, you're there to hold it up!"
Nall chuckled, patted him, and sighed. "This is just the prelude. This afternoon, the academy will release my paper, and that's when things really start. I've listed you as the second author, so if you think you can stay out of the storm, you're mistaken. An Arcane Ring Level One paper, with a fifteen-year-old as the second author, is bound to be a hot topic!"
Charlie shrugged helplessly and joked, "Back in my hometown, I've already perfected the art of letting insults roll off my back. You should worry about yourself, teacher!"
"What? What does that even mean?" Nall was often confused by the fresh expressions Charlie would come up with.
Charlie laughed and explained the meaning of "letting insults roll off," making Nall burst into laughter.
Suddenly, through their soul link, Charlie sensed a mix of emotions from Irene, guessing it was a signal.
"Teacher, I'd like to head back for a bit and come back in the afternoon."
"Alright, just don't forget your daily rune lessons."
"Got it!"
…
Charlie quickly returned to Anthony's lab, confirming the signal: Irene needed him because Anthony had emerged from his seclusion.
After over ten days locked away, eating, drinking, and sleeping entirely in the lab, Anthony carried a strong, unwashed odor, his clothes stained with various colors, hair coated in oil, eyes sunken, and looking particularly fatigued. However, it was evident that he was in good spirits, implying some success.
Anthony drank several cups of tea in one go, exhaled a long breath, and said, "Charlie, I'm afraid I'll disappoint you a little this time."
After waiting for him for over half a month, hearing this as the first sentence upon their reunion dampened Charlie's spirits. After all, that was the Hydra Blood Essence, worth 800 points—the biggest investment Charlie had ever made. Even Prince Wening's offer of 1,200 points plus a Thunder Serpent's crop had been declined.
If he had let the chip create a recipe and turned it into a medicinal dish, it would likely already be in his stomach, and perhaps his bloodline ability would have improved.
But Anthony was still his teacher, and Charlie had no right to be angry.
Charlie forced a smile and asked, "Teacher, what went wrong?"
Anthony took out a potion bottle and placed it in front of Charlie, immediately capturing the attention of both apprentices.
It was stored in a delicate crystal bottle, crimson and semi-transparent, with luminous spots glowing softly, emanating a faint red light. A strong life force could be felt emanating from the bottle, making it look exceptionally beautiful.
If appearance were proportional to efficacy, it was undoubtedly a high-end potion. But if there was a finished product, why had Anthony said it might disappoint Charlie?
Anthony sighed. "All four drops of Hydra Blood Essence were used up, producing only two bottles in total. This is the larger bottle, and I'm giving it to you. I'll submit the smaller one to the academy for evaluation and testing."
"It looks like a powerful potion. What's the problem with it?"
Anthony smiled bitterly. "I was too ambitious. To pursue the utmost effect, I substituted some high-end materials, causing the formula to collapse, resulting in an entirely new potion. I then spent a lot of time stabilizing this new formula. The effect is more impressive than before, and while I don't know its precise effects, I'm certain it will activate your bloodline..."
Anthony paused here, observing Charlie's reaction, but found him calm.
Charlie said, "Teacher, I'd like to know the consequences, or the cost."
"You're always so rational!" Anthony sighed and continued, "Alright! The cost is that the requirements for the user have been significantly raised. If someone doesn't meet these requirements and uses it rashly, the consequences could be unpredictable. You might achieve instant success, or you might die from your body exploding!"
With the chip's assistance and safer ways to enhance himself, Charlie saw no need to take unnecessary risks. Thus, an uncertain enhancement potion was essentially useless.
Charlie spread his hands helplessly and said with a wry smile, "Teacher, I'm a mage! My physique certainly doesn't meet the requirements! What exactly did you add?"
"Heart of a Mountain Giant, Hydra Blood Essence, Kudzu Root, Dream Leaves, Silky Stems..." Anthony listed the components.
"Was it the heart of that young Mountain Giant?"
Anthony nodded.
It sounded impressive, but that heart had been preserved in a glass jar for over a decade. Hadn't it decayed? Could it still be used?
Anthony, a bit embarrassed, said, "I couldn't afford an adult Mountain Giant's heart, so I settled for that one. But don't worry, legendary creatures' organs are hard to decay due to the immense energy they contain. Besides, with proper treatment during the potion-making process, it can maintain some freshness."
In other words, it was half-fresh. Was this not a waste of the Hydra's blood essence?
"The exact effects and user requirements will only be known after the academy's tests. Keep it safe; it might still bring you some surprises."
At this point, what else was there to say?
Charlie silently lamented but could only accept reality. "Thank you, teacher."
"Actually, I should be the one thanking you!" Anthony sighed again and said, "Through this potion-making process, I finally understood something. Perhaps what I've pursued for decades was a mistake from the start. There's no free lunch in this world. Trying to change one's talent and fate through inexpensive means to gain fair treatment isn't fair itself!
It's sad that it took me more than twenty years on this path to realize it's a dead end."
Charlie and Irene couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He had finally awakened.
Anthony took a deep breath and said, "I'm thinking of taking a long break, traveling around, clearing my mind, and seeing if I can find my younger self's inspiration."
"That's a great idea!"
"Would you consider coming with me? Not you, Charlie—you have a duel coming up!" Anthony smiled. "But Irene, if you want to make a name for yourself in botany, you need to broaden your knowledge and experience. Traveling with me for a year or two might be beneficial."
Irene hesitated, saying, "Teacher, I... I'd rather stay at the academy..."
Anthony frowned. "Your response disappoints me! Have you given up on your dreams? Or lost your courage?"
Irene, not good at refusing others, anxiously glanced at Charlie.
Charlie said, "Teacher, Irene's current goal is to become a battle mage. She's part of the team I'm forming, and the academy's competitive environment will help her grow."
"Oh?"
Anthony glanced at her and smiled. "It seems that during my absence, you two have been up to quite a bit."
Irene blushed shyly and asked timidly, "Teacher, may I stay?"
"If I decide to go on a journey, the academy will temporarily revoke my position as a mentor. I agree to let you stay, but you'll need to find a new mentor for yourself. Charlie might be able to manage, but what about you?"
This question left Irene in a difficult spot.
Charlie pondered for a moment and said, "I'll think of a way for Irene."