Every plane possessed a natural limit to the amount of resources and energy it could sustain.
As a civilization within a plane continued to develop, its population would grow, its overall strength would increase, and its consumption of resources and energy would gradually rise. Eventually, the resources available within the plane would approach their natural limit.
When that point was reached, conflicts caused by scarcity would inevitably erupt.
Desperate civilizations would then turn their gazes beyond their own world, toward the vast and seemingly endless void that surrounded them.
The Endless Void was vast and seemingly boundless, containing countless planes and endless resources waiting to be discovered. For civilizations that wished to continue developing, Plane Exploration and Plane Colonization would eventually become an inevitable path.
However, to the wizard civilization, a newly discovered plane represented far more than resources alone.
It represented the expansion of territory, the discovery of new knowledge and power systems, and opportunities to pursue greater realms. Beyond every unexplored plane lay possibilities that might bring a wizard one step closer to the unimaginable truths they had pursued throughout their entire lives.
Back inside the classroom, nearly thirty minutes had already passed since the Apprentice Development Contracts were distributed.
By now, most of the Wizard Apprentices had already read through their contracts several times. Some quietly discussed the various clauses with their companions, while others remained deep in thought, carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages before making their decisions.
A few had already made up their minds and were preparing to sign.
Others remained hesitant, particularly when considering the obligations attached to each choice.
Ivan, however, remained completely silent.
For the past thirty minutes, he had read through the contract several more times. Each time he finished, another round of analysis followed as he carefully examined every clause and considered how much benefit he could actually obtain from White Ring Saint Academy.
Yet the more he understood, the more difficult the decision became.
The first option offered greater freedom in the long run. Once the required expeditions were completed, his contractual obligations would end. However, the danger involved was equally obvious.
Plane expeditions were no child's play.
Once a plane entered the process of invasion, conquest, and eventual colonization, conflicts with its native civilizations would inevitably arise. During a large-scale Plane Expedition, even an Official Wizard could potentially become nothing more than an expendable force on the battlefield.
The dangers involved were self-evident.
The second option was considerably safer.
However, in exchange for that safety, he would be bound to White Ring Saint Academy for thirty years.
One offered freedom accompanied by unknown dangers.
The other offered safety accompanied by restrictions.
Ivan's fingers lightly tapped against the desk as he silently weighed the two choices.
After remaining silent for several moments, he finally spoke inwardly.
"Nova, which option do you think I should choose?"
A familiar mechanical voice immediately sounded within his mind.
"Master, there is no absolute answer between these two options. The optimal choice depends entirely on how you wish to develop in the future."
"If your priority is to increase your strength as quickly as possible, the first option is more suitable. Plane Expeditions will inevitably involve conflicts with the native civilizations of other planes, so the danger will be extremely high."
"However, extreme danger also brings corresponding opportunities. The Mechanical Legion would rapidly improve through actual warfare. As the legion participates in different battles, it will gradually adapt to the various combat environments of this universe while accumulating combat experience and improving its overall strength."
"Furthermore, actual warfare was one of the fastest ways for a Mechanical Legion to accumulate combat data and improve."
Ivan remained silent after listening to Nova's analysis.
After a brief pause, Nova continued.
"On the other hand, if you prioritize stable development, the second option is more suitable. Although you would have to serve the academy for thirty years, your personal safety would be considerably more secure, and the academy would also provide you with various resources."
"Thirty years would also provide sufficient time for you to produce hundreds of thousands of mechanical units. Their growth would not be as rapid as it would be through actual warfare, but with sufficient time and resources, you could gradually strengthen them and establish a formidable mechanical force."
"So, Master, the final decision ultimately depends on the path you wish to take."
Hearing Nova's analysis, Ivan once again fell into deep thought.
Nova was undeniably his greatest support, but it was only support.
Without a sufficient foundation, even Nova's enormous computational capabilities could not be fully utilized.
At this stage, Ivan's personal safety remained extremely important.
However, according to the records he had obtained from the academy library, the situation throughout the universe was far from peaceful.
Every moment, countless planes were being explored, invaded, conquered, or colonized. Some civilizations were destroyed, while others rose rapidly from the ruins.
In such a dangerous universe, remaining stagnant for too long could itself become another form of danger.
If his strength failed to increase quickly enough, there was no guarantee that he would survive some unexpected catastrophe in the future.
Moreover, his primary path was that of an Alchemist.
Alchemy was a path built upon resources.
Whether he wanted to produce powerful mechanical units, conduct research, or develop new technologies, he would require enormous quantities of materials and energy.
If he wanted to grow rapidly, he would need to acquire vast amounts of resources within a relatively short period.
The problem once again returned to the original question.
Safety or resources.
Stability or rapid growth.
Ivan's thoughts became increasingly complicated.
At that moment, he suddenly felt a slight tug on his sleeve.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Ivan turned his head.
Olivia was looking at him with her bright emerald eyes.
Seeing that Ivan had finally noticed her, she hesitated for a moment before quietly leaning closer.
As she approached, Ivan could faintly smell the delicate fragrance coming from her.
Her voice was soft, soft enough that only the two of them could hear it.
"Ivan..."
She paused briefly before continuing.
"I've been thinking about it for a long time, but I still can't decide."
Her finger lightly rested against the edge of the contract.
"Which one do you think suits me better?"
There was no trace of pretentiousness in her voice.
Only genuine uncertainty.
Ivan looked at her for a moment before answering quietly.
"This is a decision I cannot make for you. It depends on how you want to develop in the future and what kind of path suits you best."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"But if you want to ask for my opinion, I think the second option would be better for you."
Olivia's eyes moved slightly.
"Why?"
"You have a talent for Potionology."
Ivan glanced at the contract in front of her.
"Your strength isn't in direct combat. If you remain within the academy, you can focus on meditation and potion research while gradually acquiring knowledge and resources."
"Thirty years may sound long, but for a wizard, it is an acceptable price."
He looked back toward her.
"But in the end, it mainly depends on how you want to develop."
As Ivan said those words, he silently added within his heart.
Most importantly, you would be safe within the academy.
Olivia stared at him for a brief moment.
She seemed to understand that Ivan's words were not merely an objective analysis. She could see the faint trace of concern hidden within his eyes.
Seeing that concern, a faint smile gradually appeared on her face.
"I'll think about it carefully."
Ivan nodded.
"Don't rush."
The two of them lowered their heads and began discussing the various clauses of the contract together.
They compared the advantages of both options, considered how the academy's resources could be utilized, and discussed which choice would better suit their future development.
Their conversation gradually became more serious as they examined the contract from different perspectives.
Before long, the one-hour period quietly passed.
At that moment, Instructor Eleanor and Apprentice Hill once again walked toward the center of the classroom.
With a gentle flick of her finger, Instructor Eleanor immediately drew the attention of the entire class.
The scattered conversations gradually faded.
One after another, the Wizard Apprentices raised their heads and looked toward the front.
Some appeared confident.
Others remained nervous.
A few still carried traces of hesitation in their eyes.
After confirming that everyone's attention had gathered upon her, Instructor Eleanor calmly spoke.
"All right."
"One hour has passed."
"It is now time for everyone to make their decision."
Her ruby-like eyes slowly swept across the classroom.
"If anything still remains unclear after carefully reading through the contract, you may ask now."
As her words fell, the classroom once again descended into silence.