"I’ll choose this type of mission!"

Ian pointed at the mission list and said to Kenna, "Going to the front-line logistics department. I can make use of my specialization in Magic Potions, and it won’t be overly dangerous."

Kenna and the others were a bit surprised. They thought Ian would take the safest mission: a Refining task in the rear.

"Ian, it’s very dangerous there. You could be attacked at any time," Robert reminded him.

"I know." Ian nodded. "But where isn’t it dangerous? Once the war starts, is the rear really going to be safe?"

A Deep Red Royal Court infiltration squad had attacked the vicinity just today!

"Besides, I need Contribution Points. I need to get stronger, fast."

Ian paused, then looked at the four of them. "What about you? What are your plans?"

Kenna gave a bitter smile. "People like us, without any special Skills, will most likely be assigned to a patrol team or stationed at a resource point. But..."

He looked at Ian, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "If we were a little stronger, maybe we could fight for better missions, or... have a better chance of survival."

The initial stubbornness had vanished from the once-righteous Knight’s eyes.

With a great war looming, a little dignity could be sacrificed for a chance to get stronger and survive.

Ian understood what he meant. He turned, walked into the room, took out the exquisite wooden box he had bought from Alevia, and opened it.

Four Potions, as dark as ink and seemingly capable of absorbing light, appeared before them.

"Water of Serenity, a Neutralizing Potion." Ian pushed the wooden box to the center of the table.

"One bottle costs 500 Magic Stones on the market. I have four here."

The breathing of Kenna and the other three instantly grew heavy, their eyes fixed on the four Potions.

After they got the Rock Bear Potion yesterday, amidst their excitement, their biggest problem was this expensive Neutralizing Potion.

Magic Stones! To them, it was an astronomical sum.

"Ian, this..." Kenna’s voice was a little hoarse.

Ian understood their predicament. The High Level Apprentice he had killed before only had 300 Magic Stones on him.

"I can lend them to you for now," Ian said calmly.

"But you’ll need to repay the Magic Stones slowly with your mission rewards during the upcoming war. Of course, if you feel the burden is too great, you can choose not to take the Potion for now."

"We’ll borrow them! We’ll borrow them!"

Wade practically roared. Robert and Monica also nodded frantically.

The great war was upon them. Every bit stronger they got was another bit of a chance to survive.

’In debt? You have to be alive to repay a debt!’

Kenna took a deep breath and nodded heavily. "Ian, we’ll remember this favor. The Magic Stones, we will definitely pay them back!"

"Alright." Ian handed each of them a vial of Water of Serenity.

"Now, take them right here."

The four of them didn’t hesitate, each drinking their Water of Serenity.

Half an hour later, the Potion took effect. A deep, tranquil aura enveloped them, soothing the agitation in their hearts.

Next, they took out the Strong Effect Rock Bear Potion Ian had given them and tilted their heads back to drink it.

"Urgh..."

Low, muffled grunts echoed in the room.

Kenna’s muscles bulged all over his body, veins popping out. His already tall frame seemed to swell by a size.

Faint, rock-like patterns flickered beneath his skin. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles let out a series of cracks like popping beans. A sharp light glinted in his eyes, and his aura was more than twice as strong as before!

Wade’s transformation was the most obvious. He was already brawny, and now his body swelled again, his Leather Armor bursting apart layer by layer.

The veins on his bare arms snaked like coiling dragons, filled with a sense of explosive power.

Robert’s change was more reserved, but his gaze grew sharper, and a faint heat rose from his body.

It was a sign of resonance between his primary Fire Magic Power and his enhanced Physique.

He felt that his control over fire had become a bit smoother.

Monica’s change was the mildest, but her once somewhat pale complexion became rosy, her breath grew deep and steady, and her Life Energy was clearly much more vigorous.

She was delighted to find that when she used Healing Witchcraft, the cost seemed to have decreased while the effect had strengthened.

"This feeling! It’s amazing!" Wade exclaimed, swinging his arms excitedly.

"I feel like I could kill a Rock Armor Demon Bear with a single punch right now!"

Kenna carefully savored the Power surging through his body and bowed solemnly to Ian.

"Ian, thank you. If there’s ever anything you need from us in the future, just ask!"

Robert and Monica also thanked him solemnly, their eyes filled with gratitude and warmth.

Before, their relationship with Ian was a partnership, with some consideration for mutual benefit.

But now, Ian had lent them these precious Potions, and this trust and generosity had completely won their hearts.

Ian helped Kenna up and smiled. "We’re partners, after all. It’s only right that we support each other."

"Next, you all should get used to your new Power as quickly as possible. Then, go and see if there are any missions suitable for us to take on together."

"Alright!" the four of them replied in unison. "We’re also looking forward to fighting alongside you."

They now saw Ian as their new team leader.

After seeing Kenna and the others off, Ian stood alone by the window, gazing at the gloomy sky.

Shadow Moon Tower stipulated that all Apprentices must accept a mission from the academy within three days, gather in the mission area, and then head to their assigned location.

The wheels of war were already turning, and no one could stay out of it.

But he was no longer the Middle Level Apprentice who had hidden in the Magic Pharmacy for shelter two months ago.

Limit-Breaking Witchcraft, a powerful Physique, and allies who were growing stronger.

And... the front lines he was about to step onto, a place where danger and opportunity coexisted.

"Deep Red Royal Court..." Ian muttered the name.

There was not a trace of fear in his eyes, only calm calculation and a faint hint of anticipation.

He began to quietly pack his things, sorting his Potions bottle by bottle.

Finally, seeing a stack of letters from home on his bedside table, he took up a pen and wrote a letter to send back, letting them know he was safe and that he would be traveling for a while, so they needn’t write back.

...

As evening fell, he looked around the familiar yet empty room, his mind at peace.

’I wonder if Malena will be able to avoid this war.’

After class yesterday, he had hinted that he wanted to visit Malena, but Alevia had refused.

It was just that in the short span of two months, it would be very difficult for Malena to condense her Spiritual Power to the point of Perfection.

’Oh well, no point thinking about it. That’s something for Teacher Alevia to worry about.’

’Teacher? Heh heh!’ Ian suddenly recalled something, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Alevia had never, in public or in private, acknowledged him as her student.

’Still, since Alevia herself hasn’t stopped me from calling her that, maybe... she’s tacitly accepted it?’

Ian stepped out the door, heading off to say his final goodbyes to Clayton and the others.

"What?" Ian had just reached the front hall when he was stunned by Clayton’s news.

Alevia’s most prized student, Aisling Moon Shadow, had successfully broken through and become an Official Wizard!

A faint unease stirred in his heart. ’Malena and Aisling’s relationship is not good at all!’

’Could this affect her state of mind during her breakthrough?’

’Or even...’