“Lynn Kent… scheduled consultation regarding mana supply. May I ask what issue you’ve encountered?”

At the Mana Supply Management Office, the duty officer, a First-Rank Silver-Thorn Apprentice, asked Lynn respectfully.

“It’s like this. Back when I worked at the Security Office, I received a reward that was supposed to increase the concentration of my mana supply for the next two years.

“But at that time, I was still only a Second-Rank Apprentice, and not yet a Gold-Thorn Apprentice.

“So I’d like to ask, does this reward remain valid now?”

Lynn explained carefully as he handed over the reward certificate.

The apprentice on duty accepted the certificate, asked a few follow-up questions, and finally understood the situation.

It was an unusual case, and he hesitated.

“Lord Lynn, I don’t have the authority to decide this. I’ll need to report it to Lord Ferguson.”

“I understand,” Lynn replied with a nod.

The apprentice added, “Once I receive a response, I’ll notify you immediately.”

“Thank you. I’ll leave it in your hands,” Lynn said politely, before turning and leaving the office.

The Gold-Thorn Selection had ended two days earlier, and the ceremony officially conferring the title had concluded just yesterday.

Today was July 1st. With the departure for Silver Ring Academy drawing near and with the Gold-Thorn Apprentice system only just established, the school had not scheduled much for them.

According to the announcements from the day before, during this one month before heading to Silver Ring Academy on August 1st, Gold-Thorns had only two compulsory classes and one mandatory mission.

The timing of the mandatory mission varied for each apprentice.

As for the Gold-Thorn compulsory courses, they were set for the last week on Monday and Friday.

Which meant that until the mission was assigned and the courses began, the apprentices were largely free to arrange their own time.

Lynn planned to handle administrative matters like today’s consultation and to take on school-issued tasks to earn contribution points.

After all, there’s only one month before heading to Silver Ring Academy… my strength is still far too lacking. I must redeem the Golden Mist Phantom as soon as possible.

With that thought, Lynn quickened his pace. Before long, he arrived at his next destination.

The School Mission Hall.

Having advanced to First-Rank, Lynn had been frequenting the hall to accumulate contribution points for the Golden Mist Phantom. By now, he was familiar with the process.

Standing before the crystal console, he skillfully filtered through the available missions while calculating silently in his mind:

*There’s only one month left before the Academy. At present, I have 295 contribution points. I still need 55 more to exchange for the Golden Mist Phantom.

*At my usual pace, I’d need about eight to twelve short-term missions to cover the difference.

*If I assume two days per mission, that’s about half a month. But in reality, most short-term missions take at least three days.

If I calculate by three days each, then the time won’t be enough… especially since I still have two compulsory classes and July’s mandatory mission… time is very tight.

Just then, Lynn’s Gold-Thorn badge suddenly lit up.

The Gold-Thorn insignia was several grades above those of other apprentices, granting access to the communication arrays within Emerald City.

He paused, stopping his task search, and extended his spirit into the badge.

A moment later, a brief message arrived.

Its content: his mandatory mission for July.

Lynn frowned slightly and sighed inwardly. Following the instructions in the message, he made his way to the second floor of the Mission Hall.

...

“I only just sent the message. How did you get here so quickly?”

Inside the office, First-Rank Wizard Grace looked at Lynn with a hint of surprise.

“The message came just as I happened to be on the first floor of the Mission Hall, Mentor Grace,” Lynn replied.

He was surprised himself. Standing before him was the very same middle-aged witch who, back in the Emerald Forest, had slain all the drake-lizards and led them into the nest to plunder its spoils.

Grace nodded, studying him for a moment, then sighed softly.

“To think it’s only been a few short months since I last saw you in the Emerald Forest. I never expected that you’d already advance to First-Rank Apprentice… and even become a Gold-Thorn.”

Lynn kept his polite smile but said nothing.

Grace continued, “Since you’ve read the message, you should already know why the school summoned you.

“But I need to clarify that your case is a little unusual. The school has prepared two different mandatory tasks for you to choose from.”

She handed Lynn two slips detailing the assignments.

‘Task One: Assist in the investigation of the Borland Street homicide case.

Deadline: Effective immediately until August 1st.’

The description was long, but the gist was that a Second-Rank Copper-Thorn Apprentice had gone missing while on duty. His body was later found on Borland Street…

Even with the Wailing Cocoon present, there are still those bold enough to attack members of the school…

Lynn’s heart gave a jolt, though he wasn’t truly surprised.

Human nature was always the same; there would always be those willing to risk everything.

And with Hossen's School growing larger by the day, a full wizard couldn't intervene every time an apprentice died.

He skimmed through the task details quickly and focused on the rewards at the end.

Though Gold-Thorn monthly missions were mandatory, they were not unpaid labor; they still offered compensation.

For Task One, the reward was 20 contribution points and 50 primary-grade magic stones, provided the killer was identified.

If the culprit couldn’t be found, then, depending on how much progress was made, partial contribution points would be awarded.

‘Task Two: Installation of the Emerald Avenue Array Node.

Deadline: July 2nd – July 20th.’

This one had only a brief title, no details. Lynn frowned slightly and looked up at Grace in confusion.

She understood at once and explained:

“Task Two was added at the last minute. I haven’t yet had time to write out the full description.

“A few days ago, a second-rank beast appeared in the Emerald Forest. Several Silver Ring Academy apprentices who were assigned to install array nodes were killed in the collateral battle.

“To avoid delaying the construction of Emerald Avenue, we urgently need an apprentice with array knowledge to finish installing the node.

“And in Hossen's School, there are very few apprentices who possess that knowledge. You are the most suitable candidate.”

Lynn nodded, thought for a moment, and asked,

“Mentor Grace, I do have some knowledge of arrays, but I can’t be sure I’m capable of installing a node. I’d need to consult the installation manuals to judge properly.

“And I’d also like to know what the reward is for the node installation task?”

“Of course. Determining whether you’re capable is part of the process. That will be evaluated before you begin,” Grace said gently.

“As for the reward, let me see… Since this is an emergency task, it’s relatively generous: 60 school contribution points, 10 Silver Ring Academy contribution points, and 300 primary-grade magic stones.”

“Silver Ring Academy contribution points?” Lynn asked, puzzled.

“This task was originally an internal assignment of the Silver Ring Academy,” Grace explained. “It’s only because of the accident that it’s been transferred to you.”

Lynn’s eyes lit with understanding. He nodded once, without hesitation.

“Mentor Grace, I’ll choose the second task.”

Short deadline, high reward, exactly the kind of task he had been looking for.

Grace wasn’t surprised by his choice. She simply pulled out the relevant operation manual.

Lynn accepted it and began reading carefully.

What left him astonished was not that the knowledge was overly complex.

Much like piloting the land-barge, the array node was already a self-contained module. All he needed to do was install it onto the foundation of the Emerald Avenue’s array system. The actual process wasn’t particularly difficult.

What shook him was the glimpse the manual offered into the greater array behind it.

An enormous, superstructure of sorcery, spanning the entirety of Emerald Avenue.

Its scale was second only to the Black Moon Fortress of the Blood-Red World, the largest array Lynn had ever seen.

“How is it? Do you have the ability to complete this task?” Grace asked.

“I can,” Lynn replied after regaining his composure.

Grace didn’t press for proof. She simply nodded.

“Then I’ll register the task under your name. Remember to be at Emerald City’s new East Gate tomorrow morning at 8 o’clock sharp.

“This assignment was originally designed for four First-Rank Apprentices: three to handle beasts and provide assistance, and one to install the array node.

“It had already been taken up, but the apprentice with the array knowledge was killed unexpectedly. You will be filling his place.

“The other three, apprentices of Silver Ring Academy, will accompany you to Outpost 26 to complete the mission.”

“I understand,” Lynn nodded, took his leave, and was about to step out when Grace paused to add a final reminder:

“The Silver Ring Academy is not like Hossens School. They follow the law of the jungle: survival of the fittest. When you’re working with their apprentices, stay vigilant.”

Lynn’s heart tightened. He nodded solemnly.

...

July 2nd. Clear skies.

The Emerald Forest was already deep in summer. The sky stretched blue, clouds drifting like silk.

Early that morning, Lynn rode a carriage toward the East Gate.

Or, more precisely, the new East Gate.

The city had expanded far eastward, and the original gate had been pushed outward as the city sprawled, becoming what was now the new East Gate.

The carriage rattled along a firm, leveled road, crowds moving ceaselessly in both directions, with many wizards among them.

Some bore unusual features, scales, beast-like ears, or other traits born of bloodlines or bodily alterations.

Anyone arriving in the Hossens wizard territory now could feel the thriving vitality pulsing beneath its surface.

Before long, the new East Gate came into view.

Though called a gate, there was no actual wall here, no looming city gates.

Instead, rows of pale-gray pillars stood exposed, components of a warding array protecting the city’s boundary.

With Silver Ring Academy’s involvement, Emerald City’s design philosophy had shifted dramatically.

Gone was the medieval look Lynn remembered when he first arrived. Now, it resembled a modern city from his past life.

Obstructive fortifications like city walls had been demolished, replaced by movable ward arrays that allowed expansion without limits.

Lynn stepped down from the carriage. Lucky trailed close behind as they headed toward the assembly point.

It was set at the broad entrance of Emerald Avenue. When Lynn arrived, the three Silver Ring apprentices had not yet shown up.

Only a handful of Third-Rank apprentices were there, busily loading the array node onto a land-barge.

This one was different from the kind Lynn had piloted before.

Its hull was fitted with eight wheels beneath, while its eight mechanical legs were folded neatly away, merging seamlessly with the frame.

So this was the true, complete form of the Octopedal Land-Barge.

As they worked, Lynn glanced toward the Emerald Avenue itself.

The colossal roadway had already taken shape. It stretched forward endlessly, solid and vast.

On either side, giant trees towered over a hundred meters tall, their branches untrimmed, wild, and intertwined. Lush leaves blotted out all sunlight, leaving only the central avenue bathed in golden rays.

The avenue was broader than any Lynn had seen in this world. Even in his past life, few roads could compare.

Thanks to the array, though still dirt, the road was unnaturally flat and hard, utterly devoid of weeds or potholes, perfect for wheeled vehicles.

There was a solemn beauty in such grandeur. Lynn stood there, admiring it, and thought:

No wonder the Octopedal Land-Barge has been outfitted with wheels again.

Soon, the array node was fully loaded. There were still more than ten minutes until the appointed meeting time, yet the three Silver Ring apprentices had yet to arrive.

Lynn considered a moment, then flashed his temporary credential and approached the apprentices who had been doing the loading.

“Have you already inspected the array node before loading it?”

“It’s been checked once,” one apprentice answered respectfully.

Lynn nodded, pulled out the operation manual, and climbed into the barge’s cargo bay to perform another inspection according to procedure.

As he worked, voices drifted in from outside.

“This country road does have a kind of rustic charm,” said a young-sounding man.

“I prefer the Emerald Forest itself. When the airship flew us in, I looked down from above. It was a sea of green waves, like an endless ocean.” A woman’s voice is sweet and elegant.

“And the Hossens apprentice? The task starts in five minutes. Has he still not arrived?” another voice grumbled, rough and impatient.

Lynn’s expression was calm as he finished inspecting the last part of the array node and stepped slowly down from the land barge.

Three apprentices bearing the insignia of the Silver Ring came into view.

At the front was the girl with the sweet voice. She wasn’t very old, her face was delicate and pretty, and her golden hair was tied into two buns at the back of her head, giving her a lively, almost playful look.

Flanking her left and right were two young men, one lean and sharp-faced, the other tall and broad-shouldered, with a thick beard.

“Lynn Kent,” Lynn said evenly as he descended, introducing himself.

Lucky padded silently behind him with graceful steps.

The black cat was much the same size as before, around a meter long, but her fur had grown darker, sleeker, and glossier, streaked with silver patterns that shimmered like flowing moonlight.

Her bloodline far surpassed that of her mother and even exceeded that of the horned drake-lizard. The changes this brought were still unfolding.

Though not even a year old, Lucky was already a mid-tier zero-rank beast, an extraordinary achievement.

The girl’s eyes lit up the moment she saw the cat.

“Lord Lynn, would you sell your black cat?” she asked eagerly.

Lynn’s brow furrowed slightly. His voice was cold as he refused:

“This black cat is not for sale.”

“There’s no such thing as not for sale in this world,” the girl Daphne said with a faint note of regret. “It only means you think I can’t offer a price high enough.”

Still, unwilling to give up, she made an offer:

“1,000 primary-grade magic stones… and one Silver Ring contribution point. Will you sell her then?”

Lynn didn’t bother to answer directly. Instead, he said flatly,

“I’ve finished my inspection of the array node. According to procedure, it should now be your turn.”

The installation of an array node was vital to the progress of Emerald Avenue’s construction. The nodes were delicate, fragile creations, and so the protocol required multiple cross-checks by different parties.

The inspection itself wasn’t complex; any apprentice could do it by following the manual step by step.

“We trust your ability, Lord Lynn. Since you’ve already checked it once, there shouldn’t be a problem. Better we save the time and head out quickly,” the lean young man Wilfrid said with an easy smile.

Daphne and the bearded apprentice, Clifford, exchanged a glance but said nothing, their eyes shifting back to Lynn.

Lynn’s frown deepened. His tone was cool.

“There’s still plenty of time. I think we should follow the procedure.”

Wilfrid smiled wider, as if preparing to press the matter, but Lynn cut him off:

“After all, if you three don’t check it yourselves, and later the array node malfunctions…”

He left the sentence unfinished, but the meaning was clear.

Wilfrid’s smile lingered, but he understood. The apprentice before him was not someone so easily fooled. He abandoned the attempt to smooth-talk him.

“Heh… So the apprentices of Hossens School aren’t as naïve and stupid as some say,” he muttered under his breath to Daphne and Clifford, chuckling softly.

His voice was quiet, but Lynn had long since cast Wind Listening, and every word fell clearly into his ears.

He half-expected the other two Silver Ring apprentices to laugh along with Wilfrid.

But Daphne only rolled her eyes and said nothing.

To her, Wilfrid’s comment was laughably stupid. Even the meekest sheep had teeth. Judging an individual by the group, or judging a group by an individual, was one of the most foolish errors one could make.

Clifford, too, ignored Wilfrid’s remark. His voice was low and steady as he said:

“Then let’s follow the procedure.”

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/AetherTL