"Remember, in the spiritual essence test, you have to hold on for as long as you can," Kaiya Tanaka lectured with a serious face. "Since I am not knowledgeable about wind magic at all, it is imperative that you get into a magus academy. With your excellent elemental affinities, it would be a sin not to learn how to manipulate wind." Renji knew this full well.
This bald elder now showed unexpected courtesy, addressing Renji: "Please step into the magical formation." The politeness raised the interest of nearby nobles in Renji all the more. After all, this kind of power in elemental affinity represented that Renji could quickly produce Magic force, thus leaving more time for spiritual energy cultivation with boundless future prospects.
The moment Renji stepped into the formation, it began shining, bathing everything in a white light. He felt pressure suddenly wash down on him. Light-style magic—Dazzle! As someone who had been hit with the Dark Dragon's presence earlier, Renji could only feel just how weak this was in comparison.
The formation pressure continued to rise; the whole hall held its breath as by now it was certain that the plainly dressed youth was to be a powerful magus. Whispers went around among the nobles as they thought of Renji's clan and possible alliances.
"His name is Renji?" In an instant, all sorts of magus academies' recruiters rushed to get a good look at him. After all, talent like Renji was the best recruit. Yet in formation, Renji resisted the increasingly climbing pressure. He breathed heavily; force from above welling down, crushing him, but Renji withstood.
When the pressure reached the limit he could endure, Renji could not hold on any longer. He dropped to one knee with his fists clenched onto the floor. The bald elderly man, whose face was flushed due to satisfaction, said, "Spiritual essence: eighteen times that of his peers, high-level. High spiritual essence with excellent elemental affinity.".
The magus recruiters did not hesitate to surge forward. "Greetings, Renji. I hail from the Lander Magus Academy. We would be pleased to offer you a place at our institution. Your tuition shall be exempted. We will grant you a thousand gold coins for your other miscellaneous expenses every year and provide you with a high-ranking magus instructor to train you personally," one recruiter said.
"Renji, I hail from the Welling Magus Academy. We…
A flood of recruiters suddenly surged forth to recruit Renji, and he felt dazed for a moment. It was all happening too fast.
"Please return to your seats. We need to continue the test," said the bald elder, ever so politely, as he needed to be respectful to the esteemed representatives.
"Renji, Keito Institute would hereby like to extend a sincere invitation for you to join us," called out a new voice. The room suddenly fell silent as a white-robed middle-aged man emerged and walked towards him. "High quality elemental affinity, high spiritual essence, dual-element; Renji, it would be an honor to have you at the Keito Institute; will you join us?"
Draven gaped in amazement, standing next to him. Excitement emanated from his body as he hurried to Renji's side. Keito Institute—the best magus academy on the Aerthos continent. Graduation from the institute would mean very high positions even in a faraway kingdom or enormous empire. Every year, only a few students were enrolled in this institute, marking them as the greatest geniuses ever.
"Renji, accept this right now," Draven pressed on. Renji was elated but remained calm. He knew that with Keito Institute and under the tutelage of Kaiya Tanaka, the chances of becoming a seventh or eighth-rank magus in the future would increase manifold, thus rehabilitating his clan.
"It would be an honor to be enrolled in Keito Institute," Renji said respectfully. The man in white smiled and bowed his head, as if accepting Renji's answer. "I will send your information over to the Institute. When you do go there, be sure to bring proof of who you are so that you can have the second test. This envelope, with the seal on it, is your proof of admission. Be sure to show up by February 9th for the beginning of term."
Renji took the envelope and thanked him, concealing his excitement. Draven, on the other hand, was elated. The status of being a Keito Institute student was very honorable, and with it, Renji's future was secured.
As the two left the cathedral, the entire crowd gave way to either side in respect. Even those who previously had been snobbish towards Renji were now beaming at him in ecstasy at such respect accorded to students of the Keito Institute.
The little Umbramouse let out a squeak in reaction to Renji's highly visible excitement from outside. Finally letting the emotions burst forth, Renji clenched his fists, his eyes sparkling as he turned towards Draven. "Uncle Draven, let's go back to Dragonspire Village! I should tell my father the good news!