Chapter 27: A Gift from Zorro
“As someone who also hails from the Western Archipelago, do I really need a specific reason to stop by?” Master Daelis asked casually as she stepped into Morsidor’s laboratory.
“Of course not, you are most welcome,” Morsidor replied with an awkward smile.
Master Daelis possessed an undeniably youthful and striking attractive appearance, which stood in a stark contrast to the typically gloomy appearance of other black mages in the Black Magic Academy. Chart your course back to the origins of this substance at n0v^lbin
Moreover, her popularity was widely acknowledged throughout the academy.
Although Dedaelon’s words failed to sway Morsidor, the involvement of Daelis as a mediator appeared to hold promise for Katherson's reprieve.
“How about three Grade One energy crystals, five hundred grams of powdered Elandria, two Reagan Fruits, and a branch from a five-hundred-year-old ancient mystic tree?”
Daelis leaned back in her chair, her legs crossed, and asked, “These are what Katherson could offer. Will these items be sufficient for you to spare his life?”
“Hmm, quite the collection he’s amassed. To think he possesses Reagan Fruits, which are becoming rare in most parts of the Magus World, as well as that mystic wood from a five-hundred-year-old ancient tree...” Morsidor remarked with a sardonic smile.
“Indeed, for a dendro-type mage like him, cultivating Reagan Fruits isn’t an impossible task with ancient seeds and a copious amount of magic beast flesh. Besides, that five-hundred-year-old mystic wood makes an excellent raw material for a high-quality magic rod,” Daelis remarked.
She leaned forward slightly and asked, “So, will you agree to spare him in exchange for these items?”
Although Morsidor was very pleased by the offerings, he feigned indifference and snorted.
“Hmph. I wonder what he might have promised in return for you to speak on his behalf?”
"Nothing, really. That old man simply possesses remarkable expertise in botany, and I rely on him for a steady supply of some raw ingredients for my potions,” Daelis replied nonchalantly.
“Very well, I shall agree to spare him. He better not show his face around me in the future,” Morsidor said.
He shook his head and added, “I’m also intrigued by the considerable sum he’s willing to give up to remain in the Black Magic Academy. That fortune is no trifling matter even for full-fledged black mages.”
In response, Master Daelis chuckled lightly and explained, “Ah, that’s because news of a space-time rift has been spreading throughout the academy.”
“I will,” Sein responded respectfully.
In reality, the basic healing potion he had given to Zorro was of little use for him, but it was the thought that counted.
This was the dynamic within Morsidor’s faction. The mentor was nice to his apprentice, and the apprentices supported each other.
While Sein wasn't as close to Zorro as he was to Faye, his caring nature and thoughtful gesture had strengthened their connection.
The crystal ball Zorro had gifted him held deeper significance. It was an unspoken invitation for Sein to seek guidance in alchemy whenever he needed it.
After spending several months under Master Morsidor’s apprenticeship, Sein had gained a basic understanding of his fellow apprentices.
Zorro, who was quiet and reserved in nature, had inherited most of his mentor’s wisdom in alchemy.
Faye, on the other hand, was more easygoing. She displayed no interest in alchemy but had inherited Master Morsidor’s knowledge in the field of pyro element knowledge and magic spells.
Sein exchanged a few words with Zorro before parting ways.
Apparently, Zorro lived in their mentor’s residence instead of the dormitories. This arrangement made it more convenient for him to assist Master Morsidor with his alchemy experiments.
In their brief conversation, Sein also learned a particularly intriguing and useful piece of information.
He found out that Zorro held the rank of a “Quasi Mage”, a classification that fell between that of a senior initiate and a full-fledged black mage.
Initiates at this rank possessed significant abilities and knowledge as they progressed toward becoming a full-fledged black mage, which was why they were referred to as Quasi Mages.
Their designation emphasized their roles as the primary reserve for full-fledged black mages, and they could almost be considered part of the academy’s higher echelons.
Certainly, Zorro was not the only Quasi Mage in the Black Magic Academy
Moreover, during their conversation, Sein stumbled upon a somewhat embarrassing secret about Zorro. It appeared that Zorro was not particularly skilled at combat.
Without activating his magic equipment ahead of time, Zorro’s prowess was not necessarily superior to that of an average senior initiate.
This was primarily because Zorro had devoted too much energy on alchemy, which had inadvertently led to the neglect of his combat training.