After completing the initial production of the Five Elements Rainbow Transformation Mirror, Jeming suddenly found himself with free time.

However, he didn't get to enjoy many leisurely days before Clark summoned him with a notice.

"Qualification testing for new apprentices, huh? I didn't realize it's already that time?"

Upon hearing the news brought by Amy, Jeming couldn't help but exclaim.

Time flies, and before he knew it, Jeming had been at Nolun Academy for five years.

In these five years, he grew from a naive freshman to a transcendent with cultivation at the Qi Cultivation late-stage and a Third Level Wizard Apprentice, mastering many extraordinary skills.

The sea of learning has no limits; in this grand magical hall, he found his own unique path.

According to Nolun Academy's practice, every five years, the academy undergoes a large-scale periodic adjustment: bidding farewell to the older apprentices who completed ten years of study, while welcoming the new apprentices selected and sent from other cities.

Counting it up, Jeming had been enrolled for five years, just in time for this pivotal moment.

The academy's atmosphere became unusually lively and busy.

The large square was festive with decorative lights, and everywhere were old apprentices carrying luggage, preparing to bid farewell to friends.

Amidst all this, there was another special group that attracted quite a bit of attention—those returning wizards from the front lines.

Nolun Academy is not only a place of academic learning but also a factory supplying power to the front lines.

After completing their basic studies, apprentices usually go to various plane battlefields for experience.

To allow these seasoned wizards to have enough time to reflect on their gains from the battlefield and to digest the trials of blood and fire, and also for them to be showcased as "successful students" in the upcoming welcome test, they are called back to the school for a six-month rest period after serving on the front lines for five years, regardless of whether their contract time is up or not.

Jeming didn't feel much about this.

He wasn't very connected with the departing apprentices, and the arrival of new apprentices had little to do with his research and cultivation plans.

Though the academy arranged many related tasks for this, he had little interest in them.

Knock, knock.

The door of the reception room was knocked on, and Jeming and Amy turned their gaze to see Victor standing at the door.

"Victor, you received the notice too?" Amy was the first to wave at him.

Victor saw them as well, with a hint of awkwardness on his face, but he nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

After the trial in the Gray Rock Realm, his attitude toward Jeming had changed from initial arrogance to a complex equality.

Upon hearing of Jeming's performance in the Gray Rock Realm, the equal treatment turned into awkwardness.

Fortunately, Victor himself is good at socializing and quickly adjusted his mindset: "You guys got the message too? It seems Professor Clark has gathered us all... he's probably going to assign the upcoming tasks."

"Speaking of tasks..."

Amy pursed her lips and quietly complained, "I heard from friends that the academy arranged a lot of boring tasks... like bidding farewell to old apprentices, hosting returning wizards, and even acting as 'plants' among the new apprentices!"

"Plants?" Jeming was taken aback.

"Yes!" Amy was full of complaints, "We have to blend in with the new apprentices and pretend to admire those returning combat seniors, and then cooperate to introduce their 'heroic deeds.' Just like when we first enrolled, those who mixed in the crowd to introduce returning combat apprentices, basically, that's us being drafted this time!"

Jeming realized then, recalling those vivid introductions of the front-line battle situation when he first enrolled.

Back then, he had even complained about it; now he understood what was going on.

The wizards are quite pragmatic, even arranging people to hype up the "successful cases" for a good atmosphere.

"Are these tasks mandatory?" he asked Victor.

Victor adjusted his cuffs and, upon hearing the question, shook his head: "Apart from contractual obligations, the academy typically doesn't arrange mandatory tasks, but because the rewards for these tasks are quite generous, most people don't refuse them anyway. Just like me, I've taken on the task of welcoming this batch of returning wizards."

"I heard this batch is returning from the 'Shadow Plane'... they must be difficult to host," Amy blinked.

"It's said that the environment in that plane is harsh, and they might not adapt to the life at the academy. We need to introduce them to the academy's new changes and familiarize them with the environment..." Victor paused, then added, "Also introduce some internal resources and channels of the academy."

"Oh, so that's the task of hosting returning wizards," Jeming understood.

Compared to being a "plant," this task is obviously more dignified and provides access to more useful information.

Victor, being from a noble family with strong social skills, makes sense for the academy to assign him this task.

As they were speaking, a familiar figure walked into the reception room.

It was their mentor, Professor Clark, still looking as disheveled and slightly balding as ever.

"Victor, Amy." Professor Clark briefly nodded, "Are you clear about your tasks? Especially hosting returning wizards; it's a tradition of the academy and an important opportunity for exchange. Do it well."

"Understood, Professor Clark." Victor immediately stood up straight and replied seriously.

Amy also nodded along.

"Very good." Clark glanced at them with satisfaction, reaching out to hand over two sets of materials, "These are the specific task details and requirements, take a good look."

Then he turned to Jeming: "You all go ahead. Jeming, come with me for a moment."

Amy and Victor glanced enviously at Jeming but did not ask more and left the reception room as instructed.

"Jeming, have you been busy with your research lately?" Professor Clark asked directly after they had left.

"Yes, Professor." Jeming replied.

"Good." Professor Clark nodded, "I have a commission for you; I wonder if you are interested."

"What is it?" Jeming was intrigued.

"You should know which plane the returning wizards are coming from this time." Clark said, "The unique rules and energy of the Shadow Plane are greatly invasive to outsiders, and the consumption on the front line is enormous, with many witchcraft artifacts damaged, needing replenishment and upgrading. Refined Gold's properties are quite a good material for those guys."

"They're likely to purchase a lot?" Jeming immediately understood Professor Clark's intention.

"Not a lot, but very much." Professor Clark corrected, "Returning from the battlefield, they have points and realistic needs. The academy also encourages them to convert points into strength."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.