Surviving The Fourth Calamity

The Chieftain of Hainarson wasn’t too surprised by Russell’s promotion... after all, the child hasn’t been staying in his meditation chamber all the time.

The first time he ran out to find Carpenter, he was already recognized by a high-level apprentice family elder guarding there.

After all, those with a bit of status within the family have been paying close attention to this pair of siblings due to recent events, and when the elder found out he couldn’t see Russell’s condition clearly, he understood what was happening.

Moreover, it’s no secret that Carpenter and Russell have been mysteriously working on their newly discovered little secret.

The Chieftain of Hainarson plans to find an opportune moment to have a proper talk with Russell, to see if the family can use the resources intended for him to enter the Tower of Dark Enigma to trade for this secret with Russell.

The family never requires members to contribute their wisdom for free... only a fool would think the abilities of The Wise Ones could only be used once.

One free use, a lifetime wasted is the reality.

This would also lead more people to lose trust in the family, only thinking about confidentiality in whatever they do.

Of course, the Chieftain of Hainarson does not deny that there will always be interests that can surpass the bottom line of human nature, and he himself cannot guarantee whether he would do some excessive things... but for an apprentice, they don’t have that much ability yet.

That’s why they have been waiting for Carpenter’s appearance.

If even Carpenter can advance with his aptitude, things would get complicated... the family can only offer resources, but the discovery could shock the entire Magic World.

At that time, Russell might have to be somewhat wronged as well.

But the family will compensate Russell’s relatives... there’s no choice, the family’s mage resources are not plentiful, and they have to think about the future!

I’m sure Russell will understand.

Even if he doesn’t, there’s no other choice... at most, they won’t expect the relationship with Russell to become closer in the future!

Anyway, there will be new official mages in the family in the future.

Most importantly, even considering the future of his family, Russell won’t act against the family he came from due to this matter; if the relationship cools, there’s no helping it.

But the Chieftain of Hainarson still hopes things won’t reach such a cruel point.

So when he saw Russell and Carpenter walking into the conference hall together, his attention was immediately drawn to Carpenter.

The girl indeed hasn’t become a high-level apprentice, but it’s obvious her strength has improved significantly.

Although she still has to spend money to get in, this is entirely different from her having absolutely no chance of becoming an official mage!

It means that Russell’s method is of no significance to those with very poor talents, but it’s not too difficult for those slightly lacking... the Hainarson family is not only these siblings with mage aptitude, but only they became mid-level apprentices before the age of 10.

The rest aren’t entirely without hope, but their futures are predestined to be high-level apprentices.

They can’t even enter the town hall... only those who became mid-level apprentices before the age of 16 can enter, seemingly to learn some specialized magic which also requires a certain aptitude.

Therefore, those requiring a long time to advance end up managing miscellaneous tasks within the family, especially in external exchanges... those with mage aptitude always have a higher status in this world compared to commoners.

When they work outside, they definitely won’t face discrimination, which isn’t too bad actually.

But if they can do better, who wouldn’t want to?

If more of their family could enter the town hall, why rely on just two apprentices now?

The Chieftain of Hainarson quickly thought it over in his mind on how to speak with Russell and finally decided when the two children walked up to him.

”Congratulations on becoming a high-level apprentice at the last moment,” he spoke with a smile, his tone proud and full of pride, ”Your family must be very proud of you!

Of course, the family is also happy with your performance, having an official apprentice means a completely different significance for us!”

Russell squinted slightly and tugged forcefully at Carpenter, who was pursing her lips to speak, ”Yes, my sweat and tears were not shed in vain!”

”This is the reward for becoming an official apprentice,” the Chieftain of Hainarson smiled warmly, ”Take it first! After all, you’ve saved the family a lot of money!”

Hainarson’s face displayed a trace of pride, ”Thank you, Chieftain, thank you, family.”

Then he took the box and shut his mouth without even opening it to look... the thing has been placed in the conference hall for everyone to see for many years, everyone knows what’s inside.

Since the Chieftain of Hainarson emphasized it’s the reward for official apprentices, it means there’s nothing special inside.

Russell felt the copper ring on his hand and smiled silently.

”As for Carpenter...” the Chieftain of Hainarson turned his gaze to the girl, ”although it’s certainly too late.

But entering the Tower of Dark Enigma early with Russell is also a good thing, and perhaps in the more mage-suitable environment of the Magic Tower, there will be enough elemental responses.

If she can become a high-level apprentice within the next six months, the family won’t be at a loss.”

Carpenter blinked: ”Ah~ thank you for the family’s nurturing, I’ll work hard.”

Then she glanced at the little fox mongoose with the fox, the Chieftain of Hainarson decided to give up circling around... after all, the two of them have to be sent to the Tower of Dark Enigma tomorrow, he and the family can’t afford delays.

He couldn’t possibly use his clan members to threaten the descendants of his own family; if he did that, would the Hainarson family still have a reason to exist?

”The family is very interested in your method,” he said bluntly, ”but, Russell, you should know that the family’s resources are not abundant.

I can only guarantee to give you the resources originally intended to enter the Tower of Dark Enigma, and also provide Carpenter with the reward for official apprentices.

In addition, I promise to maintain your two families’ treatment.

Finally, each of you will get a Level 1 storage ring... although it’s nothing special in the Magic Tower, an ordinary apprentice would only get one after becoming a mage.”

A storage ring of three cubic meters.

Russell blinked, and once again exerted strength to suppress Carpenter who wanted to object, nodded briskly: If this method was something he came up with himself, he wouldn’t be able to accept the family’s proposal... Isn’t this using his relationship with Carpenter to divide his rewards?

After all, giving him two Level 1 storage rings is hard to justify, but giving one to his precious sister seems acceptable, let alone considering Carpenter’s parents and siblings as well.

Russell understood what Carpenter was agitated about; if it were him, he wouldn’t accept using small favors to deprive Carpenter of the greatest benefits.

But this is an approach from the elders of the Hainarson family.

They didn’t require him to keep it secret, so Russell plans to take what he can get.

Furthermore, right now the most important thing is to prepare his gear for tomorrow’s journey... squabbling over immediate benefits is pointless.

His future lies ahead.

With the family’s approach, they’ve even helped him greatly... now even Carpenter wouldn’t have much face for the family to casually interfere.

The ones to suffer will be the younger siblings in the future, and isn’t that just right?

The complex environment of the Tower of Dark Enigma, guarding themselves will be tough enough, let alone working for the family... when it comes to life and death, they surely won’t ignore it, but involving themselves in those petty power struggles can be avoided.

Most importantly, Russell knows the family can indeed provide more resources for him, but... he’s not at odds with the family, why would he want the family to suffer just for such a thing?

Carpenter glanced at Russell and more or less deduced his thoughts, so she stopped speaking.

The Chieftain of Hainarson truly didn’t expect these two children wouldn’t choose to haggle... the theories prepared almost choked him.

But now that the benefits are in hand, he wouldn’t ask why.

Anyway, he’ll just treat those two kids’ families a bit better in the future.

-----------------

Russell and Carpenter followed Elder Ulrich, who hadn’t spoken much since yesterday, slowly towards the Tower of Dark Enigma.

”Russell.” Just before they reached the entrance, Ulrich suddenly spoke, ”About what you said...”

”Anyone in the family can know, of course, Mage Gilbert is even more qualified.” Russell replied decisively.

Carpenter, hiding behind him, rolled her eyes impatiently... Ulrich is actually a good person, but his personality is always like that... can such words be spoken openly in public?

Is this trying to let everyone know the Hainarson family has gained a great inheritance, one that might even affect the official mages of the Tower of Dark Enigma?

No wonder the Chieftain respects his opinions but generally doesn’t listen to them.

”Then that’s good, that’s good.” Ulrich muttered a couple of times, then couldn’t help but speak again, ”But in the future, once you’re at the Magic Tower, make sure to retain some things!

Russell, you don’t have to tell the family everything.”

Russell smiled helplessly, ”I understand, don’t worry!”

And then he quickly realized why Ulrich had such an attitude... the Gilbert they met was already so weak, just skin wrapped around bones.