Wizard: Start with Biological Transformation to Grind Experience novel Chapter 52

Chapter 52: 019: On what grounds?

"Scoochi? Could it really be that Scoochi? The Snow Mountain Wizard Family!"

"How could it be? That country... how could Lynch know such an important figure? Isn’t he... wasn’t he just born ordinary?"

To the ordinary apprentices present, purebloods absolutely counted as genuine big shots. Amid their shock, they began whispering among themselves, and all the previous rudeness vanished without a trace.

Graham ignored them, sweeping his gaze across the crowd and quickly pausing on the strikingly beautiful female apprentice who had arrived with Al.

"Huh? Miss Karina?"

He let out a soft murmur of surprise, then swiftly bent forward, staggering his legs, lowering his right hand in a gesture of noble etiquette. "It’s an honor to meet you. I didn’t expect to see you here."

The young lady smiled faintly, her voice as beautiful as a songbird’s. "My mentor arranged for me to welcome the new apprentices."

Graham said, "I must’ve made a fool of myself before you."

The young lady chuckled lightly.

On the other side, Lynch furrowed his brows slightly. He hadn’t anticipated Graham showing up at this moment. Though he recognized his good intentions, this was far from the timing Lynch had hoped for.

He quickly raised his head to look in Al’s direction.

Hmm?

Just as he imagined Al would become vigilant again because of Graham’s appearance, Lynch was surprised to find Al had little reaction to Graham’s arrival, as though seeing this pureblood stand beside him wasn’t anything significant.

Indeed, Lynch’s guess was correct. Graham’s presence had intimidated the ordinary apprentices, but for Al, it wasn’t a big deal.

Having spent years mingling in Netta, Al was already well-acquainted with the family powers of the Shadow Tower and the entire region of Ancient Ruins. He knew which ones were truly formidable and which merely maintained a façade of strength.

The Scoochi Family’s influence was average, and Graham was far from impressive. Even if Graham stood by Lynch’s side, he posed no substantial threat to Al.

Al greeted politely, "Apprentice Scoochi, good evening."

Graham clearly did not like Al very much, responding fiercely, "Alfred, don’t go thinking you’re special just because you’re Apprentice Murphy’s disciple. Let me make it perfectly clear: Lynch is my brother, so don’t give me any trouble!"

"Otherwise, I promise you’ll regret it!"

Al maintained his composure and replied, "Apprentice Scoochi, I believe you’ve misunderstood. Apprentice Lynch and I were friends in the past, and we’re merely catching up now."

"Save your excuses!"

Graham rolled his eyes and snapped back, "Spare me the formalities. Remember my words—they’re for your own good!"

Al wasn’t offended. "Alright then."

Graham turned back and grabbed Lynch, saying, "Let’s go, Lynch. This lousy banquet is pointless. We’d be better off throwing our own gathering and calling your close friends to join. Beats hanging around with this flock of squawking birds, doesn’t it?"

Without waiting for a reply, Graham pulled Lynch out the door. Lynch, who had been contemplating excuses to leave, didn’t resist.

Just as they were about to step outside, Al’s voice came from behind.

"Lynch!"

Al gazed at him and said, "My friend, after all these years apart, don’t you have something you want to say to me?"

What could he say to dispel Al’s misgivings completely?

Lynch thought for a moment, then replied, "Thirty years ago the river was here; thirty years later it’s over there. Don’t you think you’re too impressive. Our gap is merely temporary—one day, I’ll surpass you!"