Chapter 95: The Decision

Although the dishes in the academy cafeteria could hardly be called delicious, for Rollin and Victoria, who had spent a long time in the Maya Mountains, they tasted particularly sweet and delightful.

During the meal, Rollin noticed that Karina seemed to be intentionally more ‘affectionate’ towards him, always calling him ‘Brother Rollin’, while Mal and Gebaz eagerly competed to place food in Victoria’s bowl. Occasionally, when his gaze met Victoria’s, he saw a subtle, enigmatic smile in her eyes.

“By the way, Fourth, Teresi and Simone broke through while you were training in the Maya Mountains, both becoming third-level magicians. You’d better keep up your pace and stay ahead among the academy’s top trio, so they can see that Dorm 2015 is truly the strongest in cultivation!” Bill, who had already sensed the subtle atmosphere at the table, quickly brought up a topic to dispel the odd tension.

Before Rollin could respond, Victoria replied in an annoyed tone, “My dear brother, Rollin’s rapid progress is the result of his own diligent cultivation. What does it have to do with your Dorm 2015? I think you should focus more on your own training. You’ve been at Potter Academy for over two years and are still stuck in first grade!”

“Exactly, Miss Victoria—uh… Victoria is right, Bill. Look at your sister’s cultivation speed, then look at yours. I hate to say it, but how can siblings have such a vast difference?” Mal said, with a tone of deep regret.

Gebaz, attentive as ever, placed a delicate piece of cake in front of Victoria, then said sternly to Bill, “Third, I’ve told you more than once: stop spending all your time in the library chasing pretty girls, and devote more to training. But you never listen. Ah, what am I to do with you!”

“You two…” Bill looked at these two who usually created more mischief than he did—Mal and Gebaz, who had spent two solid years with him in the first grade. Today, they shamelessly criticized him in front of everyone, leaving him speechless with indignation.

“Alright, brother, now I see why your progress is so slow. So this is what you’ve been up to… Hmph! Just wait till I tell Father and Mother!” Hearing her brother’s various ‘misdeeds’, Victoria grew increasingly irritated.

“No, don’t, sis! Actually, I’m not as hopeless as these two make me sound. They’re exaggerating to impress you. I do spend plenty of time cultivating, really! If you don’t believe me, ask… ask Fourth!” Bill hurried to defend himself. Though he knew his sister probably wouldn’t mention this to their parents, he had always feared their strict discipline since childhood.

Seeing Bill pass the ball to him, Rollin, out of compassion, helped to clear his name a little, easing the barrage of criticisms from the others.

As for Bill’s earlier urging to train harder and advance quickly, Rollin wasn’t too confident—not due to any lack of faith in his magical cultivation, but because once he began to condense the spatial seed, his progress as a magician would stall.

Thinking of this, his expression grew solemn. “Everyone, there’s something I’d like your help with.”

Seeing Rollin turn serious, Mal and the others stopped joking. “Fourth, whatever it is, just tell us. If we can help, there will be no hesitation.”

Rollin nodded gratefully to everyone, then took out several sheets of magical paper. “I’d like you all to help me find out if anyone has seen these two medicinal herbs.” Before the dinner, Rollin had carefully drawn detailed descriptions and illustrations of the Vitality Herb and Sword Fruit on the magical paper, which he now showed to them.

In response to their questions, he explained that these were the primary ingredients for a potion to treat Little Hawk’s leg ailment. Hearing this, everyone present immediately examined the papers closely.

“Vitality Herb, Sword Fruit… Fourth, we’re not very knowledgeable about such herbs. In fact, the most authoritative source for medicinal ingredients is the Alchemy Guild. Their alchemical materials are the most comprehensive. There’s an Alchemy Guild in the Light Alliance, Dark Alliance, and Aragon Empire. Coincidentally, the families of Second, Third, and myself are in these three major powers. Here’s what I suggest: after dinner, the three of us will send the information on these two herbs to our families, and ask them to check with their Alchemy Guild. What do you think?”

To be fair, at this crucial moment, Mal—as the son of the Minister of Finance—spoke with impressive clarity, and everyone nodded in agreement.

“Bill, you needn’t bother. I’ve already sent the information to our family. However, the Aragon Empire is extremely far from the Europa Empire. Even with the fastest flying magical beasts, it takes more than half a month for a round trip. Rollin, you’ll have to be patient.” On the journey back from the Maya Mountains, Rollin had already told Victoria and the others about these two herbs, so Victoria had sent the request ahead.

In the following days, Rollin visited the teachers of Dark Magic, Fire Magic, and Lightning Magic—Harvey, Monroe, Sofit—and even Dean Lev. They were all delighted to see Rollin return safely from the Maya Mountains, but when he asked about the two herbs, each one shook their head.

Later, news from Mal, Gebaz, and Bill arrived over the next half month, and without exception, none of them had information on the herbs.

In truth, though the words left by the gray-robed Misius before his disappearance were likely genuine, the matter concerning his brother’s leg was too important for Rollin to be careless. Now, seeing that the herbs truly did not exist, Rollin resolved to begin condensing the spatial seed immediately.

Misius’s spatial notes described in detail that the earlier one attempted to condense the spatial seed, the higher the chances of success. Though it could be done before reaching seventh-level magician, the effect would be far inferior if one waited until fourth, fifth, or even sixth level, compared to condensing it as a third-level magician. Thus, when he confirmed the herbs were unattainable, Rollin made his decision without hesitation.

At dusk, Rollin headed to the academy’s rear mountain. He had Little Black, Skeleton Brian, and several wind wolves patrol the area, instructing them not to let anyone disturb him.

He then sat cross-legged upon a green stone, silently recited the method described in the spatial notes, and prepared to begin condensing the spatial seed.