The morning mist had yet to fully disperse, but hoofbeats already rang through the front courtyard of Baruch Manor. Dressed in noble attire, Hogg stood straight as a spear, personally leading a horse with exceptional endurance. Beside him, Hillman helped Linley pack his belongings, carefully stowing away dried magical beast jerky and healing potions.
"Father, are you really coming too?" Linley stroked Bebe on his shoulder, his eyes full of surprise. Under the original plan, Hillman was to escort him to Fenlai City alone.
Hogg raised a hand and ruffled his hair, unconcealed expectation and solemnity in his eyes. "The magic aptitude test is the most important event in your life, and it is also the hope of our Baruch Clan. I must go with you myself." He looked at Hillman. "With both of us there, the journey will be safer too."
Hillman smiled and nodded. "Rest assured, big brother. It's ninety li from Wushan Town to Fenlai City. We'll certainly arrive before dark."
Before they left, little Wharton clutched the hem of Linley's clothes, reluctant to let him go. Linley bent down and told him, "Little brother, wait for me to come back. I'll bring you candy from the Royal City." Bebe squeaked on his shoulder, his crimson eyes surveying the distance curiously.
The three of them and the mouse set off. Hogg remained silent along the way, yet always passed Linley a waterskin when he grew tired and scouted ahead whenever they reached a fork. Hillman explained Fenlai City's rules as they traveled. "The Royal City has plenty of nobles, and high officials and dignitaries are everywhere. Don't try to act tough if anything happens. Registration for the magic aptitude test costs ten gold coins, but Ernst Institute waives all tuition and only accepts true geniuses."
Linley committed these words to memory. During breaks in their journey, he often sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, silently circulating his spiritual energy. Doehring Cowart's spectral form quietly guided him from within the ring, making his control of magic ever more proficient.
Toward evening, Fenlai City's outline finally came into view. Its tall walls towered majestically, and buildings stood in close-packed rows within. Most conspicuous was the Radiant Church's cathedral in the eastern part of the city, soaring into the clouds. After entering the city, the three found an inn to rest in. Hogg reminded him repeatedly, "For tomorrow's test, just relax and show what you can do."
Early the next morning, the square before the Radiant Church's cathedral was already buzzing with voices. Nobles in lavish clothing talked loudly with their children beside them, while commoners and minor country nobles kept to the other side of their own accord, occasionally subjected to a few contemptuous taunts. Hogg shielded Linley behind him and said in a low voice, "Ignore them. Strength is the best introduction."
Hillman agreed. "Linley, you'll definitely get into Ernst Magic Academy! Even the least accomplished Ernst Institute graduates become earls of a kingdom. These nobles are nothing."
Before long, a black-robed cleric emerged from the cathedral and loudly announced the start of the tests. The crowd in the square filed into the cathedral hall. At its center stood a crystal ball half a person's height and a hexagonal magic array. The balding old man overseeing the tests sat expressionlessly, his gaze sweeping over the boys and girls in line.
When Linley's turn came, Hogg and Hillman stood at the edge of the crowd, their palms slightly sweaty. Linley took a deep breath and placed his hand on the crystal ball as the old man instructed. In an instant, dazzling earthen-yellow and pale-green light burst forth, so brilliant that people could barely keep their eyes open. There was even a faint trace of fiery-red light mingled within.
"Elemental affinity: earth element, exceptional; wind element, exceptional; fire element, average!" The old man shot to his feet, his voice trembling. "Eight years old, with exceptional affinity in two elements!"
The hall erupted in an instant. The nobles all turned to look, their formerly contemptuous gazes now filled with shock and greed. Hogg shuddered, wild joy blazing in his eyes, while Hillman clenched his fists in excitement.
"Next, the spiritual energy test. Enter the magic array." Regaining his composure, the old man led Linley into the hexagonal magic array. The array activated, and warm white light shone. The light element spell Intimidation struck directly at his soul, its pressure steadily mounting.
Linley's expression did not change. The black dragon's Dragon's Might half a year earlier had been a hundred times stronger than this. He stood firm until the pressure felt like a mountain bearing down on him, then dropped heavily to one knee.
"Spiritual energy, eighteen times that of his peers. Superior!" the old man announced loudly, his tone full of admiration.
The moment he finished speaking, recruiters from several magic academies rushed forward, each making an offer. "Linley, come to our Land Academy! All tuition waived, plus a scholarship of a thousand gold coins a year!" "Our Welin Academy has experienced Mages teaching classes, and you'll receive priority access to meditation rooms!"
Amid the clamoring offers, a steady voice instantly silenced the entire hall. "Linley, we at Ernst Institute sincerely invite you to join us."
Everyone turned toward the voice. A middle-aged man in white robes approached slowly, his bearing refined and dignified. Trembling all over with excitement, Hogg looked at Hillman and asked, "Linley really got into Ernst Institute? That's the foremost magic academy on the Yulan Continent!" Hillman smiled and nodded. "He really did. We all heard it."
The white-robed middle-aged man smiled at Linley. "Exceptional affinity in two elements and superior spiritual energy. Ernst Institute warmly welcomes you."
"Accept!" Hogg strode forward, his voice brimming with barely containable excitement.
Linley suppressed the wild joy in his heart and replied respectfully, "Sir, I would be honored to become a member of Ernst Institute."
Approval flashed in the white-robed middle-aged man's eyes as he handed over a red admission letter. "Arrive at the academy before February 9. You will need to undergo verification again after enrollment."
Linley accepted the letter and gripped it tightly. Hogg swept him into an embrace, laughing with tears in his eyes. "Wonderful! Wonderful! There's hope for the Baruch Clan!"
The three left the cathedral beneath everyone's awed gazes, Bebe squeaking merrily on Linley's shoulder. Hogg raised his head toward the sky, as though announcing to the Baruch Clan's ancestors, "Our glory is coming back!"
Linley looked at the red letter in his hands and silently vowed, I'll enter Ernst Institute, work hard to grow stronger, protect my family, and restore the Baruch Clan to glory.
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