In Chu Yuan's Qingyuan Academy, thick vines crept over the ancient stone walls of the institution, and the autumn sunlight filtered through the classroom's latticed windows, casting dappled shadows on the wooden desks. Eric sat in the last row, head bent as he diligently noted down the arcane spells being taught by the professor. For many, the path of the arcanist meant a fusion of talent and power, but for Eric, this path was laden with hardship and solitude.
Eric came from a poor family in Chu Yuan. His admittance into Qingyuan Academy, the foremost arcane institution in the country, was due to a stroke of fate. During a camping trip, he had used an arcane shock to save a rabbit from a wolf attack. The rabbit's owner turned out to be a traveling arcane master from Qingyuan Academy, who then recommended Eric for study. However, upon entering the academy, Eric quickly realized that the ability he once considered a gift was unremarkable in comparison to his peers.
At Qingyuan Academy, arcanists focused on mastering and expanding their arcane capabilities. Some students constantly sought to learn new spells and runes, striving to become "versatile" in all arcane disciplines. Others specialized in a single field, honing their skills to perfection. Those with exceptional talent could effortlessly wield complex magic, each burst of energy drawing admiration from their peers. Meanwhile, Eric's attempts to cast magic were clumsy and awkward. Gradually, he became the subject of covert ridicule among his classmates.
From his first day at the academy, Eric understood that he was no longer, and perhaps had never truly been, the "genius" that the people in his hometown had so fondly spoken of. He knew that the rules summarized by generations of arcane masters had already set a limit for him. His ceiling was that of a mid-level arcanist, and he could rise no further. The master who had recommended him to the academy briefly returned and told Eric that he had believed every child with a spark of talent should have the opportunity to receive a formal arcane education, but now he saw his educational philosophy might have been somewhat flawed. He asked Eric if he regretted coming here. Eric could only manage a bitter smile and shake his head.
Eric did not regret it. He didn't want to live with a narrow view of the world. Moreover, during his time at the academy, he began to nurture an idea—that the arcane arts should not be the exclusive domain of those with natural talent, nor should they belong solely to the extraordinary. He believed there must be broader applications, and even common people should be able to harness the power of the arcane through certain methods.
In order to prove his idea, Eric knew he had to explore a monumental subject: the essence of the arcane itself. This was an immense undertaking. In theory, the more powerful an arcanist, the closer they could get to the source of the arcane, but throughout history, most studies of the arcane's origins had come to nothing. Many renowned arcanists had perished in their research, using themselves as mediums for dangerous experiments, eventually either being consumed by their studies or driven mad by their relentless pursuit.
But Eric was resolute. He began gathering and reading ancient experiments. Qingyuan Academy's library even contained original copies of some experimental reports, with a few bearing bloody handprints. Despite their eerie condition, Eric read them obsessively, neglecting food and sleep. His teachers were concerned about his well-being, but since Eric was barely keeping up with his courses and passing his exams by the narrowest of margins, they could say little.
Eric graduated from Qingyuan Academy with less-than-stellar marks and was unable to secure a position at the academy. He had no choice but to leave and find work elsewhere. Shortly after his departure, he heard news of Norton—a once-glorious ancient empire at the heart of the continent, known for its abundant agriculture and advanced commercial network. Recently, strange and incomprehensible changes had occurred in Norton. The most interesting piece of information to Eric was that Norton was offering high salaries to recruit arcanists.
For most arcanists, money was not their primary pursuit. The top students at the academy sought greater academic achievement and arcane knowledge over wealth. But Eric was different. His experience at the academy had made him question the current arcane system, and he was looking for a breakthrough. The opportunity at Norton seemed like a chance to find a new direction, especially since the scholars being recruited appeared to be working on the integration of technology and the arcane. This was an opportunity Eric could not pass up.
Determined, Eric set out for Norton. The job announcement had clearly stated they were looking for researchers with a deep understanding of the arcane—a phrase that resonated deeply with Eric. His time at the academy had made him realize that while he might not be a powerful spellcaster, he had potential in the realms of theory and application. He had been refining his research in this area, having already compiled much of the necessary data back at the academy.
After several days of arduous travel, Eric finally arrived in Norton. The grandeur of the ancient capital exceeded his wildest expectations. Canals crisscrossed the city, which sprawled out like a vast chessboard, with merchant ships constantly gliding across the surface of the Shi River. The bustling streets teemed with people, and the air was filled with the sounds of traders calling out their wares.
Eric spent what little money he had left on fare for a boat and disembarked on Fourth Street. At the end of this street lay Norton Academy, the city's foremost academic institution. He had been informed that the interview would take place there. As he walked over an arched bridge, he caught his first glimpse of the academy. He crossed a fountain and saw the massive stone buildings behind it, some of their walls overgrown with ivy, evoking a sense of antiquity. Further ahead was a grassy field where a few children played. Not far from there, he found the building where the interview would be held—a beautifully crafted two-story structure, clearly built with the aid of arcane techniques.
The interview was on the second floor, and by the time Eric arrived, the hallway was already crowded with applicants.
"Next," a voice called from inside the interview room. Strangely, everyone else hesitated to go forward. Eric, too, didn't understand why, but almost involuntarily, he stepped ahead, weaving his way through the crowd as they slowly parted to let him through. "Why aren't they going in?" Eric wondered, but he didn't dwell on it. It felt as though something was guiding him, and before he knew it, he stood before three interviewers.
Panic seized him. In his haste, he fumbled his carefully prepared materials—his self-introduction, resume, and recommendation letter from the academy—all falling to the floor. He quickly knelt to gather them, but the more he tried to pick up, the more chaotic it became. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and cold sweat trickled down his spine.
"Don't be nervous, young man." A pile of papers suddenly appeared in front of him—his research materials—and the person handing them over was none other than Wen Xian.
"Th-thank you!" Eric stammered, taking the papers with trembling hands. He was standing before a legend! One of two bona fide legends, with the other sitting just a few meters away.
"Introduce yourself, and then tell us about your academic background and any notable research experience," Wen Xian said as he returned to his seat, signaling the formal start of the interview.
Eric began his presentation with two main ideas. The first was to research the arcane's origin and develop devices capable of converting and harnessing arcane energy for societal production. The second was to bypass the theoretical barrier of the arcane's origin and focus on enhancing ordinary individuals, making the selection of extraordinary beings less reliant on innate talent. Ultimately, he believed that the arcane's essence could indeed be understood.
Eric spoke for thirty minutes straight, so engrossed in his explanation that he didn't notice the expressions of the "audience" in front of him. Nor did he realize that the other applicants waiting outside were astounded by his bold claims. He had essentially voiced ideas like "talent doesn't equate to virtue" and "if those with extraordinary abilities lack the morals to match their power, they could become disasters for the world." He even raised the question of how ordinary people could resist an extraordinary being who had lost their moral compass. This was no less than a direct challenge to the very individuals sitting before him—three "geniuses among the extraordinary" and rulers of the Norton Empire.
After finishing his speech, Eric immediately regretted it. But the words had already been spoken.
The faces of the three interviewers, especially Wen Xian, remained serious.
"We are ready to announce the results of your interview. You are the first candidate to receive immediate feedback," Wen Xian said gravely, leading everyone to believe that this impudent boy was about to be thrown out of Norton City. Even Eric himself thought so.
"You've been hired, Eric. Welcome to Norton University."