I am the Enchantress!

Chapter 48 Advancement to Junior Mage

Enchantress?

Wilder thought the name sounded pretty cool.

It's somewhat like a Western fantasy version of "a man of exceptional talent and handsome appearance."

But it's just a thought.

Whether the specializations granted by those systems are actually bewitching or control magic remains to be seen.

I said…

After standing there for a long time, Fina finally couldn't help but speak up, "The evaluation is over, shall we go back? It's time for afternoon tea."

"Oh, let's go."

Hollen raised his staff and shook it, and the secret gate opened again, revealing the scene of the association's evaluation room in a circle that shimmered with light.

"Instructor Hollen, um..." Wilder scratched his head and asked, "Did I pass the test?"

"Of course, if I remember correctly, you didn't collapse."

"Thank you for going easy on me." Wilder gave a naive smile.

Hollen glanced at him and nodded.

He's a sincere and good child...

But immediately, he felt that something was not quite right.

The seemingly harmless and unassuming boy in front of me had apparently deceived me twice during the battle just now.

One time, he used nonsense to buy time while secretly preparing his mirror image technique.

Another time, it was a bluff; he launched a non-existent magic missile, abruptly interrupting his own spellcasting.

He didn't notice anything unusual on either occasion.

As a high-ranking mage, Hollen had seen countless people and should not have been easily deceived by an eighteen-year-old boy.

Did he cast a control spell?

There was no fluctuation of magical power, nor did I see him preparing any spells.

This is strange.

……

The three returned to the association's testing room.

The sunlight and birdsong from the fields vanished instantly, and the scent of grass lingered for a few seconds before dissipating into the room filled with the aroma of parchment scrolls.

The secret gate slowly disappeared, and apart from the faint magical fluctuations in the air, the previous battle seemed like a distant memory.

That is the allure of magic.

Fina really did go to prepare afternoon tea.

A plate of candied berries, a dish of nut tarts, and three cups of silver leaf tea with honey.

"Have some tea first, and I'll go prepare your beginner mage certificate."

"Thanks."

Wilder took a sip of tea; it was refreshing and had a hint of honey-like sweetness, which was very thirst-quenching.

"Professor Hollen, I have another question to ask."

Seeing this as a rare opportunity, Wilde prepared to ask all the questions he had about the mage.

"If you ask me, you might as well just call me Professor Hollen."

As Fina rummaged through the table, she said, "I remember Instructor Hollen doesn't have any apprentices yet, right?"

"I remember I wanted you to be my apprentice, but you said you didn't want to fight and only liked studying books, and in the end you actually went down the path of the Booksmen's Society."

Hollen sighed, but his gaze swept over Wilder.

"Mainly because I'm too old."

Fina pouted, "I'm old enough to take on apprentices, why should I call you teacher? That doesn't sound right."

"Age doesn't matter when you're a teacher or student; it's all about ability."

As Hollen spoke, he ate a piece of nut crisp and glanced at Wilder again.

This is a promising talent.

but……

It's still early.

In this world, the master-disciple relationship is not just a simple verbal address, but requires the formal signing of a magical contract.

Teachers have the right to direct students to do things for them and share the results of those tasks.

They also have an obligation to teach magic, provide resources, and offer protection.

It can be said that once the master-disciple relationship is established, both of them will shoulder responsibilities and have a deep bond.

He had only dealt with Wilder once before, and although Wilder was talented, this matter could not be rushed.

Coincidentally, Wilder had the same idea.

Especially today, he learned about the different schools of magic. He didn't know which school Hollen specialized in, nor did he know which direction he should develop in.

More importantly, he was even unsure whether he wanted to continue as a professional in the future.

Although he was immersed in an adventurous life during this time, the idea of ​​becoming a civil servant of the association still existed in his mind.

Now that I have the entry-level professional certificate, all that's missing is an association silver badge.

There's no rush regarding the master-disciple relationship.

"Mentor Hollen."

He didn't change his form of address, saying, "I'm still lacking in experience, but I'd be very willing to become your apprentice when the opportunity arises."

"Yes, no problem."

Hollen nodded. "I've been quite busy with tasks lately, so I haven't had much time to teach you. We can talk about it later."

"But if you have any questions or need any help, feel free to contact me anytime."

"Thank you, Professor Hollen."

Fina watched the two politely decline each other, shrugged helplessly, and continued working on Wilder's certificate.

Wilder asked Hollen a few more questions, and Fina's certificate was also ready.

"Wild, congratulations on your promotion to novice mage." Her tone was quite solemn.

"Thanks."

Wilder took it and waited carefully for Fina to say next.

Sure enough, Fina extended her slender palm.

"The processing fee is ten gold coins. Please pay."

Although it was expected, the numbers still gave Wilder a shock.

Ten?!

What kind of work is this? What kind of capital is this?

More importantly, after buying the scroll of the Mirror Image Technique, he had less than five gold coins left in his pocket.

"Um..." he scratched his head, "Could you give it to me later?"

"I'm sorry, we don't have a precedent for offering credit."

"Well……"

Wilder turned to Hollen, who was tasting berries. "Professor Hollen, you said you could ask for help anytime if I need it. Is that alright now...?"

Hollen: "..."

Finally, Hollen paid for it with six gold coins.

Wilder had less than fifty silver coins left in his pocket.

I'm always rolling in money after each task, but how come it's all gone in less than two days?

Oh, that's how our monks are.

"Upgraded to a junior mage, the guild will gift you a level 2 spell scroll. Choose one."

Just like last time, after the robbery, Fina handed him a box of labeled scrolls.

There aren't many scrolls available at level 2, and many spells overlap with the abilities of teammates.

After a moment's consideration, Wilder chose [Grow Larger/Shrink Larger].

It can manifest the power of heaven and earth when advancing, and shrink to escape when retreating; it's quite a decent spell.

"Oh, and this too."

Fina took a silver badge from the drawer and handed it to him.

Unlike the Association's Adventure Badge, the front of the emblem is not an intersecting sword and staff, but only a slender staff.

"A junior mage is a full-fledged mage; this is the emblem of the Mage Association."

"There's also a Mage Association?"

"Yes, the Mage Guild is independent of the Adventurers' Guild and is a guild specifically established for the mage profession."

Fina explained, "It's just that the Mage Association branch hasn't been established in Ironweave Town yet."

"What's the use of this badge?" Wilder asked.

"Although there's no union, there are still activities. If you're interested, I can invite you to participate," Fina said with a smile.

"You'd be better off risking your life and killing a few more monsters!"

Hollen interjected, "The thing those mages like to do most when they get together is study ancient texts."

Clearly, he is still resentful about Fina's choice back then.

Wilder's eyes lit up.

Ancient books?

I wonder if there are any records written in the ancient Elvish language.