Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Hill mentally calculated Russell’s learning speed... Given how the library inside that ring was used by this kid, he was aware of it.

Although he left a margin for himself, this was indeed Russell’s limit.

However, Hill could still see some lack of confidence in this child.

Among these books, at least half were very familiar to Russell, something he could definitely recite.

But he clearly planned to go through them once more, just in case he missed anything.

Hill is someone who has great self-confidence, so he didn’t quite understand why Russell seemed so unaware of himself... But he never interferes with others’ self-awareness.

That is not something outsiders can involve themselves in, even one’s parents can’t; he is just a teacher after all, his role is to point out the path for the other to take.

Hill is never someone willing to shoulder responsibilities beyond his tolerance; he likes clear divisions of duty.

”Alright.” Hill chuckled softly, ”Let your attention to books not affect your daily spell practice.”

During the apprentice period, there’s not much to be said; practice makes perfect.

Even in Toril, where mages face restrictions due to Magic Slots, they understand this and certainly wouldn’t give up on magic research just because of the convenience provided by the Weave.

Hill, who would grind Elemental Crystals into powder for research, is a prime example. Currently, his leisure is built upon the relentless spell research of the past.

Although Russell hasn’t quite grasped the deeper meaning in Master Gilbert’s words, he knows well that someone who could stand firm in such a competitive Magic Tower, despite severe bodily damage, possesses a level of spell understanding that cannot be questioned by a child relying on luck or opportunities.

”Thank you for the guidance, Master. I will practice earnestly.” Russell said with determination, then gave a tug to the dazed Carpenter beside him.

Though nobody questioned why, everyone in the hall understood what the girl was pondering... She was probably still strategizing how to survive this intimidating month.

When Carpenter came to her senses, she thanked and bid goodbye to Hill, and the two children promptly turned to leave the hall.

Carpenter, for the first time, dared to show such ease in front of Hill... Her hurried footsteps could even form the rhythm of a quick-paced dance tune.

Just as they entered the corridor leading to their living quarters, neither child held back, both speaking rapidly, fearing that speaking even slightly slower might lead the other to persuade them.

”Brother Russell, I haven’t learned two spells well yet! I’m really busy...”

”But Carpenter, I’m getting busy, you must seize your time!” Russell’s tone was sincere, ”Look, I checked, there are only 8 books related to Illusion Technique and Universal Series magic.”

Reciting eight books in a month while learning two basic spells, how would it be...”

”My dear Brother Russell, when did you become like this?” Carpenter said with deliberate astonishment, ”When could I easily grasp two spells in just one month?”

”Huh?” Russell was unfazed, ”From the first day of entering the Magic Tower, wasn’t it possible?”

Russell, the spells you’ve learned, I know them too!

You can’t hide them from me.

For those two spells, you’re probably just one step away, right?

Seven days... No, five days will definitely be enough to learn them, then spend a week mastering them, what’s impossible about using the remaining time for book recitation?”

”I’m a human being, Brother Russell~ I’m an ordinary person~ I don’t have such good memory, spiritual power...”

Carpenter’s act of being coquettish had no effect whatsoever, as her brother had long been immune to her soft, sweet manner: ”I’m well aware of your spiritual power level, Carpenter, don’t play dumb.”

Reciting a book in two days is hardly a challenge, it leaves ample practice time and room for daily breaks!

Just eight books, get moving!

Though the teacher remained silent, it’s clear you’re in my care, huh~

I think you wouldn’t like the teacher to remind you like today, would you?

Our teacher’s...”

They exchanged a look of mutual understanding.

Hill couldn’t help but purse his lips: These two kids definitely knew he could hear them, and there’s a strong possibility he’s actually listening.

It’s just that he speaks a bit bluntly, right!

Gilbert’s image in the Magic Tower is just like that! He dislikes the ambiguous conversations people have with him, whether it’s to provoke or seduce, does he have time for chit-chat?

So for those people, he’ll always find a way to pounce on their weak points in conversation, aggressively rebutting, making most understand that in Gilbert’s mind, those who waste his time are enemies, regardless of who they are.

Otherwise, his senior wouldn’t behave so cautiously with a hint of awkwardness when seeking him.

Hill felt he had been quite restrained, for he couldn’t lie as effortlessly as Gilbert, who could say ”I don’t know” even when knowing quite well. Hill could only mislead.

These two kids lack experience, they’ll understand in the future.

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

”Mage Gilbert, I’m Milarth Wester, responsible for managing the apprentices. Are you available now?

There are some new rules concerning the apprentices that need direct communication with you.”

Preparing Russell’s learning of First-Ring spells, Hill looked outside the door in surprise... His bringing up the issue of learning formal spells to Russell naturally meant he had sorted out the low-ring spells that can be used normally in this world.

From the First to Third Ring, spells are basically indistinguishable as long as the rules are understood. Hill felt he could enjoy a good period of rest before considering the issues above the Fourth Ring.

By then he should be in Sia Tower, with better access to understand how this world’s laws were twisted.

Even if this world eventually breaks free from the Devil’s control, twisted laws won’t easily return to their rightful path... Otherwise, Styx and that Red Dragon wouldn’t look like they’re about to take over this world.

However, regarding spell research in this world, Hill wouldn’t go beyond the Seven Rings... Beyond the Eighth Ring involves contact with the aura of laws, which Hill is reluctant about.

Even if Styx has taken over this world by then, it wouldn’t change anything.

What normal Nature Mage would delve into Necromancy... Saying foolish things like death is also part of nature, studying Life Force means respecting and understanding death, which is one thing, but immersing oneself in death only distorts one’s existence.

”Come in.” Hill waved his hand, and the long-closed Side Tower door finally opened.

Wester eased up with relief.

Ever since Robes Nicholson suddenly returned to hold funerals for his two prized students and never left again, the atmosphere in the Tower of Dark Enigma had been somewhat eerie.

Another Tower Master, Marl Kateman, though returning once, left after a few days. His damages weren’t small, but not as severe as those of Tower Master Nicholson.

Considering the status of several Tower Masters, of course, they’re not required to manage any daily matters, not just in Magic Tower, many of their spell experiments that could have been completed by high-level mages were entrusted to their most trusted students.

Such students are extremely difficult to foster, yet Nicholson lost his two most significant ones.

Wester had heard that the great mistake resulted from these two’s overenthusiastic flattery towards the Sia Tower.

As for Archmage Ruth’s students, the reason for little damage was simply that they never left their teacher’s side, having no interest in the attention from Sia Tower to sweep the plains where there might just be an Iron Dragon.

Whereas Nicholson’s two students even left their teacher behind.

But really, they must have been certain their teacher wouldn’t find their actions wrong due to such trivial matters... Tower Master Nicholson was, after all, a staunch supporter of Sia Tower.

His attitude towards Sia Tower was always... ambiguous.

Sadly, the present results were somewhat unspeakable.

People in the Tower of Dark Enigma could certainly understand Tower Master Nicholson’s frustration, yet they were rather pleased to have a Tower Master residing in the Magic Tower during these risky times.

But who could miss the blatantly cautionary behavior from Archmage Ruth’s students?

Mages are masters at self-deception, never truly foolish.

When matters concern one’s life, even those adept at self-deception would be alert.

Wester was really concerned that Gilbert, having shut himself in his Side Tower since Nicholson’s return, would refuse to open the door for him.

Although in the Magic Tower, his status wasn’t very high, he was actually an Inner Ring Mage, yet ironically, his regular contacts were predominantly outskirts mages and apprentices, which was quite embarrassing at times.

If not for the lucrative nature of this position, why would he persevere until today?

Wester hailed from the lineage of the Katmanta, but everyone knows Katmanta is essentially a family-based legacy... Those students he trusts are either his descendants or married to them.

This period has truly been concerning for Wester about his own safety.