Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Aislin gave her junior apprentice a sincere smile: ”Even if you give everything, there will always be someone who thinks you’re holding back.

Originally, I couldn’t be bothered with such matters, let those fools think whatever they want.

However, you should know that because of recent apprentice resource reorganizations, some people in the Magic Tower have become restless... Moreover, some seem intent on muddying the waters.

The timely yet seemingly natural appearance of the Hainarson Family has suddenly caused a whirlpool in these murky waters, and even though there are no leads, one can see who is getting pulled in.

Of course, we won’t proactively do anything to harm the Hainarson Family, but... if they themselves decide to abandon their family, then...”

Gilbert glanced at Aislin: ”I will give them a warning, stern and solemn.”

Aislin smiled: ”You should know that human nature does not change under pressure; desire often overwhelms some people’s sensitivity to mortal danger.”

”You still don’t quite understand nobles.” Gilbert chuckled, ”They know what to do.”

Aislin frowned slightly.

This junior apprentice Gilbert is truly hard to fathom.

Of course Aislin knew Gilbert would never turn against her over those who chose to betray their family... though his words were also a warning to her: Gilbert had no interest in dealing with temptations of interests, but was definitely against coercion or Spell control.

Aislin not only couldn’t do it herself, but she also had to prevent others from doing so.

That was originally one of the main conditions Gilbert proposed when handing over the spiritual power training method, and Aislin definitely wouldn’t violate it.

She actually finds Gilbert somewhat intimidating.

Even when this junior apprentice was a heavily injured Level 11 Mage, she didn’t want to cross paths with him, let alone now when he has hope of recovery.

Archmage Ruth once mentioned things related to Gilbert, and Aislin could tell just how extraordinary Gilbert’s talents were.

Aislin is extremely loyal to her teacher, she would never do anything foolish to impact her faction’s future.

So even if she knows Gilbert’s temperament is somewhat unstable and he might be displeased with what she says today, Aislin still proactively brought it up... because it is an unavoidable issue.

The timing of the Hainarson Family’s appearance is perfect, and no one would easily let go.

Even if it’s Archmage Ruth’s family, he would unhesitatingly bet the family on this stake.

Aislin lightly pursed her lips: ”Does one’s origin as a Mage and a noble make a difference in this world?”

”For a Mage, the most important thing is always oneself.”

”Isn’t it the same for nobles?”

”No, nobles always leave a buffer when they bet.”

”One buffer?” Aislin scoffed lightly, ”What’s the use? Isn’t that still an all-in?”

”It’s not for their own survival.” Gilbert said with a smile, ”Though it’s essentially no different from an all-in, those who dare to do this don’t think they’ll lose the bet.

But leaving a buffer is an imprint engraved in the bones of the nobles.

At such times, they are controlled not by reason, but by instinct.

When the time comes, you’ll see.”

Aislin tilted her head: ”What about Ulrich?

What do you plan to do... let him enter the Tower of Dark Enigma?”

”Sia Tower won’t put much value on a Mage who spent decades to level up.” Gilbert smiled slightly, ”For now, keep him in the family, consider those matters after Level 10!”

”He doesn’t seem to have the hope to surpass Intermediate Level, right?” Aislin was taken aback.

Turning to face the rare dumbfounded moment of Aislin, Gilbert asked with surprise: ”Has your Mental Sea also been disturbed?”

Aislin suddenly realized... Gilbert meant not letting Ulrich into the Magic Tower, no matter which one.

Gilbert’s mouth truly makes people uncomfortable!

”When will you recover?” She asked, somewhat pensively, ”Does your student need... help?”

Gilbert looked at her steadily for a moment: ”Aislin, I know you don’t like noble-born Magi, but don’t play games with my people.”

Though Gilbert’s mouth is sharp, he usually speaks in roundabout sarcasm; being so straightforward is actually giving Aislin face, but it’s also the most obvious warning... Gilbert is very resistant to her words.

Aislin understood, if she continued this topic, what awaits could be wrathful sarcasm her Side Tower would not provide any courtesy.

She couldn’t help but sigh: ”I don’t mean that, I know you still have affections for the Hainarson Family, not everyone is disliked.

It’s just... you should understand, I’ve become accustomed to my teacher’s way.

Isn’t it better to test their temperament early?”

Gilbert couldn’t help but roll his eyes: ”How can children have such mature attitudes, before any test shouldn’t they be told what the results of such choices might be?

When they understand nothing, impulsive children might not even think about consequences.

Moreover, the ones giving them things are their teachers, what if it’s a sincere child, a child who doesn’t think his teacher would give him bad things?

Tests are okay, but yours is...”

No wonder this woman is so old yet lacks a capable student, even seeking his students.

Hill kind of feels Aislin is even more extreme than Ruth?

Then he suddenly remembered, during this Female Mage’s youthful and beautiful time, she was subjected to numerous emotional assaults, even nearly falling for traps a few times.

Ruth is suspicious, but Aislin is truly triggering emotionally from deception, so although looking as an elegant woman and dressed to show charm, she actually has some male aversion.

Her students, whether male or female, probably faced numerous tests.

But as Hill said, children’s minds are not mature enough... despite early maturity due to external influences, the reality they face cannot surpass adults, especially in the Mage’s world.

After putting a child on the wrong path despite careful teachings, Hill would surely give up, but... assessing before teaching?

”Only you would do this, so, don’t teach students anymore.” Gilbert softly stated.

Aislin pursed her lips: ”My teacher hasn’t assigned an apprentice in 50 years.”

”Great, you can direct your efforts externally.” Gilbert seriously confirmed... don’t interfere with how he teaches his students.

Then he suddenly realized something: ”Don’t touch Russell and Carpenter’s family.”

Aislin pursed her lips: ”Russell I can agree with, but Carpenter, you’d also manage?”

”Carpenter is... a child with good talents in Illusion Technique.” Gilbert hesitated for two seconds, ultimately answered Aislin’s query regarding Carpenter’s traits... claiming Carpenter’s decent character, good family ties, perhaps her home isn’t too bad?

Aislin wouldn’t care.

Her kindness is solely reserved for her own sect, leaving nothing for outsiders.

Only knowing Ulrich is important to Gilbert does she slowly dither here, otherwise she would’ve already acted.

It appears, Aislin really has a comprehensive plan.

Hill silently glanced at her... if Gilbert doesn’t recover and passes away before Russell matures, the Hainarson Family’s fate would indeed be grim.

Back then, those who schemed against Aislin did so brutally, was a wealthy noble Mage.

She couldn’t control the instinct to be ruthless.

If that happens... even if Russell remains in the Ruth Camp, they’d be left entirely alone?

Even Carpenter likely wouldn’t be preserved.

Then how could he strive for the world’s future?

Not directly joining the embrace of Sia Tower destroying the Tower of Dark Enigma means he still has some humanity... if the Hainarson Family, particularly Carpenter’s demise comes from those recognized by Russell, the child clearly would darken.

Interesting, indeed.

Wait a minute... Asmodeus might be waiting exactly for this result?

A world child that darkens, completely falling to Hell, with the World Will utterly collapsing means he embodies the world itself.

Just as if the Goddess of the Earth of Teraxil were to truly fall, without Hill, Earth Bear could directly determine the world’s fate... Teraxil’s lingering favor would only remain with them, following their choices.

Furthermore, if Russell becomes stronger, even Styx stealing Gilbert’s Soul wouldn’t matter.

Merely allowing a niche for Styx in a Hell-bound world... yet Styx already flows above Hell!