Chapter 601: Apprentice Classification and Expansion

Currently, among the members of the Progress Society, the number of Apprentices accounts for roughly one-fifth of the total number of Apprentices in the Tower of Time; if only counting those capable of Spellcasting, it accounts for more than half.

However, this is merely a small achievement produced by internal exchanges within the Progress Society, without any specialized training; from this, it can be seen that the potential of the Apprentices in the Tower of Time has great room to be tapped.

Arriving at the head seat of the conference room and looking at the faces full of anticipation, Xia Duo also felt full of anticipation inside, "Everyone, you have all received the notification from the Tower Spirit, right!"

"Received it!"

A sparse and slightly restrained response came from below; Xia Duo knew this was the pressure brought by pure power, and he did not mind it, but continued to speak:

"The transformation of the Tower of Time requires more Apprentices. I intend to divide Apprentices into three levels: those who have not completed Magic enlightenment are called 【Level 1 Apprentice】, those who have completed enlightenment are called 【Level 2 Apprentice】, and those who have completed the prescribed courses are called 【Level 3 Apprentice】. A Level 3 Apprentice can be called a Level 1 Mage after completing the 【Ascension Trial】."

In fact, Xia Duo would rather call them "first grade," "second grade," and "third grade," but as long as the teaching keeps up, the Apprentice stage can be completed within a year or two, so there is no need to drag it out that long.

Of course, Xia Duo's "1-2-3" grading is also slightly crude. If possible, dividing them into more detailed levels based on the knowledge required at the Apprentice stage would be more reasonable and efficient.

……

In the conference room, the members of the Progress Society could not help but think to themselves after hearing Xia Duo's grading of Apprentices, wondering what level they could be rated.

At the same time, after finishing the introduction of the Apprentice grading, Xia Duo finally reached the main point, "I intend to have the Progress Society be responsible for the Apprentice Management Office; everyone will have a task!"

"What?!"

This time, the reaction of the crowd was much more intense than before, and they began to whisper to one another. Xia Duo did not keep them in suspense; he looked at the eight Official Mages including Dien and Sami, and issued his Indication:

"Dien, you eight Official Mages, in addition to your work at the Tilake Research Lab, will also need to hold a concurrent position at the Apprentice Management Office. You will take turns leading the Level 3 Apprentices. If the number of Level 3 Apprentices increases later, I will add more manpower for you."

"Yes!" Dien, Sami, and the others answered in unison.

Then Xia Duo looked at the five Probationary Members of the Progress Society and continued, "Jibusen, the five of you, as Probationary Members of the Progress Society, are fully capable of being rated as Level 3 Apprentices. Due to the shortage of manpower in the Tower of Time, I hope you can become lecturers for the Apprentice Management Office, responsible for the teaching work of Level 2 Apprentices."

In fact, Xia Duo would prefer to have Official Mages become lecturers, but the Official Mages of the Tower of Time are not necessarily better than the members of the Progress Society in terms of teaching Apprentices.

So-called Official Mages are nothing more than those who have learned a 1st Circle Spell; for Jibusen and the other four, this is not a difficult task at all, it is just that the convention of the Progress Society is to upgrade through the 【Ascension Trial】.

That is, combining what one has learned to upgrade an original 0 Ring Spell into a 1st Circle Spell, and thereby coming into contact with the first layer of the Magic Net.

There is no difference in quality between this and directly learning a 1st Circle Spell to become an Official Mage; it is just an opportunity to verify what one has learned, similar to an entrance exam.

Jibusen and the others naturally have the ability to learn a 1st Circle Spell, but they do not yet have full confidence in the 【Ascension Trial】; letting them teach Level 2 Apprentices is more than enough.

Of course, there is another reason why Xia Duo lets members of the Progress Society hold teaching positions, and that is that the Progress Society is permeated with his will and philosophy. Letting members of the Progress Society cultivate Apprentices is similar to the inheritance of ideas, which can cultivate people who are more in line with Xia Duo's philosophy.

Regarding Xia Duo's request, Jibusen and the others naturally would not refuse and agreed on the spot.

Afterwards, Xia Duo did not make any more appointments on the spot, but said to Dien, "I still need a batch of lecturers to provide enlightenment for Level 1 Apprentices. Whoever you think is suitable, make a list for me after the meeting. As for the others—"

Speaking of this, Xia Duo's gaze swept around the conference room, "I want you to organize exchange meetings among the Apprentices, not limited to the exchange of items, but also the exchange of Knowledge. There is no need to be secretive anymore. I will leave a few large Reception Rooms on the Public Level as dedicated exchange venues. Do you hear me!"

"Heard you!"

Xia Duo was quite satisfied with the sound this time. After ending the meeting, he kept Dien and the others behind to encourage them a few more words before leaving the conference room.

……

Afterwards, Xia Duo passed through the Portal and arrived at Savile Town, where he met the previously scheduled Town Mayor Saier at the Town Hall. The transformation of the Tower of Time certainly cannot do without the various supporting measures of the Territory.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Saier handed over a thick stack of Parchment scrolls, "My Lord, this is the information you wanted!"

"How many people are there?" Xia Duo asked casually while flipping through the scrolls, "If these people are withdrawn, will it have a negative impact on the normal operation of the Savile Territory?"

"A total of 6452 people!" Town Mayor Saier replied, "If it were just children, the impact would not be great; but some have already become the main source of livelihood for their families. Once withdrawn, their families might find it very difficult to sustain themselves."

"Hmm." Xia Duo nodded slightly, indicating he understood.

Since the Tower of Time is to be transformed, expansion is also necessary. Three days ago, he asked Town Mayor Saier to organize the information of all age-appropriate teenagers in the Savile Territory for his reference. If possible, he hoped to recruit all age-appropriate teenagers into the Tower of Time.

Of course, the reality is certainly not that simple.

First is the children; although they can accept enlightenment, mastering power too early is not a good thing. Second is the youth; because they have become the main force of the family early on, once withdrawn, does the Tower of Time have to pay to support their families?

Looking at it this way, the Tower of Time's annual recruitment of people who have just reached adulthood (16 years old) into the Tower of Time is also well-considered. Although Magic is Knowledge, it is also power at the same time, so careful consideration is not excessive.

After considering it, Xia Duo felt that the first expansion should be more conservative, so he simply closed the scrolls and said to Saier, "The Tower of Time needs to recruit 300 Apprentices around the age of 16, regardless of gender. Arrange it as soon as possible."

"Yes, My Lord, 300 people are easy to find."

Saier also has a certain understanding of the transformation of the Tower of Time. Since receiving Xia Duo's order three days ago, he had made many preparations, including discussions with Aiboke, but in his heart, he still did not quite agree with this transformation plan.

It is just that he does not have much say in the affairs of the Tower of Time. Since it has already been decided, he can only follow orders.

Xia Duo did not notice Saier's hidden emotions. Seeing that Saier was so confident, he felt a little more relaxed, "Then I will trouble Town Mayor Saier with this matter!"

"My Lord, this is my duty."

……