Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 1374: Section 1375 Convenience and Obligation

“It seems you’re doing quite well; I worried for nothing,” a familiar sound suddenly reached his ears as Angel left the council hall.

It was Sanders’ voice.

Angel, following the energy wave that carried the sound, merged his own voice into it.

While Angel and Sanders communicated through the Spell of Whispering, Muse and Midora, who were walking ahead, seemed to notice something. They glanced back at Angel without saying much, but their pace slowed slightly.

“I’m on my way to the Development Academy now and will return after I finish there. By the way, does the mentor know about my brother’s situation?”

“Lyon came earlier to pick up his belongings; he and your friend Nausicaa have already left,”

Sanders continued to discuss some matters with Angel until Angel reached the entrance of the Development Academy. He then said, “The academy has a shielding field; we’ll talk about other things when you return.”

With those words, Sanders severed the Spell of Whispering.

Angel also timely entered the Development Academy.

As before, they followed the “Z”-shaped cliff path, extending all the way to the pinnacle hall of the Fantasy Mechanical City.

Muse handed an access card to a mechanical puppet, instructing it to input new information.

Afterward, Muse and Midora sat down and continued the earlier, unfinished exchange with Angel.

This time, the exchange did not last long and merely concluded some of the previous topics. When they had almost finished recounting, Muse eagerly went to validate the experiment.

In the end, only Midora and Angel were left looking at each other.

“Since Muse is busy, I’ll tell you about some rules of the Development Academy,” Midora mused.

With Midora’s explanations, Angel gradually understood the Development Academy better. It might appear as a sacred institution from the outside, but that sanctity was subjective. It was, without a doubt, the most loosely managed institution Angel had ever heard of.

There were many benefits to be gained in the Development Academy, such as knowledge exchange with peer alchemists, deepening discussions on alchemy topics, nearly unlimited supply of ordinary materials, priority purchase rights for prized materials, and even the option to exchange points for special materials … and so on.

There were hardly any special obligations, except for two, which might be considered somewhat mandatory.

First, teaching the alchemists remaining in Machinery City, and earning points for it, which could be exchanged for many things.

Second, and most dreaded by all members, was taking a turn holding the fort at the Development Academy!

The head of the Development Academy was irreplacable and that was Muse. However, holding the fort did not always fall to Muse, as the duty rotated among members.

Holding the fort could be understood as serving as a proxy dean. When acting as the proxy dean, one’s authority could greatly increase, which might seem tempting, but came with significant responsibilities.

The most troublesome aspect for members was spending a lot of time on tedious yet necessary tasks.

For instance, negotiating with other organizations on behalf of the Development Academy, arranging the Academy’s work schedules, defining projects, publishing works, and following up … and so forth.

Such tasks were burdensome for the proxy dean.

An alchemist’s lifestyle could be summarized as “homebound and free.”

Either they were homebodies like Muse or lovers of freedom like Gandolf.

Muse spent years holed up in the Development Academy researching alchemy, barely stepping outside, therefore he left all matters of the Sky Mechanical City to Rosen, and only took responsibility for producing alchemy results.

Gandolf, known as the “Holy Light Walker,” elucidated his lifestyle through that very title: wandering the worlds year-round, seeking inspiration on his journeys.

Muse and Gandolf represented two attitudes among alchemists, and whether it be one or the other, both were contrary to sitting in the Development Academy dealing with a variety of chores.

So, the members of the Development Academy were either like Muse or like Gandolf.

Therefore, almost everyone disliked holding the fort at the Development Academy.

It was only when their turn arrived that they would reluctantly show up.

Of course, whether it’s teaching or holding the fort at the Development Academy, you can choose not to participate. Just like many members who haven’t visited the Development Academy for over a thousand years and still face no punishment. However, correspondingly, you will not receive any benefits.

If you are only interested in the conveniences of the research institute and are unwilling to contribute, that’s possible; however, such an attitude will naturally displease other members. You will find yourself increasingly marginalized and without any members willing to exchange alchemy knowledge with you.

“So you mean to say, if I join the research institute, will I also be assigned to be stationed there?” After listening, Angel couldn’t help but ask.

“Not currently, as being stationed at the research institute requires a basic assessment that covers many aspects. I estimate that there won’t be any arrangements made for you in the short term. However, in the future, if you continue enjoying the conveniences of the research institute and pass the evaluation, then you will certainly be assigned to be stationed there,” Midora paused before continuing, “Although you won’t be stationed now, if you have some free time, you might consider teaching a few classes in Sky Mechanical City. Some alchemists may not have the skills yet, but their ideas could provide you with significant inspiration. Plus, the points you earn from teaching can be very useful. You can go ask Antonio for more details later.”

Angel nodded in understanding, “As for teaching, I’ve never done it before, and I’m not sure that I can.”

“Nail Granny once talked to me about your visit to her alchemy shop, where apprentices were eager to become your assistant. Essentially, teaching a class and mentoring an apprentice are similar. Whether they understand or not is their concern and has nothing to do with you,” Midora smiled, “And given your current popularity, if you start teaching, I bet people would want to listen regardless of whether it’s Metallography, Potionology, or even some more specialized alchemy schools.”

“Teaching classes now would mean either teaching or being a spectacle,” Angel shivered at the thought.

“It doesn’t matter; the more people there are, the more points you earn,” Midora said, unconcerned about being spectated.

Angel shook his head, “Forget it, I won’t start teaching for now. Plus, I won’t be conducting any experiments soon since I have more important matters to address.”

Whether it’s Jon’s affairs, Toby’s situation, or his own advancement, he needs to prioritize these first. Other matters, such as teaching classes or engaging in exchanges at the research institute, are secondary.

Midora nodded; Sanders had recently approached him and mentioned some issues, so he was aware of Angel’s current circumstances.

“Regardless, it’s a very happy occasion for you to join the research institute.”

Midora’s words marked a pause in the conversation. However, since Angel hadn’t yet received his access card, he brought up something that had puzzled him during the witness ceremony.

“The lady, Portia, seated next to me earlier, her name sounded familiar. Who exactly is she?” Angel asked.

“It’s normal for you to find the name Portia familiar. Do you know the Suya Equilibrium Formula?”

Angel was startled for a moment and then realized, “Portia’s Triangular Harmony Structure!”

“Yes, it’s an alchemic Magic Energy Formula that fixes a flaw in the Suya Equilibrium Formula, and it was discovered and named by Portia herself,” Midora said with emotion, “Portia is a brilliant alchemist. Nail Granny even said that besides Muse, she might be the person in the research institute closest to touching the divine domain.”

“But now, you’ve surpassed her,” Midora said with a laugh.

Angel hadn’t expected Portia to modify such a fundamental alchemy formula and succeed at it. Indeed, the members of the research institute should not be underestimated.

Then, Midora went on to speak with Angel about the members they had seen in the conference room.

Overall, these members were of the neutral faction and relatively moderate. None of the radical members, like Dong La, had come this time… By the way, speaking of which, the pool filled with special reactive liquid that Angel saw in Fantasy Mechanical City did indeed belong to Dong La.

Midora specifically mentioned Magnus Tong.

“Don’t be too hard on Magnus Tong. He isn’t really part of the radical faction either,” Midora sighed, “It’s just that your current position is somewhat unclear, and he has to act accordingly.”

Whether Midora’s attempt to smooth things over was effective or not, he couldn’t say.

Because he also didn’t know whether Angel’s relationship with Frostmoon would improve or continue to be ambiguous, or even grow into outright hostility and conflict.

As their conversation was wrapping up, Antonio, aglow with a pale blue light, approached from a distance.

Antonio looked at Angel and handed over the access card, “The information has been saved inside it, and from now on, it will belong exclusively to Mr. Pat. This card can also serve as your identity card in Sky Mechanical City.”

Angel nodded and accepted it.

Midora had mentioned before that this access card was very important, not only for use within the research institute, but also for ease of access to other facilities in Sky Mechanical City, and even for entry into the Endless Corridor.

Indeed, the ongoing New Star competition awards access to the Endless Corridor as one of its prizes.

After handing the access card to Angel, Antonio continued, “However, there are some details that have not been finalized, such as Mr. Pat’s title. There are so many names circulating, we weren’t sure which to use, so we’ve left it blank for now. If you wish to register a title, you can find me anytime.”

At this point, Midora also said, “Speaking of which, I’m curious what title you plan to use?”

Angel had thought about the matter of his formal title, and while he had some ideas, he hadn’t made a decision.

Assuming Angel hadn’t decided yet, Midora advised, “A title is just a nickname, after all. The meaning behind a name is subtle, so having a title as a buffer seems more appropriate. There’s no rush; many don’t have a moniker until they become Official Wizards, so it’s entirely up to you.”

Angel nodded, “When I have an idea about the title, I will let Antonio know immediately.”