Chapter 88: Chapter 85: The Oppressive Aura of a New Wizard? Sorry, I Didn’t Notice

After Master Mercer announced the end of class, the apprentices began to file out of the classroom.

Allen didn’t move. He was still mulling over his master’s final few words of evaluation.

’My perspective... it’s still too narrow.’

His master had opened his eyes. No matter how smart a person was, there were always blind spots. The industrial mindset from his past life—focused on cost reduction and efficiency—wasn’t entirely applicable in this Extraordinary World of Witchcraft and Magical Beasts.

There would always be a market for Victor’s approach—the "premium route" of pursuing ultimate performance.

’A workshop servant, huh...’

Allen mentally mulled over the "final project" Master Mercer had assigned.

It was a basic Mechanical Body with a single function and a simple structure, its main material being ordinary steel.

They were a common sight in any Wizard Workshop, mainly responsible for menial tasks like hauling heavy objects and cleaning.

Back on the first floor of Draven’s workshop, a few of these Mechanical Bodies had been toiling away tirelessly.

His master’s meaning was clear: once Allen could independently build a satisfactory workshop servant, he would have proven his grasp of the fundamental design and manufacturing of Mechanical Bodies. He could then finish the course early and move on to study the more profound art of Golem creation.

But Allen wasn’t just aiming for a passing grade.

He wanted to use this as a starting point to create a technology platform with potential for upgrades.

It would be both his answer to his master’s assignment and the first "employee" and technical prototype for his future Wizard Workshop.

’As for my other specialized courses, it seems I’ll need to speed up my progress there, too.’

Just as he was planning his studies for the next few weeks, his personal terminal vibrated lightly.

A message popped up. The sender’s name made Allen halt in his tracks.

Draven Craig.

Allen had heard that the man had successfully advanced to a First-level Wizard two days ago, causing a small stir among the new and upper-year apprentices.

’Is he contacting me at a time like this about our business?’

The meeting place was the same as before: Workshop No. 17 in H District.

As Allen approached the familiar workshop gate, he found the place still busy, but the atmosphere was completely different.

The messy piles of materials from before had been replaced by neat shelves, and the acrid smell of potions in the air had faded considerably.

He went up to the second floor and saw Draven already seated in his usual spot by the window.

Draven was a completely different person.

He still had the same pale face and deep-set eyes, but the crazed paranoia of a man pushed to the brink by his research and lack of money was completely gone.

In its place was a new aura—restrained and dangerous.

He was wearing a new black Wizard Robe, its collar and cuffs embroidered with silver thread in the shape of a family crest Allen had never seen before.

He was no longer an ordinary apprentice but an Official Wizard who had crossed the great chasm and truly stepped into the halls of the extraordinary.

"Sit."

Draven tilted his chin up, his voice much deeper than before, laced with a calm, condescending air.

On the table before him sat a cup of black tea, from which a mist of Magic Power swirled.

Allen sat down calmly, and an attendant apprentice immediately brought him the same drink.

"Congratulations, Wizard Draven."

Allen raised his teacup, his tone as casual as if he were commenting, "Nice weather we’re having."

The corner of Draven’s eye twitched. He was clearly surprised by Allen’s unruffled demeanor.

’This kid shows no reaction at all to me becoming an Official Wizard?’

He had expected the boy to show some awe for his new status.

"Let’s skip the pleasantries."

Draven didn’t dwell on such a trivial matter and got straight to the point.

"I’ve called you here to inform you of something. I’ll be leaving the Black Tower soon to serve the Ironthorn Clan."

"The Ironthorn Clan?" Allen quickly searched the name on DSeek but found nothing.

"A Wizard Clan with a long history."

Draven’s voice held a trace of unconcealed pride.

"They were my patrons while I was a student. Now that I’ve proven my worth, the clan will provide me with a fully equipped, medium-sized Wizard Workshop and all the resources I need for my future cultivation, allowing me to continue my research. It’s an offer I can’t refuse."

"That’s good for you."

"Of course, it is." Draven steepled his fingers on the table and leaned forward slightly.

The oppressive aura of a First-level Wizard’s Magic Power emanated from him, making the air feel thick.

"The income from the Apprentice Mutual Aid Group is pocket change now. However..."

He stared at Allen. "Even the meat on a mosquito’s leg is still meat. And this business can be expanded."

"So, what’s your proposal?"

"Simple."

Draven took out a new Magic Contract and pushed it in front of Allen.

"The business will continue, and we’ll expand it. We can increase the number of spots in the mutual aid group to two hundred, maybe even three hundred. I’ll handle any external pressure."

"And the profit split?" Allen’s eyes swept over the contract.

"You get two, I get eight," Draven said.

"You just need to keep providing your ’diagnostics.’ I’ll rent a separate venue, and I’ll cover the cost."

Allen’s fingertips brushed across the smooth surface of the contract. He understood that Draven wanted a profit margin that matched his new status.

Allen knew full well that as the scale expanded, the effort required of him would multiply, but he could continue to outsource the work.

Of course, as the pie grew bigger, so would his earnings. For Allen, who was already feeling the immense costs of being an Alchemy Apprentice, it was a welcome supplement to his income.

Allen was silent for a moment before looking up.

"Alright."

A satisfied smile appeared on Draven’s face. Just as he was about to speak, Allen continued.

"But I have a condition."

"What condition?"

"I want copies of the Ironthorn Clan’s blueprints, technical data, and research notes on ’Mechanical Bodies’," Allen said bluntly.

Draven was stunned. He hadn’t expected Allen to make such a demand.

"Are you kidding? That’s a core secret of a Wizard Clan!"

"Not all of it. Just the apprentice-level materials."

Allen added, "To the Ironthorn Clan you serve, it’s just some outdated, basic information. I just need some extra knowledge beyond the textbooks for reference."

Draven thought for a few seconds, then relented.

"Fine. I agree."

They signed the new contract.

Then, Draven called over an apprentice. It was Roy, the same one who previously couldn’t even form a stable Wizard’s Hand.

The Roy of today, though still thin, had bright eyes and was full of vigor.

Thanks to Allen’s guidance, his studies were back on track. With Draven’s support, he had even caught up to a normal learning pace.

"I’ll be leaving for my clan’s territory in a few days. From now on, Roy will be my agent at the academy, responsible for the daily operations of the mutual aid group."

Draven explained.

"I’ll also maintain some of my connections through him. This will ensure the business can run for at least a few more years."

He stood up, walked over to Allen, and gave him one last look.

"You’re part of the alchemy school now, too. Remember, knowledge is important, but Magic Stones are just as crucial. Without enough ’fuel,’ even the most brilliant idea is just a piece of scrap paper."

"I look forward to the day you become a First-level Wizard."

"I hope that when that time comes, there will still be opportunities for us to work together."

With that, Draven Craig, the newly advanced First-level Wizard, turned and left without a backward glance.