Wizard Lord:I can Extract Anything

Richard took the crystal ball and, upon examining it with his mental power, discovered a blueprint for a magic armor called the Pale Mask.

Jolord, engrossed in his notes, said in a calm voice, "Create this and present it to me. I'll give you three months. If you can't complete it by then, it shows your talent isn't as extraordinary as it seems."

He glanced at Richard. "Do you understand?"

Richard nodded, "I understand, Master Jolord."

"Then you may go. I have experiments to conduct," Jolord gestured, dismissing Richard and Anna.

Once outside, Richard patted his chest, relieved.

"So that's what a wizard is like? That one look felt like he saw right through me."

Anna rolled her eyes, "It's not that intimidating. The mentor saw you as a low-level apprentice and restrained his life radiation. Go make the magic armor properly. The mask isn't difficult to craft; I'll await your results in three months."

With that, Anna gracefully hopped over the stair railing, descending like a leaf in the wind.

"Wow, levitation magic is indeed impressive. But why do I feel like something's missing?"

Richard scratched his chin, suddenly recalling something and shouted after Anna, "Senior! You haven't paid me yet!"

After settling the magic stone payment with Anna, who generously gave him an additional ten stones due to the exceptional purity of his red mercury and potential future collaboration, Richard left with a total of one hundred and ten magic stones.

"Having money feels great. I'll repay Ellie first," Richard said, counting the stones. He had spent all his stones at the library, even borrowing from Ellie to purchase Bloodline Alchemy materials.

"After repayment, I'll visit the commercial district to gather materials for the magic armor. Let's get started!" Richard declared, full of enthusiasm.

Back at the dormitory, Richard knocked on the neighboring door.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Who is it?"

"It's me."

Click.

Ellie, in a thin nightgown, sleepily opened the door.

"Richard, what's up?" Ellie rubbed her eyes, inadvertently revealing much through her sheer attire.

"Nothing much, just returning the magic stones."

Richard averted his gaze, handing Ellie a pouch of stones.

"Five stones. Please check it."

Ellie tossed the pouch aside without a glance. "No need to check. You won't cheat me. Come in for some tea; I recently bought some Green's tea from the commercial district."

"No, thanks. I just got a mentor who assigned me a task," Richard replied, turning to leave.

"You met that woman named Anna?"

"Hmm?" Richard paused, "How did you know?"

"The scent. She had it during her lecture," Ellie replied nonchalantly.

Richard sniffed and indeed detected a faint aroma similar to red mercury.

"Impressive, you noticed that."

Richard gave a thumbs-up and waved goodbye, leaving quickly.

Ellie watched him leave, shutting the door with a bang.

Behind the door, her cheeks flushed, mixed with frustration.

"He won't even come in! Is his heart made of stone?"

Exasperated, Ellie stomped her foot before flopping onto her bed, picking up a book borrowed from the library, "Gazetteer of the Wizarding World."

"Sigh, knowledge, you're the real enchantress. So many are bewitched by you, dedicating their lives for just a glimpse of your mysteries. How can I compete with such a rival?"

In the commercial district, Richard began sourcing materials according to the blueprint.

"Low-grade wind-patterned stones, sticky mushrooms, black mercury, poisonwood ink, ten-year-old magic-infused wood..."

After a long search, Richard managed to gather most materials for the Pale Mask, spending a hefty 3,500 academy coins, equivalent to thirty-five magic stones.

"Just one more item, a black-patterned water python skull."

Richard checked the list. Despite visiting numerous shops, he hadn't found this item.

"We don't have black-patterned water python skulls here," the shopkeeper shook his head.

Richard sighed, this was the last alchemy shop in the district.

"Where can I acquire this?" Richard asked, slipping ten academy coins into the shopkeeper's hand. The shopkeeper, now more amiable, whispered, "Black-patterned water pythons live in the Blackstone Mountains. You could hunt one yourself; they aren't difficult for a low-level apprentice. Also, check the academy tasks for patrols in the mountains—you might get a free airship ride, saving on a ticket."

"Blackstone Mountains, huh? Thanks for the tip."

Richard decided to follow the shopkeeper's advice and headed to the task hall.

The task hall was bustling with activity. After searching the task list, Richard found a mission to patrol the Blackstone Mountains for white crystal deer populations.

Approaching the counter, he intended to take on the task.

"Sorry, due to the task's danger, low-level and novice apprentices must form teams of two or more," the apprentice behind the counter informed him.

"Teamwork required? That's troublesome," Richard frowned.

Since arriving at the academy, his life had been quite solitary, focused on the library and dormitory, with Ellie as his only acquaintance.

Richard rubbed his temples in frustration.

"Should I ask Ellie to team up?"

As he pondered, a voice came from behind.

"Hey, friend. Looking for a teammate?"

Richard turned to see a chubby apprentice in a wizard robe smiling at him. The apprentice seemed genuine and sincere.

"Interested in teaming up? I'm Loken, looking for a partner for the Blackstone Mountains."

Richard glanced at the clerk. It seemed too coincidental that someone appeared right after he inquired.

The clerk gave Richard a sidelong glance. "Forming temporary teams in the hall is common for low-level apprentices. Don't overthink it."

"Sorry, I already have a teammate."

Richard smiled apologetically at Loken and left.

Teaming up with a stranger for an outdoor task seemed too risky to Richard.

Returning to the dormitory, Richard knocked on Ellie's door again.

"Richard, what's up this time?" Ellie opened the door, her expression curious.

Has this blockhead finally caught on?

"Uh..." Richard hesitated before speaking, "I saw a task in the hall that requires a team. Are you free?"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

Ellie silently cheered, maintaining her composure.

"I'm free. How shall we split the reward?"

"Three hundred academy coins, split evenly."

Richard's primary goal was the black-patterned water python; the academy task's reward was less significant to him now.

"Alright, I'm in. Let me change first."