Star Apprentice

A girl of noble bearing emerged from Room 33 next door, followed closely by two maids, drawing both their attention.

Betty took the initiative to greet them.

Hekate returned the greeting, then quickly pulled Fast away from the doorway, leaving the Fifth Princess no chance to speak.

"Let's go, or we'll be late for class."

Fast did not suspect anything, only asking curiously, "That girl was a new student too, right? How did she rent an upperclassman's room?"

With money and power, what couldn't she rent?

Hekate arrived at the Magic Plant Tower and entered the floor where the Meditation Academy was located. Many students were already inside, cultivating in all sorts of postures—some sitting, some lying down.

Meditation methods varied. Even with the same technique, people with different constitutions and talents achieved different results. Those who came to Meditation Studies were all seeking more efficient cultivation techniques.

"Find a place to sit. Meditate in whatever way you think suits you best. I'll correct each of you one by one, then we'll begin class."

Teacher Ivin had appeared behind them at some point, her voice calm.

Hekate nodded and found a corner to sit cross-legged in.

Once all the students had arrived, the entire Meditation Academy sank into silence. Only their faint breathing could be heard, along with Teacher Ivin's occasional instructions.

Before long, Teacher Ivin came to Hekate's side and observed him for a few moments.

His talent was too strong. Even if there were mistakes, they did not affect his cultivation speed.

She shook her head and pointed out several issues to Hekate.

After every student had received guidance, nearly all of them looked at Teacher Ivin with admiration.

These were mistakes that even their private tutors had failed to notice!

Next came the lesson itself. Teacher Ivin pointed out the mistakes the students made during cultivation, explaining how to correct and avoid them.

As class came to an end, Teacher Ivin gave the new students present a requirement.

"Before the end of this academic year, every one of you must increase your Magic Level by at least four Stars. If you fail to meet this target, your yearly grade will be a failing one."

The students who heard this all felt dizzy.

Apprentice Mages were not mage apprentices. Breaking through was not that easy. Yet Teacher Ivin had casually demanded that they break through at least four times in a year, and everyone was crushed.

But Teacher Ivin was a professor at Grants Academy, her status countless times higher than that of their private tutors. They only dared to whisper among themselves, not rise to argue.

At that moment, a noble with short red hair stood up. Looking displeased, he said, "Teacher, this is unfair! I'm a 5-star Apprentice Mage. If I break through four times, I'll have to reach 9-star Apprentice Mage! But he's only a 2-Star Apprentice Mage. He only needs to reach 6-star Apprentice Mage to complete the goal!"

The person he was referring to was Hekate.

Hekate glanced at him and immediately felt the arrogance radiating from him.

Apparently, he was a noble of no low standing.

Teacher Ivin's expression remained calm. "If you think it's unfair, you can cripple your own strength and lower your Magic Level to the same as his."

The Red-Haired Noble was left speechless. He gave a sullen snort and sat back down.

Teacher Ivin continued, "The fact that you were admitted to Grants Academy means you are the finest geniuses in the entire Uruk Kingdom. If you hang your heads in despair merely because the target I set is difficult to achieve, then you do not deserve the title of genius."

"That's all. Class dismissed."

Hekate slipped into the crowd and left the Meditation Academy floor.

Although a noble had called him out, it was no big deal.

That night, Hekate gazed up at the Starry Sky once more.

Fifth Princess Betty deeply regretted not getting the chance to speak with you this morning. She thought that, as Professor Emand's recommended student, you would choose a subject taught by Professor Emand. Instead, you went to Meditation Studies, while she went to Ancient Magic History.

Fast investigated Betty's identity on your behalf and was secretly warned.

Sweet Kelly Digable was very displeased with you. The goal set by the teacher was easiest for you to achieve, and he felt that was unfair.

Why was Fast such a gossip...

Sweet was that red-haired noble who had stood up to argue, wasn't he?

He had the nerve to talk about fairness? His family was the greatest unfairness of all.

Hekate rubbed his chin and lay down on the bed.

Star had not said that Sweet intended to do anything harmful to him, which meant he had no such plans. He could simply ignore him.

The next day.

Hekate woke up and activated the Fate Lottery.

Duang~

Gift of Fate: Magic Level increased by 1 Star. Lifespan reduced by 5 years.

Just what he needed.

After becoming an Apprentice Mage, the price exacted by this talent had risen, but it did not matter. He was already immortal. Forget five years—even fifty years was affordable.

Without even a tremble in his fingers, Hekate accepted the gift.

The next instant, he felt a faint weakness rise within his body, like a brief shiver. Then a powerful force emerged and shattered the bottleneck of a 2-Star Apprentice Mage.

His Magic Level had successfully broken through to 3-star Apprentice Mage.

Now that his lifespan was infinite, the weakness from having lifespan deducted was barely noticeable. In the past, losing even one year would have left him weak for half a month.

Hekate left early to avoid the Fifth Princess.

He arrived at the Meditation Academy.

Teacher Ivin looked at him in surprise. "You broke through after going back last night?"

"By luck. Teacher, correcting the mistakes in my Meditation greatly increased this student's cultivation speed," Hekate said with a smile.

"...Mm. Find a seat and prepare for class."

Class time was just right for stabilizing his magic cultivation. Breaking through too quickly would weaken his control. Even his steps felt somewhat unsteady now.

As students gradually entered the classroom, they were all somewhat stunned to see that the magic power fluctuating around Hekate had already reached the level of a 3-star Apprentice Mage.

Then they thought it might have been the result of prior accumulation and did not pay further attention.

"Your cultivation speed is so fast! You actually broke through to 3-star Apprentice Mage in a single night!"

A lively, mischievous voice came from beside him. Hekate looked over and saw a new student who, like him, was also a 3-star Apprentice Mage.

"By luck," Hekate said.

"My name is Puli Machira Crofts. What's yours?" the girl asked with a grin.

"Hekate Noah di Calilans."

"Calilans?" Puli lightly furrowed her brow, suddenly feeling that the name sounded familiar.

Seeing this, Hekate explained, "I'm not a local noble."

"No, that's not what I'm wondering about. It's just that I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before."

Puli stared blankly as she recalled it for quite some time. At last, she remembered something and exclaimed in delight, "You're that super genius from the countryside—the one recognized by Professor Emand, Glantz's Star of Tomorrow, Uruk's hope for the future—Hekate Calilans?!"

Fuck, was this a rumor my brother had spread?

Hekate's mouth twitched as he repeatedly denied it. "No, you've got the wrong person."