The suite where the advanced apprentices resided was spacious and comfortable, far surpassing the usual accommodations for apprentices.
Deep-colored velvet cloth was spread out on the table, illuminated by soft magical lighting, making it appear even more elegant and high-end.
On the table were some exquisite fruit platters, filled with fresh fruits and snacks. In front of each person was a juice drink that Roy had casually made while researching the Dark Orchard.
"Everyone looks well-rested. So, have you figured out your Wizard Body Modification and enhancement directions yet?"
Sitting at one end of the long table, Roy glanced around at everyone with a smile on his face.
This trip had been quite fruitful, equivalent to several high-level tasks in normal times.
In the past, such gains would have required arduous effort and a long period of time to achieve.
"Actually, I've thought about it for a long time. I plan to take this opportunity to buy some Physique Enhancement Potions and boost my strength to that of an intermediate knight!
This is the most basic and comprehensive enhancement direction, granting three times the physical capabilities of an ordinary person."
Renien was the first to speak up.
"And the Wizard Body Modification for the Star Soul Beast Arm that I mentioned before can also be carried out simultaneously."
Upon hearing this, Roy nodded: "I have some self-made potions like Adrenaline that I can sell to you at a fair price, which you can use as Berserk Potions.
By then, your combat abilities will reach a whole new level!"
Renien was delighted: "That's great! The same kind of potions sold outside are too expensive. If I can get them at a fair price, I can afford to use them."
Andov, on the other hand, casually picked up the juice on the table and took a sip. It had a taste similar to fruit beer mixed with carbonated drinks, and the more he drank, the more he liked it: "I want to replace one of my eyes with a Magic Eye, one that has spell-like abilities...
Although the money I have now is only enough to buy a cheaper one, if it has some auxiliary functions, it can still be comparable to Enchanted Items."
Roy coughed lightly and then expressed his approval of this choice: "I'll keep an eye out for you. Sometimes, the items on the third floor are better than those on the second floor. You can also come here more often under the pretext of looking for me."
Andov wasn't changing his eye out of boredom; it had been damaged by someone, forcing him to make this choice.
Previously, he didn't have enough Magic Stones, and the few hundred he earned from the last mission weren't enough. He had been saving them, reluctant to spend them.
Tigro pondered for a while and said: "I want to find an enhancement direction that provides Elemental Antibody or a naturally strong physique capable of withstanding spell attacks."
It seemed that the death of his companion had left a shadow on him. After witnessing consecutive tragedies, he decided to seek some sense of security.
Little did he know, everyone else secretly approved: "Such high awareness, he's perfect for being a tank!"
Celine said: "I've already been enhanced by Lord Sophia. If my Mental Strength doesn't continue to break through, it will be difficult to make further progress, so I'd rather get an Enchanted Item."
Roy and the others knew that she was going to have her brain transplanted by Sophia in the future, so they also thought this was a good idea.
Roy suggested: "If possible, try to get something that can perform long-distance reconnaissance, like a flying Avian Puppet or a Magic Pet."
Celine replied: "Alright, I'll try."
Next, it was Niya's turn to speak, but her words were somewhat unexpected: "I... I don't plan to enhance myself!"
Seeing the surprised looks from everyone, including Roy, she felt a bit guilty and helpless as she said, "I plan to use this money to bribe the manager in the Tower and secure a stable and easy position, one that can exempt me from mandatory tasks.
From now on, I'll focus on my duties and no longer go out on adventures..."
Everyone was astonished: "Are you so sure that you have no future potential and just want to live as a clerk?"
"Only the most mediocre old apprentices make such choices, and most of them are over 35 years old..."
"You're only 20! If you don't continue to improve, what will you do in the future?"
"In the future... if there's a chance, I might return to my hometown and secure a minor noble title!"
Niya seemed to have really thought it through, even planning her future path clearly.
Roy solemnly said, "Niya, are you planning to retire early and no longer pursue the extraordinary path of becoming a Wizard?"
"Yes, I'm sorry!"
Niya avoided his gaze, not daring to look at him.
"I'm not afraid of you laughing at me...
I was actually scared out of my wits by what happened last time. I was in a daze the entire way back, had nightmares at night, and secretly cried several times.
I know I can't go on like this.
The adventures of a Warlock Apprentice are far too dangerous. Someone as mediocre as me was lucky to survive this time, but I might not be so lucky next time."
Roy sighed, but surprisingly, he was understanding: "Everyone has their own aspirations. You don't need to apologize to me, or to anyone."
Niya trembled: "You don't blame me for breaking up the team?"
Roy shook his head slightly: "How selfish, disguising it under the name of the collective."
How could he not be annoyed?
Everything was fine, but now she's talking about early retirement, and not privately, but at a gathering of everyone...
If he were more ruthless, using his companions' bones as a stepping stone for advancement, he would immediately make an example of her, showing the others the consequences of quitting.
But people are not grass or trees—who can be without feelings?
There's no need to be so extreme.
Moreover, Niya's departure might not be a bad thing; in fact, it could be a great thing.
It served as a wake-up call for him: human hearts are unpredictable.
Don't try to grasp something so elusive and meaningless.
Only by seizing the true key can one become stronger.
What is the key to the Wizard World? Is it numbers?
No, it's Wizardry!
It's a stronger self!
A transcendent being can stand against a hundred, even dominate billions, and have a long lifespan.
He might not be able to walk far with these apprentice companions who have shared hardships, so there's no need to spend too much time and energy on them.
So, let her go.
As Roy fell silent, Renien and Andov also remained silent.
They really had nothing to say.
Tigro had even less right to speak; he didn't even know the specifics and wasn't as close to Roy and the others as Niya was.
So he also turned a blind eye and played the role of a puppet.
Celine, however, comforted her: "This is good too. This way, you can live a peaceful life."
Roy gave her a strange look.
Weren't you the one who fought tooth and nail to stay? Why are you now envying Niya?
But after a moment's thought, he understood.
If given a choice, who would be willing to push themselves so hard?
Niya might indeed have a chance to
return to the Old Continent in the future, living a comfortable life with the knowledge and skills she gained from the Wizard Tower.
Celine, however, does not have such an opportunity.
(End of Chapter)