Overlord: Welcoming the Birth of the King
Chapter 74: Interested in Becoming My Disciple? Scroll Crafting Master

The Slane Theocracy?

Both the black-robed youth and blue-robed mage showed subtle changes in their expressions as they looked at Tang Zheng in surprise.

As the most powerful nation among human countries, with deep connections to the legendary "Six Great Gods," the Slane Theocracy held a special status and influence among other nations.

"No."

Tang Zheng was also surprised that this elderly man before him would mistake him for someone from the Slane Theocracy.

Hearing this answer, the old man's wrinkled, stern face showed no reaction. His grayish-white, rough fingernail lightly tapped the paper on the counter.

"I'm already aware of what happened earlier."

"Young man, since you created this paper, could you produce another batch?"

The old man's slightly cloudy yet sharp eyes, devoid of emotional fluctuations, fixed on Tang Zheng as he spoke.

Sensing the profound aura emanating from the old man, a glint flashed in Tang Zheng's eyes as he nodded.

The situation's development was unexpected.

But it made Tang Zheng increasingly interested.

From the attitudes of the black-robed youth and blue-robed mage, it was clear this old man held significant status within the Adventurer's Guild.

Moreover, the impression he gave Tang Zheng somewhat resembled his late grandmother Lizzy - likely a magic caster capable of using third-tier magic.

"Papercraft!"

With Tang Zheng's soft incantation, the second-tier "Papercraft" activated, and 700 sheets of snow-white, resilient paper materialized in the air.

Rustle—

Numerous sheets fluttered down onto the counter, piling up in stacks.

"It's... real?" The black-robed youth stared at Tang Zheng in disbelief.

The old man lowered his head, eyes flickering as he randomly selected two sheets from the produced paper to compare, then repeated the action several times.

"Excellent."

"Unexpectedly excellent."

A faint smile appeared on the old man's typically stern, humorless face:

"The mana distribution in each sheet is exceptionally uniform, without any defects - perfect alchemical materials ready for immediate use."

"Even among my several disciples, this level of skill would still be considered outstanding."

As he spoke, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes relaxed slightly: "To refine second-tier 'Papercraft' to this level at your age is truly remarkable."

Hearing this unexpected praise, Tang Zheng felt slightly bewildered.

Second-tier paper could have uneven mana distribution and defects?

For him, just spending one skill point could elevate such daily-life magic by a tier, making it feel no different from regular tiered magic.

No, these were minor matters.

The key issue now—

was that the attitudes displayed by these three people suggested the value of second-tier "Papercraft" far exceeded his initial expectations.

"Teacher, he only purchased a magic scroll a month ago! It's impossible to learn 'Papercraft' and master it to second-tier level in such a short time! He must have some ulterior—"

The black-robed youth spoke rapidly, his voice trembling slightly.

"Albert."

The old man coldly interrupted the black-robed youth, disappointment flashing in his eyes: "You still don't understand. The matter itself is unimportant."

"I've reminded you before - for magic casters, the most important thing isn't effort, but talent!"

"And currently, you haven't demonstrated such talent."

The old man's cold, merciless voice rang out. He had already learned the full story from the blue-robed mage.

Naturally, he didn't believe Tang Zheng could master Papercraft and advance it to second-tier just from studying a magic scroll.

Especially at this timing...

Whether there were ulterior motives or schemes—

these mattered little. What truly concerned the old man was the talent Tang Zheng displayed at his age.

Albert's face instantly turned pale, his lips trembling as if wanting to speak, but no words came out under the old man's blunt assessment.

"Young man, would you be interested in becoming my disciple?"

The old man turned to Tang Zheng.

Albert's body went limp, despair surfacing in his pupils.

Meanwhile, the blue-robed mage behind the old man widened his eyes in shock and concern.

"And you are?"

Tang Zheng's mouth twitched slightly, his expression unreadable.

Hearing this, the blue-robed mage became visibly agitated: "Do you even know who you're speaking to? This is the vice president of the E-Rantel Mage Guild!"

"One of only three people in the entire Li Yestige Kingdom capable of crafting third-tier magic scrolls - Master Beroray Vanov Gregory Butkin!"

This long, imposing name—

immediately reminded Tang Zheng of someone mentioned by that middle-aged man at the Adventurer's Guild, causing his heart to pound.

"Heh haha."

Master Beroray carefully observed Tang Zheng, confirming the young man genuinely didn't recognize him, causing his initially stiff smile to relax slightly.

"Let's drop the 'Master' title. I know my own limits," Beroray shook his head.

"Would you care to accompany me?"

Master Beroray looked at Tang Zheng expectantly.

Magic casters capable of using third-tier spells were already considered elite among human spellcasters.

If Tang Zheng remembered correctly, even Theo Lachiel, the president of this Mage Guild, was only a third-tier magic caster.

This being the Mage Guild, danger should be minimal - as long as no fourth-tier casters were present, none could threaten him.

And—

A master scroll crafter?

Completely unexpected!

Previously gaining alchemy and pharmacy knowledge from Enfirea had been his greatest recent harvest. In Tang Zheng's plans, such auxiliary skills were mostly obtainable only in later stages.

With such an opportunity before him—

how could Tang Zheng refuse? After instructing the small hellhound at his feet to wait outside, he followed Master Beroray upstairs.

Unlike the quiet atmosphere of the Mage Guild's first floor—

upon ascending to the second floor—

one immediately saw numerous magic casters in various robes or simple attire moving about.

Though their numbers still couldn't compare to the Adventurer's Guild.

These people immediately stopped and bowed respectfully upon seeing Master Beroray ascend the stairs, while casting curious glances at the unfamiliar figure following behind.

Master Beroray led Tang Zheng down a long corridor to another staircase - this time not ascending, but descending.

Entering another first-floor area of the Mage Guild—

a faint fishy smell mixed with various indescribable, peculiar odors permeated the air.

The first thing Tang Zheng saw were over a dozen spellcasters busily working.

Almost simultaneously—

Buzz—

[Discovered first-tier spell "Dissolve," requires caster level 1-7, current conditions met. Consume 1 skill point to learn?]

[Discovered first-tier spell "Locate Position," requires caster level 1-7, current conditions met. Consume 1 skill point to learn?]

...

[Discovered first-tier spell "Odorless," requires caster level 1-7, current conditions met. Consume 1 skill point to learn?]

A series of notifications flashed across Tang Zheng's status panel.