Above the mage

Chapter 113 Trading

After Committee Member Rachel left, only God and Master Lal remained at the doorway.

"Master Ral," God said respectfully.

"Let's go inside and talk." As soon as Rachel left, Mage Ral acted as if he were on his own turf, adopting an air of complete control.

The same is true.

He didn't think that this wild mage, who looked like he came from the countryside, could refuse him, a member of the academy committee.

Gaode quickly moved aside.

Master Lal entered the room and, without making any move, the door closed silently.

"I won't beat around the bush, I'll just get straight to the point," said Master Lal.

After all, why bother with too much wit when talking to someone who is far weaker than you in terms of strength, age, and status?

The fact that I was willing to lower myself to discuss things with him was already giving him enough face.

The mage Ral was extremely arrogant in front of God.

"Committee member Rachel, there's something else I haven't told you yet. According to the rules of this academy, mages who are recruited with the highest level of benefits will also receive a bottle of 'Ascension Water'," said Mage Ral.

This is something that Gaode Maps was completely unaware of.

The letter of recommendation did not mention this matter, nor did Mrs. Misu mention it to him. It is unknown whether she was unaware of this matter or deliberately kept it to herself.

Now Gao De knows, and has also guessed what Master La'er came for.

"I see you're only a second-class mage apprentice, so you won't need this bottle of 'Spirit Ascension Water' for at least the next year or two. That's why I'd like to borrow it from you. What do you think?" Mage Ral said calmly.

"Of course I don't want to," Gao De thought to himself.

Although he didn't yet know how difficult it was to ascend to the next level, he knew how precious the "Water of Ascension" was.

At least, the mage Seda spent most of his life in Hogan City working hard for this bottle of "Ascension Water".

"Don't worry, as a member of the college committee, I certainly won't take advantage of you as a freshman."

"I will lend you the 'Water of Ascension' for now. When you reach the level of a third-class mage apprentice and are ready to advance to the first-ring mage, I will give you a bottle of the same 'Water of Ascension'."

"This bottle of 'Spirit Ascension Water' was originally meant for me, but because of your sudden appearance, our dean respected Dean Gavin's letter of recommendation, so we assigned this bottle of 'Spirit Ascension Water' to you."

Master Lal explained, while also subtly implying that Gao De's share of the "Water of Ascension" was taken from him.

"So even if I don't borrow from you, I should have received a bottle of 'Spirit Ascension Water' as compensation in the next year or the year after, so you don't have to worry about not having anything to return to you then."

"If my apprentice hadn't missed the golden period for promotion next year, I wouldn't have borrowed this from a newbie like you. I can just wait until next year."

"I won't lend it for nothing. I can afford to give you one or two rare spell recipes, or some small amount of money," Mage Ral added.

After hearing these words, Gao De felt a little better, at least the other party wasn't planning to "get something for nothing".

Of course, only a few.

Although he didn't say it outright, the "coercion" in Master Lal's tone was quite obvious.

The question is, does he have the right to refuse?

This Master Lal is a member of the academy's committee and a high-ranking member with real power. If he refuses the other party's request to "borrow" the Ascension Water now, how can he have a good life in the academy in the future?

When circumstances are against you, you have no choice but to bow your head.

But even though it's the same act of bowing one's head, there's an art to it in how you do it.

"I know that my talent as a mage is average. Just as you said, Mage Ral, I certainly won't need the 'Water of Ascension' for a while."

Gao De spoke kindly, but his face already showed a troubled expression: "It's precisely because my talent is only average that the Water of Ascension is even more important to me."

"I know that principle, but I'm only borrowing it from you, not asking for it."

"Besides, didn't I tell you before that if you hadn't come, I would have already received a share of this year's Ascension Water?"

"Although there has been an unexpected event, the Spirit Water will only be allocated to you temporarily. My share will not be cancelled. I will return it to you in a year or two when my share is available."

"Master Lal, I naturally trust you, but no one can guarantee anything like this, right? The academy's supply of 'Ascension Water' is limited. Because I gave up one portion this year, there might be other unexpected events next year."

Gao De spoke tactfully, but his meaning was clear, though his tone was becoming increasingly soft.

The sense of inner conflict was unmistakable.

Seeing Gao De's attitude, Master La'er knew there was hope, so he began to reassure Gao De from all sides and kept increasing his efforts to shake Gao De's resolve.

Gao De didn't believe a word of Lal's assurances, but his tone became increasingly weak, giving Lal the feeling that he was about to be persuaded at any moment.

"Here's what we'll do: if you're willing to lend me the Water of Ascension temporarily, I'll give you a rare 1st-circle spell recipe, which includes the corresponding potion. You'll be able to use it as soon as you advance to 1st-circle mage. In addition, I'll pay you 20 gold coins every year until you return the Water of Ascension."

Seeing that God was in an ambiguous state of "more than agreeing, but not quite agreeing," the mage Ral finally couldn't resist making a move.

"The average price of a level 1 spell recipe is 25 gold, and the average price of a corresponding potion is 40 gold," the mage said, seemingly worried that Gaode was unaware of the market prices. "And for rare spell recipes, the price can increase by 30% to 50%, depending on their rarity."

"Most importantly, many rare spell recipes cannot be bought with money."

Upon hearing this, Gao De knew that this was probably the most that Mage Ral could offer, and if he continued to argue, the other party might start to become dissatisfied.

He made a troubled expression and nodded helplessly: "Since you've put it that way, it would be too ungrateful of me to refuse you. I'll lend you this bottle of 'Spirit Ascension Water' for now, Master."

Upon seeing Gao De nod, the mage Lal was overjoyed and repeatedly assured him:

"Don't worry, as a member of the academy committee, I certainly won't bully a new student like you. I'll definitely return the 'Water of Ascension' to you!"

"I have never doubted your integrity," Gao De quickly replied, understanding the situation.

Upon hearing this, the mage Lal, who was in a good mood, laughed heartily, both satisfied with the successful transaction and pleased with Gaode's "understanding".

He took out a parchment book and a small bottle of potion from his pocket.

It really is a small bottle, a very, very small bottle, about the size of the "Fengyoujing" (a type of medicated oil) that Gaode Maps used to have.

Inside the transparent bottle was a viscous, light green liquid.

"Here you are the rare 1st-level spell recipe and corresponding potion I mentioned." Mage Ral handed the parchment book and the small bottle of potion to God.

(End of this chapter)