Risk and Decision

Accepting a long-term field mission might be a "blessing" for Lucian. Away from the academy, where formal wizards closely watched over every third-level apprentice, he could finally stretch his wings. If he could use this time to break through to become a formal wizard, then upon his return, he would be at the very top. The perks and freedoms of being a formal wizard meant no longer having to hide his abilities or curb his ambitions.

The difference between a third-level apprentice and a formal wizard was vast, even though it seemed like just a single step. One was a wizard; the other was still an apprentice. In Greybone Academy, formal wizards' secrets went unquestioned—even the distant headmaster treated them with respect, valuing their loyalty above all.

This prospect was incredibly tempting for Lucian. He didn't have grand dreams of conquest or ambition; he'd be more than happy playing a "king" in his corner of Greybone, passing the years with his research and occasionally mentoring students. As long as he could minimize the mission's dangers, the assignment seemed far more beneficial than risky.

Lucian looked over at Carrie, who was still looking worried and offered a reassuring smile. "Relax, Carrie, don't overthink it. It'll be alright…"

"Lucian, sir… I want to come with you!" Carrie burst out after a long pause, her voice shaky yet determined.

Lucian couldn't help but chuckle.

"I-I'm strong now too!" She puffed out her chest and held up her bow as if demonstrating her combat readiness. "If there's an enemy, I… I'll take them down in one shot!" she declared, her voice growing quieter and less confident under Lucian's amused gaze.

"Alright, we'll pause today's potion practice. Remember to keep up your daily training and meditation," Lucian instructed gently, holding back his laughter at her sheepish expression.

"I…" Carrie started to protest, but Lucian interrupted with a smile.

"Pack up your things too. We'll be away for quite a while this time," he added.

Carrie blinked, surprised. A smile slowly spread across her face, lighting her up like she'd just been told they were going on an adventure rather than a dangerous assignment.

"Yes! Thank you, Lucian, sir!" she shouted with enthusiasm, bolting out the door.

[Your student Carrie looks up to you in admiration. +20 Reverence Points]

Lucian: ???

Watching her dash away with a skip in her step, Lucian shook his head. Closing the door and activating the warding spell, he settled back into his seat and began tapping his fingers on the table, deep in thought. His brows furrowed as he considered the assignment's details, and then he sighed.

"If only this mission had come three months later, or even six months," he muttered, feeling like this opportunity had come just a bit too soon. His current strength made this mission daunting, but with three to four more months of training, he could face its dangers with confidence.

The threat on Cossay Island wasn't necessarily overwhelming. From what he had learned, whatever was on the island had kept a low profile when the academy sent a formal wizard to investigate. The entity had hidden itself and wiped away its traces, suggesting caution rather than overwhelming power. If it had true formal wizard strength, it would have confronted the academy openly. In that case, the academy would likely have welcomed it and given it dominion over Cossay Island to keep the peace.

The entity's cautious behaviour suggested insecurity. But that caution applied to other formal wizards, not to Lucian, who was still an apprentice.

"Every fear stems from a lack of firepower," Lucian murmured with a touch of irony.

Currently, he has only solidified 94 spiritual runes. Under the advanced Greybone Meditation Method, he was technically still a second-level apprentice. If he could push his rune count to 180, he'd fully reach third-level apprentice status within his meditation method. His mental power would expand significantly, achieving another level of depth and potency.

Based on his estimates, at 180 runes, he would be on par with a low-level formal wizard, able to face whatever threat might lurk on Cossay Island. Even with 140 to 160 runes, he'd have a fighting chance of self-defence.

But he was short on time.

According to academy protocol, once assigned a mandatory mission, an apprentice had only a month to prepare.

"Using the standard methods, I could solidify about 100 to 105 runes by the mission's start, but that's still too low to face the risks on Cossay Island."

"As for those two other apprentices assigned with me? If they don't drag me down, I'll count it as a win," Lucian thought grimly. He knew that most wizards would abandon any pretence of teamwork when real danger struck, fleeing and hoping someone else would hold off the threat for long enough.

"Enough hesitating!" He exhaled, eyes gleaming with resolve.

Originally, Lucian had planned to pace his progress cautiously, avoiding any overt display of power to keep a low profile. But now, he didn't have that luxury. He would have to rely heavily on potions to rapidly accelerate his progress, even if it meant taking risks.