Yulan Calendar, September 1, 9996.
Ernst Institute welcomed the start of a new academic year.
Akes stood in front of the classroom building, watching the students come and go. The fifth-year classrooms were on the third floor, but he had no need to go there today—just a few days ago, he had passed the sixth-year assessment.
The pattern on his cuff had gone from five lines to six.
"Level six." He murmured to himself, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
It had taken him a full five years to go from level one to level six. Even in Ernst Institute's history, that pace would rank among the top ten.
"Third brother!"
Reynolds's voice came from behind him. Akes turned and saw four people walking toward him.
Reynolds was in front. The moment he saw the pattern on Akes's cuff, he exclaimed, "You're level six already?!"
"Yeah. I passed a few days ago."
"That fast!" Reynolds's eyes widened. "Weren't you only in the late stages of level five?"
"Once you're past the late stages, you're at the peak. And once you're at the peak, you break through." Akes said it as if it were nothing.
Reynolds rolled his eyes. "You make it sound so easy."
Yale walked over and clapped Akes on the shoulder. "Not bad, third brother. First level-six student in our dorm."
"Linley isn't far behind." Akes glanced at Linley.
Linley's cuff still had five lines, but his aura was much stronger than it had been last semester. He nodded. "I'm at the peak. I should pass by the end of the year."
"Then we'll both be sixth-years." Akes said.
George chuckled from the side. "You two are going to graduate together at this rate."
"Maybe." Akes said. "What about you? Fourth year?"
George nodded. "I just advanced to fourth year. So did Yale."
Yale waved his cuff, which had four lines, looking pleased with himself.
Reynolds grimaced. "I'm still a third-year..."
"Take your time." Akes said. "What's the rush?"
The group chatted and laughed as they headed to their respective classrooms.
Akes and Linley parted at the stairwell—the sixth-year classrooms were on the fourth floor, while the fifth-year classrooms were on the third.
"Same place this afternoon." Akes said.
Linley nodded.
The sixth-year classroom was smaller than the fifth-year one, with fewer students. When Akes opened the door, only seven or eight people were inside.
Sixth-years had fewer classes than fifth-years, with only four lessons a week. They spent most of their time practicing on their own, with a teacher occasionally dropping by to offer guidance. As Akes looked over his newly issued timetable, he considered his plans for the days ahead.
The jump from level six to level seven is a major hurdle, he thought. Liquefying your spiritual force isn't something you can achieve through accumulation alone.
But there was no point rushing. He had to take it one step at a time.
That morning's lesson covered the Principles of Advanced Fire Magic. The teacher was a Level Seven Mage, and his explanations were profound. Akes listened intently.
That afternoon, at the back of the mountain.
Linley was already waiting when Akes arrived. The others hadn't come yet.
"You're early." Akes walked over.
Linley sat on a rock, gazing at the distant waterfall. "Mm."
Akes sat beside him. Neither said a word.
After a while, Yale and the others arrived. Reynolds was in front, running with a few pieces of dried meat in his hand and chewing as he went.
"Sorry we're late, sorry we're late!" he called. "I ran into a beauty on the way and had to take a second look."
"Sure you did." Yale said from behind him. "Where'd you find a beauty?"
"It's true! She was a Water Element mage, and she was gorgeous!"
They sat down, and Akes began to rouse the Fallen Heart Flame.
Milky-white flames seeped from his body and slowly spread, enveloping an area with a radius of five meters. The concentration of fire elements rose sharply, and the air grew warm.
All five entered a meditative state at the same time.
An hour later, their practice ended.
"That felt great." Reynolds stretched. "I feel like I made a lot of progress today."
"You say that every day." Yale teased.
"That's because I really do!"
George chuckled beside them. "All right, stop arguing. What's for dinner?"
"Whatever." Akes stood up. "Same place?"
"Sure."
The five packed up their things and headed back, chatting and laughing.
And so the days passed.
They had lessons every morning, practiced together every afternoon, and chatted in the courtyard each evening. On weekends, they sometimes went into Fenlai City to shop and enjoy a good meal.
At the end of September, Linley broke through.
"You broke through?" Akes asked.
Linley nodded.
"Congratulations." Akes said.
"Thanks."
They looked at each other, then fell silent.
At dinner that evening, Yale was the first to notice the change in Linley.
"Fourth brother's level six too?!" He nearly dropped his chopsticks.
Reynolds leaned over to get a better look. "It's true!"
George was surprised too. "Did you two plan this?"
"Just a coincidence." Linley said.
"Quite a coincidence." Reynolds clicked his tongue in amazement. "You broke through right around the same time before and after summer break, and now you reached level six right around the same time too. Were you secretly practicing together?"
"We were practicing together anyway." Akes said.
Reynolds thought about it. "That's true."
Yale raised his glass. "Come on, let's celebrate fourth brother reaching level six!"
The five of them clinked glasses.
One evening in mid-October, the five of them chatted in the courtyard.
The moon shone brightly, and the evening breeze was cool.
"Third brother, you said before that you might go to the Yulan Empire after graduation?" George suddenly asked.
Akes nodded. "Yeah. I haven't made up my mind completely, but it's pretty much settled."
"Why do you want to go there?" Yale asked.
"The magical atmosphere is better, and there are more resources." Akes said. "Fenlai is nice too, but it's only a kingdom. The Yulan Empire is the oldest empire on the continent, with a deep magical heritage. Developing there would help me with my future cultivation."
George nodded. "That's true. The Yulan Empire really is better suited to mages."
"You know quite a bit about it." Akes said.
"My family lives there, so I know a little." George paused to think. "If you do go, you can stay near my family. We can look out for each other."
"Sure." Akes smiled. "I'll come mooch meals off you."
"You're welcome anytime."
Yale chimed in, "My family's merchant association has a branch there too. I'll come find you guys."
Reynolds raised his hand. "Me too! My family's in O'Brien, but it's not far from Yulan. It's only half a month by boat."
They looked at Linley.
Linley was silent for a moment. "I'll stay in Fenlai."
Akes knew why.
"We'll keep in touch." Yale raised his glass. "Wherever we go, we'll still be brothers."
Back in the dorm that night, Akes lay on his bed, thinking over their conversation.
The Yulan Empire. He really did want to see it. As someone who had crossed over, he knew a little about the Yulan Empire from the original story. It was home to the oldest families on the continent, the deepest magical heritage, and the greatest number of Saint-level mages.
Developing there would undoubtedly help him down the road.
And George would be there too. Having someone he knew would be better than going in completely blind.
[Ding—the monthly sign-in opportunity has refreshed.] [Would you like to sign in?]
Akes silently said in his mind, Sign in.
[Sign-in successful.] [Reward obtained: Azeroth Arcane Intellect (permanent)—increased spiritual-force perception and a ten percent boost to meditation efficiency.]
A cool sensation surged into his mind and instantly spread throughout it.
Akes closed his eyes, sensing the subtle change. The fluctuations of the surrounding elements became clearer, and he could even vaguely sense the presence of his brothers in the rooms next door.
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