A mage? A spell engineer!

Chapter 209 Training according to Rorschach's standards

Luo Xia was unaware of this underhanded scheme. He was overjoyed, even though the night school placement was only a temporary measure, it meant that students from poor families would at least not be completely deprived of education.

So, as agreed, he returned to the Higher Normal School of Valuana that day, and sure enough, Andrei came this time, bringing two classmates with him.

Luo Xia handed out paper, pens, and lecture notes to them, and also talked about the textile factory night school. "If you want to go, you can first compile a list of classmates you can contact, collect their addresses and living conditions, and then Andrei will compile it."

For these teenagers, safety is the primary concern when it comes to attending night school, and it's best to leave that to experienced organizers. Andrei agreed, but his expression was evasive. The other two students left happily, leaving only him. After a long pause, he finally said, "Mr. Rorschach, I'm sorry, I can't go to night school."

Is it because of your night shift?

"My father is still looking for work. If I give up my job, my mother will have a hard time. She cleans houses, does laundry, and takes care of my younger siblings."

If he had a good background, he wouldn't have to worry about food and clothing, and with his magical talent, he could have become a mage or other professional, constantly earning a high income. But now, even going to school has become a problem. Rorschach also doesn't understand why Andrei didn't show his talent at the church's grammar school; otherwise, he would definitely have been accepted as a gracious recipient.

It's impossible to know now, and he's not the only one in a similar situation. "If I had a new job, would you be willing to come? It's in the monk's research building."

"Huh?" Andrei had neither expected it nor could he comprehend or imagine it. Rorschach could only tell him about the Alchemy Department and the job he had found for him.

"Now that you can write and calculate, you'll definitely be able to find a much better job if someone introduces you to one. In the Alchemy Department, there's a lot of work that requires writing and calculating." The most typical example is drawing blueprints. A set of hundreds of sheets is a huge undertaking just to write the headers. You also have to check various labels and serial numbers, as well as organize documents. Snow has complained about the mess of documents more than once.

Rorschach felt that Andre was perfectly capable of the job: "There are mages in the Alchemy Department. Although they are a bit eccentric, they are all good people. You can learn some simple spells in your spare time."

Considering the timing of Andrei's awakening, it's likely his spellcasting abilities, lacking early training, won't be very strong. However, he can probably master practical tricks and low-level spells if his mentors are willing to teach and he's willing to learn: "So, if you go to the Alchemy Department of the Tower of Stars, you can have a normal work-study schedule, but it will be part-time. I can only offer you three gold coins per month. Can you accept that?"

This wage was very low, roughly equivalent to one-fifth of the subsidy Cano had initially offered Rorschach, calculated by the difference between paper money and gold coins. But even this price surprised Andrei; at that time, a farmer's annual income was about 150 livres, while those engaged in industry earned slightly more, about 300 livres.

And three gold coins! This income is simply unbelievable, something Andre couldn't even imagine. It not only exceeds his current night shift salary but is even higher than his father's previous job. "You...you're so generous, thank you. I'm willing to accept your help, but I don't know how to repay you."

"Don't worry about me calling you by the wrong name; that's my reward. Let's go check out the alchemy department today." Rorschach recalled the "funny story" Master Cano had told him: the queen's rooster-comb-like hat, each feather worth 2000 livres. Cano had recounted it casually: "Because it was so ugly and ridiculous, our queen flew into a rage and threw it out the window, where it spun in the air like a bird."

Rorschach led Andrei to the alchemy department, and Snow showed him around the first floor. "Andrei, we've heard about your story. Welcome. But it's best to avoid the basement and the second floor; I'll arrange a work and study plan for you."

Rorschach insisted on accompanying Andrei through each room. Some of the alchemy department staff glanced up and went back to their own business, while others greeted Snow and Rorschach, with Rorschach asking Andrei to respond.

The boy's insistence on accompanying Andrei was not without reason; he wanted to show others that he had brought him and prevent Andrei from being bullied. Although Rorschach believed that the alchemy department members wouldn't target their own student, the situation was special, so it was best to be cautious.

To test Andrei's literacy skills, Snow first assigned him simple tasks, then spoke privately with Rorschach in his office: "What are your plans for this student?"

"If he can adapt to this place and do the job well, that would be great. If not, I have other options." If all else fails, I'll ask him to work at "Hercules" and then attend night school with other students.

Antoine Newsingen now heads the research and development department in Valois and frequently communicates with Rorschach to discuss issues. André's abilities are more than sufficient to be his assistant.

Unexpectedly, Snow had a different idea: "Would you be happy if I assigned him to work in the Ether Crew?"

"I agree. As long as the training is good and safety is guaranteed, that's fine." Luo Xia thought that if he could gain experience in operating the crew here, he could "tie" Andre to Bain in the future, and the ether crew under the Bain Mage Tower could be handed over to him.

Snow held out his hand: "So, where's the solution someone agreed to, the one to replace the mithril rod? Hand it over now!"

Rorschach took out his notebook and explained the concept of the energy-gathering array in the town's mage tower to Snow, then asked whether the inner and outer ring reversal could replace the mithril rod.

"Efficiency will be lower, but costs will be greatly reduced. Yes, at least it can significantly reduce initial investment." Master Snow nodded in agreement with the feasibility of applying this technology to the collector.

After they finished their discussion in the office, Andrei also finished his paperwork. He checked it twice, treating the documents that could change his life with more care than he did for exams in school.

No problem, Andrei breathed a sigh of relief. Afraid of crumpling the paper, he held it up and knocked on the door: "Master Snow, I've finished. Please review it."

Snow opened the door and smiled as he took the gift: "In this building, the only one who can be called a master is Kano. You can call me Master Snow or Minister, but please don't get it wrong again."

With trepidation, Andrei passed the trial, and Snow then asked him to demonstrate his magic in the practice room. He lit a textbook on fire.

"I haven't tried since I was called in for questioning." Andrei said awkwardly, or rather, he had become reserved ever since he arrived at the research building. He had tried more than once, but fortunately, Rorschach and Snow were very patient and even gave him pointers on how to condense fire element.

The last tiny flame was held in Andrei's palm, and the boy casting the spell couldn't contain his joy as it flickered.

"Congratulations." Snow clapped earnestly, then asked Rorschach to demonstrate the [Fireball] spell.

boom!

The protective magic of the first and second layers was shattered directly, and the magic lamps in the room flickered a few times before stabilizing. The rebounding heat wave hit the three people's faces, making them feel warm.

"See that? Don't let down Master Rorschach's efforts for you. From now on, practice magic according to this standard! Here you go." Snow took out a set of apprentice robes from his storage bag and tossed them to Andrei.

"yes!"

Don't sway people's artistic style! Rorschach strongly protested.

(End of this chapter)