Chapter 476: 404 Zhangg Discussing Merits
"This time, much thanks to Green."
Chen Jichuan didn’t elaborate further. He motioned to Morris and the other two, then pointed at Green: "This time, Green was the first to report the news of the ’Holy Artifact’ and also the fastest to locate it. The credit is all his."
"Dean, you flatter me."
"If it weren’t for the Dean’s kindness, Green might still be stuck in ’Oak Town,’ hosting and entertaining guests, smiling and flattering everyone."
Green was visibly emotional.
He was deeply grateful to the Dean and to the ’Summoning Cottage.’
Unlike his younger years, now that he was a Second-level Mage, he had a clearer understanding of those past events.
Green understood that without the ’Summoning Cottage,’ his life would have been miserable and mundane.
"It’s also because of your own hard work."
Chen Jichuan smiled at Green and then inquired, "The ’Summoning Cottage’ rewards accomplishments. You’ve made a major contribution this time. I have two rewards prepared for you. Listen carefully first, and after considering thoroughly, decide which one you’d like."
"Dean, I—"
Green felt a bit embarrassed and was eager to argue.
At first, such thoughts did indeed occupy his mind. But here in the ’Summoning Cottage,’ in front of the revered Dean and the three mentors, the Second-level Mage now felt ashamed to discuss such matters.
"No need to be modest."
"These are rewards you deserve. If you refuse them, then in the future, when your juniors contribute to the academy, how would you justify yourself?"
Chen Jichuan waved his hand to interrupt Green and continued speaking: "The first reward—among the six Monarchs summoned earlier, you can choose any one. From now on, they will fully obey your orders and will be at your complete disposal."
As soon as the first reward was announced, the office fell silent.
Even the Black Rope Master glanced over, astonished.
A Monarch!
This was equivalent to the might of a Third-level Mage. Even for someone like him, a Great Mage, having a Monarch-level partner was a rare and coveted opportunity.
And Green?
He was still merely a Second-level Mage. A Monarch could safeguard his practice, significantly increasing his chances of reaching Third-level mastery.
For a Second-level Mage, the loyalty of a Monarch might arguably be even more valuable than a ’Holy Artifact.’
Perhaps, it was even more suitable.
It wasn’t just Black Rope.
Morris and the other two were equally startled.
Although their abilities were limited, they had heard tales of the value of a ’Holy Artifact’ but had never really grasped it on an intuitive level.
But now, they understood.
"Holy Artifact."
"Monarch."
The mere report about the existence and location of a ’Holy Artifact,’ which wasn’t even the offering of an actual artifact, was enough to exchange for the lifelong allegiance of a Monarch.
This was practically a pie falling from the sky.
The three mentors envied him.
"A Monarch—"
Green was equally stunned.
Just days ago, his wife Levia had been overjoyed learning that they had three chances to summon the ’Bat Monarch.’ And now, he’d been directly granted a Monarch.
This was madness!
Green was momentarily overwhelmed.
Without waiting for Green to fully process, Chen Jichuan went on to explain the second reward: "If you’re confident in reaching the pinnacle of the Third Level in the future, you can choose to forego the first reward in exchange for an opportunity to ascend—a chance to become a Legendary Mage."
"Legendary?"
Green froze upon hearing this, unable to truly comprehend its meaning for a moment.
Chen Jichuan smiled and clarified: "Quite simply, if you manage to become a peak Great Mage, I can help you break through the constraints and reach Legendary status."
"What nonsense is this!"
Black Rope, upon hearing this, rolled his eyes so far back they might’ve stayed there, utterly disbelieving.
Being a Level 3 Mage himself, he knew all too well how difficult it was to ascend to Legendary status. Even in the East Continent or in transcendent organizations like ’Sky City,’ nurturing a Legendary Mage was no easy feat, let alone claiming to assist someone still stuck at the Second Level with such audacious promises.
It was pure absurdity.
"Bah!"
Clearly, this was taking advantage of young Green’s naivety!
Unlike the knowledgeable Black Rope, Morris and the two others, being less experienced, didn’t understand the challenges involved.
Their attention oddly gravitated elsewhere.
"Ascend to Legendary?"
"The Dean himself is still a Great Mage, yet he wants to help someone ascend to Legendary?"
The three seemed to have stumbled upon a blind spot and weren’t sure whether to praise Chen Jichuan’s ambition or criticize his audacity.
But Green, at this moment, seemed to have an epiphany.
"Before, when I summoned the six Monarchs, Atuman and the other Great Mages had planned on forming an alliance with the Dean. But after the Dean arrived, they no longer mentioned it; instead, they were exceptionally respectful. Even Black Rope, who had declared his intention to offer the ’Holy Artifact’ to Lord Anos, faced multiple Great Mages in opposition but refused to yield. Yet when the Dean showed up, he immediately presented the ’Holy Artifact’ respectfully and even followed him back to the ’Summoning Cottage.’"
Previously, while filled with tension and unease, Green had overlooked these anomalies.
Now, hearing the word ’Legendary,’ it was as though a switch had been flipped. All the lingering doubts rushed together, and looking at the obedient Black Rope beside him, a startling thought emerged.
Unable to contain himself, he blurted out—
"The Dean is already a Legendary Mage?!"
"Hmm?"
Morris and the other two were still pondering their ’blind spot.’ Upon hearing these words, they instinctively looked up, only to freeze again moments later.
It seemed today was particularly full of mental short-circuits.
"Legendary?"
The three stared dumbfounded at Chen Jichuan.
"Indeed."
Chen Jichuan didn’t intend to hide the information intentionally.
He had established the Mage Tower over forty years ago, diligently nurturing and advancing himself during those years, never allowing his personal growth to stagnate.
Thanks to ’Decryption’ and ’Derivation,’ Chen Jichuan currently mastered more than one Fourth-level Magic, making him an unquestionably true Legendary Mage.