Ron's heart tightened, unsure whether this Advanced Apprentice was implying something to him or testing him.
But in any case, the other party was clearly aware of the notebook in his hand.
"Thank you for the reminder, sir. I will consider it carefully," Ron responded cautiously in a quiet voice as well.
At this moment, Ron suddenly understood what Andre had mentioned earlier.
Those in positions of power, although holding the authority over life and death, often offer proper guidance and help to apprentices with potential, rather than arbitrarily suppressing them.
Holt's discreet hint was undoubtedly a recognition of his potential.
"So understanding the rules of the School and showing enough potential might be the key to surviving here?" Ron pondered.
"You're a smart person; it seems I don't need to say much more."
Holt nodded, with a hint of scrutiny and reevaluation in his tone:
"The incident report will be documented, but given that it involved self-defense, it will not have any negative impact on you. The assessment is approaching; I hope you are prepared."
With that, he promptly left the scene with the Law Enforcement Team, leaving Ron standing alone in the blood-stained corridor.
Ron took a deep breath and returned to his room.
He needed time to sort out his thoughts and digest everything that had just happened.
Today's experience once again made him deeply aware of the harsh reality of the Black Mist Jungle.
Here, everyone struggles to survive, driven mad for the sake of power.
Locke, Emily, Darrend… and many other pale bones he couldn't see were the best reflections of this twisted reality.
But no matter how dangerous the environment, ultimately it's your choices and strength that determine your fate.
.........
In a secret chamber somewhere within the Black Mist Jungle, a bluish light illuminated the figures wearing white robes.
The walls were covered with various-sized Crystal Balls, each displaying different areas within the School.
One of the Crystal Balls clearly presented the entire process of Ron's battle with Darrend.
"Seventy-eight points."
A stern-faced Wizard announced, holding a complex scoring device in his hand:
"This Candidate Apprentice performed quite well, especially when facing such intense Sound Wave Attacks."
"I give seventy points," another elderly Female Witch said, her bright purple eyes fixed on the screen:
"Although his Swordsmanship and adaptability are commendable, his reaction was a bit slow during the first wave of Sound Wave Attacks."
"I agree with Yuni's view."
The third Wizard, a tall middle-aged man, nodded and said, "However, his final fatal strike was very accurate, deserving of extra points. For a Candidate Apprentice, maintaining composure in such a situation is quite rare."
"Then let's set it at seventy-five points." The elder who was leading the discussion finalized the score:
"Record his name, Ron Ralph, and consider putting him on the key observation list for next year."
A duty apprentice standing in the corner quickly jotted down the decision.
Meanwhile, Holt had already arrived at the scene with the Law Enforcement Team, checking Ron.
"Interesting, he should be that new assistant under Allen's command, I seem to have some impressions."
Yuni Witch raised an eyebrow: "It seems Old Allen's judgment is as accurate as ever."
In the Crystal Ball, Holt had left the scene with the Law Enforcement Team and Darrend's corpse, leaving Ron standing alone in the blood-stained corridor.
"He looks in bad shape," the stern-faced middle-aged male wizard commented, "The internal injuries caused by those Sound Wave Attacks are not to be underestimated; I'm really curious whether he'll make it through the night."
"He'll be fine," the elder hosting the session said calmly, "He carries the aura of the Sun, his self-healing abilities should not be weak."
"The Sun?" This word caught the attention of the other Wizards, "Have you confirmed it?"
The elder nodded: "Although it's weak, it does exist, which is why I'm interested in him."
"Then he's even more worth observing," Yuni mused:
"In recent years, apprentices with Elemental Affinity have become rarer. If he truly has the talent of the Sun, cultivating him could bring considerable 'benefits'."
Upon hearing the word "benefit," all the Wizards' expressions turned subtle.
"Speaking of 'benefits.'" The middle-aged male wizard suddenly changed the topic, complimenting the elder in front:
"Vice Dean, you seem to be getting younger these days; it must be thanks to nurturing Corina the Witch decades ago, which brought you substantial 'benefits'."
"That's why we must keep discovering seeds in the surrounding Mortal Realm..."
The elder, addressed as Vice Dean, said softly: "A student who successfully advances to Official Wizard status can extend a Master's lifespan by at least fifty years; I think the Trish that Corina recently found has great potential."
"Of course, this is our necessary duty as School Masters." Everyone echoed in agreement, some whispering on the side:
"Without the 'benefits' from nurturing students, us old folks would have been devoured long ago."
"That's also why we need such an environment," the Vice Dean said casually:
"Adequate danger and competition can make truly potential apprentices stand out. Just like Oliver a few years ago; in such a life-and-death environment, his inherently poor Spiritual Talent was stimulated to reveal incredible Special Talent."
"Exactly," Yuni agreed: "True strength doesn't grow in a greenhouse; only those who have faced true life-and-death tests can unleash their greatest potential."
"Those children who took Forbidden Potions are also part of this system."
The middle-aged male wizard added calmly: "Their failures and deaths precisely provide nourishment for the growth of other apprentices. Survival of the fittest, this is an eternal law."
The Vice Dean stood up, concluding the evaluation:
"Continue to monitor those on the candidate list, and let the 'Black Vipers' slow down their activities in the coming days; the number of aberrations has already exceeded our plan."
"Yes, sir." The recorder beside him answered respectfully.
Yuni shook her head with a light smile: "The apprentices probably can't even dream that the dangerous black market organization they see is merely a tool under our control."
"A necessary evil," the Vice Dean said calmly:
"Some apprentices indeed die because of it, but more become stronger. Just like what we experienced back then, the survival of the fittest."
"Alright, let's adjourn." He waved his hand: "Has the next batch of Spiritual Catalysts arrived?"
"Already prepared, Vice Dean," the recorder replied: "However, as per your instructions, the formula has been adjusted; the mutation probability of this batch should drop to less than half."
"Good." The elder nodded:
"As always, we need competition, but not too intense. After all, true geniuses are rare."
As the Wizards left, the image within the surveillance Crystal Ball gradually dimmed.