I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means

"I understand your general plan, but what should I do now?"

Bernie seriously asked Lis, quickly adjusting his position to prioritize Lis's suggestions.

This was a major venture, and Bernie naturally wanted to seize the opportunity since Lis was willing to include him.

After all, the "Hidden" Magic Rune wasn't exclusive to Master Daher alone; Lis could collaborate with other Advanced Magic Rune Masters as well.

"Is Master Daher here?"

Lis asked since his main purpose today was to gain Master Daher's support.

"The teacher is in the fourth-floor laboratory, but currently, only I can go up there, as the permission lies with the teacher,"

Bernie said somewhat apologetically to Lis.

"That's fine. Take this Elemental Crystal to Master Daher, and I'll wait here for you."

Lis didn't mind; he believed that once Daher saw the "Self-Charging" Magic Rune, he too would be unable to remain seated.

Seeing that Lis agreed, Bernie no longer spoke further and took the crystal towards the fourth floor.

---------------

The Fifth Magic Workshop, fourth floor.

A middle-aged man who appeared to be in his forties lay comfortably in a bedroom chair, a small table next to him filled with delicate sweets and fruits, along with an expensive bottle of Arnold Wine and a tall wine glass.

After being busy for a couple of months, he had finally secured the Fifth Magic Workshop and other resources had gradually fallen into place, allowing Yousef to finally take a breather.

He was very confident in entrusting the workshop's other matters to Bernie.

This kid was not only exceptionally talented in Magic Rune research but also had a rare grasp of interpersonal nuances, managing the many trivial tasks assigned to him efficiently and orderly.

That indeed made things a lot more relaxing for him.

Where else could one find such a worry-free and talented apprentice?

Yousef took a sip of the rose-red wine and sighed deeply.

Hadn't Bernie been thinking about bringing someone into the research laboratory of the workshop?

He must be quite close to Bernie, as this apprentice had hardly ever asked him for any personal favors!

It was called...what was it, Lis something?

Should he offer some guidance as a way to look out for Bernie?

Yousef idly swung his legs, suddenly hearing the sound of the door.

"Come in."

Yousef Daher didn't even turn his head, giving the command directly.

It could only be his apprentice Bernie who would come here; he had already told him not to knock every time.

"Master Yousef, good morning!"

Bernie gently pushed open the door and walked over to Yousef, speaking respectfully.

"Ah, Bernie, what's up?"

Yousef looked at his apprentice with satisfaction and asked kindly.

"I'd like you to take a look at this?"

Bernie handed the Elemental Crystal that he was holding to Yousef.

"Oh? Are you wanting me to check on your progress?"

Yousef took the Elemental Crystal, caressing the Magic Rune engraved upon it.

"Hmm, this Magic Rune wasn't engraved by you, was it?"

Yousef knew immediately upon touching it that it wasn't Bernie's work, just as every person's handwriting is different, so too are the styles of Magic Runes engraved by different people.

"Not bad, the engraving technique is skilled, the Magic Rune is smooth and connected; you're not far behind, Bernie."

Yousef leisurely enjoyed the fragrance of the wine while evaluating the enchanted item in his hand.

"This Magic Rune is a bit strange, though; I've never seen it before. Does it have any effects?"

"...!!!"

As an Advanced Magic Rune Master and a distinguished figure in Bright City, Yousef Daher had a naturally extraordinary perspective and soon discovered the unusual feature of the Elemental Crystal in his hands.

"Is this...is this Elemental Crystal regenerating Magic Power?!"

Yousef Daher suddenly rose from his lounge chair, completely disregarding the Arnold Wine Bottle he knocked over, which was more valuable than gold, as the rose-colored wine slowly spread across the carpet.

Staring dumbfounded at the Elemental Crystal in his hand, Yousef lost all the relaxed demeanor of the master he had just shown.

"Bernie, where did you get this from?"

Yousef asked eagerly; he was well aware of the immense significance this Magic Rune represented.

This could represent a major breakthrough capable of changing the landscape of the Magic Rune field.

It represented not only significant prestige and status but also wealth that could rival nations.

"This is a 'Self-Charging' Magic Rune, created by Lis."

Bernie spoke seriously and straightforwardly without a hint of concealment.

"Lis...the person you wanted to bring into the laboratory last time? He has this ability and still needs your help?"

Yousef looked down at the Elemental Crystal in his hand.

Even without this "Self-Charging" Magic Rune, just with this engraving technique alone, it wouldn't be hard to enter any Magic Workshop in the academy.

"Uh..."

Bernie had no response to that. How could he admit that he didn't know why Lis's level in Magic Rune technique had suddenly advanced by leaps and bounds?

"Where is Lis now?"

Yousef did not dwell on that issue and asked directly.

Honestly, Yousef also hesitated for a moment when he first saw the "Self-Charging" Magic Rune, but he quickly made up his mind.

He was not one of those who were at a dead end in their careers, only focused on making money; he aimed to go further.

For Yousef, exploring higher levels of achievement was his life's pursuit, more important than acquiring wealth, status, or fame.

Perhaps Yousef could deceive others and keep this Magic Rune to himself, but he could not deceive his own heart.

Yousef even felt somewhat apprehensive. If he hadn't realized in time, would he have lost himself in the pursuit of wealth and status, exuding the very decay and corruption that he deeply detested, just like those antiquated members of the Magic Rune Association?

"He's waiting in the laboratory on the third floor," Bernie said.

"Teacher, I want to ask you..."

But the impatient Yousef didn't give Bernie a chance to speak; he grabbed him and they clattered down the stairs.

---------------

In the laboratory on the third floor.

While waiting, Lis was trying to practice with the advanced Magic Rune Burner in front of him.

It must be said that this device, which integrated various rare magic materials, was smooth and handy to use; Lis had grown fond of it and even wanted to have one in his own laboratory.

It was not expensive; it probably cost about one or two Jade Wands.

Just as Lis was focused on engraving Magic Patterns on the materials, the laboratory door was suddenly flung open with a "bang."

Lis jumped, and the nearly completed Magic Pattern failed as a result.

Looking up, Lis saw a very familiar figure entering.

Magic Rune Master—Yousef Daher.

"Are you Lis?"

Daher eyes shone brightly as he stared at Lis and spoke.

"Ah, yes, Master Daher."

"Hey, don't call me master!"

Yousef waved his hand, pretending to be casual as he spoke.

"Since you are in my Magic Workshop, like Bernie, you are my student. Just call me Master Daher."

Lis was caught off guard and turned his gaze towards Bernie.

What is going on, I wasn't aware of this rule?