"It is said that an advanced knight possesses more than five times the physical prowess, with combat strength comparable to the legendary unparalleled generals in tales.
Above them, a Grand Knight can harness Life Energy, embodying the strength of ten men!
In actual combat, these abilities are far from being merely five or ten times more powerful.
When utilized effectively, one could truly face a thousand enemies alone, even beheading the enemy commander amidst ten thousand soldiers."
After clarifying this, Roy had a clear understanding of his current standing in terms of strength.
He was among the seasoned intermediate apprentices, the so-called "Old Apprentices," who had enhanced their physiques to the level of intermediate knights.
"But even so, compared to real Wizardry, it's still insignificant!
Because even apprentice-level Wizardry can deliver attacks ranging from several to over a dozen degrees, capable of instantly killing these knights.
And the first-level Wizardry used by official Wizards boasts a spell potency of over 40 degrees!
Not to mention, there are various supernatural means like curses, healing, flight, Summoning, and so on, which are truly beyond imagination...
I must focus on the Meditation of the Willpower Rune, striving to learn Wizardry as soon as possible and become a Spellcaster!"
Roy understood in his heart that it wasn't just about the magnitude of power; Spellcasting itself represented infinite possibilities.
This was a fundamental transformation of power.
The titles of seasoned apprentice or Old Apprentice were merely labels that the mediocre cared about.
The truly valuable title was "Spellcaster"!
If he mastered Wizardry and became a Spellcaster, he wouldn't need to go through so much trouble; there would be plenty of ways to deal with the opponent.
No...
It should be said that from the very beginning, the opponent wouldn't dare to provoke him easily!
...
After finishing his meal, Roy bid farewell to Renien and others who still had their duties as stewards to attend to, and went to the library to read.
He had no classes scheduled for the day and planned to do some serious self-study.
However, halfway there, he caught a glimpse of Botning approaching with a grim expression.
Roy immediately became alert.
But Botning paid no mind, merely casting an indifferent glance before leaving.
He seemed completely unsuspicious, not linking the death of Trides to Roy.
Roy was slightly surprised, then suddenly realized.
In the eyes of others, an ordinary and mediocre apprentice like him couldn't possibly have the courage or the means to carry out such an assassination.
Cattle and horses graze on grass, pigs and sheep are destined to be slaughtered; how could they possibly resist?
Perhaps even if he stood before him with a knife, furious, Botning would dare to stretch his neck and challenge him, shouting, "If you dare, cut here!"
Roy's pre-prepared words suddenly became useless, feeling like he was strategizing against thin air.
However, looking at Botning's retreating figure, a chill remained in his eyes.
"I must seize the time to surpass him!
Whether it's becoming an intermediate knight, an advanced knight...
Or a Spellcaster!
Only with strength can one have true confidence!"
Such was the Wizard World, and he couldn't change it.
The only way to escape the oppression at the bottom was to climb to a higher level!
...
In the following days, Roy devoted himself wholeheartedly to learning and improving.
During this time, the external sales channels for the Mind-Calming Calamus Water Perfume were completely cut off.
This was partly due to Botning's threats, prompting him to lay low and bide his time, and partly to protect the secret of the apple orchard and monopolize the Nightmare Serpent Fruit.
Fortunately, Sophia's orders were consistent and stable, becoming a new primary source of income. With his smooth development, Roy had no intention of stirring up unnecessary trouble.
Although Roy was confident in his current ability to protect himself, he knew that at this level, surpassing Botning was still impossible.
He needed to continue growing stronger.
With the help of various alchemical potions, Roy's cultivation progress was impressive, almost successfully manifesting one Willpower Rune each month.
The fourteenth: Perdoro...
The fifteenth: Yalqiz...
The sixteenth: Soviro...
By late April, he had finally succeeded in manifesting the sixteenth Willpower Rune.
The panel for [Acquiring Alchemy Talent] had also reached 83% progress.
"Finally meeting the Wizard Tower's requirements, I am now a true senior apprentice and can take the next step!"
The moment the radiant silver rune appeared in his mind, clearly outlined by his willpower, Roy immediately went to the administration office to apply for a mentor and the corresponding Wizardry inheritance.
This included the benefits of Wizardry and Wizard Body Modification for apprentices.
He was eager to become a Spellcaster, as that was the true foundation for establishing himself in the Wizard World.
However, the clerk's apprentice shrugged and informed him, "There are no mentors available for assignment at the moment. You'll have to wait."
Roy's face darkened. "No mentors? What's going on?"
"Because all the suitable resident Wizards who could serve as mentors have died!"
The clerk's apprentice spread his hands helplessly.
"Last year's Forbidden Experiment failed, even causing a rift in the Astral Void...
Countless Wizards and apprentices, along with vast amounts of precious materials, were obliterated. The Wizard Tower suffered a huge loss!"
"What about the Wizards out on campaigns?" Roy tentatively asked.
The sacred laws of the Wizard World dictated that after promotion to Wizard, one could not remain in the homeland without special permission.
Thus, many Wizards and apprentices were out on campaigns, plundering and colonizing one plane and world after another.
Only a very few remained in the homeland and belonged to this tower. Even if they all died, it wouldn't matter much; they could just be recalled from outside.
The clerk's apprentice said, "Astral communication and travel take at least a year as a unit of time. How could they react so quickly?
Moreover, those people are out there enjoying their freedom. Without significant benefits, why would they rush back?
If it were me, I'd drag it out for ten or eight years, letting others handle the mess here first before taking over."
Hearing this, Roy felt numb.
The time perception of superhumans was indeed different from ordinary people. Ten or eight years—it was entirely possible!
But while the Wizards could wait, he couldn't.
After such a long time, the opportunity would be long gone!
"Can't I just receive the inheritance first and study on my own?"
The clerk's apprentice replied, "If you want to, of course you can.
But if you do that, you'll have to accept assigned mentors in the future.
Although the Wizards are erudite and talented, they aren't proficient in all types of Wizardry. You'd need one who specializes in the right area to teach you."
"That's fine," Roy said through gritted teeth. "As long as the Wizard Tower allows it."
The clerk's apprentice said, "Then wait a moment. I'll find the available options for you..."
Soon, a list of available choices was presented before Roy.
Roy didn't even glance at the other options; he immediately started selecting from the branches related to the Art of Alchemy.
In an instant, the more mainstream basic projects such as "Strong Acid Refinement," "Deadly Poison Crafting," "Element Extraction," "
Animation Art," "Transmutation Art," and "Enchantment Art" came into view.
There was also another section based on Alchemy abilities or Bloodline modulation-related transplantation, enhancement, and modification plans.
(End of Chapter)