141: The three elements of a formal wizard

Three days later.

Green finished his month-long vacation, fully recovered his health, and, ever cautious, even went to the clinic for a full body check-up, finding no major issues.

The few minor problems that remained, Green, through persistent nagging, even managed to get the medical mentor to prescribe numerous long-term treatment plans.

Anyway, Green's medical expenses during the mission period were fully reimbursed; even minor issues shouldn't be ignored.

Next, Green eagerly sought out Vice Dean Brucekrin.

This Vice Dean, who greatly appreciated Green during the anti-sniper mission, could be considered Green's benefactor; without him, Green wouldn't have gained so much from this mission...

"Mentor Brucekrin, your student is here to collect his reward."

Green said respectfully:

"No need to be so reserved, Green. Am I, this old man, really that scary?"

Mentor Brucekrin wore a monocle made from a Demonized Plants, and most of the hair on his head was white. His aged body was slightly hunched, but his powerful Spiritual Power and the aura cultivated from long-held high positions still made him impossible to ignore.

According to information gathered by Oakes:

Mentor Brucekrin entered Plant Heart Academy a hundred years ago. He was a renowned genius in his time, a formidable figure who struck fear into Black Wizards, a true Peak Wizard Apprentice, not a fraud relying on Bio-armor.

After failing to break through to Formal Wizard thirty years ago, he dedicated himself to the academy's miscellaneous affairs, becoming the doyen and highest leader in the academy's combat field.

In front of such a deeply experienced and powerful figure, how could Green not be reserved?

..."No, senior has been very caring towards this student."

"This student's ability to shine in the anti-sniper mission was entirely due to senior's cultivation and guidance."

Green relaxed a little, but his tone remained very respectful.

"Hmm."

Mentor Brucekrin nodded, then chuckled softly.

"Green, oh Green, I haven't even heard your reputation yet."

"Academy Singer King?"

"Late-Night Dancer?"

"Super Big Eater?"

"It's good that you remember your duty to respect your teachers. This shows that Jordan taught you very well."

"But you don't need to be too careful or restrain yourself. After becoming a registered disciple, our statuses are the same."

"Be more casual. Sit down. What would you like to drink?"

Green, his face flushed, sat on a sofa made of Magic Beast fur.

However, he quickly returned to normal. So what if it was socially awkward? It wasn't the first time, what was there to fear?

"rye ice beer would be fine, Mentor."

..."Hmm, time is limited, so I'll get straight to the point."

Vice Dean Brucekrin said seriously, getting directly to the main topic.

Green immediately sat up straight, listening to the senior's teachings with the utmost seriousness.

"Green, you should know about the Mind Bottleneck Rule. Let me tell you about the advancement conditions for a Formal Wizard."

"With your talent and age, your chances of advancing to Formal Wizard are not small."

"Therefore, on behalf of the academy, I will give you peace of mind. We will spare no resources to help and support you in vying for that glimmer of hope."

"First, let me systematically explain how an Advanced Wizard Apprentice advances to a Formal Wizard."

"Besides the mysterious Mind Bottleneck, becoming a Formal Wizard requires three elements."

"Resources: Potions or Demonized Plantss that supplement a massive amount of life force."

"Secret Art: Sublimation potions or secret arts that burn life force."

"Wizardry: A First-Ring Guardian Wizardry suitable as the foundation for a Formal Wizard."

"These three elements are indispensable."

"Green, you should currently be in the process of learning how to assemble three Spiritual Power rune chains into a stable triangular foundation, correct?"

"Yes, Mentor." Green nodded seriously...

"Not bad."

"This process takes at least two or three years, and at most seven or eight years, but it will always be completed."

Vice Dean Brucekrin cleared his throat and continued:

"Once you complete this step, you will need to comprehend a First-Ring Guardian Wizardry suitable as the foundation for a Formal Wizard. This First-Tier Wizardry is designed to complement our Meditation Technique—it's called Plant Guardian Stance. This is an elemental, stance-based, First-Tier hybrid Wizardry."

"It is most suitable for our Heart of Plants lineage, but of course, the difficulty is also greater."

"Therefore, you must start learning this Wizardry in advance. The academy has specially established a Wizardry study room on the 6th floor of the Wizard Tower. In the future, whenever you have time, you can go there to study and research. I have already upgraded your access; you can enter by swiping your identity badge."

"Once you have constructed the prototype of the Guardian Wizardry in your mind, you will reach the peak of an Advanced Wizard Apprentice, and the Mind Bottleneck will follow."

"As for the sublimation potions or secret arts that burn life force, and subsequent resources, the academy will only provide them to you after you have overcome the Mind Bottleneck."

"Green, do you understand all of this?"

..."I understand, Mentor."

Green nodded, his path ahead becoming clearer.

"Because the comprehension of this Guardian Wizardry is quite difficult, and it also involves some First-Tier Wizard knowledge."

"Therefore, Green, you can also attend the monthly lecture by the Formal Wizard — Lord Joyce, and ask one question. And this is the biggest benefit of being a registered disciple."

"To receive guidance from a mentor of the Peak Formal Wizard level is rare throughout the Mist Coast, not to mention that it's free."

Vice Dean Brucekrin paused slightly, carefully choosing his words:

"Green, our Dean, Lord Joyce, is a very kind and friendly elder. You can tell from our academy's academic atmosphere that the Dean highly values the attitude towards learning and advocates for a relaxed and free learning environment."

"When you meet him, don't be too constrained. Just treat him as a venerable senior. The Dean also doesn't like such constrained students, do you understand?"

"This student understands." Green indicated his understanding, his heart growing increasingly eager to meet Lord Joyce, with whom he had long felt a spiritual connection.

"Of course, if you can demonstrate sufficient talent, Lord Joyce will also be very happy. Our academy has been established for over a hundred years, yet we haven't cultivated a single Formal Wizard. Relying solely on Lord Joyce is very difficult to sustain."

Vice Dean Brucekrin said with some worry:

"Lord Joyce suddenly appeared on the Mist Coast 150 years ago. It is said he came from another, more prosperous Wizard realm. When he appeared, he was already a Formal Wizard and had deeply immersed himself in this realm."

"According to external estimates, Lord Joyce's age is approaching 400 years, and he is at risk of his lifespan ending at any time."

"Therefore, our academy is extremely eager to cultivate a new Formal Wizard."

"Green, do you understand?"