Family

The mage looked at the light radiating from the crystal ball and was instantly astonished. The light from the crystal ball was nearly spilling over—a phenomenon that only appeared in people with extraordinarily high magical talent. Disbelief filled the mage's eyes as he could not help saying, "This is simply unbelievable!"

Ang looked at the crystal ball beneath his palm, his heart filled with tangled emotions. The memory of his first magical aptitude test surfaced vividly in his mind. Back then, filled with anticipation and nerves, he had placed his hand on the crystal ball, but nothing happened. After waiting a while, the examiner had said flatly, "No aptitude. Next." At the time, Ang had felt nothing but disappointment and helplessness. He had watched those found to possess talent leap up in joy, excitedly discussing their future magical training. Meanwhile, he had silently followed his father's arrangements and embarked on the path of military service.

During recruit training, Ang had gradually adapted to military life. His instructor, an experienced warrior, had quickly noticed Ang's potential. The instructor had told him, "Ang, you have decent talent as a warrior. As long as you work hard, you'll definitely become a true warrior someday." Those words had rekindled Ang's hope. He trained diligently and continuously improved his strength.

Now, standing before the magical testing device in River Bay City, Ang's heart was full of complex emotions. He recalled every battle he had experienced on the battlefield, every enemy he had faced. All his efforts and sacrifices seemed to have received their answer at this very moment. The crystal ball beneath his palm was no longer the cold, unresponsive object it had been years ago. It shone with dazzling light, symbolizing the powerful magical talent hidden within him.

As the mage stared in astonishment, everyone else noticed the light emitted by the crystal ball and turned their gazes toward Ang. Seeing that Ang was older than everyone else taking the test, many began to wonder: Could they possess magical talent too? Some older people started shouting, "Sir, I might have magical talent too! Let me take the test, sir!" The crowd began chattering all at once, and the scene immediately descended into chaos.

Seeing the disorder before him, the mage snorted coldly. The powerful spiritual pressure of a mage swept over everyone present like crashing waves. Ang felt it too, as though a massive boulder were pressing down on his heart. However, Ang swiftly circulated his Qi force, and the oppressive sensation immediately vanished. The others did not possess Ang's strength. Many were forced to the ground, and some even began to cry.

The mage looked at the crowd with satisfaction and said coldly, "If magical talent did not appear during the first test, the odds of it appearing in later tests are extremely low. Stop indulging in wishful thinking!"

Watching the mage's powerful pressure, Ang felt awe in his heart. He knew that magic was not merely a symbol of strength, but also one of authority and responsibility. Having been tempered by the battlefield, Ang understood that strength could only be gained through arduous effort.

The mage's pressure gradually faded, and the crowd slowly recovered from their fear. Though they still felt unwilling, they could only accept reality helplessly. Ang watched it all from the side, gaining a deeper understanding of a mage's power while becoming even more determined to achieve something on the path of magic.

As Ang prepared to leave, the mage Victor called out to him. "Hello. I'm Victor, a registered mage of the Tan'anster Branch of the Imperial Mage Guild. It's a pleasure to meet you." As he spoke, he gave Ang a noble's salute.

Victor had clearly sensed Ang neutralizing his spiritual pressure just now. He realized that the young man before him had not only reached the standard of a Level 1 Warrior, but also possessed magical talent. He was worth befriending. Ang gave a military salute and said, "Greetings, Sir Victor. I'm Ang, a retired soldier."

Victor smiled. "Ang, there's no need to be so formal." Ang did not know how mages greeted one another, so he could only respond with the military salute he was familiar with. Seeing Ang's confusion, Victor said casually, "Among mages, we place greater importance on communication of the mind. Relax a little."

Ang nodded, feeling somewhat more at ease. "Sir Victor, thank you for your guidance. I'm currently exploring the world of magic. Though I'm still a beginner, I hope to continue learning and improving."

Victor nodded. "You have great potential, Ang. The world of magic is vast, with many fields worth exploring. If you're willing, I can recommend that you join the Tan'anster Branch of the Imperial Mage Guild. That way, you can study magical knowledge more systematically and have the opportunity to access more resources and mentors."

Hearing the proposal, Ang felt a surge of excitement. He knew this was a rare opportunity, one that could allow him to go farther on the path of magic. He said gratefully, "Thank you very much for the offer, Sir Victor. I'll seriously consider this opportunity."

Victor nodded. "There's no need to rush your decision. If you have any questions or need help, you can come find me anytime." He handed Ang a Mage Guild contact card. "This is my contact information. Reach out whenever you need anything."

Ang accepted the card, deeply grateful. He knew that he had taken another important step on the path of magic. Through this chance encounter, he had not only discovered his magical talent, but also met a mage willing to help him.

After leaving the testing site, Ang's heart was full of anticipation and hope for the future. He knew that whether at the Warrior Academy in Tanaster Province or on the path of studying at the Imperial Mage Guild, he now had clearer goals and direction.

Ang took Aida and Aisha shopping in River Bay City, intending to purchase some basic magic books. River Bay City had thriving commerce, and he quickly found several books suitable for beginners. These books were mainly for himself and Aisha. Aisha's magical talent was average, so she could only study at the Mage Academy in River Bay City. As for whether she could become a formal mage, that would depend on fate. During her test, the crystal ball had only glowed faintly, while Ang knew that his own unusual circumstances had caused his abnormal test result.

Besides the magic books, Ang also commissioned a set of leather armor for Aida at a weapons and equipment shop. The armor was made from Kexuolin Deer hide. Kexuolin Deer were low-level magical beasts, and their hides, having been infused with magical elements, offered quite respectable defense. Aida liked using blades, so Ang chose a sharp longsword for him.

After purchasing these items, Ang brought Aida and Aisha back to Oak Village. Along the way, Aida and Aisha excitedly discussed the things they had just bought and the new lives they were about to begin. Ang, meanwhile, silently planned out the road ahead. Whether in magic or combat, he would secure the best opportunities for himself and his family.

After returning to Oak Village, Ang gave the magic books he had bought to Aisha and encouraged her to study diligently. He also said to Aida, "This set of leather armor and this long blade are for you. I hope they can help you protect yourself during your military service. Remember, battle requires not only courage, but also wisdom and skill."

Aida nodded gratefully and solemnly accepted the leather armor and short blade. He understood his older brother's good intentions and resolved not to disappoint Ang's expectations.

Ang then said to Aisha, "These basic books are for you. You have some magical talent, so study hard. Your talent may be average, but as long as you work hard, you'll always gain something."

Aisha replied confidently, "I will, Older Brother. I'll study hard and won't disappoint you."

Seeing both his younger brother and sister filled with fighting spirit and hope, Ang felt gratified as well.

Ang told his parents about Aida and Aisha, but he did not mention discovering his own magical talent. His father, Baron, had personally taken Ang to his first test, so he knew Ang had no magical talent. To keep his parents from worrying themselves sick, Ang decided to keep it secret for now.

When Mother heard that Aisha possessed magical talent, she shed tears of excitement. She understood that with magical talent, Aisha's life would be different. Mother herself had undergone such a test when she was young, but because she had no magical talent, she could only live an ordinary life. Yet after all these years, she had long since let go of her youthful disappointment and was content with her present life.

Mother lovingly stroked Aida's head and said, "Military service is everyone's duty, but you must protect yourself well and learn as much as you can." Aida nodded. He understood Mother's worries and expectations.

Father Baron was overjoyed. He said to Aisha, "If you can become a mage, you can become a noble. We all hope that you children can live better lives than ours." Looking at Aida, he then said to Ang, "You two siblings must work hard. Our family's circumstances may be limited, but we'll do everything we can to support you."

Ang looked at his parents, his heart filled with gratitude and determination. He knew what they hoped for and understood the responsibility he carried.

So that Mother would not worry, Ang said to her, "Mother, Aisha's magical talent still needs further cultivation and training. We'll take it one step at a time. We won't rush things." Mother nodded, her eyes full of hope and expectation.

Ang then said to Father Baron, "Father, don't worry about Aida's military service. I'll do my best to help him prepare, so he can return safely." Baron patted Ang's shoulder and said emotionally, "With you as his older brother, I can rest easy."

The family happily discussed their plans and hopes for the future together, and Ang felt incomparably warm inside.