"Lilia Devant, please stand up."
Vera’s gaze fell on a figure in the middle of the conference hall.
It was a tall girl with long purple-black hair, seemingly around the age of eighteen, with a beautiful appearance.
She stood up slowly, her movements graceful and natural, without a hint of surprise or excitement on her face, as if this outcome had long been within her expectations.
Lilia wore a deep green Apprentice robe, with a silver belt around her waist representing the identity of an Intermediate Apprentice.
Three small emerald gems embedded in the belt indicated her talent level in Natural Magic.
Those once timid and downcast eyes had now become firm and cold.
Like a cold pool on a high mountain, exuding a kind of icy detachment.
"Congratulations, Lilia."
Vera nodded with a smile, a clear expression of approval in her amber eyes:
"Your talent and progress speed in Magic Potion Making are considered rare even in the history of the Jade Tower.
What’s even more precious is your outstanding performance in Bloodline Studies and biological modulation techniques, an extremely rare combination of cross-field capabilities."
She paused for a moment, her tone becoming more solemn:
"Especially your unique understanding of plant bloodlines and the innovative thinking you’ve shown in Magic Potion preparation — we see great potential in you."
The other Apprentices in the conference hall looked at Lilia with complex expressions.
There was envy, jealousy, and also unwillingness.
Yet, no one dared to openly express doubt, for the Jade Tower’s evaluation system is known for its rigor, and Lilia’s strength was indeed evident to all.
More importantly, many knew that her mentor was the mysterious Lady Allen.
A presence that even the higher-ups of the Jade Tower must treat with respect.
In this context, any rash provocation could lead to unforeseen consequences.
A brown-haired Apprentice sitting in the back row complained to his companion via spirituel transmission:
"It’s really ironic, the Black Mist School has already become a mere shadow, and the news of the destruction of that Bloodline Altar is known throughout the Wizard World. Yet someone from a crumbling School can hold such a high position here."
"Don’t say that," another Apprentice responded, his voice marked with obvious caution:
"Her strength is real. I witnessed her performance in the advanced Magic Potion preparation class. Her mastery over herbal traits and precise control over the Energy Flow, cannot simply be attributed to luck. Plus..."
He paused, his tone becoming more wary:
"I’ve heard that her master, Lady Allen, has an extraordinary background, someone the Dean himself must personally receive. We’d better not provoke her randomly."
Although Lilia couldn’t hear the specific contents of these spirituel transmissions, she could sense the complex emotions fluctuating around her.
As a sensitive Alchemist, she had an extraordinary sensitivity to subtle changes in the environment.
But she chose to ignore these.
In her time at the Jade Tower, she had already learned how to protect herself.
Using indifference to mask her inner fragility, using pride to hide anxiety and loneliness.
This was not her nature, but a necessary means of survival in this highly competitive environment.
"The Jade Tower has always spoken with strength, and anyone has the opportunity to gain their rightful place through effort."
Vera’s voice once again drew everyone’s attention:
"Lilia’s promotion is entirely based on her actual performance, including her excellent results in the high-difficulty Magic Potion preparation tests, and the innovative potential shown in her original plant bloodline extraction technology."
Her gaze swept across the conference hall, her tone becoming more severe:
"I want to remind everyone that the ranking of the reserve list is updated monthly.
To maintain your position, you must continually improve. Arrogance and complacency will only lead to downfall, while true talent will always receive deserved recognition."
Lilia maintained that icy expression, as if the attention and undercurrents around her had nothing to do with her. She just quietly stood there, waiting for the end of the ceremony, with no ripple in her eyes.
This composed attitude, on the contrary, made some Apprentices who were originally dissatisfied feel a kind of pressure.
The aura emanating from this girl far surpassed the level of an ordinary Apprentice.
As she walked along the corridor inside the ancient trees, the servants and staff she encountered all greeted her respectfully.
Some Tree-men in charge of daily maintenance would bend their sturdy branches to show respect;
The messenger birds responsible for delivering messages would chirp softly as she passed, a traditional way to show respect within the Jade Tower.
"Next, we will announce this month’s resource allocation plan..."
After the gathering, the Apprentices left the conference hall in groups of two or three.
Lilia walked alone at the end, and those who might have approached her kept their distance due to her cold aura.
She, too, had no desire for any social contact; loneliness had become her protective color.
"Lilia, please wait a moment."
Vera’s voice came from behind, carrying gentle concern with the clear quality of a mountain spring.
Lilia turned around, looking at this administrative supervisor without expression.
During her time at the Jade Tower, Vera was one of the few higher-ups who had shown her kindness.
"Master Vera, is there something you’d like to instruct?"
Her voice was as calm as water, betraying no emotional fluctuation.
"I want to talk to you about future development plans."