Chapter 110: Three or Five People, Seven or Eight Spears

The guide was quickly completed.

Lin Ke scanned it once, confirmed there were no omissions, then took the guide and left.

Cafeteria.

The two sat opposite each other, eating in silence.

After the meal, they cleared the utensils, left the cafeteria, Lin Ke handed the guide to Mo Li, then told her to go to the experimental building first.

Rested for a night, enough!

Even the production team's donkey wouldn't dare rest like that.

Mo Li was prepared, she herself had become a person who loved struggle, and did not oppose this arrangement.

Taking the guide, she glanced at it hurriedly, feeling joy.

Meditation, magic, research, and experiments already occupied a large part of her energy.

If she were to also divide her attention to study potionology, without this guide it would be troublesome, possibly disrupting the habits and rhythm she had cultivated.

But studying according to it, there would still be no problem.

It's very simple; just having hands is enough.

Lin Ke went alone to the Magic Trading Center.

Ti Na's remarks about opportunities reminded Lin Ke.

The importance of the Two Districts Grand Comparison was repeatedly emphasized in Lin Ke's mind.

At first it was merely the reward for winning first place in the Grand Comparison: one year's use of a large laboratory;

later he became involved in the bet between Paro Wizard and Peter Leonnel Wizard;

and now he learned that the academy had arranged two important opportunities in the spring semester of the third year and the spring semester of the fourth year, which could greatly increase the probability of magic apprentices advancing to full mages.

All of this made Lin Ke increasingly value the Two Districts Grand Comparison.

Preparations naturally needed to be made more thorough.

First, he needed to quickly raise the reserves of zero-ring magic.

Even if not commonly used, as long as it had some functionality, he had to acquire it.

To cope with possible exploration secret realms and desperate survival scenarios that might appear in the Two Districts Grand Comparison.

Anyway, he now had money and leisure; investing a little time in practice to reach proficiency would suffice.

As for Mo Li, once she became a second-rank magic apprentice, he would then shift her focus to magic.

Holding a large sum of magic stones, Lin Ke entered the Magic Trading Center.

In one operation, 100 standard first-grade magic stones were consumed by the Magic Trading Center, which spat out 20 magic technique model scrolls.

Ten water-system zero-ring magic techniques and ten wood-system zero-ring magic techniques were enough for Lin Ke to study for a considerable time.

Leaving the Magic Trading Center, Lin Ke immediately went to the experimental building.

Basement level three, laboratory.

After Mo Li set the parameters of the intelligent simulation equipment, she put on goggles and gloves and began simulation training.

Potion preparation isn't something you can just pick up and do; wasting raw materials is secondary, the fear is that operational deformation might go unnoticed, leaving bad habits.

First do simulation training, adjusting and correcting operations in real time based on prompts; once the preparation process is familiar, moving to actual operation is not too late.

Lin Ke glanced at it and then stopped paying attention.

He began researching the 20 zero-ring magic techniques he had newly purchased, sorting them.

He didn't need to spend time pondering the zero-ring magic that didn't require rule runes; those zero-ring magic techniques that required mastering rule runes would be studied later.

From easy to difficult, step by step.

……

The spring semester was about to begin, and the academy became lively again.

Those working part-time in Ruowu Suosi City, those traveling outdoors to explore secluded places, those staying in the Library for self-study and advanced learning, all began to engage in social activities.

By the lakeside lawn, whether on the South District side or the North District side, there were several groups of people having picnics and gatherings.

Various entertainment venues within the academy also had crowds of people gathering.

One small circle after another began to move about.

On the "Forum", it was even more bustling.

Many people, while gathering, while entertaining, on the "Forum", or while chatting casually, all talked about the several incidents that occurred during the vacation.

Those who died outside the academy were not only Harold Andrews, Antoine Hilton, and Lifusi Fulansi;

nor only the Storm Sea Newblood; the native magic apprentices of the North District also had several who met with accidents.

This left many people feeling lamentful.

The outside world is very flashy, the outside world is also very cruel.

A little inattention, an accident, and one could possibly lose their life on the spot.

Most people have only one life; if they die, there is no chance of rebirth.

However, human joys and sorrows are not mutually communicable.

These incidents only retained some heat for a short time; besides those closely related to the deceased or who had prior interests, others still paid attention and discussed them.

Others began to discuss the Two Districts Grand Comparison to be held two months later.

One after another, rumors about the Two Districts Grand Comparison were released, mixed with truth and falsehood, making it hard to discern.

At the same time, some matters proceeded discreetly.

South District, the headquarters of the Newblood Mutual Aid Society.

The president and vice president elections were about to be held; several people hopeful of sitting in the president's chair were canvassing for votes.

Two third-year Newbloods who had once accompanied the Paro wizard to the arena, Robin Graham and Eugene De La Rosa, were among them, and they had the highest hope.

Another two second-year Newbloods, Fǎgē. Jiāwén, Tǎkè. Qióngsī, had their goal set on Vice President.

"Fǎgē, you're supporting me, right?"

Luóbīn. Géleìèmǔ walked up to the familiar Fǎgē. Jiāwén and posed a question.

"Certainly."

Fǎgē. Jiāwén's answer was very definite.

As an exchange of interests, once Luóbīn. Géleìèmǔ takes the president's seat, he will naturally fully support Fǎgē. Jiāwén assuming the Vice President.

Their interests had long been tied together.

Unless Yuujin. Délāluósà or other presidential candidates offer better terms.

Otherwise, Fǎgē. Jiāwén wouldn't be so foolish as to suddenly defect.

Yuujin. Délāluósà was also chatting intermittently with Ta Ke. Qióngsī.

They had formed a pact, advancing and retreating together.

As more members of the Newblood Mutual Aid Society gathered at the headquarters, they found their own circles and integrated.

Luóbīn. Géleìèmǔ and Yuujin. Délāluósà were surrounded by circles upon circles of people.

Thus the two sides formed a balance of power.

Several other presidential candidates, seeing this, had differing thoughts.

Some, after thorough consideration, decided to withdraw from the race and instead support Luóbīn. Géleìèmǔ or Yuujin. Délāluósà;

Some still wanted to give it a try, betting on a slim chance.

However, judging from various signs, this chance is even lower than a slim one.

If nothing unexpected happens, the Newblood Mutual Aid Society's presidential contest will unfold between Luóbīn. Géleìèmǔ and Yuujin. Délāluósà.

And neither of them managed to gain an absolute advantage, making it very likely that the matter will come to an anonymous vote by all members.

However, accidents always happen.

Just as the presidential election meeting was about to begin, Witch Àilā led Lan Ni. Tai Le, whose face was veiled, into the headquarters of the Newblood Mutual Aid Society.

Witch Àilā was the former two-term president.

Her photo and biography had been seen by everyone present; of course they wouldn't fail to recognize her.

"Witch Àilā, hello."

"We've seen Witch Àilā."

"Good morning, Witch Àilā."

The second- and third-year apprentice witches eagerly greeted her, afraid that speaking late would leave a bad impression.

"Hmm."

Witch Àilā responded casually, without a pleasant expression or approachability; instead, she kept a stern face, her eyes flashing cold light.

An intangible aura emanated from her.

All the apprentice witches present felt a bone‑chilling chill, gradually freezing them.

Everyone felt as if they had fallen into an icy kiln, their bodies trembling, their hearts filled with anxiety.

Who provoked Witch Àilā?

Such a temper?

"The presidential and vice‑presidential election is postponed; it will not be held for now."

Seated in the high chair reserved for the president of the Newblood Mutual Aid Society, Witch Àilā issued a solemn command: "Two months from now, whoever achieves a good ranking in the Two Districts Grand Comparison will have a chance to become president or vice‑president; everything else is off the table."

"I have finished speaking."

"Who is in favor?"

"Who is opposed?"

Witch Àilā gazed upon the second- and third-year Newbloods, who quivered like quail under her aura, and felt extreme disappointment.

At the same time, she vaguely regretted that, before entering the advanced academy, she had single‑handedly supported Antoine. Xī'ěrdùn to become vice‑president.

Such a fine Newblood Mutual Aid Society has, in just over two years but less than three, sunk to this state.

Everyone present was a backbone member, yet not a single one could withstand her pressure as Linke Grand could.

Extremely disappointed!

"Let it be like this."

Witch Àilā, losing interest and no longer wanting to scold, coldly ordered: "Register Lan Ni. Tai Le for membership, and send Mo Li. Jīdé màn an invitation to re‑participate in society activities."

Furthermore, don't let me hear even a hint of your meddling.

"Otherwise…"

After lightly tapping the president's dedicated seat, Witch Àilā rose and left.

Only after her lingering pressure completely dissipated did the second- and third-year Newbloods, as silent as cicadas, finally exhale, feeling relieved of a great burden.

Perhaps because many exhaled at once, the air disturbance was too great, and the high chair serving as the president's seat instantly shattered into a pile of wood chips.

The crowd, just relaxed, instantly grew tense and fearful again.

Witch Àilā's warning was deeply etched into everyone's hearts.

"Meddling?"

It'll probably turn you into wood chips scattered all over the floor.

Moments later, Yuujin. Délāluósà was the first to regain his composure, lunging forward to the veiled Lan Ni. Tai Le: "Tai Le, junior sister, I'll handle your membership registration."

Luóbīn. Géleìèmǔ then reacted, rushing to Lan Ni. Tai Le's front, insisting: "Let me handle it for the junior sister."

Thus a dispute arose.

Lan Ni. Tai Le watched coldly.

Behind the veil, the absolutely beautiful face was completely calm, the heart utterly still.

If Witch Aila had not personally stepped forward, representing Witch Paro, who sent the invitation and provided concrete resources and support.

Lan Ni. Tai Le couldn't be bothered to deal with these murky apprentice organizations.

……

Northern District, the headquarters of Pureblood Will.

Here the situation is not as chaotic as the Newblood Mutual Aid Society; everything is orderly.

In the meeting room.

Five members of management gathered together, sitting around a conference table.

Seated in the chief position is the current president of Pureblood Will, a third-year Third Grade Wizard Apprentice, Ti Fu Ni. Ke Long Na.

Four Vice Presidents sat on either side of Ti Fu Ni. Ke Long Na.

Ti Fu Ni. Ke Long Na is tall and striking, yet carries an air of dignity, speaking lightly: "Let's discuss the Two Districts Grand Comparison; the higher-ups have given instructions; if there's an opportunity, someone must definitely find a way to kill."

Linke Grand.

The top-ranked Vice President, Huo Ke. Lu Qi Ya, upon receiving the cue, took over the conversation: "This person has had a conflict with a certain member of our Lu Qi Ya family, so I know something about this person."

Hailing from Storm Sea, he is a Newblood who was the third first-year to report to the academy for promotion to First Grade Wizard Apprentice; his wizard aptitude is mid fourth tier.

This person is clever, scheming, capable, with a strong vengeful streak and a certain violent tendency.

In just one autumn semester and holiday, three people have died at his hands.

Moreover, this person has talent in academic research, botany, and potion-making, and his talent is exceptionally high.

He has already published four 'papers' and holds four 'patents'.

Economically, this person has already moved beyond the scope of Newblood;

In terms of experience, during the break he worked part-time at Witch Se Lin's potion shop; he cannot be called well-informed, but he is far from comparable to an ordinary Storm Sea Newblood.

In summary, I believe we should give this matter due attention.

After his words fell, the meeting room fell silent for a moment.

As local apprentices, those present have always looked down on Storm Sea Newbloods.

Even though there are not a few high-ranking wizards hailing from Storm Sea, this remains the case.

Because most descendants of high-ranking wizards consider themselves local apprentices, they look down even more on country bumpkins from Storm Sea.

Therefore, whenever a Newblood genius emerges in the Southern District, they will face overt or covert suppression from the native apprentices of the Northern District.

This time, Pureblood Will internally unified its thinking early on.

Others, such as Lan Ni. Tai Le, can be set aside for now; we must concentrate our efforts to kill Linke Grand.

"How should we arrange it?"

The second-ranked Vice President, Hen Li. Yue Han Sun, raised a question: "The format of the Two Districts Grand Comparison is random; if it's one-on-one duels or secret realm exploration, that's fine to say, but if it's solo survival in desperate straits, or even a research project..."

That is indeed a problem.

Not to mention them; even the families behind them cannot influence the format of the Two Districts Grand Comparison.

It's impossible to obtain the competition format and content in advance.

The third-ranked Mo Ke. Po Xi Wei Er and fourth-ranked Bao Bi. Si Mi Si also had the same doubts; they both looked up to Ti Fu Ni. Ke Long Na at the head of the table, awaiting explanation.

Ti Fu Ni. Ke Long Na, facing the doubts of several, spoke lightly: "There's nothing special to arrange; first convey this meaning to the first-year members of the Two Districts Grand Comparison, uh… first pick those with strong combat ability and outstanding academic research skills, and touch base with them; the rest can wait until before the Two Districts Grand Comparison begins to be discussed."

"Alright, I'll take charge of this."

Huo Ke. Lu Qi Ya showed great enthusiasm, actively taking on the task.

Although his relationship with Su Fei. Lu Qi Ya is not close, and can even be said to be a competitor for family resources, he genuinely does not want to resolve the trouble she caused.

But this matter was ordered by Suo Lun. Lu Qi Ya, the three-star wizard of the Lu Qi Ya family who is most likely to advance to sage in recent years.

Huo Ke. Lu Qi Ya has to do it whether he likes it or not, and must do it proactively.

Even if he cannot gain Suo Lun. Lu Qi Ya's favor, he must also avoid provoking resentment.

The other three Vice Presidents—Hen Li. Yue Han Sun, Mo Ke. Po Xi Wei Er, and Bao Bi. Si Mi Si—would rather have one less trouble.

Even if this matter is settled.

The meeting moved on to the next agenda.

……

Experimental Building.

Lin Ke arranged the 20 zero-circle spells in order, selected seven zero-circle spells that no longer required studying the rule symbols, opened each scroll one by one, and familiarized himself with each spell model.

Afterward, he told Mo Li and headed to the seventh floor.

Two and a half hours passed.

Under the enhancement of Lin Ke's own aptitude and talent in spellcraft, the seven zero-circle spells were smoothly mastered.

Lin Ke also practiced the twelve spells he had already firmly mastered once more.

He had a strong premonition that the breakthrough to 'Innovation' for the intermediate Mist Rain Technique, Water Shield Technique, and Thorn Entanglement was imminent.

Therefore, in these three days before the start of the spring semester, other matters are not urgent; priority should be given to practicing spells.

He went downstairs, summoned Mo Li, who was obsessed with practicing the Lixuan grass series potion-making, and went to the cafeteria for lunch.

People are iron, food is steel; skip a meal and you'll be ravenously hungry.

No matter how much you want to improve or how hard you strive, you cannot neglect sleep and food.

The body is the foundation of everything.

In the cafeteria, five brothers were waiting expectantly at the spot where Lin Ke and Mo Li usually sat; upon seeing Lin Ke's figure, they became very excited.

"Anything up?"

Lin Ke set down his tray and asked lightly.

"Boss……"

The apparent leader among the brothers showed a sad expression on his face, "Boss, you've never even asked our names, right? In your heart, are we really that insignificant?"

The other four brothers also started messing around, almost simultaneously showing expressions of extreme sorrow.

【... extreme sorrow.

They're really five lively characters!

Lin Ke let out a soft sigh in his heart, then said, "I know your names."

"I don't believe it!"

The apparent leader became excited, unconsciously raising his volume, "Unless you, Boss, call out our names!"

Before the meal had even officially started, Lin Ke simply decided to play with the five brothers, smiling as he played a joke only he knew: "If I shout once, will you dare to answer?"

"Of course!"

The apparent leader didn't know why Lin Ke would ask that, but he answered very decisively.

The other four brothers nodded repeatedly like pounding garlic.

A flicker of sadness that even Mo Li couldn't detect flashed in Lin Ke's eyes; he quickly adjusted his emotions and shouted, "Dalton Colin."

"Hey hey, I'm here."

One brother raised his right hand high, as if being called by Lin Ke were the utmost honor.

"Aegio Likic."

"This one, this one!"

"Dje Finley."

"Boss, if there's anything, please feel free to command."

"Lin Hewitt."

"Hello Boss, nice to meet you Boss, Boss please take care of us."

After Lin Ke shouted the names of the four brothers, he deliberately teased the apparent leader, then kept silent.

This made the apparent leader anxious like an ant on a hot pan, yet he dared not speak to urge.

"Alright, Lin Ke, stop teasing him."

Mo Li sitting opposite couldn't bear to watch any longer, interrupting Lin Ke's mischief.

"Thank you, big……"

The apparent leader was immensely grateful for Mo Li's "speaking up for justice," and kind words were about to pour out.

Lin Ke gave a glance, frightening the apparent leader into a start, and he hastily swallowed the title he was about to say.

The apparent leader, also quick-witted, immediately changed his words: "Thank you, big sis, thank you, big sis."

Seeing the apparent leader's sensibility, Lin Ke didn't dwell on it.

Whether it was a slip of the tongue or intentional, it's trivial.

After all, it was because the five brothers, after longer consideration and comparison, genuinely wanted to rely on Lin Ke, that they wished to show closeness.

Some things experienced during the vacation caused Lin Ke to change some of his ideas.

He felt that perhaps taking in the five brothers, not treating them as subordinates but as partners who could be nurtured and grow together, might also be a good thing.

A single tree does not make a forest.

Even geniuses like the Paro mage need to closely unite with partners like the Selrin mage and the Cody mage.

Even those with good family background like the Peter Leonel mage also need to win over the Sorel Lucia mage.

Lin Ke's thoughts turned, and he seriously said, "Ba Ke Watt, I roughly guessed your intention in waiting for me here today, but I'll say this first: I don't take subordinates."

The apparent leader, that is Ba Ke Watt, hearing this, couldn't help but feel a bit anxious.

Before Ba Ke Watt could express his sincerity, Lin Ke raised his right hand, stopped Ba Ke Watt's words, and continued:

"If you look up to me Linke Grand and wish to grow together with me as partners, advancing and retreating side by side, then I welcome you."

"If you still want to prop me up, make me the boss, let me charge ahead while you wave flags and shout from behind, reaping the benefits, then you'd better abandon that idea early."

"Otherwise we might end up attacking each other!"

Lin Ke openly drew the line, then began eating, observing the custom of not speaking while eating.

He left time for the five brothers to consider.

The five brothers were very perceptive; during Lin Ke and Mo Li's meal, they did not disturb.

They deliberately waited until Lin Ke put down his knife and fork, wiped his mouth with a napkin, then all shouted together, "Boss, we're with you!"

Lin Ke nodded, without further comment.

He doesn't believe in oaths.

Distance reveals a horse's strength; time reveals a person's heart.

Moreover, after traveling together for a while, we can judge sincerity through actual actions.

However, before the new semester arrives, having new partners is indeed a rather joyful thing.

After all, a new journey is about to begin.

(End of chapter)