Wizard Bloodline

While Ronan was sizing up the young man named Linus, he noticed Linus was also glancing at him. However, Linus quickly looked away, seemingly uninterested in the group.

Ronan sensed that Linus might feel above associating with their group. As a Level 5 apprentice, it would indeed be rather embarrassing to be mixed up with a bunch of lower-level apprentices, some of whom were just Level 1 or 2.

Linus probably hadn't noticed Ronan's true level, still assuming him to be a Level 4.

It might also be because Ronan had just broken through, and his spiritual energy hadn't fully stabilized yet.

"Everyone's almost here. Only Andre and Nico, the half-elf siblings, aren't present. Being half-elves, they're not fond of too much interaction with others, so please understand. I'll convey the meeting details to them afterward."

Old Wills made sure to glance at Linus as he emphasized this, "Andre and Nico are both Level 3 apprentices and have extensive experience in forest scouting and hunting, which will be very beneficial to us."

Upon hearing the words "half-elf" and "scouting experience," Linus visibly relaxed his previously furrowed brow.

Ronan was surprised; he hadn't expected Old Wills to recruit the half-elf siblings too.

He only just learned their names: Andre and Nico.

"Let's begin," Old Wills said, straightening his robe and addressing the group in a serious tone. "The news of the Black Wizard Lands' invasion is basically confirmed. We've gathered here to ensure we can live through it.

Based on my experience, there should be a significant buffer period between the initial conflicts and the actual invasion."

Old Wills reiterated his strategy of temporarily staying in the forest to avoid the skyrocketing prices in town, planning to seek shelter there only when the crisis truly began.

He also mentioned the advantages of living in the forest, like not having to worry much about food and avoiding internal conflicts that kept erupting in wizard gathering places.

Finally, Old Wills said, "Of course, staying in the treehouse district involves certain risks, which requires us to cooperate and watch out for each other.

I believe that with enough vigilance, early detection of danger, and timely evacuation, we won't encounter major issues."

"My suggestion is to designate a fixed area where everyone stays, with daily patrols. That way, if anything happens, we can respond quickly."

Old Wills pulled out a stack of parchment, distributing it to everyone.

"I've connected all your residences and mapped out a patrol route. Take a look, and if you have any suggestions, let me know.

I'll update the map if more people join us later."

Everyone bowed their heads to study the map.

Ronan glanced at it, noting that Old Wills had done a thorough job. Besides the patrol routes, the map marked safe zones, advised avoidance areas, danger spots, nearby water sources, food gathering points, and potential emergency supply storage locations.

Clearly, Old Wills had put considerable effort into this.

The map used each group member's residence as a node, with Ronan's home prominently marked.

Ronan noticed Linus's marked residence was closest to town, and the map seemed subtly centered around it.

He kept silent, understanding that Old Wills recruiting a Level 5 apprentice was remarkable enough. Treating Linus differently was only natural.

"... There's also a handbook of patrol techniques and precautions. Andre is compiling it, and I'll distribute it when it's ready."

Old Wills paused, then continued, "Let's arrange the patrols next.

I suggest pairs."

Old Wills was interrupted by Linus before he could finish.

"I'm not used to working with others. I'll go alone."

Linus spoke coldly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Alright."

Old Wills agreed without fuss, "Linus will be solo, I'll pair with Vinicia, the Jolins will be another pair, Ronan with Jacob, and Andre with Nico—they won't want to be separated."

Old Wills quickly organized the groups, then looked at Ronan.

It seemed Old Wills had consulted with the others beforehand; he was mainly checking Ronan's approval now.

Ronan nodded, indicating he had no objections.

During the grouping, he took the opportunity to remember everyone present.

Linus was self-explanatory. Vinicia was the shy girl who lived by the tree spring, now taking turns with Old Wills to care for Porter's daughter, Cheryl.

She had been present but hadn't spoken a word, a Level 2 apprentice.

The Jolin couple were wizard partners, both Level 2 apprentices.

The husband was portly, with crystal glasses, appearing timid and indecisive.

The wife seemed more assertive, having questioned Old Wills about the patrol map earlier.

Jacob, Ronan's patrol partner, was the chubby, baby-faced youth who had spoken first, another Level 2 apprentice.

He seemed pleased to be paired with Ronan, frequently glancing at him, eager yet hesitant to start a conversation.

Once the groups were set, Old Wills offered some encouraging words, then distributed small wooden boxes to everyone, "These are signal boxes. If something happens, just crush it, and others will come immediately upon seeing the signal."

Ronan toyed with the small box, sending his mental energy inside to find black powder.

He'd seen these at the wizard market—a simple alchemical invention for signaling.

His thoughts were interrupted by Linus questioning, "Why not use communication stones? They're faster and more convenient."

Everyone turned to Linus, silent.

Ronan watched the proud Level 5 wizard, feeling a bit exasperated.

A [Communication] rune cost over ten low-grade magic stones. Besides high-level apprentices, who could afford such advanced tools?

It seemed Linus had forgotten they were just low-level wizards, living in treehouses because they couldn't afford to move to town despite the impending war.

Realizing his mistake, Linus looked embarrassed, huffing lightly and saying no more.

Ronan eyed him, thinking, "He must have a communication stone himself to suggest such an idea. It seems he's quite well-off."