Ernst Institute Test

The annual enrollment day of the Ernst Institute is a grand event for the entire Fenlai Kingdom and even the Yulan Continent. The entrance to the institute is packed with people; youths from all over and their families have gathered here, and the air is thick with tension and anticipation.

Linley and Lin Qin stand in the crowd, led by Hillman and Hogg. Hogg's expression is as stern as ever.

Lin Qin, however, is much calmer. He wears clean, coarse cloth clothes, and the broadsword on his back is carefully wrapped in cloth strips. He observes this institute, famous throughout the continent; the towering magical architecture and the dense magical elements in the air all demonstrate its extraordinary nature.

"Next, Linley Baruch!" the examiner calls out.

Linley takes a deep breath, steps forward, and places his hand on the massive magic-testing crystal ball.

In an instant—

The light erupting from the crystal ball makes everything else in the surroundings pale in comparison. The radiance is so pure and so dazzling, like the midday sun.

"Elemental affinity, Earth element, Wind element... Super-grade! Spiritual energy, eighteen times that of his peers, Superior-grade!" The examiner's voice trembles with excitement.

The entire crowd erupts in an uproar.

Super-grade! And dual-element super-grade at that! What does this mean? It means a future Saint Realm magus, or perhaps even stronger!

Hogg's body trembles slightly, his knuckles white from clenching his fists. He looks at his son, his eyes filled with pride and relief. The hope of the Baruch Clan rests on Linley.

Linley walks back amidst gasps of amazement, his face flushed with excitement. He looks at Lin Qin, his eyes filled with encouragement.

"Next, Lin Qin Baruch!" the examiner calls out, his tone much calmer, as if still immersed in the shock brought by Linley.

Lin Qin steps forward, his pace steady. He places his hand on the cold crystal ball.

The crystal ball lights up with an earthy yellow glow. The light is stable and gentle, far brighter than most previous examinees, but compared to the sun-like radiance of Linley, it appears like a mere candle flame.

"Elemental affinity, Earth element, Wind element, Superior-grade," the examiner announces, his tone flat. Dual superior-grade affinity is not bad at the Ernst Institute, but it is by no means outstanding.

Next is the spiritual energy test.

The crystal ball lights up again, the light representing the strength of Lin Qin's spiritual energy.

"Spiritual energy, nineteen times that of his peers, Superior-grade." A hint of surprise enters the examiner's tone.

Dual superior-grade elemental affinity, superior-grade spiritual energy. This combination is somewhat unique. Superior-grade spiritual energy means he has decent potential as a magus, but the superior-grade elemental affinity will limit the speed at which he absorbs magical elements, potentially restricting his future achievements.

This result triggers some hushed discussions. Compared to Linley's dual-element super-grade, Lin Qin's performance can only be described as passable.

Hogg looks at Lin Qin, his eyes complex.

Hillman nods to himself. Lin Qin's achievements, as expected, did not come from nothing.

"Lin Qin Baruch, admitted. Based on the test results, it is recommended to enter the Earth Element Magic Class; warrior cultivation can be conducted simultaneously." The examiner hands over a badge representing admission.

Lin Qin takes the badge, his expression unchanged, as if this result was already within his expectations. He walks back to the group and nods at Linley.

"Lin Qin, your spiritual energy is Superior-grade!" Linley is happy for him.

"Mm, it's enough," Lin Qin says calmly. He knows where his foundation lies. Magic is only an auxiliary, another path for him to understand the laws of heaven and earth; his true foundation lies in the Battle Qi that circulates at every moment and the ceaseless swinging of his sword.

The Ernst Institute will be his next place for "diligent practice." Here, there is more systematic knowledge, stronger opponents, and a broader world.

He looks at the ordinary badge in his hand and clenches his fist.

Here, no one will care what an ordinary student does every day. And this is exactly what he wants.

His gaze crosses the noisy crowd and looks toward the depths of the institute. There, he will have the vast amount of time he needs, and countless mornings and twilights to swing his sword.

His path has only just begun.