Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Hill contemplated seriously for a while.

He was quite awkward now... If he went out before Prutt was dealt with, it would seem like he was coming out just to share the spoils.

But if he didn’t appear, it wouldn’t quite fit Gilbert’s vengeful nature.

Given the mess Prutt created, it’s understandable to endure for the sake of one’s future, but not appearing to kick a fool when he’s down during the recovery phase’s final stage... Gilbert has merely recovered, he hasn’t changed into another person.

But Hill is someone who detests fools the most and is very unwilling to associate with them.

He was torn for a while when suddenly he remembered something... It seems Gilbert has a teacher.

He plans to let the Hainarson Clan move into the outer area surrounding the Tower of Dark Enigma, although he’s already struck a tacit understanding with Ruth and initially completed negotiations with Aislin... But according to proper etiquette, he should first inform Gilbert’s teacher.

The process seems trivial and bothersome to anyone, appearing as a hassle... But as long as it’s within the Order faction, following the procedure is the correct choice.

Hill loves freedom indeed, but it doesn’t mean he disrespects the order others have worked hard to establish.

The more worlds he traverses, the more he understands; for ordinary people, only by staying aboard a ship with its own order chain that’s constantly advancing can they have their own deck space.

Even when the ship stalls, and that stagnant feeling becomes suffocating, as long as the chain remains, people can always steer towards a direction that makes progress.

Just like this world at present.

It appears lifeless, but it’s not completely devoid of hope.

But absolute freedom, like the kind frogs extol—scarier than the Bottomless Abyss—is nothing short of an apocalypse for ordinary people.

Without power or a chain to attach themselves to, how can ordinary people forge their own path?

Those who manage to find a way, in fact, possess some extraordinary qualities.

If the old Hill adhered to others’ rules and order more due to his upbringing and natural disposition from a past life, the current Hill genuinely respects order itself.

The words may sound odd, but they indeed convey two different sentiments.

Of course, Hill himself cannot be classified within the Order faction... for he respects others’ order, yet he doesn’t wish to be bound by it nor harbors interest in establishing an order of his own.

He listens to what he wishes to hear, sees what he wishes to see, does what he wishes to do... In the end, he can only stand in neutrality.

His travels have truly made no world visited a waste.

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Russell felt at a loss on how to handle the letter in his hand.

Aislin, no, this should be under Archmage Ruth’s directives, issuing a meeting invitation to all legitimate disciples eligible to enter Archmage Ruth’s study.

Russell could not understand why it was addressed to Gilbert, who was supposed to be in seclusion.

He worried if his teacher’s identity was under suspicion... Maybe confirmation was needed, hence the issuance of such a notice.

However, it’s not within his ability to make a decision on this matter.

He stroked the desk before him, sinking into contemplation while seated.

”Why are you daydreaming over there?”

A gentle voice interrupted his thoughts.

”Teacher?” Russell raised his head abruptly.

’Gilbert’ the mage was floating gently before him, his light brown robe fluttering without wind.

”Why have you emerged?” Russell asked with joyful surprise, ”So early... You’ve already...”

”Ah, I was lucky enough to manage my way to the Seven Rings, but Seventh Circle Spells still need some time for me to study.

Not as easy as I thought,” even though Hill was pleased with this child’s sensitivity, he didn’t intend to admit openly.

Some matters, publicly declared and tacitly understood, are fundamentally different.

Russell, of course, couldn’t think of Hill’s real reason for choosing to continue concealing his identity... To him, his teacher was the person in front of him; since the other party didn’t want to clarify, all he needed to do was wait.

Russell believed, there would come a day eventually.

His teacher’s patience isn’t particularly commendable, otherwise, why would he appear nearly three months early?

However, is there an issue with Seventh Circle Spells?

That means the middle-low rank spells have all been mastered, right?

This period, Russell’s main concern was this: Is his teacher’s talent the highest standard outside the world within the Multiverse, or merely an excellent example?

If the former, he can hold some hope that his talent isn’t too bad.

But if merely excellent... Can he even qualify as the outskirts disciple for his teacher?

Russell, as a typical mage from the Magic Tower lineage, truly believes in the notion, ’teachers and students are a mutual selection’ and ’standards being the greatest obstacle.’

A mage who embraces interpersonal dealings inevitably has students of varying quality; regardless of how outstanding he is, students with remarkable talent might not necessarily learn well from him... But it’s mages who don’t meet the standards who can rely on such teachers.

Mages who adhere strictly to standards are really the ones leaving people helpless.

No matter how much he appreciates your character, your conduct, he won’t break his principles for you.

Though his interaction time with his teacher isn’t long, Russell always felt... This ’Gilbert’ is someone with his own pace, difficult to sway.

He might admire Russell, even be willing to teach him... But much depends on Russell’s own ability.

Russell constantly felt he might not meet the standard, but there’s still a chance to strive for outskirts mage qualification... He really desires to be the student of ’Gilbert’s’ true identity, even as just a nominal outskirts student.

Suddenly recalling the letter he received just moments ago, he immediately fetched it with both hands presented: ”Teacher, this is the meeting invitation letter sent by Archmage Aislin.

I was deliberating whether to disturb you.”

Hill waved his hand, and the letter gently floated into his hand, much to Russell’s envious gaze... The metal envelope outside was automatically removed, and the paper unfolded of its own accord.

”No need to envy,” Hill grinned at him: ”When the Hand of the Mage is used to the extent of understanding its essence, it naturally accomplishes this.

Merely having powerful spiritual power isn’t enough; it must also be sufficiently precise.

Usually, you can practice more, remember to maintain a balance in the strength, resilience, sensitivity, and flexibility of your spiritual power.”

Russell earnestly nodded: ”Yes, Teacher.”

Although he consumed most of his energy covering all spells inclusively lately, there’s indeed a bit of spare capacity during rest... For instance, like the teacher, getting accustomed to using Hand of the Mage to fetch books, rather than burdening his hands and feet.

He also understood why the teacher hadn’t said such things before.

His teacher, while teaching with seriousness, occasionally overlooks principles he believes are universally known.

But he somewhat understands his own tendency in this area, so he’s always been urging Russell to ask him questions promptly should any arise.

However, Russell felt he could adapt to this teaching approach fairly well.

Besides, his teacher’s knowledge is truly exceptional; he’s never restricts answers to a single question.

He delves into the source why Russell might question a matter, discussing starting from laws... Though Russell listens with great effort, feeling mentally exhausted, but once he reviews later, it’s genuinely rewarding.

Every word causes his spiritual power to pulse.

When Russell was pondering deeply, Hill, having finished reading the letter, couldn’t help but chuckle: ”This doesn’t seem like it’s the teacher’s intention!

Aislin, what is she planning?”