"Dear Father and Mother, to get to the point, I might not make it this time... Oh wait, it seems I might survive after all!"
In the midst of chaos, Jeming was "invited" and taken by a few law enforcement wizards in standard wizard robes to a secret chamber deep within the academy.
The room was not large, its walls cast from some cold black metal, without windows, only a heavy metal door.
Jeming sat on a comfortable chair in the center of the room, initially feeling quite tense, but then realized that things didn't seem to be as he had imagined.
Although this secret chamber appeared to be heavily guarded, the wizards didn't seem to pay much attention to him.
He wasn't restrained, nor did he feel any compulsory energy fluctuations.
The law enforcement wizards only brought him there, then quietly stood outside the door, neither entering nor communicating with him.
There was even a small round table beside him with a few exquisite snacks and a drink emitting a warm glow.
"What's this? A waiting game?"
This bizarre friendliness left Jeming scratching his head, but he still felt a slight sense of relief.
"It seems... the issue may not be as serious as I thought?" He carefully picked up the drink and took a small sip.
The liquid slid down his throat, bringing an indescribable comfort, as if it could alleviate mental fatigue.
If he were truly exposed for cultivating a system outside of the wizard's or being suspected as a spy, his captors would not have been so courteous.
Wizards treat their enemies, especially those who might threaten the entire civilization, with absolute coldness and directness.
No binding, no interrogation, even snacks and drinks... this treatment hardly seems like interrogating a spy.
The wait for judgment was uncomfortable, but this pressure-free wait actually made him somewhat relaxed.
He leaned back in the chair, his inner cycle continuously operating, with the refined gold coating secretly covering his body, ready to respond to sudden situations at any time.
After who knows how long, the heavy metal door of the secret chamber made a clicking sound and slowly opened.
A familiar figure with a slightly bald head, wearing a long robe of the Alchemy Element mentor, walked in.
Professor Clark.
Seeing it was Clark, Jeming immediately felt a natural fear of a homeroom teacher in his heart.
He promptly straightened his posture, his body tense, not daring to breathe too heavily.
He expected to be subject to his mentor's cold inquiries and scrutiny.
To his surprise, Clark exhibited none of the attitudes of examination or questioning.
His face remained expressionless, but his gaze seemed less stern and more like...
"How should I put it? A gaze appraising the value of merchandise?"
Jeming was full of questions, but he couldn't voice them and could only quietly wait for the judgment.
Fortunately, Clark didn't beat around the bush, sitting in a chair opposite him and speaking directly.
"The 'White Iron Base Insulation Material' you submitted has passed the highest level of inspection and assessment, with tremendous potential. In addition, your performance during the unexpected incident in the public laboratory was calm, decisive, and accurate in your judgment of the equipment core, displaying exceptional reaction capability and talent."
Jeming gulped, unsure of what his mentor meant, afraid the next word would be a "but."
Things didn't unfold as badly as he anticipated; Clark paused and then uttered a word unfamiliar to Jeming:
"The academy has decided to initiate the Second Level Cultivation Agreement for you."
Second Level Cultivation Agreement?
Jeming was momentarily bewildered.
What's this?
He had heard Amy and others mention some sort of apprentice cultivation plan at the academy, but the Second Level Cultivation Agreement... although it sounded similar, it seemed like a different concept.
Clark seemed to notice his confusion and explained patiently, which was quite rare:
"The Second Level Cultivation Agreement is established by the Star Ring Alliance for apprentices assessed to have the potential to surpass the Official Wizard level and aim for higher tiers. This signifies the entire alliance's focus on cultivating you."
"Specific privileges include: Your points account has been granted more purchasing permissions. Ordinary apprentices can only purchase items and knowledge related to a First Level Official Wizard at most, while you, as long as you have enough points, can purchase almost anything within the school's Magic Net that's non-prohibited, including some controlled knowledge and items."
"Simultaneously, you have been given the qualification to establish your own private laboratory. You can own a laboratory in the designated area of the workshop, enjoying a better research environment and resources. Of course, you will bear the costs yourself."
"The most important point is, you can sell your research products through the academy's channels on the energy communications of the entire Star Ring Federation. Unlike the task center which only connects to internal communications, this platform allows transactions crossing planes and forces, accessing a vast array of markets and resources."
Listening to Clark's introduction, Jeming generally understood the value of the Second Level Cultivation Agreement, though he still had some doubts.
"Mentor, these... seem to be just qualifications?" Jeming hesitated, "It feels like there's no substantial support? Like, will the academy provide a large number of free materials or points assistance?"
After hearing Jeming's question, Clark's ever-stoic face habitually showed a look like viewing a fool:
"Points? Assistance?"
He looked at Jeming, his tone adopting the analytical manner Jeming was familiar with from class:
"Apprentice Jeming, if you cannot even earn enough points for your own cultivation and research needs, then you are not qualified for the Second Level Cultivation Agreement, let alone proving your capability to reach higher tiers."
"These qualifications are the greatest support. They eliminate your resource acquisition ceiling, broaden your resource acquisition channels. How much you can earn and how far you can go depends on your own abilities."
Hearing Clark's words, Jeming's previously anxious heart finally relaxed fully.
So that's how it is!
It turns out he wasn't seen as a spy or suspected of hiding some earth-shattering secret; instead, the academy confirmed he possessed "investment value" and "cultivation potential"!
So, in other words...
I managed to justify the material issue under the guise of a "genius"?!
At this realization, a sense of relief overwhelmed Jeming.
He was finally safe!
At least, within this academy, under the protection of the rules, he was temporarily safe!
Jeming felt a wave of relief, though also a bit of awkwardness.
The dramatic shift in his mindset made him chuckle slightly, his expression showing some relaxation.