Wizards begin with Occlumency.

Chapter 162 A Big Mouth That Causes Trouble

"Have you picked out a gift yet?"

Jasmine knew about this.

Once Celine's hovercar had driven away, she immediately asked.

"not yet."

Link shook his head.

To be honest, he really didn't know what to give as a gift.

Gifts shouldn't be too cheap, but they also don't need to be too expensive; just show your good intentions.

It's really a difficult decision.

He didn't have much time left.

The Sage Ascension Ceremony of the Wizard of Paro will be held next Friday evening.

It was held in an auditorium within the college, and only a small number of people were invited.

Aside from a few friends, the others are all formal wizards from the "New Blood Mutual Aid Society," such as Tina, Salia, and Ella, whom Link is familiar with, as well as the wizard Loken.

Link is the only wizard apprentice.

This is a great honor, a great honor, and also a great pressure.

No matter how much it is rumored in private that Link has received special favor from the wizard Paro, like an illegitimate child, even more so than an investment target.

For Link, it doesn't really have much of an impact.

At most, you'll just hear a few sarcastic remarks.

It's not even certain that the message will reach Link's ears.

After the ceremony ends, the situation will change drastically.

Linke will be re-examined by many people, with increased attention and research efforts.

His every word and action will be magnified and carefully analyzed by those who want to.

They were trying to figure out why a mere first-year wizarding apprentice would be so highly regarded and favored by the wizard Paro.

Link felt a chill run down his spine whenever he thought about it.

But he couldn't not go.

Headache.

Jasmine suggested, "Perhaps you could try to find out what hobbies the wizard Paro had when he was young."

"Hobbies from your youth?"

Link seemed to be deep in thought upon hearing this.

"Well, think about it yourself. I won't disturb your train of thought."

Jasmine left a message, turned around, and went upstairs.

She wanted to figure out how to develop a figure as voluptuous and proud as the witch Celine.

Perhaps Link himself didn't realize that he preferred mature women with curves in all the right places and a charming demeanor.

This made Jasmine, who had been observing Link, feel secretly saddened.

How many years will it take her to grow into a mature and sophisticated woman like the witch Celine?

If Link knew what Molly was thinking, he would definitely scold her for going astray.

He's not that narrow-minded.

Link thought for a while longer, but couldn't come up with anything, so he went back to the fifth-floor laboratory.

After the research and development work is completed, a summary must be made.

I'll also prepare some handouts so that, during this research and development, I can give a presentation to Jasmine, the Brothers Group, and the Social Anxiety Group about the research system, common methods, "paper" format and writing tips, and "patent" regulations, applications, authorizations, and transfers in the Wizarding World.

And some advanced knowledge in botany, runic literature, pharmacology, and alchemical pharmacology.

As Link grows rapidly, one assistant is clearly not enough; the more the better.

However, assistants (crossed out) don't just fall from the sky or come to worship you because of your reputation; Link has to train them himself.

The "Brotherhood" and "Social Anxiety Group" had barely had half a day off before they were dragged back and made to attend classes for a day and a half.

This Saturday has passed just like that.

The witch Celine moved very quickly.

The day after receiving the materials and samples, which was Sunday, the upgrade of five products with a total of twenty-five models was completed.

Just as Link finished getting the "patent" licensed, he received a detailed description of the pharmacology and alchemical pharmacology knowledge and techniques used in sublimation.

The witch Celine bestowed upon Link both magic stones and knowledge; her kindness to Link was immense.

Link silently kept it in mind.

I will repay you in the future.

Now, the task at hand is to choose a suitable gift.

With only five days left to prepare, Link still hadn't decided what to send.

"Boss, your humble servant is here to help you solve your problems."

Buck chuckled and came over, looking like he wanted credit.

"How so?"

Link became interested and asked curiously.

"Look, boss, what have we found?"

Buck proudly showed Link his personal smart device, as if it were a treasure.

"Oh ho."

Link took the portable smart device, glanced at it briefly, and exclaimed in surprise.

The group of gentlemen has truly discovered something extraordinary.

On the AI ​​screen, an old page from the academy's "official website" was displayed, showing the heroic figure of Wizard Paro who had "won" first place in the first-year two-district competition.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out that the format of that year's competition between the two districts was a ring battle.

Paro Wizards fought their way through the competition to reach the finals, where they faced Peter Lionel.

After a fierce battle, the two were exhausted of their mental and magical power and ended up fighting wildly.

You kick me, I punch you, we roll around and fight each other.

With a "monkey stealing peaches" move, the wizard Paro threw Peter Lionel to the ground, then mounted him and swung his fists, which were as big as sand bowls, punching Peter Lionel until he saw stars and had no choice but to admit defeat.

After viewing Paro Wizard's "heroic figure", Link was instantly inspired.

He knew what gift to give that wouldn't cost too many magic stones but would still show his sincerity.

"Thank you, Buck!"

Link returned the portable AI to Buck, patted him on the shoulder, and said happily, "You guys have helped me a lot."

As soon as he finished speaking, Link ignored Buck's surprised expression and went into the small office he shared with Jasmine.

The process took more than half an hour.

Link walked out of the small office with a ruddy complexion.

Behind her followed Jasmine, whose face was also slightly flushed.

"You're amazing!"

As they walked, Jasmine showered Link with praise, her eyes practically brimming with tears as she looked at him.

"So-so, so-so."

Link was in a rare good mood and joked with Jasmine a few times.

The group of guys and the socially awkward group who were studying Link's lecture notes in their living/working areas were all dumbfounded when they saw the two of them like this.

It's broad daylight!

Hey boss, can you not go this far?

Link glared at the group of guys who were laughing heartily, and shook his head speechlessly.

Then he left the laboratory and headed straight for the living service building.

If they act so recklessly, someone will take care of them.

"Come on, let's have an extra witchcraft combat drill today."

Having been exposed to so many nobles who indulged in desires since childhood, how could Jasmine not understand the men's eyes? She immediately used her ultimate move.

"No, boss!"

"Spare me!"

The group of men immediately wailed in despair.

Jasmine didn't care about any of that. She adopted the air of a big sister and forcefully pushed the group of men into the witchcraft area for a practical training exercise.

When Link walked to the living services building.

Buck, whose smile was the most obvious and lewd, now had a pig-like face and was in excruciating pain.

As it turns out, this young lady is definitely not someone you should mess with.

Especially petite women who are very skilled in martial arts!

Deejet laughed inappropriately upon seeing Buck's miserable state, and was the second person Jasmine dragged away for a practical exercise.

Link had just entered a small shop specializing in all kinds of dolls.

"What do you need?"

Business was terrible, and the boss, who had nothing to do but browse the "forum" to pass the time, immediately came up to greet him warmly.

"Hello, I would like to order a set of dolls."

Link replied politely.

Anyone who can open a shop in the residential service building is no ordinary person.

Shops like these, which rely on the owner's "craftsmanship" to support their product supply, should not be underestimated, no matter how inconspicuous they may appear on the outside or how small, dilapidated, or run-down they may be inside.

Who knows if we'll run into another Wizard Cody who's gone back to the academy to "retire"?

"Custom-made dolls? What are your requirements? What price range can you offer?"

The boss immediately became interested.

If we can close this deal, we'll have enough for drinks tonight... right?

"It is half a meter tall and can store the light and shadow effects, body postures and movements of the spell, and then display the corresponding stored content according to the instructions."

Link told his boss about his idea.

As he spoke, he felt that simply describing it wasn't very vivid, so he had an idea and used a secondary mist and rain technique to simulate it visually.

In layman's terms, it is a pre-programmed robot that can demonstrate corresponding segments of magical effects, light and shadow images, body postures and movements based on commands issued by voice, gestures, mental power/magic, etc.

"I understand this format, it's perfectly fine."

The boss rubbed his fingers together. "As long as there are enough magic stones, it's not impossible to directly enchant with witchcraft."

If it could be made, this puppet would be comparable to a level 1 or even level 2 magical artifact.

It's definitely very cool.

This is the only Gundam model or miniature Gundam that can move, run, punch, and slash.

But the cost would be incredibly high!

Unmoved by the temptation, Link said directly, "The maximum is 300 standard level 1 magic stones. Boss, please make it good for me."

As he spoke, Link downloaded and edited a "highlights" video of the Paro Wizarding Tournament from the academy's "official website" and sent it to the store's public smart device.

"Oh ho, Paro. Isn't this the 'highlights' video of Paro winning all the way through the game?"

The boss leaned over to take a look and exclaimed in surprise.

His gaze towards Link turned to surprise, and he clicked his tongue in amazement:

"So you're the only wizard apprentice invited to Paro's Sage Ascension Ceremony. Is this a gift you're preparing for Paro? You've put a lot of thought into it; not only is the format novel, but it also hits right into Paro's sweet spot."

Upon hearing this, especially the boss's address to the wizard Paro, Link knew he had truly met a big shot.

Fortunately, he maintained a proper attitude throughout, neither arrogant nor humble, and did not risk offending this big shot whose status was unknown.

After thinking for a moment, Link asked, "Please keep this a secret. This doll is just something new to look at; there's nothing special about it."

"Don't worry, I'm very tight-lipped."

The boss made a stitching motion on his mouth, "This will absolutely not leak out."

"Thank you, boss."

Link took two boxes out of his pocket and handed them over. "As per your rules, this is a deposit of 100 magic stones."

"No problem, there's no rush to give it to me."

The boss laughed heartily, took the boxes, opened them one by one, glanced at them, and quickly verified the number.

Then hugged it tightly to her chest.

"Thank you for your help."

Link seemed oblivious to the scene that was affecting his image as a big shot, and said in a completely calm tone, "I'll come pick it up next Thursday?"

"Sure, just come and pick it up then."

The boss rubbed the box full of magic stones in his hands, completely ignoring Link and even wanting to get rid of him as soon as possible.

Link realized what was going on and left without delay.

The shop owner approached the entrance and watched Link walk away. He immediately hugged the box and lay back in his rocking chair, happily dreaming about where he would go for a drink that evening.

The store is rarely open for business, so we must celebrate!

As he pondered, the boss felt that drinking alone was no fun, so he held the magic stone in one hand and picked up his portable smart device in the other, sending a communication request to an old friend.

"What is it?"

An impatient voice came from the other end.

"I'd like to invite you for a drink."

The boss roared arrogantly, "I'll give you three seconds to straighten out your attitude."

"Holy crap!"

The voice on the other end first shouted, then immediately lowered its volume, softened its tone, and said in a fawning manner, "Big brother, take me with you. By the way, where did you get those magic stones? Tell me, I've been having a tough time lately, all my savings have been confiscated. When I earn some next time, I'll treat you to a drink, big brother."

The boss smiled smugly:

"My shabby shop is open for business today. Sigh, you wouldn't believe it, the only wizard apprentice that Paro invited for his promotion actually came to my shop to have a gift specially made."

I'm not bragging, but once I'm all drunk tonight, I'll make that gift, give it to my apprentice, and that guy Paro will be absolutely ecstatic.

Even the most prized of treasures, the Sage Percy's Staff, which is so precious that no one is allowed to touch it, cannot compare!

"Big brother, you described it so well, what kind of gift is it that's so amazing?"

"Nothing special, just one thing... Ugh, that kid's not so shrewish, he actually took precautions and told me not to leak it. I was blinded by the magic stone and actually agreed!"

"Big brother, are you doing this on purpose? Are you deliberately trying to pique my interest?"

"Haha... guess."

The boss ignored the "scolding" coming from the other end of the line and hung up the call, feeling quite pleased with himself.

He continued rocking in the rocking chair, using drinking as an excuse to find his next victim.

Link had just returned to the lab when he received a communication request from the wizard Celine.

"Good morning, Wizard Celine. What can I do for you?"

Link didn't dare delay and immediately answered the call, greeting the person politely.

"I heard you're planning to give Paro a gift even more impressive than Percy's Sage's Staff?"

Celine the Wizard's question left Link completely bewildered.

What?

I'm actually planning to give the wizard Paro a gift that's even more amazing than the Sage Percy's Staff?

How come I didn't know?

Link pointed to his nose, asking incredulously, "Who? Me? A gift? More powerful than Percy's Sage's Staff?"

"Yes, the news has spread, and we're all curious about it."

The witch Celine smiled, her tone full of mischievous amusement, and teased, "You're so capable! How come I didn't know? You dared to keep it from me, you really have a lot of guts."

"What? The news has spread?"

Link was utterly shocked, his composure completely gone. His face fell, and he pleaded, "Please stop teasing me, I'm in a real bind. Seriously, how could such bizarre news have come out?"

The witch Celine chuckled, "You went to 'Big Mouth' Coddell to order a doll. It's a good thing you kept it a secret and didn't tell anyone what kind of doll you ordered. Otherwise, everyone would already know what gift you were planning to give."

"Is that really a theory?"

Link was no longer shocked.

"Alright, just be careful. Everyone's looking forward to it, hoping your gift will be a pleasant surprise."

The wizard Celine gave another reminder and then hung up the call.

Link put down his personal smart device and recalled the shop owner's gesture of sewing his lips shut, and his assurance that "his mouth is sealed tight."

I felt like there were countless alpacas running around in my mind.

That's really ridiculous.

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(End of this chapter)