"I am willing!" Leilin quickly replied.
"Good! Since it's the academy's arrangement, I will accept you as my disciple!" The middle-aged man stroked his chin. "Although the environment is average, it is sufficient for your initiation here!" Guofate glanced around the laboratory. "At least it's quiet here, you won't be disturbed!"
"Initiation?" Leilin was somewhat confused.
"A
"A mysterious one who can summon wind and thunder, and utilize the power of nature like fire!" Leilin voiced the common explanation from the Keli Archipelago.
"Hmm! A bit off-topic!" Guofate commented. "So-called Wizards are actually a title we gave to those who possessed power in ancient wars. Wizards learn the rules, master the rules, and gain power by utilizing those rules. They are a group of scholars who ceaselessly pursue truth!"
Guofate explained the concept of a Wizard to Leilin.
"So, Wizards aren't an exclusive title for humans?" Leilin was starting to understand.
"Correct! Among other humanoid races, even among intelligent beings, there are Wizards, such as Sea Clan Wizards, Dragon Wizards, and so on!"
Guofate said casually, "Alright! Now let's begin the ceremony! Don't be afraid, it's very simple!"
*Crack!* The ground around Guofate suddenly softened, taking the shape of a magical array, and strange waves of fluctuation spread outward.
The surroundings instantly grew dim, with only a single flame rising at the array's center.
"Now! Give me your hand!" Leilin extended his hand, and a broad palm covered his own.
"Following the ancient rites, Leilin Farell, I hereby guide you onto the path of the Wizard!"
"Repeat after me!"
"I swear! I shall forever tread the path of pursuing truth!" Guofate spoke in an unfamiliar tongue, but Leilin understood it completely, and his mouth unconsciously formed the same words.
"I swear! I shall forever tread the path of pursuing truth!" Still a boy of thirteen or fourteen, his somewhat youthful voice rang out.
"Without the teacher's permission, I swear not to reveal any knowledge obtained from him..."
Guofate continued, and Leilin followed; their voices eerily merged together.
The flame at the center of the array suddenly flared bright, burning vigorously...
"Congratulations on becoming an official Wizard Apprentice!"
After the ceremony, Guofate congratulated Leilin.
Leilin looked down at his own hands. After the mysterious ritual, he felt as if the world he saw was slightly different, yet also as if nothing had changed at all.
"Abnormal fluctuations in the main host's brainwaves detected!!!" The Chip's alerting voice sounded.
"Seems like it's a change in spiritual power. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no information about this from my previous life. I can only supplement it myself later!" Leilin felt a bit helpless.
"The crystal ball storing the Meditation Method has been given to you, right? Review it more when you get back. You can now access the knowledge within!"
"Come to me tomorrow morning at six o'clock!"
"Now, you may return. Remember! Don't wander around!" Guofate reminded him.
"As you command, Mentor!" Leilin bowed and walked out of the laboratory.
"Good thing I passed by earlier, otherwise I wouldn't know where the dormitory area is!" While following the Shadow Servant earlier, Leilin had already instructed the Chip to start recording the map. It had now completed a small portion, at least memorizing all the places they had passed.
The Wizard's domain was dangerous; Leilin did not want to be caught in any trouble due to taking a wrong turn.
Arriving at the living area, Leilin fished a key out from the bundle the old man had given him.
The key, made of black copper, felt heavy in his hand. It bore the numerical symbol "783". The dormitory area was somewhat deserted now. Walking alone down the empty corridor, Leilin could only hear the echo of his own footsteps, which gave him a slight chill.
Following the number, he found his room. "This is it!"
Leilin inserted the key into the lock, and the heavy sound of metal clashing rang out.
As the door opened, flames automatically ignited in the dark room. "They've actually used Wizard principles to invent a sound-activated system?"
Leilin set down his bundle and inspected the domain he would be living in for the next several years.
The dormitory was relatively small, divided into three sections: a bedroom, a living room, and a washroom. It was for individual use by each apprentice. On the bed lay a neatly folded new set of bedding, which looked very clean and tidy.
"The environment is nice!" Leilin sat on the bed and took out everything the academy had issued.
"A set of Apprentice Grey Robes. According to the Chip's scan, several spells might be solidified onto it. Its defensive power is comparable to ordinary leather armor. Good stuff!" Leilin swiftly changed into the grey robes and pinned the Apprentice Badge to his chest.
With this, his appearance was identical to the grey-robed apprentices Leilin had seen today.
Leilin then put away his belongings and tidied up the room.
As he was about to leave, the door to the neighboring room opened, and an apprentice with brown hair stepped out. "Hello! Are you a new apprentice? My name is Bill!"
"Hello! My name is Leilin. I just arrived today!" Leilin answered. He happened to have something he wanted to ask. "Could you tell me how to get to the dining hall?"