Chapter 22: Exposure
"Of course, it's real." Professor Harris smiled warmly, his expression calm and confident as he nodded.
"Your talent is impressive—within the upper range of the second-tier classification, nearly at first-tier," he added with a hint of admiration.
"Thank you, Professor," Leon Grant replied politely, inclining his head.
"May I ask what kind of Arcane Blessing you received?" Professor Harris asked suddenly, his tone casual but keen.
"Huh?" Leon did his best to maintain a puzzled expression, stalling for time.
Before returning to the facility, Leon had gone over every article and news report he'd ever read about Arcane Blessings. He knew these blessings were gifts granted by the Arcane Realm itself, and they couldn't be forcibly taken or willingly transferred. Not even the blessed individual could openly share the full details of their inheritance without first mastering its secrets. This was an inherent restriction imposed by the will of the Arcane Realm.
Leon had been wrestling with whether to reveal his Arcane Blessing, knowing that doing so could significantly increase his future opportunities and resources. But now, with Professor Harris's probing question, the moment of decision had arrived.
"Don't worry," Professor Harris said reassuringly, noting Leon's hesitation. "An Arcane Blessing is untouchable. No one can steal it from you. Whether it's a weapon or a legacy, the blessing is bound to its recipient alone. Even you can't explain its full nature until you've unlocked its secrets."
Leon nodded slowly, his mind made up. "Yes, I did receive a blessing."
If this information spread, Leon was certain it would attract the attention of powerful institutions, earning him the support and resources necessary to thrive from the outset. It was a calculated risk, but one he was willing to take.
"May I ask how you knew I received a blessing, Professor?" Leon inquired, masking his curiosity with a polite tone.
Professor Harris held up a data report. "Your examination revealed traces of high-tier energy—undeniable evidence of contact with the Arcane Realm's will. This signature is a hallmark of those who receive blessings."
So that's how they found out, Leon thought, impressed by the thoroughness of the tests. He couldn't help but feel as if his every secret had been laid bare.
"Can you share a general description of your blessing? I'll note it in your records—it could help when applying to elite universities," Professor Harris said with a disarming smile.
Leon hesitated for only a moment before replying, "I received a mage's legacy. It includes a Silver-tier meditation technique and a few Apprentice-tier spells."
He deliberately downplayed the details, leaving out the fact that his true meditation technique was of Golden-tier rarity. Silver-tier was remarkable enough to attract attention without painting too large a target on his back.
"A Silver-tier meditation technique?" Professor Harris's admiration was palpable. "That's extraordinary! Even at top-tier universities, such techniques come at a steep price."
Leon offered a modest smile, silently reflecting on the volume of spells his legacy contained. He had barely scratched the surface and suspected far greater power lay hidden within.
"Leon, have you considered enrolling at Brighthelm University?" Professor Harris asked, his tone turning inviting.
Brighthelm University was located within the Brighthelm Province, the same region as Stonebrook City, where Leon's family lived. As one of the ten elite-tier universities across the Federation, Brighthelm was a prestigious institution.
Before his awakening, Leon had dreamed of attending Brighthelm. But now, with his newfound potential as a second-tier mage and a bearer of an Arcane Blessing, he realized he had the qualifications to aim even higher. The question wasn't whether he could get in—but which university would offer the best deal.
Leon knew of other students in similar situations, where universities competed fiercely to recruit promising candidates, offering scholarships, resources, and other benefits.
"Professor, I'd need to discuss it with my family before making a decision," Leon said tactfully.
"Of course." Professor Harris nodded, his demeanor understanding. He sealed Leon's examination report in a secure folder. "Well, your evaluation is complete. You can head to the main hall to wait for your advisor."
"Thank you, Professor," Leon said, bowing slightly before leaving the room.
In the main hall, Leon waited for only a few minutes before his homeroom teacher, Mr. Davis, arrived. Spotting Leon, he waved enthusiastically.
"Leon! Over here!"
"Mr. Davis," Leon greeted warmly.
"How did it go? No injuries, right? Did you awaken successfully?" Mr. Davis asked, his hand clapping firmly on Leon's shoulder.
"I'm fine. The staff here took great care of me. And yes, I successfully awakened—I'm a second-tier mage," Leon replied, a smile breaking across his face.
"I knew it! I knew you could do it!" Mr. Davis exclaimed, his pride evident.
Although Mr. Davis was an ordinary human without powers, the success of his students reflected positively on him, boosting his own career prospects.
As they walked toward the dormitories, Leon asked casually, "Mr. Davis, do you know what happened in the chamber next to mine?"
Mr. Davis glanced around before lowering his voice. "Keep this to yourself, okay? The student next door was from Greyford Academy. He was parasitized by a wraith during his awakening. By the time the staff intervened, it was too late. The wraith was destroyed, but so was the boy's soul."
Leon shivered at the thought, nodding solemnly. "I won't tell anyone."
Soon, they reached a towering dormitory building. The ten-story structure was packed with students, each returning from their own awakening trials. Nearby, several other dormitories housed hundreds more. The air buzzed with tension and excitement as students shared their experiences, their lives forever changed by their journeys into the Arcane Realm.
Leon looked up at the building, his resolve hardening. This was only the beginning. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was determined to rise above them.
This adaptation maintains the essence of the original chapter while presenting it in a way that resonates with an international audience. If you'd like further refinements or additional details, let me know!