The Last Witchblood

Chapter 5: Encounter

Fluttering her beautiful large eyes. Selene asked, "So, what do I do now?"

Kai pondered for a moment before saying, "There's still more than half a month before new apprentices get sorted to their respective towers. It's impossible to grasp too much knowledge of Alchemy Construct Studies.

The next best thing is demonstrating results."

While speaking, he pointed at the blueprint on the table: "Mana Mechanical Arms are one of the most basic and common construct in Alchemy Construct Studies."

"It is not only an important component of a combat puppet, but it can also be transplanted onto the human body, just like witch body modification under Witchcraft studies.

Moreover, the production process of a Mana Mechanical Arm is a very comprehensive cycle, involving various aspects like material purification, energy conversion, magic circuit design, and rune inlaying... it's the best entry point for you to display your understanding of Alchemy Construct Studies."

He glanced at her reaction with a small smile before standing up to make some Daer Rouge Tea. As he busied himself, he continued speaking, "The vitality of Alchemy Construct Studies lies in practice, so we can forget about those dry and boring theoretical knowledge for now and start directly with making a construct.

As for the other theories, you can learn more about them after you officially choose your mentor."

Britney nodded, seemingly understanding, then showed a brilliant smile: "I'll listen to your arrangement!"

Kai looked at her innocent face worriedly, such naivety was rather misplaced in a witch or wizard circle. Perhaps she would have done well as a 'Natural', Mages, those with natural attunement with the powers of the spiritual realm, or rather as Wizards called it, the imaginary realm.

Unfortunately, nature is inherently uncaring, it gave her the talent of the darker sibling of the three kinds of magic users, the thieves who pry power from the spiritual realm with the power of knowledge.

He took a sip from his tea and felt his mind clear up a bit, feeling an increasing fondness for this younger sister of his, he felt that it was perhaps his duty to lecture her on the dark side of the wizarding world.

He smiled as he had her sit in the only chair in the room, while he stood beside her, beginning to draw on a blank piece of paper with a quill pen:

"The most basic construct has three essential elements: the main body, runes, and magic circuits.

Among them, runes and magic circuits are the most important parts.

The former represents the specific effects the construct can exert, while the latter provides the possibility for the construct to operate."

He circled a diagram and paused "For example, the Arm we are going to make later is divided into different types, and this is determined by the runes embedded within it."

He gestures to a rune on one of the open books, "For instance, if you embed a 【Strength Amplification Rune】, the mechanical arm engraved with this rune will be able to easily lift heavy objects, tear through hard materials, or deliver powerful blows.

This type of mechanical arm is typically applied to some construction-type Alchemy Constructs.

Of course, there are also knights in various countries who have installed such mechanical arms, all for the purpose of exerting greater strength on the battlefield."

Listening to his words, Selene's eyes grew brighter and brighter, filled with interest.

Although she had previously learned some basic knowledge of Alchemy Construct Studies, she had never encountered these specific practical applications.

It could be said that Kai was opening the door to a new world for her at this moment...

And Kai was also very satisfied with her reaction, so he continued: "Besides the 【Strength Amplification Mechanical Arm】, common ones also include the Precision Control Mechanical Arm, 【Elemental Conduction Mechanical Arm】, and 【Shield Mechanical Arm】...

These are the most basic types, with relatively low production difficulty and high demand. A single one can usually sell for 150-250 mana stones."

"That much?"Selene was surprised. After so many days, she already had some understanding of the economic system in the Wizard World, knowing that 150-250 magic stones was already a considerable fortune; if she was frugal, it could sustain her in a Wizard Tower for at least one and a half to two months or more. It had to be known that a single mana stone was worth as much as 10 gold coins in the circular world... 150-250 mana stones is enough for a noble to employ an average second-order knight team...

Kai chuckled at her surprise, being a magic user is expensive, "Yes, this is also a very important reason why I want you to learn Alchemy Construct Studies.

You will soon discover that for a Wizard, wealth is also an important measure of strength."

"So which type of mechanical arm are we going to make next?"

Selene felt a little excited, so she tied her hair into a bun. She had been fascinated by mechanical creations since she was a child.

Kai took another sip from his tea and said: "I brought two blueprints.【Strength Amplification Mechanical Arm】 and the 【Precision Control Mechanical Arm】you can try both...

Although, in terms of time, it might be a bit tight."

Looking at the intricate and exquisitely beautiful blueprints, her eyes were full of longing.

When she was the simple young miss within the family territory, how could she have seen such marvelous things?

She smiled brightly and spoke with a nod "I will work hard!"

He smiled at her childlike reaction, it felt refreshing and so he subconsciously patted her head. But then he halted and dropped his cup...

"Then let's start now. We'll first make the mechanical arm's skeleton and shell, and then draw the magic circuits on it.

As for the rune inlaying, we'll do that last."

"Okay!"

_____________

Just as he had expected, Selene possessed astonishing talent in Alchemy Construct Studies just as the system stated.

Content that ordinary Wizard Apprentices would need to spend a lot of time understanding and mastering, she often grasped immediately.

However, Alchemy Construct Studies is, after all, one of the most obscure and difficult subjects.

Even though he only brought two blueprints for first-tier mechanical arms this time, for someone who had just entered the Wizard Tower and had not yet received systematic training, it was still a considerable challenge.

To provide her with a better crafting environment, he gritted his teeth, took out almost all of his savings, rented a specialized alchemy laboratory, and even found her a more comfortable and spacious living space.

Of course she was naturally very touched by Kai's "selfless dedication."

To live up to her brother's trust, she also became more diligent, often racing against time, shuttling between the laboratory and her dormitory, and even having all three meals in the dormitory.

And such days continued for a full half a month.

_________

Today was the start of another new week, and Selene had made some time to procure some supplies before going to see Ariya.

"Ari, do you have any basic potions for sale here? I'd like to buy some."Inside the Academy Market, Selene, with dry blonde hair and two dark circles under her eyes, stood weakly in front of Ariya's one-storey stall and asked.

Seeing her haggard appearance, Ariya, dressed in an exotic black wizard robe over her clothing, immediately got up from the her chair, her bare feet touched the floor with no discomfort as the ankle bells gave a soft chime with each step she took. her eyes wide as she said, "My goodness... Selene, how did you become like this?"

Selene forced a gentle smile on her face, "It's nothing, Ari... I've just been doing too many experiments lately, so I'm a bit exhausted."

"Experiments? What kind of experiments?"Ariya felt incredibly confused: "Didn't you say you haven't officially been sorted or even chosen a mentor yet?"

Facing her question, Selene hesitated for a moment, then finally said with a guilty tone, "Sorry, Ari... I promised my brother I couldn't tell anyone the specific details."

Ariya was stunned for a moment, then said angrily, "I knew it! It must be that log-headed fellow. Malachi! I really don't understand, why does he have to torment you like this..."

As the daughter of a merchant, Ariya had always been far more shrewd than others since childhood.

She quickly guessed that this was most likely related to the mechanical arm production she had previously entrusted to Kai.

Kai probably didn't want to spend money hiring servants, so he had Selene help him, acting as free labor...

However, Ariya couldn't say such a thing openly, she didn't want to be too involved in such matters.

So she sighed and headed into the shop, she bent down to search for potions under the counter

"Forget it, forget that guy. But you're doing the right thing; if you're too tired, you should drink more tonics. You're still young, you should be good to yourself."

"It's not for me..."Selene lowered her head, somewhat embarrassed, as she said, "I just felt that my brother has been working too hard lately, so I thought..."

"What?", Upon hearing her words, Ariya could no longer hold back.

She suddenly straightened up from under the counter, staring at Selene:

"You're not drinking it yourself, but buying it for him?"

Selene's face flushed slightly "he has been working too hard lately to help me choose a good mentor... And Father revoked his funding, so he doesn't have money to buy tonics now...after all, he spent it all on me."

Ariya opened her mouth, but in the end, the words caught in her throat.

After a minute, she let out a heavy sigh and placed three light green potions on the table "Forget it, consider these three rejuvenation potions my gift to you. You just arrived at the Academy, how could you have any money yourself?"

"Ari, I can't accept this..."Selene was surprised and was about to decline, but Ariya waved her hand magnanimously, "Oh, come on, why are you being so polite with me? Three potions aren't worth much anyway."

Just as they were speaking, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind her.

"Oh, isn't this little Sel? Haven't seen you in a while."

Upon hearing this voice, Selene's expression immediately turned cold.

She completely shed her usual gentle demeanor, turned around, and met the other person's gaze.

Appearing before them were two young men dressed in moon-white attire.

One of them even had precious gems embedded on his belt, it was evident that his family background must be quite good.

And that was indeed the case.

The man's name was Bran, and he came from the famous Vreldyn Family of the Vetian Empire.

Although his father, unlike the Meolyn Count family, was an Earl in the same Vetian Empire, the former's power was far greater than the latter's...

Six massive Earldoms, four military fortresses, over a dozen alchemy workshops, three mines, three ports, hundreds of ennobled knights of the 3rd order and above, and a knight order composed of six Great Knights...

If one were to list the wealth and strength of Earl Vreldyn, it would probably take a day and a night to finish.

In addition, his status within the Empire was enough to make most nobles look up to him.

Director of the Department of External Development of the Vetian Empire, Minister of the Imperial Energy Department, and Chief Steward of the Royal Gardens...

These were all his titles.

And thanks to this power, Earl Vreldyn, Bran received excellent resources from a young age.

Coupled with the sufficient mental or spiritual power talent he displayed after reaching adulthood, he was naturally selected into the Essacasta Academy, becoming a Wizard Apprentice of the Black Stone Tower. Now he was already a first-level bronze-ranked wizard.

However, although Bran had good upbringing and impeccable noble etiquette, a sense of superiority always permeated his core.

This made him look down on most of his peers.

But...

That wasn't the reason why Selene hated him, it was because of the young man next to him. Long Platinum Blonde hair, blue eyes, and an expression that seemed like his face was carved with ice... Carlson Meolyn.

Cold, calculating, and ambitious as his mother, he joined the Academy under the sponsorship of his mother's family, the Vreldyn. With the same sense of superiority, he doesn't have much feeling for his other siblings, be it his biological siblings or half-siblings. Naturally, most people avoided him due to this and his vindictiveness but Selene was an exception.

By some unknown twist, Bran showed interest in Selene and Carlson was more than happy to sell off his 'useless' sister for his ambitions.

Bran on the other hand just wanted to claim her, to conquer. It was a very strange feeling, hard to say if it was jealousy, inferiority, or admiration...

On the airship bound for the Academy, Bran had been one of those on duty to pick up the new students, he met up with Carlson there and had always showed hostility, intentionally or unintentionally, towards this talented young girl with a '6.5 star aptitude'.

He could not tolerate that his aptitude was lower than that of a delicate young girl from a 'less privileged' family.

Especially since her father, the increasingly powerful Count Meolyn, was now showing signs of switching to one of his father's political rivals...

As a pampered young man of Noble birth, Bran had tried the most common method in aristocratic circles—to conquer the other party with his 'masculine charm'.

In the past, this method had always worked wonders.

His outstanding appearance, prominent family background, coupled with a bright future in the wizard circle... This made many noble ladies of the Empire fall for him with little to no effort.

However, when he applied this approach to Selene, he encountered an unprecedented setback.

She did not mock or insult him.

She merely chose indifference and disregard.

But this was precisely what he found most unacceptable—he intensely disliked being ignored, as if his existence in this world was expendable...

From that day on, Bran began to call Selene 'Little Sel', using Carlson to pressure her into accept his courting.

As if only then could he regain some self-esteem from her.

"Long time no see, Mr. Vreldyn. ...Carlson."

Watching them walk towards her, Selene showed no unusual reaction, simply looking directly at them and greeted in a cool, detached manner.

She knew the relationship between their families, and she also sensed the hostility Bran displayed.

However, being well-educated, she knew that any action that caused unnecessary conflict was extremely foolish unless absolutely necessary.

So, facing them, she always maintained the necessary politeness.

Bran stopped in front of Britney, looked her up and down, raised an eyebrow, and said "With all due respect, you used to be much prettier than you are now. Could it be that you encountered some trouble after coming to the Academy?"

Seeing that she did not speak, Bran became more energetic, saying in an almost exaggerated tone:

"Ah, I remember.

I heard that Count Meolyn recently lost a battle on the border, and two Great Knights who participated in the expedition force died, while losing millions of imperial gold coins invested in the early stages...

It seems your family's recent financial situation is a bit worrying..."

She cast a cold glance at him and said indifferently:

"Our family's affairs are none of your concern, are they?"

On the side, Carlson frowned slightly at Bran's words but said nothing, Bran's lips curled slightly upward as he stepped closer to Selene, looking at her flawless face and saying:

"I understand, If you have any difficulties in the future, just tell me. The offer I made on the ship is always valid."

Hearing this, Selene clenched her teeth, her eyes filled with undisguised disgust. "No need."

"Don't be so quick to refuse.

The Academy is not like the Empire; your father's money isn't even enough to fill the void of wasteland development, so how much can he spare to support you?

Moreover, marriage alliances between nobles are quite normal. This will only benefit you and your family."

Selene's face grew increasingly somber like it would drip water.

However, before she could retort, Bran added another sentence:

"Oh, right, and that brother of yours. I heard he's also in the Black Stone Tower, isn't he?

But unfortunately, he's a good-for-nothing. Still on the 2nd level of Apprenticeship after 3 years...

If you can see reason, I might even pay his tuition f*e for him..."

"You dare!!"At this point, Selene could no longer bear it. Her eyebrows shot up, and with a 'swish', she drew the dagger from her waist.

For her, it didn't matter if Bran insulted her, but insulting Kai and her family was absolutely intolerable!

"Selene! Calm down!"

At this moment, Ariya, who had been by her side, quickly spoke up and stop her.

She walked out from behind the stall, pressed down the dagger back into its sheath, and whispered:

"This is the Academy; private duels are forbidden. Besides, he's a first-level bronze-ranked wizard. Don't be impulsive!"

Selene's chest rose and fell rapidly.

She turned her around and indeed saw several Apprentices gathering from the market, but most of them looked like they were watching a show.

Seeing this, she took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed the anger in her heart, but her beautiful eyes still stared intently at Bran.

At this moment, Bran had also recovered from his earlier surprise. He clearly hadn't expected her to draw her sword here... Too bad she didn't actually attack, he would have gotten a legitimate reason to seize her as private property.

But a smile reappeared on his face "how barbaric, It seems you're really not doing well here... Still pulling out daggers? Ha, after more than a month in the academy, you haven't even learned a single spell?"

Selene narrowed her eyes, her knuckles on the hilt of her dagger turned white from gripping too tightly.

At this moment, Ariya stepped forward, blocking Selene from view, and also stared coldly at Kyle:

"With all due respect, Have you said enough?"

Instantly, Bran felt annoyed at this meddling woman.

He looked down, and indeed saw an emblem representing a 'Level 3 Wizard Apprentice' on Ariya's chest...

He sneered.

Ariya wasn't foolish enough to fight a higher level wizard for another person, she knew very well that the wizarding world had a strict hierarchy; here, as long as the other party's level was higher than yours, they had absolute authority.

In such a situation, challenging head-on was a foolish endeavor.

Noticing his sneer, she said, "Perhaps you are behind on the situation of things within your Black Stone Tower, Malachi Meolyn isn't a 2nd level apprentice as you assume but a Bronze-ranked wizard. So I hope that you choose wisely before deciding to cause problems for his 'beloved' sister."

Carlson's eyes went wide with shock. Bran frowned slightly, he glanced between Ariya and Selene for a few seconds, before he left. Carlson wore a calculating expression, no one knows what he was thinking...

Watching them walk away, Ariya finally breathed a slight sigh of relief, reached out, pulled Selene aside, and asked with a frown:

"Selene, what was wrong with you just now? That's not like you..."

She lowered her head, saying nothing.

Ariya sighed softly and instructed:

"Remember, private duels within the Wizard Tower are a very serious crime, because they will harm the interests of the higher-ranked wizards.

If you really want to duel, it needs to be done in the training ground with both parties' consent, and you are responsible for the consequences, even life or death. Or you secretly handle the job while covering it up completely...

But I don't recommend you do that. Also, do you really not know any spells?"

Selene let out a deep breath and said softly "I know a few zero-order ones..."

"What kind of spells are those? At most, they're tricks!" Ariya interrupted: "Although only a minority of apprentices can learn first-order spells before becoming bronze-ranked wizards... for a genius like you, it should be possible.

I really don't know what that guy is teaching you."

Saying that, she leaned over and took two scrolls from her stall, stuffing them into Selene's hand:

"These are the spell models for the first-order spells 【Chain Lightning 】 and 【Magic Missile】. Take them, and go back and have Kai teach you.

Although I suspect he's not very good at teaching, teaching a few first-order spells should be no problem."

"Ari, I..."

"Alright, no more talk, hurry back."

Selene held the two scrolls in her arms and looked at Ariya, saying earnestly:

"Ari, I will definitely repay you in the future!"

After saying this, she didn't wait for a reply before she turned and ran off.

"Sigh, this kid..."

Ariya looked at her retreating back and shook her head helplessly.