Chapter 274 – Senior Mentor

Punk successfully joined the Thought of Truth. Yes, that’s right—he arrived at the Mossdale Swamp where this Thought of Truth Branch was located in the morning, and by afternoon he had become a member of this Legendary organization.

Although there had never been a case in history of someone joining an organization as abruptly as Punk did, since the Thought of Truth claimed to “welcome all non-evil casters to join,” it had no reason to reject Punk’s application. This was especially true when Punk was a Master-Level Caster who would be welcomed in any organization.

As for the identity and background of the applicant… if the applicant were an insignificant apprentice, they would naturally undergo a series of checks or even interrogations. But if the applicant were a Master-Level Caster… Master Kirk Weilen stated that he would “observe carefully and engage in more communication” in the future.

In fact, Master Kirk Weilen’s first feeling upon Punk’s arrival was actually pleasant surprise.

Although Punk’s identity and motives would require further observation, the benefits his joining brought to this branch at this time were obvious.

This Thought of Truth Branch originally had six Master-Level Mages stationed there. With the addition of Punk, a genuine top-tier combatant, the number of Master-Level powerhouses finally matched that of the “Zhentarim.” Although it would be impossible to assign Punk important combat missions in the short term, it would at least significantly enhance the deterrent power at the top level, preventing them from being at a disadvantage when confronting those Red Robes maniacs.

Punk, welcomed by Master Kirk Weilen, soon stood before the registration counter. However… the Apprentice facing him was already drenched in sweat from fear.

“G-Great Master… th-this is… your… ag-agreement. If… if there are no issues… you will become a member of the Thought of Truth after signing!”

After respectfully handing over the Parchment in his hand, the young Apprentice-Level Mage felt as though he could barely stand.

Normally, the Thought of Truth often accepted wandering mages into its ranks. The Apprentice had repeated these words five or six times in a single day on occasion. But only this time, his usually smooth and fluent speech came out like a stammer. By the time he finished speaking, he felt completely drained.

It wasn’t that the receptionist was too timid—it was just that Punk was too intimidating at that moment.

By then, Master Kirk Weilen had already left the hall and returned to his Mage Tower. The other mages in the Mission Hall had also taken the opportunity to slip away early. Only this “brave” receptionist was diligently “holding his post.” Now, without the trembling “companions” in the hall and without the calming influence of Master Kirk Weilen, facing Punk’s azure pupils and scrutinizing gaze, it was only natural for a receptionist who was merely a timid Apprentice-Level Mage to tremble in fear.

Punk paid no attention to the seemingly collapsing Apprentice. He was indeed harboring doubts, or rather, suspicion, in his heart. The reason was none other than the fact that the Thought of Truth’s attitude had been far too straightforward.According to Punk’s expectations, for a large organization like the Thought of Truth, even when welcoming a Master-Level expert, the enthusiasm should be quite limited. He assumed that Master Kirk Weilen would first demand his past credentials, then assign an “initiation task” as a pledge of loyalty—similar to how he had obtained his Mage Guild membership as an apprentice mage back in the day.

However, Master Kirk Weilen was remarkably straightforward. His directness aimed to prevent Punk from doubting the Thought of Truth’s principle of “fair and independent pursuit of truth,” thereby retaining this seemingly socially inept yet powerful “deterrent force.”

What he didn’t realize was that this very decisiveness—or enthusiasm—was what made Punk most uncomfortable.

“Regardless, I’ll secure the necessary identity first. As for whether this organization is reliable… I’ll need to observe further!”

Punk also recognized he might be overly suspicious. After all, with the protection of the “Haitzita Magic Box,” even if the organization had Legendary Experts stationed there, they couldn’t have predicted his arrival in advance, let alone set up any schemes or traps. Thus, Punk temporarily set aside his “conspiracy theories” and focused on the terms outlined on the parchment before him.

The clauses on the parchment were few, and these terms specifically pertained to “Senior Mentors,” fundamentally different from the near-indentured “apprentice contracts.” At least in Punk’s view, if the Thought of Truth strictly adhered to the rights and obligations stated without any hidden nasty rules, it would indeed live up to its reputation as the “fairest Legendary Caster organization.”

The Thought of Truth maintained significant disparities in benefits across different ranks, with fairly complex welfare-related clauses. Of course, some were simple—for instance, “apprentices” (below Formal-Level) had straightforward benefits: none at all!

“Ordinary Mentors” (Formal-Level Mages) received five “Clarity Potions” monthly and an annual base subsidy of fifty thousand Gold Coins.

In contrast, “Senior Mentors” enjoyed much better treatment, as was only natural. As “Senior Mentors,” they naturally accessed more resources and privileges.

As the backbone of the Thought of Truth Branch, every Senior Mentor had to be a Master-Level Caster. They received three “Heart of Serenity” potions directly from the Headquarters and five “Arcane Praise” potions each month. Additionally, Master-Level Mages could claim a share of the branch’s annual profits, with dividends amounting to at least two hundred thousand Gold Coins.

Beyond this, “Senior Mentors” had the right to apply for “continuous research” without limitations and held direct authority to penalize Formal-Level Mages and apprentices.

Naturally, upon joining the Thought of Truth, its vast resource repository became accessible to members.

In terms of resource exchange and transactions, “Senior Mentors” enjoyed priority and discount rights, along with time-limited exclusive purchase privileges for rare resources.For Punk, the benefits and treatment of being a “Senior Mentor,” especially regarding resource exchange, were quite enticing. As a Legendary organization, the Thought of Truth possessed the ability to use teleportation arrays for trading supplies (though it was expensive), so Punk would inevitably have opportunities to obtain rare resources from all corners of the world.

Moreover, as a “Senior Mentor,” he wouldn’t have to worry about a group of Formal-Level mages competing with him!

“It really seems quite good this way. It’s said that because the Thought of Truth has a reputation for fair and equivalent exchange, its resource acquisition channels are second only to the ‘ubiquitous’ Mage Guild. And… the obligations this organization requires aren’t too troublesome.”

While thinking this to himself, Punk continued to focus his gaze on the section about “Senior Mentor Obligations.”

Votes, please~ Cutely rolling around begging for votes~~

(End of Chapter)