Chapter 61: Although This Is a Warrior Novel, Everyone Wants to Be a Mage
For the residents of Moldavia, the year 832 of the Falling Stars Era could be considered a turbulent one. The early winter, prolonged by the lingering effects of the Black Tide, felt exceptionally long. If not for the Lord's Mansion exempting hunters and mountain villagers from taxes and even providing aid, many would have faced empty forests and endured a bleak, cold, and hungry winter.
However, the subsequent reforms implemented by the new lord made everyone feel his uniqueness. This young lord, named Joshua von Radcliffe, not only launched large-scale road construction and infrastructure projects across the territory but also somehow secured a batch of investments, initiating two major projects near Nissier Snow Mountain.
Sometimes, spending money on infrastructure is not a pure loss. Large-scale construction brings more employment and consumption, greatly boosting the territory's economy. Coupled with the lord's apparent emphasis on education, establishing many basic schools and hiring many learned scholars as teachers, most children spent their days at school, freeing up a portion of the labor force previously tied down by childcare.
Moldavia Main City, Broken Sword Tavern.
This fairly well-known tavern was owned by an aging half-elf ranger. He had lost a hand in an adventure forty years ago and decisively quit that dangerous profession, using his considerable savings to open this tavern. This ranger once possessed Silver High-rank strength. Although his lost hand reduced his combat ability, his exquisite flying knife throwing technique still deterred many petty troublemakers. Perhaps due to shared experiences, many adventurers or mercenaries were regulars, and the half-elf's bartending skills satisfied them.
Today was February 14th, 833 of the Falling Stars Era. Another blizzard had sealed the roads to the outside world. Many bounty hunters and adventurers planning to head into the Black Forest for mission targets could only regretfully postpone their trips, heading to familiar places to drink, chat, and pass the time.
So, at this hour, Broken Sword Tavern was packed. Under the dim glowstone light, the place was buzzing with voices.
But strangely, everyone was talking about the same thing.
"My friend, are you sure you didn't get it wrong?"
A middle-aged man with a big beard, sitting by the window, held a mug as tall as half his arm and spoke seriously to his companion across the table: "That lord is planning to establish a magic academy? Are you sure that's what the city government's announcement said?"
"Of course, don't look at me with that suspicious expression."
The young half-elf sitting opposite, wearing leather armor, answered without hesitation and snatched the mug from the middle-aged man's hand, taking a hearty gulp himself. He shook his head and said, "This news couldn't be more real. The lord's crest was on the notice. You know my memory, right? Absolutely correct!"
Seemingly shocked by the news, the middle-aged man stroked his beard, momentarily forgetting to be angry at his companion for stealing his drink. He frowned thoughtfully: "Something's off. Here in the Northern Lands, we have plenty of powerful knights, warriors, and archers. You can find seven or eight easily. Most people's bloodline inheritances and talents are in these areas, making it easy to find teachers. Why a magic academy?"
"Who knows."
Finishing the drink in one gulp, the half-elf shrugged indifferently: "Anyway, I plan to let my kid try their entrance test. If he has talent, I don't mind if he doesn't become an archer. That brat doesn't want to practice anyway... My ancestors had elven blood, so maybe he could really become a mage lord."
"Your kid?" Hearing this, the middle-aged man looked puzzled: "Isn't magic something only the rich can afford? Why would you think of that? I advise you not to throw all your savings into..."
"Haha, no way." Interrupting him, the half-elf laughed heartily: "I asked the guards who posted the notice. They said that as long as you're a resident of Moldavia, you can bring your documents for a free test. And I heard the tuition isn't expensive either. At least it's worth a shot!"
"Is that so... I see..."
The middle-aged man fell into thought. Free test, affordable tuition. If the conditions were so favorable... then he also wanted to let his kid try.
After all, that was a mage lord. Mysterious magic—who wouldn't want to try it? They had long tasted the hardships of ordinary professions. Even if being a mage meant suffering, it was at least a suffering they hadn't experienced.
It wasn't just them. Others around were also discussing the truth of this news. As time passed, the whole city learned of it.
In the northern part of the city, Scholar's House, Study.
Little boy Ivan and his sister Amira were diligently learning a series of knowledge about professions under their grandfather's guidance.
As young children, what they needed now wasn't intense training, but to understand what they were good at and what they wanted to do in the future. Before truly starting their efforts, they had to understand the pros and cons of each profession and make their own choices.
Although Edward was just an ordinary scholar, he knew a bit of magic and had participated in a few adventures. He clearly understood that to go further on the path of the strong, the foundation must be solid and firm. This solidity wasn't just about physical condition, but also mental clarity.
Knowing what you want, what your future goals are, and understanding what you're good at—with such self-awareness, even if talent is poor, at least you won't waste time or stray onto wrong paths.
"Master!"
Accompanied by heavy, thumping footsteps, a tall and sturdy maid arrived outside the study and began urgently knocking on the door. Her strength was so great it felt like she might break the door down. The children, who were studying seriously, and Edward were startled.
"Coming, coming... Naka, knock more gently next time."
Although somewhat annoyed at the interruption of Ivan and Amira's studies, the old man knew that his maid had never been so flustered in all these years. Since she reacted so strongly, there must be important news.
As he opened the door, the maid named Naka happily pulled the old man outside: "Master, look! Good news!"
"Oh, my old bones. What is it that's got you so excited... Wait?!"
Rubbing his lower back, Edward took the notice from Naka's hand, frowned, and began reading. He started with some complaints, but soon had no time to think about anything else, focusing intently on reading the announcement: "Magic Academy? Possibility of expanding into a multi-profession academy? Moldavia locals exempt from test fees, tuition discounts as well? This..."
"Generous and merciful lord..."
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Edward closed his eyes to steady his emotions. He muttered some fragmented words under his breath, suppressing his excitement.
A mage.
Although in real combat, a mage of the same rank might not have an advantage over other professions of the same rank, this was a profession whose key point wasn't combat, but research and preparation.
As a truly valuable resource, a mage's status was significantly higher than other professions except for paladins and priests. Moreover, when prepared, no other profession could easily defeat them. Most importantly, aside from war mages, most mages rarely directly participated in combat. Their value as logistics or support was greater than that of a turret, and their safety was very well guaranteed.
Even considering the two little ones' dream—dragon slaying—a mage who wanted to slay a dragon, if properly prepared, would have a higher success rate than other professions. If their parents knew this news, they would definitely agree.
So, after a moment, Edward returned to the study. He looked at the confused Ivan and Amira, then smiled and said to the two children:
"Little ones—do you want to become mages?"
Ivan and Amira exchanged glances, shook their heads in bewilderment, then, as if just realizing something, nodded vigorously.