Wizards: Starting with Fairy Crests

076: Recruiting

Mars squinted at Lynch, his smile gradually fading, and a chill filled the air.

Lin Qi's expression remained unchanged, as if he had not felt the pressure at all.

He simply shrugged and said frankly, "If you insist on giving it to me, I certainly have no reason to refuse such a kind offer."

The implication is that if you force me to cooperate, there's nothing I can do about it.

Then all we can do is give up.

After so many interactions, Lynch had basically figured out Mars's temperament.

These pure-blooded wizarding families want people who are truly willing to serve them; forcibly forcing them to do so does not align with their original intentions.

as predicted.

This response, which was both firm and reasonable, and clearly stated his own "value," made Mars' eyes flicker slightly.

He silently gazed at Lin Qi, his eyes lingering for several seconds on that calm, yet resolute and confident face.

suddenly--

"Haha! Hahahaha!"

Mars leaned back in his chair and let out a hearty laugh, which seemed to dispel much of the chill he had felt earlier.

He shook his head, seemingly finding it quite amusing: "Lin Qi, oh Lin Qi, you... I really don't know what to say!"

He smiled and pointed at Lin Qi with his finger: "There are so many apprentices outside who would gladly trample their dignity underfoot and offer everything just to have a chance to get close to me."

"Magic stones? Resources? Clues to arcane techniques? They're willing to trade anything if I just nod my head!"

He suppressed his smile, but his eyes held a genuine hint of amusement and scrutiny: "And you, offering such a precious gift and easily obtainable benefits, are turning them away."

"Do you think I, Mars Soren, can't offer a better price, or... do you think you're worth more?"

Lynch knew the turning point he had been waiting for had arrived. He did not relax because of the other party's sudden "softening" attitude; on the contrary, he became even more focused.

He met Mars's gaze and nodded neither humbly nor arrogantly: "I think those who are willing to give up everything for an opportunity are not the kind of talent Your Excellency truly needs."

His tone was calm, yet it carried a clear sense of self-awareness: "At least, I'm not like that."

Mars raised an eyebrow: "Oh? How so?"

Lin Qi straightened his back slightly. Although he was still sitting there, he naturally exuded a restrained confidence: "Only mediocre people who have no confidence in their own value or are so eager for quick success that they will do anything to 'sell' themselves cheaply, even at the cost of degrading their dignity."

"Such useless people may be obedient, but their abilities and potential are probably not up to much use. I believe they are not the type you truly want to recruit and entrust with important tasks."

He paused, looking at Mars with clear eyes: "A truly valuable person knows their own worth and understands the principle of 'waiting for the right price'."

"This is not arrogance, but rather a recognition and respect for one's own abilities. If one doesn't even have the courage and clarity to fight for a reasonable 'price' for oneself, then what essential difference is there between one and those mediocre people?"

"I imagine you wouldn't want to rely on such a good-for-nothing who can't even assess his own capabilities or is easily bought off with petty gains in crucial matters in the future, would you?"

This statement not only elevates his own position but also cleverly places Mars's "recruitment" in the context of seeking "high-quality partners" rather than "buying off servants," while subtly pointing out that true talent requires a real price to pay.

In Mars' eyes, the hint of amusement was gradually replaced by a clear appreciation.

He didn't immediately refute, but slowly nodded, his face showing a more serious and direct expression: "Interesting...you make sense."

He stopped beating around the bush, leaned forward slightly again, placed his hands on the edge of the table, and stared directly at Lin Qi with his deep green eyes, saying bluntly, "Well then, Lin Qi, I think we should get straight to the point."

"You have a high opinion of yourself and are unwilling to compromise easily. Fine, I admire people who are capable and have a strong personality. So, tell me, what conditions do you need to come to my side and work for me?"

Lynch calmly shook his head and said frankly, "Excuse my bluntness, Mr. Mars, but based on my current understanding of you and the standard price you can offer, I'm afraid it's not enough to truly 'move' me into making that choice."

Mars certainly has plenty of resources, but that alone is not enough to make Lynch work for him.

This statement is quite blunt, even somewhat arrogant. However, combined with Lynch's previously demonstrated potential, temperament, and current calm demeanor, it appears to be a sober assessment based on his own self-worth.

Mars' face did not show any anger at being offended; instead, a deeper, more enigmatic smile appeared, as if Lynch's reaction was exactly what he wanted.

Or perhaps he had already prepared the ultimate bargaining chip for this "wait-and-see" approach.

He didn't reply immediately, but slowly picked up the slightly cooled teacup, took a sip, and let the brief silence spread between them, brewing a certain weight.

Then, he put down his teacup, looked up, and, in an almost casual tone, dropped a bombshell that would send shockwaves through the minds of most of his apprentices: "If I said..."

His voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear, carrying the composure of someone in control:

"Is it a wizard?"

Lin Qi's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly.

This was the first subtle, almost instinctive change in his expression since the conversation began. Although he quickly regained his composure, that fleeting moment of emotion did not escape Mars's sharp eyes.

Mars watched Lynch's reaction with satisfaction, then, no longer keeping him in suspense, leaned forward slightly, closing the distance between them.

"I think your mentor, Hossman, has already given you some hints. Soon, your batch, and indeed all qualified apprentices inside and outside the Gray Tower, will have a...once-in-a-lifetime 'opportunity'."

"An opportunity, if seized, to completely break free from the shackles of apprenticeship, truly step into that realm, and become one of us... a member of the wizarding world!"

He stared intently into Lin Qi's eyes, not missing a single change in them.

"Now, I'll tell you—"

"I, Mars Soren, and the Barrick family behind me... have a way to help you seize this opportunity."

"It's not empty encouragement or hollow blessings. It's real, tangible strength that can significantly increase your chances of success, and even... give you a push at crucial moments."

Inside the palace, the sun still shone brightly, the pastries were still exquisite, and the aroma of tea still wafted through the air.

But the whole atmosphere has completely changed.

All the previous probing and clashes about female slaves, resources, and conditions seem insignificant in the face of this ultimate bargaining chip called "The Path of the Wizard".

Mars played his trump card, the one that was most powerful and resonated with Lynch's deepest desires.

right now,

The ball was kicked back to Lynch's side.

How should he respond to this proposal that could change his destiny, but would inevitably come with a huge price and constraints?