Three days later, Hockenheim Academy sent the results of Moriarty's annual assessment to the Mage's Tower, with a score of "Excellent+". That night, Schmidt summoned Moriarty on the main floor of the tower.

"Moriarty, congratulations on getting 'Excellent+', which means that you have not wasted the past year. To be honest, I had some doubts about your learning methods, but it turns out that you are right. That's good. Standing in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling glass, Schmidt smiled at Moriarty. And anyone who is familiar with a mid-level mage knows how difficult it is to get the smile of this Excellency.

"Thank you, uncle." Because it was in private, Moriarty did not use the official title of "Your Excellency": "I wonder what advice you have summoned me here today?" Having already figured out Schmidt's temperament, Moriarty asked directly.

"Well, I called you here to learn about your plans for the coming year." Schmidt also seemed to like Moriarty's straightforward way of talking, and nodded.

"My plan... At present, there are two main aspects. Moriarty thought about it and decided to say what she really thought.

"You speak."

"On the one hand, I hope to master at least one new first-level spell, and then apply for a promotion test for a full-fledged mage next year." Moriarty said first.

"Well, what else?"

"The other aspect is about alchemy." Speaking of this, Moriarty paused and looked at Schmidt: "I intend to start really fulfilling my duties as an alchemy assistant in the studio. ”

"Oh? Is that so? Hearing this, Schmidt's eyebrows jumped, and he said lightly: "Your 'ambition' is really not small." ”

"It's a bit of a greedy plan, but I'm willing to fight for it." Fearless of the questioning eyes of the mid-level mage, Moriarty said loudly.

"Not bad." Schmidt looked at his nephew, nodded slowly, and said, "I like ambitious young people, and I prefer people with brains." And you're lucky, Moriarty, because you have both of these key qualities. ”

"Uncle, what do you mean?" Moriarty was slightly stunned and asked.

"I think you should have guessed it, that 'The Meaning of Alchemy to the Great Magic System' was specially assigned to Su Ke to add to your annual assessment?" Schmidt asked rhetorically.

"Yes, uncle, I did make such a guess. Please forgive me for being rude. "Moriarty didn't deny it, because denial doesn't mean the slightest.

"It doesn't matter, such speculation is human." Schmidt shook his hand, looked into Moriarty's eyes and said, "Do you know why I'm doing this?" ”

"Please advise."

"Because I want to see for real whether you're fit to be an alchemist." Schmidt said in a deep voice, his expression serious and stern.

"So, what are your conclusions?" Moriarty asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"My conclusion is: Yes! Moriarty, through your arguments and answers, I am sure you have the mind of an alchemist. Schmidt exclaimed, "And I am very glad to know this, my nephew." ”

"Thank you for the affirmation." Looking at Schmidt's gaze that was intertwined with excitement and relief, Moriarty bowed deeply. At this time, it can already be seen that this uncle, who usually seems to be cold and abnormal, is actually really concerned about his nephew.

"Well, there's no need to do that, Moriarty." Schmidt nodded, and continued, "I'm happy with your new plan. But one thing you should be well aware of is that when you get into the substantive study of spells and alchemy, your tuition expenses will increase dramatically again. Your father sent you some money only a week ago, but it probably won't fully support your ambitions. ”…,

"So, do you have anything to say, uncle?" Having said that, Moriarty naturally understood that the point of this conversation was reached.

"As your mother's brother, I have an obligation to guide and help you in place of Helen. So, if I want, I can sign a contract with you. Schmidt said word for word.

"Please, uncle." Morati looked up and said solemnly.

"First of all, you can buy a first-level spell learning scroll from me at half the academy's selling price. Currently, I have six first-level spells in my studio: 'Magic Arrow', 'Petrified Skin', 'Bloodlust', 'Mud Foot' (Slowness', 'Fire Magical Defence', and 'Hydrotherapy'. Of these, you already have the magic arrow, and the other five are up to you. ”

"Thank you."

"Second, I will provide you with a three-year interest-free loan of 50,000 gold coins to support your studies." Schmidt continued.

"Thank you." Moriarty nodded heavily.

"Finally, my studio can sell you alchemy raw materials at cost price, and at the same time buy your qualified alchemy items at market price. Of course, considering that you are only a beginner, I allow you to have a fifty percent alchemy failure rate. ”

"Fifty percent failure rate?!" This time, Moriarty was truly moved.

Perhaps in the eyes of ordinary people, it seems more attractive to buy a spell learning scroll or an interest-free loan of 50,000 gold coins at half price, but anyone who knows something inside knows it deeply understands that the "50% alchemy failure rate" that Schmidt finally promised is the greatest support, which is equivalent to paying for half of the alchemy study fees of Moriarty in the future.

As we all know, the growth of an alchemist is based on the consumption of a large number of gold coins and the scrapping of countless alchemical materials. This is unavoidable no matter how good a beginner is. Because alchemy is originally a profession that burns money in exchange for experience, and its money-burning process is far more than most mage professionals. But now with Schmidt's endorsement, Moriarty's studio will cover 50 percent of the materials and testing costs that are lost in the alchemy process. This kind of support for Cheng Dù is probably very rare among the real Dharma masters and sons.

"Uncle, your generosity almost makes me ashamed. But what I still want to know is, what are my obligations in relation to that privileged to an extent that is beyond limits? After listening to Schmidt's words, Moriarty pondered for a moment and asked in a deep voice.

"Just a little." Schmidt held out his index finger.

"Please."

"Promoted to a full-fledged alchemist within a year. If you do so, the contract will last for three years; But if you fail, then you'll have to leave my Mage's Tower, leave Hockenheim. Schmidt said coldly.

Sure enough, there must be a high risk behind the high return. Advancing to the rank of alchemist within a year is a very difficult task for any mage professional who has just entered the alchemy circle, not to mention that Moriarty is only a mage apprentice. Therefore, if there is a third party present now, it will definitely be considered that the mid-level mage is crazy. Although the benefits of this contract look heavenly, if Moriarty does sign, his exit rate is close to 90%.

"I'm willing to sign this contract, uncle." After about five minutes of silence, Moriarty looked up slightly and said to Schmidt.

"Very good." Looking at Moriarty's calm face, the mid-level mage slowly laughed: "Now I'm convinced, your ambition is really not that kind of lie. ”…,

"Thank you again, Uncle Schmidt. Whether or not I will be able to complete this contract in the end, I will always remember your wishes. At this time, Moriarty said again.

"I don't care about what I want, and I don't have time to care. Well, Moriarty, every minute you have from now on is invaluable. Catch her, and if you want to continue on the path of magic, don't let up even the slightest. Glancing at Moriarty, Schmidt slowly turned around, looked out the window at the night view of Hockenheim and Aquamarine City, and said, "Now, you can retire." ”

"Yes, uncle. Good night. With a deep bow to Schmidt's back, Moriarty retreated to the teleportation array and left the main floor of the tower.

"Helen, your son will be a great professional." Looking at the lights under the mage tower, Schmidt whispered to himself, "As for Haiyna, that's all Dad can do..."

Of course, Moriarty, who left the main floor of the tower, naturally could not hear Schmidt's monologue. And as soon as he returned to the living floor, Haiyuna, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately greeted him.

"Morty, how was Daddy talking to you? Did you say anything? Since there were only two people on the first floor of the Mage Tower, Haiyuna and Moriarty, the girl asked directly.

"Uncle, he signed a contract with me." Moriarty did not hide the slightest, and directly retold the content of the conversation just now.

"Become an official alchemist in a year? If you can't, you're going to leave Hockenheim? Dad, he's really asking for that? After hearing this, Haiyuna's eyes immediately widened, and her face was full of surprise: "How can Dad propose such a contract, it's really too much!" ”

"No, Haiyna, Uncle is doing everything he can to help me." Moriati took the hand of the black-haired girl, and the two sat down on the sofa: "You should also know very well how difficult it will be to become an alchemist if you don't have enough resources to support it. Take a look at the other three mages in the studio, although they are all full-time professionals, they are still working as alchemy assistants, just to slowly accumulate that valuable experience. And now, my uncle's contract has provided me with a strong guarantee, and such an opportunity is unimaginable if it is placed on someone else, right? ”

"But it's only for one year, just in case—" Hayna's face was still cloudy and uncertain.

"Trust me, Hayyana. One year, that's enough. Moriarty took the girl's hand and said firmly.

Because of the crystal book and the growth rate of extraordinary mana and spiritual strength, Moriarty was of course confident that he could complete this seemingly difficult contract. However, these words cannot be said to Haiyana, because there are some secrets that can only be guarded alone.

"Yes, I believe it." Looking at her hands surrounded by Moriati's slender fingers, Hayyana's face slowly flushed, but she didn't break free: "In order to make a contract, I will also do my best to help you, Moti." ”

"Thank you, Haiyna." Moriarty nodded, let go of the girl's hand, stood up, looked at Haiyuna and said seriously: "If one day, when I have the ability to set up a studio of my own, I hope you can join in." ”

"I... Yes. Looking at Moriarty's clear blue eyes, Hayarna hesitated slightly, then lowered her head shyly and answered softly.