Just as Dean Bruce had anticipated, several hours passed after entering Veigar Forest, and the students encountered no real danger.
Those who had made it into the primary magic academy had all mastered at least one basic spell. Even if their mana reserves were low, and their proficiency in casting spells was lacking—some of them stumbling over the incantations—they still managed to handle the low-tier, non-magical beasts with relative ease.
As he watched various wild creatures fall to these novice mages, Dean Bruce finally let go of the tension he had been holding.
Thanks to wearing the Dragonheart Pendant for an extended period, his mana had risen to an impressive 23 points. He had also mastered five basic elemental spells. Even though he hadn't engaged in any actual combat, his capabilities now far exceeded those of the students.
If they could hold their own in Veigar Forest, he certainly had nothing to fear.
[Host: Dean Bruce]
[Level: Second-Tier Novice Mage]
[Health: 10]
[Mana: 23]
[Mastered Spells: Fireball, Ice Arrow, Wind Blade, Earth Wall, Vine Whip]
[Items: Dragonheart Pendant, Fourth-Tier Magic Scroll—Shield of Nature, Fourth-Tier Magic Scroll—Wind Spirit Sword, Flawed Storage Ring]
As he looked at his status panel, which had undergone a dramatic transformation since he first awakened yesterday, Dean Bruce couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
According to the books he had read, it would be considered impressive for an average person to master basic magic and raise their mana from 1 to 10 points within a month—that would mark them as a genius!
Yet here he was, having achieved the leap from an ordinary person to a second-tier novice mage in less than a day. That made him a genius among geniuses!
If word of this got out, it would undoubtedly cause a huge stir.
As for the levels of a mage?
After his late-night study session, Dean Bruce had grasped the basics.
Each level of a mage is divided into nine stages, directly correlated with their mana points. Once you reach a certain threshold, you can advance to the next level.
For example, 11 mana points correspond to a first-tier novice mage, while 91 mana points would place someone at the ninth tier. Reaching 101 mana points would remove the "novice" title, advancing them to a full-fledged mage.
Of course, what's written in the books doesn't always align with the current rules.
Take Joan Michelle, for example. Her mana level is more than sufficient to qualify her as a Grand Mage. However, since she hasn't had the opportunity to learn advanced magic, she doesn't meet the necessary criteria for a promotion in rank. As a result, she remains officially classified as a Novice Mage.
In reality, even without mastering advanced magic, Joan Michelle's overwhelming mana could easily allow her to defeat many who hold higher ranks simply by using basic spells.
Naturally, when two mages are of the same rank and possess similar mana levels, victory often depends on who has mastered higher-tier spells.
Magic itself is divided into strict tiers: First and Second-tier magic are considered basic, Third and Fourth-tier are intermediate, Fifth and Sixth-tier are advanced, and Seventh and Eighth-tier are categorized as supreme magic.
As for Ninth-tier or beyond?
That falls into the realm of forbidden spells—magic.
It far beyond the reach of ordinary practitioners.
While the classification of magic tiers is rigid, one's ability to comprehend these tiers doesn't necessarily correlate with their level. Ancient texts tell of individuals who, while still Novice Mages, successfully grasped supreme magic.
Even though their low level and meager mana meant they couldn't fully manifest the spell's power, the mere glimpse of what they could unleash was formidable enough to render them virtually unbeatable within their tier.
Focusing his mind, Dean Bruce took a quick glance around to ensure no one was nearby. He pulled out his book on basic magical theory and continued to study it carefully.
No matter how quickly he advanced, he was still just beginning on the path of magic. The road ahead was long, and if he wanted to reach the pinnacle, he needed a solid foundation.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the forest, Joan Michelle was equally engrossed in meditating on the incantation, trying to unravel its mysteries. Time slipped away as they both focused on their tasks.
As nightfall approached and Dean Bruce prepared to meet up with Joan Michelle and Xerath Cade, the ground suddenly began to tremble violently.
A deafening roar echoed from a distance, growing louder by the second, causing Dean Bruce's eyes to widen in shock.
Looking toward the source of the noise, he saw a massive cloud of dust and debris hurtling toward him.
"Is that... a beast tide?!" Dean Bruce immediately suspected, but his mind was filled with confusion. How could a beast tide form in such a relatively harmless forest?
The students inexperienced and unprepared for such a scenario.
They were paralyzed with fear as the stampede of thousands of wild animals, along with first and second-tier beasts, charged at them, roaring and baring their teeth. Their faces turned pale, and their legs trembled uncontrollably, rendering them unable to move.
Panic and desperation filled the air as cries for help rang out: "Instructors, save us!"
"Oh my God, how are there so many beasts? Instructors, please help! I don't want to die!"
"Waaah!"
"This is terrifying! I'm done with this assessment—I want to go home!"
Hearing the desperate cries and wails, Dean Bruce's expression grew increasingly serious.
Amid the beast tide, humans seemed especially insignificant. Unless one possessed overwhelming power to crush the beasts, it wasn't just about failing to protect others—survival itself would be in jeopardy.
So what should he do?
Run away? Or charge forward and protect the students?
At that very moment, a figure burst from the forest, charging toward the group of students with lightning speed. With a thunderous shout, the figure commanded, "There's danger—get over here and protect the students!"
It was Xerath Cade!
In that instant, Dean Bruce made his decision: he would rush in to save them!
Despite the terrifying sight, the beasts and wild animals were still far off.
Dean Bruce wasn't a saint or a hero—he wasn't about to risk his life for others without reason.
But given that the situation hadn't yet reached a critical point, he couldn't miss the opportunity to save the students.
For one thing, gaining the students' trust would make it much easier to influence them later on.
If he could win their trust, then once they started mastering magic, Dean Bruce could reap the rewards from the system!
Not only Dean Bruce, but Joan Michelle, despite her limited magic knowledge, also sprinted out to help.
With the three instructors standing guard at the front, the students' fear began to dissipate.
Dean Bruce urged, "While the beasts are still at a distance, retreat quickly! If we reach the edge of Veigar Forest, we can set up a defensive line and hold off the beast tide!"
As soon as he spoke, the students turned and bolted, terrified of being the last to escape and getting caught in the tide.
Rumble, rumble!
But just then, the ground shook violently once more, as if a massive earth dragon were thrashing beneath the surface. The tremors were so intense that it became impossible to stand, let alone run.
Sensing that something was very wrong, Dean Bruce glanced back and felt his heart skip a beat, his pupils contracting in shock.
Smoke and dust billowed from all directions—they were completely surrounded!
They had to break through the beast tide before it closed in, or they would all perish here.
Dean Bruce's eyes darted around as he searched for an escape route. But suddenly, he noticed Joan Michelle stepping forward, her expression serious, heading straight toward the oncoming tide of beasts.
Dean Bruce was baffled. What was Joan Michelle thinking?
She hadn't been hiding any extraordinary strength.
Was she planning to throw herself into certain death?
Dean Bruce wasn't the only one shocked—Xerath Cade's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Joan Michelle.
Joan Michelle seemed to enter a trance-like state, oblivious to everyone around her. Her gaze was fixed solely on the advancing beasts. With each step forward, she murmured softly, "What is love? Romantic love, compassionate love, brotherly love... In my previous attempts, I only focused on patience and tolerance but neglected love itself."
"Of course—without love, how could I ever hope to cast this spell?" As she spoke, Joan Michelle's eyes grew brighter, her steps more resolute. Mana surged around her, the crystal on her staff glowing with light, and even her mage's robe began to billow in the wind.
She raised her staff high, and her clear voice rang out, "Love is patient, love is kind; it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud; it is not easily angered; love never fails! It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres!"
Pausing for a moment, Joan Michelle slammed her staff into the ground with a thunderous force, her voice roaring like thunder, "With the gods as my witness, my love for my students is true!"
"The Compassion of Heaven and Earth, reveal your power and light!"