The moment the old man spoke,both the black-robed young man and the blue-robed apprentice stiffened, their faces filled with shock.
The Silian Theocracy—the most powerful among all human nations,and a country founded by the legendary "Six Great Gods."
Its name carried a special weight throughout the New World.To even mention it lightly could cause unease.
—
"...Not exactly,"Minori replied, blinking once in slight surprise.
He had thought, judging from the old man's demeanor and bearing, that he might be a priest or agent of the Silian Theocracy.But apparently, he had been mistaken.
Upon hearing Minori's answer,there was no visible change in the old man's wrinkled, weathered face.
His rough gray fingernails gently tapped the counter's surface, producing a soft, rhythmic sound.
"I already know what happened earlier."
The old man's cloudy eyes seemed to pierce through Minori's skin and into his soul.
"Young man.Since you crafted that sheet of paper...could you make another batch?"
There was no malice in his voice—only an emotionless stillness, like standing before a withered but ancient tree.
Minori, feeling the intense atmosphere pressing against him, nodded silently.
"I can."
A faint gleam of light flickered in the depths of his pupils.
This was unexpected.
But it was also... interesting.
From the deferential attitude of the black-robed youth and the blue-robed magician, it was clear this old man's status was significant—likely a high-ranking figure within the Magician's Guild.
And the old man gave off a similar sensation to someone like Grandma Lizzie,but... far stronger.
Minori estimated the man could wield at least third-tier magic—a significant power in this world.
—
Without hesitation, Minori began chanting.
"Papermaking."
Activating the second-tier Papermaking Technique,Minori conjured a vast mass of pure-white, resilient sheets in the air.
Crashhh—
A rain of paper fluttered down onto the counter, forming a small hill.
The black-robed apprentice gasped, disbelief written all over his face.
"It's... real?"he whispered.
The old man, silent, reached forward and plucked two sheets at random.
He repeated the previous tests—bending, tearing, imbuing mana into the fibers.
—
"Very good."
A rare hint of approval colored the old man's stern expression.
"Surprisingly good."
He gave a small nod, the wrinkles at the corners of his sharp eyes softening slightly.
"The magic distribution is perfectly even.No defective sheets.Each one can be used directly as an alchemical reagent.This quality exceeds even most of my personal apprentices."
Minori, inwardly calm but puzzled, frowned slightly.
He hadn't thought too deeply about it—after all, in his eyes, it was just basic life magic, improved via a skill point promotion.
As long as he had sufficient resources, raising the magic's level had been trivial.
"...Is it possible that, normally,even second-tier papermaking spells produce defects?"
He kept his thoughts hidden behind a neutral expression.
Regardless—the crucial realization was now clear:
The second-tier Papermaking spell was far rarer, and more valuable, than he had initially assumed.
—
At that moment, the black-robed apprentice blurted out:
"Teacher!He only bought the scroll a month ago!It's impossible he mastered it to the second tier so fast!He must have ulterior motives!"
The old man's face turned cold.
"Albert."
The single word struck harder than a slap.
"I have told you before.For a magic caster,the greatest resource is not diligence—but talent."
Disappointment flickered in the old man's eyes.
He no longer looked at Albert.
"You have not demonstrated that qualification."
The black-robed apprentice's face turned pale, lips trembling.
He opened his mouth to argue, but no words came out.
—
Turning back toward Minori,the old man's voice was calm once more:
"Young man.Would you be interested...in becoming my disciple?"
Albert's body sagged like a puppet with its strings cut.The blue-robed apprentice beside him stared wide-eyed, face filled with horror.
—
Minori tilted his head slightly, pretending to ponder.
"...Who are you?"
At his question, the blue-robed magician nearly exploded:
"Do you even know what you're saying?!This is Master Bellori Vanov Grigoriy Botkin—the Vice-President of the Ye Lantier Magician's Guild!"
"Among the entire Kingdom of Re-Estize,only three people can create third-tier magic scrolls.Master Bellori is one of them!"
—
Hearing the long-winded introduction,Minori's expression shifted slightly.
He remembered the name—the middle-aged staff worker at the Adventurer's Guild had mentioned it once in awe.
"...So that's who he is."
A rare, rough laugh escaped Master Bellori's lips.
"Hahaha... it's fine.You don't need to care about grand titles."he shook his head.
"I know my own worth."
He looked at Minori with a mixture of sternness and anticipation.
"Come. Walk with me."
—
Minori hesitated for only a moment.
In a place like the Magician's Guild—without casters capable of fourth-tier spells—even if things turned dangerous, he could escape easily.
Besides...
A master of alchemy and magic scroll creation?
That was far too valuable to ignore.
Accepting the opportunity,Minori turned and gave a quick command to the little evil hound waiting at the door,then followed Bellori upstairs.
Inside the Guild
The second floor had a completely different atmosphere from the cold formality of the lobby.
Spellcasters in diverse robes moved briskly along the halls—some dressed in traditional magician's garb, others in more practical attire.
The number of people was far smaller than the Adventurer's Guild, but their focus and intensity was unmistakable.
As Bellori passed, the other magicians bowed respectfully.
Their gazes flickered toward Minori—a stranger—with poorly hidden curiosity and jealousy.
—
Crossing a long corridor,Bellori led Minori toward another staircase—but instead of climbing,they descended.
Down to the first floor again—but a different section of the building.
The air grew thicker,filled with faint traces of chemicals, metallic tangs, and strange alchemical scents.
It wasn't unpleasant—just alien.
—
Before Minori's eyes unfolded a new scene:
Over a dozen magicians worked intently, surrounded by alchemy tables, scroll-making benches, and vats of mysterious liquids.
At the same moment—
Buzz—
A familiar system notification flashed across Minori's mind.
—
You have discovered the first-tier spell [Dissolve].Requirement: Casting Level 1–7.Current Conditions Met.Spend 1 Skill Point to Learn?
You have discovered the first-tier spell [Direction Detection].Requirement: Casting Level 1–7.Current Conditions Met.Spend 1 Skill Point to Learn?
You have discovered the first-tier spell [Smellless].Requirement: Casting Level 1–7.Current Conditions Met.Spend 1 Skill Point to Learn?
—
Minori's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
"This place...is a treasure trove."