Locke thought for a moment and decided not to inform Dean Tungus about his dual primary elemental affinities.
After all, this involved the secret of his transmigration.
Besides, his dark element aptitude was only level 3, not reaching level 4, so it wouldn't make much difference to his overall talent.
Therefore, whether he revealed it or not made little difference in benefits.
His understanding of this world's Wizard World remained too limited. Carelessly disclosing information might invite fatal consequences.
Dean Tungus said, "Providing wizard seedlings to major wizard organizations brings benefits to us wizard apprentices stationed on Corfu Island."
"Though not directly to us, but to our families in the Wizard World."
Locke opened his mouth but said nothing, unsure how to comment on such matters.
The dean's eyes clearly revealed unwillingness.
Yet he had chosen to cross the endless mystic sea to this nearly magic-barren island for the sake of his Wizard World family.
Dean Tungus continued, "I formally invite you to join our academy's secret society. You must become a third-class wizard apprentice within two years."
"Your wizard aptitude isn't outstanding, so only by achieving third-class within two years can you choose a suitable academy. Otherwise, you'll be randomly assigned to some wizard organization."
"Personally, I'd prefer you joining a major wizard organization - my family would receive greater rewards that way."
Speaking softly, the dean added, "On Corfu Island, the only way to become third-class is through the most primitive method - mastering a spell model to enhance your mental power."
"Though primitive, it's effective here where magical resources are scarce. Even I lack cultivation resources."
"I have five cantrip models for you to choose from:"
"Acid splash, greasy glide, scorching spark, frost touch, and vine hand."
"Given your talents," the dean analyzed, "vine hand suits you best as it's a botany cantrip."
"The other four belong to negative energy magic, transfiguration magic, and evocation magic's fire and frost branches respectively."
Without hesitation, Locke trusted the dean's judgment since their interests currently aligned. As a magic novice, he deferred to the expert. "Very well, Dean, I'll learn [vine hand]."
Then he asked, "But how will I learn it? Will you teach me, or... press it onto my forehead for instant mastery?"
Dean Tungus looked displeased. "What nonsense are you thinking, Locke?"
"Any skill requires diligent practice and study. Talent is merely a starting point that allows you to begin—how far you go depends on your own effort, luck, and perseverance."
Dean Tungus turned and walked to the end of the reception room. From the same wall where he had previously retrieved the Elemental Emerald Potion, he pulled out a thick tome. "Therefore, you must study hard."
He reached his hand into the wall again, pulling out one heavy book after another, each as thick as a dictionary.
The sheer volume of information contained in these individual books surpassed all the textbooks the original owner had studied during their entire time at this academy.
Locke blinked.
He hadn't expected that learning just a cantrip-level spell model would require reading so many books.
Dean Tungus said, "The prerequisite courses for the Vine Hand spell are the Basic General Knowledge of Plant Magic course, the Magic Vines Cultivation course, and the Basic General Magic Manipulation course."
"In the Wizard World, each course costs at least 30 Magic Stones. For all three courses, you would need to spend a total of 90 Magic Stones just to learn them."
"If you include the cost of private tutoring for those who fail to master the material, the total prerequisite cost for learning Vine Hand would be at least 100 Magic Stones. On top of that, the course and material fees for Vine Hand alone would require at least another 50 Magic Stones."
Dean Tungus paused, looking at Locke with an expression that seemed to say, "You should be grateful."
"But thanks to Verdantia University's preferential treatment for promising young wizards like you, studying Vine Hand on Corfu Island will only cost you a total of 10 Magic Stones."
"This is a special privilege granted by Verdantia University to wizard seedlings from remote regions like yourselves."
"Of course, this privilege is limited to learning one cantrip model at the Olerian Academy."
"Honestly, this is an incredibly generous benefit. When I was young in the Wizard World, the cost of learning my first spell model was over ten times this amount."
Dean Tungus added, "You wizard seedlings are fortunate to live in such good times."
"So, be grateful to Verdantia University."
Locke nodded. It was clear that Verdantia University, as a wizard organization, intended to select promising talents from remote regions for the Wizard World.
To ensure their gratitude, they had provided certain preferential policies.
Still, Locke felt a headache coming on. With this, he now owed Verdantia University another 10 Magic Stones, on top of the 5 Magic Stones he already owed for the Elemental Emerald Potion.
That meant he was already 15 Magic Stones in debt before even stepping foot into the Wizard World.
Locke sighed inwardly. When would he ever fulfill his dream of paying off all his debts?
Dean Tungus placed nine thick tomes in front of Locke. "These are what you must memorize and master within two years."
"From now on, you will come to my residence every evening. I will begin teaching you the three prerequisite courses for Vine Hand."
"Every spell model, even the lowest-level one, contains an immense system of knowledge and represents profound wisdom. So don't take it lightly."
Dean Tungus said, "In addition, according to regulations, your tuition fees and compulsory course expenses at Aurelian Academy will be waived from now on."
"However, if you enroll in elective courses, you'll still need to pay for those. Of course, you can choose not to take any electives."
"Alright, that's all. You may leave now, Locke."
Dean Tungus began tidying up the items on his desk when he suddenly remembered something and said to Locke, "Oh, one more thing, Locke."
"Wizards prefer to keep their existence hidden, so you mustn't tell anyone about the existence of wizards."
(End of chapter)