Andrew was in Director Magnus's office, where he was being informed about extraordinary talents identified among the lower classes. One of those youths, after undergoing magical affinity tests, had demonstrated a Delta-level aptitude—something extremely rare even among the nobility.
In the kingdom, all humans can channel mana, but their efficiency and growth rate depend on lineage, diet, and training. Most barely improve over the years, while high nobles and elite bloodlines, such as the Douglas family, progress much faster thanks to resources, advanced techniques, and high-level monster meat.
That is why discovering a Delta among commoners was a strategically valuable finding for the academy, whose purpose had always been to identify and train individuals with exceptional abilities to strengthen the royal army. Such a discovery caused great excitement among the nobles, as talent like that was considered a strategic asset.
In comparison, talents like Sofia The Mondring, who possessed Omega-level affinity, represented near-absolute mastery—capable of surpassing any opponent in strength and endurance. Had she not already been engaged to the Douglas heir at the time, the king would have wished to make her his queen, ensuring an extraordinarily powerful lineage. An Omega was, in essence, almost a living legend.
—Very well, Magnus —Andrew said firmly—, I want to meet this young talent.
—Of course, my lord. He is in the Class E buildings —Magnus replied respectfully.
—Is he truly that inferior? —Andrew asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
—Yes, my lord —Magnus confirmed—. He is a commoner, so we must guide him from the lowest ranks. His potential is immense, but his education and training will be decisive. Despite his lack of instruction, he possesses the mana of a level twenty warrior and a Delta-grade magical affinity for the air element. That means every air spell he casts will consume far less mana than usual. With proper training, he could rival elite mages.
—Very well —Andrew replied—. That will make it easier to shape him to our needs. Turning him into a loyal servant of the kingdom will be simple if he is trained correctly.
Magnus led Andrew toward the student housing area. From a distance, the prince could see the 124 buildings that housed 1,690 students, as well as the imposing central building where the most advanced classes were held.
—Here, in classroom 1-38E, you will find Asher —Magnus informed him—, the young talent with Delta-level magical affinity. His ability is extraordinary. Even with full resources, reaching levels like his is nearly impossible; his affinity makes him unique.
Andrew nodded, understanding that this was not just about training an ordinary student, but guiding a talent who, if properly developed, could alter the balance of power in the kingdom.
—Do you want me to call him aside now? —Magnus asked.
—No. First, let's greet the entire class, and then we'll call him —Andrew replied.
Andrew walked through the classroom, greeting the 43 cadet-level students, who responded with measured respect. After the greetings, Asher was summoned to the faculty room.
—You must be wondering why you're here —Andrew began.
—Yes, sir. Have I done something wrong? —Asher asked, visibly nervous.
—No, calm down —Andrew said, gesturing reassuringly—. I want to make you an offer. Would you like to become a squire of the royal family?
—Sir… could you repeat that? —Asher replied, confused.
—Do you want to serve the royal family? —Andrew clarified.
—I am not worthy, sir, but if I am given the opportunity, I will swear eternal loyalty —Asher answered, bowing humbly.
—Good. I like your attitude, and above all, your talent. I am willing to help you, but you will have to give everything. As a servant of the royal family, you cannot bring dishonor to our name, and you must work harder than your peers —Andrew explained.
—Yes, sir. I am willing to give everything. I have always dreamed of becoming a knight of the royal guard, and I will not waste this opportunity —Asher declared, determination shining in his eyes.
Back in the Class A area, Andrew turned to Magnus, his voice firm.
—Who is the instructor of Asher's group? —he asked.
—It is Knight Francisco, a Lord-class warrior —Magnus replied.
—Assign Cristian to him —Andrew ordered—. He is Magister-class. I want him to oversee my new servant and provide all the resources necessary for him to rise in rank as quickly as possible. Train him carefully; he must become a high-ranking servant of the Erkhan family.
—The other students may envy him, even bully him —Magnus warned, somewhat concerned.
—Tell Cristian to handle that —Andrew replied firmly—. We do not care what others think. Once he becomes a servant of the royal family, he must be treated as such. Not all of us are equal, and that is one of the academy's purposes: to teach each student to understand their place —he concluded, with the authority of a prince accustomed to being obeyed.