Wizard: From Zero-Circle Wizard to the Omnipotent Lord

Contrary to Lynn's expectations of a cold and dark black wizard, Colin was surprisingly warm and even took the initiative to patiently explain the background and current state of the Furnace to Lynn, the "complete newcomer." 

However, as Lynn listened to Colin's explanation, his expression didn't improve instead, it grew even more grim. 

It turned out that the Furnace recruited wizard apprentices every year to bring in fresh blood. 

However the resources within the Furnace were limited, and these resources had to be distributed among the wizards and apprentices. 

Over time, the influx of new apprentices would inevitably intensify internal competition for resources, even threatening the vested interests of certain wizards. 

Thus, every decade or so, the Furnace would launch an external war. 

On one hand, these wars were used to hunt for resources to replenish the Furnace's reserves. 

On the other hand, they served to "cleanse" the Furnace of excess wizards and apprentices, freeing up more resources. 

After a war, the Furnace would be left in a state of temporary emptiness, so the number of apprentices recruited in the following years would increase, and the trials would become relatively lenient. 

But as time passed, the resources left from the war would gradually be depleted, and the number of apprentices recruited would tighten again until the next war. 

Lynn's trial had taken place during a period of resource scarcity. 

Those who could pass such a harsh trial were almost always individuals with direct connections to certain wizards or apprentices within the Furnace. 

These "connected individuals" would typically join their relatives or patrons after passing the trial, requiring no further explanation from Colin. 

As for "complete newcomers" like Lynn, they could only pass the trial in the years following a Furnace war. 

In those "lenient" environments, the death quota for the trials would be lowered, leaving room for outsiders like him to survive. 

In the trial Lynn had participated in, all three individuals had connections to wizards or apprentices within the Furnace. Lynn had only managed to enter the Furnace by relying on his talent to eliminate one of them. 

But this also meant that Lynn had already offended the backer behind Ross… 

Not only that, but Colin's explanation also made Lynn fully realize one fact. 

The place he had entered was not some peaceful "wizard academy" focused on learning, but an organization called the "Furnace" a completely different world. 

Colin went on to explain that in the world of wizards, only a few powerful wizards were capable of constructing their wizard territories. 

These territories were divided into two types based on the wizard's faction: those of black wizards were collectively called "Furnaces," while those of white wizards were called "Towers." 

"So, what I've joined isn't an academy…" 

Hearing this, Lynn's heart shook, and he suddenly understood. 

The "wizard academy life" he had been eagerly anticipating was nothing more than a figment of his imagination. 

Everything in the Furnace revolved around the Furnace Lord the great black wizard. 

The purpose wasn't to cultivate scholarly wizards but to maintain the Furnace's production and operations through the collaboration of wizards and apprentices at all levels. 

The so-called recruitment of apprentices was merely to bolster the Furnace's workforce. 

Newcomers who passed the trial wouldn't enter a unified curriculum like in an academy. Instead, they would be assigned to various departments within the Furnace that needed them, receiving individual guidance and engaging in related work. 

At this moment, Lynn's situation seemed particularly delicate and awkward. 

He could only wait quietly as Colin sent his information to the various departments of the Furnace, hoping that one of them would be willing to take him in. 

However, Lynn knew full well that this was an idealistic scenario. 

The more likely outcome was that, during this waiting period, the backer behind Ross would find him, seek revenge for Ross, and erase him from this world. 

Thinking of this, Lynn's expression suddenly turned grim. 

Colin, sitting beside him, continued to watch Lynn with a smile, his chin resting on his hands, seemingly delighted to observe the changes in this "complete newcomer's" expression. 

He had seen through Lynn's predicament and emotional fluctuations, and he understood that Lynn had realized the danger he was in. 

Despite his anxiety, Lynn quickly forced himself to calm down. 

He knew that panic would be of no use. Only by staying calm and organizing his thoughts could he find a way to solve the problem. 

After adjusting his emotions slightly, Lynn's gaze returned to Colin's face. 

At this moment, he noticed the meaningful smile on the other's lips, and a thought struck him. He recalled an old saying: "There's no such thing as a free lunch." 

Why was this Lord Colin so patiently explaining the background of the Furnace to him? 

Colin wasn't being helpful out of sheer kindness he had his agenda. 

Realizing this, Lynn decided that since he knew nothing about the Furnace, it would be better to take the initiative and probe. 

"Lord Colin," 

Lynn quickly organized his thoughts, bowed slightly, and spoke respectfully, "You must know that I took the trial spot from a 'connected individual,' so I've already offended that person's backer. You've been so kind to Lynn surely you have some guidance for me? If there's anything Lynn can do to help, please let me know." 

As soon as he finished speaking, Colin's smile widened with satisfaction. 

He clapped his hands lightly, his tone full of approval: 

"Heh, quite sharp. Not bad, not bad. Only clever apprentices have the capital to survive." 

Colin was pleased with Lynn's attitude. 

He could tell that this "complete newcomer" was no ordinary talent. After all, a newcomer who could fight their way out of a group of "connected individuals" couldn't possibly be a useless waste. 

"That's right, there is something I need your help with. And it's something only a 'complete newcomer' like you can do. Follow me." 

Colin stood up from his seat and gestured for Lynn to follow. 

However, he then shrugged lightly, his tone carrying a hint of teasing and helplessness: 

"But I should warn you, my teacher has very high standards. If you can't meet her requirements, I won't be able to protect you. When that backer comes knocking, I won't be able to stand up for you against them not to mention, I'm no match for them either." 

Hearing this, Lynn's heart tightened, but he immediately put on a grateful expression: 

"Thank you, Lord Colin, for your help! Regardless of the outcome, Lynn will give it his all!" 

In Lynn's eyes, this might be his only chance. 

He had just witnessed how even the scar-faced wizard had treated Colin with considerable respect, and the reason was most likely Colin's "teacher." 

Lynn didn't hesitate to grab onto this lifeline. 

He understood that, no matter the outcome, Colin's willingness to give him a chance was already a stroke of immense luck. 

Colin nodded upon seeing Lynn's reaction, then found someone to cover for him in the hall before leading Lynn out. 

The two of them walked through the living quarters of the Furnace, winding through streets and alleys for a long time, the scenery around them constantly changing. 

Finally, they arrived at a small courtyard on a street corner. 

The courtyard was adorned with flowers and plants, exuding an elegant charm that stood in stark contrast to the cold, hard style of most buildings within the Furnace. It radiated a sense of warmth and tranquility. 

"This is where my teacher lives." 

Colin stopped and turned to Lynn. 

Though his tone was calm, Lynn could sense a subtle reverence in Colin's voice when he mentioned "teacher." 

Lynn took a deep breath and looked up at the courtyard gate. 

He knew that every step from here on out would determine his survival.