“Oh, it’s that child, isn’t it? I remember him. He definitely has the potential to become a mage, but I was in a hurry that day and didn’t have time to assess his magical aptitude.” Bruce immediately recognized Gaia as well, and a kindly smile appeared on his face as he spoke.

“What is magical aptitude?” Gaia, bold as ever, was not afraid at all. While everyone else treated the mage with great respect, not even daring to look him in the eye, this little rascal asked whatever came to mind without hesitation.

“Oh, magical aptitude is a special ability that awakens in mages around the age of seven or eight. This ability varies in strength and determines how well a mage can communicate with the elements of the world... Oh, let me test your magical aptitude first.” After a brief explanation, Bruce didn’t say more. He took out several magic orbs, placed them in his palm, and then released his hand holding the orbs.

Seeing this, Gaia was afraid the magic orbs would fall to the ground and reached out to catch them, only to be surprised to find the orbs floating in the air, their crystal-clear surfaces reflecting his own face.

“Wow, that’s amazing!” The three children exclaimed almost simultaneously, and even Jill, standing nearby, had never seen such magic before, his face showing more expression than usual.

“This is just a simple wind spell. Now, put your hand on one of the magic orbs...” Bruce smiled and explained.

Gaia’s eyes sparkled. Seeing something so magical only strengthened his resolve to become a mage. Nervously, he stretched out his small hand, even wiping it on his clothes as if afraid it would affect the result, before excitedly placing it on the warm, transparent orb.

“It’s glowing, it’s really glowing!” The mayor couldn’t help but exclaim. Yes, the magic orb that Gaia touched was indeed glowing, its gentle light shining on Gaia’s young face.

Bruce also smiled with satisfaction. After putting away the glowing orb, he said to Gaia, “Now try touching the other magic orbs with your hand.”

“Lord Bruce, what does this mean?” Jill asked in confusion, wondering if one had to light up all five orbs to become a mage.

“Lighting up one orb means he has the most basic magical aptitude, but that’s considered rather weak. It only qualifies him to become a mage, but the chances of becoming a high-level mage in the future are slim. If he can light up two... Oh, when I was tested, I lit up two.” Bruce explained with a smile, his elegant and noble demeanor making Gaia look up to him even more.

Neil and Shade were also excited by these wondrous things, wishing they could touch the magic orbs themselves and light up those beautiful crystals.

Jill finally relaxed. As long as Gaia could become a mage, even a beginner, it would be enough to deal with the magical beasts threatening the village. Besides, Jill never had high hopes for Gaia—a high-level mage was simply out of reach. After all, Bruce, a mid-level mage, was already the most authoritative person in several nearby towns.

Gaia could feel his heart pounding. If he could light up two orbs, he could be like this distinguished mage before him, making things float at will and protecting the villagers from magical beasts.

His small hand was already sweating. He wiped it again on his rough clothes and carefully reached for the second magic orb...

Everyone else held their breath, watching Gaia’s actions, not daring to make a sound for fear of affecting the outcome.

Chapter 003: Battle Aura Aptitude

“It’s glowing! It’s really glowing!” Gaia shouted excitedly.

Jill’s face showed a look of astonishment as he stared blankly at the second glowing magic orb, unable to believe it. Could this child, raised by the whole village, really become a great mage like Bruce? Could he become the pride of the entire town? It was simply unbelievable... If... if only the villagers could know this news...

“It’s true, he lit up the second one.” The mayor was equally excited. In this remote town, having even one mage was rare, let alone a powerful mid-level mage like Bruce. And now, this child had lit up two orbs just like Bruce did back then. Didn’t that mean he would also become a mid-level mage?

“Yes, very good! Gaia, right? I’ll recommend you to the Mage Academy in Nick City. You must study hard and strive to become a great mage. Remember, never slack off in your magical training. Otherwise, no matter how talented you are, you’ll only ever be a magic apprentice.” Bruce also smiled with satisfaction, patted the little guy’s head, and put away all the magic orbs.

“Yeah! I’ll become a mage! I lit up two magic orbs! I’ll become a mage, I lit up two magic orbs!” Gaia shouted excitedly, completely forgetting Jill’s earlier warnings as he began to jump and dance with joy.

“Gaia is amazing!” Neil also shouted excitedly.

Shade still pouted a little, looking at Gaia with a hint of reluctance, but as childhood friends, he couldn’t help but feel happy for Gaia even as he felt a bit jealous.