Level Five and Academy Life

September 1st, Yulan Calendar 9995.

Ernst Institute welcomed a new academic year.

Akes stood in front of the teaching building holding his fifth-year schedule, watching the students coming and going. His sky-blue academy robe was particularly striking in the sunlight, with five golden threads embroidered on the cuffs—the mark of a Level 5 mage.

"Third Brother!"

Reynolds' voice came from behind. Akes turned to see four people walking toward him. Reynolds was in the lead, a brilliant smile on his face.

"How is it? How does fifth year feel?" Reynolds leaned in to ask.

"It's alright." Akes looked him over. "What about you? Third year?"

Reynolds' face fell. "Don't mention it. I still have to spend another year in third year. You guys are all Level 5 or 4, and here I am, still hovering at Level 3."

"You only broke through to Level 3 last summer; it's good enough that you made it to third year." George walked over, four threads embroidered on his cuffs. "I'm in fourth year, and Yale is too."

Yale shook his own cuffs, looking smug. "Level 4, how about that?"

Akes nodded. "Not bad, faster than I expected."

"Of course, I'm a genius," Yale boasted shamelessly.

Linley was the last to walk over, his cuffs also bearing five threads. He stood next to Akes without a word, merely nodding at the group.

"Fourth Brother is Level 5 too?" Reynolds widened his eyes. "Did you two plan this?"

"Coincidence," Linley said.

Akes smiled. "Let's go, it's time for class."

The five of them parted ways in front of the teaching building. Akes and Linley headed toward the fifth-year classroom, Yale and George went to the fourth-year, and Reynolds walked toward the third-year all by himself.

"Same place this afternoon," Akes called out over his shoulder.

"Got it!" Reynolds waved.

The fifth-year classroom was smaller than those for the lower grades, and there were fewer people. When Akes entered, a dozen people were already seated. He spotted Dixie immediately—the man was sitting in a corner with two empty seats around him; no one dared to get close.

Akes chose a seat by the window, and Linley sat down beside him.

The morning class covered the principles of advanced fire-style magic. The teacher was a Level 6 mage who explained things in great detail, but Akes found it effortless—the Fallen Heart Flame and the Fire Spirit Bead gave him an understanding of fire that far exceeded his peers.

After class, he and Linley went to the cafeteria together.

The fourth and third-year classes ended later, so by the time they reached the cafeteria, Yale and the others had already secured a table.

"Over here!" Reynolds beckoned.

The five of them sat around the table, chatting as they ate. The topics ranged from coursework to cultivation, and from cultivation to gossip. Reynolds mentioned a girl in third year who was chasing him, earning a round of mockery from Yale.

"You? A little Level 3 brat?"

"What's wrong with Level 3? Level 3 is still a mage!"

"What element is that girl?"

"Water style."

"Oh, then you two are a good match; water and wind complement each other."

Akes listened to their bickering, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

There were no classes in the afternoon, so the five of them headed to the back mountain as usual.

Akes chose the same clearing, not far from the waterfall, where the environment was quiet and secluded. The five of them found their spots, and Akes sat cross-legged in the center.

"Let's begin."

He closed his eyes and channeled the Fallen Heart Flame.

Milky-white flames spilled from his body, slowly expanding to cover a radius of five meters. The concentration of fire elements in the surroundings rose sharply, and the air grew warm.

All five of them entered a state of meditation simultaneously.

An hour later, Akes retracted the flames and opened his eyes.

The others woke up one after another.

"Refreshing." Reynolds stretched his back.

George nodded. "It's definitely significant. The activity of the wind elements increased by at least thirty percent."

Yale stroked his chin. "I felt a twenty percent increase in my water style as well. Third Brother, this flame of yours is truly a good thing."

Linley didn't speak, simply nodding toward Akes.

Akes smiled. "We'll continue tomorrow."

Days passed by just like that.

Every morning was for classes, the afternoon for group cultivation, and the evening for chatting in the courtyard. On weekends, they would occasionally go to Fenlai City to stroll around, buy some things, and have a good meal.

One day at the end of September, just as Akes finished his cultivation in the back mountain and was preparing to head back, the system's voice rang in his mind.

[Ding—This month's sign-in opportunity has refreshed.]

[Do you wish to sign in?]

Akes chanted silently in his heart: Sign in.

[Sign-in successful.]

[Reward obtained: Qi Gathering Pill x1 (from a certain cultivation world). After consumption, it can significantly accelerate the rate of magic power accumulation for one month. Note: Only effective for those below the seventh rank.]

A pale cyan pill appeared out of thin air in Akes's palm. It was about the size of a thumb, with faint patterns flowing across its surface, emitting a subtle, refreshing medicinal fragrance.

"A pill..." Akes examined it closely.

This world had alchemy, but he had never seen anything like this pill. It must be a product from another world.

"Accelerates the rate of magic power accumulation," he muttered to himself. "This is exactly what I need."

Returning to the dormitory, he did not consume it immediately, choosing to study it first. After confirming there were no side effects, he swallowed it that night.

The pill melted the moment it touched his tongue, and a warm medicinal force flowed down his throat into his body, rapidly spreading to his limbs and bones. He could clearly feel the magic power in his middle dantian growing at a faster rate than usual.

"It works."

He closed his eyes and entered a state of meditation.

Over the next month, Akes's cultivation speed increased significantly. The magic power that would have originally taken half a year to accumulate was nearly halfway completed in just one month thanks to the Qi Gathering Pill.

By the end of October, he had successfully stepped into the mid-fifth rank.

While eating dinner, Yale noticed it too: "Third brother, your aura seems a bit stronger?"

"Mid-fifth rank," Akes said.

Reynolds spat out a mouthful of rice: "So fast? You were only fifth rank last month, right?"

"One month," George added, surprised. "Your speed... it's too exaggerated."

Akes spread his hands: "Good talent, can't help it."

Yale rolled his eyes: "Keep bragging."

The group burst into laughter.

One day in November, after finishing their training at the back mountain, Reynolds leaned in mysteriously.

"Third brother, let me ask you something."

"Speak."

"That flame of yours... could you let me use it a bit longer?" Reynolds blinked. "I feel like I've been making fast progress lately. If I could practice a bit more, I might reach the fourth rank by the end of the year."

Akes looked at him: "Just that?"

"Just that."

"Sure," Akes said. "From now on, after we finish every day, I'll give you an extra half-hour alone."

Reynolds was overjoyed: "Really?"

"Really."

"Third brother, you're the best!" Reynolds nearly lunged at him.

Akes dodged to the side: "Enough talk, we start tomorrow."

Yale, who was nearby, saw this and came over to ask: "What are you two whispering about?"

Reynolds said triumphantly: "Third brother is going to give me private lessons."

"Why?" Yale glared. "I want them too!"

George joined in the fun: "Add me to the list."

Akes looked at Linley. Linley shook his head: "I don't need it."

"Then it's settled," Akes said. "One hour every day for everyone. After that, Reynolds gets an extra half-hour."

Yale was dissatisfied: "Why does he get special treatment?"

"Because he's the weakest."

Reynolds: "..."

Yale burst into loud laughter.

Life continued to move forward.

At the end of December, the Ernst Institute held its year-end examinations.

Akes passed the fifth-year assessment with ease, receiving an excellent rating. Linley was equally excellent. Yale and George also passed smoothly in the fourth year. Reynolds barely scraped by in the third year and was so happy he treated the whole dormitory to a meal.

"It wasn't easy, finally don't have to repeat a grade," Reynolds toasted.

"You have the nerve to say that," Yale retorted. "You almost stayed back."

"But I didn't, did I? Almost is still passing!"

The group laughed and clinked their glasses.

Returning to the dormitory at night, Akes lay on his bed, reflecting on the events of the past few months.

Mid-fifth rank; the effects of the Qi Gathering Pill were still ongoing, and he estimated he would reach the late-fifth rank by March of next year. Linley was also nearing the peak of the fifth rank. Yale and George were improving steadily, and while Reynolds was slower, he was also making progress.

Days were plain, yet fulfilling.

[Ding--Detected that the host's check-in opportunity for this month has refreshed.]

[Perform check-in?]

Akes silently recited in his heart: Check in.

[Check-in successful.]

[Obtained reward: Azeroth Arcane Intellect (Permanent)--Mental perception increased, meditation efficiency increased by ten percent.]

A cool breath surged into his mind, instantly spreading outward.

Akes closed his eyes, feeling this subtle change. The elemental fluctuations around him were clearer, and he could even vaguely perceive the aura of his brothers in the next room.

December 31, 9995, Yulan Calendar.

New Year's Eve.

The five of them did not go to Fenlai City, but instead bought wine and food, setting up a table in the dormitory courtyard.

"Next year will be 9996," Yale raised his glass, "Come, cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The five of them clinked glasses and drank in one gulp.

Reynolds drank until his face was flushed red, wrapping his arm around George's neck and saying, "Boss, do you think we can still gather like this after we graduate?"

George thought for a moment: "We should be able to."

"We definitely can," Yale said, "My family's chamber of commerce has branches everywhere; you can come find me anytime."

Linley did not speak, only looking at the night sky in the distance.

Akes patted him on the shoulder: "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," Linley withdrew his gaze, "Just thinking about the future."

"Future matters can be dealt with in the future," Akes poured him a drink, "For now, drink."