While the other Mage Apprentices were still frowning and hesitating below, Karu, a commoner with broad horizons, had already received his reward.
After drinking the Mana-Infused Blood, Karu experienced for the first time the exhilaration of having an endless supply of mana at his disposal, and he became aware of the potion's immense power.
The most dangerous and difficult step—solidifying the magic model—became remarkably simple with an abundant supply of mana. All he needed to do was channel mana into his Mental Sea and solidify the nodes as he had memorized.
Repeat, and repeat again, until all the magic nodes were successfully solidified.
Having learned from Vina’s experience, Li De wasn’t overly concerned about Karu and continued recording notes.
Five and a half Sun-hours later.
The sky had been claimed by the Goddess of Night. The magical lamps in the study emitted a warm yellow glow, casting an ancient and elegant ambiance over the scrolls.
Karu, who had kept his eyes tightly shut, opened them with an expression of overwhelming joy.
A small, egg-sized orange fireball hovered before him.
At the same time, Li De received a system notification.
“Ding~ Apprentice Karu Bach of the Crimson Mage Tower has broken through to become a Formal Mage. The strength of the Crimson Mage Tower has increased. Reward: Character Experience – 200.”
Race: Vampire (Progenitor)
Level: Mage Lv10 (1003/5000), Warrior Lv5 (Level has reached its cap)
Innate Talents: Vampire Progenitor (Unique), Bloodline Shackles (Restricted), Mana Affinity (Extreme)
Racial Skills: Bat Transformation, Blood Drain Recovery, Superhuman Physique (Passive)
Tier 1 Spells: Small Fireball, Lightning Bolt, Puppetry, Mage Hand (Improved), Magic Shield, Waterfall
Tier 2 Spells: Detection, Large Fireball, Thunderstorm, Greater Puppetry, Mana Surge, Haste, Enhancement, Charm
Tier 3 Spells: Teleport, Void Walk, Explosive Fireball
Previously, improving Mage Hand had earned him 500 experience points, and the promotions of two apprentices had granted him another 400.
Li De noticed that his experience had significantly increased over the past half-month, completing one-fifth of the requirements for his next level-up.
He only needed 4,000 more experience points to reach Level 11.
At this moment, Li De felt a strong urge to bring back a large jar of Mana-Infused Blood from Dawn City and have all the apprentices break through to become Formal Mages.
If these twenty apprentices became Formal Mages, he would level up directly.
But reason prevailed, and he suppressed his impulse.
It wasn’t just that having all 22 Mage Apprentices in the Mage Tower advance to Formal Mages at once would cause a huge uproar—even if only a third of them did, it would still draw massive attention.
The transition from Mage Apprentice to Formal Mage was the most critical hurdle—the leap from nothing to something. Once crossed, becoming an Intermediate Mage was almost guaranteed with time.
But this very hurdle prevented 99% of Mage Apprentices from ever reaching the true realm of mages, leaving them to die as mere apprentices.
If word got out that Li De possessed a large quantity of magic potions capable of guaranteeing advancement, not even the Transcendent Mages of Green City could protect him.
On the other hand, if it were known that he had paid a tremendous price for a small number of potions, others might envy him but wouldn’t dare say anything.
Such potions weren’t rare; the difference lay in their exorbitant cost.
Thus, cultivating Mage Apprentices required a good excuse and didn’t need to be rushed.
“Lord Li De, I’ve broken through.”
Karu’s voice was filled with uncontainable excitement.
“Good. From now on, your treatment in the Mage Tower will be the same as Vina’s. Study new spells as quickly as possible, and you’ll take over teaching the apprentices.”
Li De smiled faintly.
“Call me Teacher from now on.”
Karu looked up at him in disbelief. The title of “Teacher” carried profound significance.
Only apprentices truly acknowledged by their mentor were worthy of calling them Teacher.
“Yes, Teacher Li De.”
Li De stepped forward and patted the shoulder of this short boy. “Karu, you’re a smart person. Work hard, and you’ll achieve what you desire.”
“Yes, Teacher. I won’t disappoint your expectations.”
When Karu descended to the first floor of the Mage Tower, it caused another sensation.
Karu had also advanced to become a Formal Mage?!
This was astonishing.
The last bit of hesitation among the apprentices vanished when they saw the Small Fireball hovering above Karu’s hand—it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Without exception, everyone rushed to Li De’s study.
“Lord Li De, I’m willing to sign the Soul Contract.”
“Yes, Lord Li De, we’re willing!”
“As long as you can make us true mages, we’re willing to pay any price!”
Within a single day, two apprentices who were once like them had broken through to become Formal Mages. This dealt a massive blow to the others.
Li De had anticipated this. No one could remain unmoved in the face of such a great temptation.
Especially a group of Mage Apprentices who couldn’t even touch the threshold of becoming Formal Mages.
“Mm, very good. You should understand how expensive the potion that awakens Mage Apprentices into Formal Mages is.
Such magic potions are worth at least 300 Gold Pucks on the market, so I only have a few vials.
Not everyone can receive one.”
The apprentices below immediately regretted their hesitation, gazing enviously at Karu beside them. If only they had made their decision earlier, this opportunity could have been theirs.
“For fairness, I will hold an assessment one month from now. The top three performers will be rewarded with magic potions.”
“So, don’t make excuses or look for reasons—work hard.”
“As for the Soul Contract, I won’t force you. You can decide on the day you receive the potion.”
There was no more hesitation among the apprentices below. They believed that those who signed the Soul Contract would undoubtedly receive priority on that day.
Such precious magic potions were already a blessing from the Goddess of Luck. Hundreds of Gold Pucks! Even recruiting an Intermediate Mage for the Crimson Mage Tower wouldn’t cost that much.
How could they expect to gain without paying a price?
Once the first person stepped forward, everyone followed suit and signed the Soul Contract with Li De.
From this point on, these Mage Apprentices had completely placed their lives in Li De’s hands, leaving no room for betrayal.
Even if his identity as a vampire were exposed in the future, Li De now had absolute confidence in controlling these apprentices.