The . According to Erel, it's an old academy known for producing the greatest magicians, wizards, and sages has ever had. Not only do they offer courses for new and aspiring magicians, but they also have a wide variety of courses including one that combines magic with swordsmanship or ranged weapons. I have to admit, if Wind was here right now, he might be interested in these classes, too.

Looking around, it looks so beautiful despite being an old building. I don’t see any cracks around the walls and pillars as I follow Erel around and most of the banners, plants, and medieval decorations are shining without any signs of aging on them. Yet for a big academy like this, the hallway seems oddly empty. It doesn't seem like anyone is here roaming about and it's a bit eerily quiet, it kinda creeps me out.

[Is this your first time in a magic academy, young Kazu?]

I snap out of my amazement and turn to see Erel staring at me. "Uh... Sort of... I haven't been to an academy like this back home. Most of the time, my Dad is usually the one who taught me magic."

Well, he doesn't in real life. But I don't want to break the scene with those RL info right now.

> [Your [Backstory] has been updated.]

And it seems like the game also agrees with me.

[I'm not surprised. Most of the [Insignis] magicians I know tend to start with general education. The same can be said with ones who took the path of adventuring,] Erel explains. [So there is no shame for you to be a latecomer in this academy. In fact, most of them I know were now known as the [Sign Sages] of . You might have heard these names before. and .]

Sentio and Specta... Oh, those names...!

"They're the ones from the [Sign Creation Ceremony] I was in a few weeks ago! Sentio was the one who guided me through the ceremony while I heard Specta did the same with my brother's [Test of Courage]. I didn't know they attended this academy." Then, a thought came to mind. "What about Earth Dux? He's my Dad and maybe he might be a graduate, too."

[Earth Dux... Yes, I heard about your father. But he didn't attend years ago.] Oh... Well, it makes sense since Dad is supposed to be an adult in this game. So unless he used the same [Backstory] feature, I doubt he did the same thing. [However, he was a teacher last year. He was a great role model to most of the students and some of the faculty were grateful for his help defending the academy on a few occasions.]

Whoa... Dad did all of this in the beta test? Man, he sounds more like a fantasy hero than a Dad to me.

[There are a lot of stories of his heroism in and out of the academy. But if I prattle on, we will be here for hours,] Erel explains. [But if you're lucky to come across several publications of his accomplishments in the city, you might have an inkling of your father's adventures.]

So he already got books about him already? I don't see any windows popping up about it, but this is one "quest" I can't skip out on!

I want to ask more about the graduates. But it seems like it will have to wait since we’ve just arrived in front of an ornate door with gold frames spreading around like vines. Erel approaches the door and makes a few knocks. [It's me, sir. I brought the [Insignis] mage requesting your audience. I know you still have a visitor, so...]

[It's alright, Erel. Let him in.]

A visitor? Does that mean another player found the academy, too? So much for being first... Still, I let Erel open the door and follow him inside the office.

To my surprise, the office itself isn't what I imagined. Instead of a large office filled with bookcases and floating books like in Seraph, it's only a small room with several bookcases on each wall, several plant pots, and a large wooden desk with several writing materials and books placed on it. In front of the desk is a man with chestnut brown hair wearing a grey suit under his gold and red robe. Not only that, he looks like he's about Dad's age rather than being an old wizard man or a stern old woman. Heck, he reminds me of Dad or my English teacher. I guess I can't rely too much on my fantasy novel knowledge, especially since the world was made by Enigma.

However, instead of seeing another player sitting on the chair right in front of him, I see a familiar NPC from the other day. The very same woman who recommended me to this academy in the first place.

[Oh! I didn't expect you to visit here so soon, young [Insignis].]

I can't believe it either. There's no way this is part of the [Quest]. Besides, how is it possible for me to meet the vice guild leader of the Adventurer's Guild two times in a row?! No, I shouldn't jump to conclusions yet. Maybe she's here for a different reason. Either way, I shouldn't be rude to both of them. So I bow to them and smile while waving at Miss Annota. "Yeah, I didn't expect you to come, too, vice guild leader."

She shakes her head and says, [Outside of the guild, I'm known simply as Annota. Still, I'm surprised you decided to visit the academy today. Looks like I didn't need to give you any more hints to guide you here, huh.]

Well, I did struggle with the filtering the mana part, but at least I succeeded without relying too much on hints. "I decided to visit after my plans with my brother changed due to another hunting session he needs to take care of first."

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

[Ah, I see. Well, I shouldn't pry on your privacy. Besides, I have a feeling you're here for one reason.]

Looks like she read my mind (figuratively, I hope). "Then I shouldn't take up much of your time." I clear my throat. "I want to attend the academy as a student. Um... Temporarily since I don't know if I can handle the classes and adventuring at the same time."

The dean nods. [I see. I heard you've been taught by your father the fundamentals of magic. Well, if you're seeking more knowledge, you’re in the right place. Of course, that doesn't mean I can enroll you in Crystal immediately. We do need to follow the usual protocol after all.]

"Protocol?" I repeat, wondering what he meant by that.

[Yes. Like you, most of our prospects are adventurers like you. While we have a program for them, we do need to prioritize the talented and trained rather than accepting all of them at the same time. It's difficult to tell you all this since you are Earth's son. But we're searching more than prodigies and dreamers alone. If you prove yourself in the entrance exam, you may enter our academy as long as you show us you are more than your heritage.]

I guess that means they won't accept any favoritism because of Dad. But I'm more than him. Sure, I have little knowledge of his achievements in the game. But that's why I'm making a mark on myself. I want to prove I can stand up without Wind or Dad's help!

"If that's the case, I'm not complaining about it. It's the opposite. I'll prove to you that I'm more than a name! My dream is to explore and meet new people. If I don't do this alone, then what's the point of calling myself a mage and an adventurer?!"

Just then, Annota chuckles. Did I say something strange?

[It looks like your determination is not all talk. However, your magical skills may need more action if you want to pass the exam.]

[She's right. The exam will be in two days. On that day, potential applicants will be allowed to enter our facilities to participate. Most of them are adventurers while some are nobles of .] The dean stands up and approaches me. [In this academy, status and wealth lose all meaning and everyone is considered as equals. If you can improve your abilities beforehand, then you have a chance to attend .]

That's what I want to hear. "Then I will show you! By the time I get back here, I will be ready for the entrance exam with my magic ready! Don't worry, I won't rely too much on my [Sign] for it. I promised."

Besides, after that small incident at the guild, I have a feeling using it might be considered cheating in the exam.

[Then I think I said what it needs to be said.] The dean turns to Erel and Annota. [Erel, I'm counting on you on the usual procedures.]

[Yes, Headmaster.] Erel bows to the dean before turning to the door. [I wish you luck, Kazu.]

I nod and smile. "I will."

I watch him leave the office before turning to the dean and Annota again. [Kazu, the exams are not like one of the [Quests] you took from the guild. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. But the greatest weakness of all is arrogance and hubris. You must not forget your teachings and continue your training as it is. Only then you are worthy to be part of the student curriculum.]

"Don't worry. I won't forget your advice!" I declare. "As the father of Earth Dux, I won't let his name... No, my reputation as a mage and adventurer is ruined by my hubris!"

Hehe... I'm glad I learned all of those big words from Seraph.

[Kazu, if you need to practice your magic, I suggest you should visit the city library,] Annota suggests. [While its magical guides are not too many compared to the academy's, it might inspire you to get ahead of the competition. Most importantly, your magic is your magic. Try to spice it up a bit outside of your [SIgns]. Only then you will find your unique style of fighting in both magic and skill.]

Magic and skill... Yeah... I should focus on those aspects first if I want to make more original [Signs].

"I think I get the gist of it. I'll get started right away." I quickly stand up and am about to bow, but...

[Also, don't get hasty. Haste makes waste, as one sage said.]

Oh, right... Hehe... One step at a time, right? I should start there.

"Right... Thank you."

----------------------------------------

After an hour of chatting, I'm now allowed to leave the academy for today. While I can track down its entrance through my mana-detecting skills, the dean said the academy will open automatically to those who registered for it. For now, I need to focus on my training along with a few [Quests]. To be honest, I still have a lot of questions. I’ve even tried asking for the dean's name. Unfortunately, all he could tell me was that I just needed to find out during the exam. A bit vague, but I guess it's too soon to know more about him.

But there's another matter at hand. Getting experience in [Quests] is fine and all, but how am I supposed to train myself for the exam? I can visit the library for more info, but I don't know how I am going to impress the academy. I already know using [Signs] is a big no-no and making a new one won't help the integrity of the exam. What am I going to train? I already mastered most of the basics in [Thunder] spells. Maybe I can try practicing [Wind] or [Earth]... Or I should pick up a new element and work from there, but risk losing my free slots in my [Mastery] list...

Okay... This is a lot tougher than it looks. It's a bit tougher than [Sign Creation] and it's more nerve-wracking since Wind isn't online, giving me moral support.

I sigh loudly. Looks like the library might be my only option to give me an advantage against my competition. I don't know what kind of players I should be facing, but I have to focus on my strengths before working out my weaknesses. As the dean said, I shouldn't get hasty and I need to take it slow.

For now, I should head to the library to research more on the world's magic. I've been to one back in , so it's the same ol' song and dance once I arrive there, right?

-----

[Please finish this test first before you're allowed in the library,] the librarian NPC says as she places a stack of papers right in front of me. And this is after I enter the library for the first time! [If you feel like quitting, be my guest.]

She then leaves just as a new window pops up right in front of me.

> [Urgent Quest: Complete the Library Exam *

>

> To access the full features of the library, Ms. Avalone is giving you a test to see if you're worthy to enter her facilities. Leave no section or question empty!

>

> P.S. You can quit the test by leaving the library.

>

> Recommended Party: 1]

Of course, there's going to be a test. At least I'm prepared this time. Let's see if I can crack down the questions like in ! Even though there are 3x more of them than the last one...

This might take a while...