When Dean Bruce opened his eyes again, he didn't feel the grogginess that usually followed a long sleep. Instead, he felt refreshed, as if his mind had become sharper.
"No wonder they're called elixirs. Apart from losing consciousness after consuming them, the effects are remarkable!" he mused as he stood up. Glancing out the window, he saw the sun hanging high in the sky. Dean Bruce's expression suddenly changed as he exclaimed, "Oh no! Today is the day the new students are assigned to classes—I can't be late!"
Though he had connections, certain official events still required his presence.
Besides, now that Dean Bruce had awakened his system, he needed to pay close attention to these students. If they thought he was unreliable, how could he ever hope to sway them?
And if they weren't swayed, how could they bring him the rewards he so desperately needed?
Quickly donning the magical robe and staff gifted to him by Headmaster André, Dean Bruce rushed to the bathroom. He activated a water magic scroll, washing his face clean before hurrying off to the field.
On special occasions, he had to look the part!
Luck was on his side. By the time Dean Bruce arrived, the class assignments hadn't begun yet. Although the instructors and over a hundred new students had already gathered, Headmaster André had not yet arrived. This meant he wasn't technically late, and no one would scold him.
The other instructors weren't foolish. Even if there were differences in their magical prowess, their status and positions were equal. Criticizing someone else would only invite trouble.
Moreover, it was clear to everyone that Headmaster André had a soft spot for Dean Bruce. Who would dare make trouble for him?
One of the instructors, not waiting for Dean Bruce to sit down, pulled out the chair next to him and smiled, "Dean, over here! Last year we worked well together, and I hope we can do the same this year."
As the saying goes, "A kind word turns away wrath." Since the other instructor had gone out of his way to invite him, Dean Bruce couldn't refuse. He smiled and took the seat next to him.
It was only after he sat down that his face was fully visible to the new students. Immediately, the previously quiet group of over a hundred students became excited and stirred, whispering among themselves, "Oh my gosh, Dean is finally here!"
"I was so scared! I didn't see Dean earlier, and I thought he wouldn't be in charge of the new students this year. He's so amazing! If we can get on his good side, maybe we'll learn some high-level magic too!"
"Magic should not be taught lightly. I don't expect to learn advanced magic, but if Dean could just teach me an intermediate spell, that would be enough for me to graduate smoothly and get into the Advanced Magic Academy."
"..."
The magic academies were divided into elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. The entry and graduation requirements for the elementary and intermediate levels were similar, focusing mainly on the student's understanding and mastery of basic spells.
Generally speaking, anyone with a bit of talent could graduate from an intermediate magic academy. As long as they didn't recklessly provoke creatures above the fourth tier or venture into areas swarming with beasts, their skills would be sufficient to navigate the Nine Provinces Alliance.
But those with true talent were never satisfied with just being able to survive in the Nine Provinces Alliance.
They had ambition. They wanted to master intermediate spells, reach the threshold for entering an advanced magic academy, meet more powerful mentors, and become stronger themselves—strong enough to be like the heroes of legend, defeating demons and dragons, and rescuing princesses.
All at once, the new students began looking at Dean Bruce with intense anticipation.
To them, just being one of Dean Bruce's students meant they had a good chance of getting into an advanced magic academy. How could they not be excited?
On the platform, the other instructors noticed the eager expressions and whispered discussions among the students. They exchanged knowing smiles, making light-hearted comments.
"This year's batch of freshmen seems quite enthusiastic. Let's hope there are a few with real talent among them."
"In most years, if three or five out of a hundred students manage to grasp intermediate spells, that's pretty good. Let's hope we have a few more this year. If we can teach a student who bypasses the intermediate academy and gets straight into an advanced one, the Alliance will reward us!"
Hearing this, Dean Bruce's eyes lit up.
Teaching a student who directly gets into an advanced magic academy comes with a reward from the Alliance?
He had previously made an offhand comment about The Compassion of Heaven and Earth being an advanced spell, and when Joan Michelle mastered it, the system had confirmed its tier. If he could convince these students that all the spells he taught were advanced, wouldn't every successful student mean another reward?
He could get both the system reward and the Alliance reward?
Not only that, but the students who mastered advanced spells would likely offer him generous gifts in gratitude.
After all, in this world, even learning intermediate spells was difficult. If you managed to grasp advanced magic and didn't show your appreciation to the teacher, why would they continue to teach you?
Who wouldn't want to teach the best students?
With this realization, Dean Bruce couldn't help but grin, a smile spreading across his face.
"It's always refreshing to chat with the other instructors. If nothing else, you can definitely pick up quite a bit of useful information!" Dean Bruce thought to himself.
He feeling even more eager for the upcoming gathering of instructors.
Buzz—
Suddenly, a peculiar ripple of energy swept through the area, interrupting the conversations of the gathered instructors.
Everyone looked up, and in the next moment, a figure with wings unfurled descended slowly from the sky. The students below gasped in awe as the figure landed gracefully on the platform, and a deep, aged voice echoed out: "Children, welcome to Notting Elementary Magic Academy!"
"By making it here, you've all passed the entrance examination, proving that you have the necessary talent. I hope that over the next two years, you will study diligently, mastering more spells, whether your future takes you to higher-level magic academies or into the service of the duchy and the Nine Provinces Alliance, protecting our people from the dangers of beasts and monsters!"
As he spoke, the wings on André Maxwell's back gently flapped, emitting a brilliant, dazzling light that filled the students with admiration and longing.
Dean Bruce couldn't help but smirk at the sight. "This old guy really knows how to put on a show!"
It seemed that maintaining the winged form consumed a significant amount of energy, as André Maxwell concluded his speech in less than two minutes. Dispelling the winged magic, he continued in a softer tone, "Today, we have three classes for you to choose from, each led by a different instructor."
"These classes are equal in importance, so I encourage you to carefully consider your choice based on the magic specialty of each instructor."
"Now, let me introduce you to your instructors and the classes they will be leading."
"Notting Edward, specializing in fire-based offensive magic, will lead Class One. Martha Taylor, specializing in water-based support magic, will also lead Class One..." As André Maxwell continued listing the names and specialties of the instructors, he paused briefly when he reached Dean Bruce's name.
The crowd's gaze naturally shifted toward Dean Bruce as well. André Maxwell furrowed his brow, uncertain of how to introduce him.
In the past, he had simply made up a magic specialty for Dean Bruce since the young man didn't know any magic at all. But now that Dean Bruce had indeed mastered some spells, a careless mislabeling could cause real trouble during instruction.
However, André Maxwell, with years of experience as a seasoned headmaster, quickly thought on his feet. With a firm voice, he announced, "Dean Bruce, instructor specializing in support magic, will lead Class Two!"
This description was clever since many offensive spells also had secondary support effects, so claiming expertise in support magic wasn't entirely misleading.
Soon enough, all the instructors had been introduced. André Maxwell then declared, "I'll have the instructors for each class stand together. You may choose which instructor you'd like to study under by standing beneath their platform."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the students, eager and excited, surged toward Dean Bruce's direction like a pack of wolves with their eyes gleaming.
Meanwhile, Barnis George shot Dean Bruce a smile and remarked, "Looks like we'll be working together again this year, Dean. I'll count on you to handle some of the classroom matters. Don't worry—I won't hassle you about skipping classes. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."
Hearing this, Dean Bruce rolled his eyes. It was clear why Barnis George was being so friendly.
He was hoping Dean Bruce could pull some strings and secure more resources from Headmaster André.
"Hey, Dean! Look at that! All students are coming here!"
Barnis George suddenly exclaimed, noticing the rush of students heading their way. "Could it be that my reputation has spread, and that's why so many students are flocking to us?"