Upon entering the academy, the two encountered many Wizards along the way.
These Wizards were mostly robust and formidable. Even the occasional slender ones exuded a suppressed vitality that Richard could keenly sense.
According to Jimmy's explanation, these Wizards practiced a unique Sealing Art. This art allowed them to accumulate power during ordinary times. Once the seal was released, it could instantly boost a Wizard's combat strength by onefold or even several times.
"Fascinating Spellcraft," Richard marveled. "I've never heard of such Spellcraft before."
"Of course not," Jimmy laughed. "This Spellcraft is virtually useless for Wizards focused on mental evolution, so few bother to learn it.
Moreover, the Sealing Arts you see now are all improved versions personally refined by the Dean. The original versions typically only enhanced power by ten to thirty percent, at most fifty percent. They pale in comparison to what we're encountering now."
"Really?" Richard was surprised. "These Sealing Arts were actually improved by the Dean? Does our academy distribute Spellcraft as well?"
These Sealing Arts were not the kind of Spell Models that were already widespread in the Wizard World and sold in Black Tower Wizard Academy's Spell shops.
In the hands of any Wizard, they could serve as a legacy Spellcraft.
"Not for free," Jimmy replied. "These Spellcrafts are rewards for contributing to the academy."
"These?" Richard noticed the plural. "Has the Dean prepared many Spellcrafts?"
Jimmy smiled mysteriously. "You'll find out soon enough. For now, I'll take you to meet the Dean."
...
Great Wizard Gallon was somewhat different from other Great Wizards. Gallon's avatar had been stationed in the Wizard World for years.
And according to Jimmy, this avatar actually managed affairs, unlike the deputy dean system used by other Great Wizards.
The mountain peak's gale was fierce, the howling north wind like an invisible whistle.
Richard and Jimmy landed on the peak, where a figure stood outside the Wizard Tower, gazing into the distance.
Jimmy addressed the figure respectfully, "Dean, we're here."
"Hmm?"
Great Wizard Gallon's avatar seemed suddenly awakened, his body jerking slightly.
He turned to look at Richard, yawning as he did so.
"You arrived so quickly."
"So he really was asleep," Richard thought to himself.
Jimmy was not surprised by Gallon's state. He maintained his composure and continued respectfully, "We came directly to the academy without any delays."
"Good, good."
Great Wizard Gallon nodded, his previously dazed eyes instantly sharpening.
He scrutinized Richard closely, his expression suddenly showing a hint of surprise.
"Eh, aren't you that youngster from Black Tower Wizard Academy? I remember meeting you last time when you were still a Second Circle Wizard.
How many years has it been? You're already a Third Circle Wizard now."
Jimmy looked somewhat helpless beside him.
"Dean, didn't you read the message I sent you?"
"No," Gallon shook his head honestly. "The weather has been perfect for sleeping lately."
Jimmy sighed helplessly. "You remember correctly, Richard is indeed the Wizard from Black Tower Academy you met last time. He recently advanced to Third Circle and mastered a rule highly suitable for physical evolution. He wishes to join our academy to study physical evolution."
"Oh? Welcome, welcome!"
Great Wizard Gallon's face lit up with joy. He took two steps forward and extended his right hand to Richard.
Richard, somewhat flustered, quickly extended his own right hand to shake Gallon's.
"Hmm? Why are you so young?"
As soon as their hands touched, Gallon immediately sensed something amiss.
As a master of physical evolution, he was highly sensitive to Life Radiation. Richard's Cloak of Concealment naturally masked his Life Radiation, so Gallon's avatar hadn't initially noticed it.
But with this handshake, Richard's unusually youthful Life Radiation naturally transmitted through the contact, allowing Gallon to perceive it.
"You're not even a thousand years old? That's incredibly young."
Richard smiled sheepishly. "Just some fortunate opportunities, that's all."
"Excellent, lad, you've got a bright future!" Gallon patted Richard's shoulder approvingly. "The academy needs young talents like you. You're bound for great things.
Come, let me see the rule you've mastered."
Richard promptly displayed his Mutation Rule. After examining it, Gallon scratched his head in confusion.
"This... this seems familiar somehow."
He furrowed his brow, deep in thought for a moment, then suddenly looked up in surprise.
"Isn't this the rule of Flesh Cancer? Flesh Cancer was sealed away in the Mirror of the World long ago. Where did you get this?"
Richard's expression stiffened slightly. How was he supposed to answer that?
Fortunately, Jimmy interjected at that moment.
"Dean, not long ago, Black Tower Wizard Academy and Meteor Wizard Academy engaged in an Academy War.
I believe I mentioned this to you before."
"Ah, yes!" Gallon's face showed an awkward smile. "I remember now.
This rule of yours is excellent, truly well-suited for physical evolution. You should check the mission board regularly; there are often tasks related to cultivating special cells.
By the way, has Jimmy explained the Contribution Points system to you yet?"
Richard shook his head. "Master Jimmy hasn't mentioned it yet."
"Then I'll explain it for him," Gallon said with a smile. "The Contribution system is a special exchange mechanism I designed. Contribution Points can be used in the Wizard section of the academy library to exchange for rewards exclusively available to Wizards.
These rewards include Spellcraft I've designed, Oddities, special materials, opportunities to enter Secret Realms, and other valuable items for Wizards at your stage.
Make sure to check there often; I frequently add new items."
"I will, Dean," Richard said respectfully.
"Ah," Gallon waved his hand, "no need for formalities like 'Dean.' Just call me Dean.
Alright, now that I've met you, you're officially a member of Gallon Wizard Academy.
Jimmy will explain your salary and benefits; I'm not too clear on those details myself."
"Yes, Dean."
Soon, Jimmy and Richard left the mountaintop.
Great Wizard Gallon watched Richard's retreating figure, a look of intrigued amusement on his face.
"This youngster is quite something. To be marked by a Great Being—what exactly did that Great Being see in him?"
Even Richard himself hadn't noticed that the Great Being behind the Seekers' Tavern had left a mark on him while repairing and evolving the Nightmare Artifact.
This mark had no special function; it merely served as a reminder to the Great Being that this was an annoying individual to be avoided upon encounter.
After all, the memories of Great Beings are too vast and complex. Without such markers, it would be difficult for them to quickly recall specific events.
...
Gallon Wizard Academy wasn't limited to external structures. The interior of the mountain they were situated on had been hollowed out and transformed into part of the academy.
This reminded Richard of the temples of the mountain dwarves in the Mountain Secret Realm.
Under Jimmy's guidance, Richard soon arrived at the academy's library.
The library was immense, its vast dome sheltering an ocean of books stored on massive stone shelves.
These towering shelves were so large that even the tall stone giants would appear diminutive beside them.
And the knowledge they contained was heavier than mountains.
Jimmy snapped his fingers, and a small sprite appeared beside him.
"Fetch me a beginner's guide to Physique Wizards."
The sprite, seeing Jimmy, exclaimed with delight, "Jimmy! Long time no see. Weren't you sent to the club by Gallon? Is this the new recruit? He looks so young.
Newcomer, what's your name? I'm Elisa, the librarian here. You can summon me directly whenever you need to find materials."
The sprite named Elisa was extremely enthusiastic, chattering nonstop upon meeting Richard.
Richard glanced at Jimmy, who gave him a resigned smile.
"That's just how Elisa is. You'll get used to it."
After prattling on for a while, Elisa transformed into a cloud of glowing dust and disappeared.
Moments later, she flew out of a glowing ring of dust, carrying a thick Magic Book.
This reminded Richard of the sprite named Fenna in Black Tower Wizard Academy's library.
It seemed these sprites were all of the same race, all serving as librarians.
Jimmy took the book and handed it to Richard. "This is essential reading for every Wizard who joins Gallon Wizard Academy.
Study it, and you'll gain a systematic understanding of physical evolution. It will greatly assist you in planning your future research direction."
Richard took the book. On its black cover, embossed in gold, were the words: "The Path of Evolution."
"A fine title," Richard remarked, then opened the book.
After just a few pages, his face showed an expression of astonishment.
He looked up abruptly, his eyes fixed on Jimmy across from him.
"This kind of knowledge—the Dean is willing to distribute it for free?"
In just a few pages of "The Path of Evolution," Richard discovered depths of knowledge as vast as an ocean.
The seemingly simple sentences on the page were merely the tip of the iceberg, concealing immense mysteries beneath.
Jimmy smiled. "The Dean detests the Wizard World's tendency to hoard all knowledge.
He believes theoretical knowledge should be widely disseminated.
This would prevent many Wizards from being trapped by problems that could be solved with a single insight."
Richard was momentarily stunned, then a look of pleasant surprise spread across his face.
So he wasn't the only one who found the Wizard World's culture of knowledge concealment distasteful.
"Besides sharing knowledge, has the Dean taken any other actions?" Richard pressed.
"Other actions?" Jimmy looked at Richard, puzzled. "Sharing knowledge is already an immense benefit. What more could you want?"
"Eh?" Richard was surprised. "Hasn't the academy organized any symposiums? While knowledge is disseminated, a single Wizard can easily get stuck in mental dead-ends.
Wouldn't group discussions among Wizards make problem-solving easier?"
Hearing this, Jimmy drew a sharp breath in shock.
If Great Wizard Gallon's actions could be considered broad-minded, Richard's suggestion was outright heretical.
Wasn't this essentially freeloading on other Wizards' knowledge? Jimmy said stiffly, "Your idea... is somewhat excessive."
"Is it?"
Richard smiled. It seemed that changing long-standing customs was a formidable task.
"Perhaps I'm being too radical."
(Chapter End)