Wizards begin with Occlumency.

Chapter 103 A Preliminary Exploration

It was late at night when I returned to the college.

Paro the wizard became interested and spent a lot of time browsing the "forum" in Celine the wizard's potion shop.

No one dared to leave without permission, so they could only accompany the wizard Paro and watch the fun.

Finally, at dinner time, the wizard Celine snatched the AI ​​from the wizard Paro's hands, thus stopping Paro from continuing his obsession.

After having a meal at the shop's restaurant, everyone went their separate ways.

On the road.

Jasmine walked ahead silently with her head down.

Initially, driven by some utilitarian motives, Jasmine devised some small gestures for the two of them to do when they were together, such as holding hands, acting coquettishly, and walking behind Link while tugging at his sleeve.

Over time, the desire for personal gain faded, but some habits remained.

For example, walking behind Link and tugging at his sleeve from time to time.

However, ever since the wizard Celine told Jasmine that Link had already become a second-class wizard apprentice, she no longer followed behind Link.

Even if she's only half a step ahead, Jasmine will stay in front.

The feeling of falling behind is really unpleasant.

"I'm going upstairs first, you can go back now."

Arriving at the dormitory building, Jasmine turned around, waved to Link, and went upstairs.

It was quick and decisive, unlike many times when there's a deliberate tug-of-war.

Link didn't feel any discomfort, but he was filled with emotion. The part-time job of more than half a month had helped Jasmine grow more than the entire fall semester of her studies.

Growth truly comes from experiencing people and events.

Watching Jasmine's figure disappear around the corner, Link turned and walked back to his dormitory.

At the dormitory entrance.

The five gentlemen I hadn't seen in a long time were waiting there again.

"Good evening, boss!"

Upon seeing Link, the five men immediately bowed deeply and shouted in unison.

The synchronized movements and sounds clearly indicated that they had been carefully practiced.

"I'm not your boss, don't call me that."

Seeing this, Link stopped and asked, "Is something the matter?" instead of rushing into the dormitory.

He knew that the five men were not naive; after being warned, they never acted so clumsily again.

The fact that they're putting on this show again tonight means something's definitely up.

"Someone asked me to pass on a message to you."

The five men's spokesperson, outwardly the leader, bowed and scraped, saying, "We'd like to invite you to join the Sea Sail Alliance. They say if you agree, you can immediately become the vice-leader. They also said..."

Link had heard of the "Sea Sail Alliance," an apprentice organization that operated in a low-key manner, far less flamboyant than the "New Blood Mutual Aid Association."

However, it is rumored that the "Sea Sail Alliance" is closer to the North District and often organizes social events for apprentices from both districts.

Well……

It's called a social gathering, but in reality, it's about selecting some of the prettiest and best-figured female new recruits from the alliance to have dinner and drinks with the male apprentices from the North District, and to build rapport.

"What else is there to say?"

Link frowned slightly; he didn't want to get involved with this apprenticeship organization that was clearly a pimp.

But it's not good to refuse too bluntly.

You should listen to all the conditions offered by the other party.

The seemingly leader shrank back and stammered, "They also said they'd assign you a few study partners. Even if you wanted a high-born young lady from the North District to study with, that's not out of the question."

Anger flashed in Link's eyes.

What kind of person do they take him for?

But he didn't vent his anger on the five men. Instead, he suppressed his rage and asked, "How did you get involved with them? Do you think your reputation is too good?"

The seemingly superior immediately became even more hesitant and stammering.

Clearly, they had gotten themselves into some trouble and were being held accountable, which was why they had no choice but to make this trip.

"Go back and tell them that I'm used to being alone and have no intention of joining any organization."

Link didn't say that he really disapproved of the shameless behavior of the "Sea Sail Alliance," as that would be too direct, sound unpleasant, and easily offend people.

That's how pimps have always been.

I can do it myself, but I don't want anyone to talk about it; I get angry as soon as they do.

Link didn't want to make another enemy for no reason, just because of a few words.

"Oh well."

Having received a reply meant the mission was complete. The boss, on the surface, didn't care whether Link agreed or not. "Then we'll head back, boss."

The five gentlemen bowed in unison once again.

As they reached the end of the corridor and were about to turn the corner, the still nameless, nominal boss turned around, clenched his fist, and swung his arm, praising, "Boss, your methods for dealing with that guy were truly brilliant!"

After saying that, the five men quickened their pace and disappeared in a flash.

Who they're talking about, those who know, know.

Link knew that the five men were subtly hinting to him that news of Harold Andrews' death had spread, and that some people were suggesting that Link might be the murderer.

Before he took action, Link knew that this matter would inevitably be known to all the new blood.

Since he's done it, as long as he's not caught red-handed and no evidence is left behind, Link isn't afraid of people finding out.

If you're not ruthless, you can't stand firm!

Link has realized that in the wizarding world, it's difficult to develop in a low-key way.

Rivoss College appears to be very peaceful on the surface.

Only the western district of Rivosos is somewhat chaotic.

However, the intense infighting that has reached a fever pitch is even more suffocating and despairing for many who are unable or have failed to keep up with the competition, than the daily bloodshed and killing.

If you want to stand out, you have to stand out.

We must not shrink back in fear of decay.

risk?

What is there that involves no risk?

It all boils down to those eight words: be humble in your personal life, but ambitious in your work.

Link gave himself another warning, opened the door to his dormitory, and washed up and changed his clothes.

study.

After deep meditation, Link routinely reflects on himself.

The matter, ostensibly about getting revenge on Sufi Lucia but actually about satisfying one's own whims, has come to an end.

There may be some aftereffects, but it shouldn't be anything serious.

As long as you keep a low profile and don't act arrogantly, there shouldn't be any problems.

Link then turned his attention to his own cultivation progress.

"system."

With a silent exclamation, Link summoned the control panel.

Link Grand

Wizard aptitude: Level 4 (Intermediate)

Wizard Rank: Second-Class Wizard Apprentice, Mental Strength: 43

0st Ring Sorcery:

Water-based: Lesser Mist Rain (Mastered), Water Ball (Mastered), Water Shield (Mastered), Purify Water (Mastered), Ice Cone (Mastered), Water Blade (Mastered)

Wood Element: Growth Spell (Perfect), Thorn Entanglement (Perfect), Leaf Arrow Spell (Perfect), Withering Spell (Perfect), Thorn Whiplash (Mastery), Green Field Tracking (Mastery)

Card Pack: None

Used: (omitted)

Card draw count: 0 (1 standard level 2 magic stones)

Compared to two months ago (Chapter 67), there are only two changes to the system panel.

The first change was that, in accordance with his understanding, data on mental energy appeared, which allowed Link to know his meditation progress without the aid of testing rituals or instruments.

The second change is the level of mastery of witchcraft, which is immediately apparent.

There are 32 points of mental energy remaining to reach the 75 points required for advancement to a third-class wizard apprentice.

At the current pace of meditation, I should be able to finish before the midterm exams in the spring semester.

The competition between the two districts took place on the third day of the midterm exams.

So, there's still plenty of time.

After reviewing the information, close the panel.

Link activated a bottle of daylily fragrance and drifted off to sleep amidst the enchanting aroma.

The next day.

I got up early as usual, everything was ready, and I was about to leave.

Link opened the dormitory door, lifted his right foot, and then put it down again.

A dark package was placed outside the door.

Something is amiss.

Anything the college distributes is stored in the huge mailbox next to the door.

This package could only have been delivered by a private individual.

Link glanced around and confirmed that the surveillance cameras at both ends of the corridor were still working, which made him even more wary.

There are only two possibilities if the person who placed the unidentified package did not tamper with the surveillance cameras:

First, he either can't do it or isn't aware of it; second, he doesn't care about being caught on camera.

Link prefers the second scenario.

No other reason, just intuition.

The "Defender 3202" set, transformed into a rune-item casual outfit, remains poised and in a passive defensive state.

Link took a few steps back without closing the door, then took out his personal smart device and immediately notified Jasmine to enter the study and open the rain cover. He then requested emergency assistance from the academy.

When faced with an unknown package, Link wouldn't be foolish enough to open it.

What if it's a "bomb" that explodes at the slightest touch and kills you?

No matter how strong the defense of the "Defender 3202" set is, it is still a level 1 witchcraft weapon.

What if the person who placed the package contained a level 2 weapon?

Although Jasmine didn't get a specific explanation, she knew that something urgent must have happened.

She obediently followed Link's instructions.

Upon entering the study, I opened the rain cover and even took a photo to send over, letting you know I was safe.

This made Link feel much better.

Not long after, two intelligent law enforcement robots flew over.

A smart law enforcement puppet flew in front of Link and activated its protection mode.

Another intelligent law enforcement robot began scanning the unidentified package.

After a few beeps, the danger was averted.

The package was empty; there were no offensive items inside.

The intelligent law enforcement robot immediately removed the package, which contained only a piece of paper with a few words written on it.

"Hello, Link Grand, this is just to say hello."

After reading the words on the paper, Link wondered who was behind this trouble.

Link has offended quite a few people and organizations.

Enrique Bernalis is dead, Rivers Francis is dead, Antoine Hilton is dead.

The "New Blood Mutual Aid Society" is controlled by the wizard Paro, so it's impossible.

Lani Taylor?

That's not like her style, so we'll rule her out.

"Sea Sail Alliance"?

A pimping organization is full of people who are either weak-kneed and used to kneeling, or who fawn over the powerful and lack the spirit of self-reliance.

Link didn't think they would dare to openly break the academy's rules and do such a thing.

So, after thinking it over, Link could only think of "pureblood will" and the Rukia family.

They politely declined the intelligent law enforcement puppet's question about whether to continue reporting.

All that is currently available suggests that the person who delivered the package was suspicious, but there is no concrete evidence to prove that the other party intended to harm Link.

Continuing to report it won't do any good.

I watched as two intelligent law enforcement robots took the package and note away.

Link decided to report this troublesome matter, which was clearly beyond his control, to the big boss behind him.

After careful consideration, Link rushed to Jasmine's dormitory building and reminded her to be careful when she came down.

"Link, what happened on your end?"

Jasmine came downstairs unharmed and immediately asked with concern.

"Someone left a package at my door."

Link didn't hide anything and told him the truth, and warned him, "If you ever see an unknown package in the future, never open it rashly, and don't even touch it."

"Okay, I understand."

Jasmine nodded, then asked, "So what do we do now? Do we know who did it?"

"No rush."

Link gestured to Jasmine not to panic, "Go to work first, mention this to Wizard Celine, and ask her how we should handle it."

"I see."

Jasmine quickly realized Link's intention.

Without saying another word, the two left the academy and boarded the rail transit train.

Unlike previous years when the first train only had a few passengers, today's first train was packed with people, with not a single seat available.

Rail transit trains only have one carriage; there's no such thing as moving to the next carriage when the current one is full.

Moreover, due to the extremely fast speed of rail transit trains, if you don't get a seat, you have to wait for the next train.

Link became suspicious.

The people sitting in the carriage were only a portion of the new blood from the South District and local apprentices from the North District.

A significant number of people gave Link the impression of being like those five thugs who hung out on the streets of the West End.

Standing at the carriage door, Link scanned the entire carriage and actually found the five thugs he had dealt with twice before.

Signaling to Jasmine not to get out of the car, Link walked up to the five thugs who were huddled up, hoping no one could see them. He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, a gentle smile playing on his lips, and said in a warm tone, "It's nice to see you all again. How about you?"

"Big...Big brother, good...good morning."

The gang leader stammered a reply to Link, his tongue practically tumbling out.

He inwardly groaned and cursed the middleman who introduced him to the job, saying it was very simple, just to reserve seats so that a boy and a girl, two freshmen from Storm Sea, would miss the first train.

Yes, it's a man and a woman, but you didn't tell me that the man was a Storm Sea New Blood, a seemingly refined scoundrel who kills without blinking an eye!

"Why are you shaking? I'm not going to eat you."

Link bent down, patted the leader of the gang on the shoulder, and then exchanged glances with the other four trembling thugs before smiling and saying.

The curve of the smile was just right, revealing a row of neat, snow-white teeth.

And a cold light shimmered on her snow-white teeth.

The fear that Link had instilled in the thugs through simple psychological means suddenly resurfaced.

The five thugs trembled more and more violently, their vests covered in cold sweat.

Damn, can you please not be so scary, bro?

The way you're acting really makes it seem like you want to devour us whole.

"Big...big brother, I...I...I'll give you my seat."

The gang leader gritted his teeth and managed to say the whole sentence. Then, without waiting for Link's response, he stood up and kicked his four henchmen out of the carriage.

Link waved to the five thugs who had gotten out of the car in a disheveled state, and then gestured for Jasmine to come and sit down.

The other people occupying seats in the carriage, whether they were new recruits, local apprentices, or thugs from the West District who had come early in the morning to earn magic stones, were all baffled and suspicious at the sight.

What terrible things did this person do to those people?

Is it really necessary to be this afraid?

They're practically ready to get out!

(End of this chapter)