"Especially in the fields of Bloodline Studies and Abyss Research, the Crystal Tower possesses the most comprehensive database and experimental facilities in the Ring Abyss Continent Group."
Melissa added, with a hint of pride in her voice:
"Given your demonstrated talent and professional direction, I believe the Tower Master will pay special attention to your development needs."
Ron asked some questions about the internal structure and learning system within the Crystal Tower, and received patient and detailed answers from the three reviewers.
"Thank you all for your guidance and answers."
He finally said, with a sincere expression:
"It is an honor to join a wizard holy land like the Crystal Tower. I hope to contribute to the development of the School Alliance in the future."
"We also look forward to your performance, Wizard Ralph."
William responded with a smile, his wrinkled face showing rare friendliness:
"I hope to hear your brilliant speeches at academic conferences in the near future."
The evaluation concluded, and the receptionist reappeared to guide Ron out of the testing hall.
As he stepped out of the silver archway, Ron could feel a whole new world unfolding before him.
Whether it was the Treasure Level rating or the focus on Abyss Research, these all signified unprecedented development opportunities for him in the Crystal Tower.
......
As the last sliver of sunlight vanished from the tip of the Crystal Tower, the brilliant stars began to twinkle in the night sky.
The night at the Crystal Tower was more splendid than the day, with various colors of magic power flowing among the towering spires like rivers of light, adorning the entire Floating City as if it were a dream.
Liss Devant, clutching a stack of parchment, hurried through the corridor of the central teaching building.
She was an Intermediate Apprentice, just turned seventeen this year, with curly chestnut hair and brown eyes.
Being born and raised in the Central Lands, she was somewhat accustomed to the high concentration of magic power in the environment here.
Nevertheless, every night she had to catch her breath in a specially isolated magic environment.
Though she had average talent, she was diligent and hardworking, always dreaming of becoming a Professional Alchemist one day.
"Liss, wait!" came a familiar shout from behind.
She turned to see her friend Jack panting and catching up, his round face flushed red from running.
"Big news!" Jack excitedly waved a notice: "The academy has a new teaching assistant again!"
Liss raised her eyebrows: "Another one? Didn’t one come just last year?"
"This one is different!"
Jack lowered his voice, his eyes gleaming with excitement:
"I just heard from senior Aisa that this one was promoted to a Primordial Wizard through the Path of Truth!"
"What?"
Liss’s eyes widened, almost dropping the parchment in her arms:
"The Path of Truth?! Isn’t that the legendary advancement method with almost certain death? Last I heard, the only one who advanced this way was Cassandra Tower Master herself!"
Jack solemnly nodded: "Exactly! And I’ve heard that not long after he arrived at the Crystal Tower, his evaluation result was labeled as a Treasure-level Genius!"
"Treasure-level?"
"Anyone placed in that level is a notable figure, right?"
The two of them talked as they walked and soon arrived at the central announcement area of the academy.
A crowd of apprentices was already gathered there, all vying to view a huge crystal announcement board displaying the latest course information.
"Do you see it? It’s those three courses!"
Jack squeezed through the crowd and pointed to a particularly eye-catching line of text on the board:
"Teaching Assistant Ron Ralph is offering ’Advanced Potion Theory and Practice,’ ’Bloodline Modulation Basics,’ and ’Alchemy Introduction and Application.’
"Wait, look at this price..."
Liss frowned, carefully examining the numbers marked next to the courses:
"’Advanced Potion Theory and Practice’ costs 100 Magic Stone Fragments per month?! That’s double what Assistant Solan charges!"
"The other two aren’t cheap either."
Jack nodded, looking complicated:
"’Bloodline Modulation Basics’ is 80, and ’Alchemy Introduction and Application’ is 85. With the annual resource quota for an Intermediate Apprentice, you can only choose one, and you’d have to give up all other extra expenses."
A flurry of discussion erupted around the academy.
"Isn’t this too expensive? What gives a new teaching assistant the right to set such high prices?"
"I heard it’s the academy setting the price, not his decision."
"Why would the academy give him this kind of privilege? Is he really that impressive?"
"Anyway, the first week is a free trial. It’s a waste not to go and see for ourselves what makes this ’Treasure-level Genius’ so special."
Liss thoughtfully looked at the announcement board, her finger gently touching her chin, a habitual gesture when she’s deep in thought.
"I want to attend the trial of ’Advanced Potion Theory and Practice.’ Maybe I can learn something new."
She told Jack, her eyes shining with curiosity:
"Even if I can’t afford the tuition in the end, at least I can absorb some knowledge during the free week."
"That’s what I was thinking too."
Jack nodded with a smile, then lowered his voice:
"But I heard that some clan apprentices also showed interest in these courses, especially that princess who’s always heavily guarded."
"Her Highness Eve?"
Liss blinked in surprise, her voice involuntarily lowered:
"Doesn’t she rarely leave that magic-isolated small building? I heard her ’Demon Devouring’ condition is getting worse and worse."
"Who knows?"