The quantification of power in the Wizard World is a precise art. For an Element Wizard, lethality hinges upon mental energy; a typical Apprentice can manifest a strike ten times their mental capacity.
Body Refinement Apprentices mirror this, unleashing force ten times their physical strength. As for the heights a Formal Wizard can reach, Li Xi has not yet ascertained those limits. Regardless, Guru treats every training session as if a fraction more pressure would end Li Xi's life.
Li Xi's perception of power remains grounded in his past: Earth's firearms rarely exceed 100 points of damage, and while nuclear silos hold four-digit potential, they are distant memories. Now, after less than a year of cultivation, Li Xi can unleash over 200 points of force. This prowess is unheard of within the Purple Flame Academy.
"Your improvement surpasses all imagination," the voice of the 'Old Grandpa' echoed in his mind. "Follow my path, and you will become a genius revered by all."
"I owe this to you," Li Xi replied, his gratitude flowing like water.
"Gratitude is unnecessary. By our covenant, you must secure the Primeval Liquid."
"I am already beginning to probe for its location," Li Xi promised.
The Green Cabin is a massive merchant enclave with a presence in every corner of the Wizard World.
"Lord Li Xi," acknowledged Toronto, a rotund manager. In this Academy, Li Xi was a curiosity—the only Element Apprentice walking the brutal path of Body Refinement.
"Toronto, is my order ready?"
"The Earth-style armaments you requested are here. Such things are trivial to us; they are a mere gratuity. You need only cover the logistical fees."
Toronto pointed to a backroom where mountains of ammunition crates were stacked. Weapons that would start wars on Earth were tossed aside as junk here.
"As for the Primeval Liquid, the Purple Gold Flower headquarters stocks it, but the price is exorbitant." Toronto gestured with regret. "One milligram costs one million coins—and it is perpetually out of stock."
Li Xi remitted his payment with a heavy heart. His compensation was nearly gone. In this world, one must always disburse value for value.
Three months later, Li Xi lay gasping in Guru's courtyard.
"Your frame is ready for the Gravity Rune Array," Guru grunted. "Find an Element Wizard to etch it."
"I have no coins left," Li Xi confessed, explaining his plight.
"Lending is impossible," Guru sneered with ill intent. "But Element Wizards often need assistants. I think you are... uniquely suited for the role."
Li Xi was skeptical. Thousands of High Apprentices were queuing for such positions. Why would a master choose a novice who couldn't even draw a basic rune?
"They wouldn't choose you," Guru laughed ferociously. "But they will choose me."
A day later, Guru shattered the silence of a four-story tower by kicking the door. "Gavaqi! Come out, you old lizard, or I'll tear this place down!"
A weary old Wizard appeared, a large green frog squatting on his head.
"Guru, why are you pestering me?"
"My student is bankrupt. I've brought him to be your assistant. My only condition: as long as you don't kill him, do as you wish."
Gavaqi's derision softened into a predatory curiosity. He and the frog both scrutinized Li Xi as if he were a rare insect. Li Xi felt a chill—this wasn't a job offer; he was being sold as experimental material.
"Don't look so mournful," Guru barked, slapping Li Xi's shoulder before vanishing. Li Xi was left alone in the void of the tower.
The halls were lined with jars containing every strange biological appendage imaginable.
"Listen, boy," Gavaqi said, his wrinkled face devoid of warmth. "Experiments are full of unknowns. If you die on the table, it is not my concern. To survive, you must cooperate."
Despite the threat, Gavaqi spent the first month in close proximity with Li Xi, teaching him the basics of data collection so he could accurately report his own agony. Li Xi learned that Gavaqi's specialization was toxins—poisons capable of silencing entire worlds.
"I may be old," Gavaqi croaked, "but I can still wither a planet with a breath."