Link dispelled the magical model of the fertilization spell, and his sea of consciousness returned to its original state.
The magical model only resembled the meditation method in shape; both were three-dimensional structures.
Ordinary magic didn't require imprinting the structure of the magical model into the sea of consciousness like meditation; it was constructed as needed and deactivated afterward.
Magic that needed to be imprinted into the sea of consciousness was called a natal magic, one of the conditions for a third-rank wizard apprentice to advance to a full wizard. Those
that could serve as natal magic were all carefully selected first-ring magics.
No one would imprint a zero-ring magic model into their sea of consciousness, wasting its limited space.
Not everyone had the extraordinary encounter Link had, opening up a vast sea of consciousness through the "Brain Sealing Technique" and constructing a highly efficient mental palace to utilize its space.
Link was aware of the unique nature of his sea of consciousness.
There were related records in the meditation method, and when Jasmine described her meditation progress to him, she also mentioned that her sea of consciousness was like a narrow, cramped room.
Of course, a wizard's sea of consciousness is not static; it grows gradually as their meditation skills improve and their wizard rank advances, ultimately transforming during key advancements.
For example, a third-rank wizard apprentice might advance to a first-rank full wizard.
A vague idea of further developing and utilizing his unique sea of consciousness surfaced in Link's mind.
However, he suppressed it, not venturing into deeper thought.
The more knowledge he acquired, the more Link felt his own inadequacy.
Before possessing sufficient knowledge and a high degree of certainty, Link wouldn't easily risk his sea of consciousness.
The "Brain Sealing Technique" only had a special effect; it wasn't omnipotent!
Placing the potted plant of the Sleeping Flower on his bedside table, Link returned to his study, removed the protective shield, and took out a new blank notebook. He meticulously recorded all the knowledge he had accumulated regarding the Lesser Mist Rain and the Fertility Induction Technique, including his insights from mastering two 0-ring wizarding spells today.
After finishing writing, Link's consciousness sank back into his sea of consciousness, first organizing the relevant memories in the underwater reflection of the library, and then beginning his routine pre-sleep meditation.
...
The longer you spend time together, the deeper your understanding becomes.
The next day, starting from seemingly insignificant details, Jasmine guessed that Link had mastered witchcraft.
But she remained calm and didn't reveal her guess. Since
Link didn't bring it up, she pretended not to know.
On the way from the lab building to the teaching building, Jasmine initiated a conversation: "Link, do you remember the person who threatened you that day?"
"I remember,"
Link nodded.
"I found out. His name is Enrique, a third-year second-class wizarding apprentice, and a lackey of Rivers Francis, the vice president of the 'New Blood Mutual Aid Society,'"
Jasmine said. "This guy is strange. Last year, he took a liking to a girl and went to great lengths to pursue her. Just when he was about to succeed, Rivers interfered, ruining the girl's life for a few months before dumping her. Since then, Enrique hasn't hated Rivers at all; instead, he's become his lackey and is now helping Rivers find new targets."
After a pause, Jasmine continued, "The girls Rivers ruined all have one thing in common with me: they're all blonde and blue-eyed. It must have been Enrique's arrangement that Rivers noticed me."
"Hmm,"
Link responded, then added, "Be careful. It's relatively safe in the academy. Don't accept food or drink from strangers, don't get drunk, and don't let anyone lead you outside easily."
"I will,"
Jasmine said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Her voice was slightly low. "Rivers Francis recently advanced to a third-class wizard apprentice, and he's very likely to become a full wizard before entering his fourth year.
I'm a little worried he might try something underhanded with you… Although the academy forbids private duels, if something really happens, the academy will punish Rivers, but it shouldn't be too severe." Link chuckled, "No need to worry too much. Just be careful. Eat, drink, and study as usual. Raise your wizard rank as soon as possible, and you won't have to worry about anything. As for now, we'll deal with whatever comes our way."
"You still need to be more careful,"
Jasmine cautioned, her expression somewhat uneasy. After all, it was her indulgence that had caused trouble for the two of them, especially Link.
Seeing this, Link didn't offer any comfort or reassurance.
Everyone must be responsible for their own choices.
Many things, without learning a lesson, lead to ignorance and recklessness.
However, despite his outward nonchalance, Link touched the crossbow strap on his left wrist, secretly feeling uneasy.
It was unrealistic to think he could protect himself with just a magic-breaking crossbow with only three bolts.
"I need to earn some magic stones; I can't wait any longer,"
Link silently decided, preparing to ignite his workaholic spirit, become a laborer, earn magic stones, and arm himself.
Entering the classroom, Link took out his personal smart device, filled out the application for a part-time job at the botanical garden.
The response was swift, setting a time and place for an interview; if successful, he could start working as soon as possible.
The day's classes ended.
After dinner, Link didn't go to the library as usual, but instead went to the agreed-upon interview location, which would most likely be his future part-time job: the Third Botanical Garden of the Rivosos Biological and Medical Academy's primary campus.
After learning of Link's arrangements, Jasmine didn't go to the library alone, but returned to her dormitory.
Having heard about Rivers Francis's case, she felt uneasy and somewhat sensitive.
Without Link's company, she resolutely refused to act alone.
Link observed Jasmine's mindset and actions, and then walked even more resolutely. In
the extraordinary world where power resides within oneself, without strength, there is no safety.
Guided by the map on his personal smart device, Link found the Third Botanical Garden. Next to
the tightly closed main gate was a small door for pedestrians to enter and exit, where a girl about Link's age was waiting.
"Link Grand?"
the girl asked in a cold, indifferent tone, "A new student this year? Have you really mastered the Lesser Mist Rain and the Fertility Induction Technique?"
Link sensed something was amiss and replied seriously, "I can verify it on the spot."
"Hmm."
Upon hearing this, the girl gave Link a deep look, left a sentence, and turned to go inside, "Verification is unnecessary. Anyway, if anything goes wrong, you'll be responsible."
"So, am I qualified? When can I start working?"
Link shouted at the girl's back.
"Tomorrow at this time. You'll enter the garden by swiping your ID card."
The girl didn't turn around, and the small door closed automatically.
Link scratched his head, somewhat puzzled as to why the girl's attitude was so cold and unwilling.
"Never mind, I won't think about it."
After a moment, Link cleared his mind.
Anyway, he had secured a job earning two standard level one magic stones per month.