Adamantine Stomach

Baron Ul's pupils suddenly contracted.

That was no illusion, but an elemental fluctuation—real magic!

The contempt and suspicion in his heart were swept away by shock.

Duggan waved his hand again, and the Wind Cicada and magic circle dissipated into the air.

"Insect Mage is a branch of the summoning school," Duggan explained. "My mentor, Professor Meli, sent me to test Cyril's talent.

"Cyril has long corresponded with our Odd Limb Observation Society. He is very interested in insects and hopes to become one of us."

Baron Ul was left somewhat dizzy by this sudden revelation.

He only knew that there was an obscure summoning school among mages. He had never expected it to have a branch dedicated specifically to dealing with insects.

What shocked him even more was that his son—the boy who spent all day catching bugs in the fields with his attendants and embarrassed him at balls—might actually have a chance to become a noble mage?

Becoming a mage was the highest honor, one that could bring glory to the family. Even kings had to treat them with respect!

He had originally planned to have a proper talk with Cyril that morning, to ask how he felt about last night's ball, especially since... he had specifically invited Isla to attend, and yet...

That down-and-out brat... He never should have been allowed anywhere near the ball!

But on second thought, if his son truly became a mage, his status would be entirely different.

By then, the truly distinguished young ladies of Fernandez might be more suitable matches.

He looked at Duggan and gave a solemn noble's salute. "My respects to you and your mentor, Esteemed Mage Duggan. For Cyril to receive an opportunity from Professor Meli is an honor for him, and an honor for the Eagle Claw family."

His gaze returned to his son, and he patted Cyril on the shoulder. "Cyril, the blood of the Eagle Claw family flows through you. That blood has granted you exceptional Wisdom. I believe you will pass the test."

The crystal Duggan had brought out flickered brightly and dimly in Cyril's hand.

When the light stopped, Duggan took it back and checked it.

"Your Wisdom Points are 10. I'm sorry, Cyril, but you do not meet the requirements to become a mage."

Cyril lowered his head, slightly disappointed.

Baron Ul, standing nearby, felt foolish for having stayed and held out hope. How intelligent could a son who usually did not even want to deal with other people be?

After thinking it over, he asked, "Esteemed Mage Duggan, may I take the test as well?"

The light stopped once more.

"Your Wisdom Points are 7."

Baron Ul clearly could not believe it. "Seven points? Lower than Cyril's?"

Duggan hurriedly explained, "My lord, you may have misunderstood. According to Mage Association statistics, the average Wisdom Points of an adult human are around 7. Ten points already far exceeds the norm."

Baron Ul's eyes widened. He had clearly not expected his son's Wisdom to already surpass that of ordinary people.

Then hope rose in him once again. "Then... then why doesn't he meet the requirements?"

"According to the Mage Association's standards, the minimum required Wisdom Points is 11. Upon reaching that number, one may attempt to learn the most basic spells."

Baron Ul had not expected Cyril to be short by merely one point, and he could not help feeling even more regretful.

"But there is no need to worry. That was an ordinary mage test. Due to the special nature of Insect Mages, Professor Meli specifically instructed me that anyone with more than 9 points may proceed to the second round of testing."

He took out a box. When he opened it, there was a cicada inside.

Then he said to Cyril:

"The key difference between Insect Mages and other summoning mages lies in communicating with insects.

"Even after being contracted, insects often struggle to carry out commands precisely. Therefore, we place greater importance on whether the test subject can establish a unique means of communication with insects."

"Next, I will establish a communication link between you and this cicada, allowing it to follow your instructions. You must try to make it perform the appropriate actions."

Cyril nodded, readying himself.

As Duggan chanted a spell, Cyril sensed an invisible link between himself and the cicada before him.

He closed his eyes and focused all his attention on that invisible connection.

The cicada's presence was like a distant, blurred point of light.

Then he tried to issue an order in his mind. Move. Your wings... move...

Yet the point of light did not react at all.

He tried again and again, shifting from pleading to commanding. Fine sweat seeped from his forehead, but the cicada remained where it was, utterly motionless, as if the link were nothing more than an illusion.

Seeing his son's face redden as he struggled in vain, the last trace of hope in Baron Ul's eyes went out.

He said in a deep voice, "Stop obsessing over those insects! I'll be going to Holder City for a funeral over the next few days.

"Before I return, you must complete your daily warrior training! When I get back, I'll drill you properly!"

He paused, intending to give a few more instructions regarding the town's affairs...

But then he thought again. What could possibly happen in this remote little town? Even if something did happen, what use could he expect from this boy?

In the end, he merely gave a cold snort through his nose, turned, and strode out of the reception hall.

Duggan comforted him. "Cyril, don't be discouraged. There are many kinds of insects. I will stay in Plint for a while and gather several more varieties. We can test you again then."

He Xi walked back, feeling somewhat helpless.

If the original owner had not insisted on moving from the capital of Holt County to this remote little town, perhaps he could have encountered more different demi-human races and gained many more opportunities to acquire Points.

Just like Duggan the dwarf earlier: after actively guiding him around and chatting with him, He Xi had gained 15 Parsing Points!

With a thought—

[You spent 20 Points to extract a trait from the Hill Dwarf—Adamantine Stomach]

[Adamantine Stomach]: Your digestive system has been "tempered" by hard liquor and coarse food, granting it tolerance far beyond that of other races. You possess extraordinarily strong resistance to most toxins, especially mineral poisons, alcohol, and spoiled food.

It was a truly useful trait, and He Xi was quite satisfied.

Besides being practical, it even made him somewhat nostalgic—before transmigrating, he had loved ordering takeout and possessed a similar ability.

If he could rapidly accumulate Favorability like this, he might be able to extract even more traits.

Even if he could not immediately change his fate, he could use this to register as an adventurer and hunt magical beasts for traits.

Unfortunately...

The little money he had left would not be enough to move elsewhere. Before long, it would not even cover the basics of daily life.

Fortunately, meeting Tuen had been an unexpected delight. High investment meant high returns.

Otherwise, he truly would have wanted to pack his bags immediately and plunge into the wider world to try his luck.

"He Xi? What are you thinking about?"

A clear voice came from behind him, and Isla jogged over to catch up.

"Isla?" He Xi was somewhat surprised. "Why are you here? Is Teacher Edwin... still angry?"

"He gave me time off. He told me I didn't need to train these next few days, that I should rest and prepare for the journey."

Concern filled her azure eyes. After hesitating for a moment, she still asked softly, "I... I wanted to ask you, about the curse William mentioned yesterday... is it real?"