"Why are you so jumpy? Remember, you're already a senior swordsman!" The teacher named Fleming spoke unhurriedly, but his tone was heavy.

Hearing their conversation, everyone was startled. They hadn't expected that the arrogant man from before was actually a senior swordsman. Their previous dissatisfaction with his attitude vanished instantly... But then they wondered, why would such a noble swordsman be shouting like that, could it be...

"Very good! This child's talent for battle energy..." Fleming's voice came from inside again, but perhaps because he deliberately lowered his voice, they couldn't hear what else was said.

About ten minutes later, the arrogant man from before and another middle-aged man walked out, with Little Shade following behind them.

The middle-aged man was dressed in a bright suit of scale armor, with a gleaming lightsaber at his waist, looking imposing and awe-inspiring.

"Who is this child's guardian?" Fleming's voice was loud and seemed to carry a certain authority.

"Oh, sir, I am the child's caretaker," Jill replied respectfully.

"This child is very talented. Our Nick Academy will accept him. Based on his outstanding performance, we will not charge any fees. His future swordsman training will be entrusted to us. Do you have any questions?" Fleming spoke very directly.

"No... no, to have the care of you gentlemen is a great honor for me. As for Shade..." Jill quickly replied.

"Alright, that's settled. For the next four years, we'll be responsible for his training. You can go home at ease," Fleming didn't say much more to Jill, just patted Little Shade's head and sent them on their way.

"Shade, you must work hard in your training. You are the hope of our entire village!" As they were about to part, Jill finally couldn't control his emotions. Tears streamed down his face, mixing with the oil on his cheeks, making him look a bit disheveled. But who could truly understand how he felt at that moment!

"Uncle Jill, I will never let you down, nor the people of the village. Remember to tell my mom and dad that when I become a great swordsman, I'll come back to visit them." Little Shade's eyes were also red as he waved goodbye to Uncle Jill. This was his first time traveling far from home, and he would be gone for four years.

The expressions of Lyle and his son could only be described as shocked—their four eyes were nearly popping out. Although they didn't know exactly how talented the child was in battle energy, the fact that even the tuition was waived surely meant something, didn't it?

Moreover, the teacher of that senior swordsman had said the child was very talented. The teacher of a senior swordsman was at least a great swordsman. A child praised by a great swordsman would surely achieve things beyond the imagination of people from a small mountain village like theirs.

Gaia also waved his little hand to say goodbye to Shade, but he didn't need to be too sad, since Nick Magic Academy was right next to the Swordsman Academy, so it would be easy to see each other.

After that, the four of them headed toward Nick Magic Academy. Jill still had tears on his face. Seeing that they had arrived at the Magic Academy and were surrounded by people in bright clothes, he quickly wiped his face, thinking: it doesn't matter if I'm sloppy, but I mustn't embarrass the children. Gaia and Shade will both have bright futures.

The Magic Academy only recruited students during these few days, since the number of magicians was much smaller than that of swordsmen. Although there weren't many magicians, because the recruitment period was concentrated, there were still quite a few people waiting in the Magic Academy's main hall.

After handing in the letter of introduction, the four of them entered the hall and joined the long line. Although there were many people here, few dared to speak loudly. The ten-year-old children were all carefully restrained by their parents, afraid that their mischief would displease the magic teachers.

"Hey, how many magic orbs did you light up?" At this moment, a child about the same age as Gaia whispered to him.

Gaia found it strange—why did everyone speak so quietly? In the village, he had never worried about how loud he spoke, and talking in such a low voice made him feel stifled. Now, hearing the boy next to him ask how many magic orbs he had lit, and remembering how Lord Bruce had praised him, he felt confident and answered loudly without any hesitation:

"I lit up two magic orbs!!!"

Because the hall was very quiet and Gaia shouted out of pride, his voice echoed throughout the entire magic hall. For a moment, almost everyone in the hall couldn't help but burst out laughing, and mocking voices rang out frequently.

Jill hurriedly covered Gaia's mouth, his face embarrassed. "Don't talk nonsense, keep your mouth shut!"

Chapter 006: Magic Hall

Gaia was still very confused, not understanding why people were laughing at him, and their looks made him uncomfortable.

"Haha, you're really funny. Judging by your clothes, you must be from the countryside. Lighting up two magic orbs is just the minimum requirement for admission to Nick Academy. If the teachers aren't satisfied, they might not even accept you!" The boy who had asked Gaia the question also burst out laughing.