All eyes were fixed on the high platform, unblinking. Everyone knew that this test might determine the future first genius of Phantasmal Academy for years or even decades to come.

As everyone focused on the platform, Liam took a step toward the stone tablet, passing by Caspian and standing before it. At that moment, the entire plaza’s attention was riveted on him.

"Is that Liam?"

"Yes, it's Liam. Remember, he was the first in the first round, even higher than Caspian by several steps!"

"Well, let's see if this guy who reached the eight hundredth step has the talent to match. It would be quite a joke if he doesn't even reach the entry-level fifth grade."

"I doubt that. He might even be another ninth grade like Caspian..."

The buzzing of conversation immediately filled the Phantasmal Academy’s plaza, especially among the students who had come down from the academy to watch. They were particularly interested in Liam, having already heard about the events on Mystomount. Their curiosity was palpable. Similarly, the instructors sitting on the high platform watched the stone tablet intently. While Rowan had been an unexpected surprise, their main focus was still on Caspian and Liam. Caspian had not disappointed them; now it was Liam's turn.

Liam stared at the stone tablet, feeling a bit apprehensive. This was the moment that would determine whether he could become an Arcanist.

The examiner also watched him with anticipation. This young boy had given him a pleasant surprise in the first round, and he hoped for another now.

"Begin," the examiner said with a kindly smile, as if he were speaking to his own child.

Liam nodded, raising his right hand slowly to place it on the stone tablet. Just like the others, as soon as his hand touched the tablet, a strange power from the stone surged into his body. This energy felt like a refreshing wave, revitalizing his parched body.

As this energy coursed through him, it grew in intensity, transforming from a trickle to a torrent. It flowed rapidly throughout his body, then returned to his arm, ready to flow back into the stone tablet.

At that moment, an unexpected event occurred. Just as the energy was about to return through his hand, the remnants of Liam’s Body Forging technique began to activate. This technique, nearly depleted after his struggle on Mystomount, had not been fully restored due to his reluctance to train overnight. Yet, the residual energy now sprang into action.

Liam’s heart raced, and sweat began to bead on his forehead. He tried his best to remain calm. If the examiner noticed anything unusual and decided to investigate further, Liam feared he wouldn't be able to conceal the truth. The energy, now reduced by the Body Forging’s absorption, returned to the stone tablet as a mere fraction of its original torrent. However, the Body Forging had absorbed enough to significantly recover.

When the energy finally re-entered the stone tablet, it was much weaker. The stone was calm for a moment, then emitted a bright light.

The large golden letters on the stone tablet caused every heart in the plaza to stop for a moment.

"Arcane Power... third grade!"

A dead silence fell over the crowd.

Unlike Caspian’s silence, this one was filled with surprise and ridicule.

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"I thought this first-round champion was something special, but he’s not even as good as me!"

"I respect Caspian, but this Liam... not so much."

"I always said his first-round performance was nothing special. He probably cheated."

"Even if he didn't cheat, with talent like this, no amount of perseverance will help!" The plaza buzzed with discussions, most people looking at Liam with indifference or disdain.

Caspian glanced at Liam's back without saying anything. Proud and aloof, he walked to the edge of the plaza, seemingly unwilling to witness the crowd's reactions.

The scornful laughter and pitying sighs around him felt like sharp thorns piercing Liam’s heart, making his breath quicken.

The examiner looked at the stone tablet, then at Liam, who stood with his head lowered. He sighed softly. This boy had surprised him in the first round but now left him feeling a deep sense of regret. Still, as the examiner, he had to remain impartial. He announced coldly:

"Liam Serenity: innate Arcane Power, third grade, talent level D, unqualified!"

"However, due to his outstanding performance in the first round, he is exceptionally admitted according to the rules."

Another wave of murmurs swept through the plaza, filled with mockery and ridicule. On closer inspection, most of the voices came from those who had failed or ranked low in the first round.

Liam slowly lifted his head, bowing to the examiner before revealing his slightly delicate and youthful face. His dark eyes scanned the surrounding peers who jeered at him, and the self-mockery on his lips grew even more bitter.

"Are people really this petty and shallow? It seems Body Forging was both my rise and my downfall..." With a bitter smile, Liam turned away, quietly making his way back to where Rowan and the others were.

Rowan patted Liam's shoulder, trying to console him. "Don't worry about it, Liam. This test is only a measure of your current strength. As long as we keep working hard, we'll improve. Don't mind what they say; at least you passed, unlike those..." Realizing his mistake, Rowan quickly glanced at the others who hadn't passed. "I didn't mean it that way..."

Finnian and Little Fat Bill waved it off, but Elena looked sorrowful. "Exactly, I don't even have the right to be laughed at. I want to learn Arcane too..." She was on the verge of tears, and everyone rushed to comfort her, including Liam, who momentarily forgot his own disappointment.

With the last person declared unqualified, the test reached its end. The examiner had the stone tablet collected and turned to address the crowd. "This concludes the entry test. Congratulations to those who passed. Shortly, someone will escort you to the academy. Once your departments are assigned, you will officially become disciples of Phantasmal Academy. Train diligently and contribute to the academy's growth and development. As for those who didn't make it, don't be disheartened. Becoming an Arcanist isn't the only path in life. I believe you'll achieve great things in your own fields, and I look forward to the day I can be proud of you!"

Hearing this, some of the disappointed children perked up, encouraging themselves. Elena, determined, looked up at the sky. "That's right, even if I can't be an Arcanist, I'll still accomplish something great!"

Rowan and Liam quickly agreed, "Yes, exactly."

After a brief farewell, Finnian and the others who didn't pass were escorted back to the town by academy disciples. Out of the thirty-seven participants, only six were left. Some had failed both rounds, while others, like Liam, had outstanding results in one round, allowing them to be admitted despite the second-round failure. Liam realized how fortunate he was to join Phantasmal Academy by a stroke of luck.

Looking around, Liam noticed that most of the remaining six were those who had ranked high in the first round. He recognized a few familiar faces, especially the red-clad girl he had surpassed. The memory of her scaling such heights under immense pressure intrigued him, and her bright attire made her easy to remember.

After a short pause in the plaza, an academy disciple gathered the six remaining candidates. "Stand firm, all of you. I'll take you to the academy." With a wave of his staff, a cloud appeared beneath them, carrying them like a rainbow from the plaza toward the Phantasmal Academy's gates.

Before long, they arrived at the grand gates of the academy, surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants. Through the gate, they could glimpse a few elegant buildings within.

As the cloud dissipated, they steadied themselves, and a young man in a dark blue robe, exuding an air of confidence, approached them. He nodded at the disciple who brought them and then turned to the new arrivals. "Welcome, new disciples. The dean and several teachers wish to meet you. Follow me."

Liam and Rowan exchanged glances but remained silent. Caspian stepped forward, cupping his hands in a respectful salute. "Lead the way, brother."

The young man acknowledged Caspian with a nod and a smile. "Follow me."

They followed the young man through the gates, their eyes widening in disbelief at the sights before them.