Atbolde's words resonated, causing a momentary pause in the conversation.
Then Marjorie hesitated and opened her mouth,
"Mentor, I heard that the school is going to reduce the subsidies for the apprentices, is that true?"
"Reduce the subsidies?!" Nehemiah exclaimed in amazement from the side.
"Yes," Atbolde said, then softly added,
"However, it's not all apprentices whose subsidies will be reduced, only certain mentors' apprentices will have their subsidies cut… unfortunately, I am indeed one of them."
Atbolde's voice remained calm, as always slow-paced.
Yet it was also tinged with a hint of a different emotion, like a sigh mixed with self-mockery.
The hall fell silent for a moment, then the cheerful, vibrant sound of a violin suddenly started.
Lillian, who had stopped playing and been eating at the side, now raised her violin to her shoulder again and resumed playing.
As the music began, Colin felt an inexplicable boost in spirit.
Elves in this world were all born artists… Lillian, being a Half-Elf, seemed no less skilled.
This piece of music, it must be something more than just ordinary… Colin thought to himself.
When the music ended, the somber atmosphere was swept away.
The group restarted their conversation, but tacitly avoided mentioning the previous topic.
"Recently, the situation on the southern islands is reportedly not good," Nehemiah said, his face showing deep concern.
"Yes, it's said that south of Lina Island, nine out of ten islands have fallen into Divine hands," Marjorie added.
"That severe?" Colin asked, joining the conversation.
"It's not such a big issue, just some remote islands," Fanny interjected,
"In recent times, wizards from all continents, especially from our Siya Continent, have been continuously heading to the front lines, there's no need to worry."
"That's true, the number of wizards we've seen in the school lately seems to have decreased… probably because many have gone to Lina to take their chance,"
Nehemiah said, a hint of envy on his face as he added,
"The reward rules this time from the school are really attractive, it's just a pity…"
A pity that other factions were led by their mentors… even if the apprentices ultimately received few benefits, it was still better than staying in the school.
And they could only stay on the continent, watching enviously as wizards from other factions reaped their rewards.
Even a single hair from a Divine being, for a Wizard Apprentice, was immensely valuable.
Whether exchanging it for Magic Stones or using it for personal research, either way, it was quite beneficial...
Marjorie speculated aloud, interrupting Nehemiah's thoughts.
"That's probably also why the schools are cutting other apprentices' subsidies…"
"Perhaps…" Fanny responded softly.
Nehemiah remained silent, his gaze flickering.
The topic once again lapsed into silence.
"By the way, Colin," Marjorie suddenly asked, "how is your change in Meditation Method going?"
"Changed Meditation Method?" Nehemiah looked surprised.
Typically, for affiliated schools under the Tin Saint School, their Meditation Methods, being designed, generally accommodate the Tin Saint Meditation during an apprentice period.
Like a pot can hold a bowl, though not a perfect analogy, an apprentice's Tin Saint Meditation can hold a designed, changed affiliated school Meditation Method.
So apprentices transferring from affiliated schools normally wouldn't have trouble changing, Marjorie asking like this…
"I just successfully changed it these past two days," Colin responded to Marjorie.
"Colin, weren't you promoted from our affiliated school?" Nehemiah asked, "...Which school or family within the city are you from?"
"I am just a Wandering Wizard," Colin shook his head, "I come from a small island in the southern seas."
Regarding where he was from, it had been recorded when he joined the school, and he assumed Nehemiah and the others knew this.
"A small island…" Nehemiah mumbled almost imperceptibly, a realization dawning in his mind,
'No wonder he chose Atbolde as his mentor… perhaps he had no extra Magic Stones to offer, or had offended someone.'
"Just changed Meditation Methods?" Marjorie said in surprise, seemingly realizing his words might have been inappropriate,
he coughed twice, then quickly added, "A bit slow, but keep it up, recover your Magic Power level soon!"
"Thank you, senior Marjorie," Colin expressed his gratitude.
"Keep it up," Fanny encouraged as well.
"Thank you."
But Nehemiah only glanced at him.
Colin didn't mind and turned to walk towards Lillian, who had been eating silently at the table, and started speaking,
"Senior Lillian, I've been in seclusion practicing…"
"What are you talking about?"
For some reason, Nehemiah suddenly stepped forward, interrupting the conversation.
Without waiting for an answer from Colin and Lillian, he continued,
"Senior Lillian, are you free this weekend? I've changed to a chef who is a culinary expert…"
"Sorry, Nehemiah," Lillian put down her fork and knife and spoke indifferently.
"…" Nehemiah paused, then smiled, "Okay, senior."
Lillian nodded, then turned to Colin, "Did you need something?"
Colin glanced at Nehemiah, hesitated, but continued, "Senior Lillian, I've finished my seclusion practice and will gradually start repaying the Magic Stones I borrowed from you."
In these three months, Lillian had never once rushed him for a repayment, almost as if she had forgotten about it.