From Wizard Apprentice to Conqueror of Myriad Worlds

Vino knew that the academy always responded to reports with great speed.

So when her Guiding Ring immediately grew cold, she wasn’t the least bit surprised.

Information flowed into her mind like water: [Please provide the specifics of your report.]

Vino organized her thoughts for a moment, then spoke quickly:

"Based on my observations, there should be a hidden Sanctuary at my current location.

"I was tracking the newcomers Anya, Reina, and Mo Ning here just now and was surprised to find that all three of their footprints mysteriously stopped at the lake’s edge.

"Considering all the signs, I’ve concluded that the three of them used some sort of improper method to enter the Sanctuary. I believe this is an extremely malicious act, and the academy should punish them severely."

After she finished speaking, she waited with great anticipation.

A few seconds later, the cold sensation returned.

The message arrived. Though it was only a few words, it struck her perception like a heavy hammer:

[Verification complete—report unfounded!]

Standing in the downpour, Vino froze on the spot.

’How is this possible?’

Immediately after, a second message followed:

[To prevent the abuse of reporting privileges, you must have conclusive evidence before making a report. If your next report is also proven to be unfounded, you will be penalized 20 Black Tower Points.]

This was undoubtedly a warning from the academy: don’t play these kinds of pointless games; the academy’s patience was extremely limited.

Embarrassment spread through Vino’s heart like a spiderweb, making her feel utterly mortified.

She let out a breath, suddenly feeling as if her entire understanding of the situation had been overturned.

’Could it be that Anya and the others really managed to open the Sanctuary on their own?’

’That’s just ridiculous!’

’My grandfather clearly said that was a problem meant for official Apprentices!’

Vino took one last look at the stone pillar standing amidst the raging current, then turned and walked back the way she came.

Staying in this place made her feel deeply uneasy, and her pace was much faster than when she arrived.

Vino didn’t intend to return to the forest. Instead, she wanted to find a safe place to set up her Magic Tent and spend the long, rainy night alone.

Her grandfather hadn’t left much of an inheritance, and this Magic Tent was one of the few items.

When folded, it was only the size of her palm, but when unfolded, it was large enough for one person to lie down comfortably. It was not only windproof and rainproof but could also block out heat and noise.

As she walked, she recalled her grandfather’s teachings:

"My child, wilderness assessments from the academy are not uncommon. Choosing a campsite in the wild is a matter of skill, and you must remember the following points.

"First, try not to choose a cave. Although a cave can provide shelter from wind and rain, it is often the lair of some creature.

"Second, do not choose low-lying areas, open spaces, or the foot of a mountain with loose soil..."

Soon, her figure vanished into the wind and rain.

*****

「Inside the Sanctuary.」

The moment the stone wall solidified, the clamor of the outside world was completely shut out.

The Sanctuary was much larger than it appeared from the outside, with nearly thirty square meters of space inside.

A Magic Energy Lamp hung from the ceiling, emitting a warm glow.

Compared to the low temperature of just over ten degrees outside, the Sanctuary was as warm as a spring day.

Although the Sanctuary seemed enclosed, it wasn’t stuffy at all. A warm breeze drifted gently within, like a spring wind caressing one’s face.

At that moment, the three of them were "dividing the spoils."

"In the true wilderness, especially when you’re out there for a long time, a Physical Potion is an absolute lifesaver."

Reina’s gaze drifted over the four potions as she recounted Teacher Buck’s lessons at length:

"An Apprentice can’t really afford an expensive Secret Magic Safety House. That kind of portable Magic House costs at least 5,000 Black Tower Points."

Anya chimed in, "That really is too expensive."

A glint appeared in Mo Ning’s eyes.

’He figured that if he worked hard for a few months and churned out a few more papers, he could probably afford it.’

"Because it’s hard to eat or sleep well in the wild, you can’t recover your strength properly. It’s even normal to go several days and nights without sleep. So, in an emergency, you have to use a Physical Potion to replenish your energy."

Reina stared at the potions, her eyes practically sparkling with desire.

Although this was the lowest-grade Magic Potion, priced at only 25 Black Tower Points per bottle, the fact that opening the Sanctuary rewarded them with four bottles was still quite a shock to her.

Mr. Mo Ning had earned 100 Black Tower Points in just five minutes.

The Dazed Girl sighed to herself once again, ’The academy really is too partial to Divination geniuses.’

Reina stood obediently still, assuming the prize belonged to Mr. Mo Ning by default.

Without a second thought, Mo Ning made the distribution: "I’ll take two bottles, and you two can each have one."

Anya’s red lips parted as she started to object, "But we..."

Mo Ning waved his hand, cutting the Noble Lady off. His tone held a rare note of authority. "No ’buts.’ Just take them."

’The two girls had followed his orders earlier, casting their Tricks together to distract the Golem Demon. Such an action was absolutely worthy of a low-grade Magic Potion as a reward.’

Anya blinked her pretty eyes and accepted the prize with great obedience. "Alright then, dear Mr. Mo Ning. You’re always so generous."

Her "dear Mr. Mo Ning" carried a subtle sense of intimacy and even a faint hint of adoration.

Reina, for her part, spoke in a tone that was seven parts sincerity and three parts jest, "Mr. Mo Ning, please allow me to offer you my utmost loyalty."

These were words from the bottom of her heart. No matter what Mo Ning asked her to do, she would follow his orders unconditionally.