Runes are divided into general runes and combat runes. The inheritance of combat runes is still manageable, but most general rune technology is monopolized by the Nine Gods Empire. For example, Zeppelin airships and so on—now the Blade Alliance almost entirely relies on purchasing them from the Nine Gods Empire at exorbitant prices, and even then, the sea tribe’s merchants take a cut. What kind of world is this?

Carrie Dean shook her head. “At most, an extra ten percent. You know as well as I do, after the enrollment expansion, all the academies are strapped for funds.”

“Ten percent it is, then. My wise niece, you truly have the makings of a great leader. In these two years since you took office, you’ve been bold and innovative. I believe that under your leadership, Rose Academy will surely stand at the pinnacle of the world. …By the way, can I get a takeout order of the purple cloud mushrooms?”

Chapter Six: Exotic Flavors—Chicken Drumsticks Above All

…After sending off the satisfied Hawkland, the corners of Carrie Dean’s mouth twitched slightly. For her to be sitting in this position at the age of thirty was truly incredible—it had caused a sensation across the entire continent at the time.

Carrie Dean, granddaughter of Carlon, one of the three great rune masters of the Nine Heavens Continent, a divine soul. She graduated from Rose Academy at sixteen, dual-classed as a martial artist and rune master, spent twelve years traveling the continent to study, then returned and worked at the school for two years, eventually becoming the principal of Rose Academy to save it from years of decline.

The old Rose Sanctuary, focused on runes, had fallen into the trap of endless research, which clearly wasn’t a reason to attract top talent. Runes, after all, are the most niche field—noble, yes, but you can’t eat runes for a living.

After becoming principal, in her first year she implemented “expansion,” seeking quality through quantity. At the same time, the concept of donations could boost Rose’s funding. Without money, there’s no quality. Clearly, this was unconventional for the honor-above-all spirit of the sanctuary. Besides bringing all sorts of headaches, not a single genius was found, and Carrie Dean faced tremendous pressure and criticism.

Yet in the second year, Carrie Dean “doubled down”—Rose Sanctuary opened its doors to the beastkin. This was even more outrageous than expanding enrollment. Beastkin were considered crude, simple-minded brutes—how could they be allowed into the sanctuary?

Honestly, if Carrie Dean hadn’t won over Princess Justin of the Mandala Empire, the conservatives within Rose might never have approved it. Even as principal, she couldn’t do whatever she wanted.

And the one who could help her most—her grandfather—had already, five years ago, entered research at the pinnacle of the Fifth Order Rune Firmament.

She understood the allure of runes, but after reaching the Third Order, she gave up, because she knew clearly that even with her talent, runes were a road of no return.

But a divine soul who understands runes, no matter what other profession they choose, is far beyond ordinary people.

Carrie Dean looked out the window. To remain unchanged is a slow death; to change is to face pressure.

As for Frank Walker, Carrie Dean picked up the investigation report from the Alchemy Institute on her desk. The other party had undergone rigorous training, and the kind of mind-bending potion involved was very unlikely to cause an explosion—especially one so severe. So, it was possible the explosion was intentional.

Why?

A covert protest against the assignment?

That’s what Carrie Dean wanted to hear from Frank Walker, but he never said it. Still, his flashy excuses gave her a pretext.

This time, by transferring him to the Rune Institute, where it’s easier to “get things done,” she wanted to see what kind of trouble he could stir up.

Rose Sanctuary’s cafeteria.

“Achoo, achoo!” Frank Walker took a bite of meat, savoring it. No matter what, a full stomach makes it easier to get things done—worrying is pointless.

“Hey, Frank, where’s my chicken drumstick?” Vance Tracy looked up and immediately noticed something missing from his plate.

“Oh, that’s yours? I ate it by accident. No worries, I just licked it a bit—here, you can have it back.” Frank Walker handed the chicken drumstick, now covered in his saliva, back to Vance Tracy.

Vance Tracy quickly waved his hands. “I’m not eating it, I’m on a diet. But honestly, this is a blessing in disguise. You’re actually transferring to the Rune Institute—the first ever insect soul to enter the Rune Institute in history. That’s amazing!”

Vance Tracy’s blessing and envy were genuine. He always felt his friend was very capable.

It’s worth mentioning that human souls are divided into four types: insect, tiger, ghost, and divine.

The characteristics of the soul determine the direction of cultivation. Simply put, it’s the difference between getting twice the result with half the effort, or half the result with twice the effort.

Insect souls are undoubtedly the most common, making up 90% of the human population. They’re all-rounders, able to do anything, but their development ceiling is low. The limitations of talent are fatal when it comes to mastering the finer points of a profession.

Tiger souls are innately strong, suited to martial artists, gunners, and forgers.

Ghost souls have excellent spiritual perception, suitable for all professions.

Divine souls are the rarest. As the name suggests, their strength, sensitivity, and comprehension are all one in ten thousand. Most importantly, their comprehension is the best, making them suitable for all professions. Every accomplished rune master is a divine soul without exception.

Frank Walker pursed his lips. Besides transferring to the Rune Institute, he was also punished with a month of public service—cleaning toilets—because his mistake had caused losses to the school.

For some reason, Frank Walker was really curious whether a woman like Carrie Dean ever used the toilet.

As for revenge and such, that was impossible. During these days of treatment, Frank Walker had been sorting out his thoughts.