At the same time, a subtle numbness spread from the mouth to the entire body, as if every nerve ending was awakened, becoming exceptionally sensitive.
He could clearly perceive every tiny fluctuation of magic power in the air, even the molecular structure of the liquid in his cup.
"Quite a delicate culinary technique, it must have used some extraordinary methods."
Ron commented, while analyzing the principle behind this sensory enhancement effect in his mind:
"It retains part of the fish’s nervous system activity, while reweaving it into a sensory enhancement network that serves the consumer, quite a refined technique."
"Let’s return to our topic."
After waiting for Ron to adapt to the new sensory state, Reynolds nodded and continued:
"How much do you know about the difference between school wizards and free wizards?"
Ron pondered slightly, quickly organizing his related knowledge:
"In the Black Mist School, ’freedom’ seems to be an assumed yet seldom discussed concept.
We are taught that once we become official wizards, everyone has the right to choose their own path.
But considering the resource allocation principles of the Extraordinary World, I guess, the actual situation is that there must be some kind of invisible constraint?"
"You really are a keen observer." A hint of appreciation flashed in Reynolds’ eyes:
"In fact, almost all schools will induce apprentices to sign various contracts, it’s just that the means and restrictions vary in severity."
His voice became more solemn, carrying the tone of someone speaking from experience:
"In most cases, these contracts require one to serve the school for decades after becoming an official wizard, the duration depends on the school’s investment in you and your potential evaluation.
These kinds of contracts are relatively fair, after all, the school does provide resources and guidance."
A sharp glint flashed in Reynolds’ eyes, and his voice lowered further:
"But if the school particularly values an apprentice’s potential, or conversely, believes he is unlikely to break through to the Moon Level, they might use various means to trick him into signing a lifelong mandatory contract.
The former is to permanently bind rare talents, the latter is to secure long-term cheap labor. The fate of these two types of people is often not very good."
Ron nodded slightly, the design of this system is completely logical.
The essence of the Wizard World is a power-centered, extremely elite society, where resource distribution inevitably follows the principle of maximizing efficiency.
In such a system, contractual constraints are both a means to guarantee return on the school’s investment and a necessary measure to control the flow of power.
"Wizard Reynolds, how was your own experience?"
Ron asked directly, this kind of question is not considered offensive among wizards.
After all, the contract period is an unavoidable part of every wizard’s career.
"After advancing to the Morning Star Level, I served my school ’Elemental Garden’ for thirty-three years."
Reynolds answered, his tone carrying a subtle complexity, like nostalgia mixed with relief:
"Mainly responsible for research and teaching of elemental fusion theory, as well as conducting regular surveys in some abyss edge areas. It wasn’t particularly arduous, but it wasn’t exactly easy either."
His gaze brightened:
"It was only in recent years that I was liberated, becoming a free man, and began to truly explore the abyss which I am genuinely interested in.
Since then, each exploration has yielded significant rewards for me, and now I’m not far from reaching the peak of the Morning Star Level, which is considered quite rapid progress among my peers."
"It sounds like contracts are not impossible to terminate early?"
Ron keenly seized on the crucial point, calculating the possible options in his mind at the same time.
If he ultimately chooses to join a school, understanding the flexibility of the contract is obviously vital.
"Of course there are exceptions."
Reynolds nodded, his finger unconsciously tracing the rim of the cup, producing a faint buzzing sound:
"Major merits, special contributions, or having a sufficiently powerful figure to vouch for you can provide opportunities for early contract termination.
Another option is to pay a sufficient price to buy out the contract directly.
This theoretically applies to any level of contract, but in practice, the ransom for high-level contracts is often prohibitively high, almost nobody can afford it."
Just as he was speaking, a dish named "Star Sea Platter" was brought to the table.
On the plate were seven uniquely shaped deep-sea creatures, resembling a meticulously arranged miniature ecosystem.
Some intermittently emitted a faint glow, others changed color with the viewing angle.
Some seemed to maintain a sort of simple autonomous movement, appearing both as a delicacy and a living piece of art.
"You seem to be very knowledgeable about abyssal creatures."
Reynolds changed the subject seemingly unintentionally, with a hint of probing in his voice:
"The method you mentioned earlier for handling multiple bloodline rejections is something even the ’Abyss Mutation Atlas’ I’ve consulted didn’t elaborate on."
Ron’s heart stirred, understanding that the other party was indirectly referring to the trades in the Silent Market.
This was both a probe and a prelude to the ensuing conversation.
"I have always held a special interest in biology and bloodline theory."
He responded calmly, neither overemphasizing his expertise nor deliberately avoiding the issue:
"During my time in the Black Mist School, I had the fortune to access some physical samples and conducted certain studies on their physiological structures and adaptation mechanisms."
Reynolds cleared his throat gently, his words becoming more direct:
"To be honest, Wizard Ralph, the reason I am so courteous and respectful towards you is that I value your potential and hope to establish a friendship and some cooperative relationships with you."