190 More Invitations (2/2)
There were so many ”first” in Lazar’s words, that Cindy and Dona almost could not believe their ears.
The girls’ eyes were shining with admiration. ”Mr. Evans, you’ll definitely be in our diaries today!”
Cindy also added, ”Mr. Evans, we’re looking forward to reading your paper. And, again, please don’t forget us when you become a middle-rank sorcerer, haha.”
”What about we celebrate for Mr. Evans a bit tonight?” suggested Dona.
”If the ladies don’t mind, I want to invite you two to have dinner with us.” Lucien smiled. He would like to have more friends in Allyn.
”Of course! We’re more than happy to go.” Cindy nodded excitedly, ”By the way, Mr. Evans, as you’ve already gained seven arcana credits, why hasn’t your badge been activated yet?”
”Ha, Mr. Eric was so shocked by Lucien’s accomplishment that he forgot to do it.” Lazar laughed, ”When he realized it, the other people were already gone for the day.”
”Wow… It’s hard to imagine Mr. Eric with a shocked face…” the two girls giggled.
When they were waiting for the ladies to go for dinner together, Lazar looked at Lucien and said,
”Lucien, among all the comments you just got, you know which one I felt most jealous of?”
”Um… Groundbreaking?” answered Lucien unsure.
”No…” Lazar shook his head slightly and looked a bit depressed, ”It is the comment with regards to your arcanist way of thinking. In all the papers I’ve sent and got rejected, the board members kept telling me that my way of thinking is problematic and not rigorous enough as an arcanist.”
”Reading more and thinking more can improve one’s way of thinking, for sure.” Lucien comforted Lazar, ”If you don’t mind, I can do proof-reading for you, you know, for peer reviewing.”
”That’ll be awesome! Thanks, man!” Lazar cheered up again, ”But no worries, my next paper won’t be there in two or even three months. Ah… by the way, when the apprentice assessment is done tomorrow, your teaching task will be half done, and you need to consider how to plan your life here. Well, think about what you're going to do tonight, and I will give you some suggestions as well tomorrow, when we go to the Task Zone together.”
Lucien nodded seriously. His most important target now was to catch up with other people in arcana.
After the four people enjoyed grilled fish and fries, the traditional cuisine of Holm, Lucien spent the night in a nice hotel recommended by Lazar, where Lucien had a good night's sleep.
...
Early the next morning, Lazar met Lucien in the hotel and went to Apprentice Assessment Department with him.
”There you are, Mr. Evans!” As soon as Lucien stepped into zone three, Lucien heard Heidi and Layria’s cheerful voice. With some books in their hands, they were excitedly looking at Lucien, and before Lucien came, they were still busy with reviewing the exercises.
”Good morning, Mr. Evans,” greeted Annick. He scratched his yellow hair a bit with a happy smile on his face.
”Morning, and good luck to you all,” said Lucien. All of a sudden he felt like playing a joke, ”Just relax. If you three cannot pass the test, I can give you more exercises, so no worries.”
”Well… Thanks, Mr. Evans, but we think we’re fine here.” The three apprentices shook their heads together, looking quite cute.
At this time, Simeon walked out of the office and clapped his hands, ”All the apprentices, come in for the assessment.”
Looking at Lucien and his three apprentices arrogantly, Sprint had a confident look on his face, as he was sure that he could perform way better than the three who received some special but useless training.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Katrina was also staring at Sprint. She told herself that this time she must beat Sprint in the assessment.