Surviving The Fourth Calamity

West certainly wouldn’t think his son has the capability and skills to earn Carpenter’s favor.

He still has many expectations for his son. Although he’s accustomed to enjoying a lackluster life, he doesn’t wish for his own son to be like him... at least he should try climbing the ladder, just in case he makes it.

West actually made an effort to climb that mountain; he just realized he wasn’t meant to.

Since he has placed such high hopes on this child, West would definitely not allow his son to face any life-threatening danger.

Those with a bit of wit at the Tower of Dark Enigma can sense that Gilbert still has quite a bit of confidence in his future.

This means that even if he cannot fully recover, he can at least endure for another twenty to thirty years during which the talented Russell will undoubtedly become an official mage.

So in the eyes of some young male mages, Carpenter is indeed quite a catch.

Since people have eyes, anyone who dares express pursuit would naturally have a different status; they are either impressive official mages or backed by a high-level entity.

Such people wouldn’t allow a young man with nothing but a pretty face to compete with them.

Even though some Tower Masters have recently placed importance on apprentice safety, none would speak for a sacrificial lamb in this matter... in the mage’s world, dying without understanding one’s imminent situation is dying in vain.

West would never send his son to die... sending a less talented son on an adventure might not be out of the question, but presenting such a child to Carpenter, he’d surely be dead.

The reason he pays attention to Carpenter is that he vaguely heard that this girl has a little sister with mage aptitude?

West isn’t without younger sons either.

Alternatively, if his eldest son cannot become an official mage within five years... indeed, some have lasted ten years at high-level apprentice stages due to specific circumstances and still walked steadily on the path of a mage, but most follow the usual rules.

Even someone with less talent like him became a level 1 mage before reaching the age of twenty.

If fate truly turns unlucky, then considering a marriage alliance with the Hainarson Clan isn’t out of the question.

West glanced again at Carpenter, which was immediately noticed by the perceptive Russell.

Noticing the slightly displeased gaze, West promptly looked down at the supplies held in those two pairs of hands, internally praising the child’s talent... He’s still a level 11 mage, and when one doesn’t wish for his gaze to be detected, normally apprentices cannot sense it.

Yet this child can even perceive him observing those around him.

West intentionally avoided placing his gaze on him.

”Alright.” His smile became even gentler, ”Thank you both; my work here is done.”

West then ceremoniously took out a notebook from the storage ring and ticked off two items.

Only then did he turn to Hill, who was watching thoughtfully, ”Mage Gilbert, then I shall take my leave?”

”Don’t say unnecessary things.”

Gilbert’s gentle warning made West jolt: ”Of course, of course, I’m very aware of the purpose of my visit. Rest assured, I absolutely do not wish for another enemy like you!

I can swear.”

”That’s unnecessary.” Hilbert chuckled, ”Some people genuinely want to know, and your useless vows won’t stop them... You just need to know that, the moment you say certain things, you’re inviting me to act personally.

You can convey my words to anyone who asks; I don’t mind finding them one by one.”

”Rest assured!” West’s tone was exceptionally firm, ”Unless personally summoned by the Tower Master, I will inspect all the side towers before meeting outsiders.”

Hill waved his hand, and the door opened on cue, ”As you please.”

West quickly turned and left, his steps even a bit unsteady.

”Teacher, did I do anything wrong?” Russell hesitantly asked after exchanging looks with his sister and stowing away the items in the ring.

”It’s not your fault.” Hill said smoothly, ”West frequently interacts with apprentices and can sense your exceptional talent.”

Russell couldn’t help but blink: ”Me? Teacher, are you serious?”

”These mages of the Tower of Dark Enigma no longer truly understand what talent is.

Ha~

Although you can’t compare to true Great Talents, within the Tower of Dark Enigma, you are still considered a distinguished talent that hasn’t appeared for decades.”

Russell finally felt reassured: ”I knew it, at least there’s quite a gap between me and the teacher.”

Hill tilted his face upward in thought: Russell and Gilbert, they’re somewhat comparable... right?

But if not factoring in the defense system’s talent, then Russell indeed doesn’t match Gilbert.

Hill answered seriously: ”You’re simply a bit imbalanced in your studies, so you must exert more effort!”

Russell nodded earnestly: ”I will!”

Carpenter looked around: ”Then... uh... teacher...

Will my brother encounter any danger for exposing his talent?”

”Ah~ it’s fine. I just find West’s eyes annoying and intentionally scared him.” Hill slowly sat up and spoke.

”Um... huh?” Carpenter opened her mouth in surprise.

”That guy probably started plotting something against the Hainarson Clan upon seeing your rings, and also contemplated matters involving me.” Hill glanced at her, ”West kept watching you, didn’t you feel it?

If you want your illusions to be flawless, you must be particularly sensitive to the atmosphere and emotional changes around you.

Being oblivious to others watching you won’t do.

Add another hour to your daily meditation.”

”Yes, teacher.” Carpenter quickly replied, then retreated to stand behind Russell with a bitter expression.

”Teacher, are you alright?” Russell looked at him with concern.

This time Hill was genuinely surprised.

He always thought Russell’s emotional intelligence was slightly poorer than Carpenter’s... yet the boy quickly grasped the reason behind Hill’s actions!

Though this was merely a performance for authenticity, those lacking enough shrewdness couldn’t guess his intentions.

No choice, he must ensure Gilbert advances to level 12 before entering the Sia Tower.

That requires most to suspect he plans to gamble his life by taking medicine to repair his mental sea.

The Iron Dragon rampaging everywhere has complicated the Magic Tower’s environment, making Gilbert’s choice to advance now slightly reckless, yet somewhat justifiable.

Once Russell advances to level 1, it’ll be the prime time, and indeed, the child is near that advancement point.

However, Gilbert consistently executes plans discreetly; he’d never allow those outside to predict his intentions!

He wouldn’t even notify Ruth regarding risky matters.

Luckily, West emerged, with genuinely decent observational skills.

A timely opportunity should never be wasted, right?

Hill looked at Russell: ”Do you understand your mistake today?”

”Even upon detecting others’ scrutiny, when weaker than them, there’s no need to show it.” Russell quickly replied, ”Even with the teacher as a backup, that isn’t my strength or assurance against being ambushed.”

”Very good.” Hill nodded, as a book flew out of the library, ”This is the life philosophy of the Archmage who established the Tower of Dark Enigma... during a time of greater mage power, he built the tower unimpeded, closely tied to his conduct style.

The Tower of Dark Enigma will likely enter the Sia Tower soon; your future requires some philosophical guidance.

However, this type of book needn’t be memorized, so return and transcribe it twice!”

Then he turned to Carpenter, who was chuckling, ”Carpenter, who noticed absolutely nothing, must transcribe it five times.”

Carpenter’s expression rapidly dropped; even her brother’s back couldn’t shield her this time.

Both children understood this was a punishment for their lack of caution... Books filled with text, once transcribed even once by those with decent spiritual power are unforgettable.

Watching the two dejected figures leave, Hill’s fingers danced softly and silently on the table: Kamente Tower?

The Tower of Dark Enigma’s downfall doesn’t seem entirely due to bad luck!