Today the Teaching District was far livelier than usual. Large numbers of Wizard Seeds from the 4556th Batch could be seen walking through the broad stone pathways toward their assigned classrooms. Some carried books beneath their arms while discussing future wizard paths with excitement, while others remained silent, their expressions filled with nervous anticipation.
Today was an important day. It was the first official lesson since entering the White Ring Saint Academy. Although Instructors had already gathered everyone a week ago, that gathering could only be considered an introductory session. The instructors had merely explained the academy's structure, distributed books, and instructed everyone to choose a suitable path for their future studies. Today, however, would be their first real lesson.
Inside one of the academy classrooms, nearly fifty Wizard Seeds were already seated. The classroom itself was enormous. Rows of curved seats extended upward like an amphitheater, allowing every Wizard Seed a clear view of the teaching platform at the front. Soft white crystals embedded into the walls emitted a gentle glow, illuminating every corner of the room, while complex runes engraved throughout the ceiling and walls quietly maintained temperature, lighting, and sound isolation.
The atmosphere was lively. Several groups of Wizard Seeds chatted excitedly among themselves. Some discussed meditation methods while others compared elemental affinities. A few reviewed books while waiting for the instructor to arrive. Some looked confident while others appeared anxious, their eyes occasionally drifting toward the classroom entrance.
Among them sat Ivan. His posture remained steady as he quietly observed the classroom, occasionally glancing toward the entrance. Beside him sat Olivia. Unlike most Wizard Seeds, she remained completely focused on a thick book resting in her hands. A mixture of pale blonde and light green hair flowed over her shoulders like silk touched by spring sunlight, while her emerald-green eyes carefully scanned the contents of the book.
The title of the book read Fundamentals of Verdant Spirit Botany, one of the introductory texts related to Druid and Nature-oriented paths. Occasionally, Olivia would jot down small notes in her notebook before continuing her reading. Ivan glanced at the book briefly before looking away. He had already noticed that Olivia possessed a genuine interest in plant-related knowledge. Whether it was because of her affinity or simply personal preference, her concentration was undeniably impressive.
The noise within the classroom continued for several more minutes before suddenly disappearing. The classroom became quiet almost instantly. A figure had appeared at the entrance, and the moment she stepped through the doorway, nearly every conversation ceased. Dozens of eyes turned toward her simultaneously.
Seeing the figure Ivan recognized her immediately. She was Instructor Eleanor, the First-Level Wizard from the Elemental Branch who had conducted their introductory session. Today, however, she was dressed differently. Instead of the formal wizard robe she had worn previously, Instructor Eleanor wore a fitted crimson dress that perfectly balanced elegance and professionalism. The design was simple enough for teaching yet refined enough to highlight her mature beauty. Combined with her fiery red hair and ruby-colored eyes, she possessed a striking presence—confident and beautiful, yet carrying the natural authority expected of an official wizard.
Even some of the male Wizard Seeds could not help staring for a moment before quickly looking away. Olivia also noticed the sudden silence. Closing her book, she raised her head and looked toward the front together with everyone else.
Instructor Eleanor slowly walked toward the teaching platform. A faint smile appeared on her face as she swept her gaze across the classroom.
"Good morning, Wizard Seeds."
Her voice was calm and pleasant.
"It's nice to see all of you again."
The classroom immediately straightened. No one dared remain distracted. Instructor Eleanor nodded slightly before continuing.
"Today marks your first official lesson. From this point onward, I will be responsible for teaching the Foundational Meditation Course. During class, you may address me as Instructor Eleanor."
The Wizard Seeds responded respectfully.
"Yes, Instructor Eleanor."
Satisfied, she continued speaking.
"Today's topic is extremely important. In fact, one could argue that it is one of the most important foundations upon which the entire wizard path is built."
As she spoke, she gently raised a hand. Mana within the room stirred, and one after another, glowing runes began appearing in midair. The classroom immediately fell silent as eighteen runes floated above the teaching platform. Each possessed a unique shape. Some appeared simple while others looked extraordinarily complex. Together they formed a gradual progression from the easiest to the most difficult.
The moment Ivan saw them, he recognized them immediately. They were the eighteen Meditation Runes recorded within the academy's Basic Meditation Method. The runes hovered quietly in the air like ancient symbols containing countless mysteries, each one seeming to conceal profound truths about the wizard path.
Instructor Eleanor allowed everyone several moments to observe them before asking a question.
"Among all of you, how many have already constructed the First Meditation Rune and stepped into the realm of a Low-Level Wizard Apprentice?"
Several hands rose.
Not many.
Only five or six in total.
Instructor Eleanor nodded calmly. Ivan was not surprised by the result. Most of those Wizard Seeds likely came from the Central Continent and had already received education from Basic Wizard Academies. Many probably possessed Wizard Apprentices or official Wizards among their relatives and family members. Obtaining meditation methods early would not be difficult for people with such backgrounds.
Compared to Wizard Seeds from the Outer Islands, they naturally possessed greater advantages. Was it unfair? Perhaps. But fairness had never been a defining characteristic of the wizarding world. Resources, knowledge, background, and talent all created differences. The sooner one accepted that reality, the easier it became to survive and grow stronger.
Instructor Eleanor soon shifted the topic.
"These eighteen runes are the Meditation Runes recorded within the Academy's Basic Meditation Method. The question is simple. What exactly are Meditation Runes, and how do they allow Wizard Seeds to enter the wizard path?"
She paused briefly.
Many Wizard Seeds immediately focused their attention. Although the answer existed within the meditation book, hearing an official wizard explain it personally was obviously different.
"Long ago, during the earliest stages of wizard civilization, meditation methods did not exist. At that time, wizards understood that a mysterious energy permeated the world, but they lacked efficient methods to absorb and utilize it."
Her gaze swept across the classroom.
"That energy is what we now call free-floating magic particles. They exist throughout the wizarding world. In the air, in the earth, within rivers, forests, mountains, and countless other places. They are everywhere."
As she spoke, tiny lights appeared around her fingers. Countless faint particles became visible, floating gently around her hand. The Wizard Seeds watched attentively.
"Through generations of research, experimentation, and sacrifice, our predecessors eventually discovered certain natural runes capable of interacting with these particles. After countless improvements, those discoveries gradually evolved into the Meditation Runes we use today."
The floating runes above her brightened slightly.
"Every sentient being possesses a Soul Sea. Some are weak, while others are strong. You Wizard Seeds belong to the latter category. Your naturally powerful Soul Seas allow you to perceive and attract magic particles far more efficiently than ordinary individuals."
Many Wizard Seeds listened even more carefully. Even Ivan remained completely focused. This was knowledge directly related to the foundation of their wizard path, and no one wanted to miss a single word.
"Before meditation methods existed, absorbing this energy was extremely inefficient. Wizards often spent years accumulating only insignificant amounts of magical energy. Many relied upon dangerous experiments, forbidden rituals, and countless other methods simply to increase their strength."
Her expression remained calm.
"Fortunately, those primitive days ended long ago."
She pointed toward the floating runes.
"Meditation Runes act as filters. They attract free-floating magic particles, refine them, transform them, and ultimately convert them into controllable magic particles. Wizards generally refer to these controllable magic particles as mana."
Instructor Eleanor allowed those words to settle before continuing.
"The refined mana is then absorbed into the Soul Sea. Over time, the Soul Sea becomes stronger. Its capacity increases, control improves, and a wizard's overall strength continues to grow. This process forms the foundation of every wizard's growth."
The classroom remained completely silent as everyone absorbed the significance of those words. Without meditation, without mana, and without a sufficiently strong Soul Sea, the wizard path could not be traversed properly. One could even say that the wizard path itself would not exist in its current form.
The classroom remained completely silent after Instructor Eleanor finished explaining the principles behind Meditation Runes. Every Wizard Seed remained focused on the eighteen floating runes above the teaching platform. Even those who had already studied the Basic Meditation Method found themselves listening attentively. Reading information from a book and listening to an official wizard explain it personally were entirely different experiences. After all, Instructor Eleanor had already walked this path herself. Her life level, experience, understanding, and perspective far surpassed theirs. Learning directly from someone who had already crossed the threshold of wizardry was naturally far more valuable than relying solely upon written explanations.
Instructor Eleanor allowed the silence to linger for several moments before continuing. Her gaze slowly swept across the classroom as she spoke once more. "Now that you understand the basic principles behind Meditation Runes, we can move on to something more important. The advancement path of a Wizard Apprentice." As her words fell, the eighteen floating runes gradually drifted aside. In their place appeared three glowing symbols suspended in midair. Each represented a different realm: Low-Level Wizard Apprentice, Intermediate Wizard Apprentice, and High-Level Wizard Apprentice. The moment those symbols appeared, many Wizard Seeds unconsciously straightened in their seats. Compared to theoretical knowledge, information regarding advancement was naturally much more attractive.
Instructor Eleanor pointed toward the first symbol. "The first stage is the Low-Level Wizard Apprentice Realm. This is the realm all of you are currently attempting to reach." Her voice remained calm and steady as she continued. "Many newcomers mistakenly believe that once they construct the First Meditation Rune and begin absorbing mana, they will immediately gain the ability to cast spells." Several Wizard Seeds nodded unconsciously. Clearly, many of them had imagined exactly that scenario. Seeing their reactions, Instructor Eleanor revealed a faint smile. "Unfortunately, reality is rarely that generous. The purpose of the Low-Level Wizard Apprentice Realm is not spellcasting. It is adaptation."
The Wizard Seeds revealed thoughtful expressions as they listened. Seeing their reactions, Instructor Eleanor continued her explanation. "When you first begin absorbing mana, your body is still that of an ordinary mortal. Your Soul Sea may begin growing stronger, but your physical body remains largely unchanged. If a fragile container suddenly receives too much power, problems naturally occur." As she spoke, she gently tapped the air. A transparent human silhouette appeared before the classroom. Countless streams of mana flowed throughout its body like glowing rivers.
"The first stage exists to solve this problem," Instructor Eleanor continued. "During the Low-Level Wizard Apprentice Realm, mana gradually permeates your body. It strengthens muscles, bones, and internal organs while continuously improving your body's compatibility with mana. At the same time, your Soul Sea continues to expand and grow stronger." The projection slowly brightened as the mana circulating within it became increasingly dense. Many Wizard Seeds watched carefully. For many of them, this was the first time seeing such a visual explanation.
"Because of this process, most Low-Level Wizard Apprentices experience significant improvements in physical strength, reaction speed, stamina, endurance, and overall vitality. However, despite possessing mana, they generally cannot cast formal spells yet. That ability comes later." Several Wizard Seeds immediately appeared somewhat disappointed after hearing those words. Seeing their expressions, Instructor Eleanor chuckled softly. "Don't look so disappointed. Even without casting spells, a Low-Level Wizard Apprentice is significantly stronger than an ordinary person. Once you reach the peak of this realm, the mana flowing through your body will have strengthened you tremendously. Your physical abilities will be comparable to those of a peak Low-Level Knight. Some individuals blessed with exceptional physiques may even surpass that standard and approach the Intermediate Knight Realm."
The disappointment within the classroom immediately lessened. Many Wizard Seeds visibly relaxed after hearing that explanation. After all, becoming stronger was still becoming stronger. Even if they could not yet cast spells, the thought of possessing physical power comparable to trained knights was enough to excite many of them. Instructor Eleanor allowed them a few moments to digest the information before pointing toward the second symbol suspended above the platform.
"The Intermediate Wizard Apprentice Realm." Her expression became slightly more serious as she spoke those words. "This is where the true wizard path begins." The projection immediately transformed. The transparent figure now contained a much larger Soul Sea, while streams of mana moved throughout the body with far greater smoothness and efficiency than before. "By this stage, your body has already completed most of its adaptation. Physical strengthening still continues, but the improvements become much smaller. The primary focus now shifts toward the Soul Sea and mana."
The classroom grew noticeably quieter. Everyone understood that this was where things became truly important. Instructor Eleanor continued, "Upon entering the Intermediate Wizard Apprentice Realm, you gain the ability to properly cast Zero-Level Spells." A wave of excitement immediately spread through the classroom. Even Ivan's eyes brightened slightly. This was the power most Wizard Seeds dreamed about when they first entered the academy. Real spellcasting. Real supernatural abilities capable of changing the world around them.
"When a Wizard Apprentice first enters this realm, their mana reserves remain limited," Instructor Eleanor explained. "Most can only cast two or three Zero-Level Spells before exhausting themselves. However, as the Soul Sea continues growing stronger, their mana capacity gradually increases." Her finger traced a glowing line through the air as she spoke. "By the peak of the Intermediate Wizard Apprentice Realm, an apprentice may cast dozens of spells before reaching exhaustion. Of course, quantity alone is not enough. The quality of mana is equally important."
Several Wizard Seeds immediately focused. This was information that rarely appeared within beginner books. More importantly, these were conclusions drawn from Instructor Eleanor's own experiences as a former Wizard Apprentice and her current perspective as an official wizard. Such knowledge possessed tremendous value. Instructor Eleanor continued, "The same spell cast by two different apprentices may produce completely different results. One apprentice may consume less mana. Another may cast faster. Another may produce greater power. The difference often lies in mana quality." She pointed toward the floating Meditation Runes above the platform. "The higher your comprehension of a meditation method, the greater the refinement of your mana. Refined mana is more efficient, more stable, and more powerful. Never underestimate the importance of your foundation."
Ivan silently memorized every word. After spending countless hours copying books inside the academy library, he had encountered numerous records discussing the importance of foundations. One phrase appeared repeatedly throughout various texts: The stronger the foundation, the higher one may climb. Because of that, Ivan understood the importance of a solid foundation better than many Wizard Seeds present within the classroom. Short-term advantages might seem tempting, but long-term growth depended upon the strength of one's foundation.
After speaking about mana quality, Instructor Eleanor introduced another extremely important concept. "There is another ability that becomes increasingly important after reaching the Intermediate Wizard Apprentice Realm. Spiritual Perception." The moment those words fell, many Wizard Seeds revealed curious expressions. Even Ivan focused more intently. This topic had never been discussed within the introductory meditation books.
"As your Soul Sea grows stronger, the perception you normally use to sense free-floating magic particles gradually expands beyond your body," Instructor Eleanor explained. The projection changed once again. A circular field expanded outward from the transparent figure, covering the surrounding area. "This expanded perception allows a wizard to scan their surroundings and detect movements, life signatures, mana fluctuations, and other abnormalities within a certain range. We call this Spiritual Perception."
A low murmur spread throughout the classroom. The concept sounded almost unbelievable to many of them. Instructor Eleanor patiently continued. "The range of Spiritual Perception depends primarily upon the strength of your Soul Sea and the amount of mental energy you possess. Remember this carefully. Mana and mental energy are not the same thing. While mana is used to cast spells, Spiritual Perception relies heavily upon mental energy. The stronger your mind, the farther your perception can extend."
The projection expanded further. "More importantly, we wizards rarely rely solely upon our eyes during battle. Our eyes can be deceived. Terrain can obstruct vision. Darkness can conceal enemies. However, Spiritual Perception allows us to lock onto targets directly. Once a target has been identified through Spiritual Perception, spells can be guided with significantly greater accuracy. In many situations, the probability of striking an enemy exceeds ninety percent."
The Wizard Seeds were visibly shocked. To them, such abilities sounded almost supernatural. Most of them had not even stepped into the Low-Level Wizard Apprentice Realm yet. The idea of scanning enemies hidden dozens of meters away seemed completely unimaginable. Instructor Eleanor allowed their surprise to settle before continuing. "At the peak of the Intermediate Wizard Apprentice Realm, a talented apprentice may generally extend Spiritual Perception between fifty and one hundred meters, depending upon the quality of their mental energy and the strength of their Soul Sea."
However, after hearing the complete explanation, Ivan was even more shocked than the others. The description of Spiritual Perception sounded remarkably similar to Nova's scanning capability. The only difference was the scale. Compared to ordinary Wizard Apprentices, Nova's scanning range was vastly more terrifying, capable of covering nearly twenty kilometers while also analyzing surrounding terrain and life signatures simultaneously. In many ways, Spiritual Perception could almost be considered a weakened version of Nova's scanning ability.
Only after finishing that explanation did Instructor Eleanor point toward the third symbol. "The High-Level Wizard Apprentice Realm." The atmosphere inside the classroom immediately became more serious. Compared to their current level, High-Level Wizard Apprentices seemed unimaginably distant. Even those who had been recording notes stopped writing and focused entirely upon the instructor.
"The High-Level Wizard Apprentice Realm represents the final stage before becoming an official wizard." Her voice remained calm as she spoke. "By this point, your physical body has largely reached the limits attainable through ordinary mana enhancement and Most High-Level Wizard Apprentices possess physical strength comparable to Peak High-Level Knights. From this stage onward, the overwhelming majority of your progress focuses upon the Soul Sea."
The projection transformed once more. The Soul Sea within the transparent figure expanded dramatically while the amount of mana contained within it multiplied several times over. The difference compared to the earlier stages was immediately obvious. "Your mana reserves will continue increasing. Your control will continue improving. You will gain access to more complex and powerful Zero-Level Spells. Many spells impossible to utilize during the earlier stages become available at this point."
Instructor Eleanor paused briefly before continuing. "Your Spiritual Perception will also experience another significant increase. Most High-Level Wizard Apprentices can maintain perception ranges between two hundred and three hundred meters. That is generally considered the natural limit of a High-Level Wizard Apprentice. Beyond that point, one usually requires specialized magic tools, precious materials, or unique techniques to extend their perception further."
Many Wizard Seeds unconsciously swallowed. The image alone made the realm seem extraordinary. A perception range spanning hundreds of meters, mana reserves far beyond ordinary apprentices, and physical strength rivaling powerful knights. Such individuals were already far beyond what ordinary people could imagine.
Instructor Eleanor eventually dispersed the projection. The glowing symbols slowly faded from existence as she folded her arms. "The path beyond the High-Level Wizard Apprentice Realm is the realm of official wizards. For now, that subject is far beyond your current level." A few disappointed expressions appeared throughout the classroom, but nobody complained. Most of them had not even entered the Low-Level Wizard Apprentice Realm yet. Thinking about becoming an official wizard at this stage was indeed meaningless.
After finishing her explanation, Instructor Eleanor remained silent for several moments, allowing everyone to digest the enormous amount of information they had just received. Only after the classroom settled down did she calmly ask, "Do any of you have questions?" The room remained quiet initially as many Wizard Seeds continued processing everything they had heard. Eventually, a thin boy seated near the front slowly raised his hand.
Instructor Eleanor nodded toward him. "Speak."
The boy stood up nervously before asking, "Instructor Eleanor, if meditation methods affect mana quality, then why do different meditation methods exist?"
A faint smile appeared on Instructor Eleanor's face. "A good question." She folded her arms before answering. "Because different meditation methods possess different advantages. Some specialize in absorption speed. Some focus on refinement. Some are more compatible with specific elemental affinities. The Basic Meditation Method taught by the academy is balanced, stable, and safe. It provides an excellent foundation for beginners. However, in the future, many of you may replace it with superior meditation methods better suited to your talents and paths."
The Wizard Seeds revealed understanding expressions after hearing her explanation. Soon another hand rose from the back of the classroom. This time it belonged to a girl. "Instructor Eleanor, if someone's Soul Sea is naturally stronger, does that mean their talent is better?"
"To a certain extent, yes," Instructor Eleanor replied with a nod. "A stronger Soul Sea often results in superior spiritual sensitivity, greater control, and faster learning ability. However, talent alone determines very little." Her expression became noticeably more serious. "I have seen geniuses remain stagnant for decades. I have also seen ordinary apprentices surpass them through effort, opportunities, determination, and perseverance. Talent may determine where you begin, but it does not determine where you finish."
The classroom became noticeably quieter after hearing those words. Many Wizard Seeds seemed deep in thought. Even those from powerful backgrounds could not help reflecting upon her statement. After a brief pause, Ivan slowly raised his hand.
Instructor Eleanor immediately noticed Ivan's raised hand. A faint smile appeared on her face as she nodded toward him.
"Yes?"
Ivan stood up calmly after thinking for a moment. Then he asked, "Instructor Eleanor, if meditation continuously strengthens the Soul Sea, does the Soul Sea itself possess a limit, just like the physical body?"
The question immediately attracted attention throughout the classroom. Several Wizard Seeds revealed confused expressions as they looked toward Ivan. Clearly, most of them had never considered such a possibility before. Even Olivia turned slightly toward him with surprise visible in her eyes.
Instructor Eleanor observed Ivan quietly for a few moments before nodding slightly. There was a faint trace of approval within her expression.
"A very interesting question."
The classroom gradually became quieter as everyone focused entirely upon her explanation.
"The answer is yes. The Soul Sea naturally possesses limits. This is precisely why realms exist."
She raised a finger calmly before continuing, "When a Soul Sea reaches the limit of what it can contain, a wizard can no longer continue growing through simple accumulation. At that point, the Soul Sea must undergo transformation through advancement."
Her gaze slowly swept across the classroom while many Wizard Seeds listened attentively.
"Only after that transformation can greater quantities of mana and higher-quality spell models be sustained. Advancement is, in essence, the evolution of the soul itself."
The atmosphere inside the classroom immediately became much quieter than before.
Many Wizard Seeds were still trying to understand the deeper meaning behind those words. Even Ivan fell into thought after hearing the explanation. Unfortunately, before he could analyze the concept further, Instructor Eleanor suddenly changed the topic and drew everyone's attention back toward her.
"Now, I would like to draw everyone's attention."
The atmosphere instantly became serious as every Wizard Seed subconsciously straightened their backs. Instructor Eleanor slowly surveyed the classroom before speaking once more.
"From today onward, all Wizard Seeds have two weeks."
"Within those two weeks, you must successfully construct the First Meditation Rune and enter the Low-Level Wizard Apprentice Realm."
The classroom froze instantly after hearing those words. For a brief moment, absolute silence dominated the entire room before discussions immediately erupted among the Wizard Seeds.
Many Wizard Seeds revealed shocked expressions. Some looked worried, some frightened, while others appeared completely stunned by the announcement. According to the Basic Meditation Method, many third-class aptitude holders often required a month or even longer to complete the First Meditation Rune.
Yet the academy was only providing two weeks. Naturally, anxiety immediately began spreading throughout the classroom as the discussions became louder and louder. Some Wizard Seeds even began questioning whether the academy's requirement was realistic at all.
Then a gentle pressure descended upon the room. It was neither violent nor oppressive, yet every Wizard Seed immediately fell silent under its effect. Instructor Eleanor calmly looked toward the students before speaking once more.
"The academy would not assign an impossible task."
As she spoke, she casually waved her hand through the air. One crystal sphere immediately appeared before every Wizard Seed who had not yet constructed the First Meditation Rune. The floating crystals emitted a soft white glow while many Wizard Seeds examined them curiously.
Instructor Eleanor explained calmly, "These are Recording Crystals. Inside them are detailed construction records, guidance notes, and practical experiences regarding the First Meditation Rune."
Surprised expressions immediately appeared throughout the classroom after hearing her explanation.
"This information was compiled from the experiences of countless previous Wizard Seeds."
"Place the crystal against your forehead and guide your spiritual perception into it."
"The information will transfer directly into your mind."
"With its assistance, even most third-class aptitude holders can complete the task within two weeks, provided they work hard enough."
The anxiety within the classroom immediately lessened after hearing those words. Many Wizard Seeds visibly relaxed while looking toward the floating Recording Crystals before them.
Instructor Eleanor nodded slightly after seeing their reactions.
"Good."
"I hope all of you are still here after two weeks."
A meaningful smile appeared on her face while several Wizard Seeds immediately became curious. One of them could not help but ask loudly, "Instructor Eleanor, what happens after we pass the assessment?"
"A contract."
The classroom instantly fell silent once again.
Instructor Eleanor folded her arms before continuing calmly, "Knowledge, resources, and facilities are not free. The academy provides opportunities, but every opportunity possesses a price."
Her voice remained calm, yet her words caused many Wizard Seeds to become uncertain.
"What that price is... you will discover soon enough."
Uncertain expressions immediately spread throughout the room after hearing those words. Ivan, however, narrowed his eyes slightly because those words reminded him of something important. When he first arrived at the academy, he had only paid ten magic stones as registration fees.
At the time, he had not thought much about it. However, after spending time within the Market District and gradually understanding the value of magic stones, he realized something important. Ten magic stones were far too little to support the growth of a Wizard Apprentice.
Let alone an official wizard. Every wizard was built upon mountains of resources and countless magic stones. The academy's facilities alone were worth far more than the registration fee they had paid upon entering.
The library.
The instructors.
The training grounds.
The knowledge.
None of those things could possibly be maintained through registration fees alone.
Only now did Ivan finally understand the truth. The academy was making an investment, and investments naturally expected returns. As for what those returns were, he would likely discover once the contracts appeared before them.
Instructor Eleanor soon dismissed the floating runes. The eighteen Meditation Runes vanished one after another while the Recording Crystals remained suspended before their respective owners. Afterward, she turned and slowly walked toward the exit of the classroom.
Just before leaving, she paused briefly near the door.
"Remember."
"Knowledge is the foundation of a wizard."
"Power is merely one of its side effects."
With those final words, Instructor Eleanor left the classroom completely. The moment she disappeared from sight, discussions immediately erupted throughout the room as Wizard Seeds began talking excitedly among themselves once more.
Some discussed the two-week assessment while others discussed the mysterious contracts mentioned by the instructor. Several students immediately began experimenting with their Recording Crystals and studying the information contained within them.
Among them, Ivan remained seated quietly while silently organizing everything he had learned today. A few moments later, he suddenly felt a gentle tug on his sleeve. Turning his head slightly, he found Olivia looking toward him.
Although she appeared calm on the surface, concern was clearly visible within her emerald-green eyes. After all, she possessed third-class aptitude, and even though her talent ranked among the better third-class aptitudes, the two-week deadline still placed considerable pressure upon her.
For several moments, neither of them spoke. Then Ivan smiled slightly before speaking calmly.
"You'll be fine."
Olivia blinked slightly after hearing his words while Ivan continued speaking in a relaxed tone.
"You have something many people here don't."
A trace of confusion immediately appeared on her face as she looked toward him.
"Your memory, concentration and focus."
"You can remember most things after reading them only a few times."
"That alone is already a valuable talent."
Ivan leaned slightly back in his seat before continuing calmly, "And unlike many people here, you actually use that talent properly. You study seriously and work harder than most Wizard Seeds here."
"Now you also have the Recording Crystal. If you focus properly, passing this assessment won't be difficult for you."
Olivia remained silent for several seconds after hearing his encouragement. Gradually, the tension within her expression began easing slightly.
The worry had not completely disappeared, but determination slowly replaced it.
"I'll do my best."
Her voice carried noticeably more confidence than before while Ivan nodded approvingly toward her response.
"That's more like you."
After a brief pause, he added calmly, "And if you run into any problems, come find me. We can study together. Sometimes another perspective makes things easier."
A faint smile finally appeared on Olivia's face after hearing those words.
"Thank you."
Her voice was soft, but the sincerity within it was obvious.
Ivan simply smiled in response. Compared to helpless worrying, this version of Olivia suited him much better. However, at that moment, another pressure suddenly appeared within the classroom.
It wasn't as powerful as Instructor Eleanor's pressure, yet it was still sufficient to instantly attract everyone's attention. The discussions immediately stopped as every Wizard Seed turned toward the entrance of the classroom simultaneously.
A young man around twenty-five years old stood there quietly. He wore a standard wizard apprentice robe, and attached to his chest was a badge engraved with three bronze stars.
A High-Level Wizard Apprentice.
The moment many Wizard Seeds recognized the meaning behind those stars, their expressions immediately became serious.
The young man slowly entered the classroom while his gaze swept across the room before eventually stopping at the front platform. Then, without speaking immediately, he quietly observed every Wizard Seed present inside the room.
A strange silence gradually spread throughout the classroom.