Chapter 427 - 251: Upgrade Plan, Taking a Disciple (Part 2)
Chapter 427 - 251: Upgrade Plan, Taking a Disciple (Part 2)
In the blink of an eye, more than a decade has passed.
Starlight Calendar Year 1999, the Month of Blazing Fire (July).
The scorching sun hung high in the sky, its intense rays baking the earth.
Just walking on the street for a short while, sweat quickly soaked through clothes.
Under the high temperature, Flash City’s usually bustling and lively central avenue was exceptionally quiet today, with only a few pedestrians around.
Clop clop!
A strange vehicle came from afar.
The vehicle’s appearance was quite similar to the luxurious carriages commonly used by nobles, except it was entirely made of metal and had no horses pulling it. Its four wheels rolled forward swiftly, propelled by some invisible force.
The sound of the wheels rolling attracted many pedestrians’ attention.
Their eyes fell on the metal vehicle, and many of them revealed envious looks.
"It’s the latest model of the Magic Energy Vehicle!"
"I heard these Magic Energy Vehicles use magic stones as energy, which is why they can pull a fully metallic body."
"I’m so envious, if only I had one!"
"Stop dreaming, do you know how rare and precious these Magic Energy Vehicles are? Ordinary nobles can’t afford them. See the crest on the carriage’s outer wall? That’s the royal crest!"
"Oh wow, it really is. Which princess or prince is inside?"
The Magic Energy Vehicle drove forward, leaving behind a trail of discussion.
Inside the spacious carriage, Haylin held a thick book, fully engrossed in reading, ignoring the outside noise.
Instead, it was the young boy and girl sitting on either side of the carriage who heard the discussions outside but remained silent, afraid to disturb Haylin.
The Magic Energy Vehicle passed through the central avenue and directly arrived at the entrance of the palace.
The young boy among them opened the window, stuck his head out, and said a word. The soldiers at the gate immediately let them through, skipping any inspection.
The Magic Energy Vehicle continued to drive, finally stopping at a luxurious palace.
A group of people was already waiting inside the palace, led by none other than the empire’s Second Prince, Jerry Yanest.
Behind him stood his wife and several children.
Seeing Haylin and the others alight from the vehicle, Jerry immediately went up with a smile and said:
"Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit, Lord Haylin."
The others quickly bowed as well.
Several young boys and girls couldn’t help but secretly observe Haylin, full of curiosity.
In terms of generations, this young man in front of them, who appeared to be only in his twenties, should be regarded as their great-uncle.
However, wizards typically dislike discussing bloodlines and generations, so their father referred to him as "Lord."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the group headed towards the hall.
During this time, Haylin did not introduce the two young ones behind him, and Jerry did not ask; he guessed they were likely Haylin’s disciples.
Since the founding emperor’s passing centuries ago, with the support of the Star Alliance, the royal family has seen a surge of Wizard Apprentices emerging like mushrooms after rain.
Today, more than three hundred registered Wizard Apprentices of the royal family are still alive.
Among them emerged a Wizard.
None other than Haylin Yanest in front of them!
Because of this, Haylin Yanest holds an extremely high status in the empire; even His Majesty the Emperor greets him.
Jerry had spent a significant price to invite Haylin over.
As Haylin and the others entered the hall with Jerry, the rest departed, leaving only a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy who followed them inside.
After sitting down, before Jerry could think of how to start the conversation, Haylin went straight to the point and said:
"Go ahead, what is the purpose of inviting me over with such fanfare?"
Jerry knew that most wizards disliked beating around the bush, so he bravely stated his purpose.
"I want to ask you to take my youngest son, Guy, as a disciple!"
Haylin raised an eyebrow and glanced at the young boy behind Jerry, who looked tense and uneasy.
He emitted a faint fluctuation of Energy Particles.
Judging by the intensity, he should be a Level 2 Wizard Apprentice.
"Is he a student at Starlight Academy?"
"Yes."
"In consideration of our same clan, if he passes the Morning Star assessment, I will take him as a disciple."
Jerry’s expression froze.
Any Level 2 Wizard Apprentice under thirty years old can participate in the Morning Star assessment. Although Guy qualifies to participate, he’s too young and lacks deep experience, making his chances of passing extremely slim.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to ask Haylin.
In Wizard Academy, making progress quickly is crucial. Becoming Haylin’s disciple early, with a wizard teacher’s guidance and the family’s resources, Guy could grow faster than other students, possibly becoming a wizard like Haylin in the future!
Observing Jerry’s change in expression, Haylin immediately knew what plan he was hatching.
He’s encountered similar situations multiple times since becoming a wizard.
Since his promotion to Wizard, countless from the Yanest Clan have sought him to take disciples.
However...
He glanced at Guy, a Level 2 Wizard Apprentice at sixteen or seventeen years old, possessing talent comparable to himself in those days.
"My lord, I earnestly request you to accept Guy as a disciple."
Jerry earnestly reiterated, this time handing over a Space Ring.
"Here are a thousand lower-tier magic stones as Guy’s apprenticeship fee. I’ll offer the same amount every year; please consider it."
The young ones behind Haylin were taken aback upon hearing this, looking at the Space Ring with a hint of eagerness in their eyes.
While Magic Energy technology now spans the entire continent, its proliferation in the Golden Rock Province, due to limited magic stone production, provides an advantage to nobles and royalty residing there, allowing them to gather magic stones for trade with wizards (apprentices).
A thousand magic stones constitute a considerable amount!
In Starlight Academy, it’s enough to sustain a Level 3 Wizard Apprentice for several years.
No wonder the Second Prince is so generous.
Haylin appeared slightly moved, looked at Guy, pondered briefly, and eventually agreed.
Besides the magic stones, Guy’s talent was also a factor.
"Very well, from today forward, he is my disciple."
Seeing Haylin agree, Jerry was overjoyed and quickly instructed his youngest son: "Hurry and pay respects to your teacher!"
Guy, his face flushed with excitement, quickly approached Haylin and bowed.
"Teacher!"
Haylin nodded calmly: "Join me back at the academy later."
Saying that, he turned to Jerry, "If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave."
Having achieved his goal, Jerry dared not delay Haylin’s time and saw him out with a smile, watching as the four boarded the vehicle.
The Magic Energy Vehicle promptly drove out of the palace, heading towards the city gates.
In the carriage, Guy sat somewhat awkwardly.
Haylin glanced at him and pointed to the young ones, saying: "This is Raymond and Arisa, your senior fellow apprentices, both Level 3 Wizard Apprentices. If I’m not around, you can ask them if you have any questions."
"Hello, senior fellow apprentices!" Guy quickly greeted.
Raymond and Arisa returned his smile with friendly attitudes.
Even without considering their mutual roots in the Yanest Clan with their teacher, Guy’s talent alone commands their respect.
Suddenly, Haylin’s expression changed, and with a flick of his wrist, a book appeared from nowhere.
He quickly flipped through the pages, and slender beams of light seeped out, interweaving to outline a somewhat ethereal figure.
"What is it?" Haylin asked.
The figure spoke in a deep voice: "About 120 kilometers north of Flash City, there are unrecorded Energy Particle fluctuations, thirteen in number. The Witch Hunting Legion has already headed there; you should support them."
Pausing, he added, "This is Xingyun’s order!"
Haylin’s expression turned serious, and he nodded: "Understood."
The light image dissipated as Haylin closed the book, turning to the stunned young ones and saying:
"Return to the academy by yourselves."
With that, Haylin vanished, leaving Guy and the others looking at each other inside the carriage.
FVN