Of course, basically all students in the Rune Division have a fighting spirit. If their overall score ranks in the top ten of the year, they have the opportunity to change majors. In theory, students from other divisions whose grades are too poor and are deemed unqualified for their major will also be demoted to the Rune Division. However, in the more than two hundred years since the school was founded, this has never happened.

Mark Brooks, although in the Command Department, seems to have life goals that have nothing at all to do with becoming a hero.

As soon as he opened the door to his house, he was greeted by a delicious aroma. Mark Brooks had already darted inside. “Uncle Carter, it must be your cooking—sweet and sour ribs, smells amazing!”

A graceful woman walked out, smiling gently. “Little Mark is here, make yourself comfortable, it’ll be ready soon.”

“Aunt Shirley, you look even more beautiful today. If my girlfriend were even half as pretty as you, I’d be burning incense in thanks!” Mark Brooks joked.

“You little rascal, your mouth is as sweet as honey.” Shirley laughed. Even without makeup and dressed simply, her innate elegance was impossible to hide.

Mark Brooks was no stranger to the world. Honestly, those so-called upper-class women with their heavy makeup were nothing compared to Aunt Shirley.

“This guy could talk the dead back to life. I wonder who fell into his trap today.” John Carter said. He didn’t know the details, but any freshman that Mark Brooks had “handled” was sure to have been fooled.

“Tsk, are you denying my personal charm? The moment those junior girls see me, they throw themselves at me crying and shouting. Sigh, I’m just too upright a person.” Mark Brooks said, helping himself to a rib without hesitation.

Shirley couldn’t help but laugh. With Mark Brooks around, the atmosphere was always lively. She looked at John Carter with eyes full of affection. Ten years ago, she and William Carter thought John Carter wouldn’t make it, but he miraculously recovered. It was truly the greatest gift from above.

The meal was full of joy and laughter thanks to Mark Brooks, the life of the party. Even William Carter made an exception and had a little wine. Aunt Shirley didn’t hide John Carter’s status as an orphan, and John Carter didn’t wallow in self-pity. On the contrary, he found even more warmth in this family.

The whole evening was filled with warmth. After seeing Mark Brooks off, John Carter returned to his room. Looking out the window, he felt a bit emotional. He was finally an adult. Entering the Soul Academy had always been his dream, and he hoped to find a way to solve his own problems, but it didn’t seem to help much.

A year had passed. Watching the new students arrive, John Carter also felt the pressure. But then he thought, from being weak and sickly to where he was now, what was there to complain about? If he wasn’t good enough, it just meant he hadn’t worked hard enough. In his second year, he would have to work even harder. With these thoughts, John Carter drifted off to sleep, entering that same dark world as always. For ten years, it had never changed. In the endless darkness, a rainbow streaked by, and a smile appeared on John Carter’s lips.

Chapter Four: The Roulette of Fate

The fate-juggling clown Simba descended from the sky on a rainbow, spinning in midair, preparing to land gracefully—only to stumble and land on his butt.

“John Carter, why are you so late today!” The clown floated in the air, spinning in circles, waving his hands and feet.

“Today’s my coming-of-age birthday. Not only did you not get me a present, you even dared to forget! Come here, you lost yesterday, let me pinch your nose—don’t think you can get out of it!” John Carter said with a smile, beckoning to Simba. For these ten years, it was thanks to Simba that he had survived, that he had managed to keep going.

The fate-juggling clown’s so-called games were all sorts of bizarre. The first five years were filled with all kinds of strange training—beast language, all sorts of messy cultural relics from the old era. In the latter five years, the fate-juggling clown would transform into all kinds of monsters to mess around with John Carter, calling it a “transformation party.” Of course, there were always bets involved, making sure John Carter’s dreams were never lonely.

Simba instinctively shrank back. “Ahem, kid, the fate-juggling clown never goes back on his word. It’s just that today we have something more important to discuss.” Simba said solemnly. But the more serious a clown tried to be, the funnier he looked. As long as it wasn’t a trial, Simba was always fun and entertaining.

“You’ve used that excuse plenty of times. But as your buddy, I’ll listen to your so-called important matter first!” John Carter laughed.

With a flip of Simba’s hand, a three-dimensional image appeared. It looked like a surging, vibrant sea of energy, but above it was a dazzling brilliance, like a seal, allowing only the faintest breath of energy to escape.

John Carter flexed his fingers, eyeing the clown’s nose mischievously. “What are you projecting my soul sea for this time? The consequences of mocking me are serious.”

“Ahem, am I that kind of person? Be serious! The great fate-juggling clown has something very important to tell you today!” Simba rolled his eyes.