In the infernal realm, Alan wielded his staff-sword, its blade inlaid with seven radiant gemstones that shone so brightly they were impossible to look at directly, as if miniature suns.
Opposite him stood a stone golem, summoned and controlled by a black-robed woman. The golem unleashed a relentless onslaught of powerful attacks against Alan.
However, Alan, having comprehended the secrets of [Blade Spirit], exhibited an extraordinary mastery of swordsmanship.
Even though the stone golem possessed the combat strength of a tier-gold mage, Alan's every strike was timed perfectly to block the heavy and powerful blows.
Though the golem completely overpowered him in terms of tier, Alan's growing proficiency in [Blade Spirit] allowed him to hold his ground.
If he combined this skill with magus techniques, he could even defeat this clumsy early-stage tier-gold golem!
For someone at tier-iron level 10 to face off against an early-tier-gold opponent and hold his own—such a feat would be considered unbelievable if word got out.
Boom!
Alan unleashed another whirlwind-like attack, evading the golem's defenses and landing a precise blow on its chest.
A sharp metallic clang echoed, and the golem staggered backward, a pale scar now visible across its chest.
Moments later, the stone golem dissolved into nothingness. Alan wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled in satisfaction.
The journey to the Imperial Capital had already proven immensely rewarding.
Not only had he mastered the Insightful Heart, but he had also comprehended [Blade Spirit].
His combat strength had soared significantly.
Through intense battle, Alan's understanding of [Blade Spirit] had deepened further, affirming the black-robed woman's claim that it was vast and profound.
If he could master it, he would eliminate a crucial weakness of magus: the vulnerability to swift, close-range attacks.
While magus could manipulate magical elements at great speed, some prodigies could strike even faster.
Alan vividly remembered his duel with Alice.
The sharpness of her longsword remained etched in his memory.
Her strikes were not only astonishingly fast, but even when he managed to defend in time, they were nearly impossible to parry.
But now, as a fully-fledged swordsman combining swordsmanship with magus techniques, Alan felt he might finally have a chance against her.
Previously, the black-robed woman had mentioned that Alice, with her unique bloodline, had not even used her full strength.
The duel that appeared to be a draw had, in fact, been Alice holding back.
Now, however, Alan believed he was ready to face her again.
The thought filled him with anticipation for Lioncrest Academy.
After quickly wiping off his sweat, Alan exited the infernal realm, where he had been training for the day, and stepped out of his room.
As soon as he opened the door, Alan saw Carter, who had arrived earlier with an assortment of potions and fruits.
Isabella sat nearby, listening to Carter recount stories and occasionally adding her own comments.
The moment Carter saw Alan, his face lit up with excitement, and he rushed over as if seeing a celebrity.
"Alan! Alan! I know my talents are pretty average, but could you give me some pointers now and then? At least, when I enter Lioncrest Academy, I'll have something to show for it!"
He grinned widely, standing in front of Alan like an eager disciple, his eyes brimming with fervor.
Ever since Alan had returned to his room, Carter had been waiting outside, hoping for a chance to meet him.
Upon hearing from Isabella that Alan was upgrading, Carter had patiently waited, bringing gifts as a token of goodwill.
Alan glanced at the fruits and training potions Carter had brought, then at his sister, who seemed amused. He nodded.
"When there's an opportunity, I wouldn't mind sparring with you on swordsmanship."
Carter's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Alan! I knew you were approachable!"
After a moment, as if remembering something, Carter added, "Oh, Alan, my father wants to meet you."
Before Carter could elaborate further, Harris entered the room with a warm smile.
"Alan, I hope you don't mind me dropping by uninvited," Harris said apologetically.
Alan waved dismissively. "Head, you're too polite. I got caught up in upgrading and lost track of time. I should be the one apologizing for keeping you waiting."
Harris glanced at Alan, noting the heat radiating from him and the sweat glistening on his brow. He sighed.
"Alan, your strength clearly comes from more than just talent. I've told Carter before that becoming a renowned strongman requires both talent and perseverance. Perseverance, in fact, is even more important. Carter doesn't even have the willpower to stick to a diet."
Alan chuckled and glanced at Carter. "Carter's talent is actually quite good. He's just a bit too relaxed."
Harris shook his head. "He's hopeless. But enough about him. We'll be arriving at the Imperial Capital in three hours. Do you have any friends or family there, Alan?"
Alan shook his head. It was his first time visiting the Imperial Capital, and he had no connections there.
Harris nodded as though expecting this.
"The Imperial Capital is vast. Without acquaintances, it can be difficult to navigate. If you don't mind, I have a manor in the city where you can stay temporarily. Once the Lioncrest Academy evaluations are over, we can discuss your next steps. What do you think?"
Alan thought for a moment before nodding. "I'd appreciate the help."
"No trouble at all," Harris replied with a wave of his hand.
"By the way, you probably know a lot about Lioncrest Academy, right?" Alan asked curiously.
Although Carter had given him a brief overview earlier, Harris, as the guild leader, likely had more accurate and detailed knowledge.
Harris nodded. "The guild has collaborated with Lioncrest Academy before, so I do know a bit more than most."
"Lioncrest Academy is similar to the Church of Steam and Magic in some respects; both are massive organizations spanning multiple kingdoms."
"However, Lioncrest Academy focuses more on student cultivation. It's a quintessential research academy, highly revered across the kingdoms."
"In the Plantagenet Kingdom, it's no different. Lioncrest Academy attracts the kingdom's top geniuses and individuals from prominent families. It's the most prestigious and powerful academy in King Charles' realm."
"Joining this academy doesn't just mean receiving guidance from the best mentors; it also means being marked with the Lioncrest Academy emblem. From then on, whether you join the military, enter politics, or delve deeper into magical studies, it will open countless doors."
Hearing this, Alan began to understand the immense reputation of Lioncrest Academy.
"Beyond the knowledge and hidden benefits, every student accepted into Lioncrest Academy is a standout—leaders in their regions. It's a place to meet like-minded peers and build vast connections within the academy itself."
"This is something every royal family values deeply. Almost all princes and princesses throughout history have been Lioncrest Academy alumni."
Alan nodded again.
Magical cultivation required immense resources, and connections were invaluable. The right friends could offer insights that saved months of arduous training.
Moreover, connections could provide access to potions, staffs, magical artifacts, and secret realms.
The difference between having connections and lacking them was monumental.
"As for the academy's internal workings, once you're there, the senior students will guide you through everything," Harris explained.
Alan suddenly thought of something and asked, "Head, does this mean Duke Alice is also a student of Lioncrest Academy?"
Harris shook his head, his expression filled with rare admiration.
"Duke Alice was never a student at Lioncrest Academy. Her talent is so exceptional that even the academy's headmaster was astounded. The headmaster personally invited her to join, but she declined."
"She felt the academy had nothing to teach her and didn't want to waste her time there. Instead, she preferred to travel the world, challenging prodigies wherever she went."
Harris' eyes gleamed as he continued.
"Her strength, talent, achievements, and character are all beyond reproach. The headmaster granted her the honorary title of mentor. Technically, she's a mentor, not a student."