At exactly 8 PM that night.
On the third floor of the Wizard Tower.
Roy sat alone in a spacious room.
In front of him, a crystal ball the size of a human head glowed faintly, casting an ethereal light.
Four translucent figures materialized out of thin air, representing "men, women, old, and young."
Roy stood up and greeted them, "Greetings, esteemed sirs and madams."
These were third-tier entities within the Wizard Tower's hierarchy, classified as high-level Wizards.
This was the highest stage an ordinary superhuman could reach. Beyond this was the fourth-tier Great Wizards, equivalent to divine beings, demigod heroes, and legendary Mages.
While Roy was secretly observing these Wizards, they were also observing him.
The first thing that caught their attention was his strikingly handsome appearance.
Separated by the vast cosmos and the boundless Star Sea, neither side could directly interact with the other.
However, due to the Communication Wizard Array, a faint mental projection still managed to convey a semblance of their presence.
They immediately recognized this as a manifestation of extraordinary charisma.
They couldn't help but nod slightly in silent approval.
"Sit down, Roy. Let's begin today's discussion," the young man among the "men, women, old, and young" spoke up.
He appeared to be the youngest in appearance but seemed to be the strongest among them, as the others looked at him before he spoke.
"First, let me introduce myself. I am Breed, a Bloodline Wizard from the Sangris Wizard Tower."
Following him, the others introduced themselves as well.
The male Wizard was a Necromancer from Nickmansha, tasked with guarding a remote world and handling research and production duties, essentially a support role.
The female Wizard was an Astrologer from the Astrologia Wizard Tower. Having reviewed Roy's profile and found it impressive, she had come to join in.
The elderly Flosf also hailed from the Okmi Wizard Tower and was currently stationed in a low-magic world called Netherlands, managing tasks related to warfare, production, and research.
After years of development, the Seven Towers Alliance had long achieved internal unity through the fusion of various schools. As long as one was qualified, they could recruit students across different Towers.
This was essentially a mandatory task assigned by the Alliance, and securing a promising candidate like Roy was undoubtedly a significant boon.
Roy naturally understood that this was an institutional incentive.
These Wizards likely knew he had entered Chalkland and had potential for advancement, hence their eagerness to recruit him.
However, Roy had his own plans. He first ruled out the Astrologer who had come merely out of curiosity.
She had no substantial resources to offer him, and choosing her as a mentor would be, at best, a consolation prize.
The Necromancer from Nickmansha was similarly unappealing for much the same reason.
His main considerations were between the seemingly formidable Breed and the elderly Wizard Flosf.
After some deliberation, Roy posed a question, "I have successfully condensed the Source of Magic and am only one step away from selecting my 'Wizard's Maxim' to advance. Could you shed some light on this mystery?"
"You've already condensed it so quickly?"
Their eyes lit up, clearly more satisfied with this potential disciple.
Such an Elite Apprentice could start contributing immediately, a ready-made asset.
What made him even more promising was the possibility that he might advance on his own and become a full-fledged Wizard at any moment.
Fully automated, worry-free, and incredibly comfortable!
Breed said, "My Wizard's Maxim is 'Power stems from inheritance!'"
What I adhere to is the accumulation and evolution of bloodline, and I practice this through the method of Bloodline Modification.
But this is quite subjective and heavily tests the apprentice's comprehension. To this day, the entire Wizard World still largely relies on apprentices' self-realization.
Some gradually understand through daily practice or rigorous cultivation, while others, gifted with natural talent, achieve sudden enlightenment. There are also those who awaken abruptly after experiencing significant changes...
There's really no fixed pattern.
"And what about you back then..." Roy tentatively asked.
"I don't know either!" Breed replied with a hint of frustration. "How did I just casually advance back then?"
The others exchanged glances, their expressions inscrutable.
Yes, such a simple thing.
If you ask how it's done...
Who knows!
"So that's how it is..."
Roy then asked a few more questions before turning to the old Wizard Flosf.
The latter smiled and said, "My Wizard's Maxim is 'Equivalent Exchange.'"
Roy's heart stirred as he listened to the explanation: "Because I am a Wizard who reveres the Art of Alchemy, aiming to use Wizardry to create objects as precious as gold...
In this process, all the principles and techniques I pursue serve this purpose.
Therefore, I chose this primary principle of Alchemy."
Alchemy, gold...
Since Wizard Alchemists understood the concept of "gold" corresponding to "Soul Rank," they expanded both the connotation and denotation of this ancient and mysterious practice.
Flosf's words resonated deeply with Roy.
Subsequently, the conditions he offered were even more enticing.
"I am willing to formalize a Wizard Contract, stipulating the duration of your service to me and the Wizardry Inheritance you can obtain.
Moreover, I advocate for equality in personality between teacher and disciple, promoting personal freedom and human rights protection. At the same time, I also hope to receive genuine affection and respect..."
According to the traditions of the Wizard World, the initial apprentices had a status as low as private property.
In the era of the Black Tower, there were even histories of "shipboard duels" and "blood trials," among other unsavory practices.
It was only after stepping into the Star Sea and needing to confront powerful enemies that they gradually gained some status, no longer subject to the life-and-death whims of their mentors.
Later, as more and more apprentices grew up and interacted with other civilizations, they obtained more rights and protections.
However, due to the complete inequality in strength and status, and the impossibility of equal economic foundations, the vast majority of apprentices were still either employees or servants of their mentors. Whether an apprentice could graduate still entirely depended on the mentor.
Flosf's willingness to speak of equality with his apprentices was very progressive and amiable. Though old, he was certainly not one of those old-school Wizards.
Even if he were actually pretending, constrained by the "Wizard's Maxim," he would still have to show some consideration.
Roy immediately said, "Then I choose you as my mentor!"
The other Wizards, seeing this situation, didn't say much. They simply congratulated Flosf before ending the communication.
As for Wizard Breed, before leaving, he greeted Roy and extended an olive branch: "After you graduate, you will still need to choose a Wizard organization or an interplanetary legion to join.
"I am currently conquering the Blade Mantis World of Mantis, and I am in desperate need of talent!"
"It seems Lord Breed holds you in high regard."
After his figure also disappeared, Flosf said with a smile.
Roy was very cautious and didn't say much.
"Alright, there's no one else here now. Let's discuss your issue..."
Flosf spoke again.
(End of Chapter)