Wizard: Start with Biological Transformation to Grind Experience-Chapter 149 - 024: Parting

Lanice invited all the apprentices she was familiar with—Subaru, Carl—they were certainly among them.

On the way to the Fairy Tavern.

Subaru teased Lynch, "Feeling a little regretful? The fruit of love withered before it ever ripened."

Lanice’s feelings for Lynch were public knowledge within their little circle. Everyone knew she had a crush on him and would tease him about it from time to time.

Lynch shrugged, "Not really."

Carl asked, "Speaking of which, what’s your take on Lanice? You’ve never really said anything definitive."

What’s his take?

Lynch thought for a moment and explained, "I guess you could say I don’t dislike her."

Subaru rolled his eyes. "That’s as good as saying nothing."

What else was he supposed to say...

Most men are influenced by appearances, and Lynch was no exception. While Lanice wasn’t breathtakingly stunning, she had a certain charm—especially those dimples on her cheeks that gave her a small-town elegance when she smiled.

As for her personality... aside from admiring strength a bit too much, she was generally well-mannered, with no major flaws. Spending time with someone like her wasn’t unpleasant.

But that’s all there was to it. When it came to love... they weren’t there yet. Maybe they’d get to know each other better in the future, and if their personalities aligned, Lynch wouldn’t oppose having her as a partner.

Though given the current circumstances, it seemed there wouldn’t be an opportunity for further development.

Subaru pressed on, "With so many pretty witches in the Tower, bro, what type are you into?"

Lynch replied, "Haven’t thought about it."

Between studying magic, meditating, and cultivating skills, he barely had enough time as it was. Random thoughts about romance never crossed his mind; Lynch genuinely had not given it any consideration.

Carl chimed in, "I heard you traveled back with Miss Avery from the Tavendish family. You spent all that time together—didn’t something happen? Heh heh heh..."

Lynch gave it some thought.

Truthfully, they’d shared many interesting experiences. But so what?

Lynch shot back, "What exactly do you expect me to say?"

Carl smirked, "Fair point. After all, it’s the Tavendish family... Tsk tsk, better to stay realistic."

Realistic or not wasn’t the issue—the problem was...

It’s too much trouble!

Lynch was someone who avoided inconvenience wherever possible. In his eyes, Avery was the definition of "complicated"—from her beauty to her status.

Their months-long shared adventures proved just that.

In the midst of chatting about random topics, the group arrived at the Fairy Tavern.

"Finally here."

"You guys are worse than sloths when it comes to dragging your feet..."

Lanice had splurged to rent out an entire private room. When Lynch and his companions arrived, there were already over a dozen apprentices seated, most of whom they knew from their cohort.

The trio was the last to arrive, and once seated, the farewell dinner officially began.

"How long have we been in the Wizard World?"

"Eight years now!"

"Haha, I still remember how Subaru looked when he first got here—all chubby and round like a little dumpling."

"You’re one to talk, skinny monkey."

"Lanice too—back then you were just a little girl, barely as tall as this table. Do you remember crying during your first frog dissection lesson?"

"I can still vividly recall the first time I saw magic. It felt like every cell in my body was trembling..."

"And now, we’re about to part ways..."

The group chatted and reminisced as they ate and drank.

They reflected on their hometowns, their journey on the magic carriage, their first impressions upon entering the Wizard World, and the memories of the earlier days.

Scenes from the past came rushing back, as vivid and fresh as if they’d happened yesterday.

"Time sure flies..."

After a few rounds of drinks, sentiments began to surface.

Still, they were all young and vibrant, so their reflections on the passage of time didn’t run too deep. Soon, everyone shifted to other random topics.

"I’m going to become a wizard within ten years!"

"Ten years? Ha!"

...

"Let me tell you—yesterday I found an old book tucked away in a forgotten corner of the library. It said that every thousand years, the moon turns blood red, and when it does, terrifying things happen on this land."

"Tch—do you think we’re three years old? If you’re telling a horror story, at least make it believable." freeweɓnovel.cѳm

"I’m serious..."

...

Even among Transcendents, their gatherings were no different from those of regular folks—they ate, drank, discussed popular topics, bragged, and gossiped.

After a few rounds of drinks, the apprentices started getting drunk and a bit rowdy. Some challenged each other to dance-offs, while others wanted to duel with magic. A circle of onlookers egged them on, turning the private room chaotic.

Lynch found them too loud and decided to step out onto the balcony to clear his head and take in the night breeze.

"Apprentice Lynch." Just then, Lanice walked over. "Why are you here alone?"

Lynch said, "They’re all getting drunk and crazy—better to stay away, wouldn’t want to get dragged into it."

Lanice laughed, "Haha, true."

With that, she stepped onto the balcony as well, standing next to him. Staring out at the forest ahead, she suddenly said, "Did you know, Apprentice Lynch, that when I first met you, my impression wasn’t all that good? Growing up in the city, I’d been taught that people from rural areas—like you—were foolish. Sorry about that."

Lynch shrugged, "I understand."

Lanice continued, "The first time you caught my attention was when you defeated the Black Wizard Apprentice to claim the Warrior Feather. Back then, I thought you were just lucky. Anyone else could’ve done it, too."

"But as I grew older, I realized how hard that must have been. That’s when I truly started to notice you. And after I failed the Inner Ring exam while you easily helped Subaru and the others pass, I finally saw the gap between us."

Lynch replied, "Thanks for the compliment."

Lanice turned her head with a playful smile. "So I made a decision back then—to get close to this guy, build a good relationship, and if necessary, let him take advantage of me a little, just to make sure he’d help me pass the next Inner Ring Apprentice test."

Lynch laughed, "Haha."

Lanice turned back to gaze at the dark forest in the distance. "But truly getting to know you revealed your true qualities—strong, courteous, and attentive."

She turned back to him, looked him in the eye, and added, "And handsome."

"What I want to say is..."

A gust of wind blew in, stirring her hair dramatically.

Facing the wind, she smiled radiantly. "Apprentice Lynch, I want to tell you—you’re an incredibly charming man."

"I really like you."

Lynch froze, unsure how to respond.

Fortunately, Lanice didn’t press him.

The girl continued, "Apprentice Lynch, don’t worry too much about it. I’m not seeking anything by saying this. I simply wanted to put an end to this youthful sentiment before we part ways. After all, there’s a vast distance between us."

Without thinking, Lynch blurted out, "The Magic Potion Manor is far from here, but magical transportation isn’t exactly impossible."

Truth be told, whether in his past life on Earth or his current one, he’d rarely experienced a direct confession from a girl. He had no expertise in handling such situations.

Lanice paused for a moment.

She chuckled, "No, you misunderstood me. I wasn’t talking about physical distance."

Lynch asked, "What do you mean?"

Lanice looked at him and suddenly asked, "Do you know how I was chosen by the wizard of the Magic Potion Manor to become their apprentice? It was thanks to you."

"You brought me that luck."