Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Standing behind him, Carpenter didn’t understand, but she could sense Russell’s emotional fluctuation.

She slightly furrowed her brow and asked hesitantly, ”So, teacher, can we give it to our family?”

Russell couldn’t help but glance back at his sister.

”Only High-level apprentices can use it.” Hill wasn’t bothered; this girl did grasp the point—this thing is only suitable for those who spend their whole lives as Low-rank Mages.

Russell understood that his teacher wasn’t someone who wouldn’t say something if he had something to say. If he didn’t speak, it was only because his sarcastic mouth couldn’t open.

So he immediately ended the topic: ”Can Mr. Ulrich use it? I remember he’s already a High-level Apprentice.”

Hill turned to glance at him: ”He can use it, but it’s basically useless.”

Russell pursed his lips and asked tentatively, ”But if it were used, wouldn’t it at least allow for a Tier 1 Spell?”

Both that senior apparently from the Defense Tower and Master Gilbert had once tried to make sure he learned a simple Tier 1 Spell as a High-level Apprentice, which only proved that, in the eyes of those with good talents, this was quite normal.

Moreover, Russell, in his recent continuous studies, felt a significant increase in spiritual power... if it were the him now, he wouldn’t be scared to death when hearing such a demand.

He felt he finally understood what it meant to naturally grasp how to start a Tier 1 Spell, instead of trying to sense what a Tier 1 Spell was after exceeding the limits of an official mage’s spiritual power.

Hill glanced at him: ”Are you considering the Hainarson Clan’s Defensive Magic Array?”

”Yes, the current array can only protect the library’s location.” Russell smiled wryly, ”Adding in apprentices and the various family resource warehouses, plus perhaps some important personnel, there’s basically no space left.”

Hill gave him a sidelong glance using a gaze Gilbert might have: ”What do you want to do?

I don’t think you assume your family lacks a similar potion.”

”But this isn’t something Carpenter and I gave.” Russell spoke his mind, ”I think teacher should understand our thoughts.

Sending something out early could at least elevate our family’s status within the family.

Teacher, unlike you, the greatest contribution our family could make in this Dark Enigma Town was your achievement for the family. Everything else was just... adorning beautiful flowers with a few jewels.

But for the two of us, if we can’t become official mages, the family will look after our relatives just so... things have been too chaotic recently, and we’re a bit worried.

Our parents, including our siblings, might not have much of a problem, but the other cousins we grew up with together are completely without chances.

Teacher, I don’t know how your siblings behaved back then, but Carpenter and I really received quite a bit of care since we were young.”

Gilbert only felt jealousy at that time, without care, until he almost sacrificed himself for the family, only then did they give up glaring at him maliciously from the shadows.

But back then, there was no chance of reconciliation between them.

Gilbert could understand the sudden hardship, when the family placed all hope and resources in one person, completely ignoring other children’s feelings during such times, but he had no obligation, nor the willpower to sympathize with those cousins.

His own brother’s sincere attitude was enough to keep him at peace.

So even though many regretted their actions... realizing the impact their relationships with Gilbert had on their own descendants, some were shameless enough to try reconnecting with Gilbert.

But how could Gilbert, who had experienced the Magic Tower, possibly accept such fake emotions? He wasn’t lacking in love.

Carpenter glanced at the silent Hilbert: ”Russell isn’t too familiar with past events, nor interested in understanding them; he only reacts to the kindness shown to him and is willing to return it but never considers why those people behaved that way.”

Evidently, this girl knew about Gilbert’s past situations, but she preferred explaining afterward rather than stopping Russell from saying what he wanted... she wasn’t trying to showcase her wisdom in front of the teacher but hoped Gilbert could see Russell’s sincerity.

Carpenter clearly understood that deceit held no value in front of powerful spiritual abilities, but genuine reciprocity would only enhance Russell’s image.

This child was suitable for the Illusion Element after all; it made sense since there was already a slight inclination to control people’s minds.

”Your belongings are yours, you can do whatever you want with them, no need to tell me in the future.

However, you must know, only resources can.” Hill certainly didn’t stop their ideas, but the Tower of Dark Enigma absolutely wouldn’t allow members of affiliated families to have too strong of control over magic.

Russell actually understood that Master Gilbert probably wouldn’t mind these matters, especially when they came from the same family.

But as students protected by the teacher, he felt it was better to inform before they did anything.

Although there wasn’t much contact with other apprentices, the recent Magic Tower situation was a bit chaotic, and even when he and Carpenter were in the lounge, they often heard conversations outside... sometimes Russell felt their teacher gave them a bit too much freedom.

Although, this might have been a cultivation method Gilbert himself was accustomed to; after all, Russell also heard that their teacher managed everything himself from a young age, but he still chose to be a bit cautious.

”These days, don’t interact with outsiders.” Hill thought for a moment and then said, ”If you need anything, wait until Ulrich arrives to tell him.”

Russell froze for a moment: ”Teacher, didn’t you say, our lineage didn’t suffer much loss?”

”But they didn’t return.” Hill glanced at the sky outside, ”The ones who returned were the other two Tower Masters.”

After the show of such powerful strength in Sia Tower, whether they’d continue to unite was uncertain.

Especially since both had significant losses, should they need to remain united, they would inevitably have to relinquish control to Ruth.

Hilbert lazily reclined in the lounger: ”Don’t meddle, and when observing outside, don’t stick your head out.”

Russell suddenly moved a bit, then slapped down Carpenter’s hand that was tugging his sleeve: ”Teacher, in recent days, someone from the opposing Side Tower kept sneaking glances this way.

I think they are looking at Carpenter.”

Hill slightly turned his head: ”Hmm?”

Then he quickly understood: ”Are you saying someone has their eyes on Carpenter?

Oh... right, Carpenter’s talents, they might not be aware yet.”

The ascension of Ruth’s faction and the possibility of Gilbert healing himself had rapidly increased Gilbert’s importance.

So some mages wanting to connect with Gilbert’s side might think bringing someone who could become a mage is enough to marry Carpenter away.

Even if they lose the bet, and Gilbert doesn’t survive, Russell’s talents are still good, and it’s somewhat known outside that becoming an official mage is absolutely feasible.

The mage managing apprentices who registered Russell and Carpenter back then wouldn’t keep secrets for Gilbert.

Moreover, to be presented before Gilbert, that person must have already reached a Tier 1 mage... that’s why they dared to boldly peek into the lounge of Gilbert’s Side Tower.

Carpenter’s good looks probably satisfied them; they might even fight among themselves before bringing it up in Hilbert’s presence.

Hill sneered disdainfully: ”Focus on your studies, don’t learn useless things, your mind will only become a mess.”