Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Russell was very shocked.

He certainly knew that Gilbert’s condition wasn’t good... but it wasn’t this bad.

The disturbance in the mental sea is indeed painful, he had tried it before, but the goal was too distant, and after feeling that discomfort, he completely gave up.

However, the discomfort of the spirit would only make a person physically uncomfortable, perhaps looking unwell, with white hair, but under the nourishment of the elements, the body would not deteriorate too badly.

Mage, Russell only knew that in a very distant corner of the continent, there was a Tower of Necromancy, where such people with only skin and bones would appear.

After all, to them, skin is like clothing.

To have tortured himself like this can only prove that Gilbert had long been struggling painfully on the brink of death... just unwilling to give up for the sake of the family.

No wonder Ulrich is always so worried.

He understood that everything he had now was because of Gilbert’s persistence, and he indeed couldn’t bear to give up these things, but always, the Gilbert he alone could see was constantly testing his conscience.

And Ulrich happened to be a person with a conscience.

Honestly, Russell felt that those in the family were somewhat aware of this, and that’s why no one ever competed with Ulrich for the chance to be the family’s greatest hope.

After all, Ulrich was obviously hoping for someone to share this heavy burden with him.

Unfortunately, everyone knew that besides Ulrich, no one else could make Gilbert feel the family’s love.

Gilbert had indeed paid a terrible price for the family.

This is not a struggle that can be overcome just by changing some standard runes.

”Ulrich... you go ahead... I’ll keep these two here,” Gilbert glanced upwards weakly and spoke with a frail voice, ”This is... good news... at this time, there’s an official apprentice.

The remaining girl is also good, and it’s fitting that there’s someone who can pay.

No need to say anything more... someone will come to register them soon.

Put what should be given out on the cabinet by the door.”

Ulrich hesitated for a moment, then looked at Russell, and surprisingly chose to leave without a word.

”Ulrich is always so foolish.” Gilbert gathered a bit of spirit... it seems Russell and Carpenter’s appearance did indeed spark his interest, ”But he also considers you trustworthy, yes, you’re called Russell, right?”

”Yes, Mage Gilbert.” Russell appeared a bit nervous.

”Hmm, indeed a smart child.” Gilbert noticed his apparent nervousness and underlying composure, and couldn’t help but smile.

”Mage Gilbert, I’m Milarth Wester, responsible for managing apprentices, here to register the new apprentice from the Hainarson Family.” A knock on the door sounded from outside.

Gilbert slightly nodded at Russell and waved his fingers, a thick curtain fell in front.

Russell swiftly turned, opened the door, and welcomed the middle-aged mage with a scrutinizing expression.

”Master Wester, hello. I am Russell Hainarson, this is my sister Carpenter.

Carpenter is preparing to enroll early, please take care.

Here is her tuition.”

Wester was a bit surprised, he indeed heard that the apprentice sent in by the Hainarson Family wasn’t too bad, but no one told him there was an official apprentice among them!

No wonder the Hainarson Family has been so composed lately... indeed, if they can produce a Gilbert, they can definitely produce another similar one.

And the Tower of Dark Enigma, receiving an official apprentice is decent enough, and certainly wouldn’t be as selective as other Magic Towers.

No need to try hard to stand out.

Wester swallowed the words at the tip of his tongue... however, their expectations might be thwarted, as even the Hainarson Family delivered an official apprentice, so very likely most families would have one official and one preparation apprentice.

If so, resources might be a bit tight!

But official apprentices are quite important to them.

The Tower of Dark Enigma is certainly not hoping for any apprentice to become an archmage who can summon meteorites... even if there is one, there’s not enough time.

However, the presence of adequate backup forces relates to where they end up siding at last.

Even if the Sia Tower certainly won’t abandon them, entering Sia or being sent to a magic tower with closer relations to Sia remains vastly different.

Wester’s feelings were complicated, hence he simply accepted the contributions from the Hainarson Family, registered the names of the two apprentices acknowledged by Gilbert, and softly departed... before leaving, he glanced at the thick curtain, his heart filled with strange emotions: the people of the Tower of Dark Enigma surely guessed the reality that the mage was not long for this world.

But no one knows how long he can withstand.

Although many covet the independent and quiet area Gilbert occupies, after all, it was the promise given when Freitz Lute, one of the Three Great Tower Masters of Dark Enigma Tower, accepted him into the Magic Tower: as long as Gilbert becomes an official mage within 10 years, this place would forever belong to him and his students.

Although no one knew why, the other two Tower Masters did not oppose, which proved that Gilbert was qualified... Whether he contributed resources or knowledge, it was all worthwhile.

But later, Gilbert could hardly take any students, as all his energy outside himself was spent on his family.

So many people were waiting for him to tire out, and then naturally take over the very comfortable place that Gilbert, born into a noble family and with some appreciation skills, had created.

Unexpectedly, at the final stage, the Hainarson Clan brought forth an official apprentice!

No wonder there were rumors that Gilbert planned to consume Mental Power Potion; he actually endured until the day the family had an heir!

Luckily, under the current circumstances, few people are thinking about the future now... No one’s future will be at the Tower of Dark Enigma anyway.

Otherwise, this child might encounter something.

Of course, no one would try anything sinister against him... but appropriate praise or just enough suppression can make a child who hasn’t come of age lose his balance.

If he can’t become an official mage before Gilbert passes away, this kid would naturally have to carry the burden of his substantial inheritance and seek the embrace of an Archmage who has been plotting for a long time.

After managing the apprentice position for many years, West certainly saw a lot, so he rarely smiled at an apprentice: ”Keep working hard! Mage Gilbert has been waiting for you a long time.”

Russell keenly sensed the hint of goodwill... although slightly different from genuine goodwill, he still quickly grasped it: ”I will! Thank you, Mr. Wester.”

Closing the door, Russell turned and saw the curtain had been drawn.

Gilbert’s laughter was small and weak: ”You performed well, but don’t take it seriously.”

”It’s not a positive emotion,” Carpenter said softly.

Gilbert couldn’t help but glance at her... This young lady seemed to only show herself when there were no outsiders.

Looking at Russell’s subtle yet gentle gaze toward his sister, Gilbert felt a little more at ease.

At least the new generation of the family still had good feelings.

Gilbert never considered the family a burden.

He did suffer quite a bit because of the family, but wasn’t it something he willingly endured?

Besides, he fulfilled his original dream, allowing his parents, siblings to live a stable life.

He understood Ulrich’s complex emotions, but his current day-by-day persistence wasn’t entirely for Hainarson... For the present Hainarson Clan, he genuinely only cared about his nephew, since feelings are mutual... Rather, it was his promise to his mother: live as long as he could!

Even though his mother might also not accept her son living painfully because of her words, Gilbert always willingly uses all his strength for his vows.

But he hadn’t truly given up on the family, there was still a bit of reluctance.

Therefore, seeing the new generation’s friendship, Gilbert still felt a bit of comfort.

He tried to rouse his spirit: ”From today on, you can call me teacher.

I need long periods of sleep, so time is limited.

Here are the Magic Books and my notes for you both.

At the Tower of Dark Enigma, there will be no other mages to accept you, so there’s no need to consider much.

You’ll have to work hard by yourselves.”

Russell replied earnestly: ”We are good at self-study.

As long as the Runes are written to standards, it’s very easy to mobilize the Mental Sea.”

”Oh?” Gilbert showed some interest, ”Write it for me to see.”

He didn’t really care at first... How standard could an apprentice’s Runes be?

Mages only gradually develop a deeper resonance with Runes over time, allowing them to write them effortlessly, without any real standardized version.

However, watching Russell write the Runes personally before him, Gilbert was extremely astounded... How could anyone write Runes like the Rune imprints in a natural formation?

This world indeed has some natural, or deity-related arrays, that mages who know their locations would visit: not for anything else, but to experience the Runes in the Law imprint.

Yet, writing them isn’t that easy!

How did this kid accomplish this?

Gilbert couldn’t help but stare at Russell in a daze.

”Teacher, I’ve finished writing,” Russell said, a bit confused.

”Put it there!” Gilbert regained his composure, waved his hand summoning two small Light Orbs, ”Follow them, you can ask them to lead you anywhere you want, but preferably don’t leave the Side Tower.”