They leaned against the corridor pillar, seemingly waiting deliberately.
"Apprentice Ralph."
Maurice stopped him, with a tone full of complex emotions:
"It seems you are quite popular with Lord Soron."
Ron maintained a polite smile: "Master Griffith is a very good mentor, very generous to all students."
Another trainee sneered:
"Don’t give us that, we can all see that his attitude towards you is noticeably different. He dismissed us in just a quarter of an hour, yet he is willing to spend half an hour or even longer guiding you alone."
Ron did not respond directly, only feeling a bit sorry for these people in their incompetence and rage:
"Everyone’s learning progress and needs are different. Naturally, Master Griffith will adjust his guidance according to the situation, teaching students in accordance with their aptitude."
"Ha!" Maurice scoffed, "Are you saying we’re not qualified to receive more guidance?"
"Heh... If even you think so yourself, then it seems there’s nothing more I need to say."
Ron smiled faintly and spoke calmly: "If there’s nothing else, I must leave now."
Having said that, he nodded politely and walked past the two, visibly showing they wanted to erupt yet were desperately holding it in.
"Don’t think you’re something just because you have some special talent."
Behind came Maurice’s voice full of resentment: "There have been plenty of gifted wizards in history who died young, where you end up ultimately depends on real skills!"
Ron did not look back, only continuing on his own path.
Such jealousy and hostility were not uncommon at the Black Mist School, especially when someone showed extraordinary talent and progress speed.
In the following days, similar incidents kept occurring.
After every class with Soron, there were always one or two trainees trying to stay behind for special guidance.
Soron did not refuse them, but his attitude was noticeably different.
Towards Ron, he would explain every concept in detail, even demonstrating some advanced techniques;
But for the others, his guidance was more basic and concise, as if he was just going through the motions.
"There’s nothing strange about this." One day, Soron explained to Ron:
"The essence of the ’favor’ rule dictates that mentors will naturally lean towards students who can provide more in return."
There was a rare frankness in his tone:
"You should already understand the concept of ’favor,’ so I won’t hide it. The ’favor’ gained from you is clearly much richer than from other trainees, which shows your growth and breakthroughs are more valuable."
Ron was not surprised by this.
According to Lady Allen’s explanation, ’favor’ is the feedback given to a mentor based on a student’s growth and breakthroughs.
And students with higher talent and quicker progress naturally provide a richer ’favor.’
"Don’t be troubled by others’ reactions."
Soron continued:
"In the extraordinary world, resources are always scarce, and competition is inevitable. Those who can obtain more resources are often those who can create greater value."
Ron nodded in understanding, now counting as a beneficiary of this ’favor’ rule.
And those trainees who are somewhat lacking in skills and talent are doomed to face more obstacles and setbacks in this harsh system.
"As long as you maintain this rate of progress," a light of expectancy flashed in Soron’s eyes:
"Your ranking in the candidate wizard sequence will soon rise another level."
.........
The morning sunlight filtered through the sparse canopy of the Black Mist Jungle as Ron walked along the familiar path, the surroundings reminded him of the scene when he first came here.
Back then, he was just a candidate apprentice barely meeting the minimum standard for spiritual talent.
Now, he was the nineteenth-ranked intermediate apprentice in the candidate wizard sequence, as well as a young professional alchemist.
"Time flies, it’s been about two months since I got my alchemist certification."
Ron mused to himself, his eyes falling on a wild herb with small flowers by the roadside.
During this period, he had been busy with various advanced courses and cultivating himself, hardly finding time to visit Lady Allen.
As his first guide on the path of the extraordinary, Lady Allen’s help was immeasurable.
"I wonder how she is doing now." Ron pondered, while also thinking of another matter.
Since acquiring the ’extraordinary recognition’ fusion skill, he found himself able to perceive the essence of items and even discern the talents and aptitudes of people to some extent.
This sparked an idea in him: maybe he could visit the candidate apprentice area to see if he could discover some overlooked talented seedlings.
These thoughts whirled in his mind, and he decided to first visit the candidate apprentice dormitory area, then go to Lady Allen.
The candidate apprentice dormitory area looked almost unchanged from his memory, still the same low and simple huts, with the air filled with the damp musty smell and the pungent scent of failed experiments.
Walking along the familiar cobblestone path, Ron noticed several candidate apprentices practicing basic magic in the courtyard.
They appeared exhausted, their robes stained with traces of various potions and mud, evidently just returning from some experiment or task.
When these apprentices noticed Ron approaching, their expressions immediately changed.
The professional alchemist badge and the intermediate apprentice badge on his chest shimmered in the sunlight, showcasing his extraordinary status in the supernatural world.