A lot of talk, little action.
The outcome surprised many. The rewards promised by Council Speaker Alfred of the Nine-Seat Council turned out to be merely point-based awards. Nahl received 2,000 academic contribution points, while Charlie was granted 3,000 apprentice points.
Moreover, Charlie was promoted to a Crystal Badge Apprentice, and that was it. This somewhat disappointed onlookers, though deep down, they felt a bit more balanced.
"You are the most remarkable apprentice I have ever met!" said the elder in charge of badge replacement, expressing his astonishment. This was the second time in a month he received a badge change request from the same person.
Charlie gazed at the crystal-clear, flawless gem badge in his hand, feeling the coolness that seeped into his heart. He could barely contain his excitement. No one could understand this feeling but himself; he was likely the first in the history of the Arcane Ring to rise from the lowest-level apprentice to the highest-level apprentice in just three months. Reflecting on the complicated process, he couldn't help but sigh.
"Heh! Just show off then! It's just a crystal badge, nothing impressive!" came a voice that was jarring to the ears.
Charlie turned his head to see an apprentice with a disdainful expression. On his chest was a simple iron badge. Sensing Charlie's gaze, the person looked away timidly, as if he hadn't been the one to speak.
Jealousy often arises from the gap between different levels. Many people are filled with dissatisfaction with reality, often complaining about the unfairness of fate, without seeing the effort others put in behind the scenes.
Finally, now someone was envious of him—this was a good beginning.
Charlie smiled, pinned the crystal badge to his chest, and left under the gazes of admiration or jealousy from others.
The Crystal Badge had new attributes compared to the Gold Badge:
[Arcane Ring Crystal Apprentice Badge]
Exquisite Quality
Required Level: 90
Mana Pool: 2000
Mana Regeneration: +5/min
Inscription Attachments: "Enhanced Clarity," "Advanced Teleport Rune," "Advanced Magic Replica Rune"
Skill I: "Mid-Range Pinnacle Teleportation" – Activating this skill allows teleportation to the mentor's magical tower within a 30-kilometer radius around the Arcane Ring. Preparation time: 1 second. Usable times: 2.
Skill Tip: Teleportation consumes a significant amount of energy. Please visit your mentor for recharging after use.
Skill II: "Advanced Magic Replica" – Allows the replication of a level-seven or lower spell.
Skill Tip II: No spells replicated currently.
Every apprentice who held a Crystal Badge was considered a future star of the Arcane Ring. "Child, the academy has high hopes for you. Work hard!" — Magic Inscription Badge Master Luca Ben.
As a Crystal Badge apprentice, teleportation recharges became a free benefit, with up to two uses.
Charlie finally understood the origin of Peter's level-seven light spell "Celestial Blade" against the Merman Lord, which was a life-saving skill replicated in his badge by Mr. Ferdinand. Now, Charlie enjoyed the same privilege.
Charlie's choices for equipment had a clear purpose, tailored to his characteristics. These items often offered him new tactical options, becoming new trump cards.
For instance, the Withered Wood Staff gifted by Master Rohn gave him a low-level spell burst strategy, which proved invaluable on several occasions. However, as Charlie grew stronger, the mana of the Withered Wood Staff began to show limitations. It was foreseeable that this strategy would gradually lose its luster as Charlie advanced.
Similarly, the Swift Ring of Rapids provided agile responses to unexpected situations, though it only worked for low-level spells and offered limited benefits.
Now, with the "Advanced Magic Replica," could it inspire a new tactic?
Charlie pondered researching some high-level spell effects and choosing an appropriate one for replication.
...
Days passed in a routine apprentice life. As Master Nahl led the comprehensive project, his attention toward Charlie lessened, and the senior apprentices were busier than ever.
With the academy's vast machinery at work, the project progressed smoothly, collecting massive data across various fields. Charlie's standard algorithm was in constant use, gradually shaping a basic rating framework.
Using the Prinsen System as a foundation, Charlie made numerous constructive suggestions and provided valuable statistical methods. This move would align the academy's standards closer to the Prinsen System, benefiting both the academy and himself.
The significance lay in the scale of data collection, an impossible task for an individual. Master Nahl's project propelled Charlie's data quantification efforts in Vagra Land, helping him understand the essence of certain powers and turning advancement into a predictable pattern. He could also quantify others, uncover their strengths and weaknesses, and devise the most suitable strategies.
Eventually, Charlie found himself with some downtime.
Through his readings, Charlie had mastered over 120 basic magic inscriptions. At his current pace, he would be ready to start learning composite inscriptions next month, marking the beginning of a high-consumption phase for magical engravers.
This situation continued until he saw an academy announcement and its details.
The academy announced that the Year-One Free Teaming Week was approaching, to be followed swiftly by the new Free Mission Season.
The first year was abuzz with socializing. The ground trade district and underground taverns were packed with students forming alliances and recruiting teammates.
"Teaming Week" was a hallmark stage in the Arcane Ring, signifying the end of the "Freshman Protection Period." Though the academy did not officially acknowledge this term, their strategies suggested it clearly.
After Teaming Week, the Free Mission Season began.
Compared to the Freshman Mission Season, the danger of the Free Mission Season increased exponentially. New students would face the harsh realities of the outside world, with historical data showing that their first Free Mission Season had similarly high elimination and mortality rates as the Freshman Season. This was alarming, as those who survived the Freshman Season were already elite apprentices, facing a palpable survival pressure.
Students had only ten days to complete their team formation procedures. After that, those without teams would be assigned randomly, often to the least desirable teammates left.
While others busied themselves socializing, Charlie's team appeared relaxed, as their captain had made ample preparations weeks in advance. Their team was formed more than two weeks prior, sparing them the chaos of last-minute applications.
Charlie reserved a private room in a bar in the trade district.
Qianxue cheerfully said, "I saw Sister Qing Tong received many invitations to join teams. She's so popular! But too bad, she's already taken!"
"And what about me? Can you reveal how many invitations you got?"
"Not as many as you did."
The two girls shared a friendly rivalry over who was more popular.
Collin added with a laugh, "My mentor encouraged us apprentices to form a team and pull in someone from the Warrior Academy, making a complete squad. When I mentioned I already had a team with David, my mentor wasn't too pleased."
David chimed in, "Then I mentioned Charlie was our teammate, and he was thrilled, knowing he didn't need to worry about our qualifications."
Qianxue lifted her chin proudly. "Of course! Sir Charlie is quite the famous name now!"
"Don't be too complacent," Charlie warned, placing a file on the table. "Our Free Mission Season will take place in 'Dusk Town,' a secluded mountain village in the southwest of the Magic Principality. The place is shrouded in damp and dark air due to its location near the deep forest, attracting many necromancers. The academy's necromancy division is stationed there.
"Recently, there have been frequent attacks by malevolent spirits, causing panic. The academy has chosen this location for the mission season to address the shortage of manpower."
Qianxue's face twisted in distaste. "We have to go that far? Ew! I hate forest environments, and necromancers—aren't they said to be constantly dealing with corpses and reeking of decay?"
Charlie's tone grew serious. "That's why I've gathered you all. There are two key things to pay attention to: first, we'll need shadow resistance and mental resistance gear. It's best to convert any remaining points into items that bolster our power, so we don't regret it later.
"Second, the second-year students will also be at Dusk Town, meaning we'll share the area with Star and even Moon-level mages. The level of danger is likely to be higher than expected, so prepare yourselves mentally!"
The room's atmosphere turned serious.
The Gosta brothers remarked, "Whoa, sounds challenging!"
Some exaggerated caution was necessary to temper any complacency among his team. Unlike their peers, who were either fearful or careless, Charlie's group now had some clarity about what lay ahead.
Charlie tapped the table. "Last time, David learned quick casting and mobile casting techniques. Now it's everyone else's turn. I plan to put you through intense training this week!"
Qianxue raised her hand excitedly, "Is there one-on-one special training?"
Everyone looked at her with amused expressions until she blushed and dropped her hand. "What's wrong? Oh!"
Realizing the double meaning of her words, she quickly explained, "I didn't mean it like that! I just learn slower and don't want to fall behind."
Erin chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll be the one at the bottom."