Chapter 9: Magic Test (Part 2)
“Remember, when testing your mental strength, you must persevere and hold out as long as possible.” Delin Cowart suddenly became serious. “I know nothing about wind-style magic. You’ll have to learn it at the magic academy. With such strong elemental affinity, it would truly be a waste if you didn’t study wind magic.”
Linley understood in his heart.
“Please step into the magic array.” The bald old man rarely used the word ‘please’ when addressing Linley.
Even many of the surrounding nobles looked at Linley with different eyes now. An elemental affinity of the highest grade meant he could refine magical power in a very short time, leaving the rest of his time to train his mental strength. His future achievements were limitless.
Linley stepped into the magic array.
A warm white light from the array lit up, and then a pressure directly assaulted his soul.
Light-style magic—Intimidation.
“How weak. Compared to the ‘Dragon’s Might’ of that black dragon half a year ago, this isn’t even on the same level.” Linley even had the leisure to think about other things.
As time passed, the magic array’s light grew brighter, and the intensity of the intimidation increased. The entire church hall held its breath. Everyone watching understood that this plainly dressed youth would surely become a formidable mage in the future.
“Does anyone know that young man? Which family is he from?” The nobles below began to discuss in low voices.
A youth with such potential—if they befriended him early, they might gain a powerful ally in the future.
“His name is Linley?” Some admissions staff learned Linley’s identity from the testers nearby.
Meanwhile, the group of admissions personnel from various magic academies, who had been sitting and chatting, now rushed over to watch. Which magic academy wouldn’t want to recruit a genius?
Inside the magic array, Linley alone resisted the intimidation.
Linley breathed heavily. His entire head felt dizzy, as if a mountain were pressing down on him, and this pressure kept increasing. Yet Linley continued to hold on—
“The longer I hold out, the better academy I might enter.” Linley gritted his teeth and persisted.
But when the pressure reached a certain height, Linley could no longer withstand it. With a crash, he fell to one knee, his hands propping him up on the ground.
Everyone turned their gaze to the bald old man.
The bald old man’s face flushed red as he announced loudly: “Mental strength, eighteen times that of an average person of the same age, rated as superior. Mental strength: superior grade. Elemental affinity: highest grade.”
Immediately, several magic academy admissions staff rushed in: “Hello, Linley. I’m from the Rand Magic Academy. Our Rand Academy sincerely invites you to join us. If you enroll, tuition is completely waived, with an annual scholarship of one thousand gold coins. We will also assign senior mages to teach you.”
“Linley, I’m from the Willin Magic Academy. We…”
…
Seeing the crowd’s enthusiasm, Linley was stunned for a moment, inwardly amazed. In such a short time, these admissions staff had already learned his name—truly impressive.
“Ahem, everyone, please return to your positions. We still have more tests to conduct.” The bald old man spoke gently.
He could be arrogant toward ordinary people, but he remained courteous to the magic academy representatives.
“Linley, our Ernst Academy sincerely invites you to become one of our members.” A voice rang out from the distance. As it sounded, the entire hall fell silent. Even the bald old man stopped speaking.
Linley turned to look.
A middle-aged man in a white robe walked over, smiling as he said: “Elemental affinity of the highest grade, mental strength of superior grade, and dual-element highest grade. Linley, our Ernst Academy welcomes you warmly. Would you be willing to join us?”
Beside him, Hillman was stunned for a moment before immediately running to Linley’s side. His hands trembled slightly with excitement.
Ernst Academy?
Joining the number one magic academy on the entire Yulan Continent—what did that mean?
It meant that upon graduation, even an ordinary member of Ernst Academy could easily become a count in any kingdom. Outstanding graduates were solemnly invited by the Four Great Empires.
And across the vast Yulan Continent, Ernst Academy only admitted one hundred students each year!
One hundred a year—what were the odds?
Every student admitted to Ernst Academy could be called a genius!
“Linley, accept it.” Hillman was beside himself with excitement.
Linley’s heart raced, but his mind remained clear, and his outward demeanor stayed calm. Linley knew well that becoming a member of Ernst Academy, combined with Delin Cowart’s guidance, would make reaching the seventh or eighth rank in a few decades no challenge.
His family could rise again.
“Sir, I consider it an honor to become a member of Ernst Academy.” Linley spoke respectfully and politely.
The middle-aged man in white was surprised by Linley’s composure but still smiled: “Linley, I will report all your identity information to the academy. You only need to bring your identification, undergo another test upon arrival, and you will officially become a member.”
Impersonation was useless, as the academy would test again.
“The academy has two semesters per year, starting on February 9th. You just need to arrive at the academy before February 9th. This is a letter of admission.” The middle-aged man took a red envelope from his robe.
In truth, after learning Linley’s test results, he had already filled in Linley’s name on the admission letter. Because he firmly believed—no one would refuse an invitation from Ernst Academy!
“Thank you.” Linley accepted the red envelope.
Linley showed little outward excitement, but Hillman was ecstatic. Ernst Academy students were always held in high esteem. Linley’s future was already foreseeable.
“Uncle Hillman, let’s go.” Linley placed the red envelope in his chest pocket and walked out of the hall with Hillman.
In the crowded hall, both nobles and commoners of the royal capital instinctively made way. Even the nobles who had earlier looked down on Linley as a country boy now wore warm, friendly smiles and displayed impeccable manners.
An Ernst Academy student—a symbol of status!
Under the gaze of nobles, commoners, and even church personnel, Linley and Hillman walked out of the church hall.
“Squeak, squeak!” After leaving the hall, the little shadow mouse immediately chirped, sensing Linley’s inner excitement.
Only then did Linley reveal his true feelings. He clenched his fist tightly, a flash of excitement in his eyes, and turned to Hillman, speaking quickly: “Uncle Hillman, let’s go back. Go back now! To Wushan Town. I want to tell my father this news!”