Wizards begin with Occlumency.

Chapter 233 Truly Hardcore

"like!"

Link really loves this gift.

He had witnessed the power of the Star Destroyer Cannon firsthand; although it was not as powerful as the Annihilation Light, it was only slightly less powerful.

Among the offensive magical artifacts he had encountered, the Star Destroyer Cannon was already among the top two in terms of power.

If we're talking about drawbacks, the only one is that it consumes too many magic stones.

Scratching his head, he felt both happy and worried about how to expand his sources of income.

"I'm glad you like it. You've put in a lot of effort to help me regain hope of becoming a sage. This is my way of thanking you."

Wizard Cody's face broke into a happy smile, a far cry from his previous stern, expressionless demeanor.

The period of transformation is truly a magical stage.

It allows wizards to confront their true selves and lets the outside world see the true nature of wizards.

Only authenticity can resonate with people.

"Thank you, Wizard Cody."

Link accepted the gift readily, but also felt he needed to be polite.

Without hesitation, he pulled out the "Tissot".

Commanding the intelligent maintenance puppets and related equipment inside the starship, they disassembled the original main gun of the latest "Hummingbird" class starship and installed a star destroyer cannon.

This star destroyer cannon was clearly designed with its size and parameters adjusted to the specifications of the "Hummingbird" class.

Once installed, it fits perfectly with no compatibility issues whatsoever.

Wizard Cody observed the process and then advised, "After you've used up your magic stones, remove them promptly and put them in the energy storage device. Let them bask in the sun to replenish their 'magic power'."

"Energy storage device?"

This was the first time Link had ever heard of this thing.

"you do not know?"

Wizard Cody asked in confusion, "Didn't you see any instructions after you received the starship?"

"no."

Link shook his head.

Wizard Cody pondered for a moment, then made a deduction and said:

"This may be related to the fact that you have been promoted for too short a time and your access to information channels is not wide enough."

The energy storage device is an essential energy conversion artifact for interstellar travel. It can absorb radiation emitted by stars in the universe, fill depleted magic stones with it, and convert it into a special magic that wizards cannot use directly but can supply power to warships.

Link understood immediately.

So the wizards had already set their sights on "solar energy" and started using clean energy.

He said that with so many interstellar warships burning magic stones, even if the Wizarding World has many resource-rich worlds, there will come a day when the magic stone mines will be exhausted.

It turns out that the power source for interstellar warships is primarily solar energy.

So why use magic stones in the first place?

Lin Ke was puzzled and asked the question.

Wizard Cody explained, "Because warships need an adaptation process. After sailing in space for a period of time and being exposed to and adapted to the complex cosmic rays, replacing them with magic stones that have been powered by energy storage devices will reduce the likelihood of problems and extend the warship's lifespan."

"Understood."

Link seemed to understand, but his intuition told him the reason wasn't that simple.

But he didn't want to delve deeper; if he tried to find the reason further, he would have to frantically study alchemy.

There's not enough time.

By this time, the Star Destroyer Cannon had been fully installed, and the original main gun had been transported to the warehouse and sealed away.

Having a backup main gun means that even if its power isn't enough, there's still a backup.

It might come in handy sometime.

After putting away the upgraded "Sky Shuttle," Link asked, "Where should I buy an energy storage device?"

Wizard Cody replied, "Just contact the manufacturer of the 'Hummingbird' class starships directly. They should have contacted you proactively. There must have been some error in the process, which is why you haven't received any contact yet."

Well……

Link discovered the second change after the wizard Cody entered his metamorphosis.

The way he speaks and the length of his speech have changed dramatically compared to his previous taciturn nature.

After thanking Wizard Cody, Link thought he would go back and ask the warship manufacturer to configure the energy storage device as soon as possible, so as to make use of the magic stone that had run out of magic power during the test drive of the "Sky Shuttle" some time ago.

"Oh, by the way, I have some news to let you know in advance."

Wizard Cody turned to get back to his car, but after a few steps, he stopped and said solemnly, "In a while, the academy will organize several teams to participate in a competition. If you have time, you can prepare in advance."

"A competition? What competition?"

Link really didn't know anything about this suddenly appearing competition.

"It's a competition between the major wizarding organizations in the Michelle District, limited to first-level formal wizards. The results will determine the ranking of the major wizarding organizations, and this ranking is related to the allocation of resources by the Supreme Council. It was just decided, and the news hasn't been announced yet. I'm telling you in advance so you can be prepared."

"Rankings? What rankings? Why are they limited to first-level official wizards?"

"This competition tests the ability of wizarding organizations to cultivate talent and assesses the quality of education provided by each organization. Therefore, the level is limited to first-level formal wizards, and the lower the average age of the participating teams, the more likely they are to receive policy support during the competition."

"Is that so?"

After listening to Wizard Cody's explanation, Link gained a vague initial understanding of this competition, about which he had not heard any rumors before.

This is similar in nature to competitions like the International Mathematical Olympiad and the "Challenge Cup" in the past.

What is displayed on the surface is the ability of the participating students, but what is actually reflected is the quality of education of the college.

Thinking about it this way makes the logic clear.

Wizard Cody then emphasized, "You must take this matter seriously. You're the fastest apprentice to advance in the academy's history, and your subsequent performance has been outstanding. Whether you like it or not, the academy will send you to the competition. Rather than passively joining another team, you should form your own."

"A team?"

Link seized on a key point and asked, "Does this competition have individual and team events?"

"certainly."

Wizard Cody nodded, confirming Link's question, "Power comes from within. When wizards conquer the heavens, it depends on both the individual and the team. It's a very normal setup."

Having said this, Wizard Cody started walking back towards his vehicle.

As the director of the college's law enforcement department, he certainly had access to more information in advance than just this.

However, that's all that can be revealed in advance.

If he said any more, those old fogies from the academy would come after him.

Flowers in a greenhouse cannot withstand the ravages of wind and rain.

An overly lenient environment cannot cultivate the tough "thugs" that the old fogies want.

Link understood Cody's concerns and didn't press the matter further. He then got into the Phantom Coupe and left the West End.

The two parted ways halfway, one returning to the college office and the other returning to Grand Pharmacy.

Before long, Link arrived at his own store, which was already open for business.

Today was full of surprises.

As soon as Link entered the lobby, a familiar face appeared in front of him.

"What's up?"

Seeing the conflicted and hesitant look on Mina Havelchock's face, Link asked her a question while gesturing for her to walk towards the reception area.

After settling into the soft chair, Link gestured to a sales assistant to bring over two cups of their signature tea, then said, "Since you've already come all this way, just say what you need to say. There's no need to beat around the bush."

Jasmine once mentioned that she had asked Mina to do several things for her, and the results were very good.

I admire Mina; she's a natural intelligence expert, but unfortunately, she always makes the wrong choices and goes down the wrong path.

Link deduced that Mina's sudden approach to him today was probably because she had made some new choice and wanted to correct the mistakes she had made in the past.

Sure enough, after taking a deep breath, Mina said in a slightly nervous voice, "I want to be with you."

"What are you thinking? Explain yourself."

Link took a sip of green tea, savoring the fragrance and initial bitterness followed by a sweet aftertaste, and said softly.

Mina took the plunge, took the first step, and then stopped being nervous and regained her composure.

She picked up the milk tea that was becoming increasingly popular at Grand Pharmacy and was also being sold in the South and West districts of Rivoss, and took a sip.

He said slowly and deliberately, "I want to work for you. I've observed that you currently lack a capable intelligence subordinate. Sister Jasmine isn't suited for this kind of work, and Betty isn't up to the task. If you're willing to accept me, I'm sure I can establish an even better intelligence network where you're 'free to do whatever you want'."

Link pondered for a moment, then asked, "Give me a reason to convince me to keep you, and what kind of treatment you want."

Mina's expression brightened; knowing she had a chance, she immediately said, "The reason is that I've heard something that will be detrimental to you, and 'Freedom to Do Anything' doesn't have any information about it yet. The compensation is simple: I'll get the same amount as everyone else."

After a pause, Mina emphasized, "Furthermore, you are not allowed to interfere in my private life in any way!"

Link downed his green tea in one gulp and said, "I agree in principle, but for the specifics, you should talk to Jasmine. She's in charge of everything that's 'free to do whatever you want'."

In this sentence, Link deliberately made "What are you doing? Freedom" the subject, rather than himself.

He made it clear to Mina that he personally did not need her services.

Mina should become a member of the "freedom to do whatever she wants" group, and then contribute to the organization and herself for personal gain.

There are significant differences between them.

"Sure, no problem!"

Mina jumped up, making a loud noise.

This attracted the attention of the few customers scattered throughout the store.

Link didn't care about this minor lapse in composure, and walked into the stairwell, heading towards the second-floor laboratory.

Mina breathed a sigh of relief; it was good that they weren't going to pursue the matter.

Then, filled with joy, she left Grand Pharmacy and returned to the Advanced Academy to find Jasmine.

It's been a long time since I've had any contact with Link Grand, and today's sudden encounter has brought me more and more pressure than ever before.

As Mina boarded the train, she felt a sense of urgency, wanting to find Jasmine quickly and reach an agreement as soon as possible.

A low-level man from the West Side, dressed in a very edgy style, approached Mina.

Seemingly disgusted by the smell on Brother Sharp, Mina raised her hand and covered her nose.

It seemed that Brother Sharp was hurt by Mina's actions, so he quickly walked past Mina and went to a secluded corner.

In the instant the two passed each other, a small piece of paper, about the size of a soybean, appeared in Mina's hand, which was pretending to cover her nose.

It moves so fast that it cannot be detected by the naked eye.

You have to use a high-speed camera to film it and then play it back frame by frame to see the movement trajectory of the paper ball.

This is one of the intelligence channels that Mina further established after she was promoted to a first-level wizard.

Back at the advanced academy, Mina went straight to the library, where she found Jasmine, just as she expected.

"How so?"

Jasmine came to the outside of the reading room and took the initiative to ask a question.

Mina wouldn't dare go to Link without Jasmine's approval.

If Mina is mistaken for having ulterior motives and targeted by Jasmine, she'll be in for a lot of trouble.

The Advanced Academy already has eight "freedom-to-do" veterans.

"The big boss said he agreed in principle."

Mina, following the example of the "Brotherhood" and the "Social Anxiety Group," changed how she addressed Link.

"Um."

Jasmine responded and then asked, "Now you can tell me the information you've gathered."

Mina glanced around, making sure no one was nearby, then took out an anti-eavesdropping device from her pocket, activated it, and said, "The Rukia family is secretly preparing a team, supposedly to snipe the big boss. The drunken Rukia didn't say exactly how. My informant didn't dare ask any further, lest he get himself into trouble."

"I see. I understand."

Jasmine seemed to be deep in thought upon hearing this.

Although this intelligence is rather general, it is still extremely valuable.

Regardless of how the Rukia family plans to sabotage, at least Link will know that even after the apparent reconciliation, Rukia is still making moves behind the scenes, and he needs to be more vigilant.

This is much better than knowing nothing at all.

"Focus on your work, 'You're free to do whatever you want'—just like its name suggests, as long as you don't betray the organization, you're free to do whatever you want."

Jasmine patted Mina on the shoulder and made a promise, "Here, no one will force you to do anything you don't like. Also, you need to rein in your own behavior and not bring any bad influences into the family."

After making this pointed remark, Jasmine returned to the reading room to continue her studies.

Link is walking faster and farther away; she can't fall behind.

Mina blushed, feeling very ashamed.

After being hurt by Rivers, she had a somewhat "what's the use" attitude.

While plotting revenge against Rivers and trying to win over Enrique, he did some less-than-ideal things.

In order to learn potion making and secure a part-time job at Celine's Pharmacy, he had to beg the guild master, Antoine, a request he found incredibly difficult to make.

Mina only awoke after Enrique, Antoine, and Rivers had all died.

Joining "Freedom to Do Anything" now is both a search for development and a seeking of protection; they want to get on Link Grand's good side.

After Jasmine's suggestion, Mina put away her secretive thoughts and decided to keep a low profile, not daring to make any mistakes.

The title of "Big Sister" – "Free to Do Anything" – is well-deserved.

Others might not know, but how could Mina, a professional intelligence officer, not know?

Both internally and externally, Sister Jasmine is a true leader in every sense of the word.

Do you really think that "freedom to do whatever you want" has developed into the leading apprentice organization in the South District of Junior College in just one or two years, all because of Link Grand's name?

It was the eldest sister, Molly Kidman, who led the eight elders in a series of challenges, creating this situation through sheer hard work.

That said, the new blood in the South District still doesn't understand why "Freedom to Do Anything" places such importance on witchcraft battles.

Even though a level 0 sorcery spell's attack and defense are inferior to many rune items...

Link Grand, the source of all the strange phenomena of "freedom to do whatever he wants," is deep in thought in the laboratory on the second floor of his own pharmacy.

There are three things in front of Link.

One is the relevant parameters of the "empowering" potion, another is the user feedback on the semi-finished potion "reversal" sent by Christina, and the third is the Zerg-related report.

The connection between these three things is very weak, and they can even be said to be completely unrelated.

But just now, after reading the user feedback on "Reversal," Link suddenly remembered the "Empowerment" potion that had been gathering dust in the storage room since it was developed, and he also suddenly remembered the Zerg-related report that he had finished writing this morning.

A flash of inspiration struck him; Snape's "potions talent" was triggered, giving rise to a new idea.

Unfortunately, this inspiration was too unpredictable and mischievous, and Link couldn't catch it no matter what he did.

The "Multi-threaded Thinking" status card is still in the cooldown period.

Using the source energy of the "small world" too frequently is not a good thing, as it will affect development.

Link chose to rack his brains to try and capture that mischievous inspiration.

I sat there for a long time, but still made no progress.

He simply got up and paced around the laboratory, wandering back and forth.

Suddenly, a potion caught Link's eye; it was the "Ascension" potion that had transferred all data and rights to the Palo Sage Legion.

"I understand now."

Link suddenly slapped his forehead, finally understanding what that inspiration he had just had was.

It has nothing to do with "empowerment", nothing to do with "reversing" semi-finished products, and nothing to do with "sublimation".

The Zerg report gave Link a hint about the idea of ​​"radiation" mutation.

This is a new direction to further enhance the potential of the "Fairy" potion.

It is not limited to enhancement from the inside out, but can also include targeted mutagenesis from the outside in.

"Looks like I'm going to be busy again."

(End of this chapter)