The classroom remained silent for several moments.
Although Instructor Eleanor had already stated that any question related to the Apprentice Development Contract could be directed to either her or Apprentice Hill, no one had asked a single question during the past hour.
All the Wizard Apprentices were completely engrossed in the Apprentice Development Contract, carefully examining every clause and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the choices before them.
For most of them, this was the first time they had been faced with a decision that could directly influence their future as wizards. As a result, everyone continued reading the contract cautiously, carefully considering every detail before asking any questions or making their final choice.
Finally, a Wizard Apprentice sitting near the front slowly stood up.
His expression carried a trace of nervousness. Ivan glanced toward him and, to his surprise, quickly recognized the young man.
His name was Adolf, a Wizard Seed selected from the outer islands just like him.
Adolf took a breath before speaking.
"Instructor, the contract states that an apprentice can apply for an interest-free loan of up to Fifty Thousand Low-Level Magic Stones."
"But how exactly would such a large amount be distributed?"
Hearing the question, Instructor Eleanor nodded slightly.
"That is a good question."
"The academy will not simply hand an apprentice Fifty Thousand Low-Level Magic Stones without considering how those resources will be used."
"Before applying for the loan, the apprentice must first submit a detailed proposal explaining the intended research, production, experiment, or other approved project."
"After receiving the proposal, the academy will evaluate its feasibility and determine the amount of resources genuinely required. The approved loan will then be distributed according to that evaluation."
She paused briefly before continuing.
"If your project genuinely requires the full Fifty Thousand Low-Level Magic Stones, and you can provide sufficient evidence proving that the entire amount is necessary, then the academy can approve the full sum."
Adolf's eyes flashed with understanding.
"I see."
He slowly sat down, his expression becoming considerably more thoughtful.
The next moment, another Wizard Apprentice raised his hand and stood.
"Instructor, how will the loan be repaid?"
Instructor Eleanor calmly answered.
"The repayment method will depend on the nature of the project for which the loan was approved."
"If the loan is used to develop a new product, the academy may establish a profit-sharing arrangement. In that case, the apprentice can gradually repay the loan through the profits generated by the product."
"If the resources are used for a research project or experiment, the situation will be evaluated differently."
"Should the research produce sufficiently valuable results, the academy may directly reduce or even waive the entire loan amount, depending on the value of the results."
"The exact repayment method will therefore depend upon the nature, value, and results of the project."
Several Wizard Apprentices nodded thoughtfully.
Clearly, the academy was not simply lending enormous amounts of resources without consideration.
It was attempting to encourage research and production while simultaneously protecting its own investment.
Another Wizard Apprentice hesitantly stood.
"Instructor, regarding the six Apprentice-Level Spells, can we choose any spell from the second floor of the library?"
"Yes."
Instructor Eleanor nodded.
"As long as the spell is classified as an Apprentice-Level Spell and you meet its learning requirements, you may choose it."
"However, some spell models possess additional restrictions. Certain spells may require specialized talents, physical conditions, elemental affinities, or other prerequisites."
"You should not simply select a spell because its name appears on the second floor."
"At the apprentice stage, everyone's Mental Power is limited. You should choose spells that are most suitable for you and focus on mastering the core spells that can contribute to the development of your personal strength."
"Do not choose a spell merely because its effects appear flashy or powerful."
"I understand."
The apprentice respectfully bowed before sitting down.
Another question soon followed.
"Instructor, what exactly does the academy mean by the necessary breakthrough resources required to advance to the realm of an Official Wizard?"
This time, Instructor Eleanor's expression became slightly more approving.
"This is an excellent question."
"When a High-Level Wizard Apprentice attempts to advance to the realm of an Official Wizard, there is still a certain probability of failure."
"Moreover, the probability of failure differs from talent to talent."
"A Wizard Apprentice possessing first-level talent has an extremely high probability of failing to advance."
"On the other hand, for a Wizard Apprentice possessing fifth-level talent, the probability of failure is extremely low."
"However, extremely low does not mean nonexistent."
"Although a fifth-level talent provides an extremely high probability of successfully advancing to the realm of an Official Wizard, it is not an absolute guarantee. In rare circumstances, even a Wizard Apprentice possessing fifth-level talent may fail to break through."
"When a breakthrough fails, both the body and soul will invariably suffer varying degrees of damage. If the apprentice has not prepared properly, severe soul damage may even result in death."
The expressions of all the Wizard Apprentices in the classroom became considerably more serious.
"Certain breakthrough resources can greatly reduce these risks and protect the apprentice during the advancement process."
"Such resources are therefore extremely important and often in high demand."
Instructor Eleanor paused briefly.
"Naturally, their value is equally high."
"Some of these resources cannot simply be purchased with Magic Stones. Even if you possess sufficient wealth, obtaining them without the necessary connections can still be extremely difficult."
Her ruby-like eyes swept across the classroom.
"That is why preparing for an Official Wizard breakthrough is not merely a matter of possessing enough Magic Stones."
For a moment, her expression remained calm.
Then her tone gradually became more serious.
"However, that is still a long way from where you currently stand."
"You have only just entered the realm of Low-Level Wizard Apprentices. The realms of High-Level Wizard Apprentices and Official Wizards are still far from your current stage."
"For now, focus on your own growth."
"When you eventually reach that stage, you will naturally understand what must be prepared."
After that, several more questions followed.
Instructor Eleanor patiently answered each one, explaining the academy's contribution system, the requirements for obtaining additional resources, and several other details regarding the benefits listed within the contract.
Only after Instructor Eleanor answered the latest question did Ivan slowly raise his hand.
At that moment, the attention of all the Wizard Apprentices was drawn toward him.
Instructor Eleanor also looked toward Ivan and gave a slight nod.
"You may ask."
Ivan slowly stood.
"Instructor, regarding the first option..."
His gaze briefly fell upon the contract.
"The contract states that the contractual obligations will be fulfilled after the required Plane Expeditions have been completed."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"But what happens if we are seriously injured, captured, or even lose the ability to continue fighting during an expedition?"
The moment Ivan's question fell, the classroom became unusually quiet.
Even Instructor Eleanor's expression changed slightly.
For the first time, a trace of surprise appeared within her eyes.
Several Wizard Apprentices exchanged glances.
A low murmur quickly spread throughout the classroom.
"That's right..."
"I didn't think about that."
"What would happen if someone became incapable of continuing during an expedition?"
Instructor Eleanor slowly raised a hand.
The scattered discussion immediately disappeared.
The classroom once again became silent.
Instructor Eleanor looked deeply at Ivan for several moments before speaking.
"You have asked a very important question."
"The contract requires you to participate in the designated Plane Expeditions. Once you have completed them, your contractual obligations will come to an end."
"As for injuries sustained during those expeditions, the academy has a corresponding compensation plan."
"If you are seriously injured during a Plane Expedition, the academy will bear the necessary treatment costs according to the severity of your injuries."
Several apprentices quietly breathed sighs of relief.
However, Instructor Eleanor's next words caused their expressions to change again.
"But if you are captured..."
She paused briefly.
"...then you can only leave it to fate."
The classroom instantly became silent.
"During a Plane Expedition, not every captured prisoner survives."
"In fact, the survival rate of captured personnel is extremely low. In many cases, once a wizard is captured by hostile forces, the academy may have no practical way to rescue them."
Her tone remained firm, but there was no softness in her words.
"Whether you can survive such a situation will depend largely upon your own luck and circumstances."
Several apprentices swallowed nervously.
"As for losing the ability to continue fighting, the situation will depend largely upon the contribution you have already made."
"If you have made sufficient contributions before becoming unable to continue, your contractual obligation will naturally be considered fulfilled."
"If your contribution remains insufficient, you may be required to participate in another expedition after recovering. Alternatively, you could provide sufficient compensation to make up for the remaining contribution."
"However, the final decision will depend upon the circumstances of the expedition and the contribution you have made."
Instructor Eleanor's gaze swept across the classroom.
"However, if you survive the expedition and complete the required participation, your obligation will still be considered fulfilled, even if you did not make any particularly outstanding contribution."
Ivan nodded slowly.
He had obtained the answer he wanted.
"Thank you, Instructor."
He sat back down.
After that, the classroom once again became silent.
It seemed that everyone had finally understood the important details surrounding the contract.
Instructor Eleanor waited several more moments before speaking.
"Now, it is time for you to make your decision."
She did not urge them.
Instead, she simply stood quietly at the front of the classroom and observed the apprentices.
Most of the Wizard Apprentices who had previously been uncertain now appeared to have made up their minds.
However, a few still wore hesitant expressions.
Seeing this, Instructor Eleanor let out a quiet sigh.
"It seems that some of you are still hesitating."
Her voice was calm.
"But I must make one thing clear."
"The academy is not a charity."
"If you wish to obtain the benefits provided by the academy, then you must also bear the corresponding responsibilities."
"The academy has invested enormous amounts of resources into nurturing Wizard Seeds like you and helping you eventually become Official Wizards."
"In return, the academy naturally expects you to contribute to its development."
She paused briefly.
"But if you truly do not wish to accept those responsibilities..."
"There is still another path."
The moment those words fell, every Wizard Apprentice raised their head.
A wave of surprise spread throughout the classroom.
"Another path?"
Even Ivan's eyes narrowed slightly.
Instructor Eleanor calmly continued.
"That path is simple."
"You simply do not sign the contract."
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then, the entire classroom erupted into an uproar.
"What?"
Several Wizard Apprentices exchanged bewildered looks.
Some of them clearly had not expected such an answer.
Instructor Eleanor calmly began to explain.
"The academy is not forcing you to sign the Apprentice Development Contract."
"The academy is simply offering you an opportunity to receive substantial support for your cultivation in exchange for certain responsibilities."
"But if you do not wish to bear the contractual responsibilities written within the contract, you may choose not to sign and instead pay for your own education and cultivation."
"The academy's purpose is to nurture wizards, not to force every wizard into a contractual relationship."
"However, you will naturally lose the benefits reserved for contracted apprentices."
"Contracted apprentices will receive priority when certain resources are allocated. They may also receive discounts when purchasing spells, resources, experimental materials, and other goods directly from the academy."
"Furthermore, certain academy opportunities and resource allocations will prioritize contracted apprentices."
"If you choose to support your own studies, you will have greater freedom."
"But you will also have to bear the full cost of your studies yourself."
The classroom immediately erupted into discussion.
"Then we can actually choose not to sign?"
"Doesn't that mean we can study here without accepting the contract?"
"But the tuition..."
"Can ordinary people like us really afford it?"
Ivan remained silent.
He was also somewhat surprised by this.
At first glance, it seemed almost too good.
They could continue their studies within the academy without entering a long-term contract or risking their lives on Plane Expeditions.
However, the moment Ivan considered the circumstances of the Wizard Seeds within the academy, he quickly understood the reason behind this contract.
Most Wizard Seeds within the wizarding world came from ordinary backgrounds.
Within White Ring Saint Academy, at least seventy to eighty percent of the Wizard Seeds were ordinary people without the backing of wizard families or organizations.
For those apprentices, paying their own tuition while simultaneously purchasing the necessary cultivation resources was simply unrealistic.
The few Wizard Apprentices who came from powerful wizard families or organizations were different.
They possessed resources and financial backing from the moment they entered the academy.
Those apprentices naturally had the freedom to refuse the contract.
Ivan suddenly remembered something.
Earlier, when the Apprentice Development Contracts had been distributed, he had noticed several Wizard Apprentices who had barely glanced at the parchment.
At the time, he had wondered why they appeared completely uninterested.
He had initially assumed that they might already possess some other agreements with the academy.
Now, Ivan finally understood.
Those apprentices had sufficient backing.
Behind them stood powerful wizard families, organizations, and individuals capable of supporting their studies.
As a result, they did not necessarily need the benefits offered by the academy.
Moreover, those families and organizations sent their talented descendants to the academy not simply for cultivation, but also to establish connections and expand their influence within the academy.
They also hoped that their descendants would encounter talented apprentices from ordinary backgrounds and recruit them into their own organizations in the future.
Naturally, they would never willingly send their most talented members to the academy simply for the academy's benefit.
The academy clearly understood this relationship.
Therefore, it had never attempted to force every apprentice to choose the same path.
As for Ivan himself, even with Nova's support, paying the academy's tuition while continuously pursuing his cultivation would still be difficult at his current stage.
He first needed to establish a sufficient foundation.
Only after obtaining a stable source of income would he have the freedom to choose whether to rely upon external resources or support his own development.
Therefore, the third option held little appeal for Ivan.
After several minutes, the discussion gradually quieted.
The Wizard Apprentices who had previously been hesitant slowly became resolute.
Instructor Eleanor noticed the change and nodded.
"Looks like all of you have made your decisions."
She gently raised her hand.
"You may now select the path you have chosen."
"For those who have chosen to sign the contract, place a drop of your blood upon the parchment."
The room gradually settled down once again as the apprentices lowered their heads toward the contracts before them.
The moment had finally arrived.
Ivan also looked down at the Apprentice Development Contract.
He had spent the past hour carefully analyzing every clause.
Nova had also provided him with multiple analyses of the advantages and disadvantages, risks, opportunities, and potential benefits associated with the two contractual options.
After weighing everything carefully, Ivan finally made his decision.
The first option.
Plane Expedition.
Although the danger was undeniably enormous, it was also the path that could allow him to obtain a vast amount of resources within a relatively short period.
For Ivan, resources were essential.
His mechanical units required materials.
His research required various rare experimental materials.
His future development would also require an enormous amount of materials and resources.
If he wanted to increase his strength rapidly, he needed an equally rapid source of resources.
As for danger...
There was no opportunity without risk.
If he wanted to obtain something, he had to be willing to pay an appropriate price.
Ivan's gaze became firm.
He gently raised one finger.
With a gentle force, a tiny drop of blood slowly emerged from his fingertip.
Then, with a light flick, it fell upon the contract.
The moment the blood touched the parchment, the entire contract suddenly emitted a faint blue radiance.
The parchment trembled slightly.
Then—
Shua!
The entire contract suddenly shattered into countless tiny blue particles.
The particles did not fall to the ground.
Instead, they floated around Ivan before rapidly merging into his body.
Ivan's eyes narrowed slightly.
A strange sensation spread throughout his soul.
Within his Soul Sea, a transparent imprint slowly appeared.
It was the Soul Imprint.
Ivan carefully sensed it.
The Soul Imprint was completely silent.
Furthermore, it was not directly attached to his Soul Sea.
Instead, it slowly circled around his entire Soul Sea.
At that moment, Ivan did not feel any pain or pressure.
There were no abnormal fluctuations either.
It simply existed within his soul sea.
According to the contract's restrictions, the Soul Imprint would normally remain dormant unless its contractual conditions were violated.
As long as the contractor fulfilled the agreed obligations, the imprint would not interfere with the normal operation of the Soul Sea.
However, if the contractor deliberately violated the contract or betrayed White Ring Saint Academy, the Soul Imprint would activate.
At that point, it could directly damage the contractor's soul.
Furthermore, the academy could use the Soul Imprint to track the contractor's location under certain circumstances.
Ivan quietly examined the imprint for several moments before withdrawing his Mental Energy.
The contract had officially been completed.
Although Ivan was quite resistant to having a foreign object placed within his soul sea, there was nothing he could do about it.
For the contract to take effect, a Soul Imprint had to be placed upon the contractor.
Otherwise, anyone could simply renege on their contractual responsibilities after receiving the benefits.
However, Ivan wasn't overly concerned about it.
According to the information he knew, the Soul Imprint itself required a medium to function.
In the wizarding world, most contracts relied upon a Supreme-Tier Wizardry Tool known as the Judgement Eye.
It was personally created by a Truth Wizard—
an existence that had already reached the eighth tier.
To an eighth-tier existence, Ivan was no different from an ant.
Such an existence could easily crush him with nothing more than a flick of his finger.
Therefore, Ivan wasn't concerned that someone might tamper with the contract.
Nobody could easily tamper with a contract established through the authority of the Judgement Eye.
Therefore, Ivan could do nothing about it for now.
Furthermore, the contract had already taken effect.
So, Ivan pushed the matter back into his mind and slowly turned toward Olivia.
She had also just finished observing the blue particles that had entered her body.
Her emerald eyes gradually opened.
When she noticed Ivan looking at her, a gentle smile appeared on her face.
"What option did you choose?"
"The first option."
Olivia nodded as though she had already expected that answer.
"I knew you would choose that."
Ivan's calm expression instantly faltered.
He looked at her intently.
"You chose the first option too?"
Olivia smiled and nodded.
"Yes."
A trace of worry immediately appeared within Ivan's eyes.
"Why?"
"Don't you know how dangerous Plane Expeditions are?"
"Even a single mistake could cost you your life."
Olivia gently looked at him.
"I know."
Her voice was extremely calm, as if she had already firmly decided upon this choice.
"I know exactly how dangerous it is."
She slowly reached out and held Ivan's hand.
"But this option also gives us the fastest opportunity to become stronger."
Ivan remained silent.
The worry in his eyes gradually intensified.
Olivia's fingers gently tightened around his hand.
"And in the future..."
She hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"I want to remain by your side."
"I don't want to become someone you always have to protect."
Her emerald eyes contained a quiet determination.
"I want to become someone who can stand beside you and help you."
Ivan's expression softened slightly.
For a moment, he did not know how to react.
"Even so, the danger is real."
"I know."
Olivia looked at him.
"But if we are to walk together in the future, I do not want to remain behind simply because I'm afraid."
Ivan stared at her quietly.
Olivia's smile became gentler.
"As long as I can remain by your side, I think this danger is something I can accept."
Ivan's expression finally softened.
Looking at Olivia's determined smile, Ivan did not know what to do.
Although Ivan was extremely worried about Olivia facing the dangers of Plane Expeditions, he still wasn't someone who wanted to force his choices upon another person.
Moreover, she had made this choice because she wanted to remain by his side.
Therefore, Ivan had nothing more to say.
Instead, he gently held her hand in return.
Around them, the remaining Wizard Apprentices were also gradually completing their contracts.
One after another, blue particles emerged from their respective parchments and merged into their bodies.
Some apprentices looked nervous.
Others appeared excited.
A few closed their eyes and carefully examined the Soul Imprint that had appeared within their Soul Sea.
Gradually, the excited murmurs and quiet discussions disappeared.
Every apprentice became absorbed in examining the mysterious imprint that had suddenly appeared within their soul.
Some were trying to determine whether the imprint would interfere with their cultivation.
Others were carefully sensing its connection with their Soul Sea.
For a brief moment, the entire room seemed to be filled with nothing but the subtle movements of Mental Energy.
Once everyone who had chosen to sign the contract had finished, Instructor Eleanor looked across the room and finally revealed a gentle smile.
"Those who have chosen to sign the contract..."
"From this moment onward, you are officially members of White Ring Saint Academy."
Several newly advanced Wizard Apprentices straightened their backs upon hearing those words.
For many of them, this was the first time they had truly felt that they belonged to the academy.
Instructor Eleanor continued.
"According to the benefits stated within your contracts, you can claim your initial resources now."
"Each contracted apprentice will immediately receive Fifty Low-Level Magic Stones."
"Along with it, you will also receive Five Low-Level Magic Stones as your monthly subsidy."
The moment her words fell, excitement appeared in the eyes of almost every apprentice.
Fifty-five Low-Level Magic Stones was already a considerable amount for many newly advanced Wizard Apprentices.
For apprentices who had just entered the realm of Low-Level Wizard Apprentices, this was enough to provide them with a significant amount of support during their initial period of cultivation.
However, seeing the excitement appearing in the eyes of the apprentices, Instructor Eleanor's expression soon became serious.
"Do not become distracted by these resources."
Her calm voice immediately suppressed much of the excitement in the room.
"With those initial resources, your first priority should be to stabilize your Mental Energy."
"I can sense that most of you have broken through only within the past few days."
"Your Mental Energy has not yet been completely stabilized."
"If you begin meditation without properly stabilizing it, your meditation may become disordered, leaving hidden dangers within your Soul Sea."
The apprentices immediately became attentive.
"You may have officially stepped into the Low-Level Wizard Apprentice realm."
"But it is only recognized by the academy. Your foundation is not solid yet."
Instructor Eleanor's gaze swept across everyone.
"Almost all of you have not yet crossed the threshold of ten points of Mental Energy required for the true Low-Level Wizard Apprentice realm."
"Therefore, do not become complacent simply because you have engraved your first meditation rune."
"Use those initial resources properly."
"Stabilize your Mental Energy."
"Continue meditating diligently."
"Only after your Mental Energy has been properly stabilized can you truly establish a solid foundation as a Low-Level Wizard Apprentice."
No one spoke.
Every apprentice was attentively listening to Instructor Eleanor and carefully remembering her words.
After making sure that everyone understood, Instructor Eleanor nodded.
"That's all for today."
She turned and slowly walked toward the classroom exit.
At that moment, Apprentice hill followed behind her.
"All right, Wizard Apprentices."
"Those who wish to receive their initial resources may follow me now."
Saying this, she also turned and began walking toward the doorway.
Almost immediately, the Wizard Apprentices began following her.
Ivan also stood up.
Along with Olivia and the others, he quietly left the classroom and followed Apprentice Sel toward the registration hall.
Behind them, the classroom gradually emptied.