The sunlight filtered through the dense jungle, sparingly casting small beams of light.

 A mixture of moss and the scent of decaying wood wafted through the forest, with the ground covered in twisted tree roots and scattered, jumbled stones. Amongst the roots and stones, four people struggled to make their way. The one at the forefront appeared to be the most mature of the group, though not yet reaching the age of full adulthood. The three trailing behind were unmistakably children, making the whole party look like an outing group. However, this "Enchanted Forest" was far from an ideal destination for a leisurely outing. The older child at the front held a machete, hacking a path through the vines and bushes, while the boy at the rear carried everyone's belongings on his back. The young man and woman sandwiched in the middle seemed surprisingly at ease.

"It seems quite challenging to find a new campsite before the sun sets."

"Jerry, go up to the treetops again and check if there's a flat clearing nearby," Kate instructed the boy with empty hands.

Kate considered herself the leader of this group, or at least that's what he believed.

"Here we go again," Jerry grumbled, though he appeared reluctant, deep down, he felt quite proud. After all, he was the only one among them who understood levitation.

"Spirits of the air, heed my prayer, in the covenant with the Wind God, release the Earth from its constraints."

As the incantation was recited, Jerry slowly levitated, drifting towards the treetops, eventually disappearing into the dense canopy.

"To the southeast, five miles away, there's a hillock," Jerry's voice echoed from the treetops. "I'll go check it out first."

"Jerry sneaked away again, relying on his ability to fly."

"We'll give him a good thrashing later."

"At night, let Jerry feast on raw meat alone."

"Make him stand guard alone tonight."

"..."

In the absence of a fair trial, the rest of the disgruntled team members had already decided on Jerry's guilt. Poor Jerry.

It took a full two hours for the remaining few to reach the hillock, and the path was indeed exceptionally challenging. By the time they arrived, the sun had already set.

Before complete darkness fell, the travelers had to pitch their tents and prepare enough firewood for a campfire. Of course, the three judges didn't need to get their hands dirty; the convicted could lighten their punishment through manual labor—a basic right granted by civilized society's laws.

"I'm so tired! My feet are killing me."

"Bertina, you complain about being tired, yet you don't have to scout, clear the path, or even carry your own luggage," Jerry protested.

"Get to work, no talking allowed."

"Bertina, could you act more like a lady?"

"Ladylike behavior varies from person to person."

"..."

"These two still have the energy to argue. Seems like their burden is too light," Kate whispered to Enrico.

The latter nodded in agreement.

Night fell. A lively campfire sparked in front of the tents, with the firewood conveniently collected by Jerry. Kate took on the task of lighting the fire. Being skilled in fire magic, throwing a fireball was a simple feat for her. Meanwhile, Bertina was busy preparing the mountain chicken Jerry had caught. As they gazed at the flickering flames, Enrico's thoughts drifted back to his hometown.

His hometown was Sevina, a small town situated upstream of the Torsile River. Despite its size, the town thrived due to its proximity to the second-largest city, Newna. His father ran a grocery store in town. During Enrico's childhood, his father often asked him to help with serving customers or managing accounts, leaving him no time to play. At such times, his father would say, "Son, this store will be passed down to you in the future." Hence, his childhood dream was to grow up and open a grocery store in Newna. As merchants from Newna often visited Sevina, arriving in stylish carriages and then transferring to horses or camels in town, Enrico loved listening to their tales of events in Newna, such as the construction of a grand central theater or extravagant festive celebrations. However, he had never left Sevina until he met his teacher.

The teacher's name was Vecordo, a magician. Before the teacher arrived, Sevina had no magicians, so the townspeople were excited about having a magician in town. However, their enthusiasm soon waned. The teacher was not like typical magicians; he lacked the discipline expected of a magician. Not only was he lecherous and a heavy drinker, but his magic skills were also abysmal. His magical control was poor, either using too much or too little, and sometimes failing to summon magic at all.

Since the teacher caused several disasters in the town, no one dared to seek his magical assistance anymore. The wealthy in the town initially wanted to use the teacher's connection to meet other magicians and potentially gain access to the Magician's Guild. However, they soon gave up as rumors circulated about the teacher's bad reputation. He was said to have embezzled funds from the guild, seduced employers' wives, stolen church idols, deceived young girls using his magician identity, and, at least one crime that Enrico knew for sure—he owed debts he never repaid.

Finally, Enrico's father couldn't bear it any longer. When the teacher came to the store once again to buy things on credit, Enrico's father demanded payment. After a lengthy argument, seeing that his father wouldn't budge, the teacher reluctantly agreed to settle half of the debt, promising to pay the other half after receiving his monthly allowance from the Magician's Guild. Enrico's father reluctantly agreed and went inside to get the account book. Seizing the opportunity, the teacher approached Enrico, smiling, and asked, "Little friend, do you want to learn magic?" Without hesitation, Enrico replied, "Yes." The teacher immediately declared, "Good, then I'll take you as my student."

Enrico thus became the teacher's first and only disciple. Of course, the teacher's outstanding debts were forgiven, and from then on, whenever he needed something, he would send Enrico to request it from Enrico's father. Over the years, Enrico's father couldn't help but wonder why the teacher chose to be a magician instead of a merchant, given the teacher's evident aptitude for shrewd business practices.

Since following the teacher, Enrico's daily routine involved scheduled morning cleanings and late-night visits to the tavern to bring the teacher back. Occasionally, he ran errands, mostly fetching everyday items from the store his family owned. Fortunately, the teacher never asked him to fetch anything too valuable. The teacher rarely got up before sunset, leading Enrico to sometimes wonder if the man had vampire blood. Most mornings, the teacher would head to Todd's tavern to drink. Todd was the only person in town, aside from Enrico's father, who was willing to extend credit to the teacher. Unlike Enrico's father, Todd seemed to hold the teacher in high regard, never asking him to settle his tab.

Before Enrico became the teacher's disciple, there were times when the teacher, after getting drunk, would sleep in Todd's tavern. Of course, the teacher also had the experience of sleeping on the streets. Now, every late night, Enrico is responsible for bringing the teacher back. Initially, a few times, Enrico would carry him back, but since he vomited on Enrico a couple of times, Enrico switched to dragging him back, as long as he didn't vomit on himself. The teacher's teaching method revolves around self-study; he hasn't taught Enrico any magic. Instead, he handed Enrico his magic book, instructed him to memorize the spells inside, and guided him in meditation according to the book's instructions.

Enrico, after diligently memorizing those incantations and gaining a general understanding of meditation techniques, attempted to cast several spells but couldn't summon any magic.

Finally, during a rare moment of sobriety for the teacher, Enrico brought up the issue of his inability to use magic. The answer was suffocating. Enrico's aptitude was fundamentally unsuitable for practicing magic. In this world, most magicians use magic by concentrating magical elements through their mental strength and expressing them in specific ways. The stronger the mental strength, the faster the concentration of magical elements, the greater the binding force on these elements, and the more precise the control over them. This is why there are distinctions between apprentice magicians, low-level magicians, intermediate-level magicians, high-level magicians, and grand magicians. However, two types of people are unfit for practicing magic: those with weak mental strength, a category encompassing most individuals, and those with strong but diffusive mental nature, unable to concentrate. Enrico falls into the latter category, making it impossible for him to maintain the concentrated state of magical elements.

Knowing the reason, Enrico was no longer troubled. After all, his original aspiration was just to be a grocery store owner. The inability to use magic wasn't an overwhelmingly distressing fact for him. However, Enrico chose not to disclose his incapacity for magic to his father. He continued with the meditation exercises, which held little meaning for him, maintaining his peaceful life.

In Enrico's memory, the teacher rarely rose early, but every month, there was a day when he would get up early, tidy himself a bit, and abstain from drinking. That day was the Magic Association's gathering day, and on this special occasion, the teacher could also receive the long-awaited monthly allowance. As usual, the teacher eagerly used the teleportation magic circle in the laboratory on the second floor to head to the Magic Association. However, unlike other times, he returned before noon. Something must have prompted him to forgo the association's gathering, which usually included a grand feast sponsored by the kingdom to honor the magicians. This was one of the reasons the teacher looked forward to the gathering day.

"Teacher, why are you back so early? Was the banquet canceled?" Enrico asked in confusion.

"Quick, pack up, and come with me," the teacher issued a brief command.

"What's going on?"

"Don't waste time with questions; you can ask on the way. Hurry and pack."

"How many days will we be gone?"

"I don't know, just be well-prepared. Go quickly."

Under the teacher's urging, Enrico hurriedly ran out, crossed the street, and sprinted back home.

Seeing his son rushing home in a hurry, Enrico's father left the customers aside.

"What happened?" his father asked anxiously. Since his son started following that rogue magician, he had been worried about what might happen.

"No, Dad, don't worry. Everything's fine. I just need to pack; the teacher is taking me on a trip," Enrico replied breathlessly, at least easing his father's concerns.

"Where are you going?" his father asked.

"I don't know. Master didn't say where or for how long. Just told me to be well-prepared," Enrico explained, sharing all the information he had, which wasn't much. After that, he focused on packing his belongings.

Seeing that even Enrico had no clear understanding, his father had to help him pack. Fortunately, Sevina Town hosted many passing travelers every day, and the grocery store had a complete range of travel equipment and supplies. It didn't take long to gather all the necessary items.

Enrico carried his luggage out. Though not extensive, it was enough to handle most travel needs, including essentials for deep mountain and desert journeys. Enrico, despite never having ventured far from home, had assisted his father in the shop since childhood, encountering many travelers. So, at least when it came to selecting equipment, he could be considered an expert. Standing under the eaves at the doorway, Enrico set down his luggage, turned, and bid his father farewell with a respectful gesture. As his father looked at Enrico, he suddenly felt that his son was about to leave him and his grocery store forever. The boy in front of him seemed like a born traveler, and the grocery store's world could hardly contain him.

Enrico, carrying his luggage, hurried back to the teacher's laboratory.

"Lock the door and come straight to the second floor," the teacher's voice echoed from upstairs as soon as he entered.

With an uneasy heart, Enrico ascended to the second-floor laboratory.

In the middle of the second floor, there was a magic circle for teleportation, cast in bronze, with five discs in the center.

Teacher Vicodo was sitting on one of the discs, waving to Enrico. "Come over, sit here," the teacher pointed to a disc beside him.

Enrico observed the teacher's posture and took a seat. The moment he sat down, a sensation of being in a different realm engulfed him. The surroundings seemed to instantly quiet down, but then countless images flooded his mind – oceans, deserts, mountains, jungles, urban landscapes, and wilderness. Enrico, like a bird soaring through the sky, rapidly traversed these landscapes one by one. The scenes grew increasingly fantastical, with sunrises and sunsets, snow-capped peaks, and icy glaciers.

It was unclear how much time passed before Enrico finally snapped out of these illusions.

"How does it feel?" The teacher kept a watchful eye on his student and inquired when he saw Enrico coming to.

"Sorry, I got captivated by the illusions," Enrico apologized.

"These aren't illusions. The landscapes you saw in your mind exist somewhere on this earth. What you witnessed are memories embedded in this magical array," the teacher explained, noting Enrico's evident confusion. "This magical array has traveled to various places around the world, accumulating memories at each stop. Some treat these images as illusions and banish them, while others use them as a means of communication to experience those places."

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Seeing Enrico lost in thought, unable to comprehend the words, Professor Vecodo hastily reminded his student, "Stop thinking. We've already wasted enough time. Get ready to depart!"

After hearing the meditation technique explained by his teacher, Enrico immediately closed his eyes to focus his mind. As Vecodo saw his student stabilizing, he sat upright, forming hand seals with both hands and chanting an incantation.

Following a vigorous vibration, Enrico felt tossed about for what seemed like a while, followed by another intense tremor.

"Here we are," Enrico heard his teacher's voice and opened his eyes, finding himself on a platform. As he stood and looked around, he observed a circular platform made of white marble, with the furthest points stretching about a hundred meters apart. On the ground was a massive magic array, ten times larger than the one in the laboratory, yet the two arrays looked completely different.

"Quick, help me up!" the forgotten teacher shouted indignantly.

Enrico, realizing the plight of his forgotten teacher, half-dragged, half-pulled him up, then picked up their luggage from the ground. He followed closely behind the teacher.

On the way, the two conversed, and Professor Vicoldo roughly explained the situation to Enrico.

It turned out that the Magic Association mandated that every mage who took on an apprentice must register with the association. The following year, the association would propose a trial. Those who passed the trial would be granted apprentice status, officially registered with the association, and allowed to receive magical instruction. Those who didn't pass had the opportunity to try again the next year, but failure would result in disqualification.

Last year, Professor Vicoldo took the liberty of enrolling Enrico for the upcoming year's trial. According to the regulations, this year's candidates had to be present in person.

"Now, you have two paths before you. First, you give up the trial and return to your father's grocery store to help. Second, you enroll in the trial, and if you fail, you return to your father's grocery store to help," Vicoldo said, seemingly not very optimistic about his student.

"I want to give it a try."

Hearing his student's decision, Vicoldo wasn't surprised. After all, two years of interaction had given him some insight into Enrico's character.

As they spoke, the two arrived at the Magic Association.

Passing through an arched gate, Vicoldo led Enrico into a long hall where three people were already seated.

"You sit here for a while, greet your fellow candidates. If you have any questions, you can ask them," Vicoldo said, leaving Enrico alone.

In this unfamiliar environment, Enrico felt a peculiar loneliness for the first time. He was unsure how to interact with strangers.

After a brief silence, the eldest of the three walked up to Enrico and said, "Hello, I'm Kate," extending her right hand. Enrico, almost reflexively, reached out and shook hands, saying, "I-I'm Enrico. Nice to meet you."

Once the ice was broken, the atmosphere became much warmer. After introducing themselves, they got to know each other better.

Kate, Jerry, and Beldina were already acquainted. Kate, at eighteen, was a disciple of Councilor Corence, head of the Magic Association in New Nacelle, specializing in fire magic.

Jerry, Beldina, and Enrico were all sixteen years old. Jerry was an apprentice of the Grand Mage Piert, specializing in wind magic.

Beldina, on the other hand, was the disciple of the Senior Mage Belrissa, focusing on water magic.

Among the three, Kate came from a knightly family with noble status but received a more humble and down-to-earth upbringing, unlike the typical arrogance associated with nobility.

Beldina's parents were members of the clergy, intending for her to follow in their sacred footsteps. However, supported by her own wishes and her aunt, Senior Mage Belrissa, Beldina chose the path of a mage.

Jerry, the son of a wealthy merchant, was the second son of the family. His father, aspiring to earn a noble title for the family's future, decided to send all three sons to prestigious institutions for education. The eldest joined the Royal Knights, Jerry was the second, and their youngest brother was sent for clerical education.

In contrast to Enrico's background as the son of a grocery store owner, Jerry's status seemed more affluent. However, Enrico did not feel any shame about it. In fact, he openly shared the challenges of his inability to practice magic due to his unique constitution.

Surprisingly, Kate admired Enrico's candid and accepting nature. The two quickly became close friends, sharing everything without reservation.

Amidst the lively conversation, a novice mage entered the hall.

"Are you all the apprentices here for the trial?" the novice mage inquired.

"Yes," Kate replied on behalf of the group.

"Please fill out these application forms first, then I'll take you to your accommodations to drop off your luggage, and afterward, we'll proceed to the banquet together," the novice mage explained, handing out a stack of forms along with a pen for each person.

With Kate's assistance, Enrico managed to complete the forms, a task that proved more challenging than expected.

The apprentice mage collected the four completed forms, organized them, and led the way out. Enrico and the others had no choice but to follow, each carrying their luggage.

Upon reaching the accommodation, they found that the three male students would share a room, while Bertina had a room to herself. After a brief allocation of sleeping arrangements, they left their luggage and joined the novice mage to attend the banquet.

Upon entering the banquet hall, the bustling crowd and lively atmosphere immediately caught their attention.

Watching the crowd, Kate suggested, "We better stick together, don't want to get separated; it might be hard to find each other here."

The others nodded in agreement.

"How about grabbing some food first?" Jerry proposed.

"Great!" Enrico was thrilled by the suggestion, especially considering he had missed lunch after breakfast.

The four of them squeezed their way to a table, and to their surprise, there were very few people around it. It became quite apparent why – Professor Vecoldo was there, eating heartily and exhibiting a rather conspicuous table manner. At least, they now understood why few dared to share a table with him.

Watching the food enthusiast, the other three couldn't help but feel sorry for Enrico.

Just then, Professor Vecoldo happened to look up and saw them. He waved them over.

"He wants us to join him," Enrico said.

"You go ahead."

"I'd rather die than go."

"We don't know him."

The other three unanimously refused to join.

Enrico reluctantly approached Professor Vecoldo.

"Professor, is there something you need?" Enrico asked.

"Oh," Vecoldo swallowed a piece of chicken leg, quickly stuffed a grilled fish into his mouth, then mumbled, "You've been hungry all day; have some food. Tomorrow morning, arrive early at the starting point. I have something to discuss with you."

Finishing his words, he handed Enrico a roasted ham.

"I'm not hungry."

"Not hungry? " Vecoldo said, puzzled.

"Ah! Right, I've become good friends with my companions, and I'd like to spend more time with them," Enrico hastily came up with another excuse. Then, to avoid further questioning from Vecoldo, he quickly headed towards his companions.

"Hurry, let's go," urged Bertina.

The four quickly turned into a small garden, found a quiet spot, and Enrico took out the roasted ham to share. One roasted ham, of course, couldn't satisfy the appetites of four growing youngsters. Yet, going back to the crowded dining table for more food required a courage none of them possessed.

Fortunately, waiters carrying trays of snacks and beverages frequently passed by. The four of them managed to fill their stomachs reluctantly.

At this moment, two mages dressed in luxurious banquet robes approached.

"Master," "Aunt," Jerry and Bertina quickly stood up.

It seems that the two magicians in luxurious banquet robes are none other than Archmage Piert and Advanced Mage Belissa. Out of courtesy, Kate and Enrico also promptly stood up.

Senior Mage Berlisa went straight to Bertina, gently touching her shoulder, and asked, "Have you had a tough day? Hungry, right? Why don't you go grab something to eat?"

"I don't have the courage to compete for territory with that starving dragon," Bertina vented her frustration, completely ignoring the awkward expression of the disciple next to her, referred to as the "starving dragon."

"Hahaha, a starving dragon, what a vivid metaphor," Senior Mage Berlisa laughed cheerfully. This laughter made Enlek feel that the relationship between Senior Mage Berlisa and the teacher must be quite strained.

Grand Mage Pilt, after coughing twice, seemed to endure some discomfort. "Don't be so rude. Mage Vicdor is a highly skilled Grand Mage."

"A Grand Mage?!" To be honest, Enlek has never been so shocked. Judging by the stunned expressions on his companions' faces, he could tell they felt the same. "This guy is actually associated with the prestigious and respectable title of Grand Mage."

With his mind in disarray, Enlek lost track of when Jerry and Bertina were taken away by their teacher. Only Kate remained by his side.

"Let's head back and rest," Kate suggested. Initially, Lissa and Pilt, the mages, wanted to bring Kate to their teacher. However, Kate declined this kind offer, realizing that leaving Enlek alone in his current mental state would likely result in him being unable to find his way back.

"Let's go," Enlek, still struggling to recover from the shock, responded weakly.

Finally dragging their heavy bodies back to their lodgings, they found a note on the door: "Tomorrow, 5 AM, assemble at the entrance." Opening the door and walking to the bed, Enlek immediately collapsed. The extreme shock was now accompanied by an overwhelming sense of fatigue. It seemed that significant fluctuations in mental energy were indeed detrimental to one's health.

"Hey, feeling better?" Kate asked with concern.

Enlek turned around, facing the ceiling, and replied, "I'm okay, just a bit shocked. It was overwhelming, and now I feel completely drained."

Seeing that Enlek was alright, Kate imitated him, lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling. She asked, "How would you describe your teacher, based on your impression?"

"A lecherous, alcoholic, deceitful, and lazy mage," a series of dark words escaped Enlek's mouth.

"You forgot his gluttony and shamelessness," Kate quickly added, remembering the terrifying eating habits of Enlek's teacher.

"He must have some specialties. What magic does your teacher excel in?" Kate persisted in asking.

Enlek struggled to recall, "My teacher is always heavily intoxicated; I've never seen him perform a complete spell." Enlek searched his memories, desperately trying to find any notable expertise his teacher might have.

Lost in thought, Enlek unexpectedly fell asleep. When he woke up, he realized it was still early, and the sky was dark.

Whether it was due to the lingering shock from discovering his teacher's identity or the nervous anticipation of today's trial, Enlek felt like he couldn't sleep anymore. He quietly got up, opened the door, walked out of the room, and gently closed the door behind him.

He passed through an empty hall, wandering alone in the quiet Magic Association center. Most doors were locked, and many rooms were dark. The stars in the sky were slowly fading, and the morning star had already emerged in the east.

Enlek reached the central square, facing east, patiently awaiting the sunrise.

The sky gradually brightened, and light swiftly dispelled the darkness. Though there were still a few sparkling stars in the western sky, the eastern horizon had turned pale.

"You're up early!" Suddenly, someone approached from behind, startling Enlek. When he turned around, he saw a tall, solemn-looking old mage standing behind him.

"Surprising to find someone up early to watch the sunrise," the old mage remarked.

"I've heard many travelers say that sunrises and sunsets around the world are among the most beautiful sights," Enlek quickly found an excuse. "So, I wanted to experience it firsthand."

"Yes, this is my first journey. You knew I'm one of Master Vicoldo's students?" Enlek marveled at the old mage's analytical and judgmental abilities.

"How did you know?" Enlek cautiously inquired.

"My student is also among the trial participants this time," the old mage explained.

Enlek immediately realized that the elderly mage before him was none other than Kornis, the Grand Mage and Head of the Newna City Mage Association, who taught Kate.

"It seems your constitution isn't quite suitable for practicing magic," noted Kornis, the perceptive Grand Mage. "Didn't Vicoldo inform you?"

"Vicoldo mentioned it to me, but I thought, even if I can't use magic, perhaps I can still grasp some knowledge about it. Magic knowledge has always been widely circulated among mages, inaccessible to ordinary people," Enlek expressed, feeling that this wise elder might be someone with whom he could share the suppressed thoughts in his heart. Therefore, he boldly continued, "So, it would be wonderful if magic could be more accessible to the majority. As a great Grand Mage, I believe you might have some ideas in that regard!"

Kornis observed the young man before him, and in his eyes, a hint of unease and confusion surfaced. However, within that unease and confusion, there was a profound contemplation.

Enlek eagerly expressed his thoughts, hoping for a response from the respected mage. However, after Kornis listened, he remained silent for a prolonged moment, leaving Enlek feeling uneasy. There was one lingering thought in Enlek's mind that he hadn't shared with Kornis—the suspicion about the thoughts he had just voiced. It was a subconscious attempt to convince himself to leave the familiar but cramped grocery store.

"The sun has already risen; unfortunately, you missed it," Kornis abruptly returned to the original topic.

Enlek quickly turned around to witness a fiery sun that had already ascended from the horizon. "Ah, it's truly beautiful! Too bad I missed the sunrise. When did the sun rise?"

Kornis, gazing at Enlek's back, replied with profound meaning, "When you carry the sunshine on your back, the sun has just risen."

While Enlek was immersed in the enchanting magic of the newborn sun, Kornis had quietly departed. Back at the accommodation, Kate was already awake, and Jerry was engaged in a fierce battle with the bed and blankets.

"Go wake up Bertina," Kate commanded Enlek. He walked to the next room, pushed the door open, and found Bertina still peacefully hugging her pillow. Enlek approached to wake her.

"Wow!" Suddenly, a loud yell accompanied by a sweeping kick sent Enlek flying out.

"Annoying! Let me sleep a bit longer."

Enlek, nursing his aching chest, crawled back to his room and shot a glare at Kate. "Go wake her up yourself."

"Can't wake her up? Watch me." Unaware of the situation, Kate walked into the next room.

Enlek, anticipating the outcome, heard a furious roar, followed by the sound of something heavy falling. When Kate, looking just as disgruntled as he did, crawled back in, Bertina glared at him menacingly. "You set me up!!!"

"I'll be going now. I'll leave those two to you," Enlek hastily grabbed his luggage and rushed outside.

At the door, with yesterday's words from the teacher in mind, he wondered if the teacher intended to give him some advice before the trial. After all, knowing the teacher's status as a great mage, Enlek had developed an inexplicable sense of trust in Victor.

As time passed, people gradually assembled, but there was still no sign of the teacher. Enlek's sense of trust had started to waver.

"Ah, you're already here so early." Victor, fashionably late, showed no hint of remorse.

"You said you had something to tell me?" Enlek inquired.

"Oh, right. I have something good for you." Victor casually reached into his pocket, searching. Companions gathered, curious to see what premium equipment the great mage would give his disciple. After a moment, Victor pulled out a small wooden stick about a foot long. "Here, take this. It'll come in handy when you need to make decisions." He patted Enlek's shoulder, ruffled his hair, and added, "Good luck, my student."

"Not again!"

"Too stingy!"

"Poor Enlek!"

"Thank goodness he's not my mentor!"

"Victor is truly incorrigible; I thought it would be something good!"

"A stick? Seriously?"

Each person around had their own thoughts, but their expressions all conveyed profound surprise and sincere sympathy for Enlek.

Enlek stared at the stick in his hand, his mind blank. This stick was a desperate method for guiding lost individuals, typically used when people were at their wit's end. According to statistics, these sticks had a 60% accuracy rate—slightly more useful than praying to the gods as a survival method. Hence, people gave it an elegant name: "Godstick."

Observing the leisurely magician in front of him, Enlek and everyone around him couldn't help but coin the most fitting label for him – "Godstick."

“I declare the challenge officially started!” Chairman Kollins redirected everyone's focus. "The destination for this trial is the Norman Laboratory in the central part of the Enchanted Magic Forest."

"Wait, wasn't Kekin Island the initially chosen destination?" Magician Brilissa inquired.

"This year's batch of trial participants has shown exceptional skill, and I have great confidence in my disciples. Hence, I decided to change the trial location on short notice," Chairman Kollins explained his reasoning.

"Bertina, let's consider it next year!" Magician Brilissa looked at her puzzled student. "The Enchanted Magic Forest is too dangerous."

"No, I want to give it a try. I have full confidence in my abilities," Bertina insisted.

"Don't be stubborn. The journey through the Enchanted Magic Forest is typically reserved for intermediate-level magicians," advised Grand Magician Piert.

“Why?” all four asked simultaneously.

Magician Kollins stepped forward to answer, "Let me explain that for you."

He paused for a moment and continued, "You should have heard about the God-Demon War that happened approximately 37,000 years ago. The war lasted for thousands of years, culminating in a final battle between the gods and demons. After that decisive battle, the demons were completely defeated, and that event is known as the Radiant Battle."

"Of course, everyone knows about that. We celebrate Radiant Day, one of our three grand festivals – Thanksgiving Day, Radiant Day, and Victory Day. Radiant Day commemorates that very event. Who wouldn't know about it?" Bertina remarked.

"Do you know that the ancient battlefield of the Radiant Battle is now the Fantasia Magic Forest?" Magician Kollins stated.

"Really? But why don't we know about it?" Kate, who was usually the most courteous, surprisingly interrupted her most respected teacher. This showed how tempting the ancient battlefield of the Radiant Battle was for him as a descendant of knights.

"Because, although the gods triumphed over the demons and eliminated most high-level magical creatures, some lower-level magical creatures survived. These elusive creatures hid in the depths of the Fantasia Magic Forest in a different dimension. Through assimilation over tens of thousands of years, most creatures in the Fantasia Magic Forest possess magical properties. Coupled with magical creatures from another world, the Fantasia Magic Forest has become a terrifying place that ordinary people dare not approach."

"So, why did the Magic Association set up a laboratory there?" Bertina raised another question.

"It wasn't set up by the Magic Association," explained Magician Bellerisa. "The laboratory was established by a mad magician on his own."

"Wow, who is this great magician?" Everyone asked in astonishment.

"Apprentice Magician Chris," Bellerisa,  reluctantly answered.

"An apprentice magician?" It seemed like shocking revelations kept coming these past few days.

"Never underestimate Magician Chris," stated Kourans, "Her strength is on par with any of the six Archmages on the continent. She earned the title of Archmage at the age of twelve, making her the youngest Archmage in history."

"So, why do you call her an apprentice magician?" Bertina inquired.

"Well! Due to her research into forbidden magic, misappropriation of association equipment, destruction of public property, kidnapping young students for experiments, causing severe injuries to innocent students, and a series of other misdeeds, she was stripped of all honorary titles, demoted to apprentice magician, and became one of the Magic Association's five major disgraces," explained Magician Bellerisa in detail.

"So, have you thought carefully about whether you want to participate in this trial?"

"Yes!!" The four young people completely ignored Bellerisa's warning, answering in unison.

With different thoughts, the four young individuals officially embarked on their long journey.

Kate was, of course, eager to behold the glorious ancient battlefield. Enlaico aimed to gain the assistance of a powerful magician. Bertina simply wanted to see the magician her aunt despised. Jerry was in it just for the fun.