Surviving The Fourth Calamity

The senior brother almost asked in a surprised tone, ”How could you think that even we, as the teacher’s students, wouldn’t receive talented ones?

Don’t forget, our teacher is so powerful, and the mages he trains are the most numerous.

Although most of the apprentices technically belong to us, if they really have a chance to become official mages, the teacher would still look after them a bit.”

Then he suddenly realized, ”You think that our teacher is usually too lazy to bother with things in the Tower, so perhaps he’s the one among the three Tower Masters who takes in the fewest apprentices, right?

How is that possible?

No matter how unwilling he is to meddle in trivialities, our teacher still has to consider the future of the Tower of Dark Enigma.

Even if we have to join other forces, a cohesive group isn’t easily scattered into smaller factions; the distinction is quite significant.

Otherwise, how could you stay here so peacefully?

While others might not come to grab your territory, they could still trouble you!

A hundred years ago, the internal disputes of the Tower of Dark Enigma could be deadly.

It was only afterward that our teacher and the other two Tower Masters strictly controlled such matters, so you’re not troubled to your face.

Although your indifference might be because you’re lazy to go out, but just causing a little stir with your family could drive you crazy.”

Hilbert nodded gently, ”Of course, I know.

So, as Hainarson, I might consider the family, but as Gilbert, I will certainly show respect and obedience to the teacher.”

”Otherwise, how would our teacher always find you so well-behaved and capable!

He always says in private that as long as you pass that hurdle, your future will be promising.” Gilbert’s senior brother seemed quite touched.

But this way of speaking is a bit... fake.

Everyone knows Gilbert plans to take on a gamble with only a one percent survival chance, and the success chance isn’t as big as the nonsense he’s talking about.

This false and secretly sarcastic consolation would wake up anyone sensitive with anger in the middle of the night.

Gilbert is clearly the type to overthink, but he never hesitates.

If he fights with all his might, even the archmages would have a headache... The nonsense he just spouted was only rhetoric; the Tower Masters’ pacts might hold back the wise, but fools can’t be trusted.

Don’t assume that all mages are smart people; intelligence and emotional intelligence are not the same.

Gilbert scarcely goes out, but in his few shining moments, he beat up a few so-called outskirts mages of the Magic Tower, those who take some intermediate apprentices from township governments as students.

Ordinary people in this world can’t really gain much benefit; usually, it takes an outsider family like Hainarson that just moved into town to give them something worthwhile.

Yet, mages with a bit of skill don’t worry too much about these matters, though they won’t pass up easy opportunities when they arise.

Gilbert was ruthless enough in his displays, so they naturally backed off... otherwise, why would that guy not wait until he fully recovers before going back.

Hilbert spoke flatly and coldly, ”So? What do you want by coming here? If there’s something, say it; if not, please leave. I don’t wish to chit-chat with anyone.”

The senior brother immediately realized the bit of acidity in his words was perceived by this noble-born junior, so he flashed an apologetic smile, ”Ah, Gilbert, you know, we ordinary-born mages instinctively cause some trouble when we encounter someone like you, from a noble background.

But there’s really no malice.

Besides, our teacher wouldn’t let any rift form between us; I don’t want to be killed directly.”

”I understand, so... what exactly do you want?” Even Teraxil... no, even the direct-border nobility like Saral, wouldn’t believe such claims.

Hil had no intention of sparing any feelings for him... to avoid too gentle words when refusing later.

”Don’t worry, I wouldn’t give you any trouble!” The senior brother seemed a bit helpless, ”I just hope to find a final safe haven for my apprentices.

Don’t let them be killed after we leave.

You should understand, the recent... situation is quite unstable.

Many mages with low status in the Tower of Dark Enigma are wavering.

They might not be willing to go with us to Sia Tower.

If the Tower of Dark Enigma really ceases to exist, their oaths of loyalty to the Creation Goddess would naturally lose their meaning.

These people can completely find a magic tower where their situation would be better, there’s no need to blindly follow the Tower Masters to become vassal of the vassals.

It’s we who have no choice but to follow the teacher and them.”

”Your things...” Hil directly asked the crucial question.

If this guy’s good stuff remains in his residence, it’s no surprise if his apprentices get killed.

After all, stealing an apprentice’s soul can likely unlock his doors.

”Of course, I’ve packed them away.

But I estimate that this departure won’t be short, so I’m asking you to keep an eye on them... Being bullied doesn’t matter; when we return, we can seek revenge, even if I don’t come back.”

The senior brother sneered slightly, ”But death isn’t an option.

I’ve split my side tower into two sections, the inner one is connected to the main magic circle with the teacher, it can’t be opened unless it’s blown up.

The brothers preparing to capture that Iron Dragon have done the same.

The apprentices will try to minimize their outings, staying inside the Tower of Dark Enigma means nothing too bad should happen... there are still people in the tower.

The Tower of Dark Enigma isn’t without comparable combat power beyond the three Tower Masters.

But it’s only me, I have two, you know, apprentices who could become official mages before the age of thirty; I must be more thorough in my preparation.

The other two... aren’t very close to our teacher, presumably, they wouldn’t care too much.

What if someone accidentally makes a mistake?

Who’s going to compensate me for all these years of hard work?”

Hil tilted his head, looking out the window, finally realizing... the term ”official mage” seems to carry a different meaning from this guy’s mouth.

In this world, although it’s not openly discussed, there seems to be a hierarchy of disdain.

Most mages fall into the category Gilbert’s senior brother mentioned as outskirts mages, actually mastering only parts of spells.

Carpenter might be this type, with an extreme bias, anyone who understands her traits could easily suppress her.

Although they could be called mages outside, due to the lack of an official mage inheritance, their future is very limited... but the reason they aren’t taken by a better school is also because their abilities aren’t sufficient.

Yet, being able to perform six or seven 1st-level spells still marks someone as a 1st-level mage, that’s undisputable.

However, like Gilbert, those with a proper mage lineage naturally separate apprentices... even if initially those children seemed okay, in reality, within dozens of apprentices, having one or two becoming the default official mages of the school is quite an achievement.

Like Gilbert at the outset, though he took great risks, his qualifications still guarantee his future... That’s why when he became an official mage, the Tower Master was willing to give him a comprehensive set of magic books belonging to their school.

If someone is not recognized as a mage, they’ll naturally be sent elsewhere for odd jobs.

So, his brother’s concerns are understandable... With the current situation, there will always be people from past years expelled from the school making sinister plans.

If something happens to that child, his brother would likely go mad.

Heh~ Hil doesn’t believe there are just a few.

The rest are probably a smokescreen.

”You can tell them, if life-threatening circumstances occur, escape to me.” Hilbert straightforwardly agreed after realizing, ”But no misunderstanding, no accidents, and certainly no second time.

I don’t have time to manage my own apprentices, let alone others.

I trust you understand, right?

I’m also not interested in hearing any explanations, the door will only open once.”

Hil knew this was an unavoidable request... not saving the future of one’s own faction was out of the question if later facing the Tower Master.

He never planned to leave the Tower of Dark Enigma, even if later moving to Sia Tower, he needs a front-line shield.

But if that child himself acts foolishly, Hilbert’s subsequent inaction can’t be criticized.

Possible only, it’s not certain yet.

Even if Gilbert might die later, but it hasn’t happened yet, has it?

This person making the request dare not demand beyond the bottom line anyway.

Gilbert’s senior brother gladly left a few books behind: ”These are some materials and spells recently gathered about Sia Tower, which can be made public.

Although they are copies, I’ve shown the teacher, and he said there’s no problem.

Thank you for being willing to help.”

Hil nodded, raised his hand gently, ”I accept the token of gratitude, you may leave.”

Watching the senior brother walk away automatically and consciously, Hil was a bit puzzled: What exactly does that Red Dragon want to do?