The children had lived the last 4.5 half years in the Academy, the children had learned what normal human children learn in 10 years in just only 2 years.
The next year after they finished that curriculum they finished their officer training courses, such geniuses.
The children spent most of their free time self studying magic and doing physical work outs to keep in shape.
The result of eating healthy food and constant physical work outs made most of the children, Grey included, to have already fully developed their magic channels.
The the children looked tall for their age group, most of them were 1.4m - 1.5m, some of them even looked muscular.
Grey was 1.45m with a nice body build, because he used a bow he did not choose to be too muscular, that would make too him inflexible.
His face was still average, there were more handsome males in his class, his grey hair that made stand out was still cut short and made neat.
When he wore his Academy uniform at least none of the girls thought he was ugly.
Grey had spent a lot of his time studying magic, he had to dive in into the darkness without anyone to guide him, he was not the only one trying to study magic on their own.
The library was very popular with the children, the children had finally understood that Miss Jenny Kat had a lot of information on which books beginners like them should read.
The pursuit of magic without a guide had made the children to realise that magic is a very difficult subject and full of profoundness, thus only the special children could keep going alone, the special children were the tier 4 talents.
The tier 3 talents were not included in the children who could study magic without a guide, even the talented Scarlet could not do it, especially with her tier 2 magic talent.
Grey had figured that he would have an advantage when it came to designing magic rings.
That was correct for the most part, but magic ring design required an individual to have a high understanding of the magic elements and the magic ring.
Grey also had to understand the magic language that was used to engrave the magic rings, he practically had to learn a new coding language, however there were many such coding languages, he had to learn at least a dozen magic engraving languages.
Grey also had reached situations where he could not understand some magic issues and he had to find the other tier 4 talents to discuss and pass ideas, the one he discussed these type of issues the most was Miranda, how surprising.
Flynn and Grey regardless of their mutual interest in magic had just too different personalities which made their budding friendship to fail.
Flynn was similar to Petra in personality, he just did not hide it like she did, the kid was just a good person.
Grey knew that him and such a person could not be friends, the person who was more similar to Grey in terms of personality was Miranda, she was the type that pursued the mission requirements regardless of the consequences, she was just not as a rational and logical as Grey.
The two, Grey and Miranda had teamed up to help each other to study magic whilst Petra and Flynn gravited to each other.
The rest of the children from Grey's class had also grown up during the years in the Academy.
Sophia had not changed much she was still average in terms of looks, but her auburn hair grown longer and she spent most of the time having it in a pony tail.
The delusions about Grey being her nemesis had been destroyed as she grew, but she did not stop looking at him as a target, he was a target she wanted to reach.
She is actually secretly jealous that Scarlet gets to be around Grey.
The wilful and cheeky Cassandra was still the same, though she had matured a little with age.
Sheldon had also matured a little, at least he did not attract trouble like he used to, but his personality was still the same.
Sheldon had actually found a person that could actually stand his personality for long periods, it was his late buddy from 4.5 years ago, they must have found solace together as people who actually experienced 1st Lt Miller's punishment, the name of the child is Paul Cait, tier 1 talent.
Grey finished showering and putting on his Academy uniform, he had rested enough after the simulation battle and he was going to have dinner at the dining hall.
Grey had dinner with Scarlet, they were discussing what could have done better in the battle simulation.
"Grey, when do you think they will let use ignite our Sources?"
Scarlet suddenly changed the conversation to different one, there was a slightly despair in her voice.
Grey got slightly depressed about this, his and most of the children's magic channels were fully developed and they could start using magic.
To become a tier 0 mage, the Source in the heart had to be ignited this would allow the Source to store and create more mana, the process is aptly named Source Ignition.
Source Ignition even before the person reaches 10 years is possible, only if the magic channels are fully developed, which Grey and his classmates have fully developed.
This information they learned from their years of self study, apparently only the royals, some great noble families and the military had the method to ignite Sources, Grey figured it was another way they kept their power protected.
"I am not sure. I believe 1st Lt Miller is waiting for the rest of our classmates to fully develop their magic channels. I too would like to graduate from this part of the Academy."
Scarlet nodded in understanding, she knew Grey was very ambitious when it came to magic.
'I must have patience like Grey in this type of situation.'
Scarlet thought to herself.
"Grey to you think we will be given opportunities to develop in the military?"
"What do you mean Scarlet."
"I mean there is no conflict, the kingdom is in peace, military progression must be slow in such an environment."
The kingdom of Arin was located at the north of the continent of Nuren, it bordered the kingdom of Ruhen and the Kingdom of Rawyth.
These three kingdoms have had their fights in the past but currently it was all very quiet at the borders.
"Peace is also a good thing, it allows a stable enough environment to develop without the risks that are associated with war. Mages have long lives Scarlet, you should know that, there is enough time for development."
Scarlets just nodded, for a person like her who wants to better herself, it was a question she had to ask.
Grey and Scarlet went back to review their battle simulation.
Down on another table.
"Grey has gotten more decisive when it comes to the battle field, he does not hesitate to make difficult decisions. Miranda too, and some of the tier 3 talents like Joshua. It is like these people have a talent for military work."
Flynn lamented, he was in a table with Petra, Sophia, Cassandra and Sheldon.
The Joshua they are talking about is the most talented person in their class when it comes to military strategy and tactics, his full name is Joshua Kellen, tier 3 talent, he has black curly hair with hazel eyes and an average face.
Joshua did not stand out in class unlike the tier 4 talents, but when it came to battlefield strategy, he was like a shining star.
Joshua has an affinity to the battlefield as commented by 1st Lt Gisela Jones, she had recommended to go to military head quarters when he graduates from Witffield Academy.
Even Grey could not beat him 100% of the time when they had battle simulations, the battles between them were always difficult.
Grey understood he was more talented when it came to magic rings as they involved something he was very talented in which is programming.
"Grey has become more of a baddie, don't you think so Sophia?"
Cassandra who never liked Grey took a shot at him.
"I don't think Grey would do that if it was actual combat"
"You actually defend him?! Two years ago, you still considered him your nemesis."
This made the people in the table to laugh in the expanse of Sophia's shameful face.
"Don't remind me of my dark history!"
"And you. You used to consider Grey your best friend whilst the rest of the class could see he could not stand you!"
Sophia retaliated by airing Sheldon's dark history.
"I was a kid. I was trying to make friends."
Sheldon said without a hint of shame.
"In the end, we are all somewhat tangled to Grey."
Commented Petra whilst she glanced at Grey and Scarlet.
Grey went back to his room after dinner.
'I wish my body body would grow a little bit faster. I have abstained from sex for too long.'
As stated Grey was someone who enjoyed sex, he just did not want any attachments.
'Only three months until the rest of the children have their magic channels fully developed, then I can start using magic.'