But Shelley's past remained a mystery to Colin.
He had asked before, but Shelley was reluctant to talk more about it, so he did not pry further; he only knew that she was now alone in Neustadt City.
She had no family, nor a mentor.
During the latter half of dinner, he was the only one still eating.
Renee was already full and waiting on the side.
Demi was also full, and with Colin's nod, she and Nasi had already run outside to play.
"Soon after the New Year, I might be away from the True Knowledge Society for a while."
Shelley suddenly said, still not stopping her meal, sipping the creamy fish soup.
There were three soups tonight, and she had consumed most of them.
Colin swallowed his food, paused, and asked, "When specifically?"
"Maybe the end of January, or the beginning of February, on the coldest day."
Colin nodded slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "I wish you success."
According to the saying from his previous life, persisting for twenty-one days could establish a habit.
His daily noon communications with Shelley had long surpassed twenty-one days and had become a habit.
Previously, if Colin couldn't make it to the True Knowledge Society one afternoon due to other commitments, he would generally inform Shelley in advance if convenient.
This was their tacit understanding.
With the Golden Paper in hand, Colin had never before encountered a Wizard who could discuss witchcraft knowledge with him as competently.
With that effort, he might as well practice witchcraft a few more times.
However, Shelley was different; she was a true genius.
Conversing with her was very beneficial for Colin, much like reading Neustadt's manuscripts at the beginning.
Yet, Neustadt's manuscripts were a bit too advanced and cryptic for him, while Shelley was just right.
The more they talked, the more they seemed to appreciate each other's genius.
"Your membership application for the Glen Trade Meet has been approved," Shelley put down the fish soup and said.
"Thank you for your trouble," Colin replied gratefully, his face showing a trace of happiness.
The Glen Trade Meet, like Darren's Commission, was an underground trading platform.
However, the Glen Trade Meet was more focused on witchcraft trading, while Darren's Commission was more about custom witchcraft commissions.
Both were among the largest organizations in their respective fields.
When Colin first learned about these organizations, he had asked Shelley which ones were better to join.
Shelley had only recommended these two.
However, it seemed obtaining membership at the Glen Trade Meet was a bit tougher than at Darren's Commission.
He had applied for both at the same time, but it had taken until now to hear any news from them.
The next day.
Yanan Calendar 3586, January 1.
A new year had arrived.
Having rested the previous afternoon, Colin stepped out of the house at nine in the morning, on time, ready to head to the True Knowledge Society and continue striving.
A new year, a new day, starting off on the right note!
According to his current progress, if nothing unexpected happened, he should be able to successfully merge the Hodgia Meditation Method with the Tin Saint Meditation in about three to five weeks.
However, before Colin could leave his house, the badge he was carrying lit up.
Colin paused his steps, squeezed the badge, and injected Magical Power into it.
Moments later, as a flash of White Light blinked past, a short message was projected above the badge.
'Please Colin Leonard, come to the School to receive the first mandatory mission of the year.'
Colin furrowed his brow and quickly made his way to the School.
Although he was a First Rank Wizard and was indeed required to complete four mandatory missions each year, this year's mission seemed to have arrived too soon.
Half an hour later, he reached the administrative building.
"Your mandatory mission is to escort an important item to the frontline in the Southern Sea Domain," the responsible Wizard told him.
"Why has the School chosen me?" Colin asked.
"I'm not quite sure, but the mandatory missions for each quarter are allocated based on abilities, and this mission should be within your capabilities,"
"And escort missions are generally easy; it's just about delivery to the frontline, the entire route is at the rear, and with your strength as a First Rank Advanced Wizard, there won't be much danger.
The only part that might not be as pleasant is that you can't use the Transmission Array, so it might take a bit longer."
"I'm sorry, but I refuse this mission," Colin shook his head, took out the Golden Feather Token, and handed it to the astonished Wizard before him.
"So, you are a Golden Feather," the duty Wizard recognized the Golden Feather Token, snapped back to reality, and hastily took it, "I'll cancel this mandatory mission for you right away."
"But are you sure you want to use your once-a-year chance on such a simple task?"
"Yes," Colin nodded slightly.
Not being able to use the Transmission Array meant the mission would take much longer, easily three to five months for a round trip.
The long journey and extended time meant unexpected issues could arise.
Moreover, being away from Neustadt City would mean his major earnings from Magic Stones would have to be put on hold.
Given that the deadline for the custom witchcraft commission he accepted had to have at least a preliminary version within three months, he couldn't leave now.
Additionally, the urgency of this task was somewhat strange.
Colin frowned and pondered for a moment, then suddenly thought of the Pureblood Family Witches who had recently stopped bothering him.
'Could it be a task specifically arranged for me by the Pureblood Families?'
His expression calm, a sense of urgency inexplicably surged in his heart.