"Besides earning merits, you can also spend money to rent one," Hibell explained, ruffling his hair. "As the poisonous miasma dissipates, more and more islands are being discovered. Since they're vacant anyway, it's better to rent them out and make some money for the Alliance."

"You've grown taller again!"

"Hehe..." Little Payne scratched his head.

At seven or eight years old, he was at an age of rapid growth, and Hibell visited once a month, each time seeing noticeable changes.

"I want to rent an island in the future and bring my mother to live with me."

"Ambitious!" Hibell casually complimented.

"Lawson!"

"Bach!"

...

They encountered many acquaintances along the way, all of whom greeted them.

Today's guest of honor, Oma, dressed in formal attire, looked like a moving oil painting amidst the crowd, radiating a dazzling brilliance. Her long purple velvet robe reached her ankles, beautifully embroidered with gold and silver threads sketching mysterious, mystical images clearly enhanced by some Spell. The lace trim added a touch of delicacy and softness.

Her demeanor was elegant and composed, her smile as warm and cordial as a spring breeze. Such an extravagantly dressed woman naturally became a striking vision in the crowd, captivating everyone's gaze.

"Oma!" Hibell's eyes lit up. "Today, you are so beautiful it's enthralling! Your usual attire was far too plain."

"Hee hee..." Oma giggled, covering her mouth. "I felt happy today, so I dressed up specially. But you, my friend, you've grown increasingly haggard over the past six months. Sometimes you should relax."

With these words, her eyes filled with pity as Oma reached out to tidy the stray hairs at Hibell's temples.

Over the past six months or so, Hibell had either been on patrol duty or carrying out missions, and her complexion had deteriorated significantly. A weariness was also evident in her eyes.

"Sigh!" Hibell waved her hand. "I'm not like you; my talent isn't as good. If I don't push myself like this, my future achievements... I don't want to end up like that. While I'm still young and my body can still take the strain, it's the right time to strive hard, so I won't have regrets when I'm older."

At these words, her eyes shone brightly, her gaze firm. "Oma, tell me quickly, what does it feel like to become an Advanced Wizard Apprentice, and how did you break through?"

"It doesn't feel much different." Oma curled a finger. "After constructing six Zero-Circle Magic spells, the Spiritual Inner Sea became more stable and clearer, making casting them smoother... You must be close too, right?"

"One spell short," Hibell said softly. "Did you really choose that particular Magic?"

"Yes."

"..."

The two whispered among themselves, gradually engaging in more confidential, womanly conversation, prompting Carl to gracefully excuse himself.

"Bach!"

Bloodline Wizard Bach, as solitary as ever, merely nodded his head emotionlessly upon seeing Carl approach.

"I heard you also joined a mission?" Carl asked curiously. "You shouldn't be lacking in Magic Stones, right?"

By modifying bodies for others, Bach had accumulated some savings, though his expenses were, of course, not insignificant either.

"A group of cursed frogs was discovered deep in the Black Swamp. Analyzing these Magic Creatures offers me many benefits," Bach said gruffly. "So I went. And you? Have you crafted any new Demonized Items recently? If you have something suitable, remember to ask me first."

"Demonized Items aren't that easy to craft." Carl shook his head. "I'll remember to notify you."

"Hmm," Bach said casually. "Have you heard? Bunian had his legs broken and was driven out of the Black Swamp for seducing a female Intermediate Wizard Apprentice."

"Hmm?" Carl frowned. "When did this happen?"

"A few days ago," Bach said. "That female Intermediate Wizard Apprentice has a fiancé, who is also a Wizard Apprentice. When she and Bunian were discovered, the two of them were in bed, naked, 'exchanging views,' heh... His legs were broken on the spot!"

"Didn't Senior Arthur say anything?" Carl asked.

Bunian had a long history of illicit affairs with female Wizard Apprentices; this wasn't the first such incident. However, he generally knew his limits, and having a grandfather who was an Advanced Wizard Apprentice usually kept major problems at bay.

"Senior Arthur failed in his attempt to become an Official Wizard. It's uncertain if he can even maintain his status as an Advanced Wizard Apprentice, and he doesn't have much longer to live..." Bach began. "It's a bit impolite, but that's the truth. He can't keep handling these kinds of issues for Bunian. Just breaking his legs, not taking his life, was already a gesture of respect for his grandfather."

Carl slowly nodded. He had no particular comment on the matter; Bunian's downfall had been expected—it was merely a question of when.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the crowd behind them. Many Wizard Apprentices showed expressions of pleasant surprise, whispering and cheering excitedly about something.

What's going on?

The two exchanged puzzled glances.

「Soon,」

News came through. Official Wizard Gang Se was going to offer a free course in the near future, explaining a Zero-Circle Magic to the members of the Swamp Alliance. The course would last for seven days. During that time, Wizard Gang Se would explain this Zero-Circle Magic in detail, guaranteeing that any attendee could swiftly master it. He would even select two Wizard Apprentices and help them construct the Magic Model.

"Which Zero-Circle Magic?" Carl's heart pounded. "Free?"

"Yes!" Bach exclaimed, his face equally alight with excitement. "Free, and you can master it quickly! It's the Zero-Circle Magic, Minor Mage's Hand! Wizard Gang Se possesses the One-Circle Witchcraft, Mage's Hand, so his understanding of this Magic is far beyond that of any Wizard Apprentice."

Carl frowned slightly. "Which one?"

"Minor Mage's Hand!" Bach confirmed.

Carl was speechless. He had just recently finished constructing this very Zero-Circle Magic. At the time, there were many aspects he hadn't understood or grasped, and he had only managed to brute-force his way through it using the power of his Divine Domain Fragment.

Damn it! Why did it have to be this Magic?

Seeing this, Bach cracked a smile. He could guess why Carl's expression was so strange; many in the crowd wore similar looks, all of whom had undoubtedly learned Minor Mage's Hand.

Luckily! I've been devoted to cultivating Bloodline Magic. If I construct this Zero-Circle Magic now, I'll be one step closer to becoming an Advanced Wizard Apprentice.

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