Time quietly slipped away.
As the academy's two-week deadline gradually approached, the atmosphere throughout the academy also became increasingly tense. The once-lively corridors had become noticeably quieter. Countless Wizard Seeds hurried between classrooms, meditation chambers, and the library, unwilling to waste even a single moment before the final assessment.
Many had practically isolated themselves from the outside world, devoting nearly all their time to meditation.
However, unlike the majority of the Wizard Seeds, Ivan remained completely relaxed.
Nearly one week before the deadline, he had already successfully broken through to the realm of a Low-Level Wizard Apprentice. For him, the upcoming assessment was nothing more than the end of one stage and the beginning of another.
After his breakthrough, Ivan's daily routine gradually settled into a new rhythm.
Every morning, shortly after sunrise, he would leave the academy and enter the D-4 Resource Zone to hunt magical creatures. With Nova's continuous scanning and analysis, locating hidden magical creature nests had become far easier than it was for ordinary Wizard Apprentices.
Although his luck was nowhere near as good as it had been during his first hunt, Ivan could still clear one or two Low-Level Poison Fang Spider nests almost every day, allowing him to earn roughly twenty to thirty Low-Level Magic Stones each day.
Such an income was already considerably high among newly advanced Low-Level Wizard Apprentices.
Even so, Ivan was far from satisfied with his current earning efficiency.
Unfortunately, there was little he could do about it.
The D-4 Resource Zone was simply too vast. As the easily accessible areas were gradually explored, finding hidden magical creature nests became increasingly difficult. Even with Nova's assistance, locating a single Poison Fang Spider nest in one day could already be considered fortunate.
As for finding two nests, that depended largely on luck.
For the time being, Ivan could only maintain his current hunting pace while focusing on steadily improving his strength.
At the same time, his meditation continued to progress smoothly.
With Nova's continuous optimization and analysis, Ivan's meditation efficiency far surpassed that of ordinary Wizard Apprentices. During these few days alone, his Mental Power had increased by another 0.5 points.
Soon, the academy's two-week deadline finally arrived.
Inside the classroom, nearly every Wizard Seed had already taken their seat.
Some wore excited expressions, eagerly awaiting the results. Others appeared calm and composed, seemingly confident in their own achievements. However, there were also many whose faces were filled with anxiety, with some quietly clenching their fists beneath their desks in an attempt to suppress the nervousness in their hearts.
The classroom was unusually quiet.
Only occasional whispers could be heard before quickly disappearing again.
Sitting beside the window, Ivan casually swept his gaze across the classroom.
His eyes eventually stopped on Olivia.
Compared with the nervous girl from two weeks ago, Olivia looked far more confident today. Although a trace of nervousness could still be seen in her eyes, the panic that had once filled them had long since disappeared.
Over the past week, while Ivan spent most of his time hunting magical creatures and meditating, he had also taken some time to guide Olivia in her meditation.
As the days passed, Ivan gradually came to understand just how diligent she was. Whenever she had free time, Olivia would devote herself to meditation, rarely allowing herself to become distracted by unnecessary matters.
Even Ivan was somewhat surprised by her persistence.
In the end, her hard work had paid off.
Two days before the deadline, Olivia successfully condensed her first Meditation Rune and officially became a Low-Level Wizard Apprentice.
To celebrate her breakthrough, the two of them had quietly shared a meal together.
Thinking about that scene, Ivan's thoughts briefly wandered.
But at that moment—
The whispers throughout the classroom abruptly disappeared.
Everyone instinctively turned their gazes toward the entrance.
A moment later, Instructor Eleanor slowly walked into the classroom, accompanied by two Wizard Apprentices.
Unlike her previous attire, today Instructor Eleanor wore a simple silver-white wizard robe decorated with delicate silver-blue runes. The loose robe concealed her graceful figure while simultaneously giving her an even more dignified and noble bearing.
Her long, fiery-red hair flowed smoothly behind her shoulders like blazing silk, while her ruby-like eyes calmly swept across the classroom.
Every movement carried the confidence and authority befitting an Official Wizard.
Following half a step behind her were two Wizard Apprentices.
The first was a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties. He wore a neatly tailored gray Wizard Apprentice robe, while his short brown hair carried faint golden highlights. A slight smile remained on his face, giving him a refreshing and reliable appearance.
Beside him walked a young woman who looked no older than seventeen or eighteen. She wore a simple yet elegant black-and-white scholarly dress, while her long, light-blue hair naturally fell down her back. A pair of delicate glasses rested upon the bridge of her nose, complementing her sapphire-blue eyes and giving her a quiet, scholarly beauty.
The identical three-star bronze badges on their chests immediately revealed their identities.
Both were High-Level Wizard Apprentices.
After arriving at the front of the classroom, the two quietly stepped behind Instructor Eleanor.
Instructor Eleanor slowly swept her gaze across the classroom before speaking.
"All right. The two-week deadline has finally arrived."
"Now, I will conduct a small inspection of your current state."
As her voice fell, Instructor Eleanor lightly snapped her fingers.
A pale-blue ripple suddenly spread outward from beneath her feet. Without making the slightest sound, the ripple swept across the entire classroom before disappearing just as quickly as it had appeared.
The Wizard Seeds could only see a faint wave of blue light pass through their bodies.
Ivan, however, immediately understood what had happened.
It was most likely a detection spell.
The spell was scanning everyone's Soul Sea and checking whether they had successfully condensed their first Meditation Rune.
A pleased smile appeared on Instructor Eleanor's face.
"It seems this year's results have exceeded my expectations."
"Most of you have successfully completed the task."
As her words fell, the tense atmosphere in the classroom immediately relaxed.
Many Wizard Seeds quietly breathed sighs of relief.
However, the relief did not last long.
The next moment, Instructor Eleanor's expression gradually became solemn.
"For those who failed to complete the task, please stand up."
As she spoke, she pointed toward the male Wizard Apprentice beside her.
"This is Wizard Apprentice Josh from the Academy Administration Department."
"You will follow him for the subsequent procedures."
As soon as her words fell, Wizard Apprentice Josh stepped forward and quietly waited beside the classroom door.
For a brief moment, no one moved.
The classroom became deathly silent.
Then, finally—
One Wizard Seed slowly stood up.
Then another.
And another.
One after another, the figures rose from their seats.
In the end, eleven Wizard Seeds silently lowered their heads and walked toward Wizard Apprentice Josh.
Not a single word was spoken.
There was no need for words.
Their lowered heads and dejected expressions already conveyed everything.
After the eleven Wizard Seeds quietly left the classroom, the atmosphere immediately became noticeably lighter.
Several Wizard Apprentices who had been holding their breath finally relaxed, while others could not help exchanging relieved smiles with their classmates. Only now did many of them truly realize that this was the first genuine step they had taken upon the path of becoming a true wizard.
Standing quietly at the front of the classroom, Instructor Eleanor watched the departing figures disappear beyond the doorway before slowly turning back toward the remaining Wizard Apprentices.
A faint smile finally appeared upon her beautiful face.
"Congratulations."
"From today onward, you are no longer Wizard Seeds."
"You are officially Low-Level Wizard Apprentices."
The moment those words were spoken, excitement immediately spread throughout the newly advanced Wizard Apprentices.
Although many had already known the outcome moments earlier, personally hearing those words from an Official Wizard still carried an entirely different meaning. Several newly advanced Wizard Apprentices even subconsciously straightened their backs.
For countless ordinary people living throughout the kingdoms ruled by wizards, becoming a Wizard Apprentice was already something capable of changing one's entire destiny.
And for the young people standing inside this classroom, today truly marked the beginning of a brand-new life.
Instructor Eleanor quietly allowed everyone several moments to enjoy their success before gently raising her hand.
The classroom gradually became silent once more, and her previously gentle expression slowly turned serious.
"However, do not mistake today's achievement for the end."
"It is merely the beginning."
"You have successfully stepped into the realm of Low-Level Wizard Apprentices, but upon the endless path of wizardry, this is nothing more than a small step."
Her calm voice carried unquestionable authority throughout the classroom.
"The road ahead will only become more difficult. The knowledge you must master will grow increasingly profound, and the dangers you encounter will become increasingly deadly."
"If today's success makes you arrogant and conceited, then your future achievements will inevitably be limited."
Every newly advanced Wizard Apprentice quietly listened.
None dared to interrupt.
"Remember."
"A true wizard cannot rely upon talent alone."
"Knowledge, discipline, persistence, and rational judgment."
"These are the true foundations supporting every powerful wizard."
"So regardless of what achievements you obtain in the future, never allow today's success to cloud your judgment of tomorrow."
The entire classroom remained silent.
Even Ivan nodded inwardly.
Although Instructor Eleanor's words were simple, they were undoubtedly true.
Within the Wizard World, arrogance often carried only one outcome.
Death.
Seeing that everyone had become considerably more composed, Instructor Eleanor finally nodded with satisfaction.
"Very good."
"Now that all of you have officially become Low-Level Wizard Apprentices, there is one final matter you must understand."
"Every apprentice of White Wing Saint Academy must eventually make an important choice concerning their future development."
As she spoke, Instructor Eleanor slightly turned toward the young female apprentice standing quietly beside her.
"Hill."
"Distribute the Apprentice Development Contracts."
"Yes, Instructor."
Apprentice Hill stepped forward gracefully.
With a gentle wave of her slender hand, dozens of neatly stacked parchment scrolls suddenly appeared in the air before her. Every scroll was bound with a thin silver ribbon, while faint magical fluctuations continuously flowed across its surface.
The next moment, the contracts quietly floated into the air before flying toward each Wizard Apprentice with remarkable precision.
Soon, every newly advanced apprentice had a contract resting quietly upon their desk.
Ivan likewise reached out and gently caught the parchment.
The parchment felt unusually heavy.
Its surface possessed a smooth yet resilient texture that clearly differed from ordinary paper. Simply touching it allowed Ivan to sense faint magical fluctuations coursing throughout the parchment.
Clearly, this was no ordinary parchment.
It was an authentic magical contract.
After everyone had received their contracts, Instructor Eleanor calmly continued speaking.
"The parchment before you is known as the Apprentice Development Contract."
"It records the benefits provided by White Ring Saint Academy, as well as the responsibilities and conditions that every Wizard Apprentice who signs this contract must undertake."
"You do not need to sign it immediately. You will be given one hour to read through its contents and carefully consider your decision."
"But before signing, I strongly advise every one of you to carefully read every single clause."
"Do not overlook even the smallest detail."
Her ruby-like eyes slowly swept across the classroom.
"A wizard should always understand exactly what they are agreeing to, especially when signing a magical contract."
"Because once your soul imprint has been bound, violating the contract will carry consequences beyond your imagination."
The previously relaxed atmosphere became serious once more.
Only after ensuring that everyone's attention was completely focused upon the contracts did Instructor Eleanor continue.
"You have only one hour."
"Read it carefully."
"If there is anything you cannot understand, you may ask either myself or Wizard Apprentice Hill."
As she said this, Instructor Eleanor pointed toward Apprentice Hill.
"Apprentice Hill is also a member of the Academy Administration Department. In the future, matters regarding your contracts and academy benefits will be handled by her."
After speaking, Instructor Eleanor calmly walked toward one side of the classroom before sitting down.
Apprentice Hill likewise took a nearby seat, and the two quietly began discussing several academy matters while leaving the remaining time entirely to the newly advanced Wizard Apprentices.
For a brief moment, nobody spoke.
Every newly advanced Wizard Apprentice immediately lowered their head and opened the contract resting upon their desk.
Ivan slowly untied the silver ribbon before unfolding the thick parchment.
Across the very top, several large ancient Byron characters were elegantly engraved.
Wizard Apprentice Development Contract.
Silently taking a slow breath, Ivan began reading the contents line by line.
The vary first section immediately caught Ivan's attention. It listed the benefits provided by White Wing Saint Academy to Wizard Apprentices who accepted the contract. Benefits of Accepting the Contract1. Initial Resource Allocation
Every newly advanced Low-Level Wizard Apprentice who signed the contract would immediately receive Fifty Low-Level Magic Stones.
Beginning from the following month, every contracted apprentice would also receive a monthly subsidy of Five Low-Level Magic Stones.
Seeing the clause, Ivan's expression remained calm.
Although Fifty Low-Level Magic Stones was undoubtedly a generous starting resource for a newly advanced apprentice, he understood that such generosity would naturally come with corresponding obligations.
Moreover, his current income was already sufficient for his present activities. As such, he did not particularly value the additional Five Low-Level Magic Stones he would receive each month.
Without lingering on the matter, Ivan quietly continued reading.
2. Resource Allocation
Additional meditation resources would be distributed according to an apprentice's talent, academy ranking, aptitude, and overall contribution.
The greater the value an apprentice could provide to the academy, the greater the resources they would be eligible to receive.
Ivan's expression remained unchanged.
He simply continued reading the contract.
3. Apprentice-Level Spell Selection
After signing the contract, every contracted apprentice could freely choose six Apprentice-Level Spells from the second floor of the academy library.
Additional Apprentice-Level Spells could later be exchanged according to academy regulations, either by using Magic Stones or academy contribution points.
Seeing this clause, Ivan's eyes brightened ever so slightly.
Spell models were among the most valuable inheritances within the Wizard World.
Obtaining six Apprentice-Level Spells at once was undoubtedly a considerable benefit, especially when those spells could be selected directly from the second floor of the academy library.
Without lingering on the thought, Ivan continued reading.
4. Academy Courses
Every contracted apprentice could freely attend one paid academy lecture each week.
Ivan merely glanced over this clause before moving on.
5. Interest-Free Loan
Every contracted apprentice could apply for an interest-free loan of up to Fifty Thousand Low-Level Magic Stones for purposes such as magical research, experiments, production, and other approved activities.
When he saw the amount, Ivan's calm heart accelerated ever so slightly.
Fifty Thousand Low-Level Magic Stones was an enormous sum.
Even for an Official Wizard, such an amount could not be considered insignificant, let alone for a newly advanced Low-Level Wizard Apprentice.
However, as Ivan continued reading, he soon noticed several additional conditions written beneath the clause.
The loan was not something an apprentice could simply request at will.
Before receiving the Magic Stones, the applicant had to provide sufficient proof that the resources were genuinely required for research, experiments, production, or other approved purposes. The academy would also evaluate the apprentice's situation before approving the loan.
Only then did Ivan's expression return to normal.
So there were conditions after all.
That was only natural.
If the academy were truly willing to hand out Fifty Thousand Low-Level Magic Stones without restrictions, then this contract would be far too generous.
6. Official Wizard Advancement Support
After satisfying the requirements for advancement, the academy would allocate the necessary breakthrough resources according to an apprentice's aptitude and accumulated contribution.
In addition, the apprentice would receive one First-Level Spell of their choosing.
Ivan's gaze lingered briefly upon the clause before continuing downward.
7. Priority Resource Allocation...
...
After carefully reading through all the clauses in the benefits section, Ivan's expression gradually became thoughtful.
The benefits offered by White Ring Saint Academy were undeniably generous. However, he understood that such generosity would naturally come with corresponding responsibilities.
His gaze slowly shifted toward the next section.
Obligations
The moment he saw the title, Ivan's expression became slightly more serious.
Sure enough, the academy did not provide these resources without expecting anything in return.
At this point, the academy provided two choices.
First Option — Expedition
After advancing to the realm of an Official Wizard, the contractor would be required to participate in two Plane Colonization Expeditions organized by White Ring Saint Academy.
There was no fixed service period for either expedition.
Once both Plane Colonization Expeditions had been completed, the contractual obligations would be considered fulfilled.
Ivan silently analyzed every clause before continuing.
Two Plane Colonization Expeditions.
Compared with the enormous benefits provided by the academy, this requirement did not appear excessive on the surface.
However, Ivan understood that the words "Plane Colonization Expedition" carried far more weight than they appeared to.
After all, in a large-scale Plane Colonization operation, even an Official Wizard could sometimes be reduced to nothing more than cannon fodder.
Without dwelling on it for too long, Ivan continued toward the second choice.
Second Option — Support and Logistics
After advancing to the realm of an Official Wizard, the contractor would serve White Ring Saint Academy for thirty years.
During this period, Official Wizards possessing specialized professions would primarily undertake support duties, including alchemy, potion brewing, enchanting, rune crafting, artifact forging, and other logistical roles.
Official Wizards without specialized professions would instead assist the academy's logistics department or provide logistical support during various Plane Colonization operations.
Compared with the first option, this choice was undoubtedly much safer.
There was no requirement to directly participate in Plane Expeditions, and most of the assigned duties would remain within the academy or its logistical operations.
However, thirty years was still an extremely long period.
For an Official Wizard whose lifespan could extend far beyond that of an ordinary human, thirty years might not be an overwhelming period of time.
But thirty years was still long enough to affect a wizard's plans, development, and future choices.
Ivan remained silent for a moment after reading the two choices.
His fingers lightly tapped against the parchment.
The first option was more dangerous, but the contractual obligation could be completed after two expeditions.
The second option was safer, yet it would bind him to the academy for thirty years.
Both choices carried their own advantages and disadvantages.
Ivan did not make a decision immediately.
Instead, his gaze slowly moved toward the very final section of the contract.
There, several words were written in dark crimson ink.
Warning
This is a Magical Soul Contract.
Upon signing this contract, a Soul Imprint will be bound to the contractor's soul.
Any violation of the contractual obligations or betrayal of White Ring Saint Academy would trigger severe punishment according to academy regulations.
Punishments could include imprisonment or even death.
Please make your decision carefully.
After reading the final line, Ivan slowly lowered the parchment.
His expression remained calm.
However, beneath that calm exterior, countless thoughts were already rapidly forming within his mind.