Throne of Magical Arcana - More Invitations

0Although Lazar had already felt shocked many times today, hearing Eric’s words, he still could not help but look at Lucien as if he was looking at a monster, “Lucien, you know what does this mean? I bet you do not. Most arcanists below middle rank would never receive any contribution invitations, and of course, I’m one of them. Our arcana credits usually come from the board and most of us can never have seven credits in several years.”
    

“I think I got really lucky here.” Lucien wanted to remain humble.
    

“Come on… Lucky?! This doesn’t have anything to do with luck, my friend.” Lazar excitedly waved both of his hands, “This is the fourth year since I graduated from my school. Among the papers I’ve written, at least ten of them, only three of them passed the review of the board, and among the three, only one is published on Arcana Discussion… the last but one paper in that month’s journal! I heard that only those geniuses could receive invitations like this, say, Mr. Ulysses or Mr. Felipe.”
    

Although Lazar felt quite sorry for himself, he was not being sarcastic to Lucien at all. Definitely, he was a very nice friend.
    

Eric’s mouth moved a bit as he tried to say something but quickly gave it up. He spent his twenty years on earning one hundred arcana credits and becoming a level three arcanist. Finally, he released a gentle sigh, “The word ‘groundbreaking’… No wonder this journal just directly sent the invitation. Although the application significance of your paper is relatively limited, Evans, it’s really something that your paper can win the word ‘groundbreaking’ from the board members. Every year, except the papers from those grand arcanists and senior-rank arcanists, less than ten papers can enjoy this praise.”
    

“I see…” Lucien finally realized how important this key word was.
    

Lazar hid his a slighty discouraged look and said to Lucien excitedly while pulling his fingers to show his points, “Groundbreaking, breakthrough, extremely important, highly pervasive, worth of great discussion, these are the key words used by the board members to speak most highly of a paper. Of course, if your paper is commented as having the ability to change the times, then congratulations, Evans, you’d be one of the grand arcanists!”
    

When Lucien took over the folder from Mr. Eric, the bell started ringing and the light flashed in the cage again.
    

A new folder just arrived.
    

Eric picked up the folder, and when he opened it, his face looked a bit discouraged just like Lazar’s face just now.
    

“Evans, you’ve got another contribution invitation, from Sound Wave,” Eric said to Lucien, trying to stay calmer, “They promise the same thing, plus that they can recommend your paper to another three index journals.”
    

Both Eric and Lazar felt that they could not be any more surprised now, as long as no invitation from Arcana or Magic was coming.
    

“Which one to choose, Lucien?” grinned Lazar, “I personally still suggest Sound Wave, as it is more professional, and they gave you a better offer.”
    

“Thanks, Lazar, but I personally prefer Common Arcana.” Lucien smiled, “And my reason’s simple: Common Arcana was the first to send the invitation, and that means they value my research.”
    

Lazar didn’t quite agree with Lucien, but when he was about to say something, the bell rang crisply three times.
    

Eric took a look at Lucien’s arcana badge in his hand and said to him, “Evans, we’re off today, and I’m afraid you have to come back here tomorrow to activate your badge.”
    

“Mr. Eric… Can I somehow still do it today?” asked Lucien a bit disappointedly, “I was planning to visit Common Arcana Library and Magic Exchange Office.”
    

Eric shook his head, “Prospell and the other alchemical lives never work one extra minute unless they’re asked by their masters. Even if you had your arcana badge today, you could not visit the two places since they’re also closed now. Come tomorrow morning, and no worries, the credits and points are always yours.”
    

Lazar nodded, “Let’s go for dinner, Evans. In most cases, those alchemical lives are quite lazy.” As he was saying, he quickly took a glance at the shining wall and added, “Of course, they can be very productive and diligent when necessary. By the way, remember to follow the suggestion and add an extra letter behind your name for distinction, Lucien.”
    

“I see. Good evening then, Mr. Eric.” Lucien slightly bowed and put back his unactivated arcana badge on his clothes.
    

…
    

In the hall of Sorcerer Administrative Department, when Cindy and Dona were about to leave, they saw Lazar and Evans walking out of Mr. Eric’s office.
    

“Congra… Eh? Mr. Evans, why your arcana badge hasn’t been…” asked Cindy, but she quickly stopped herself since she did not want to embarrass Mr. Evans.
    

“No, no, no…” Lazar, as Lucien’s friend, felt very proud and started showing off, “Our dear Mr. Evans is the first sorcerer ever whose arcana paper was approved by the board on the day he arrived at Allyn, the first sorcerer who got the comment ‘groundbreaking’ with his first arcana paper, the first sorcerer who have received two contribution invitations from two major journals with his very first arcana paper…”
    

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.
    

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