Wizards begin with Occlumency.

Chapter 170 A Huge Uproar, Everyone's Defenses Breached

"You can leave now."

With a complex expression, the witch Celine coldly dismissed them.

I don't want to see you again for the next three days.

Link had no idea what Celine the Wizard had just said that caused such a drastic change in attitude.

But it certainly wasn't something that would make her happy, and she was starting to feel a little defensive.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have not only "expelled" him, but also added a three-day waiting period.

Although these three days should be the time Jasmine stays here to receive treatment.

Link dared not provoke him, so he immediately got up and slunk away.

"Remember to report to the college; it will be beneficial."

Before leaving the basement, the witch Celine gave a word of advice to prevent the little guy from trying to hide again.

This made Link breathe a slight sigh of relief.

It seems that the witch Celine really didn't have any negative feelings like dislike towards him.

That's good, that's good.

As for the reason for the change in attitude, there's no need to guess; it's quite obvious.

It's most likely related to the changes he made during his promotion ceremony.

Such a transformative change must be extremely rare, perhaps even something that the wizard Celine herself dreamed of but never experienced.

As Link thought this, he felt a mix of smugness, pride, and wariness.

As for what he was wary of, he had no specific idea.

The witch Celine took a few deep breaths, her sense of justice swelled, and her previously fragile emotions returned to calm.

Recalling his previous "childish" behavior, he couldn't help but smile.

Unfortunately, no one appreciated the boundless charm that bloomed in that instant.

She took out an encrypted communicator and connected with the wizard Paro.

"Link Grand has gained the favor of the world's will at your ascension ceremony."

Before the other party could speak, the witch Celine coldly uttered a sentence and hung up the communication.

I'm still angry and can't be bothered with you.

Back at the academy, Link decided to follow Wizard Celine's instructions and proactively report to the academy that he had been promoted to a full wizard.

Moreover, it's better to do it sooner rather than later.

Actually, he had this plan all along, but it was delayed.

After all, the knowledge about the training of formal wizards, whether it be meditation or first-circle witchcraft, is something that wizard apprentices cannot access.

To obtain it, you need to increase your privileges.

Dormitory, study.

Link took out his personal smart device, accessed the academy's "official website," and registered.

The process was very simple; it was just filling out a form.

This time, the personal AI did not initiate a verification process with Link as it had last time. (See Chapter 16 of Volume 1)

Link had anticipated this.

If a personal AI could detect whether someone is a legitimate wizard, wouldn't that be terrible?

Wouldn't everyone feel insecure?

Shortly after, the academy sent a notice asking Link to go to the "Wizard Management Office" on the third floor of the administration building.

Link immediately set off for the administration building.

On the third floor, in the "Wizard Management Office," the door was tightly closed.

Link knocked on the door and waited for a reply.

"Enter."

The door opened automatically, and a voice came from inside.

Sensing the subtle yet discreet fluctuations of mental energy, Link raised an eyebrow.

He had been to Paro Wizard's office so many times, and also to Cody Wizard's office a few times, but he had never encountered a similar situation.

What is the wizard inside doing?

To give Link a hard time?

Let this newly appointed official wizard correct his attitude and stop being arrogant and conceited.

Should we remain humble and respectful?

Anything is possible.

Link made wild guesses in his mind, but his attitude remained very proper as he walked into the room neither servile nor arrogant.

"Link Grand?"

Sitting behind the desk was a middle-aged witch with short hair, a somewhat stern demeanor, and a slightly serious appearance.

She had her head down, a pen in her hand, and was writing something on a document.

Without looking up, he asked the question indifferently.

The tone and attitude were not very good.

"Yes."

Link wasn't about to waste his time trying to win someone over; he gave a curt reply, sparing with his words.

"Just finished first grade?"

"Yes."

"First place in the two districts' competition for first grade?"

"Yes."

"You just came out of the apprentice-level training realm yesterday?"

"Yes."

"You've been promoted to a full-fledged wizard?"

"Yes."

"Prove it."

After asking several questions and receiving a series of affirmative "yes" answers, the middle-aged witch finally raised her head, looked directly into Link's eyes indifferently, and made her request.

However, the tone was much harsher, somewhat condescending and aggressive.

It doesn't seem like they're verifying whether Link has become a full-fledged wizard.

It's more like a trial for a criminal.

No respect whatsoever.

Link didn't take it seriously.

This person is estimated to be from a pure-blood or half-blood family on the West Coast.

The more you interact with local wizarding apprentices and wizards, the more similar scenes you will witness.

There's no need to get angry about it.

I just kept it in my heart.

Right now, we should focus on the important matters and not hold grudges.

With a thought, he instantly donned his innate sorcery, the "Armor Armor."

With another thought, he used pseudo-natal sorcery, "continuous casting" and "parallel casting".

Water balloons, thorn whips, thorn entanglements, leaf arrows, wooden spikes, water blades, ice cones...

Any level 0 spell with even a modicum of offensive power would be aimed directly at the arrogant middle-aged witch.

It can go as fast as it can.

Its power is as great as it can be.

They attacked without holding back, with all their might.

Didn't you ask me to prove it?

Then I'll prove it.

What could better demonstrate the intuitive difference between a wizarding apprentice and a full-fledged wizard than the time it takes to cast a spell and the effect of the spell?

That's all, right?

I'm sorry then, senior.

The middle-aged witch was caught off guard.

Although she has been a Level 2 Wizard for over a decade, she still sits in her office.

He had only been on the front lines during his internship before finishing his advanced studies at the advanced academy, so he was truly lacking in combat skills.

Link's unethical sneak attack threw him into a panic.

He was hit in the face by a water balloon, making a crisp "smack" sound, before he realized what was happening.

The middle-aged witch swiftly used her innate magic—a shield combining metal and earth elements—to block all of Link's subsequent attacks. She then raised her voice, coldly shouting, "Enough!"

"oh."

Link stopped attacking as instructed, but did not put away his armor. He still held two thick, long thorns in his hand, gently twirling them, the sound coming through his visor.

He said in a muffled voice, "So, does this mean I've proven myself successful?"

"I didn't ask you to prove that!"

The middle-aged witch slammed her hand on the table, creating a small crack, and snapped, "What do you mean by this? Are you throwing a tantrum or rebelling?"

Link's voice came from behind the mask again, sounding very aggrieved: "Didn't you ask me to prove it? This is the only way I know to prove it."

The middle-aged witch opened her mouth, but had nothing to say.

Her selfishness played a significant role in pushing the situation to its current state.

Standing before her was no longer a mere wizard apprentice, but a fully-fledged wizard.

We can no longer oppress people at will; they should be respected.

If this gets out of hand, she won't get any credit either.

Exhaling heavily through her nose, the middle-aged witch, remembering the other person's background and incredibly fast cultivation speed, forcibly suppressed her anger and coldly said, "Don't be so reckless next time. If you don't know how to prove it, you can ask me."

"oh."

Link, having gained an advantage, didn't push his luck and knew when to stop, deactivating his armor.

"Given your special circumstances, it is necessary to suspend your studies at the Junior College. However, your current knowledge base is not suitable for entering the Senior College at this time. Therefore, the College has decided to grant you access to the Senior College Library, where you can study on your own."

The middle-aged witch, in a businesslike manner, picked up the document she had previously written and read aloud, "There will be one one-on-one private tutoring session per month to answer any questions you may have during your self-study. In addition, the benefits have been upgraded to one standard level 2 magic stone per semester."

After speaking, the middle-aged witch handed Link two copies of the document: "If you have no objections, please sign it."

Link took the document, carefully reviewed it, confirmed that the contents of the agreement were correct and there was no tampering, and then signed his name.

"Alright, this is none of your business."

The middle-aged witch didn't want to see Link's handsome face, which she found repulsive, and told him to leave.

Link took his copy of the agreement, too lazy to offer a perfunctory thank you, and left directly.

Stepping out of the administration building and onto the east bank of the boundary lake, one can gaze at the advanced college to the west of the lake.

A surge of heroic spirit welled up in Link's heart.

A new journey is about to begin!

However, before going, Link planned to complete the entire four-year wizard apprenticeship course on his own.

We still need to solidify our foundation.

The sturdier the better.

Instead of returning to his dorm, Link went to the lab to verify something.

As expected, after reporting to the academy, his privileges were further enhanced.

The advanced literature database and the "credit" redemption page also opened up some advanced materials and literature to him.

The college even proactively sent a document containing textbooks and reference materials for all courses in the second, third, and fourth years.

Judging from the academy's skillful handling of the situation, there must have been quite a few people in history who, like Link, were promoted to full wizards ahead of schedule.

The guiding principle is simple: grant those who are promoted ahead of schedule the greatest autonomy and convenience.

Since you were able to advance from apprentice to full wizard before completing the four years of education arranged by the academy, it means that you have an exceptionally strong self-learning ability.

Those who are capable should do more work; you should continue your self-study.

At most, I can arrange a Q&A session for you once a month.

Link was happy with this.

Honestly, with status cards like "Occlumency," "Botany Talent," "Charm Talent," "Potion Talent," and "Multi-Threaded Thinking," Link can learn much more efficiently on his own than through a structured education.

Then start learning on your own.

Aside from meeting Jasmine midway through the journey to resolve the disharmony between her soul and body.

During the remaining month of the holiday, Link devoted himself to reading and studying, frantically absorbing knowledge from the courses for the second, third, and fourth grades.

The "multi-threaded thinking" status card, which is used every four days, is never wasted; it is used immediately once the cooldown period is over.

And so, a month passed.

The academy welcomed a new batch of Stormsea recruits and local apprentices.

Link, Jasmine, the Brothers, and the Social Anxiety Group became the second-year seniors.

Of course, Link can be crossed out.

Before the start of the semester, after learning that the "New Blood Mutual Aid Association" had been officially deregistered, Jasmine discussed with Link whether she should take over the position of the "New Blood Mutual Aid Association".

After careful consideration, Link agreed with Jasmine's opinion.

Several members were recruited from the first-year freshmen.

However, Link believes that the number of participants should not be too large, and that quality should be prioritized over quantity.

We must select the best of the best, especially in terms of personal character, which must be strictly controlled.

Jasmine, as the de facto manager who is "free to do whatever she wants," is fully in charge of this matter.

From now on, except for special matters, Jasmine will be free to make all her own decisions regarding "doing whatever she wants" without having to report to him.

Jasmine accepted Link's arrangement.

He holds absolute power.

But I'm not in a good mood.

This arrangement signifies Link's trust and respect for him, and also indicates that Link has taken another big step forward.

They are about to leave the South District and the Junior College, heading towards higher and farther places.

This is what they mean by drifting further and further apart.

The day of the start of the fall semester has finally arrived.

Two changes were noticeably observed in the various apprenticeship organizations in the southern district.

The "New Blood Mutual Aid Association" has been deregistered, while "Freedom to Do Anything" is now recruiting.

Before these two changes could make a big splash, a major announcement was made by the college.

Link Grand, through hard work and a tiny bit of talent, has been promoted to a full-fledged wizard during the holidays. Congratulations!

I didn't see much celebration, but I felt a lot of envy, jealousy, and hatred.

Those who had dealt with Link, whether new recruits or local apprentices, whether friends or those with whom he had disputes or grudges, all had different attitudes.

But without a doubt, they were all shocked.

After hearing the news, Lanny Taylor sat in the library for an entire day, thinking things through and calming her mind.

Late at night, as she walked out of the library, she had removed her veil, revealing a face that, despite its flaws, was still stunningly beautiful.

After gazing up at the bright moon for a while, Lani touched a scar on the corner of her right eye.

This is the wound she sustained when she was nine years old, when she broke free from her drunken stepfather's bullying and ran away, accidentally bumping into the handle of a knife.

This is also a knot in her heart, a past she is unwilling to face.

Today's shock actually made Lani let go of everything from the past.

She decided to leave behind her past self and dedicate herself wholeheartedly to the path of a wizard.

Great power originates from within; all else is insignificant.

North District.

Iris sat on the bay window of her dormitory, her arms wrapped around her knees, her shadow stretched long by the moonlight.

There was no madness, no rage, only tranquility and solitude.

She finally found an interesting guy, a friend who was willing to play with her, a stranger who seemed to come from the world in her dreams.

It seems we're going to lose it again.

This feeling is awful.

Just like the feeling in her dream when she watched her precious, worn-out blanket being forcibly thrown away by her family.

"Don't let me catch you again."

After a long while, Iris gritted her teeth and muttered resentfully.

I really want to spray that guy's face.

Hawke Lucia and Bobby Smith sat facing each other in silence.

His face was filled with disbelief and shock, and a bittersweet subconscious belief.

"You got promoted already?"

Hawke's lips trembled as he asked his friend Bobby.

"You've been promoted!"

Bobby's decisive reply shattered Hawke's lingering hope.

"This is a huge problem!"

Hawke couldn't help but let out a wail.

A genius who can advance from apprentice to full wizard in less than a year will definitely be given special attention and protected by the academy.

How can we allow the Rukia family to destroy it for their own selfish reasons?

Given Link Grand's past history of being vengeful, he will definitely cause trouble for the Rukia family when he grows up.

Bobby nodded, then plunged the knife into Hawke's wound again: "This is indeed a big problem! But it's only a big problem for the Lucia family, it has nothing to do with me."

Hawke couldn't help but glare at his friend who was still laughing at the situation.

Sophie Lucia is smashing things.

Not content with smashing up the bedroom, they moved on to smashing up the study.

If the study is destroyed, then destroy the living room.

After smashing everything she could, she curled up against the wall and frantically rubbed her hair.

Why did Soren Lucia suddenly disappear recently?

Others might not know, but how could Sophie not know?

The academy urgently dispatched a mission.

At first, Sophie didn't understand why, but now she does.

It was all to protect that country bumpkin and prevent Sauron from suddenly killing him without thinking.

"Ah! Ah! Ah!"

Sophie completely broke down and screamed in despair.