William noticed the way Alfred's jaw tightened at the mention of the price. To a commoner spirit master, a hundred spirit crystals represented months—perhaps even a year—of disciplined saving and grueling labor.
It was a small fortune, a gatekeeper designed to ensure only the most serious (or the most desperate) applied.
"I know it sounds like too much to ask," Alfred continued, "but it's the rule set by the academy. They claim it covers the cost of the high-grade materials we'll use during the test."
"I see," William said. He looked toward the shut gates, but he couldn't see any sign of the forging masters or the administrative staff.
"In less than an hour, one of the masters will open those gates and begin collecting the fees," Alfred explained, noticing William's gaze. "But honestly, kid—don't do it. It's a hundred crystals! If you just want to see the department, come back tomorrow. You can enter for free on a normal day."
"I don't need to wait," William replied.
