Wizards begin with Occlumency.

Chapter 116 Team Formation

Link did not act rashly.

The female apprentice from the North District on the small mound, though surrounded by a "pack of wolves," appeared to be in a precarious situation.

However, based on what Link observed, there was actually no danger at all; the female apprentice from the North District was perfectly safe.

She had the leisure to shout and yell, and could spot him from afar using witchcraft or magical artifacts that Link didn't even notice.

Is this something an ordinary person can do?

After thinking for a moment, Link raised his right hand and gently tapped the bone conduction earpiece hanging in his left ear.

He activated the voice playback function of the reconnaissance puppet and announced, "The two districts are competing, with the South and North facing off. Please forgive my caution. I cannot take any risky action unless you provide your identification information."

The female apprentice from the North District was not startled by the sudden sound coming from above and to the side; she accepted it quite naturally.

Clearly, this is someone who is not short of money and must have come into contact with this level 1 wizard artifact reconnaissance puppet, and know or have used these functions.

The North District female apprentice shouted, "My name is Iris Clark. My sister is a good friend of the witch Celine. I learned about you from Celine. I know a lot about you."

Link was taken aback when he heard this.

If what this North District apprentice, who calls herself Iris Clark, is telling the truth, then we can't just walk away.

The witch Celine was incredibly kind to Link, treating him exceptionally well in every way, and she deserved Link's respect.

Not only did he teach Link a lot of core knowledge of pharmacology and alchemical pharmacology, but he also gave him the opportunity to practice the pretreatment, refining and packaging of plants and herbs, as well as to observe the process of making medicine.

It greatly helped Link to independently complete the potion-making process.

They even generously gave out a small bonus!

This tiny reward was incredibly helpful to Link, allowing his strength to skyrocket.

When Celine's friend's sister gets into trouble, Link naturally steps in to help.

Otherwise, it would be difficult to see the witch Celine again.

How can you prove it?

Link, of course, couldn't so easily believe Iris Clark's one-sided account, so he spoke up to ask for evidence.

"what?"

Iris Clark was slightly distracted.

I need to prove that I am who I am.

Or do you want to prove that I really have an older sister who is friends with the witch Celine?

Quickly regaining her composure, Iris Clark, with a strange feeling, revealed a secret: "Your right shoulder was dislocated by the wizard Loken, but you didn't tell anyone."

This one sentence instantly convinced Link of most of Iris Clark's identity.

Aside from the two parties involved, Wizard Loken and Link themselves, the only other person who knew about this was Wizard Celine.

It's understandable that the witch Celine would tell her friend about it as a private conversation.

After all, Link chose to be stubborn when Celine asked him if Locken had made things difficult for him.

Several thoughts flashed through Link's mind in an instant, but he still didn't act rashly. He continued, "How do you want me to help you?"

Iris Clark was immediately at a loss for words when asked the question.

Should Link help drive the "wolves" away, or should they fight and kill the "wolves" together?

She then realized that she had demonstrated the ability to detect Link's whereabouts early on, so how could she possibly be trapped by these "wolves"?

Even if she's trapped, can't she defeat these "wolves"?

Almost impossible!

So why was she waiting for Link's help on this little mound?

Of course, I want to get to know the legendary witch's friend and get involved.

For a while, there were rumors circulating on the forum that Link Grand was a "pornography addict."

Iris Clark recalled seeing her youthful beauty in the mirror before leaving home this morning.

He glanced down at his own obvious sense of justice.

Surprisingly, it failed to trigger a hero-saves-the-damsel-in-distress scenario.

How absurd!

Iris Clark suddenly began to suspect that the rumors on the "forum" were fabrications rather than the truth.

And who the hell knew that Link Grand was so suspicious?

He's sick!

Okay, Iris Clark subconsciously ignored the fact that her entrance was too bizarre.

Anyone with a modicum of vigilance would suspect that she had ulterior motives.

Iris Clark scratched her head, suddenly at a loss for words.

She simply stopped acting, tapped her feet together, and soared into the air.

The "wolf pack," which had surrounded the small mound tightly, watched in panic as their prey flew away, and they all howled to the sky.

Iris Clark didn't bother attacking the "wolf pack" and instead controlled her flight path, heading straight for where Link was standing.

Link recalled the two dummy drones that had been conducting close reconnaissance, and they flew alongside Iris Clark throughout the mission, monitoring her movements.

"Why are you like this?"

As soon as Iris Clark landed, she saw Link's fully activated defense, ready to counterattack at any moment, and was speechless, scoffing and muttering.

"I'm a beautiful, delicate woman asking you for help, and you're so heartless as to take a detour. When I called you back, you kept asking me all sorts of questions! Is it so hard for you to just step in and chase those wild beasts away for me?"

This sharp retort already captured the essence of boxing.

Intimidated by his imposing manner, Link quietly took two steps back to create some distance and asked, "Miss Clark, what exactly do you want?"

If Link still didn't realize this by now, he would have been discovered long ago and might as well just kill himself.

The other party is so meticulous in their planning, they must have some ulterior motive.

Call me Iris.

Iris Clark looked up at the sky, waved her hand, and summoned a bionic eagle to perch on her shoulder.

Clearly, it was this bionic eagle, which was obviously more advanced than the reconnaissance puppet, that discovered Link's whereabouts without him noticing.

She adopted a nonchalant demeanor and said, "I mean you no harm, I just want to get to know you and maybe even team up with you."

Why?

Link asked directly, "I don't think I'm anything special that's that great."

"Oh dear, why are you so long-winded?"

Iris Clark grew impatient, stomped her foot, and complained, "Whether to team up or not is just a matter of a word, why ask so many questions?"

Well, it seems this person is spoiled rotten at home.

They do everything according to their own desires, and if things don't go their way, they become irritable, angry, and throw tantrums.

Lin Kecai was too lazy to serve him and immediately replied, "We are strangers to each other, we don't know each other's background or whereabouts, so it's better not to team up."

"Hmph! If you don't want to team up, then don't! Why say so much?"

Iris Clark pouted, her tone displeased. "We'll see."

After saying that, Iris Clark turned and walked away angrily.

The bionic eagle perched on her shoulder spread its wings and soared swiftly into the sky, reaching heights inaccessible to the reconnaissance puppet.

Link's gaze was fixed on the flight path of the bionic eagle, filled with envy and doubt.

I admire the powerful functions of this bionic eagle.

The question lies in the fact that the academy clearly stipulates that all equipment worn by participants in the two-region competition must be purchased with magic stones earned by themselves.

How did this young lady in front of me earn so many magic stones to buy this bionic eagle, which is almost at the top level of a 1-ring wizard artifact?

Is it really that easy for local apprentices in the North District to earn magic stones?

Once Iris Clark was out of sight, Link continued on his way.

He adjusted the distribution of the four reconnaissance dummy units.

It patrols back and forth within a circular area with a radius of 500 meters centered on itself.

Since the bionic eagle is difficult to detect as it scouts from high altitudes, it's better not to take any precautions against it.

It's easier to just focus on Iris Clark.

Link adjusts his direction of travel whenever Iris Clark appears in this circular area.

This strategy actually worked.

For reasons unknown, Iris Clark has set her sights on Link and has been lingering around him, looking for an opportunity to team up with him.

Link spotted the other person in time both times.

From the perspective of the bionic eagle, after discovering that Link had deliberately adjusted his route twice to avoid her, she became somewhat annoyed.

In all her life, nothing has ever happened to her as unpleasant as it has today!

She simply flew again, blocking Link's path.

"What do you mean?"

Iris Clark angrily questioned.

"I didn't mean anything by it."

Link, now on guard, replied, "What do you mean? Explain yourself. Then we can go our separate ways."

Iris Clark laughed in exasperation upon hearing this, realizing that she was truly being disliked.

She pointed at Link, her index finger trembling with anger for a long time, unable to utter a single word.

In her extreme anger, Iris Clark realized that she had fallen back into her old ways.

Taking a few deep breaths, Iris Clark felt a surge of justice and forced herself not to be impulsive or easily angered.

Put down your index finger and think calmly.

Iris recalled her sister's frequent criticisms of her, saying that she was used to being self-centered, spoiled by the family, and accustomed to a life of unrestrained indulgence.

If you encounter someone with strong principles who doesn't easily give in to your wishes, you must restrain your temper.

Otherwise, minor conflicts and disagreements are not a big deal.

I'm afraid it might turn into a feud.

If something truly unbearable were to happen, no matter how powerful the family's influence, there would be nothing they could do but avenge her.

Iris Clark recalled what had happened again, her intelligence kicking in, and her face flushed slightly.

It seems that the current stalemate is entirely her fault for being willful and capricious.

After a moment, she stammered, "I'm sorry, Link Grand. I have a problem with my personality; I often act without thinking. If I offended you just now, I apologize and hope you can forgive me."

After a pause, she added, "I won't bother you anymore; let's go our separate ways."

With that, Iris Clark tapped her boots together, ready to fly away.

"Wait a minute."

Link spoke up in time to persuade her to stay.

"What's wrong?"

Iris Clark stopped what she was doing and asked in confusion.

"If you really want to team up with me, I can agree, but I have a few conditions, and I hope you can listen to them first."

After thinking it over carefully, Link decided that if Iris Clark didn't apologize, it wouldn't be a big deal to just let her go.

But Iris Clark readily admitted her mistake and apologized.

Therefore, Link must do something.

Unless he no longer wants to maintain a relatively good relationship with the witch Celine.

"What are the conditions?"

The situation took an unexpected turn, leaving Iris Clark somewhat surprised and delighted.

Link said, "It's very simple. First, you can't easily get into conflicts with people. Second, when you encounter a situation and the circumstances are unclear, you can't act rashly."

"no problem."

Iris Clark had initially thought it would be some rather demanding condition, but it turned out to be just these two basic requirements.

What's there to hesitate about? Just agree!

"Okay. From now on, we'll be temporary teammates."

Link extended his right hand in a gesture of friendliness, and then formally introduced himself, "I am Link Grand, it's an honor to meet you."

Iris Clark immediately reached out and shook hands with Link, then imitated Link's gesture, introducing herself: "Iris Clark, I'm very happy to team up with you."

The two hands, one large and one small, separated at the slightest touch.

A temporary team of two people was formed.

I don't know how long it can last.

(End of this chapter)