Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Carpenter bowed her head, slowly chewing over the deeper meaning in her teacher’s words.

She knew, of course, that during the early days of the Magic Tower’s construction, Master Gilbert couldn’t ensure his privacy from being spied upon. Therefore, when he spoke, he often mentioned only the most superficial layer, leaving the rest to their own thoughts.

For things she couldn’t figure out now, one day when the teacher began to discuss information that outsiders shouldn’t know, she could bring it up for questioning... but Carpenter was never the type to wait for others to clear up her confusion.

Even if she guessed wrong, she couldn’t avoid thinking for herself.

This was the most important experience she’d learned after being with Gilbert for so long... Of course, her confidence was also because Gilbert truly gave them the foundation for their self-assurance.

Gilbert would point out where they were wrong, but never would he criticize or reprimand them. He would even praise some of their divergent thoughts... Even if he would explain why the angle of divergence was incorrect, he would never say something like ’stop making idle guesses’ or ’just follow the rules,’ which would deter them in the future from freely thinking.

Therefore, Carpenter and Russell, although they made numerous mistakes, their growth was also visible to the naked eye.

Independent thinking is the hallmark of a mature person, not how much housework they can do or how perfectly they complete their assignments... This was something Hill was taught from a young age, and he passed on this teaching method to his students.

Actually, before, Alice and Agleya, and even a little of Little Golden Dragon Taili, Hill taught them in this way.

However, these three have their own legacies, so Hill could only lead by example and inspire rather than, like with Carpenter and Russell, completely instill his ideas into them.

It was during this time that Hill truly understood why Fran and Adrian valued their students so much... Seeing newcomers walk the path one had traveled, bit by bit becoming shaped under one’s careful guidance, truly gives a unique sense of accomplishment.

Of course, it also requires that these two children to truly be like precious jade waiting to be formed.

Although Hill didn’t teach them his true legacy, the effort he put in was not any less. At the very least, he was much more meticulous than Mages of this world when guiding students.

After all, in this world, Hill really couldn’t do anything... In that previous world, so secluded, he received messages from ancient times, consuming vast amounts of time in alchemical production.

But here, in truth, Hill didn’t dare do anything himself. One important reason he assigned the task of trading with other Mage Towers to Russell was that he genuinely didn’t want to personally choose what to trade with others.

Even if his luck in this world wasn’t so great, a couple occasions would likely make him a standout in Sia Tower.

Hill had pondered over making his Magic Tower more secure and hidden... yet not only resources but also a vast amount of time were needed.

Considering Gilbert’s capabilities, wanting to intricately carve Magic Arrays on both the inner and outer walls would take at least ten years.

He could only proceed slowly.

Although, Hill would never refrain from doing something because it might not be needed... yet he wouldn’t change his predetermined goals out of some momentary anxiety.

This had nothing to do with whether he would be exposed.

Rather, Hill learned early on never to feel that when his energy was abundant to spare, he should accelerate his responsible task.

Once the schedule was set, it absolutely couldn’t be changed.

If you impulsively adjust the timetable even if it seems beneficial, eventually it can become a catastrophe.

If you can alter it for better, you can alter it for worse.

And people... when unbound by rules, it’s always easier to become worse than better.

Inertia will always overpower enthusiasm by hundreds of times, coming unawares, the sound of collapse would only then awaken you.

Lessons are profound, eternally etched in memory.

So, having settled on at least accepting Russell as a registered apprentice, Hill spent most of the time after completing his daily tasks teaching them once the schedule was set.

Then he deeply understood why Fran liked Adrian so much.

Once you include someone within your domain, they tend to become more pleasing in your eyes... If they emulate your actions and remember you, there’s no need to mention!

So now Hill... if not for Russell’s special status, if not for the decision he had already made, he probably would have chosen to package everything directly.

Still with a bit of regret, Hill sighed, watching Carpenter return to her small space lost in thought... Currently, aside from the three of their bedrooms providing absolute safety, the other is Hill’s small study: the place hiding the Magic Tower’s core.

Then there’s the Defensive Magic Array in the reception hall—although not comprehensive, unless it’s some particularly powerful and adept Ninth Ring Mage, it’s not so easy to perceive the activities here.

Even when communicating with others, Hill speaks cautiously; he has no interest in letting just anyone know his business.

Therefore, Carpenter and Russell, unless meditating or dealing with some private matters, stay in that slightly secluded space behind the platform when learning magic and alchemy.

This also allows them to quickly ask questions to the teacher who is scribbling away on the platform... Hillbert occasionally finds a bit of inspiration when carving the Defensive Magic Array.

Though this is a surface layer in his plan, this complete self-binding on some lower level, like practicing within a snail shell, actually provided him with some interesting inspiration.

This is not the same as the imposition experienced in Aesces due to level suppression... Hill must consider what limits the person he impersonates is subjected to.

Many designs look promising, but Gilbert cannot complete them due to his capability... Even if the materials used are of higher level than in Aesces.

While at Aesces, Hill used such refined craftsmanship and profound knowledge that people here absolutely cannot conceive of them.

Though Gilbert has a good background, a sharp mind, and a creative thinking, it’s still not enough.

Hill can only expand on existing things and not choose another path.

Initially it was difficult, Hill’s alchemical talents and passion often led him to think of more interesting and unique methods.

However, after forcing himself back on track, he suddenly found a trace of past wisdom... Isn’t it about finding a construction plan that looks identical but essentially is a layout for another building on a foolish architect’s idiotic blueprint!

Though later his important work made most architects practical, he also studied with his teacher those famous idiotic blueprints that turned into realistically usable plans.

Indeed, humans need to find their original intention... Once found, excitement will invigorate you hundredfold.

Hill has been quite enjoying himself lately.

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Though not achieving a better result, Koyl was still satisfied, at least his minimum goal was realized.

Achieving passing marks from Gilbert was already something beyond many people’s dreams.

Yet Koyl’s happiness was short-lived... he was faced with a major problem.

”Koyl, is it?” Miss Aislin descended from above, landing in front of him, ”Why did you go to Gilbert?”

Koyl cautiously took a step back, then looked around, confirming his location was within the surveillance scope of Ruth’s Great Magic Tower before answering calmly, ”Gilbert and I, have always been quite familiar.”

”Are you joking?” Aislin scornfully glanced at him, ”You?”

Koyl pondered over her tone, confirming the disdain was directed at him... She seemed to believe someone like Gilbert, a genius, would never bother with a waste like him.

Though being despised felt uncomfortable, Koyl was long accustomed to Aislin’s attitude of belittling everyone... Of course, he used to be quite contemptuous; Aislin’s talents didn’t seem much better, relying solely on longevity and flattery.

But now, his attitude towards Aislin was to maintain respectful distance: his teacher placed her boldly beside Ruth, yet continues treating her well as before... Whatever lies within this situation, Koyl didn’t dare imagine.

Anyway, based on his understanding of Ruth, even if enduring humiliation, he absolutely wouldn’t easily accept such public disgrace.

Therefore, facing Aislin’s proud yet disdainful expression, Koyl maintained a gentle smile.

It was Aislin instead who felt slightly surprised: Koyl seemed no longer so fearful of her.

She certainly wouldn’t do anything publicly to Koyl, freshly promoted by Ruth, even if ’Aislin’ came out, she wouldn’t embarrass Ruth so openly.

But if previously, such figures like Koyl, facing her, would unhesitatingly speak the truth... as long as she wasn’t asking about their own secrets.

After all, as one of the controllers of the Ruth Faction, informing her didn’t count as betrayal... At least publicly, she has that managerial qualification over her younger siblings.

Aislin rushed over to find Koyl, plainly not for the temporarily ceasing war Gilbert, but to establish her authority over Koyl.

Unexpectedly, she failed in that regard?

Indeed, seemingly people the teacher takes interest in have some virtues?