Public Library.
The dwarven scholar Ol looked at Locke with some astonishment. "You're submitting six papers this time?"
Locke nodded in confirmation—four of them were on Perseus' Eye Lichen.
The remaining two consisted of one preliminary efficacy report on the Bear Spirit Emerald Bile Potion brewed from Emerald Iris Lichen as the raw material, and another analyzing the specific principles behind the potion's ability to dispel Curse Magic.
Given the ongoing data collection for the Bear Spirit Emerald Bile Potion, he could likely publish several more high-value papers in the future.
The dwarven scholar Ol quickly skimmed through the six papers. After confirming there were no issues, his demeanor toward Locke grew noticeably more respectful. "Potionology Master Augustine, your last paper on the experimental data of Memory Ointment has now been rated as B-tier, with a score of 72—higher than I initially expected."
"But the quality of the papers you're submitting today is truly exceptional. I estimate they'll all start at B-tier, with a few even having the potential to reach A-tier."
As he spoke, Ol himself seemed a bit dazed. Locke had only just advanced to First-Class Wizard Apprentice and had published his first paper mere months ago.
Yet here he was, submitting six papers in one go, each starting at B-tier.
Come to think of it, Ol suddenly realized that Locke's very first paper had also been rated B-tier.
For a First-Class Wizard Apprentice, this was already an impressive achievement. Many First-Class Wizard Apprentices submitted papers daily that barely scraped D or C-tier—they could only dream of churning out a few more C-tier papers.
But Locke had never seemed to consider anything below B-tier worth his time.
The dwarven scholar sighed inwardly. I thought he was just an ordinary First-Class Wizard Apprentice, especially since no mentor from the academic factions had arranged for him to start publishing papers as early as his third-class apprenticeship for practice.
But it turns out I was wrong—he's another prodigy who excels at publishing high-quality papers.
Ol felt quite pleased. Well, at least I'll get to read a few more high-value papers soon.
He nodded at Locke with a smile. "I must say, I envy you, Breeder Augustine. The research materials you have at your disposal—Vampires, First-Class Wizard Apprentices, and unique Magic Plants—are truly remarkable."
"Those alone could probably yield over a dozen B-tier papers."
"It seems you're very likely to earn the title of [Excellent Apprentice]."
Locke looked at Ol in confusion. "Excellent Apprentice?"
The dwarven scholar blinked, then chuckled. "Someone as outstanding as you probably doesn't need to bother with the minutiae of the academy's policies. After all, as long as you keep progressing normally and publishing papers, the academy's rewards will naturally come to you."
"Unlike some First-Class Wizard Apprentices who spend all their time obsessing over every possible reward and title the academy offers."
Ol explained: "An Excellent Apprentice is one who, within a year of becoming a First Class Wizard Apprentice, publishes five B-grade papers and one A-grade paper. This earns them the title of Excellent Apprentice for that year, along with corresponding additional rewards from the academy."
"So generally, Wizard Mentors encourage promising wizard apprentices to start accumulating experience in publishing papers from their time as third-class wizard apprentices. This prepares them to compete for the Excellent Apprentice title when they become first-class apprentices."
Locke nodded in understanding. So initially, Mentor Sophia hadn't even considered him qualified for this honor?
Wait...
From Sophia's perspective at that time, it would have been an achievement if he could become a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice within four years. Who could have predicted his subsequent progress?
By the time she wanted to cultivate this ability in him, it was already too late.
However, judging by his current paper publication rate, he stood a good chance of earning the Excellent Apprentice title this year. Just these six papers alone—none would likely fall below B-grade, with several having potential to reach A-grade.
Of course, being unfamiliar with the unwritten rules of academic publishing, he couldn't be certain about achieving A-grade. But with plenty of material at hand, he could definitely produce A-grade papers this year if he focused on them.
Locke nodded and said, "I understand. Then I'll trouble Dr. Ol to submit my papers to the Omniscience Scholars responsible for evaluation."
The dwarf scholar Ol smiled at Locke. "Of course, it's my duty."
"Breeder Locke, please consider publishing more papers about Vampires—it's one of my personal interests."
"It's just a shame there's so little Vampire-related research in the academy." Ol looked at Locke with evident envy. "If only I had a Vampire specimen..."
Hearing this, Locke quickly bid farewell and hurried out of the library, fearing Ol might ask to borrow his Vampire test subject. That was something he absolutely couldn't agree to, yet refusing would create awkwardness.
After leaving the public library, Locke immediately headed to Chimera Market and once again stood before the House of Historical Scholars shop.
Nearby, Tyne, the alchemist assistant from Kentrey Furnace Workshop, brightened upon seeing Locke's arrival, eager to pitch his latest creation to what he considered a high-spending VIP customer.
"Locke," Tyne called out, "this month we've produced a new alchemy product—a luxury item among First Class Wizard Apprentices: the Magic Ring."
"Would you be interested in learning about Magic Rings? They're an entire category of alchemical items. I've crafted my very first one—I can give you 20% off if..."
Locke waved him off, indicating he wasn't here to purchase alchemical items but to enter the House of Historical Scholars, then stepped inside.
Instantly, Tyne's enthusiasm deflated. Muttering to himself in frustration, he complained, "This Locke guy is so stingy. Both breeding geniuses, yet that Mary always buys piles of luxury Enchanted Items whenever she passes by my shop."
Locke stepped into the House of Historical Scholars and only then noticed there was a customer inside the shop.
The visitor wore a gray wizard robe, his face wrapped in cloth strips, as he handed a fragment of an ancient porcelain artifact to Old McCarthy.
This First Class Wizard Apprentice, who had concealed his identity and appearance, spoke in a voice deliberately distorted by magic, rasping, "Old McCarthy, tell me, what is this?"
McCarthy rose from the ground, reluctantly tearing his gaze away from an antique bronze artifact in his hands before focusing on the porcelain fragment. "Two hundred and fifty Magic Stones. This isn't a question an ordinary First Class Wizard Apprentice would ask."
The gray-robed First Class Wizard Apprentice immediately retrieved two hundred and fifty Magic Stones from his Astral Ring and handed them to Old McCarthy. "Agreed."
"But the origin of this porcelain fragment is crucial to me—it's related to an experiment. I'm a Mysticist, as you know. This directly affects my chances of advancing to a Formal Wizard."
Locke's eyes flickered with subtle change. A Mysticist... those were extremely dangerous individuals.
Based on knowledge he'd acquired in the All Things Class, Mysticists were a group of wizards who pursued forbidden knowledge and hidden powers, inheritors of mysterious traditions.
Ordinary wizards rarely encountered them, as they operated on the fringes of White Wizard society.
They were profoundly enigmatic, wielding spells that seemed uniquely peculiar, claiming to be the sole practitioners of the Forbidden School.
Of course, they weren't Black Wizards either.
Even the All Things Class had limited records about them. Everything concerning Mysticists seemed shrouded in mystery.
Once McCarthy received the Magic Stones, he promptly activated a soundproof Barrier from the Enchantment School nearby, ensuring absolute confidentiality in his conversation with the customer.
Locke could only watch as Old McCarthy cast a peculiar Spell on the porcelain fragment, seemingly activating the Negative Energy Particles attached to it to awaken hidden information within.
Ten minutes later, the gray-robed wizard appeared pleased. As he turned to leave the shop, he paused and said to McCarthy, "McCarthy, your skills are truly impressive. If you were in Black Wizard Society, your status would undoubtedly surpass that of a mere shopkeeper here."
In Black Wizard Society, archaeologists held exceptional prestige, as many Black Wizard organizations relied on them to unearth ancient technologies and harness the power of ancient magic.
McCarthy deactivated the Barrier, his expression darkening at the mention of Black Wizards. Angrily, he retorted, "Mysticist, you'd best not speak carelessly. I have no connection to Black Wizards whatsoever."
"Leave. You're not welcome here. Don't come back."
The Mysticist glanced at Locke standing by the entrance, shrugged, and exited the shop.
After his departure, McCarthy greeted Locke with a welcoming expression. "Old friend, it's been a while since you last visited my shop."
"I've missed you lately. Just this morning, I thought of you, and here you are. Hahaha... what a coincidence."
"Hmm? The aura of your Ancient Bloodline has grown stronger, and there's even a hint of mutation now."
Locke looked at him. "You noticed? Do you know what ancient creature's Bloodline this is?"
(End of Chapter)