A Crown of Shadows and Starlight

Chapter 9

Advancing to an official apprentice brought Meilin great relief, at least solving the most pressing issue. However, she knew that offending Feller meant he could not openly target her within the academy, but his family held deep-rooted influence and vast connections. She had to strengthen herself as soon as possible.

Under normal circumstances, a wizard apprentice would have a greater chance of advancement under the direct guidance of a mentor. Of course, mentorship was not free, but having systematic instruction was highly appealing. However, after her initial excitement, Meilin had to abandon this idea.

Feller’s family held great power within the Shuiyun Academy, to the extent that even the headmaster had to respect their opinions. Naturally, those high-ranking figures wouldn’t bother targeting Meilin personally, but if a family member had a conflict with her, the outcome was obvious—even without thinking, she knew they would happily use her as a mere stepping stone for their family’s younger generation.

Meilin refused to wait around and be slaughtered. The academy imposed strict control over unofficial apprentices, but the restrictions on official apprentices were much looser. She planned to leave the academy once she was strong enough, avoiding the influence of Feller’s family.

However, for now, such thoughts were too distant. What she most wanted to figure out was the nature of those willpower runes. Yet, every apprentice kept their meditation process a closely guarded secret, and Meilin dared not discuss it with others. She could only search for answers on her own.

With this decision made, Meilin felt truly relieved. She planned to have a good night’s sleep—whatever needed to be done could wait until tomorrow.

⸻

Early the next morning, Meilin headed to the academy’s administrative office to exchange her identification badge.

A student who took nearly four years to advance to a first-level apprentice was hardly worth much attention. The academy had long since forgotten that she had once been evaluated as a fifth-tier talent. After a few perfunctory words of encouragement, they quickly sent her on her way.

Interestingly, as she walked down the hallway, she happened to run into the old administrator in charge of distributing benefits. The moment he sensed the fluctuations in her aura, his expression twisted as if he had swallowed something foul.

Meilin had no interest in dealing with an old man with no future prospects. Upon closer thought, he was both detestable and pitiful. His fate was already sealed, while hers was filled with limitless possibilities. Bickering with such a relic was utterly meaningless.

With her status as a first-level wizard apprentice, Meilin could now access more advanced books, though most of them required payment—something she had never dared to hope for.

A school’s foundation rested on three key elements: powerful wizards, talented students, and a rich cultural heritage.

The Shuiyun Academy’s library was built into the mountainside, an imposing structure standing at the heart of the academy, heavily warded with numerous magical restrictions.

Despite the academy announcing that security had been lifted following an incident at the Tuan Shui River, the library remained under tight guard. Every few steps, a sentry stood watch, accompanied by patrols of magical constructs.

Constructs were a branch of alchemy, though Shuiyun Academy was not particularly skilled in their creation. These mass-produced patrol constructs were not very high-level, with strength comparable to first- or second-level apprentices.

Still, one could never underestimate them. For one, they were fearless and possessed immense physical strength. Additionally, magical attacks had a slower effect on them, and they were unwaveringly loyal—incapable of betrayal. Furthermore, each construct had specialized functions, making it nearly impossible to evade them unnoticed.

Suddenly, a loud roar erupted in front of Meilin.

With a gust of wind, a massive wolf-like construct, the size of a calf, leaped out from the shadows of a nearby building. Its eerie eyes locked onto her, sending a chill down her spine.

Although constructs were not truly living creatures, their presence was far more menacing than that of an ordinary wolf. The oppressive, absolute power radiating from it was enough to make one’s blood run cold.

A Frenzied Wolf Construct—its strength was equivalent to a third-level apprentice!

Constructs were categorized similarly to wizards, and it was said that powerful individuals could even forge constructs with a degree of intelligence.

Of course, under normal circumstances, wizards of the same level were stronger than constructs. But when facing lower-level opponents or overwhelming numbers, the outcome was far less certain.

The Frenzied Wolf Construct was over two meters long, exuding a terrifying aura. However, Meilin remained completely unbothered—it was just a mindless construct. More importantly, while she might be disregarded at the academy, she was still a registered student of Shuiyun Academy.

Each student possessed an identification token, which the constructs could recognize through a special sensing magic array, distinguishing friend from foe.

Naturally, there was always the possibility that a student’s token could be stolen by an enemy, but typically, when a student died or their token was damaged, it would automatically become invalid.

The Frenzied Wolf Construct stalked up to Meilin, letting out a low growl. Meilin stood her ground calmly, making no sudden movements. After a few tense moments, the construct’s hostility diminished, and it eventually stepped aside. It even rubbed its head against her before moving away.

Ascending the steps, Meilin approached the grand entrance. She flashed her identification token to the apprentice standing guard and walked inside.

⸻

The space beyond the doors was not particularly large. An old wizard with white hair sat behind a desk. To the side, a staircase led upwards, while behind him was a tightly shut door.

Hearing her footsteps, the old wizard lifted his head from his book, his voice weary and listless.

“This fluctuation… A newly promoted first-level apprentice. Little girl, congratulations on taking another step along the path of truth. According to the rules, you may select one paid course for free. Do you wish to choose now, or later?”

Within the academy, free courses were scarce, whereas paid courses were abundant, with even the cheapest ones requiring at least ten magic stones. This privilege had to be used wisely.

However, Meilin had already made up her mind before coming here. Without hesitation, she answered, “Sir, I would like to choose ‘Basic Potion Studies.’”

Even with just basic potion studies, she could refine potions to earn magic stones to support her training. Especially with that mysterious nebula in her possession, she was even more determined in her choice.

“Very well.”

The old wizard studied her thoughtfully for a long moment before finally nodding.

“Though this is your decision, I must warn you. Young one, the benefits of becoming a potion master are obvious, but truly mastering potion-making requires a tremendous amount of resources. Are you prepared for that challenge?”

“I am ready,” Meilin replied firmly.