Chapter 74: Interested in Becoming My Student? The Scroll-Making Master

"From the Slain Theocracy?"

The expressions of the black-robed young man and the blue-robed magician shifted. They exchanged surprised glances, their eyes fixed on Lyle.

The Slain Theocracy was the most powerful nation among humanity, known for its deep connections to the legendary "Six Gods." It held a unique status and wielded significant influence over the other kingdoms.

"No, I'm not," Lyle replied, a hint of confusion flickering across his face. He hadn't expected the elderly man before him to mistake him for someone from the theocracy.

The old man showed no visible reaction. His face, deeply lined with wrinkles, remained stoic. With coarse, grayish nails, he lightly tapped the piece of paper resting on the counter.

"I already know what happened," the old man said calmly. "Young man, since you created this paper, would you be willing to make another batch?"

The elder's slightly clouded eyes, despite their lack of emotion, held an undeniable sharpness as they gazed at Lyle.

"I can," Lyle nodded. He could sense the profound aura emanating from the old man — calm yet commanding. The curiosity in Lyle's eyes deepened.

Judging by the attitude of the black-robed and blue-robed magicians, this old man held considerable authority within the Adventurers' Guild. More than that, his presence reminded Lyle of grandma Lizzie, a powerful third-tier magic user. The elder might also possess similar strength.

Without further delay, Lyle extended his hand, preparing to cast his spell.

"Papermaking!"

A soft incantation echoed as the second-tier spell activated. In the blink of an eye, 700 sheets of pristine, snow-white paper materialized mid-air, fluttering down like a gentle snowfall, stacking neatly upon the counter.

The black-robed young man gawked in disbelief.

"This... it's real?"

The elder lowered his gaze, carefully selecting two sheets from the pile. His wrinkled hands moved with practiced precision as he compared them. After repeating the process several times, his stern face finally softened.

"Remarkable," the old man murmured. "Beyond my expectations."

A rare smile surfaced upon his aged face. "Each sheet has an evenly distributed magical essence, free from defects. They are of excellent quality — perfectly suitable for alchemical use."

"Among my students, very few could produce paper of this caliber," he continued. "To refine a second-tier spell to such a level at your age... quite extraordinary."

Lyle was momentarily stunned.

"Even a second-tier spell can produce defective paper?" he thought. For him, upgrading the spell with a single skill point had perfected it. The concept of failures and inconsistencies never even crossed his mind.

But that wasn't the most surprising part.

The reverence and awe in the eyes of those around him suggested that the second-tier Papermaking spell was far more valuable than he initially assumed.

"Teacher, that's impossible!" The black-robed young man, his voice trembling, shook his head. "He purchased a magic scroll barely a month ago. There's no way he could master Papermaking at this level in such a short time. He must have—"

"Albert," the elder interrupted coldly. A trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes. "You still don't understand, do you?"

"Effort alone does not define a mage. Talent does."

The words were like a hammer, striking Albert with ruthless finality. His face paled, his lips quivering, but no further objections left his mouth.

"Young man," the elder's sharp eyes settled on Lyle. "Would you be interested in becoming my student?"

Albert's knees nearly buckled. His expression twisted with despair, while the blue-robed magician behind him widened his eyes in disbelief.

Lyle, on the other hand, was caught off guard.

"And... you are?" he asked cautiously.

The blue-robed magician's face contorted with frustration. "You don't know? This is Master Bellory Vanov Gregory Bertkin! The Vice President of the Magicians' Guild, and one of the only three people in the entire Re-Estize Kingdom capable of crafting third-tier magic scrolls!"

Lyle's thoughts spun rapidly. The name struck a chord — the same name a guild official had mentioned not long ago.

"Haha," Bellory let out a dry chuckle. "It seems you truly had no idea who I was. Refreshing."

He shook his head with a faint smile. "That 'Master' title is unnecessary. I know my limits."

"Now then," Bellory continued, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Would you care to accompany me for a while?"

The offer was enticing.

Lyle assessed the situation. The Magicians' Guild, unlike other factions, was not known for its hostility. Unless faced with a fourth-tier magician, he was confident in his ability to escape any danger.

Besides, the opportunity to learn from a scroll-making master was not something to be dismissed lightly.

"Alright," Lyle nodded. He issued a quick command to the Barghest, instructing it to wait outside before following Bellory.

As they ascended the staircase, the atmosphere shifted. The second floor of the guild was bustling. Magicians in various robes passed by, some engaged in conversation, others studying grimoires or analyzing magical formations.

Though fewer in number compared to the Adventurers' Guild, their presence exuded an air of scholarly focus.

At the sight of Bellory, the magicians immediately halted, bowing respectfully. Curious gazes flickered toward Lyle, the unfamiliar figure trailing behind the master.

Without paying them much mind, Bellory led Lyle across the hall and descended a set of stairs, reaching the guild's lower level.

The air grew denser, filled with the mingled scents of herbs, minerals, and burnt parchment. An odd, metallic tang lingered, accompanied by a strange humidity.

The spacious chamber before them housed over a dozen magicians, all deeply engrossed in their work. Various alchemical tools, magical devices, and half-finished scrolls cluttered the tables.

Lyle's senses stirred.

A faint hum resonated within his mind.

---

[New Spell Detected: Tier 1 - "Assimilate"]

Requirements: Magic Level 1-7. Conditions met. Spend 1 Skill Point to learn?

[New Spell Detected: Tier 1 - "Directional Detection"]

Requirements: Magic Level 1-7. Conditions met. Spend 1 Skill Point to learn?

[New Spell Detected: Tier 1 - "Scent Suppression"]

Requirements: Magic Level 1-7. Conditions met. Spend 1 Skill Point to learn?

---

A steady stream of notifications flashed across Lyle's vision.