019 The Wizard's First Lesson

Two freshmen seemed to be discussing the distribution of treasures in the Tawny Fern Forest with Wallace. One of the most talked-about items was the "Cauldron of Bitter Slumber." Although the "Holy Grail of the Tawny Fern" was more famous in legend, its authenticity remained unverified.

Moreover, even if the Holy Grail of the Tawny Fern truly existed in this forest, a certain noblewoman had already laid claim to it—once acquired, she would lend it to the Baron for a few uses before it belonged entirely to her.

Because the ownership of the Holy Grail had already been decided, the group turned their attention to the Cauldron of Bitter Slumber instead. No one knew what kind of treasure the Holy Grail was, but the Cauldron of Bitter Slumber was a top-tier wonder!

The blonde freshman said excitedly, "It is said that the Cauldron of Bitter Slumber can significantly increase the success rate of potion brewing. It is a top-tier alchemical wonder that even official wizards dream of... I just never expected it to be in such a remote place!"

"Indeed," the other, a redhead, chimed in. "Baron Hall’s adventure team is truly lucky to have found clues to it."

Both freshmen were born into the Wizarding World and possessed a great deal of knowledge about its affairs. This expedition was also thanks to Wallace; as a school staff member, he had concealed much information about the Tawny Fern Forest from the academy, ensuring the academy remained unaware of the treasures hidden here. Otherwise, the Cauldron of Bitter Slumber alone would have attracted a swarm of official wizards, leaving no chance for them to participate.

The red-haired freshman looked toward Tutor Renard, who was speaking with the Baron, and said, "If Tutor Renard obtains the Cauldron this time, we might be able to borrow it for use."

"Don't dream, freshmen," interrupted Wallace, an elderly intermediate apprentice. "Even if Renard were willing to lend it out, it wouldn't be to the likes of you. You should be grateful if you manage to obtain any wonder at all."

The blonde freshman quickly smiled, "Tutor Wallace, you are right. We will need your guidance during this expedition."

As he spoke, the red-haired freshman quietly slipped two small pouches into Wallace's hands. "If any wonders are found, naturally, you and Tutor Renard should have the first pick."

Wallace took the pouches and weighed them slightly; he knew each contained three magic stones along with several gold and silver coins. Upon receiving the money, his cold expression immediately softened.

"Don't call me Tutor or Senior; I am just a staff member. Just call me Wallace," he said, stroking his beard, his aged face creasing into a smile. "It is too early to talk about treasures. You know we are here to help the Baron seal an evil spirit, right?"

At the mention of the evil spirit, the freshmen’s expressions turned serious. Both were born into wizarding families and had received magical education from a young age; their elders had even captured evil spirits for them to practice on. Thus, to them, such entities did not seem particularly dangerous.

However, they had heard many rumors about the Tawny Fern Forest before arriving and knew the evil spirit here was likely no simple matter. To prevent them from getting hurt, Tutor Renard had specifically hired Wallace to act as their bodyguard.

***

Seeing the freshmen’s growing apprehension, Wallace reassured them, "Actually, you needn't worry too much. This region is very remote, and country folk often exaggerate ordinary matters to an absurd degree."

Wallace did not believe there was anything special about the Tawny Fern Forest; at most, it was just a haunted woods. "If there were truly anything formidable here, Baron Hall would have perished in one of his previous expeditions long ago. Besides, that lady is passing through, and she will be helping."

At the mention of "that lady," the freshmen looked much more at ease.

"Master Wallace," the blonde freshman asked, "I heard Tutor Renard say that although she is only a high-level apprentice, her strength has already reached the level of an official wizard. Is she our senior or a professor?"

Wallace had once served as a servant in the Alexandra family, and since that lady was a member of their younger generation, the freshmen assumed he knew something about her. When they referred to her as "Senior," a chill flickered across his face.

Before Wallace could lose his temper, however, a carriage pulled up from the path.

Wallace said urgently, "Remember, do not speak carelessly when you meet her. You may call her Tutor or My Lady, but never call her Senior—she hates that title most of all! She would never sit in a class with you!"

...

When the carriage arrived at the Tawny Fern Forest, Roland finally understood why his cheapskate steward of a father had gone mad, and why he himself feared this place so much.

"Senior Sister Catherine," Roland said, now devoid of any will to survive. He not only called her Senior Sister but even nudged her with his leg. "You're actually just a tiny apprentice yourself, aren't you? If we manage to make it back alive, we'll be sitting in the same classes, right?"

Tutor Catherine narrowed her eyes and nodded deeply. "Indeed, Roland. We will. I shall give you plenty of extra lessons."

Roland looked at the sky over the Tawny Fern Forest and shook his head. "No more jokes, Senior. I know you see it too... let's turn back. If we leave now, you'll still have the chance to teach me later."

Catherine said softly, "This is the first lesson."

Roland nodded, his gaze fixed on the sky outside the window. A massive fissure had been torn into the gloomy heavens above the Tawny Fern Forest.

A withered palm was dangling from the rift.

Those outside the carriage remained oblivious. Only this master and apprentice could see it. In the eyes of others, the only anomaly in the forest was the tawny drizzle that fell incessantly in the deepest part of the woods.

But Roland knew: that was the blood dripping from a god.

Roland thought, his face ashen, "Is this the first lesson? A trial for wizard apprentices?! Does she even know what she’s walked into?"

...

After Roland and Catherine stepped out of the carriage, Baron Hall and Tutor Renard came forward to greet them.

Tutor Renard was extremely respectful. After he introduced the two freshmen to Catherine, she gave a faint nod and remarked, "Not bad."

Upon hearing this faint praise, Tutor Renard was overjoyed. He did not know Catherine's true identity, viewing her merely as a member of the Alexandra family. But that status alone was enough to warrant his sycophancy; he was about to graduate and hoped to secure a position at the academy, and the Alexandra family, as major shareholders, wielded significant influence.

While Renard flattered her, the freshmen and the staff member stood by, seemingly discussing the distribution of spoils.

Roland’s expression grew increasingly bizarre. He could not help but glance once more at the withered arm in the sky, thinking to himself, "How can my teammates still be in the mood to grovel and discuss loot? Do they have no idea what they are facing?"