Wizards begin with Occlumency.

Chapter 154 Freedom to Do Anything

"Thank you, Wizard Paro."

In response to the teasing, Link sincerely thanked her.

Listen carefully to what is being said, and think things through.

Is this a joke?

This is already a clear reminder.

Tell Link that he's not the only one trying to take advantage of the academy, and that there are more than just a few people eyeing research topics related to the two-district competition.

If you're going to do it, start early and get results sooner.

The wizard Paro waved his hand, indicating that Link shouldn't be so polite, and asked, "You've come to see me for more than just this one thing. Tell me more."

"There are indeed other things to attend to."

Link replied, "The six months have passed. Firstly, it's to thank Wizard Paro for his initial funding, and secondly, it's to return the laboratory."

As he spoke, Link stood up from his chair and bowed to express his gratitude.

Then he placed the access card on the desk with both hands and pushed it in front of the wizard Paro.

"Hmm."

Wizard Paro picked up the access card, put it in the drawer, and said, "You won first place in both district competitions, and the academy rewarded you with a year's use of a large laboratory. You really don't need that laboratory anymore."

As he spoke, the wizard Paro took something out of the drawer and placed it in front of Link:

"You helped me win the bet, so naturally I have to give you a reward. This level 2 defensive artifact is one I used when I was young; I hope you won't find it unsightly."

Gifted by the elders, dare not to give up.

Moreover, this is a level 2 defensive artifact, meant for self-preservation, how could I possibly refuse it?

Link also faces a threat from the Rukia family.

No need for formalities, just accept it honestly.

To avoid appearing too hypocritical.

"Thank you, Wizard Paro."

Link immediately thanked him, and without any hesitation, picked up the second-ring defensive artifact, put it in his pocket, and then boasted loudly, "Master Paro is so generous. It is my honor to work for Master Paro."

"Alright, stop being so cheeky."

The wizard Paro stopped Link from flattering him, saying, "If you have the will, then work hard. Don't be like that other girl... Lanny Taylor, who shouts slogans all the time but only gets eighth place."

Honestly, eighth place is definitely not a bad result.

If she hadn't been so distracted by Link, Lani Taylor would likely have broken into the top five, or even the top three.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing.

Link didn't follow the wizard Paro's words to "attack" Lanny Taylor, but remained silent.

Do not speak ill of others behind their backs.

Moreover, too much talk leads to mistakes.

Who knows if the wizard Paro will dislike people with sharp tongues?

The wizard Paro was simply expressing his feelings and did not intend to belittle Lanny Taylor.

He is in the process of transforming into a sage, and often speaks and acts on instinct without using reason to restrain himself, and does not consider the consequences.

Say whatever you want to say.

To prevent the atmosphere between the two from becoming awkward.

Link changed the subject, saying, "Wizard Paro, there's one more thing I need to ask you."

"you say."

The wizard Paro raised his chin.

"After the competition, three friends who had gone through some things together are preparing to join my team. As you know, the academy stipulates that teams of 10 or more must apply for registration. So..."

Link deliberately left his sentence unfinished at the end, appearing somewhat embarrassed.

Actually, it's Link's prerogative to simply apply to register an apprenticeship organization.

He can be considered a low-ranking soldier in the Paro Wizards' camp.

However, he did not join the "New Blood Mutual Aid Society" established by the wizard Paro.

Registering an apprenticeship organization is not considered starting from scratch, much less betrayal.

The social anxiety group is actually fine too.

They were all free agents and had never joined any apprenticeship organization.

He has an innocent background.

The problem lies with Jasmine and the Brothers.

They had all been members of the "New Blood Mutual Aid Association".

Although each had their own reasons and claimed to have withdrawn from the association, their withdrawal was not approved procedurally.

Moreover, the wizard Ella once tried to win Jasmine back.

The group also receives event invitations from time to time.

"It's nothing, don't worry about it."

The wizard Paro understood what Link was worried about, smiled, and revealed a secret: "In another six months, not only will my 'New Blood Mutual Aid Association' be disbanded, but Peter's 'Pureblood Will' will also be cancelled."

Link seemed thoughtful, then tentatively asked, "Does becoming a sage mean one can no longer concern oneself with matters within the academy?"

"That's not something you should be thinking about right now."

The wizard Paro smiled and said meaningfully, "Speed ​​in one moment doesn't mean speed in the future. We still need to be down-to-earth, taking one step at a time, slowly climbing upwards. That's the safest way to go further."

What does this sentence mean?

This is giving Link pointers.

Don't assume that just because you have one or two secrets or opportunities, you can continue to advance at the same rapid pace after you become a full wizard, just because you've progressed so quickly as a wizard's apprentice.

If you want to go further, you must lay a solid foundation!

"I……"

Link opened his mouth, wanting to explain that he was just curious for a moment.

They didn't aim too high.

The wizard Paro raised his right hand, stopping Link from speaking: "Some things can be said but not done; some things can be done but not said. Understand?"

Perhaps the day of leaving the wizarding world and entering the realm of war is drawing ever closer.

Perhaps it is because the transformation period has entered its final stage and people are becoming more emotional that the Wizard Paro has given repeated hints and suggestions today.

He subtly tells Link that he, Celine the Wizard, and Cody the Wizard don't care whether Link has secrets or opportunities, and they don't covet them.

But that doesn't mean other people don't care or covet it.

If you can hide it, then hide it; don't reveal it easily.

"Thank you, Wizard Paro."

Link swallowed the words he was about to say and thanked them sincerely once again.

"Alright, judging from your expression, you've probably said enough. Now go back."

In the future, try to visit Celine more often, whether you have something to do or not; she quite admires you.

I've been saying all sorts of good things about you.

The wizard Paro waved his hand, signaling the little fellow, who resembled him in every way when he was young, to leave.

To avoid stirring up more of his emotions.

It's embarrassing if you always fail at managing your facial expressions.

He has his pride too, okay?

Link bowed and left the office.

As Link walked out of the administration building, he felt a great sense of accomplishment, but also a touch of regret.

It's unlikely that in the future, it will be as easy as it is now to request a meeting with the wizard Paro at any time.

I've already specifically told him to visit the witch Celine more often.

The time for parting may come soon.

With a soft sigh, Link composed himself.

He touched the level 2 defensive weapon in his pocket, a slight smile playing on his lips, and walked steadily toward the classroom.

What a great boss!

Even if I hadn't come today, I might still have received the reward I deserved.

But I don't know when that will be.

It's best to secure it as soon as possible.

To provide stronger protection for one's personal safety.

I'm so happy!

Before long, Link, feeling a little smug, arrived at the classroom where only Jasmine, the Brothers, and the Social Anxiety Group were present.

"How is it?"

Upon seeing Link, Jasmine immediately asked him a question.

Everyone was concerned about the outcome of Link's trip, and all eyes immediately turned to him.

"Good thing."

Link gave a brief, affirmative answer.

Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"good!"

Buck's expression became even more excited, and he immediately clenched his fist and swung it forcefully.

The three members of the socially anxious group smiled happily.

It's not that they don't want to socialize, but for various reasons, they are afraid of socializing.

I finally found a team with a friendly atmosphere, so of course I want to join them.

Now that all obstacles have been cleared, I can smoothly become a member of the team, which makes me naturally happy, very happy.

If they weren't still a little reserved, they would have liked to celebrate as much as Buck.

"Hey boss, let's come up with a name for our team. We'll need it for registration, and it'll make it sound more formal."

Lynn spoke up and made the suggestion.

Whether it's reporting to the college or announcing it to the public, having a catchy and official name is always a good thing.

Link, embodying the spirit of democracy, laughed and said, "Let's discuss it together. After we've reached an agreement, Jasmine, you'll be in charge of applying for registration."

"Um."

Jasmine readily agreed.

Based on her understanding of Link, Molly gleaned from Link's words that she would be in charge of managing the team's general affairs from now on.

This is a good thing for Jasmine.

She was happy to do it.

As long as you can play your role.

So that she doesn't appear to be just a pretty face or a decoration.

Once, the trumpet creeper only wanted to show off its beauty on a tall branch, but now it aspires to become a kapok tree.

They are also working diligently.

The group of men then began a lively discussion about the team's official name.

Confrontational arguments erupted from time to time.

Social anxiety groups also actively participated.

I express my opinions from time to time.

Soon, under Jasmine's guidance, several shortlisted names emerged.

All of them were presented to Link, who would then decide which one would be the official name of the team.

After thinking it over carefully, Link chose the ridiculous title "Freedom to Do Anything".

This choice was truly unexpected.

Let alone Jasmine and the social anxiety group,

Even the group of guys who insisted on including "freedom to do anything" as a candidate name were stunned.

They just wanted to have some fun; they never expected the big shot would actually choose that name.

Does this mean that in the future, when I go out, I should loudly tell everyone that I am "free to do whatever I want"?

tsk...

Just imagining the scene made the group of men shudder and feel a chill.

At the same time, this raises the question:

Can they still save face?

"It's settled then."

Meeting the puzzled and horrified gazes of the crowd, Link smiled faintly.

Make the final decision.

They didn't explain the reasons for this choice.

In his previous life, he also had a period when he was obsessed with causing trouble.

It was pure and joyful.

It's quite nice to revisit it now.

Hearing Link's confident tone, Jasmine shook her head, not intending to reject the proposal for further discussion.

She solemnly wrote down the ridiculous name "Freedom to Do Anything" on the apprentice organization registration application form.

She will submit the application later.

That's how the team name was decided.

Link took out paper and pen, sketched for a while, and then got down to business, making arrangements:

"From today onwards, we will be divided into four groups."

Jasmine and I are in a group responsible for research on microbial ecosystems;

Buck and Ezio are in Group Two, responsible for the testing and analysis of water and soil samples;

Lynn and Dalton were in three groups, responsible for the research on plant specimens;

Dijer, Betty, Mead, and Terry are four groups responsible for research on animal specimens.

I've received information that at least three teams are competing with us.

Therefore, we not only need to complete the research with high quality and quantity, but also race against time.

I hope everyone is well prepared.

After speaking, Link glanced around at everyone, waiting for a response.

"Um."

"Okay, boss."

"No problem, boss, I'll do whatever you say."

"Always be prepared!"

Everyone responded to Link's arrangement in their own way.

After responding, Dijon deliberately bragged about it to the three members of the social anxiety group:

"You'll see what a large-scale, comprehensive laboratory looks like this evening. An entire floor, nine zones, it's ridiculously large. All the high-end facilities and equipment—those mentioned in textbooks, documents, and even those not mentioned—are there. Your eyes will be dazzled, and you can use them however you want!"

His exaggerated tone and expressions immediately aroused the three members of the socially anxious group's longing for a large laboratory.

I wish time would pass quickly and evening would arrive soon.

The afternoon of classes passed by in a rather agonizing mood for the three members of the socially anxious group.

After dinner.

Led by Link, the group marched in a grand procession toward the boundary between the North and South.

It certainly attracted a lot of attention along the way.

Link Grand, the famous freshman in the South District, has also started to "form cliques"?

Upon entering the experimental building, the three members of the social anxiety group began to observe carefully.

Her expression and appearance were just like Granny Liu when she first entered the Grand View Garden, curious about everything.

I took the elevator to the fifth floor, swiped my access card, and entered the laboratory.

The three members of the social anxiety group exclaimed in unison.

Dijk wasn't bragging.

It is indeed very large, and it is equipped with high-end experimental facilities and equipment.

"Freedom to do anything"—I don't know about other areas, but at least in terms of research and experimentation, there's freedom to do anything.

Men and women were separated and each entered a changing room to change into protective suits that met laboratory standards.

Link didn't waste any precious time and immediately assigned tasks to each group according to the grouping plan established in the afternoon.

There's no need to elaborate on the experimental background, objectives, and procedures.

I've already mentioned this many times during the competition between the two districts.

The comprehensive area is a small area that has been specially designated.

Everyone was busy and working enthusiastically.

With the help of complete and high-end experimental facilities and equipment, coupled with the very reasonable and meticulous experimental plan formulated by Link, the team was able to achieve their goals.

One testing and analysis project after another was completed.

One data point and result after another was released.

Before nightfall, all the water, soil, plant, and animal samples collected by Link's team were retested and analyzed.

After compiling all the data and results, Link let the somewhat tired group of guys and the socially anxious group go back to their dormitories together.

He and Jasmine stayed behind to work a little overtime and process the data.

See you tomorrow morning, boss.

After saying goodbye to Link, the group of friends and the social anxiety group quickly changed their clothes and left the lab.

The boss and the big sister need time to spend alone together.

As a subordinate, how could I not have any sense?

Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Slip, slip, slip!

However, Link and Jasmine were really just busy with important matters.

Focus on processing all the data.

Neither of them chatted.

Before long, the data processing was completed, and Link skimmed through the entire document, making notes one by one.

"Let's go, it's getting late."

After tidying up the documents, Link called out.

"Um."

Jasmine looked tired and gave a soft reply.

Change your clothes and turn off the laboratory facilities, equipment, and lights.

The two left the lab and slowly walked towards Jasmine's dormitory.

It was very quiet the whole way.

Just like Jasmine's feelings right now.

When they reached the dormitory building, Jasmine waved goodbye and went upstairs.

Just as she turned the corner and was about to climb the stairs, Jasmine suddenly caught a glimpse of someone hiding in the shadows.

"Who?"

Jasmine gave a soft shout and became alert.

The "Defender 3202" set is activated immediately.

"it's me."

The person in the shadows emerged and stood in the light.

It was none other than Lani Taylor, still wearing a veil late at night.

What do you need?

Jasmine asked coldly.

From their first meeting, she disliked Lanny and never gave her a hard time.

Lanny Taylor, her eyes red and her voice filled with resentment, said:

"I want to know if there's something I'm not doing well enough?"

"Why did I only get eighth place, while you got third?!"

"Just because you've hooked up with Link Grand?"

Jasmine had no intention of paying attention to Lani Taylor, who seemed to have lost her mind for some unknown reason.

After thinking about it, he responded anyway, saying calmly:

"Just because I'm lucky."

"Because I'm 'free to do whatever I want'!"

(End of this chapter)