Chapter 302 – Question

A week had passed since Punk’s modification experiment. The news of Anya returning from the laboratory wearing the “Novice Mage Robe” gifted by Punk had spread throughout the apprentice circles that very day.

Though many secretly gossiped that Anya had seduced the great mentor with her beauty, most openly envied the apparent benefits she had gained. Including the majority of Formal-Level Mages, most believed Anya had indeed earned the favor of Punk Cyan, the newly arrived Master-Level powerhouse. This was evident from the private tutoring and the exceptional Mage Robe she received.

In truth, these observations weren’t entirely wrong, though this “favor” differed significantly from what they imagined.

On the surface, if the path of a mage were a game, having a Master-Level powerhouse as a backer would be a perfect start.

In terms of equipment, though still a pre-professional apprentice, Anya could now wear a Mage Robe that even veteran Apprentice-Level apprentices coveted, walking freely without fear of anyone daring to seize it.

In daily life, Anya was the only apprentice in her cohort enjoying private accommodations. The exchange points Punk gave her—insignificant to a Master-Level powerhouse—were considered a fortune among apprentices.

As for the most crucial aspect, the path of magic itself, it went without saying…

It was now the final day of the month, exactly one week since Anya became Punk’s “disciple.”

Under the envious and even jealous gazes of fellow apprentices, Anya, with her flowing long hair, moved with ethereal grace like a forest spirit through the interwoven sunlight of Mila and Chikasa toward the towering Magic Tower.

One-on-one guidance from a Master-Level powerhouse was an opportunity many Formal-Level mentors could only dream of, yet Anya received it weekly. How could such “extravagant” treatment not provoke envy among those attending crowded public lectures?

Unconsciously, a week had passed. During this time, Anya endured countless flatteries and several verbal attacks. Thanks to her status as a “Master-Level powerhouse’s apprentice,” she navigated the most confusing and dangerous phase of apprenticeship with remarkable ease.

However… after a week, Anya had accumulated numerous questions.

These questions weighed on her mind, yet she couldn’t confide in other apprentices. They were clearly tied to the mentor’s experiments… Anya knew such secrets must never be disclosed. Thus, not even Moli, her closest friend, heard any “unusual” inquiries from her.

In this vast Thought of Truth Branch, the only person who could potentially solve Anya’s problems and whom she felt she could trust was ultimately Punk—even if her trust might be misplaced…It was early morning just after sunrise, a faint mist unique to the Grey Mire Swamp still lingered over the black-purple ground, refusing to disperse. Surrounding Punk’s Magic Tower, the mist formed wisps of swirling smoke that coiled upward along the tower under the influence of energy fluctuations, until all the vapor gradually dissipated in the gentle breeze. The magical light reflected by the haze consequently twisted and turned in the sky.

Anya stood outside the Magic Tower, admiring this unique spectacle of the Grey Mire Swamp for quite some time. It wasn’t until the densest strand of smoke finally dispersed into the air that she felt her heart suddenly become ethereal and much calmer.

Before coming here, Anya would still feel uneasy recalling Punk’s pair of icy eyes devoid of any emotion, but now…

Anya decided to meet her mentor with this improved mood, so that the empty new Magic Tower wouldn’t seem so terrifying… Of course, considering the “profound impression” Punk had left during his previous two appearances… Anya had also mentally prepared for her good mood to be shattered!

As it turned out, her mental preparation wasn’t mistaken!

Just like last time, she passed through the empty living room and stairs, entering the Laboratory along the Corridor that didn’t even have a single rug.

But… the moment she stepped through the light curtain serving as the Laboratory’s entrance, Anya immediately witnessed the most terrifying scene she had ever seen in her life, bar none!

Inside the Laboratory, the Experiment Table had been replaced by a massive circular stone table. Floating runes above the stone table were firmly restraining a fat, oversized insect!

Yes, it was an insect, though Anya swore it was the largest insect she had ever seen. In fact, whether a plump bug larger than a hound could still be called an insect was debatable.

Looking closer, a huge opening had been cut into the insect’s back. Dozens of energy conduits connected the insect’s body to several metal canisters nearby. Writhing in immense pain, the terrifying giant insect emitted low, frantic howls from the Experiment Table. If one had to describe those howls, they sounded like sorrow mixed with agony, fear layered with despair—utterly horrifying.

Startled, Anya staggered back two steps before regaining her composure. Pale-faced, she bowed to Punk:

“Respected… respected Mentor, I… I have arrived…”

The giant insect’s cries were too piercing. Anya almost involuntarily glanced toward the insect’s direction.

“Ignore that Giant Corpse Worm! As a mage, you must not let external matters affect your concentration.”

Just as Anya felt the insect’s cries growing louder and closer to her, Punk’s voice snapped her out of it like a bucket of ice water.

“U-understood, Mentor.Anya hurriedly forced herself to wake up and responded reflexively!

Watching the trembling Anya, Punk couldn’t help but frown slightly. After a brief perception, he quickly identified two issues with Anya.

The first issue concerned the efficiency of positive emotion generation!Punk had established an unquestionable image of authority in this young girl’s mind to facilitate control over all her actions. But now, it seemed… this “authority” tinged with terror was instead suppressing the generation of her positive emotions. Especially when facing him, Anya was so frightened she could barely speak coherently—how could she possibly maintain a good mood?

The first issue was relatively easy to resolve. Punk knew that Anya’s fear of him stemmed more from the overwhelming suppression at the soul level. Once they left the entire Magic Tower, her emotions would likely calm down considerably.

However… the second problem was somewhat serious.

In Punk’s perception, Anya’s soul was already showing faint signs of instability, particularly in its heightened vulnerability to external influences. The weakened, suppressed howls of that vicious corpse worm could actually plunge Anya into hallucinations—revealing just how fragile her soul had become.

It had to be admitted that Anya’s condition would be considered an incurable terminal illness by most Master-Level Mages. But for Punk, who possessed the Netheril legacy, there were many solutions available.

In less than a few tenths of a second, Punk had already conceived the best solution, though…

“What a hassle. The problem itself isn’t difficult to solve, but… this means spending more redemption points again”!

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(End of Chapter)