41 Apprentice Group (2/2)

“So…If you don’t mind, sir,” Smile asked Lucien with a bit hesitation, “you can join us. The journal will be passed on to another apprentice over the next meeting.”

Lucien thought about the potential risk, but he also didn’t want to miss the chance to find the apprentice group in Aalto.

“What do you usually do during the meeting?” Lucien asked.

“Aalto is the last city of ancient Sylvanas Magic Empire, and there are still many sorcerers and sorceresses teaching their apprentices secretly. Apprentices gather together to exchange information, magic materials and views. We work together and help each other.” Smile explained.

“I see… But the church is watching us all the time. How did the founders manage to start the group at the very beginning?” Lucien wanted to ask more questions to make sure it was not a trap.

“Well… there’re several apprentice groups. Most apprentices here belong to one of them, while some join more than one group. The founders of our group first met each other by accident in the Melzer Black Forest when they were seeking the same magic materials.” Smile answered in a patient way, “…I know you’re very cautious, sir, and I completely understand. Every one of us all felt the same way when we first joined the meeting group. You’ll see that it’s a very secret group. Except the one who introduces you to the meeting, you can hardly can recognize anyone else there, because we’d all dress like the way you’re dressing now.”

“If you can join us, sir, it will be our pleasure. And I’m pretty sure you can also find what you need there, at least we can try.” Smile added.

Despite the man’s harsh voice, Smile felt the man in the black robe was not a vicious sorcerer, instead, he appeared to be quite calm and understanding. If their apprentice group could have a real sorcerer as a regular member, these apprentices, including Smile himself, could definitely benefit a lot from it. Even if the man was actually not as powerful as he appeared to be, Smile didn’t think he would do any harm to the group.

Lucien was persuaded. He knew sooner or later he had to find a group instead of always working alone, and the magic potions and reagents were also too tempting for Lucien to refuse, “Well… My lab was damaged several days ago, if your group can provide me with a whole set of labware, I’ll be more than willing to go.”

“I don’t think it will be a problem, sir.” Smile grinned.

“Thank you, Smile. Then where is the group meeting, and when?”

“This Saturday evening,” answered Smile, “It would be held in the sewers, but we haven’t agreed on the specific location. Please tell me how to find you when we decide, sir.”

“Don’t hold your meeting in the sewers.” Lucien warned Smile seriously, “The church is lately keeping a close watching there. Don’t ask me what happened there, and don’t ask why I know this. Just tell all your group members not to go down there recently.”

“What?!” Smile was shocked. Even thinking about what would happen to the apprentice group if he hadn’t met the mysterious sorcerer tonight made his heart beat really fast.

“We can develop a set of code first. Then when you decide where and when to hold the meeting, find the eighth house opposite to the ruin of the apprentice’s place and leave the secret code on the corner of the wall. It’s easier and also safer for both of us.” said Lucien.

The house sat right beside auntie Alisa’s place. It was very convenient for Lucien to see the code on his way.

After agreeing on the secret code, Lucien stood up from the chair and was about to leave. Simile stopped him and asked,

“Sir, can you give me your pseudonym? We don’t use real names during the meeting.”

Lucien thought for a few seconds and replied, “Well… call me ‘Professor’.”

Lucien slightly dusted his black robe and walked toward the door. Before he left, he turned towards Smile, “I almost forgot… I’m working on an experiment recently which requires Corpse Mushroom and Revenant Dust. I’m running out of these two materials. If you guys can provide some, I’d really appreciate it.”

Then he opened the door and stepped out of the room, “Good night, Owl.” Lucien nodded politely. “Owl” was Smile’s pseudonym.

Smile watched the mysterious sorcerer closing the door gently and heard his light footsteps downstairs. Like a dream, the room became quiet again, as if the man never had never been there.