After the meeting to arrange the practical assessment concluded, the leaders of each academy departed to devise strategies for their students. Meanwhile, Acting Elder Lidon and Elder White Star headed to the simulated battlefield to prepare the site for the assessment.

Karien picked up the rulebook, ready to leave, when Elder Ellison, leaning on his cane, approached him and said, "Come with me." Without further explanation, he exited through the back door of the meeting room.

Karien froze momentarily before rising to follow him.

Once they had walked some distance from the meeting room, Elder Ellison took an envelope from his robes as they strolled down the Elder Hall’s corridor. Handing it to Karien, he said, “Here, take this.”

Instinctively taking the envelope, Karien asked in confusion, “Elder, what is this?”

Staring ahead, Ellison answered, “It’s an offer letter from the Emerald Institute.”

The Emerald Institute!

Karien stopped in his tracks, stunned.

The Emerald Institute, like the Garonne Institute, was one of the kingdom’s renowned magical research institutions.

After the Dark Church adopted the Adherence to Ecclesiastical Doctrine, the Garonne and Emerald Institutes were established simultaneously.

One was situated in the royal capital, and the other in the blooming city of Eastshire.

Over the past 25 years, both institutes had contributed countless magical advancements to the church, transforming the Dark Church from its focus on decay and death to one that embraced diversity and inclusion.

Though the Emerald Institute’s reputation was not as illustrious as the Garonne’s, it remained a coveted destination for many magic researchers.

“This offer… is for me?”

Ellison stopped walking and turned his head slightly. “Karien, the fate of Red Leaf Academy is already sealed.

The council decided three years ago to shut it down. The three-month extension they granted this time is merely to give Fens, you, and the students a sense of closure.

“When the academy closes, I will ensure Fens’ wife and the students are well taken care of.

“As for you, staying at Palos Magic School won’t allow you to reach your potential. The research institute is where you’ll truly shine.

“Coincidentally, the Emerald Institute is recruiting assistants. I have a contact there, and I’ve already arranged everything for you.

They admire your expertise in foundational magical theory and have agreed to hire you as a research assistant. The monthly salary is ten gold coins—twice what you earn as a junior teacher here.”

Ellison’s tone was calm, but in truth, he had called in many favors to secure this position for Karien.

Looking down at the offer letter, Karien was at a loss for words.

After a long moment, he placed a hand over his chest and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Elder Ellison, from the bottom of my heart.”

“You don’t need to thank me.” Ellison turned his gaze back toward the main campus buildings ahead and said softly, “Every student in this academy is like my own child, and that includes you.

“Karien, you may lack the magical aptitude to become a mage, but your talent in magical theory is unparalleled in my lifetime. I won’t let your brilliance go to waste. You belong in a place that can nurture your abilities.”

Karien remained bent in his bow, silent for a long time, before saying, “Elder… I don’t want to leave. I want to stay and continue teaching at the academy.”

“Foolishness!”

Ellison turned abruptly, the base of his staff striking the ground forcefully. “Karien! Stop clinging to futile ideals.

“From its inception, Red Leaf Academy’s teaching methods have clashed with every other institution. It has already reached its limits.

“After this assessment ends, the higher-ups will begin dismantling the academy. Where will you go then?

“Do you think the other academies will accept you? Even if they do, you’ll only be teaching the most basic theories. Ten or twenty years from now, what achievements could you possibly boast of?

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“Listen to me. Go to the research institute. Only there can your potential be fully realized. Perhaps in ten years, you’ll proudly show the world that Karien, even without being a mage, can create spell formations that astound everyone!”

Raising his head slowly, Karien met Ellison’s gaze and said firmly, “I understand that my decision might seem incomprehensible to you, Elder.

But we can revisit the fate of Red Leaf Academy and my future after the practical assessment is over. Maybe…”

He paused, standing tall with renewed determination. “Maybe I can already prove myself to everyone during this assessment.”

Ellison hesitated, holding back the reprimand that had been on the tip of his tongue. After a long pause, he sighed. “Very well. For now, keep the offer letter.

Once the assessment is over, we’ll discuss your future plans.”

With that, he turned to leave, leaning on his staff. However, as he reached the corridor’s corner, he stopped and glanced back, saying, “I’ll be looking forward to Red Leaf Academy’s performance this time.”

He then disappeared into another corridor.

Karien stood motionless, staring after Ellison. After a while, he tucked the offer letter away, a faint smile forming on his face, and left the Elder Hall.

At 1:30 in the afternoon, at the Palos Magic School’s main campus, students gathered at the simulated battlefield.

After completing their written exams and having lunch, the students equipped themselves and made their way to the arena.

The simulated battlefield, located on the northern side of the campus, occupied nearly half the main campus. It contained a variety of terrains, including forests, deserts, lakes, islands, and mountains.

Every year, the practical assessments for graduation were held here, though the rules varied slightly each time.

Upon arriving at the resting area outside the battlefield, Karien briefed the Red Leaf Academy students on the rules of the assessment and shared his strategy.

“This time, we have two goals. First, Mia must secure an admission offer from a top-tier university. Second, Red Leaf Academy needs to achieve a higher ranking.”

The eleven students gathered around Karien, listening intently.

“The key to the territory battle is the territories themselves. But apart from the territories, the battlefield will also contain scattered point orbs of various sizes.

“To claim a territory, you need to not only defeat your opponents but also accumulate a sufficient number of points. At the end of the assessment, the total points collected by each academy will determine the rankings.”

Karien smiled. “So, your strategy should focus on leveraging your mobility to gather as many points as possible before attempting to claim any territories.”

Pausing briefly, he added, “And remember—avoid flying unless absolutely necessary. Don’t draw too much attention.”

The eleven students nodded enthusiastically, smiling as they assured him, “Understood!”

The battle-ready K7 suits gave the Red Leaf Academy students a subtle but powerful edge. Designed with sleekness in mind, the suits concealed their true nature.

No clunky jet packs or cumbersome attachments. Instead, they blended into combat gear that looked deceptively simple.

Foldable spell rifles now compactly strapped to their backs, the students looked unassuming yet prepared for the intense combat ahead.

As Karien addressed his students for the last time before the battle commenced, his tone carried a mixture of encouragement and caution.

“Remember,” he said, his voice firm yet warm, “these suits enhance your abilities, but real strength lies in your strategy, teamwork, and willpower. Don’t charge blindly. Stick to the plan, and apply everything we’ve trained for.”

Jack, dark-skinned and exuberant, slapped his chest with a grin. “Got it, teacher! We’ve got this.”

“Ha! You’re the first one to rush in every time,” Sal, with his thick eyebrows, retorted with a smirk.

The two bickered briefly until Karien placed his hands on their shoulders, breaking into a knowing smile. “Focus, both of you. Let’s make this count.”

The chime of the heavy bronze bell signaled the start of the practical assessment.

THE OBSERVERS’ GALLERY

Karien climbed the steps to the observation area, his eyes scanning the arena below.

The sprawling simulated battlefield featured forests, deserts, lakes, and mountainous terrains, providing a dynamic stage for the students to prove their mettle.

As he reached the platform, Adrian, the representative of Ironclad Academy, called out, his tone dripping with mockery. “Karien, what’s this I hear? All eleven of your students lining up for the magic test? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten—it’s only for magic apprentices and above!”

Feigning panic, Karien dramatically covered his face. “Oh no! Magic apprentices only? What a tragedy!”

Adrian burst out laughing, pointing a finger. “I knew it! Scraping the bottom of the barrel won’t save Red Leaf this time!”

Karien suddenly dropped the act, smirking as he patted his chest. “Good thing all of my students are magic apprentices now.”

The laughter died abruptly, Adrian’s expression darkening. “Are you messing with me?”

Karien sat down casually, legs crossed. “Maybe. But weren’t you messing with me first?”

Scoffing, Adrian muttered, “Let’s see how long you lot can keep up this charade.”

He turned away, his confidence bolstered by the hundred-plus students Ironclad Academy had brought to the field. Before the trial began, Adrian had already instructed his students to eliminate Red Leaf’s participants at the earliest opportunity.

WITHIN THE ARENA

At the southwestern entrance, Mia placed her hand on a crystal sphere, channeling her magic. The sphere briefly glowed, confirming her status as a magic apprentice.

“All clear. Next!”

One by one, all eleven students from Red Leaf Academy passed the test. Once inside the arena, the real trial began.

Mia took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing as she sensed the energy around her. Pointing to the right, she said, “There’s strong wind element energy that way. If we head there, we might find some of the point orbs.”

Jack cracked his knuckles and grinned. “Let’s get moving, then!”

The group moved quickly but carefully, scanning the terrain. However, their advance was soon interrupted by a group of towering students blocking their path.

At the front stood a hulking boy with the build of a bear, his broad chest bare as he sneered at the Red Leaf students. “Listen up, Red Leaf. Surrender now, and we’ll go easy on you. If not…” He cracked his knuckles menacingly.

Before he could finish, Jack shot forward like a bolt of lightning, delivering a powerful kick to the bear-like student’s chest, sending him sprawling.

“Don’t block the road, big guy,” Jack said, shaking his leg mockingly.

Mia smirked, the rest of the group chuckling as they readied themselves. Red Leaf wasn’t here to bow out quietly—they were here to fight.