About half an hour later,
Nois finally stopped writing and drawing at the silver-white high table.
Seeing this, Colin also slowly put down the manuscript in his hand, neatly placed it, and then cast an inquiring look at Nois.
"I have some inspiration," Nois slowly raised his head, his brows gradually relaxed, and he smiled at Colin, "but whether it can lead to a substantial breakthrough still needs further research."
The manuscript had mainly sorted out the theory, and to turn the inspiration into something practical, further experiments were necessary.
Thinking of this, Nois was eager to walk toward the other side's experimental table.
But seeing Colin in front of him, he halted his steps, finally remembering the main reason he had called Colin over today.
"I almost forgot the main reason for calling you here today." With a slight pat on his forehead, Nois sighed:
"It's embarrassing to say, you being a Heroic Wizard, yet I haven't given you a reward."
"I was always thinking, once I successfully improved the Deep Red Marking Technique, then you could appear openly as a Heroic Wizard and the improver of the Deep Red Marking Technique, gaining the honor and reward you deserve."
"But now, although I still can't bestow honor, at least I can give you your reward in advance."
At this point, Nois smiled and said with a touch of teasing and some emotion:
"I had originally planned to grant you the honor of improving the Deep Red Marking Technique, but I was a bit worried that the image of a witchcraft genius might not withstand scrutiny. Now it seems I might have been overly concerned."
"Now, I'm rather reluctant to completely expose your identity."
He paused for a few seconds, assessing Colin before continuing somberly.
Colin thought for a moment and asked, "Is it because of the potential 'thorns' that might come?"
"Yes," Nois looked at him and nodded, "Deadly thorns always accompany honor.
Once your identity as a Heroic Wizard and as the persona associated with the Deep Red Marking Technique is exposed, it will mean that you have become one of the most conspicuous thorns in the eyes of the Divine."
Colin nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.
Regarding the so-called Heroic Wizard and the nominal title of improver of the Deep Red Marking Technique, he genuinely did not care; obtaining tangible benefits was all that mattered to him.
If this would surround him with looming dangers, then it would not be worth it.
Colin paused, organizing his thoughts, preparing to decline as he did not want to be thrust into the limelight nor did he need such honor.
But Nois spoke first: "I will inform some knowledgeable wizards at the Supreme Council of your situation.
However, whether or not to reveal your identity publicly will still depend on the decision of the Supreme Council at the time."
Colin looked at the calm-faced councilman and fell silent, understanding the implication of Nois's words.
In the matter of revealing his identity, he actually had no choice.
Whether or not he would be publicly revealed depended on whether the Supreme Council needed him to step forward.
If the Council felt that the dwindling side of wizards needed a hero with the identity of a witchcraft genius,
Then he would be pushed to the forefront.
Otherwise, he would not.
This powerless situation gradually weighed down Colin's mood, and a dark thought even crossed his mind—
If he were to be targeted and killed due to stepping forward, the Supreme Council might take this opportunity to stir up hatred, to boost the morale of the wizards.
Arousing a beaten army to victory was quite typical.
"Don't worry too much, every wizard is a precious resource to the current community of wizards, let alone a talented wizard like you."
Seemingly sensing something, Nois patted his shoulder, smiling as he spoke.
This assurance wasn't just empty comfort; if Colin had been a mediocre wizard with no potential, there might be a possibility of being abandoned.
But based on the talent Colin had displayed, he was undoubtedly a valuable talent.
Colin took a deep breath, as if waking from a trance.
As Nois said, things would likely not be as bad as he feared.
In fact, whether publicly revealing his identity was more beneficial or detrimental was hard to say.
It was just that this sense of powerlessness about not being able to control his destiny was disheartening, leading him to overthink.
'After all, I am not strong enough,' Colin couldn't help but mock himself internally.
"Alright, do you have any specific reward in mind?" Nois continued.
"The Second Rank Tin Saint Meditation Method," Colin stated without hesitation.
This was what he urgently needed.
"Meditation Method…" Nois's face showed a rare expression of difficulty, and noting Colin's puzzled look, he explained:
"If it was general witchcraft knowledge, there would be no issue, but not the Meditation Method; it is the core knowledge of each School, only teachable by those qualified within each School."
"To obtain it, one must follow the rules and exchange it within the School."
At this, Nois paused for a moment, adding meaningfully:
"This is the most basic rule of the Wizard Alliance, the foundation of order. No one can blatantly circumvent it or ignore it."
"Especially someone like me, a councillor. Do you understand, Colin?"