Chapter 74 – Bilan

Bilan Stone was eighteen years old this year. As the second daughter of a noble family and an Apprentice Rank mage, most noble children like her would have become pawns in arranged marriages by sixteen or seventeen. However, due to Bilan’s decent magical talent, she was spared from being trapped in the decadent social circles of the nobility.

Guided by an old mage from a young age, Bilan embarked on the path of magic early. Yet, because the Stone Family sought quick profits and attempted to control what they saw as a promising young mage, Bilan was steered through a series of manipulations toward becoming an alchemy-focused mage—a path not specialized in combat.

The difficulty of training an alchemy mage exceeded the Stone Family’s expectations. Without proper guidance and sufficient resources, Bilan, who had just crossed the threshold into being a professional, found progress nearly impossible.

Before long, the diligent Bilan realized her magical path was growing increasingly difficult. Stuck at the peak of Apprentice Rank for years with no signs of breakthrough, most in her family believed she had no potential left.

As a low-level alchemy-specialized mage at this awkward stage, she couldn’t contribute meaningfully to the family. Merely an Apprentice Rank, she was incapable of brewing complex potions. With the family clearly stating they would cease investing in a mage without potential, Bilan’s fate seemed to be that of a slightly higher-value marriage tool—a future completely unacceptable to her ambitious ideals.

But as the saying goes, heaven never seals off all exits. Just as the young girl felt sorrowful and even desperate, an unexpected message rekindled a glimmer of hope.

Some time ago, a Formal-Level spellcaster from the Kamos Kingdom had come to seclude himself for research in a town near Doleiz City. The Minohorn Family, which he single-handedly supported, operated an alchemical potion business with no competitors. The name “Minohoen Alchemy Firm” shone like a rising star in Doleiz City. Bilan had even seen the legendary Lotalan, who was favored by the Formal Mage, at a noble dance party. The impression of Lotalan’s heroic and spirited demeanor remained vivid in the young girl’s mind.

A few days prior, this very Lotalan, who had just “met” the legendary Formal Mage, returned to Doleiz City. Along with her usual large crates of alchemical potions, she brought back extraordinary news—the Formal Mage secluded in Nielan Town actually intended to recruit “assistant apprentices”!

Although nearly every mage in Doleiz City wanted to become an apprentice to a Formal-Level Mage, the great one had explicitly stated—only mages skilled in alchemy would be accepted. This requirement eliminated the majority of mages, as alchemy was not something ordinary mages could master.

Subsequent news made many alchemy mages hesitate. It was said that this mage openly and recklessly opened a portal to an evil plane right in Nielan Town, completely disregarding the safety of the townspeople.Although this matter could be considered a complete disregard for law and order, since Punk was a Formal-Level Mage, even the Lord of Doleiz City merely offered a few perfunctory words of condemnation before letting the matter drop.

However, in the minds of many professionals, including Bilan, this true mage’s alignment and temperament were marked with a huge question mark. Many junior mages who had originally considered testing their chances of becoming apprentices now hesitated. Who knew if a minor mistake or simply being disliked might result in being struck dead by a fireball? A Formal-Level Mage suspected of being evil-aligned… The mere thought was enough to make one’s scalp tingle. Most cautious professionals would rather forgo this opportunity than risk their lives.

But Bilan was intrigued.

Tired of the endless harassment from noble playboys and unable to bear the filth and depravity of noble circles, she knew that if she continued down this path, her fate would be no different from those “breeding tools” trapped like caged birds. She was determined to change her life, and this opportunity could not be missed again!

Perhaps because too many were intimidated by the Formal-Level powerhouse, Bilan—with her mediocre alchemy skills—actually managed to be selected as an apprentice. Even as she boarded the carriage bound for Niailan, the beautiful girl still felt a sense of unreality. Had she really… just “escaped” that filthy Doleiz?

Leaning gently against the carriage window as it slowly moved, Bilan’s satin-like, pale green hair fluttered in the wind. Her slender phoenix eyebrows and eyes, bright as stars and the moon, shone with intelligence, flickering with light. Her delicate nose, slightly flushed cheeks, and half-parted cherry lips complemented her flawless, shy oval face. Her smooth, snow-white skin was exceptionally beautiful, and her graceful figure exuded an ethereal elegance. The beautiful Bilan was like an orchid in a quiet room—subtle and serene.

Far from the noise and complexity of Doleiz City, feeling the gentle morning breeze brush against her face, Bilan was almost intoxicated by the natural fragrance. Though her future remained uncertain, at this moment, she actually felt a glimmer of anticipation for the Formal-Level powerhouse, about whom she knew nothing beyond various terrifying rumors. In the heart of the beautiful girl, hope and beauty always prevailed, and the anxiety mixed with fear quietly faded away.

Her emerald eyes calmly gazed at the wilderness scenery outside the window. Amid the faint ripples of emotion in her heart, Bilan gently fell asleep.

The direction of the future is always elusive, but without moving forward, how can one know whether it holds good or bad? Perhaps the girl was step by step heading toward what she perceived as an “opportunity,” only to find herself descending into an abyss. But at least at this moment, riding in a carriage along the country path while admiring the beautiful scenery, the girl truly possessed freedom and hope in her heart.The distant mountain ranges undulated continuously, their every silhouette growing increasingly verdant. On the nearby slopes, young grass quietly emerged from the soil—tender and vibrant green, decorating the steep hillsides in patches and clusters. The trees on the slopes were also silently sprouting new branches, budding with fresh shoots like the grass. The drooping branches of the willow trees hung downward, resembling strands of emerald thread draped over the trees. The pale yellow young leaves covering the branches were like petals tied to the threads. In the fields adjacent to the town, Ququ Wheat sprouts gradually turned green, stretching as far as the eye could see, like waves of green. The golden wild vegetable flowers shimmered amidst the green waves.

What a beautiful scenery…

(End of Chapter)