Formal Mage

After class the next day, the three arrived at a fork in the road. Betty and Puli noticed that Hekate was not heading home, but going in the same direction as Puli. They were both surprised for a moment.

This girl had such a steadfast heart for cultivation. Why was she suddenly going somewhere else?

"Hekate, aren't you going home to meditate today?" Betty asked curiously.

"I have a few spells I want to learn." Hekate smiled.

If she relied solely on the Gift of Fate to draw Projection Imaging Magic, Consciousness Sensing Magic, and Transmission Magic, who knew how long she would have to wait? She still had to learn them herself.

Puli said excitedly, "Are you coming with me to the Ancient Magic Element Academy?"

"I do need to visit the Elemental Academy."

Projection Imaging Magic belonged to Light Element magic, Consciousness Sensing Magic was a mystery-school pure magic spell, and Transmission Magic belonged to Astrology Magic. The three spells each belonged to different systems of knowledge.

"Perfect! Recently, a lot of upperclassmen at the Elemental Academy have been teaching us apprentice-level spells. Over the past two months, I've already learned three apprentice-level spells!" Puli held up three fingers and said happily.

"Mm, that's impressive!"

Puli looked like she was waiting to be praised, making Hekate unable to resist patting her head.

Betty added, "I've learned Star Gazing Magic too!"

"Uh, Betty is impressive too..."

She did not dare pat a princess's head, so Hekate gave an awkward smile.

After the two parted ways, Betty's face became conflicted once Hekate was out of sight. She could not quite figure out how she felt about Hekate. Originally, she had wanted Hekate to become her Personal Knight.

But she felt that she was being strange lately. She could not put this strange feeling into words.

Hekate and Puli arrived at the Ancient Magic Element Academy, but they headed in different directions.

Ancient Magic Elemental Studies was one of the largest subjects at Grants Academy and had the most students, so it was far livelier than Meditation Studies.

Hekate had come here for only one spell. After parting with Puli, she went to find an upperclassman skilled in Projection Imaging Magic to teach her.

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

Name: Hekate Noah di Calilans

Age: 12/∞

Race: Witch

Magic Power: 1-Star Formal Mage

Magic: Fire Curse Technique (Apprentice Level · Mastery), Magic Crystal Modification (Apprentice Level · Mastery), Projected Imaging (Apprentice Level · Beginner)

Equipment: Eternal Moonlight (Legendary · Necklace)

Talent ①: Gift of Fate

Talent ②: Star Witch (Magic Affinity Max) (Star Speech) (Star Guard) (Star Chain)

Talent ③: Longevity

The Gift of Fate had returned to its previous level of terrible luck. Fortunately, she had the Longevity Talent and had gotten two free chances to exchange lifespan for Magic Level. Otherwise, she would have come up empty-handed again after this month.

Apprentice-level spells were extremely difficult to learn. Even after studying for a month, she had only reached the beginner stage, meaning she could barely use it, and there was still a chance of casting failure.

After that came the proficient stage, and only then mastery. At this rate, it really would take a year to master a single spell.

Hekate sighed softly. Although the Gift of Fate was a talent that was purely a gamble, without this gambling talent, she would not be able to master many spells in her entire life.

Lundria, inside a luxurious villa.

After a month of arduous travel, Count Fortes finally brought his family to the Royal Capital and immediately paid a visit to an old friend.

"Fortes, you finally made it." His friend smiled.

This friend was an adviser to Uruk's royal family and often dealt with conflicts between the Uruk Kingdom and neighboring countries. Fortes had once saved his life, and the two had become friends because of it.

"I brought quite a few people, so we were delayed." Fortes explained before adding, "I also heard rumors of war, but I wasn't sure until you sent me that letter."

"It's still hard to say. I can only say that there's a high possibility of war between Uruk and Chaos. What happens next will depend on the king's intentions." Wintley Alfred shook his head.

"Recently, many strange people have entered the Uruk Kingdom. You were right to bring your family to the capital. Settle down here for now. If there are no major developments during this period, then our king probably doesn't want war."

"If he doesn't want war, does that mean our king intends to sign another cession agreement?"

"Yes. Chaos is demanding that we cede Dedeburg to them..."

The two spoke in the secret chamber for a long time. It was not until night fell that Count Fortes left. He rented a residence in the city with his family and settled down there for the time being.

That evening.

Hekate returned from the Elemental Academy. Having an additional minor subject was truly exhausting.

Gina took out a letter. "Young master, when I returned after buying food today, I found that someone had slipped an unsigned letter inside. I think it should be for you."

"A letter?"

Hekate took the letter curiously and told Gina to prepare hot water. She wanted to take a bath.

Back on the second floor.

She guessed it was a letter from her father. Based on their departure date, they should have arrived by now.

She opened the envelope. What was written inside was not a letter from home, but two words: Beware assassins!

Hekate: "?"

It was not a letter from home, but a warning!

She had been diligently cultivating at the Academy and had not offended anyone. Why would someone send her such a letter?

With a puzzled expression, Hekate took a few steps outside onto the balcony.

She looked up at the Starry Sky.

For something this inexplicable, the stars would probably give her an answer.

Your Witch Bloodline often causes Princess Betty to feel sudden palpitations, greatly increasing her favorability toward you.

Hekate was full of question marks. Princess Betty, what is wrong with you?

When other people feel palpitations, they stay away. Not only do you not stay away, your favorability even rises. Are you addicted to this?!

Your father has successfully met with his friend in Lundria and received much unconfirmed information. He is therefore deeply worried and plans to invite you and the family to stroll around the Royal Capital tomorrow to relax.

Father can actually feel worried?

Hekate was somewhat surprised. Since her birth, she had rarely seen her father look worried. Then again, her father always looked stern, so even if he was worried, she probably would not be able to tell.

She wondered what news he had received from his friend.

Hekate thought curiously.

Many assassins from the neighboring country Chaos have entered Lundria. One assassin named Bobby Philis heard the nursery rhyme spreading through the Royal Capital and intends to assassinate you.

Now Hekate was truly bewildered. What was going on with this Chaos? And according to the stars' information, there were now a large number of assassins from a neighboring country in the capital. That was simply absurd.

How could the capital of a kingdom allow so many assassins to enter without a sound? Were the capital's city guards all useless...