The Cornflower Witch Chapter 178

“Now, you should understand why the Third Tier is considered the most important stage.”

“Yes, thank you for explaining it to me.” Hylial expressed her gratitude, a sense of curiosity rising within her.

“You will learn more about the core secret arts of the Third Tier later. This scholar here will also provide you with individual and detailed guidance.”

“Oh, thank you.” Hylial hadn’t expected the association to specifically assign a ‘Fifth Tier’ figure to teach her how to advance.

“Considering you’ve only recently entered the Second Tier, there’s no need to rush. You can also try out different schools of secret arts and philosophies at this stage, choosing the path that best suits you for advancement.” This Knight Order Commander’s character was truly noble, with no apparent intention of favoritism or undue guidance.

“I understand.”

“Once you’ve decided on a direction, you can inform us, and we will prepare the necessary resources for you. However, the final assessment will still need to be completed by you.”

“I understand.”

“Good, the important things have been said. Next are your rewards and the objectives for the second half of the year.”

“Considering you’ve focused on Alfalfa cultivation for your advancement, the task for the second half of the year will be to provide sufficient alfalfa fodder. This shouldn’t be difficult for you, right?” This was practically a bonus, as for Hylial, cultivating alfalfa was currently nearly ten times easier than cultivating wheat. By simply living in the valley, she could continuously produce ‘perfect’ quality alfalfa.

“Additionally, we have a few extra commendation missions for you.”

“Submit 3000 Jin of perfect quality wheat, and our Knights will present you with a set of ‘White Knight Armor’ tailored to your size.”

“If you are willing to help us raise foals in the valley, for every foal you cultivate to a First-Tier Aspect, you will be rewarded with a Glimmergold ingot.”

“Learn and master a set of the Knight Order’s advanced swordplay, and if completed, you will be awarded a ‘Second-Tier · Rare’ knight’s sword.”

Although he wouldn’t openly recruit people, the Knight Order Commander’s missions and rewards clearly aimed to guide the girl towards the path of a knight. The reactions of the others in the hall varied; the scholar seemed unfazed, treating it as none of his business, and wore a faint smile. The burly blacksmith beside him acted as if he hadn’t heard, as in his opinion, Hylial’s slender arms were certainly not suitable for blacksmithing, so he held no expectations.

Only Kurand Qiu, who was nearby, twitched his face slightly, wanting to say something, but considering the identity of the person at the head of the table and that his actions were within his duties, it was not appropriate to say something in front of the younger generation.

The conversation ended there, and Hylial left the tower to stay in the association’s room.

The next day, she met the scholar Seraph from yesterday in a tearoom of the association. To Hylial’s surprise, she saw another familiar girl of similar age beside the scholar.

“Hello, my name is Sophiedina.” She also recognized this girl, who was in the same carriage as her when they returned to the Glimmergold Plain that day. “Hello,” Hylial bowed in return, gazing at the girl with a slight curiosity.

Sophiedina was about the same age as her, around 17, dressed in a black velvet gown with a white silk scarf around her neck, exuding a gentle and intellectual demeanor.

“This is my daughter. She also happens to be in the Second Tier, so she should have much in common with Lia,” Seraph introduced.

Afterward, Seraph inquired about Hylial’s learning progress and briefly tested her knowledge of various secret histories.

After confirming that Hylial’s foundations were solid and she had no omissions, he praised her highly and then told the girl what she would learn next.

“I will further teach you about the history of the deep world, specifically the various organizations behind the rise and fall of kingdoms, their origins, development, and the emergence and decline of various secret arts. Much of this knowledge is not permitted to be circulated or printed in the surface world, but since you have come to the Woodland and stepped into the Second Tier, you now have the right to know.”

“I will be based in the city. You will need to set aside three days a week to study with me until you have completed the courses I teach.”

“Understood, thank you, teacher.”

“In addition, I offer some small courses, but according to the rules of the Woodland, these must be charged. You can look at the course list later.” With that, he had Sophiedina take a neatly printed page from a briefcase and hand it to the girl.

[Gofurthian Language Learning, 48 classes – 420 Gold Coins]

[Fairy Language Learning, 36 classes – 600 Gold Coins]

[Elven Language Learning, 54 classes – 520 Gold Coins]

[Beastkin Language Learning (one type), 32 classes – 300 Gold Coins]

[Basic Rune Knowledge, 24 classes – 240 Gold Coins]

[Intermediate Rune Knowledge (Thriving Faction of the Eighth Epoch mid-period), 36 classes – 480 Gold Coins]

[Advanced Rune Knowledge (Classical Faction of the Eighth Epoch late-period), 48 classes – 1200 Gold Coins]

[Glass Rune Knowledge (Six-Part Glazed School), 64 classes – 3600 Gold Coins]

[Seven Gates and Keys (Swan Bright Light School), 42 classes – 4800 Gold Coins]

[Introduction to Military Command, 12 classes – 200 Gold Coins]

[Noble Etiquette and Heritage, 18 classes – 240 Gold Coins]

[World Within the Eye (Learning 7 Basic Eye Techniques), 16 classes – 360 Gold Coins]

[Lobai’s Garden (Notes on the Improvement Process of 12 Special Crops), 28 classes – 600 Gold Coins]

[Ancient King Murreto (Epic of the Barbarian King), 6 classes – 100 Gold Coins]

[The Rise of the Blood Dynasty (Including 6 Blood Law Secret Arts, 3 Rituals), 27 classes – 720 Gold Coins]

…

Gazing at the dazzling course list, Hylial’s eyes were fixed, filled with a desire for knowledge, but seeing the rows of prices below, her heart grew cold.

“So expensive,” she muttered softly.

But was this the price of knowledge?

Hearing Hylial’s soft complaint, the girl opposite her couldn’t help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

“Although the price is high, it’s definitely worth it,” Sophiedina’s voice was clear and crisp.

“Actually, these are already the discounted prices from the association. Usually, if the number of registered students isn’t enough for these courses, the teacher won’t start them.”

For Fifth-Tier Transcendent, there are many things they can do. Teaching lower-tier students usually only happens if the association specifically assigns a mission or provides ample subsidies; otherwise, high-ranking scholars would find it more profitable to spend their time on other activities.

In fact, if not for the association’s specific assignment, a person like Seraph would not be here. He usually resides at several famous academic centers in the Woodland, exchanging knowledge with colleagues and guiding Third or Fourth-Tier Transcendent who come to study.