Locke hesitated but chose not to reveal his dual primary elemental affinities.

It tied to his transmigration secret.

His dark element talent, only Level 3, wouldn’t significantly alter his profile.

The benefit of disclosing it was minimal.

In this wizarding world, he knew too little. Carelessly revealing information could bring deadly consequences.

Tongus said, “Supplying wizard prospects to organizations benefits us apprentices stationed on Corfu Island.”

“Not us directly, but our families in the wizarding world reap the rewards.”

Locke opened his mouth but stayed silent, unsure how to judge this.

Tongus’s eyes betrayed reluctance.

Yet he crossed the Endless Mystic Sea for his family, coming to this near-magicless Corfu Island.

Tongus continued, “I formally invite you to join our academy’s secret society. In two years, you must become a third-class wizard apprentice.”

“Your talent isn’t outstanding, so only by becoming a third-class apprentice can you choose a suitable school. Otherwise, you’ll be randomly assigned to a wizard organization.”

“Selfishly, I hope you join a major organization so my family gains greater rewards.”

Tongus softened, “On Corfu, becoming a third-class apprentice requires the primitive method: learning a spell model to boost mental strength.”

“It’s basic but effective, given the scarce magic resources here. Even I lack cultivation resources.”

“I have five trick spell models for you to choose from: Acid Splash, Greasy Slide, Scorching Spark, Frost Touch, Vine Hand.”

Tongus added, “Given your talents, Vine Hand suits you best.”

“It’s a botanical trick.”

“The others are negative energy, transmutation, or evocation spells—fire or ice.”

Locke didn’t hesitate. Since Tongus’s interests aligned with his, he trusted the dean’s judgment, being a novice in the wizarding world. “Then, Dean, I’ll choose [Vine Hand].”

Locke asked, “How do I learn it? Do you teach me, or do you imprint it in my mind instantly?”

Tongus’s eyes flashed with displeasure. “What are you thinking, Locke?”

“Any skill requires hard work and study. Talent is just a starting point. How far you go depends on effort, luck, and persistence.”

Tongus turned to the wall where he retrieved the Emerald Element Potion, pulling out a thick tome, then another, each as hefty as a dictionary.

Their content surpassed all the textbooks the original Locke had studied at the academy.

Locke blinked.

A mere trick-level spell model required so much reading.

Tongus said, “Vine Hand’s prerequisite courses are Basic Botanical Magic Knowledge, Magical Vine Cultivation, and Basic Mana Manipulation.”

“In the wizarding world, each course costs at least 30 magic stones, totaling 90 for all three.”

“Add tutoring fees for failing, and Vine Hand’s prerequisites cost around 100 magic stones. The spell’s course and materials add another 50.”

Tongus paused, looking at Locke with a “be grateful” expression. “But per Virdantia University’s policy for wizard prospects, you learn Vine Hand on Corfu for just 10 magic stones.”

“This is special treatment for prospects from remote regions.”

“This is a rare privilege. When I was young in the wizarding world, my first spell model cost ten times as much.”

Tongus added, “You prospects are lucky.”

“Thank Virdantia University.”

Locke nodded. Virdantia University clearly aimed to recruit wizard prospects from remote areas, offering incentives to foster gratitude.

But Locke’s head spun. He now owed Virdantia 10 magic stones for Vine Hand, plus 5 for the potion, totaling 15 before even entering the wizarding world.

He sighed inwardly, wondering when he’d clear his debts.

Tongus placed nine thick tomes before Locke. “This is what you’ll study and memorize over two years.”

“Come to my residence every evening. I’ll teach you Vine Hand’s prerequisite courses.”

“Even the simplest spell model contains vast knowledge, so don’t take it lightly.”

Tongus added, “From now on, your tuition and mandatory course fees at Aurelian are waived per regulations.”

“But elective course fees still apply if you enroll. You can opt out.”

“That’s all. You can go, Locke.”

As Tongus tidied the table, he added, “Oh, Locke.”

“Wizards avoid revealing their existence, so don’t tell anyone about them.”