Guest Professor

"Come, this way," Wade beckoned, his voice carrying an air of authority as he led Leylin to where two gigantic Dragon Crown Nighthawks awaited.

These colossal birds, resembling eagles, had steely black feathers that shimmered under the sunlight, their necks dyed a vivid crimson. Atop their heads, a beautiful protruding bone formed a crown-like structure, giving them an air of regal majesty.

Wade deftly unlocked the bronze collars around the Nighthawks' necks and tossed one of the green metal sheets to Leylin. "This is the key to controlling them. Now, let us leave."

With a swift, practiced leap, Leylin mounted one of the Nighthawks. Its back was adorned with an ornate black and gold leather saddle, crafted meticulously for the rider's comfort and stability.

Seated on the saddle, Leylin willed a trace of his Spiritual Force into the green metal sheet. The moment his Spiritual Force touched the metal, Leylin felt his mind instantly connect with the Nighthawk.

The Nighthawk's mind was simple, capable only of receiving basic commands such as fly, drop, increase speed, and turn. Its intelligence was akin to that of a child around seven or eight years old, innocent yet eager to please.

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Dragon Crown Nighthawk || Strength: 5.2, Agility: 7.6, Vitality: 4.9, Special abilities: None

//

The stats provided by Aralis were straightforward. Judging by these numbers, this particular Dragon Crown Nighthawk seemed best suited for transportation, a reliable steed for their journey.

"Let's go!" Wade commanded his mount. The large Nighthawk unfurled its massive wings, creating a swirling dust tornado that danced around them.

Leylin followed, his own beast rising into the sky with a powerful thrust. With two resonant cries, the Nighthawks ascended, and Leylin and Wade settled comfortably on their backs, soaring higher into the cloudy expanse.

The intense air pressure made Leylin feel as if he were caught in the eye of a hurricane, yet it was exhilarating. The wind whipped past, carrying the scent of freedom and adventure.

"Don't be shy, Leylin! How does it feel? I bet you haven't flown around like this before!" Wade called out from his Nighthawk beside Leylin, his voice filled with excitement.

Leylin nodded with satisfaction, taking in the breathtaking scenery rushing past on either side. The blue sky stretched endlessly above, and the white clouds seemed close enough to touch.

For official Magi, whose bodies were far more resilient than those of ordinary humans, this pressure felt like a gentle breeze, a mere whisper against their enhanced forms.

"It's not half bad," Leylin replied in a neutral tone, finding no need to be overly polite to Wade anymore.

"Haha… Back when I advanced from an acolyte, I deeply regretted not memorizing a flying-type spell," Wade began, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "But ever since I got my beloved pet, those regrets vanished. Perhaps one day, you can see it for yourself! I swear, you will be utterly enchanted by it…"

"Why didn't you bring it today?" Leylin asked, curiosity piqued.

"Oh, I only bring it to battle. You see, it has this rather troublesome habit of killing and eating smaller creatures. It's already cost me thousands of magic crystals in reparations to other beast owners, hahaha!" Wade said, laughing casually as if it were a minor inconvenience.

This brought Leylin to think about his own pets. They had grown much larger and more dangerous since the last time he used them in the Tyler Fort. The acolyte meat they had consumed that day had certainly worked wonders to accelerate their maturity process, as both Mankestre Snakes were now adults. This meant they were now even more powerful than the one he butchered in Dark Night Forest.

As they flew, Leylin chatted with Wade, his eyes following the graceful flight of the Dragon Crown Nighthawk. The majestic creature had been flying eastward ever since they left the city, its path taking them away from the ashen territory of the artificially regulated volcano, far beyond the Teljose Great Plains.

In time, the air grew progressively colder, a sharp contrast to the warmth they had left behind. The chill in the atmosphere was palpable, biting through their cloaks as they ascended. Leylin pulled his cloak tighter around him, feeling the cold seep into his bones.

Finally, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them—a vast, snow-covered mountain range, its peaks piercing the sky like jagged teeth. The Dragon Crown Nighthawk let out an excited growl, its wings beating faster as it soared upwards, eager to reach its destination.

On a pristine patch of white marble stone, blanketed in white snow, the Dragon Crown Nighthawks carrying Wade and Leylin landed gracefully. The landscape was serene, the silence only broken by the occasional rustle of the wind and the soft crunch of snow underfoot. Leylin took a deep breath, the crisp air filling his lungs, and he couldn't help but smirk at the scene before him.

A massive castle, the likes of which he had never seen, stood defiantly atop the snowy peak. It was so majestic and enormous that it dwarfed Teljose City itself. Hundreds of courtyards, pavilions, towers, and kilometers of 50-meter-high walls surrounded what was surely the main palace, which already made his enormous villa in the city seem like nothing more than a small cottage.

Every edifice was crafted from pristine white marble, lavishly adorned with gold, jewels, and mystical vines of varying colors, shapes, and sizes. These vines not only added to the splendor but also imbued the structures with formidable defensive capabilities. This was a realm designed to inspire awe and instill fear in all who entered. 

To some, the opulence might seem excessive, but that was precisely the intention—to showcase the immense wealth and power of this Magisterium.

Along the structure were thousands of rock and marble golems, all animated through ancient magics, serving as the main security force for the entire compound, in addition to any magicians living inside. 

"Behold, the Four Seasons Garden!" Wade exclaimed with a flourish as they both dismounted their majestic Nighthawks. The sleek, ebony-feathered creatures, known as Dragon Crown Nighthawks, were a rare sight, and their presence commanded respect.

Two acolytes, who seemed to have been eagerly awaiting their arrival, stepped forward to receive the Nighthawks. With practiced ease, they led the magnificent birds to their stables, where they began the meticulous process of scrubbing and feeding them.

Meanwhile, Wade ushered Leylin into a tall, winding passageway. The walls of the passage were covered in pure white snow, creating a stark contrast to the warm wind circulating within. The passageway twisted and turned, with numerous forks branching off in different directions.

As they walked, Leylin observed several Magi accompanied by their acolytes hurrying past them. Each carried stacks of books and scrolls, their faces etched with determination and urgency.

After what felt like half an hour of navigating the labyrinthine passage and passing through several checkpoints, where towering golems acknowledged their identities before allowing them to proceed, they finally reached their destination.

"We're here," Wade announced, his voice tinged with reverence. "This is my honorable mentor's private library. Whatever you do, do not interrupt him when he talks… You ought to be thankful; he does not grant personal audiences to just anyone."

With a gentle push, Wade opened the large black metal door, revealing an expansive room beyond. The space was filled with lush green vines that crept along the walls and ceiling, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

The ancient tree vines twisted and intertwined, forming the shapes of tables and chairs. In several places, beautiful white flowers bloomed from the knots in the vines, their sweet fragrance filling the air.

Behind a desk made of black vines, an old, white-haired Magus wearing gilded spectacles looked up and smiled warmly at Leylin. His presence exuded wisdom and authority, and Leylin couldn't help but feel a sense of danger from him.

"Ah, at long last! Our newest member, Leylin Farlier, has graced us with his presence!" declared the old man, his voice rich with pride and warmth. "I am Lord Reynold, Chairman of the illustrious Four Seasons Garden, a sanctuary known to few but revered by many for its groundbreaking research and exchange of potion formulas."

"It is my pleasure to meet you, my lord. I am honored to join you," Leylin Farlier responded with utmost respect, bowing slightly in recognition of Lord Reynold's distinguished title. The energy waves radiating from Lord Reynold were fearsome even when restrained, outshining those of even the most influential Magi he had encountered before, such as Chairman Siley and a select group of other elite Magi.

From his commanding presence and the palpable aura that surrounded him, it was unmistakable that this elder was at least a Rank 3 Magus. 

"Hmm... your energy waves are truly remarkable. I can already tell you will be one of our most valued members in no time," Reynold said with a pleased grin as he puffed on his pipe.

"I am unworthy of such praise, my lord," Leylin said modestly, bowing deeply. He wanted to make the best impression on this mysterious figure who seemed more powerful than anyone he had met so far.

"Hahahah! Leave such formalities to the outer circle peasants, Lord Leylin! You have been accepted directly into the inner circle," the Chairman chuckled merrily, a rare occurrence in Reynold's usually composed demeanor.

This was all a shock for Wade, as he had never witnessed his mentor adopt such a lighthearted tone in the presence of newcomers. The constant showering of praise his mentor bestowed upon Leylin did not sit particularly well with him either. It seemed he had already made up his mind to take Leylin under his wing as a new personal apprentice.

"Wade, leave us. I will personally attend to Leylin's contract," commanded the venerable Lord Reynold, dismissing his pupil with a mere wave of his hand. The younger man complied without hesitation, leaving the two alone.

"If I may, Lord Reynold, why do you address me as a lord?" Leylin inquired cautiously, though inwardly he harbored skepticism towards the elder's overt kindness. They had only just met, and such familiarity could only mean that Reynold had ulterior motives, likely seeking to gain Leylin's trust.

"Well, you are the only Magus to have surpassed the requirements set by our founder. The truth is, no one is expected to complete Jeffrey's Purifying Potion without wasting a single ingredient. Achieving a 100% success rate is nearly impossible, yet you accomplished it. This feat marks you as a genius and elevates your status beyond that of a mere newcomer. Hence, I am prepared to bestow upon you privileges far exceeding those of an ordinary Potioneer. Talent such as yours must be nurtured and developed."

"This must also be why the formidable Lord Crew endorsed you… You must understand, not even I am permitted to approach his door without an invitation. You are indeed fortunate to have him as a neighbor!" Lord Reynold exclaimed joyfully. Leylin, however, remained silent, his expression inscrutable as he analyzed the elder's intentions.

Leylin surmised that Crew had likely endured a grievous injury that had shattered his cultivation, which was also the reason behind his retirement from the Four Seasons Garden.

"However!" Chairman Reynold raised a finger, his smile turning wry. "This also means we have much higher expectations of you. Fail to meet your quotas, and you may face dire consequences. Do not become overconfident, you hear?" Though his tone was half-joking, Leylin was astute enough to recognize the seriousness behind the words.

Leylin remained silent, merely nodding in acknowledgment. He was wise enough to heed Wade's advice and not interrupt the Chairman.

"But please, I want you to make yourself at home, Lord Leylin. Everything I can provide you, within reason, I will. And anything you may need help with, I will assist, if I can." Reynold said happily as he puffed from his tobacco pipe.

"If I may, Lord Reynold, I wish to know a little more about what this institution is about. To get a clearer picture of what my purpose here will be." Leylin said respectfully, as he sipped from a cup of steaming green tea that had been set on the table by the old man as if encouraging him to drink.

"That Wade is utterly hopeless… He should have informed you about us in detail! How else would you be excited to be part of our esteemed order? I must reprimand him for his neglect later!" Reynold's annoyance was evident, his usually kind demeanor slipping momentarily before he regained his composure.

"The Four Seasons Garden was founded centuries ago by the legendary Alchemy God Amesandenisa and his five loyal pupils, one of whom was Lord Crew himself! Our purpose is to serve as a sanctuary for the exchange of research, with the noble goal of fostering the brightest minds of our era. Here, we embody the pursuit of knowledge while maintaining the delicate balance between the quest for power and the rule of law," Lord Reynold's voice was warm and welcoming, his eyes shining with pride.

"Being granted entry to the Four Seasons Garden is a privilege, my lord," Leylin said, lowering his head once more in humble acknowledgment. 

"Now then, are you ready to sign the contract?" Lord Reynold inquired, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm and a hint of expectation.

"If I might, could I take a moment to review the contents of the contract before we proceed?" Leylin asked politely, displaying his prudent nature and careful consideration.

"Of course! I apologize for any oversight; my memory isn't as sharp as it once was. Please, take your time," the old man said with a chuckle, handing over the contract for Leylin to peruse. "We value thoroughness and diligence here, after all."

Leylin picked up the parchment and meticulously examined the conditions outlined within.

As anticipated from the intelligence provided by Sean, the specifications were quite lax, even despite Reynold's remarks about 'higher expectations.'

The document stipulated that Leylin had to swear not to harm the Four Seasons Garden's interests and complete a specific number of missions per year. In return, the Four Seasons Garden would provide him with vast resources, far surpassing what the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy could offer its faculty.

In all other areas, the conditions were flexible and did not restrain him in any way. There wasn't even any mention of repercussions for Magi who abandoned the organization. Clearly, the Four Seasons Garden offered such terms only to the cream of the crop. To those 'outer-circle peasants,' as Reynold had called them, they would obviously receive far fewer benefits in exchange for more work.

Leylin, however, was unconcerned with these disparities. He had always planned to enter as an inner circle member. With the talent and skill to match his ambitions, he was confident that he would achieve this.

Nevertheless, Leylin was aware that this agreement was merely a means to gain access to some of the Four Seasons Garden's resources. He was unable to gain further access to the more important items unless he agreed to a much stricter contract, one that might even require him to leave a part of his spirit behind.

However, Leylin had no intention of binding himself so tightly. He simply wanted to enter a large organization, which would enable him to obtain high-grade information and resources in the future. His plans included traveling across the world to search for various Magi remnants, and he did not want to be tied down to one place.

Leylin took extra care to examine the margins of the parchment paper. It was extremely clean, with no additional conditions or runes inscribed onto it.

Some ancient characters were extremely difficult to notice and even resembled runes. Leylin had heard that many magicians loved to use such devious traps to trick others.

Although the Four Seasons Garden might not stoop to such a level, Leylin still felt that he had to be cautious for his own sake. He scrutinized every inch of the parchment, ensuring there were no hidden clauses or insidious traps that could bind him in unforeseen ways.

'Aralis, perform a thorough scan. Check for any pitfalls or unknown constraints in the contract. I may have missed something,' Leylin commanded silently, taking no chances.

[Task established. Beginning detailed scan…] Aralis' voice intoned.

After several upgrades, Aralis could still hide all traces of its existence from a Rank 3 Magus.

[Scan complete, Doctor. No strange or concealed restraints were found. Everything looks solid,] Aralis reported.

'These conditions are quite favorable. I have no reason to refuse them,' Leylin thought.

Aralis' indication was only audible to Leylin. From Reynold's perspective, Leylin had merely given the contract a cursory glance before readily agreeing. "Very well, Lord Reynold. I am ready to sign."

"Glad to hear it." Reynold promptly chanted an incantation.

The air undulated, and a mysterious eye appeared mid-air. This eye was completely black, save for the scarlet light within the pupil.

'The Trial's Eye,' Leylin noted inwardly.

This eye was extremely similar to the ones he had seen summoned before, but it was at least ten times larger.

It was evident that when summoned by a Rank 2 Magus, the Trial's Eye's power was significantly amplified.

If the Trial's Eye Leylin had summoned as an acolyte had less than a billionth of its true strength, this vertical eye summoned by Reynold likely possessed a millionth of the Trial's Eye's real power.

The Trial's Eye floated quietly in mid-air, and Leylin seemed to detect a trace of intelligence within its pupils.

"I declare that the ceremony starts now," Reynold announced in a low, resonant voice that seemed to reverberate through the very walls of the chamber. The moment he spoke, the Trial's Eye trembled, sending ripples through the air that made the atmosphere shift, becoming denser and more charged with energy. Leylin could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him, the air thick with anticipation and power.

"Witnessed by the mighty and impartial Trial's Eye, Leylin, do you agree to sign this contract?" Reynold asked, his voice clear and powerful, echoing in the ancient Byron language. The words seemed to hang in the air, filled with a gravity that matched the significance of the occasion.

"I, Leylin, agree to the terms of this contract," Leylin responded in the ancient Byron tongue, signing his name with a flourish. As the final word left his lips, a tremor coursed through his spirit, echoing his agreement. It felt as though his very soul had been bound by his words, sealing his fate.

The phantom of the Trial's Eye quivered, its ethereal form seeming to acknowledge the contract. The air around it shimmered, and for a moment, it felt as if the very fabric of reality was bending to the will of the ancient artifact.

"I, Reynold, hereby declare the contract as established," Reynold proclaimed. The parchment in his hands suddenly ignited, the flames consuming it in an instant and transforming it into ashes that were absorbed by the phantom. The sight was both mesmerizing and terrifying, a testament to the power of the Trial's Eye.

The Trial's Eye then exploded into two black rays, which shot into Leylin and Reynold's bodies with a speed that defied the naked eye. The impact was immediate and profound, a surge of energy that coursed through their veins, binding them to the agreement in a way that was both physical and spiritual.

"Congratulations! From this day forward, you are a guest professor of the Four Seasons Garden," Reynold announced, his voice imbued with warmth and sincerity. "Not only will you receive a generous supply of resources each month, but you will also gain access to most areas of our castle."

His words were more than just a welcome; they were a promise of the vast opportunities and privileges that awaited Leylin, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his journey.

"Naturally, there may come a time when you wish to access further resources or assume a higher office within our order. All this can be discussed whenever you wish," Reynold added, making it clear that Leylin had a future within the Four Seasons Garden, if he was interested.