“Now I possess the strength of Savant Lv5...”

Eirik observed his character panel, nodding in satisfaction.

To start with such combat power was quite exhilarating.

What caught his attention, however, was not just the high stats and his Elemental Absorption talent, but the golden and purple entries that had appeared.

---

*[Mystic Bloodline (Gold):]*

Many years ago, your Archmage-level mother, recognizing that the world’s rules had shifted and no longer supported Archmage-level strength, sealed you underground, waiting for the right moment. Now, you have finally awakened.

*[Companion of the Forbidden Zone (Purple):]*

In the vast Devil's Forbidden Zone, there are your predecessors and enemies, all of whom sleep just like you once did. At a critical moment, you may receive their aid—or face their persecution!

*[Bloodline Legacy (Purple):]*

You possess many ancient and powerful spells.

---

So, I have an Archmage-level mother, huh?!

That's quite a strong backing.

But, on the flip side, it also means enemies from the Forbidden Zone might be waiting for me, and those foes probably aren't weak.

At this moment, Pip, representing the Institute of Primeval Magic, had extended an invitation, wanting to meet with him, a son of an Archmage, and offer magical resources.

Of course, in return, Eirik would teach them some of the ancient magic he knew. Once he grew stronger, he would become a powerful ally to the Institute of Primeval Magic.

This kind of exchange seemed pretty common in these circles.

While Eirik was contemplating, a new series of system notifications popped up.

*[Pixie invites you to go for a walk by the lake.]*

*[Pixie has gifted you a magic wand.]*

*[Pixie...]*

Oh, she’s back to earn favor points again?!

Unfortunately, Pixie was just an ordinary disciple at the Institute of Primeval Magic, while Eirik was the son of an Archmage who had emerged from the Forbidden Zone.

The system judged that her gifts and gestures would yield very little in terms of increasing favorability.

After a while, Pixie seemed to realize something was off. Her enthusiasm waned, and she became somewhat disheartened.

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“What should I do? How am I supposed to pursue him? Eirik’s identity in this game is too high for someone like me to match... Should I... should I just offer myself?”

Her delicate face flushed with embarrassment.

“But if I do that, won’t I just look like a promiscuous woman? What if he only sees me as a toy?”

Pixie sighed, her thoughts tangled in uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Elvynna had also discovered Eirik’s presence.

She was currently near the magical academy as well!

Elvynna’s power was also impressive—Savant Lv5—but as a low-ranking disciple at a small academy, she didn't even have the qualification to enter the Institute of Primeval Magic, let alone approach someone of Eirik's caliber, the son of an Archmage.

The Institute of Primeval Magic was the top academy in the southern part of Central Land, a behemoth of power. It was no surprise they were eager to recruit Eirik, a son of the Forbidden Zone’s Archmage.

Now, Eirik was being showered with resources from the Institute daily, and all he had to do was study magic in their sacred halls.

Such a powerful, influential man—how could anyone approach him?

It was almost impossible!

“Eirik seems so unreachable now...” Elvynna sighed, looking dejected.

Back in the simulation games, Eirik had been just an ordinary person, and winning his favor was easy enough. The only challenge came from the intense internal competition among the female players.

But now, Eirik’s status had risen dramatically, making him seem out of reach. The difficulty of pursuing him had skyrocketed.

"Sigh… I can never measure up to him. "

“I’ve given up. Eirik is just a dream, one I can see but can never touch... I’ll just wander around Central Land and see if I can have some lucky encounter that will boost my strength...”

“Fennec, you might have a chance, though. I’ve heard that the Institute of Primeval Magic often forms alliances with your Fox Clan. Don’t they have a lot of little foxes there?”

The women in the world chat began to gossip, expressing their regrets.

Many had begun to circle Fennec with intrigue.

Seeing their comments, Fennec was taken aback.

“?? Don’t you know? The last thing I want is to be involved with the Institute of Primeval Magic!”

Fennec replied, irritated.

The Institute of Primeval Magic had frequently arranged marriages with her Fox Clan. Her older sister and aunt had married off to professors there.

But those women—once so strong—ended up as housewives.

Fennec had always resented this.

Why should the Fox Clan always be relegated to supporting roles, just being married off?

She was determined to become a powerful woman!

The Fox Clan deserved a mythical figure, maybe even an Archmage!

But then, Fennec’s frustration grew even worse when her elders suddenly summoned her. They seemed almost excited.

“Fennec, do you know what’s happening? Your luck has arrived!”

“What luck?”

A bad premonition filled Fennec’s chest.

“Have you heard? The Institute of Primeval Magic unearthed an ancient figure from the Devil’s Forbidden Zone—he’s the son of an Archmage!”

Fennec fell silent, but a rising sense of panic surged inside her. What was this about?

Her family was so far behind on the news! She already knew about this “Archmage’s son” and had heard his talent was extraordinary. His name was Eirik.

His panel had even been shared in the world channel.

Her family, however, was oblivious to this information.

The elder went on excitedly, “This young genius, who has the potential to become an Archmage, was sealed away due to the shift in the world’s rules. But now he has awakened! This means that the rules of the world have changed again, and people can now aspire to reach Archmage level!”

A huge conflict was about to break out!

“The son of the Archmage, Eirik, still doesn’t have a wife. The Institute of Primeval Magic tried sending their most talented women to get close to him, but he rejected them all. That’s why we have a chance…”

The elder continued to babble, unaware of Fennec’s growing discomfort.

Fennec, unable to hold her anger, cut them off.

“Sorry, but I refuse!”

The elder had expected this response, and with a sly grin, she added,

“It won’t matter if you refuse. You have three days to go to the Institute of Primeval Magic. If you don’t, we’ll cut off the cultivation resources for you and your sister. You know what that means for her, right?”

Fennec’s face paled. Her younger sister suffered from a congenital disease, and without the magic stone resources, she could die.

Fennec was furious, but she had no choice.

“Eirik, as the son of an Archmage, is so proud. If he’s rejected all the talented women from the Institute of Primeval Magic, why would he like me?”

With this thought, Fennec reluctantly made her way to the Institute of Primeval Magic.

And... Pixie was there, too.

She figured she might help this “little bitch” and see if she could somehow get Pixie and Eirik together.

“Fennec, you want to help me?!”

Pixie’s voice rang out, elated. Could it be true? Was this her lucky break?

“Ha! I can’t believe my luck!”