Old Dad

The way everything had unfolded up to this point was something Lizer had never anticipated...

Because of his deep involvement in Rice's counter-espionage plan, Sven used a witchcraft contract to confirm Lizer's loyalty.

Having to recruit him as an unofficial member of the Internal Affairs Bureau was a surprise to Lizer, but it was also an opportunity.

The Internal Affairs Bureau was a department that led directly to the principality's center of power, reporting directly to the Grand Duke, with a clear and unobstructed path for promotion.

Based on his analysis, this kind of department was actually less complicated than regular ones; as long as one had enough merit or strength, it was relatively easy to get promoted.

Secondly, according to his conversations with Gloria, the merit system of the Internal Affairs Bureau was the only one in the principality's administrative system that could rival the Military Department's.

The level of witchcraft items available for exchange was half a tier higher than those in other departments like the police station or the city hall.

What was even rarer was that the exchange center had hidden treasures that couldn't be bought outside, including witchcraft specialties from the Feting Federation.

This system was crucial for someone with no background who wanted to walk the path of a wizard.

Simply put, Lizer's first step was to accumulate gold coins to activate his Pay-to-Win attribute to reach the minimum requirement of 3 points for a wizard apprentice.

Lizer's fingertips rubbed against the dark-patterned cover of the Internal Affairs Bureau Merit Exchange Manual (Employee Level). Opening the first page, he was immediately drawn to the dazzling array of exchange items:

Resistance Enhancement Witchcraft (100 points): Forms a temporary magical energy layer on the body's surface to resist physical attacks and most witchcraft attacks.

Corpse Interrogation Scroll (80 points): Allows basic information interaction with a recently deceased corpse. You can ask 3 questions, and the corpse will not lie.

Rune Protection Cloak (30 points): A cloak embedded with wind element runes that can cushion impacts and reduce most witchcraft attacks.

Crimson-veined Vine Silk (5 points/50g): A specialty vine silk from the southern jungles of the Feting Federation, which can be woven into highly resilient binding nets;

And what he cared about the most: the Basic Meditation Technique (20 points)!

He gripped the manual tightly, his heartbeat accelerating involuntarily. These magical witchcrafts and items were like a light in the darkness, filling him with yearning for the path of a wizard.

The manual's introduction to the Basic Meditation Technique clearly stated:

The core of the Basic Meditation Technique is to construct a stable consciousness space, which can not only stabilize existing mental strength but also extremely slowly increase its value through long-term practice.

However, the learning requirement is a mental strength of 3.0 or above.

More importantly, the manual noted in red font:

If one forcibly learns or casts witchcraft without the Basic Meditation Technique to stabilize their consciousness space, they will suffer a backlash from magical energy particles, resulting in mental confusion at best, and a complete collapse of consciousness at worst.

This was a crucial witchcraft cultivation method that Lizer could obtain early without having to enter a higher academy. Lizer read this passage repeatedly, secretly making up his mind to save up enough points to exchange for it as soon as possible.

Although the basic meditation technique at the higher academy seemed free, on the path of a wizard, being one step ahead meant being ahead every step of the way!

Becoming a wizard apprentice early would allow Lizer to come into contact with the mysterious realm of witchcraft ahead of time, master extraordinary power, perform better in the entrance exams, and get into a better school.

This was a guaranteed profitable deal!

Of course, as good as the Internal Affairs Bureau was, going to the academy was still a must!

On one hand, the academy had a more systematic wizard training system. Level was only one aspect; more importantly, it was about the accumulation of witchcraft knowledge. Knowledge was both wealth and the cornerstone of power.

On the other hand, the academy had resources specially approved by the principality, such as secret realms with magical creatures and cheap magical materials.

Finally, the academy was also a great place to build a network of wizard contacts. A person's time and energy were limited, and they would always need help from others, just like how Gloria could ask her senior for help when she encountered intelligence problems.

After sorting things out at the police station, Gloria and Sven hid behind the scenes, while Lizer took Felina and continued hurrying home...

Because he had returned home late last night, he hadn't disturbed his old man, Patiff, and thus hadn't mentioned the procurement matter. Now, he had no choice but to bring Felina along to explain it clearly.

Walking out of the police station, Lizer touched the silver coins in his pocket and shook his dizzy head.

The events of the past few days were too complicated when strung together. He had finally managed to digest and understand them, and next, he had to get the academy's equipment procurement sorted out.

He looked at the still-beautiful Felina. After experiencing this incident, the dead silence and sorrow about her had faded significantly.

She seemed to have stepped out of her shackles, as if reborn. Her eyes carried a sense of apology and seemingly a different kind of affection, evoking pity and tenderness.

Never mind!

Lizer clenched his fists and reasoned with himself:

The most important thing right now was to use the counter-espionage plan to gain merit in the Internal Affairs Bureau, obtain the Basic Meditation Technique as soon as possible, and strive to accumulate stronger power before the major exam!

Otherwise, as long as he wasn't a wizard apprentice, he would ultimately just be an ant in this witchcraft world where strength was supreme.

This procurement order was his first pot of gold and could not be lost; his Pay-to-Win attribute was already thirsting for it!

Thinking of this, Lizer turned to look at the police station. Since Felina didn't need to be detained and was involved in hostile espionage activities, Gloria definitely wouldn't go to the academy to find the dean.

In that case, she couldn't help him put in a good word to extend the procurement contract either. He just needed to continue according to his agreement with Felina. Did he still need to give those 3 gold coins?

Theoretically, he didn't need to anymore, but Lizer scratched his head and quickly shook it. He should give it!

Gloria was a witchcraft master in the police station. Having the chance to build a good relationship with her, 3 gold coins was not much!

Returning to the blacksmith shop near noon...

Lizer's old man, Patiff, was wearing long pants and was bare-chested save for a mud-brown, full-body cowhide apron, worn to ward off molten iron and sparks.

His exposed arms were as thick as tree trunks, muscles knotted, reflecting a wheat-gold color in the sunlight. In his hand, he held a hammer inscribed with runes. This strength was probably already at the knight level.

Seeing him from afar, Lizer's feelings were somewhat complicated. He hadn't seen Patiff last night because he was no longer the original Lizer.

Hailing from the Blue Planet, he was an orphan in his past life and didn't know how to face a father. He rubbed his hands together, feeling a bit nervous.

However, this was a reality he had to face. He took a deep breath and shouted from a distance in the tone from his memories:

Old man! My mentor and I have something to discuss with you!

His voice trembled slightly.

Haha! My son is back!

Patiff's voice was like thunder, his laughter full of joy.

He threw off his apron and stepped forward to hug Lizer tightly. The strength made Lizer feel a bit suffocated. It felt unfamiliar, making him want to break free, yet it also brought a sense of security. His body trembled slightly as he let Patiff hold him.

Lizer calmed his complicated emotions, patted his chest, and said helplessly:

Old man, my mentor is here too. She came today to discuss a procurement collaboration with us.

Oh! Haha! Teacher, please have a seat! The equipment is no problem. When it comes to my craftsmanship, if old Patiff claims second place in Gray Mist Mountain, no one would dare claim first!

Patiff let go of Lizer and led the two of them into an inner room with a fireplace to discuss.

Felina informed Patiff about the academy's procurement and the contract she had discussed with Lizer. The contract was written in witchcraft ink. Patiff completely trusted his son and signed it on the spot.

The original plan had changed. Felina instructed Lizer to return to the academy before nightfall, worried that Rice might not play by the rules and try to kill him.

Patiff asked Lizer about his situation at the academy over the past two days, his concern evident in his words. During their conversation, Lizer slowly blended into the moment, and the father and son enjoyed a harmonious and happy time together.

Lizer, who had never experienced a father's love, found himself somewhat captivated. His eyes grew moist as he secretly vowed to himself: he absolutely could not let down the mountain-like paternal love of this iron-willed man.

As if sensing Lizer's thoughts, the sluggishness of his soul's transmigration and possession suddenly vanished...

The previously fragmented memories now surfaced one by one as if they were his own. Most were of the daily life between Lizer and Patiff, with flashes of the original owner's witchcraft studies crossing his mind.

Remnant soul actively fused, Spiritual Power +0.1. Possible cause analysis: Release of a long-cherished wish.

This was truly an unexpected joy. Lizer's Spiritual Power had risen to 1.9 in just two short days, drawing ever closer to the threshold of a Wizard Apprentice.

If his gold coins could keep up, he would reach it very soon. He jumped up; acquiring a meditation technique had to be put on the agenda.

After dinner, Lizer and Patiff discussed the academy's order:

Patiff needed to gather reliable apprentices and go to the Land Bureau to purchase land to expand the workshop. The few dozen square meters of the blacksmith shop were definitely not enough.

Additionally, Lizer would need to travel to Gele City soon to order a witchcraft machine tool capable of rapidly forging witchcraft components.

Finally, rubbing his hands together, Lizer brought up the gold coins they had earned. He made up an excuse, saying that over the past two days he had gotten to know Deputy Chief Gloria from the police department.

She knew an important witchcraft apothecary in Gele City and had the channels to purchase Gele City's secretly formulated Spiritual Power enhancement witchcraft potions.

This kind of potion could steadily increase one's Spiritual Power attribute, helping him meet the requirements to become a Wizard Apprentice.

Patiff slapped his thigh and readily agreed, though he frowned, worried about Lizer encountering a scammer.

However, upon hearing Gloria's title as Deputy Chief of Police, and recalling her ability to sense magical energy fluctuations, Patiff's worries mostly faded away.