"This... really works!" Linda exclaimed in amazement.

The potion wasn't perfect—it could even be considered flawed. The black spots on its surface were proof of that imperfection.

Even so, it didn't lessen her admiration for Tharvis. This boy was truly remarkable—almost miraculous.

Ardhis, Livia, Maya, Catrine, and Merlin were also curious and quickly stepped forward.

When they saw the potion, they were just as surprised as Linda—especially Ardhis and Livia, who hadn't expected something like this to actually succeed.

"This..." Livia fell silent, lost for words. At first, she had doubted Tharvis' claims, but now the boy had proven himself.

Tharvis felt a wave of embarrassment. He thought what he had done was ordinary, yet it turned out to be extraordinary. For the first time, he felt appreciated—and that made him genuinely happy.

"So, Master, are you happy now?" Merlin asked, glancing at Linda with a teasing look.

Linda nodded in satisfaction. "Yeah, I'm very happy. Tharvis is really talented. I found a nugget of gold this time."

A faint smile appeared on her lips. What she didn't say was that her happiness wasn't only because of Tharvis' talent but also because of something else.

At the academy, she had a rival—the head of the alchemist division. Their rivalry wasn't one of life and death, but rather one that had lasted since their youth.

That woman's name was Leona, a ninth-level alchemist—one of the few who had reached such a level.

Linda had some business that required a gold-level potion with ninety-five percent purity. Yet, because of her rivalry with Leona, she felt too embarrassed to ask for it.

Even if she did, she doubted Leona would simply give it to her. There would surely be some irritating conditions attached—ones that would only humiliate her further.

Now, with Tharvis, Linda had a new advantage. She could use him to influence Leona. That woman loved alchemy more than anything and would do anything for it.

Linda was absolutely certain that Leona would be very interested in Tharvis—and that would work perfectly in her favor.

"Ahem! Master, your face looks... kinda creepy." Merlin's embarrassed voice came from beside her, instantly snapping Linda out of her thoughts.

Flustered, Linda quickly composed herself. "Well, anyway, I've accepted you as a student of the Academy. Tomorrow, I'll return there, and you'll come with me. Do you understand?"

Tharvis nodded firmly. "I understand!"

"By the way, Tharvis," Merlin interrupted, "did you ask your grandmother's permission?"

He recalled that Tharvis hadn't accepted his offer right away because of his grandmother. It wasn't that she had forbidden him—Tharvis had simply been reluctant to leave her.

That was why Merlin had given him the Clay family badge, so he could go once he was completely sure.

When Merlin mentioned "grandmother," Tharvis's expression darkened. He lowered his head sadly and said softly, "Grandmother has given me permission, Young Master. But..."

Tears welled in the corners of his eyes as he sobbed softly. "She left me this afternoon, and I couldn't do anything."

That morning, when he went to work and returned at noon, Tharvis found his grandmother lying lifeless in bed. Beside her was a note telling him to follow the path he had always dreamed of.

The pain was unbearable. Tharvis cried for an entire hour before finally accepting reality. Then, with trembling hands, he buried his grandmother in the backyard before heading to the mansion to meet Merlin.

Merlin was taken aback and quickly approached, patting his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure your grandmother would be happy to see you standing up and chasing your dreams," Merlin said gently.

No wonder that in the novel, Tharvis was found by Abel in such a pitiful state. He had likely fallen into years of depression and isolation after his grandmother's death.

But now that he had entered the world of books, everything had changed. The tragic fate that once awaited Tharvis never came to pass, and he was able to recover far sooner than he should have.

Linda offered comfort. "Yes, Merlin is right. The Academy is a place where great talents gather. I'm sure you'll meet people precious to you there. So, cheer up."

Tharvis wiped his tears and looked at the two with heartfelt gratitude.

"Maya, have the servants prepare a new room for Tharvis immediately," Ardhis ordered calmly. "Make sure he rests well. Understood?"

Maya gave a small nod. "I understand, Master!"

Tharvis turned to Ardhis and Livia and bowed his head deeply.

"Thank you for your kindness, Viscount Ardhis and Viscountess Livia. I will remember it for the rest of my life," he said respectfully.

From the moment he arrived, the two had treated him with warmth and courtesy. They had even given him new clothes and a good meal before asking about the reason for his visit.

Their kindness truly surprised him—it made him realize that not all noble families were arrogant.

"It's alright, kid," Ardhis chuckled, waving his hand casually. "You've been acknowledged by my son and by Linda. It's only right that I treat you well."

Livia nodded in agreement. "Yes, my husband is right. Do your best at the academy. I hope you'll become a high-level alchemist one day."

Tharvis lifted his head and gave a firm nod.

"Once again, thank you..."

***

In the morning...

Merlin, Catrine, Livia, Ardhis, Maya, and several servants gathered on the front lawn of the mansion.

In front of them stood Linda, with Tharvis at her side.

"Then, I'll be going first," Linda said, her eyes moving from Ardhis, Livia, and Catrine to Miya, and finally to Merlin.

Merlin could sense the longing, affection, and sadness hidden behind those gazes, which made him feel a little embarrassed.

In the past, his master had always been distant and cold toward him. But ever since her affection reached one hundred points, Linda had changed drastically.

Though she still tried to hide her feelings, Merlin believed it was only because he was still too young.

Once he grew older, it wouldn't be surprising if Linda started showing her true nature—like a wolf eyeing a fat sheep.

"Thank you for taking the time to stay for a month and train my son, Linda," Ardhis said with slight embarrassment. "I hope you don't hold a grudge over his request."

He knew how busy Linda was, yet because of Merlin's earlier plea, she had no choice but to remain for thirty days. Naturally, Ardhis felt a bit awkward—especially since Linda hadn't asked for any payment at all.

Livia, standing beside him, smiled and added, "What Ardhis said is true. We owe you a favor. If you ever find yourself in trouble, just tell us—we'll help you, no matter what."

"Relax," Linda said, waving her left hand. "We're friends, and I don't want our relationship to become awkward over something so small. Besides..."

She looked at Merlin again, her eyes filled with a hidden tenderness. "It's been a real pleasure to train your son. He's incredibly talented—on par with the most gifted children I've ever met. In fact, I feel lucky to have had the chance to teach him."

Hearing her praise, Merlin felt both shy and proud. He stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for your guidance this past month, Master. If I get the chance in the future, I'll come to the academy and study there."

Linda nodded softly, patting his head. "Yes, when the time comes, come find me. I'll be waiting."

Merlin smiled as he straightened up, then turned to Tharvis with excitement in his eyes. "Wait for me there, Tharvis. I hope you'll have grown a lot by the time I arrive."

Tharvis clenched his right fist with determination. "Don't worry, Young Master Merlin. I'll do my best and prove that you weren't wrong to give me this opportunity!"

He saw Merlin as his savior—and he would never let him down.

"Good! I'll hold you to that," Merlin said with a satisfied nod.

After exchanging a few more words, Linda snapped her fingers, and a massive crane—about three meters tall—appeared before them.

The sight left Merlin and the others in awe, except for Ardhis and Livia, who recognized it immediately. It was Linda's personal mount.

Linda pulled Tharvis up and leapt onto the crane's back. Tharvis froze in fear, but Linda's calm voice came from in front of him.

"Hold on to its neck."

Tharvis nodded hesitantly and wrapped his arms tightly around the crane's neck.

With a powerful flap of its wings, the crane lifted off and soared into the sky before swiftly disappearing into the distance.

Watching them disappear from sight, Ardhis told the servants to disperse and led Catrine and Livia back inside.

Merlin, however, wanted to be alone, and in the end, they left him by himself.

"System, where's my reward?" Merlin asked, gazing up at the bright blue sky.

[Ding! Congratulations, Master! You have successfully completed the emergency mission: 'Saving Tharvis!' Rewards: 4x Level-A Spirit Enhancement Potions and 15,000 points. The system has delivered your rewards!]

Hearing that familiar voice, Merlin couldn't help but smile.

"Finally, this mission is done," he murmured with a deep sigh of relief.

He had been worried about failing—the consequences would've been severe. Fortunately, everything had gone smoothly.

"System, open the rewards for completing Linda's conquest," Merlin commanded.

But before the system could respond, something unexpected occurred.

The clear blue sky suddenly darkened. Black smoke surged from all directions, twisting space and time around it.

"What...?" Merlin's eyes widened in shock. "What's happening!?"

But he had no time to react. It all happened too fast—his body froze, and the system panel suddenly flashed with error messages.

"[Ding! An unknown force is attempting to enter the world! Initiating recovery process! Progress: 0%... 10%... Failed!]"

"[Starting recurrence process! Progress: 0%... 20%... 30%... 80%... 100%!]"

A second later, the strange phenomenon vanished, and the world slowly returned to normal.

Merlin collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. Cold sweat drenched his clothes as he covered half his face with one trembling hand.

"System... what was that? Why did it feel like I was about to die—like the grim reaper was standing right beside me?" he asked, his voice shaking.

The system remained silent for a moment before responding in a deep, ominous tone, "[The world has sensed your presence and now regards you as a... threat...]"

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