Atbolde and the other person listened, both somewhat moved.
"I didn't expect you to be from a mortal kingdom in the south of Siya Continent."
If it were not for a certain wizard who wanted to carry out the so-called "McIntosh Experiment" quietly to avoid attracting attention, choosing an apprentice from a small country with no wizard background, the Divine side would probably have already attacked Siya Continent!
After some conversation, their relationship clearly grew closer and their interactions more relaxed.
Atbolde thought for a moment and then asked, "Based on your current progress, how long do you think it will take for you to advance to the Second Rank Wizard?"
"Maybe a month or two?" Colin said uncertainly.
Atbolde was astonished and then humorously said, "I'm wondering if the School should consider issuing you a token of a higher grade than Golden Feather."
"Maybe they should," Colin laughed.
Of course, Atbolde was exaggerating. Although Colin's advancement speed was indeed very fast, throughout wizard history, there were not a few geniuses more exaggerated than this.
"What about you, Lillian? How is your progress so far?" Atbolde then asked.
Lillian thought for a moment and said, "I probably also need a month or two."
Atbolde nodded without surprise.
Lillian had been a First Rank Wizard for almost fifty years and had stayed at the First Rank Advanced Wizard stage for about twenty years. This time, she had purified her bloodline in the secret vault of the Elf Kingdom, filling the last gap.
Wizards with Elf Bloodline naturally start higher than others, but the bloodline is both a boon and a shackle.
"Then tomorrow, I'll explain your situation to the School and apply for the qualification of Second Rank advancement."
"Does Lillian have enough contribution points?" Atbolde asked.
"Still a bit short," Lillian shook her head.
The contribution points needed to exchange for Second Rank Wizard advancement knowledge was ten thousand.
Generally, a First Rank Advanced Wizard performing tasks matched to their ability can earn about one hundred to several hundred contribution points, depending on difficulty.
Only a few high-difficulty tasks can yield thousands of points.
Of course, in addition to tasks, contributing new types of witchcraft and treasures to the School can also earn varying amounts of points.
"Mhmm," Atbolde nodded slightly.
He didn't ask Colin, as this wizard, who had just joined the School, obviously didn't have enough points either.
He raised his hand to his forehead, unlike the knowledge for advancement to First Rank which could even be purchased at external auctions, he also had the right to teach directly.
The knowledge for Second Rank advancement was tightly held by the School.
The only way to obtain it was through exchanging contribution points, an unavoidable path.
So, in the end, Atbolde could only say:
"It looks like in the coming time, you both need to take on more tasks... especially you, Colin, since the contribution points of each School member cannot be transferred to others."
"However, if I remember correctly, when exchanging advancement knowledge, the Golden Feather Token does have a discount, either half off or maybe sixty percent," Atbolde added.
"I understand, mentor," Colin nodded.
Around one in the morning, the gathering ended, and Colin and Lillian stood up.
"Mentor, then I'll head back now," Colin said with a smile, holding the flower dew liquor Lillian had given him.
"Mhmm, focus on your training. It's not too late to seek contribution points when you truly reach the limit, apart from Rank, remember witchcraft as well…"
At this point, Atbolde remembered the Second Rank witchcraft Colin had used that night, paused, and shook his head, "Almost forgot that not only is your Rank progressing very quickly, but your mastery of witchcraft is also not lacking."
"Alright, if you have any questions, whether about training or something else, feel free to come to me.
The morning dew Lillian brought back has already restored most of my vitality. Although there are still some permanent damages that cannot be removed, at least now, whether there's sunlight or not does not affect me anymore."
"Okay, mentor."
Colin listened seriously and nodded, leaving the vine house together with Lillian.
As he closed the door, he saw Atbolde turn his body and step toward the small sea of flowers transformed by Marjorie.
The door shut, and the orange-yellow light was replaced by darkness, with only a faint light leaking through the weak vines.
He walked side by side with Lillian, the surroundings silent except for the rustling sound of their feet in the snow.
Tonight there was no moon, and overhead was a leaden layer of heavy clouds with tiny snowflakes falling.
The two walked quietly for a while.
Suddenly, Lillian said, "Thank you, Colin."
Colin paused slightly and shook his head, "No need to thank me, senior sister, too many thanks can make things awkward."
Lillian nodded slightly, pursing her lips.
She turned her head slightly to glance at Colin beside her; the darkness couldn't obscure her vision as a High-Level Elf.
The young man's profile was clear, his features handsome, and his expression as always, calm.
In her memory, she seldom saw him show intense emotions, even on that cold snowy night a few days ago faced with such an extreme predicament, he had remained silent and calm.
Yet beneath this seemingly indifferent facade lay deep kindness and bravery.
Lillian felt some emotion; although she was several times older than Colin, walking beside him now, she felt as if he was the more mature one.
Her usual calm and even icy demeanor was nothing but a habit developed from childhood.
After all, when she was young, she often overheard the filthy words spoken behind her back—
Dirty Elf hybrid, half-breed... They were jealous that she became a First-Rank Wizard in her teens, yet they despised her mixed blood.
Since she learned of their words, she minimized unnecessary social interactions, and for nearly fifty years, she lived mostly in solitude.
But such iciness was never true indifference; her Elf hybrid body, along with minimal social interactions, meant that Lillian's mind had not matured as her nearly seventy years might suggest.
Thus, in the Elf Kingdom, or when faced with significant events, she often showed her emotions, unable to maintain her usually calm and icy facade...
"Apprentice Colin, did you make the roast duck tonight?" Lillian suddenly asked.
"No, it was made by my maid Renee." Colin shook his head, somewhat surprised Lillian was interested in the roast duck,
"Actually, today was a bit rushed, we couldn't find a suitable fat goose, otherwise, the roast goose would have been tastier than the roast duck."
"So... was the floral liqueur tasty?" Lillian continued.
"Tasty, indeed the best I've ever had," Colin smacked his lips, still savoring the taste.
"Then, can I exchange the method for making floral liqueur for the recipes for roast goose and duck?" Lillian pursed her lips, casually asking Colin.
Colin paused slightly, surprised, then turned his head and said, "Of course, it's just a recipe for a dish, senior sister, you don't need to exchange something as valuable as the method for making floral liqueur."
Lillian smiled, straightening a stray lock of hair by her ear, not responding but changing the subject, "The contribution points for Advancing, what do you plan to do? Do you want to work on tasks together?"
"I'm open to anything, but I want to ask Nois City Lord first, after all, accumulating enough contribution points through tasks would probably take at least half a year... I can't wait that long."
"That makes sense, Nois City Lord might be able to help you. After all, you are a Heroic Wizard!" Lillian nodded earnestly.
"Haha..." Colin laughed uncomfortably.
"When do you plan to see Councilman Nois?"
"Probably tomorrow morning."
"Then I'll come find you tomorrow afternoon!"
"Hm?"
"To learn how to make roast duck and goose!"
"Oh..."
The cold wind gradually drowned out their voices as they continued walking side by side into the distance.