Wizard: Building a Golem Legion From Zero-Chapter 50 - 48: Mid-term Investment Agreement

Allen stepped through the heavy metal gates of the Black Tower of the Forge, leaving the scorching air sealed behind him. The cool breeze of the academy washed over his face, refreshing him.

He stood in the plaza before the tower, glancing up at the massive structure, which was as stout and solid as a live volcano.

Master Mercer’s words still echoed in his mind.

Allen stood there for a moment, lost in thought, before taking the cold, metal business card from his pocket.

On it was a name, Eleanor, and a string of runic coordinates indicating an office location.

His current income probably wouldn’t cover all his expenses. He decided to invest in himself first, to begin his initial accumulation of capital.

He infused a trace of Magic Power into the card. The string of Runes lit up, projecting a faint blue beam of light before him that pointed toward the academy’s administrative district.

He set off, his pace steady, showing no sign of the impatience that financial pressure might bring.

This interview, titled "Ability and Assets," had begun the moment he chose to study under Master Mercer. Now, he was on his way to complete the next step of the test.

The offices of the Plane Exploration and Development Association were located on the second floor of the White Tower in the administrative center.

Following the card’s guidance, Allen stopped before a door with a nameplate that read "Senior Observer Eleanor." He straightened his collar and raised a hand to knock twice.

"Come in."

A crisp, professional female voice called from within.

Allen pushed the door open and entered. The office wasn’t large, but it was impeccably organized. The air was filled with the scent of some kind of refreshing and invigorating plant-based incense.

An entire wall was a massive floor-to-ceiling window, offering a magnificent view of the Seven Towers Alliance’s central plaza. Towers of various colors cast long shadows in the sunlight.

A few unidentifiable ornamental plants with glossy green leaves and strange shapes were placed around the room.

A black metal desk, a few chairs of minimalist design, and a small sofa for guests constituted all the furniture in the office.

Everything exuded an air of efficient, precise professionalism.

Eleanor was sitting behind the desk. She looked up, and upon seeing Allen, a formulaic smile appeared on her face.

She wore a well-tailored gray business suit, her short, dark gray hair was immaculate, and a silver, probe-shaped badge was pinned to her chest.

"Advanced Apprentice Weisren, good afternoon. You’re a little earlier than I expected."

She pointed to the chair opposite her. "Please, have a seat."

Allen sat down quietly and placed the metal business card on the desk.

"Lady Eleanor, I have received Master Mercer Iron Star’s approval. I am here to confirm the details of the mid-term investment agreement."

His voice was steady, holding nothing back.

"Congratulations. Master Mercer is one of the most difficult masters in the Black Tower of the Forge to impress."

Eleanor’s smile didn’t waver. She folded her hands on the desk. "Then let’s get straight to the point."

"You completed all the elementary apprentice courses two years ahead of schedule. This saved the Gate of Truth a considerable sum of money. From a return-on-investment perspective, our initial preliminary investment agreement has already yielded a positive return ahead of schedule."

"Your actions have proven your potential. And we, the Plane Exploration and Development Association, as the direct investment and executive branch of the Gate of Truth, are very optimistic about your future development."

She paused for a moment, leaning forward slightly, her gaze turning sharp.

"You must have learned from your master that the path of an Alchemy Wizard is extremely expensive in terms of Magic Stones, especially for a newcomer like you from the Mortal World."

Her words carried an assertive tone that brooked no argument. "I’ve reviewed your file. You have no family backing. I’m afraid you can’t even afford the tuition for the first year as an Advanced Apprentice, can you?"

This was her usual negotiation tactic: pointing out her counterpart’s predicament to apply pressure and thereby gain the upper hand in the subsequent terms.

"For now, I can afford it," Allen replied, his tone calm.

"That’s quite good, much better than most commoner apprentices."

Eleanor’s eyebrow twitched almost imperceptibly.

"But you certainly can’t afford a basic, entry-level Alchemy Laboratory."

"I still have some savings," Allen said, his expression unchanged.

The professional smile on Eleanor’s face stiffened for a second. She had no choice but to awkwardly change the subject.

"To be honest, your choice was somewhat surprising to me. The Macro-construction and Domination school—a discipline with an extremely poor cost-benefit ratio in the early stages. This makes your potential rating curve very steep, and your risk assessment has been adjusted from ’Low’ to ’Medium-High.’ However, correspondingly, the upper limit of your projected value has also increased significantly."

There was no praise in her words, only pure business analysis. This was a field she was familiar with.

"Therefore, the Association has still decided to sign the standard mid-term investment agreement with you."

With a light wave of her hand, a screen of light floated from her side to a position between them, the data on it forming the text of an agreement.

Allen’s gaze fell upon the screen. DSeek was already scanning and analyzing the clauses, which were composed of Wizard Runes.

"First, the resource support section."

Eleanor’s finger swiped lightly across the screen, and the relevant clause magnified and lit up.

"First, the Association will pay your tuition for the five-year Advanced Apprentice stage in one lump sum, totaling ten thousand Low-Level Magic Stones. This amount will be transferred directly to the Black Tower of the Forge’s account, so you no longer need to worry about short-term tuition fees."

"Second, the Association will provide you with an interest-free loan of fifty thousand Low-Level Magic Stones. This loan must be repaid within ten years after you advance to a First-level Wizard."

She paused, seemingly giving Allen time to process the information.

"Third, after you advance to a First-level Wizard, you will be granted the qualification to join the Plane Exploration and Development Association without an examination and will enjoy all the benefits and privileges of a full member."

Any one of these conditions would be enough to drive an ordinary apprentice into a frenzy.

Especially the interest-free credit of fifty thousand Magic Stones—it was practically a mountain of Gold handed to him on a silver platter.

Allen’s expression didn’t change. His gaze remained fixed on the screen, waiting for Eleanor to continue.

"Rights and obligations are always reciprocal."

Eleanor’s voice continued as she scrolled down the screen, revealing the latter half of the agreement. "Now, let’s talk about your responsibilities."

[Obligations of the Investee]

"First, the ten-year service clause you signed in the initial investment agreement will be amended: for twenty years after your official advancement to a First-level Wizard, if you do not intend to pursue further studies, you must serve as an employee of the Association and accept its mission assignments. Of course, this is a paid service. Your compensation will be calculated separately based on mission difficulty and contribution, at a rate no lower than the market price for those of the same level."

"Second, during the period you receive funding and the subsequent service period, if your personal research yields any ’breakthrough results,’ the Association will have the right of first refusal for information and investment. ’Breakthrough results’ are defined as research findings that can be converted into commercial products, be patented, or have a significant impact on the existing technological system."

"Third, and most importantly, in the future, if the Association initiates an exploration mission to a specific plane, you are obligated to unconditionally accept one conscription. During the mission, you must obey the orders of the theater commander. This is a mandatory clause for all individuals the Association invests in and serves to protect the Association’s core interests at critical moments."

"Fourth, if you fail to advance to a First-level Wizard before the age of thirty, the Association will have the right to dispose of all your assets, including your body and soul."

Allen’s gaze lingered on the words "unconditionally accept one conscription" for a few seconds.

He paid little mind to the clause about disposing of his body and soul; he was completely confident he would become a First-level Wizard.

The unconditional conscription clause was the biggest variable in this agreement.

It could mean a planar war with a high mortality rate, or it could be just a safe resource exploration mission.

Accepting this clause was equivalent to handing over control of his life and safety to the Association’s decision-makers for one occasion.

But in exchange, he would get a golden development period of at least five years, enough time for him to convert his knowledge and theories into real power.

"I understand."

Allen looked up at Eleanor. "Regarding the definition of ’specific plane,’ are there more detailed explanations in the agreement’s addendum? What are the risks?"

He didn’t haggle. Instead, he went straight to the most ambiguous and potentially contentious part of the agreement.

A flicker of approval passed through Eleanor’s eyes.

She appreciated this kind of clear-headed collaborator, not some fool who’d been dazzled by the massive resources.

"The Association’s principle is to increase the value of its assets, not to waste them needlessly. The Association won’t casually send you to places beyond your capabilities. The addendum contains clauses defining ’specific plane’ and provisions for your life’s protection. You are valuable assets to the Association; we want to see you lost even less than you do."

"Very good."

Allen nodded, then changed the subject. "Master Mercer Iron Star is one of the most outstanding masters in the Black Tower of the Forge. With my learning ability, becoming a First-level Wizard is a high-probability event. I hope the Association can increase its level of resource support."

Allen was turning his advantages into bargaining chips.

This time, Eleanor was genuinely surprised.

She leaned back in her chair, crossed her arms, and re-evaluated the young man before her.

She thought in silence for a moment, her fingers tapping lightly on the desk.

"You can receive a five percent discount on purchases made through the Association’s internal channels, covering alchemy materials, experimental equipment, Golem Accessories, and knowledge-based products on the list. This is the best treatment I can get for you within my authority, but the amount for a single transaction must be no less than three thousand Low-Level Magic Stones."

"I accept," Allen replied decisively.

"If there are no other questions,"

Eleanor retrieved a shimmering silver Magic Scroll and a Feather Pen that seemed to be made of pure light from under her desk. "We can sign the contract now."

Allen no longer hesitated.

After confirming there were no issues, he signed his name at the bottom of the Scroll.

"Allen Wesren."

When the last letter was written, the name he had signed immediately burst into flames, transforming into a golden brand that was deeply embedded into the material of the silver Scroll.

An invisible connection formed between him and the Scroll. He could clearly sense the power of the rules contained within the contract.

"A pleasure doing business with you, Weisren Apprentice." Eleanor put the Scroll away, her smile now holding a hint of sincerity.

"Your line of credit has been activated. The tuition fee for the Black Tower of the Forge will arrive in their account within five minutes. This is your internal Association credential."

She handed him a black Crystal Card. In the center of the card was the silver badge of a probe passing through a stellar ring.

"I wish you success in your studies at the Black Tower of the Forge. The Association looks forward to the day you produce results."

Allen took the card, rose to his feet, gave a slight bow, and left the office without another word.

Only after the office door closed again did the smile on Eleanor’s face slowly fade.