The halfling second-class wizard apprentice respectfully and meticulously explained the state of affairs at Lilith's Cottage to Locke. "The academy has prepared better accommodations for second-class wizard apprentices, the Diagon Alley."

"Within the academy, most second-class wizard apprentices either live in Diagon Alley or have their own arrangements made by their wizard mentors. Only a small number choose to live outside on their own."

"After becoming a second-class wizard apprentice, Senior, you now have your own room in Diagon Alley."

"Here is the key to your residence, House No. 341 in Diagon Alley."

"In addition, you now have access to public areas within Lilith's Cottage, such as the potion auction venue, the Blood Roar Arena, the Black Diamond Alchemy Workshop, and the Chimera Trading Market."

Locke nodded. It seemed that becoming a second-class wizard apprentice had unlocked many privileges for him within Lilith's Cottage, granting him greater freedom.

Lilith's Cottage housed a massive trading hub called the Chimera Trading Market, but third-class wizard apprentices were barred from entering. In the past, Locke could only enter the market if accompanied by Witch Sophia.

That market and the potion auctions were among Lilith's Cottage's most valuable assets.

Numerous wizards frequented the market for trade.

Thus, third-class wizard apprentices were prohibited from entering, partly due to safety concerns, but also because they lacked the financial means to participate meaningfully in transactions or offer anything of value.

Locke asked, puzzled, "What is the Blood Roar Arena? I haven't heard of it before."

The halfling second-class wizard apprentice smiled. "Ah, it's perfectly normal that Senior hasn't heard of it."

"It's a public facility built by the academy in the last five years. Previously, Lilith's Cottage had very few wizard apprentices specializing in the sub-branches of the summoning school."

"But ten years ago, a formal wizard specializing in the beast-taming sub-branch of the summoning school joined Lilith's Cottage."

"Under his guidance, beast-taming magic has gradually gained prominence within Lilith's Cottage, becoming one of its stronger magical disciplines."

"Therefore, the academy constructed the Blood Roar Arena, specifically for beast-taming apprentices to train and battle."

The halfling second-class wizard apprentice added with a smile, "Moreover, after becoming a second-class wizard apprentice, you’ll also receive special benefits. Every month, the academy will provide you with thirty magic stones."

"Additionally, the academy will distribute five vials of [Focus Ointment] to enhance your mental strength growth rate."

"Of course, these benefits only last for five years. If you fail to advance to first-class wizard apprentice within that time, the benefits will be halved. If you still haven't advanced after ten years, they will be revoked entirely."

A faint trace of bitterness tinged the halfling's tone.

Though Locke didn’t ask how long the halfling had been stuck at the second-class wizard apprentice level, it was clear the period hadn’t been short.

The halfling continued, "Beyond that, Senior, you also have obligations to the academy."

"You must take on a designated role or task to contribute to the academy’s operations."

"These assignments are typically allocated from above, and your mentor will notify you when the time comes."

"There’s also the matter of contracts, though generally, your mentor will handle signing them on your behalf."

The halfling explained, "After all, very few wizard apprentices refuse to sign."

"The contracts for second-class wizard apprentices aren’t overly restrictive. Aside from the benefits you’re entitled to, the academy only requires you to fulfill certain duties and contribute value to the institution."

"Additionally, you must commit to remaining at Lilith's Cottage for at least fifteen years after becoming a first-class wizard apprentice before you’re permitted to leave."

Locke nodded in understanding.

For second-class wizard apprentices, learning had become a half-study, half-work affair.

This was because second-class wizard apprentices were already capable of handling many tasks.

Similarly, from the academy’s perspective, first-class wizard apprentices were highly valuable assets.

They could even establish their own independent laboratories or small alchemy workshops.

Naturally, Lilith's Cottage wouldn’t allow apprentices it had spent years training to simply walk away without consequence.

However, this wasn’t a major concern for Locke.

First, he had no immediate plans to transfer to another academy, it wasn’t practical, nor was it necessary.

Second, Witch Sophia had once told him that the wizarding world operated on the principle of equivalent exchange. As long as one could provide sufficient value, it was possible to breach a contract and leave Lilith's Cottage early.

But regardless, his priority was to secure the academy’s resources and advance his wizard rank.

Only the strong possessed the power of choice.

The halfling flipped through his manual and exclaimed as if pleasantly surprised, "Ah, Senior, the academy offers special additional rewards for wizard prospects who advance to second-class wizard apprentice within a year."

"You may select one reward from the following list. The chosen item will be delivered to you through your mentor."

"Here is the list."

Locke glanced over the list and noticed it was divided into two sections.

One section was for prospects who advanced within six months, and the other was for those who advanced within a year.

Undoubtedly, the items on the first list were of higher quality.

The second list was slightly inferior.

However, Locke suspected that only Level 7 aptitude prospects, and perhaps some Level 6 aptitude ones, could achieve the feat of advancing within six months.

Level 7 aptitude prospects were often referred to as [Children of the Elements], as their affinity with their primary element far surpassed that of ordinary wizard apprentices.

Locke examined the second list. There were no meditation techniques listed, but there were several potions that boosted mental strength growth, all of which appeared superior to Focus Ointment.

There were even enchanted items similar to the silver sword Lorne possessed, though undoubtedly of higher quality.

Additionally, the list included simple spell models, magical materials, and alchemical tools.

After some thought, Locke found the enchanted items tempting.

For instance, one item called [Rune Vine Armor] was a set of living vine armor that could absorb moonlight to self-repair and provide protection.

Another, called [Malice Dagger], was an enchanted weapon imbued with a curse school trick spell that inflicted mental curses on enemies.

But Locke believed that all else was secondary, improving his magical power was paramount. Thus, he chose a high-grade mental strength potion called [Moonlight Elixir].

Upon seeing Locke’s choice, the halfling second-class wizard apprentice immediately recorded it and smiled. "Senior, you’ve made an excellent choice."

"Though Moonlight Elixir isn’t quite a formal potion, it’s a high-grade mental strength booster that even first-class wizard apprentices actively seek. The Focus Ointment provided by the academy pales in comparison."

"I’ve heard that consuming Moonlight Elixir once can at least double your mental strength growth rate for an entire year."

"In the second year, the growth rate increases by fifty percent."

"By the third year, only an additional ten percent remains."

"Moonlight Elixir is difficult to obtain through ordinary channels, even having magic stones might not guarantee you can buy it."

"It’s arguably the most cost-effective reward on the entire list."

Clearly, though the halfling had no chance of earning the rewards on the list himself, he had studied both lists thoroughly in his spare time.

Locke nodded at him. "Understood."

"I’ll take my leave now."

The halfling bowed respectfully. "Take care, Senior."