Soon, Anthony received the evaluation results of the potion.
It was confirmed to be a new formula with the ability to enhance physical constitution, stimulate bloodline growth, and activate hidden talents. Its effects varied from person to person, and due to insufficient dosage, accurate data could not yet be obtained.
Functionally, it was similar to the "Knight's Enlightenment Potion" but had stronger properties and more significant side effects. It required a constitution at the level of a Grand Knight to use; otherwise, one would be unable to withstand the potency, leading to unforeseen consequences. It could be used for secondary talent stimulation or breaking through stubborn bottlenecks, making it valuable in specific contexts.
The new potion was named "Blood Fury Potion" by Anthony and was included in the modern alchemy registry. Consequently, Anthony earned an "800 Research Points" reward, successfully completing the minimum task for the year, maintaining his mentor position, and setting a positive mood for his upcoming journey. He could now apply for unpaid leave.
Anthony informed Charlie of the potion's properties, and Charlie had no choice but to accept the situation, placing the Blood Fury Potion at the bottom of his ring for the foreseeable future, as it would not be useful anytime soon.
Following this, Anthony initiated the application to transfer apprentices, bypassing some of the mentor-apprentice rules to make Charlie Master Nar's apprentice. Due to her talent, Eileen had to settle for being accepted by one of Nar's apprentice mentors.
Mentors generally did not reject additional apprentices, as it did not increase the standards for mentor assessments and allowed apprentices to assist with various tasks. Apprentices earned points, and their mentors received corresponding rewards. Thus, some mentors were willing to accept such transferred apprentices, although cases like Anthony suddenly interrupting his teaching were rare.
After more than two months of ups and downs, Charlie finally became an apprentice to a Grand Magus, legitimizing his position.
Once Anthony departed, Charlie moved directly into Master Nar's mage tower, occupying a suite on the lowest floor. It had four rooms: a living room, bedroom, study, and bathroom. The space was relatively spacious, though the only downside was that it was dimmer compared to higher floors.
This arrangement made Eileen envious, but unfortunately, she and Charlie no longer shared the same mentor. She also moved out of Anthony's apprentice laboratory into a somewhat improved environment, though it was still underground.
In the morning, Nar summoned Charlie to his study.
Three senior students were already present in the study. They cast curious glances at Charlie when he entered.
Nar spoke, "Charlie, I called you here today so you could meet your senior brothers. Let's have some brief introductions in the order of apprenticeship. Zack, you're the eldest, so start."
The student standing beside the bookshelf smiled slightly. He was the oldest in the room, around 20 years old, exuding a calm and composed demeanor, with strikingly expressive dark eyebrows.
"My name is Zack. I'm a third-year student, graduating at the end of this year. I specialize in nature magic and am currently a Moonlight Peak Mage, trying to break through my bottleneck. Hopefully, I'll reach the level of Sun Mage before leaving the academy.
I've been with our teacher the longest and know his temperament and expectations. He's a practical and meticulous person, and students chosen by him typically possess similar traits and considerable potential.
I've heard of 'Mr. Charlie's' achievements as well. Seeing the teacher's particular favor towards you, it's clear you must be exceptional. As your senior brother, I'm glad you're joining our group. Welcome!" Zack said, leading the applause.
The other two followed suit. From this, it was evident Zack was sociable and approachable, while the other two senior brothers were more reserved.
After brief introductions, Charlie got to know his senior brothers:
Zack, a third-year student, ranked mid-tier in his year. Despite the modest ranking, anyone who graduated smoothly from the Arcane Ring without being stuck was formidable.
Tim, a second-year student, specialized in water magic and had the "Magic Furnace" talent. He was one of Master Nar's favored students, quiet and introverted.
Howard, also a second-year student, specialized in light magic and had a passion for music, excelling at the harp.
When the introductions concluded, Zack made a summary statement.
"The Arcane Ring is built on the mentor-apprentice tradition, so there are some unwritten rules in the academy. As your senior, I'll explain them to Charlie, and if you all already know them, consider this a review.
Factional conflicts within the academy are quite serious — a flaw of the mentor-apprentice system. As a freshman, you might not feel it yet, but soon, you will. When a mentor's apprentice stays on and passes the evaluation, they become a new mentor and accept new apprentices. This relationship extends downwards, creating extensive networks. Therefore, older, more established magi have large networks.
Mentors' students typically remain united, while students from different mentors' groups often have natural rivalries, especially if they hold opposing academic theories. This is a common cause of factional disputes due to conflicts of interest.
Our teacher dislikes such conflicts, but given the overall environment, we can't stay completely uninvolved. Our teacher is among the more senior members of the academy, second only to the Magisters, so our faction is of a certain size. However, because our teacher doesn't advocate for political maneuvering, our internal ties aren't as tight.
Charlie, you must pay particular attention to certain mentors and their apprentices, as you might be resented for becoming our teacher's apprentice. This is an extension of existing rivalries. Their names are..."
Zack recited a long list of names, which Charlie carefully noted.
When Zack finished speaking, Nar added, "The academy leadership is also trying to change this situation, but it takes time. The reason I asked Zack to emphasize this is so that you all remain vigilant, especially when undertaking tasks outside the academy. You may not provoke anyone, but inherited grudges could lead to persecution. The dropout rate for apprentices in the Arcane Ring is high, so make sure you don't fall victim to political conflicts."
The apprentices all nodded, showing their understanding.
"Now that we've covered the background, let's move on to today's main topic. Look at this report." Nar spread out a newspaper on the table and pointed to a headline: Millennium Magic Times Editor-in-Chief Reads with You.
In the lower right corner of the headline was an intricately engraved dark blue rune, shimmering with a mesmerizing glow. Nar tapped on the rune.
Suddenly, a magical projection emerged from the rune, hovering above the newspaper. In the image, an elderly man with white hair and beard spoke passionately.
"Undoubtedly, this is a stroke of genius, and I see an unabashed ambition. Master Nar doesn't just want to end the current system of mage rank evaluations; he wants to extend it to the entire field: warriors, the Thieves' Guild, Templar Knights, priests, and all clergy.
This standard will quantify not only personal attributes and combat strength but also talent, bloodline, equipment, potions, and everything else that can boost combat ability—until everyone is reduced to numbers.
Even if the gods are willing to cooperate with our data collection, they too could be turned into numbers, although theirs would be astronomical!"
At this point, the image shifted to an elderly man with a youthful face. He took over the conversation, saying to the camera, "This is blasphemy! Nar, if your paper spreads to the Millennium Empire, it will likely trigger significant unease within the church. The paper would be banned, and you would be labeled a 'heretical deviant' by the church! Nar, you would be targeted by the Inquisition!"
His tone seemed serious but carried a hint of jest. Discussions of blasphemy were a daily topic in the Arcane Ring. Mages were naturally at odds with the gods, and centuries of war had created opposition between the two groups. The current peace was merely a temporary truce.
The image then returned to the editor-in-chief, who continued, "Alright, let's rein in our wandering minds and get back to the paper. It has two authors: Master Nar as the primary author and an unknown first-year apprentice as the second author. His name is Charlie.
When I first saw this, I was stunned. From my years of experience, if a mentor places a freshman in such a position, it at least means one thing: Charlie's contribution to this paper is likely far beyond what we can imagine.
This has been proven true. From the title and content, it's clear that the core idea, the 'Charlie Standard Algorithm,' was the creation of this freshman, while Master Nar was merely the compiler and expander of the idea.
I don't know what his peers think, but as for me…"
The editor paused, making a chopping motion with his hand, "I'm impressed! Driven by curiosity, I looked into this apprentice's background and was shocked again. It turns out he's the very 'Mr. Charlie' who has recently gained fame in the academy for doing something no one else has dared to do—standing up to Lord Ferdinand!"
The editor smiled at the camera and said, "Haha! My old friend, forgive me for bringing up an old wound. I didn't mean to… well, maybe I did!
All of this is to encourage everyone to pay attention to this genius idea. Whether it's right or wrong, we will explore its mysteries together.
Additionally, a debate on this topic will be held three days from now. Master Nar will bring Mr. Charlie to face the challenges of the entire academic circle of the academy. Let's hope they can withstand the onslaught of the Arcane Ring's brightest minds!"