"Mages Association?" Claude muttered as though he was recalling something.
Naturally, Claude wasn't unfamiliar with the Mages Association. He often heard aspiring Mages, and even ordinary people talk about it whilst praising it heavily.
Of course, hearing about it and knowing it are different. So in spite of hearing it talked about by many people, he didn't actually know what its purpose was and where it is.
"Indeed!" Rain replied as he flipped the pages of his book, "Think of them as like... an authoritative figure for Mages. They enforce rules and discipline those who break it. In other words, they are the Law built specifically for Mages."
"That's not to say that Mages are being deprived of their freedom, so to speak. The Mages Association is simply there to protect ordinary people from the divine Magic that Mages wield."
A look of enlightenment flashed in Claude's face as he nodded deeply, "So Mage Tokens doesn't only give an incentive to Mages, it also allows the Association to keep track of them?"
"Essentially, yes." Rain nodded in agreement.
"Well, what about you?" Claude diverted the topic, "When are you getting your Mage Token?"
"I must get it by the end of the day," Rain smiled bitterly, "I've been putting it off for a few days now, and the Academy have most likely sent some people to get me."
"In that case... Why don't we go together?" Claude asked with a cheeky smile.
Smirking, Rain said sarcastically, "You just don't know where the Mages Association is, don't you?"
...
Even though Claude was a Merchant, he didn't really wander around the city that much. As such, he had no clue about where landmarks like the Mages Association are located.
Therefore he had no choice but to wait for Rain to finish his book so that he could tag along. Fortunately, the book wasn't thick and he finished it quite fast.
It was about half past four when they left the library and headed to the Mages Association.
Just as they were about to enter the building, a sneer suddenly sounded behind them, "Would you look at that. Rain is here."
"Vyn?" Rain recognized the other party.
Both him and Vyn entered the Myriad Kingdom's Magic Academy at the same time. However, ever since Vyn went under the wing of a relatively famous teacher, he had grown arrogant.
As such, Rain tried to to avoid him at all costs, lest he be the 'ego-booster' Vyn wanted him to be.
"Are you here to get your Mage Token as well? What a coincidence, we're here to get ours as well!" Vyn grinned widely as he motioned his lackeys, "Considering the progress I made these past few months I'm guessing I should get my 2nd-Class Mage Token a few weeks after I get this one."
Upon hearing this, Rain's assumption of Vyn wanting to boost his ego was instantly proven right. Nonetheless, it was within his expectations so he simply shook his head and ignored him.
"What about you? How's your progress going?" Not wanting to let go of his 'prey', Vyn pressed on, "Oh, I heard that you haven't even made any progress for months now. You know... if you continue at this pace, your scholarship will be revoked eventually."
"What are you implying?" Rain turned around and glared at him.
It didn't matter if Vyn used him as an ego-booster, but if it involves his scholarship, he wouldn't just sit idly. After all, his family conditions aren't the best, and the scholarship is the only reason why he could still continue coming to school.
Considering that Vyn's family conditions are the polar opposite of his, he didn't doubt that he would do something so underhanded.
"I'm not implying anything," Vyn raised his hands innocently while smirking, "All I'm saying is that it would be a shame if the 'Prodigy' is expelled from school."
"You..." Rain clenched his fist tightly and gritted his teeth.
"What's the point of beating him up? Would that advance your rank? No, it would simply cause you more troubles in the future." Suddenly, Claude's voice rang in his ears.
"But... If I appear weak, he'd..."
"I didn't mean that you shouldn't fight back," Claude smiled and shook his head, "I mean that you should utterly destroy him in the field where he excels in, so that he could feel the taste of defeat and leave you alone."
"Like what you did to me?" Realization dawned on Rain. But he shook his head soon after and smiled bitterly, "That's impossible! Even in the past, we were both equal in all aspects. Now that his progress skyrocketed, let alone utterly destroying him, the chances of me defeating him is close to none."
"Not necessarily. Just follow my instructions." Claude said as he stepped forward, "Hey, you."
It was only at this moment that Vyn noticed Claude's presence. He crossed his arms and snorted, "What?"
Claude smiled mysteriously and rubbed his hands before saying, "Nothing much. But how about we make a bet?"
Vyn's ears perked up upon hearing this, "Bet? What kind of bet? If it isn't interesting, don't even bother saying it."
"Don't worry, I'm sure that it will pique your interest!" Claude hurriedly said. After which, he stared at both Vyn and Rain before continuing, "Since you like comparing yourself to him so much, why don't we make a bet about it. Whoever gets the highest score in the Mage Test will have to pay the other party ten gold taels!"
"Ten gold taels?" Vyn snorted coldly and flicked his wrists, "Do you think my time is cheap? Make it a hundred gold taels!"
Claude's eyes lit up when he heard this, "Sure, sure! A hundred gold taels it is!"
On the contrary, Rain was livid. He hurriedly pulled Claude to the side and said, "Are you crazy!? I don't have that much money! What happens if we lost!?"
He thought that friends were supposed to help each other. But instead, his 'friend' dug a deeper hole for himself! By this point, Rain was on the verge of crying.
Tell me, are you deliberately trying to pit me?