Chapter 30: Novice Mage Benefits

Chapter 30: The Privileges of an Apprentice Mage

"Three years?"

Magister El stared at Levi, disbelief etched across his face.

In his eyes, Levi’s magical power was absurdly strong.

A magical strength exceeding one hundred offered a high chance of becoming an apprentice mage.

Reaching three hundred greatly increased the likelihood of awakening a supernatural trait and ascending to a first-rank mage.

And Levi’s magical strength stood at 222.

This meant his power surpassed that of many apprentices—already on par with seasoned ones.

Magister El gazed deeply at Levi and said solemnly, "Congratulations. You are now an apprentice mage."

This time, his expression was grave and dignified.

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their eyes toward Levi.

Dawg and others stared in awe and envy.

Many apprentice mages looked astonished—especially those who had once taught Levi.

They never imagined that Levi, still a student yesterday, would today stand beside them as an equal.

Guzer studied Levi with complex eyes, uncertain whether the boy possessed astonishing talent or had simply hidden himself well.

Half a year ago, Levi had been struggling to pass the novice trials, on the verge of being expelled from the Mage Tower.

Now, in half a year’s time, he had leapt into the ranks of apprentices.

The leap was so vast that even Guzer, who had witnessed Levi’s growth firsthand, felt it unreal.

Levi smiled and said, "Thank you, Magister El."

Young John was nearly fainting from excitement, stammering incoherently.

"Levi… Levi is actually an apprentice mage?"

"He's my age—and already an apprentice?"

"Waaah! This can't be real, can it?"

John could barely accept it.

We were supposed to all become mage apprentices together—how did you jump straight to apprentice mage?

Among the noble spectators, no one could sit still any longer. One after another, they extended invitations toward Levi.

"Magister Levi, please visit the Billy family when you have time…"

"Magister Levi, are you free tonight? I sincerely invite you to be our guest at the Jinxiudun family estate, where we may appreciate magical artifacts together."

"The Treasure Basin Guild welcomes Magister Levi! From now on, all your purchases with us begin at a ten percent discount."

...

Seeing the scene spiral out of control, Magister El quickly said to Levi, "Go register on the third floor of the Mage Tower."

"Guzer, take him there."

Only after sending Levi away did the hall settle back into quiet.

The apprentice trials continued, but few paid attention anymore.

Everyone was scheming how to connect with Levi, eager to befriend this rising star among mages.

Levi was the youngest apprentice mage in Maple City’s history.

A fifteen-year-old apprentice—this meant it was only a matter of time before he became a full mage.

Even the title of apprentice mage alone warranted showing goodwill.

Let alone a genius apprentice.

Guzer and Levi walked toward the third floor of the Mage Tower.

Guzer remained silent for a long while before finally speaking. "Levi, don’t grow proud. The road ahead is still long."

Levi nodded. "Yes, Master Guzer. I understand."

He didn’t feel pride in becoming an apprentice.

This was merely the first step of a journey of ten thousand miles.

Hearing this, Guzer said, "Though you’ve become an apprentice, you must still spend time learning the knowledge required of novices. It will benefit you greatly in the future. Your progress in cultivating magical power has been swift. You may shift your focus accordingly, without needing to learn too many zero-tier spells now. There will be time enough to master more spells after you ascend to full mage."

"I always knew the day would come when you’d surpass me—when I’d have nothing left to teach you. I just didn’t expect it to arrive so soon."

Levi replied solemnly, "Master Guzer."

"You will always be my teacher."

Guzer smiled at that, saying nothing.

Levi hurried to match his pace. "I still feel there’s much you haven’t taught me. For instance, your Triple Ice Arrow technique…"

Guzer laughed and scolded, "Triple Ice Arrow is my signature skill! What am I supposed to do if you steal it?"

Besides, aren’t you attuned to fire? Why learn fire magic by studying ice spells?"

"Ah, forget it. If you really want to learn, I’ll teach you later—but you must master basic Ice Arrow first."

Truthfully, he didn’t mind passing the Triple Ice Arrow technique to Levi.

It wasn’t some secret heirloom.

He knew many similar spell techniques—this one just happened to be particularly practical.

Levi grinned. "Then I thank you in advance, Master."

They reached the third floor of the Mage Tower.

Levi had never been here before.

The floor stretched vast and empty, with only three great doors standing at the far end of the hall.

At the center stood a statue—a stone pedestal below, shaped above like a steward.

"This," said Guzer, "is the Mage Tower’s magical steward. Take out the apprentice badge Magister El gave you. Once the steward authenticates it, you’ll officially be recognized as an apprentice of the tower."

Levi took out the badge and approached the statue.

Sensing someone near, the steward came to life and turned to Levi.

"I am the Mage Tower’s magical steward. How may I assist you?"

Levi handed over the badge. "Magister El sent me for authentication as an apprentice mage."

The steward’s eyes emitted two beams of green light, scanning both the badge and Levi’s body.

Zzzzt!

The green light inscribed Levi’s name onto the badge.

Li Wei wore an expression of astonishment, never expecting the magical steward’s eyes could fire beams of laser light.

The badge given by Mage El was forged from a composite metal—unyieldingly hard; even a first-tier spell couldn’t damage it.

Yet the magical steward carved letters into it effortlessly, meaning the green laser from his eyes must be at least second-tier magic.

The magical steward was not merely a caretaker—he was also the guardian of the mage tower.

The emerald glow in the steward’s eyes faded as he gazed at Li Wei and said, “From this day forth, you are an apprentice mage of the tower.”

“As an apprentice, each month you may claim one of the following: a magic stone, a small vial of minor healing potion, or a small vial of minor mana restoration potion—one of the three.”

“Alternatively, you may forgo your monthly benefit and receive one point of contribution instead.”

Li Wei glanced at the badge in his hand. On its reverse side was inscribed his current contribution: zero.

Gu Ze said, “All three items are worth one contribution. Just choose what you need—no need to overthink it.”

Children make choices. Adults take everything.

Li Wei replied, “I’ll forgo it. I want the contribution.”

The magical steward intoned, “Contribution granted. Please verify receipt.”

With that, he closed his eyes and returned once more to the form of a statue.

Li Wei turned the badge over. A new number now marked its surface: “1.”

He smiled faintly. Contribution points were better—freedom to buy whatever he pleased.

Seeing this, Gu Ze chuckled. “Every month, quite a few apprentices choose to save their contributions. Save them for a year, and you can afford two potions. The tower’s benefits for apprentices aren’t bad at all.”

“But remember this too: while the tower grants privileges, apprentices also bear responsibilities.”

(End of Chapter)