“Remember, when they test your Spiritual Force, hold out for as long as you can.” Doehring Cowart’s expression turned serious. “I know nothing about Wind-element magic, so you truly must study at a magic academy. With elemental affinity this strong, it would be a terrible waste not to learn Wind-element magic.”

Linley understood.

“Please enter the Magic Formation.” The bald examiner even used the word “please,” a courtesy he rarely extended.

The nobles around them now regarded Linley in a wholly different light. Superior elemental affinity meant he could refine Mana in very little time, leaving most of his day free to train his Spiritual Force. His future potential was immeasurable.

Linley stepped into the formation. Warm white light rose around him, and an invisible pressure bore directly upon his soul.

Radiant-style spell—Intimidation.

So weak. Compared with the Black Dragon’s Dragon’s Might six months ago, this isn’t even close.

He still had the leisure to think about other things.

As time passed, the formation shone brighter and the pressure steadily intensified. Everyone in the cathedral hall held their breath. Anyone watching could tell that the plainly dressed boy would one day become a formidable magus.

“Does anyone know that boy? Which family is he from?” the nobles murmured among themselves.

A youth with such potential might someday become a powerful friend. The earlier they formed a connection, the better.

“His name is Linley?” Academy recruiters quickly learned his identity from the testing staff.

The recruiters who had been sitting together and chatting all hurried over to watch. What magic academy would not want a genius?

Alone inside the formation, Linley fought against the Intimidation.

His breathing grew labored. His head swam, and the crushing force felt like a mountain pressing down on him. Worse, it continued to climb.

But Linley held on.

The longer I endure, the better the academy I might enter.

He gritted his teeth. When the pressure finally passed his limit, he crashed to one knee and caught himself with both hands against the floor.

Every eye turned to the bald examiner.

The old man’s face glowed with excitement as he announced, “Spiritual Force: eighteen times that of his peers, high grade. High-grade Spiritual Force and superior elemental affinity!”

Several academy recruiters rushed forward at once.

“Hello, Linley. I represent Lander Academy of Magic, and we sincerely invite you to join us. If you enroll, all tuition will be waived. You will also receive a scholarship of one thousand Gold Coins each year, and we will arrange for senior magi to instruct you.”

“Linley, I represent Wellen Academy of Magic. We—”

Offers poured in from every side.

Their sudden enthusiasm left Linley dazed. Even more astonishing, every recruiter had learned his name in the space of a few moments.

“Ahem. Gentlemen, please return to your seats. We still have more candidates to test,” the bald examiner said mildly. He might be haughty toward ordinary people, but he remained courteous to representatives of the major academies.

“Linley, Ernst Institute sincerely invites you to become one of our students.”

The voice came from farther back. The entire hall fell silent. Even the bald examiner stopped speaking.

Linley turned. A middle-aged man in white robes approached with a smile.

“Superior elemental affinity, high-grade Spiritual Force, and superior affinity in two elements,” the man said. “Ernst Institute would be delighted to welcome you, Linley. Are you willing to join us?”

Hillman stood stunned for a moment before hurrying to Linley’s side, his hands trembling with excitement.

Ernst Institute!

What did it mean to enter the finest magic academy on the Yulan Continent? Even an unremarkable graduate could easily become a count in any kingdom, while the Four Great Empires would personally court the Institute’s outstanding students.

Across the entire Yulan Continent, Ernst Institute admitted only one hundred students each year. Every one of them could be called a genius.

“Linley, accept,” Hillman urged, almost beside himself.

Linley’s heart surged, but his thoughts remained perfectly clear and his face calm. With the Institute’s resources and Doehring Cowart’s instruction, reaching the seventh or eighth rank within a few decades would not be difficult.

The Baruch Clan could rise again.

“Sir, I would be honored to become a student of Ernst Institute,” Linley replied respectfully.

The white-robed man was surprised by his composure, though his smile never changed. “I will forward your identity records to the Institute. Bring proof of your identity with you. Once you arrive, you will take the test again, and then your enrollment will become official.”

Stealing someone else’s acceptance letter would be useless; the second test prevented impersonation.

“The academic year is divided into two terms, with the first beginning on February 9. You need only arrive before then. This letter serves as proof of your acceptance.” The man drew a red envelope from inside his robes.

In truth, the moment he heard Linley’s results, he had already written Linley’s name on the acceptance letter. He was certain no one would refuse an invitation from Ernst Institute.

“Thank you.” Linley accepted the red envelope.

His excitement remained hidden, but Hillman could barely contain his own. Every student of Ernst Institute commanded respect. Linley’s future already seemed assured.

“Uncle Hillman, let’s go.” Linley tucked the letter inside his clothes, and the two of them headed for the exit.

The crowded hall opened before them. Nobles from the capital and commoners alike stepped aside without being asked. Even those who had sneered at Linley as a country boy now wore warm, friendly smiles.

An Ernst Institute student was a symbol of status.

Under the eyes of nobles, commoners, and Radiant Church personnel, Linley and Hillman walked out of the cathedral hall.

“Squeak, squeak!” Once they were outside, Bebe immediately began to call. Through their bond, the little Shadow Rat could feel the excitement Linley had kept buried.

Only then did Linley let it show. He clenched a fist, eyes shining, and turned eagerly to Hillman.

“Uncle Hillman, let’s go home—right now! Back to Wushan Town. I have to tell Father!”