When mentioning "rules" and "foundations," Nois's tone slightly intensified, seeming indifferent and yet disdainful, but also somewhat helpless.
Colin's surprised expression gradually faded; he was not a foolish man and had understood the implications hidden in Nois's words.
In this Wizard World, so-called rules and order were actually means to uphold the interests of the upper class.
The more solid the rules, the more stable the upper-class hierarchy.
Under such circumstances, some core rules simply could not be broken, as doing so would be tantamount to offending the common interests of all the upper class and would lead to collective retaliation.
Of course, this did not mean that one couldn't use certain methods to circumvent the rules.
As the visitor from the Hidosh Family had said, as long as he joined their family, they could find someone else to do the School task for him in exchange for contribution points.
These were some unspoken rules that had become customary. They did not explicitly break the rules, so naturally, there would be no problem.
However, for Nois, being highly placed and influential, he was obviously more sensitive than an ordinary Wizard and could not afford to openly disregard such rules.
Therefore, given that Colin's identity still needed to be kept secret, what seemed like a simple request had indeed put him in a difficult position.
"The most straightforward method is to exchange for the Meditation Method through the School. If you don't want to waste time on School tasks, you can usually exchange witchcraft for contribution points," suggested Nois, after some thought.
"Or, you could directly choose a Faction to join. With your talent, it should not be an issue to obtain subsequent Meditation Methods after joining."
At this point, Nois looked at Colin, pausing briefly to remind him,
"However, I would recommend you exchange witchcraft for contribution points. If you choose to join a Pureblood Family or Faction, make sure to read the contract carefully."
While making these comments, his voice subtly hesitated over "Pureblood Family."
"I understand," Colin nodded solemnly and, after thinking it over, further inquired, "Aside from exchanging through the School, is there really no other way to acquire the Second Rank stage of the Tin Saint Meditation Method? Not even in the Supreme Council?"
"The Supreme Council mainly archives witchcraft. While it also includes some Meditation Methods, they don't involve the significant Wizard Schools' Meditation Methods, which are the core of each millennium-old Wizard School," Nois answered.
He stroked his chin and added, "However, there indeed is one place where you can exchange for the Second Rank stage of the Tin Saint Meditation Method."
Colin looked up, somewhat surprised.
He continued to inquire, which was merely to confirm, but he hadn't held much hope.
After all, from today's conversation, he had come to understand that the rigid stratification between different layers in this Wizard World was far more severe than he had imagined.
The stringent monopoly on Meditation Methods also meant that despite their exceptional talents, ordinary Wizards would always be subject to exploitation by the Families or Factions holding the Meditation Methods, as their advancement depended on obtaining subsequent Meditation Methods.
Moreover, listening to Nois's tone, choosing to passively join a Pureblood Family or certain Factions might also not be a favorable choice… It would most likely cost them their freedom.
Perhaps, after all, working through individual tasks to accumulate contribution points for Meditation Methods might be a better route.
It might be more exhausting, but it would at least assure freedom.
Of course, that applied to an ordinary Wizard. As for himself, having Golden Paper meant that he wasn't strictly bound to the Tin Saint Meditation Method.
As long as conditions permitted, he could always switch to another Meditation Method.
Colin felt somewhat relieved knowing this; at least he wouldn't have to worry about being throttled by the Tin Saint School because of the Meditation Method.
Though his thoughts were many, only a moment had passed in reality. Colin continued to ask Nois:
"And this place is…?"
"The True Knowledge Society," Nois replied, his pale brown eyes filled with reminiscence, "Speaking of which, it was once one of the most famous organizations within the Wizard Alliance, though it has declined quite a bit now."
"If you really want to save some time getting the Second Rank Tin Saint Meditation Method, you might try joining the True Knowledge Society."
"At least within the True Knowledge Society, for the same amount of witchcraft knowledge contributed, you can exchange for more things, a better value for money."
"Moreover, joining the True Knowledge Society will not affect your membership in your School, just like being able to teach some of the School's meditation methods—this is one of the many privileges it had obtained before."
"Right, how many contribution points do you have in the Tin Saint School now?" Nois paused, then curiously asked.
"None," Colin shook his head, "I don't have any contribution points."
This time, it was Nois's turn to be taken aback, he paused, then asked, "Have you never done any tasks after joining the School?"
"Yes." Colin nodded, paused, and added, "I haven't been in the Tin Saint School for long."
The Faction of Atbolde was totally leisurely; when he was a Magic Apprentice, he didn't even need to do any work.
You should know that in other Factions, Magic Apprentices have mandatory tasks to complete every month.
Perhaps the only task he ever did was to accompany the Alus Association.
Realizing this, Colin paused slightly — it dawned on him that he had never settled the contribution points from accompanying the Alus Association!
"There might be some," he said, adding, "I did do a task once—as an accompanying wizard with the Alus Association to the Southern Sea Domain.
I might be able to get some contribution points."
Nois shook his head and smiled, "Then if you want to quickly exchange for the Second Rank phase of the Tin Saint Meditation Method, you'll probably have to rely on submitting witchcraft."
"After all, given your current situation, even if you join some forces, unless you can send out dozens of First Rank Wizards, logically speaking, it would take at least a month or two to gather enough contribution points for you."
Colin nodded in agreement, feeling somewhat vexed.
If not necessary, he did not want to do School tasks; devoting his time to focusing on his meditation was the true path!
"Besides the Meditation Methods, is there any other reward you want?" Nois looked at the time and continued to ask, then added after a thought, "I suggest you choose knowledge wherever possible, as for a wizard, knowledge is the most precious commodity."
Colin nodded, that was precisely what he thought.
Witch Tools were merely external forces, and besides, with Golden Paper, knowledge was of higher value to him.
"Second Rank witchcraft and complete Meditation Methods that can reach Second Rank or higher." Colin pondered for a moment, then answered.
"That's possible." Nois nodded; he didn't ask why Colin wanted Meditation Methods.
But he guessed, perhaps it was to get an early exposure to the Second Rank phase of other Meditation Methods, preparing in advance to learn the Second Rank phase of the Tin Saint Meditation Method.
Nois then said, "It'll take some time for the rewards to reach you; I still have to report to the Council, and after the discussions are concluded, they will be given to you. Right now, the main thing is to gather your preferences."
"But rest assured, with your merit, the mere demand for some Second Rank witchcraft and ordinary Meditation Methods will definitely be met."
After speaking, Nois glanced at his watch and then initiated the end of their discussion.
"Let's call it a day for now; once the Council's decisions are out, I'll have someone notify you."
After saying this, he nodded to Colin, then hastily walked toward the experiment table nearby.
Time was extremely precious to him, and he had already been delayed quite a bit.
"Very well, Lord Nois."
Colin raised his hand in a salute, then understandingly and silently turned and left.