Qian Jin dragged the wooden basin aside to clear a path to the well for the other person. The magic apprentice curtsied to Qian Jin with an exaggerated bow exceeding ninety degrees, then scurried towards the well with quick, small steps.

Watching the apprentice’s retreating back and hurried gait, Qian Jin seriously doubted that at such a speed, she might trip over something and tumble headfirst into the well, effectively ending her existence. Fortunately, Qian Jin’s apprehension proved unfounded.

The magic apprentice tossed the rope-attached bucket into the well with a thud, the sound of the wooden pail sinking into the clear well water. Then, the magic apprentice began the arduous task of drawing water.

Her frame did not appear robust, and mages were rarely known for exceptional physical strength. Qian Jin watched as she struggled, turning the wooden roller for a long time only to complete a single rotation, estimating she had barely managed to pull the bucket clear of the water.

He could wait no longer. As a warrior, watching someone strain so hard to draw water made him anxious on her behalf.

To channel this restlessness, he rose and strode to the magic apprentice’s side, reaching out a hand to grip the lever of the wooden winch. The magic apprentice was visibly startled by Qian Jin’s sudden move.

Her large eyes, shimmering with surprise and timidity from beneath the brim of her enormous magic hat, stared fixedly at him, unmoving. “You’re a mage, and a female at that.

Doing such rough labor must be quite troublesome for you.” Qian Jin rapidly cranked the wooden lever with one hand. The hemp rope quickly wound around the wooden spool.

He barely noticed that the winch, which usually required both his hands, was easily managed with just one today. The magic apprentice’s watery eyes, hidden behind her massive hat, gazed at him blankly, not even blinking.

“Here, use this.” Qian Jin promptly poured the well water from the bucket into the wooden basin the magic apprentice had set on the ground. Disregarding whatever look she gave him, he turned back to his laundry.

Qian Jin worked quickly. The sweat-stained sheets didn’t require complicated washing; one rinse in clean water followed by a vigorous shake in fresh water was enough to clean them.

Qian Jin drew another bucket of water and poured it into the basin again. Watching the female magic apprentice washing clothes with all her might, he paused in slight contemplation, then drew a bucket of lighter water and placed it beside her basin.

The female magic apprentice raised a damp hand to wipe her brow. Her expressive, watery eyes stared curiously at the warrior who seemed a little too forward, a subtle hint of gratitude flicking across the corner of her gaze.

“Done, washed!” Qian Jin lifted the sheet from the basin full of clean water, admiring his handiwork with satisfaction. He swiftly wrung it out, then suddenly applied force to squeeze the moisture free.

Shhh… Zzzt… By the quiet well, the crisp sound of tearing fabric carried clearly to the ears of the man and the woman. The female magic apprentice looked up, observing Qian Jin’s back standing not far in front of her.

Her lovely eyes blinked in genuine astonishment. Though she wasn't a warrior, merely a small magic apprentice, she knew that sheet was a sturdy item; tearing it barehanded wouldn't be easy, let alone wringing it with sudden force until it ripped apart.

“This is…” Qian Jin stared at the mangled sheet in his hands, momentarily stunned. What in the world was this?

The sheet had been shredded by the force of his wringing? How could that be?

He had always wrung his sheets with full force before; why had this never happened? Had his strength truly increased?

Qian Jin shook his head repeatedly. He had never heard of anyone gaining significant strength overnight.

Both the elders in his family and Teacher Rodriguez had always taught that everything in this world must be achieved step by step; even the massive Holy City wasn't built in a single day. Could his strength really have grown?

Qian Jin looked at the sheet in his hand, which now resembled a mop, his expression bitter. This situation was clearly not the time to investigate whether his strength had increased; buying a new sheet was the pressing matter.

Otherwise, he wouldn't even have a sheet to cover himself that night, and sleeping on the uncomfortable mattress without one would be worse. A sheet?

Qian Jin raised a hand to gently rub his forehead. It seemed another unexpected expense was on the horizon—this was genuinely bad news.

Ever since leaving the family, he had to manage nearly all his income himself. Relying on the meager family allowance would only keep him half-fed, let alone allow him to purchase clothes or other necessities.

“It seems I’ll need to pay a visit to the merchant guild to see if there’s any simple work hauling sacks available.” Qian Jin tossed the ruined sheet into the wooden basin and looked glumly at the quilt cover remaining in the tub. If he ruined this one too, the trouble would be much greater.

A small hand quietly reached out from the side, touching the quilt cover still soaking in the water. Qian Jin followed the hand's path and saw the magic apprentice—the one with huge glasses perched on her nose, a large mage hat on her head, and clad in a voluminous robe—carefully lifting it out of the basin.

Her eyes, magnified by the glasses, held the timidity of a startled white rabbit, as she strained with all her might to twist the quilt cover. The magic apprentice truly was using every ounce of her strength; Qian Jin even believed she was using her utmost, milk-sucking power.

The half of her face visible was flushed red, and her body trembled slightly. Qian Jin had to admit that while the magic apprentice’s strength was minor, it was more than enough to handle this quilt cover.

“Thanks,” Qian Jin said cheerfully, taking the quilt cover back. “If you ever need heavy lifting in the future, just come find me.

Remember, I’m Qian Jin, a first-year warrior student.” “Ma… Magic, second year…” The magic apprentice kept her head down, looking only at her toes, her voice as faint as an insect’s buzz. Qian Jin strained his ears to barely catch her name amidst the shy, tense undertones.

“Second year? Biluo?” Qian Jin sized up the magic apprentice.

Whether by appearance or figure, this girl looked like she was fourteen at most. So she was already sixteen?

He truly couldn’t tell; not at all! ps: Member clicks~ Recommendation tickets~ Collections~ The three clichés always chanted on the Qidian New Book list—I’m hitting three clichés here, hahaha.

A friend mentioned in the review section that I post one chapter a day... Actually, it’s two chapters...

I want to try and push for the New Book list tonight, so please help out. Oh, yes, of course, besides the chapter this afternoon, there will naturally be another update in the early morning.

That’s the rule for pushing a ranking, I know, I know.