Evening.
Two days after attending remedial lessons with Patty Eisa, Locke bid farewell to Patty and left the student dormitory, heading toward the residence of the academy's dean, Mr. Tungus.
At this academy, both the dean and professors had their own private suites, and the Aurelian Academy also provided them with generous monthly compensation.
After all, the tuition fees here were exorbitantly high.
But Locke hadn't walked far down the academy's corridor when he spotted Angel approaching him, dressed in a linen undershirt and a white wool skirt.
Angel looked visibly exhausted, with heavy dark circles under her eyes, as if she hadn't slept well for days.
Locke recognized that expression—it was the same look the original owner of his body had worn while working for Professor Olde in History class.
When Angel saw Locke, she spoke in a dissatisfied tone, "Professor Olde has asked me again to tell you to go work for him."
"Locke, I don't understand why you refuse. Don't you realize that if we maintain good relations with the professors, we can at least temporarily stay in this academy?"
Switching tactics, Angel adopted a coaxing tone. "Locke, Professor Olde has hinted several times that as long as we continue working for him, we can remain here."
"It's not just me—several other students from Anjou are also working for the professors now. You know the academy has sent us multiple notices demanding we settle this semester's tuition fees, right?"
"Locke, don't let your stubbornness ruin the chances for all of us, okay? Besides, the professor is just trying to help."
Locke was well aware of the situation. Letters urging him to pay his tuition and course fees had already been delivered to his dorm.
That was precisely why he needed to hurry to Dean Tungus's residence—especially since History class was scheduled for tomorrow.
Glancing at Angel, who was still following him, Locke pointed to his workbook to prevent further pestering. "I'm currently working for Dean Tungus."
Angel froze for a moment, then stopped in her tracks, no longer pursuing him.
She watched Locke walk away and stomped her foot in frustration. "Weirdo. All he has to do is work for Professor Olde."
"Then he'd have the professor's protection and could stay in this academy."
"I just hope Professor Olde won't get angry over this."
Meanwhile, Locke quickened his pace toward Dean Tungus's residence, worried that Professor Olde might intercept him along the way.
Though the likelihood was low.
Still, for some reason, Professor Olde had suddenly taken an interest in him. Over the past few days, he'd repeatedly sent Angel to test the waters, trying to persuade Locke to return to work for him.
Soon, Locke arrived at Dean Tungus's residence. He knocked on the door, informed the doorkeeper, and after a ten-minute wait, was granted entry.
Following the doorkeeper inside, Locke found himself in the most luxurious suite in the academy—a lavish Baroque-style residence resembling a royal palace.
The corridor walls were adorned with paintings by renowned artists from the seven nations of the Corfu Continent.
At the end of the corridor, in the reception room, the decor was simple and bright—a long table, two chairs, and a glass of water placed on the wooden surface.
Mr. Tungus, the dean, was already seated in one of the chairs, dressed in a casual gray outfit. "Sit down, Locke Augustine."
"I expected you to come, but I didn't think you'd finish the assignment I gave you in just two days."
Locke considered his words, then decided honesty was best—lying would serve no purpose. "Dean, I had Miss Patty tutor me. That's how I managed to complete the assignment."
Dean Tungus chuckled lightly. "I know."
"Patty is a member of the secret society I lead. She's already told me everything. But she only taught you—it was you who learned those concepts, and you who finished the assignment in two days."
Dean Tungus picked up the assignment notebook and flipped through it briefly. "Hmm, the accuracy is higher this time than last."
"Good."
"You may go now, Mr. Locke."
Locke was taken aback. He hadn't expected things to unfold this way.
Had he guessed wrong?
Mr. Tungus said, "What's the matter, Locke? I simply gave you a regular assignment, you completed it, and now you've brought it back."
"That's all there is to it."
"I'll grade this. You may leave."
Locke furrowed his brow, his heartbeat quickening, but he quickly steadied himself.
If that was the case, then he must have guessed wrong about something—perhaps a certain detail, or maybe the outstanding graduate position had nothing to do with the Language class at all.
But tomorrow was History class.
That would be troublesome.
Locke sighed faintly. He didn't forget his manners and gave Dean Tungus a respectful student-to-professor bow. "My apologies for disturbing you, Professor Tungus."
He turned to leave.
Just as he reached the door of the reception room, Dean Tungus suddenly spoke up. "But I do have one question, Locke Augustine. You've never taken your studies seriously before. How were you able to finish an in-class assignment in a single day, and then complete the special assignment I gave you in just two and a half days?"
"And what made you suddenly decide to do this?"
Locke's heart skipped a beat. He turned back and said to Dean Tungus, "Dean, you're aware of my current situation. I've heard there's a special distinction in the academy—the outstanding graduate position—and I want to earn it."
"Based on my deductions, I thought the outstanding graduate position must be related to the Language class."
Dean Tungus nodded. "I see. I thought someone might have given you some special information, but it seems I was mistaken."
"You're cleverer than I expected."
"No wonder you could learn an ancient language so quickly."
Dean Tungus continued, "Locke, the so-called outstanding graduate position you mentioned does indeed have a connection to the Language class."
"The reason I gave you assignments and tested you is related to this. The ancient language I teach is extremely complex. For someone without the aptitude, even if they manage to keep up through sheer effort, it's a struggle—and they'll barely scrape by at the passing line."
"Long ago, it was discovered that individuals with greater innate talent learn these ancient languages containing special information much faster."
Dean Tungus said, "Conducting aptitude tests requires significant resources."
"The purpose of establishing this academy was precisely to identify talented individuals on Corfu Island."
"Therefore, we need to implement courses to preliminarily screen potentially talented individuals before administering formal tests."
Dean Tungus gave Locke a puzzled look. "Previously, you shouldn't have been able to understand my classes at all—indicating no talent. However, there are exceptions when someone suddenly awakens their potential at a certain age."
"That's why Aurelian Academy maintains a seven-year program—as long as one is under 22, there's always potential for talent to emerge."
Locke was thoroughly confused. "Dean Tungus, what talent? And what do you mean by Corfu Island? Isn't it the Corfu Continent?"
Based on his understanding, the Corfu Continent's area was about two-thirds the size of Eurasia from his previous life—clearly continental scale.
That's why Locke had assumed the Seven Kingdoms were this world's main players.
Aurelian Academy was supposedly this continent's premier institution.
Dean Tungus folded his hands, scrutinizing Locke as he said, "As I mentioned, the Corfu Continent's true name is Corfu Island—because this entire landmass is merely a small island in the endless Mystic Sea."
"With a population of just tens of millions, it's insignificant, and lacks substantial mystical resources."
"Professor Olde and I aren't native to this island either."
"Aurelian Academy isn't any premier institution—it's merely a subsidiary of the true university, Verdantia University, serving as its admissions screening mechanism."
Dean Tungus continued, "Since you completed my assignment in such short time, this confirms you possess that potential."
"I'm referring to the aptitude for becoming a great wizard—for pursuing the path of truth."
"This is the reality behind the 'outstanding graduate' designation."
"From now on, you needn't attend Professor Olde's classes, Locke."
Locke raised an eyebrow, realizing he'd severely underestimated this world.
Who would have thought the Seven Kingdoms and Corfu Continent were merely an insignificant corner of this world?
The conflicts between knights, nobles and kings must seem like childish games to these wizards—so beneath them that they couldn't be bothered to intervene, merely establishing Aurelian Academy here to identify magically-gifted individuals.
Yet Locke felt a surge of excitement.
Perhaps this was for the best.
If he could enter the world of wizards and magic, the Synthetic Cube's potential applications would expand dramatically.
His achievements could reach far greater heights.
Almost instantly, Locke shifted his goal—from remaining at Aurelian Academy to leaving it, venturing into the true world beyond Corfu Island that Dean Tungus described.
But first, it seemed he needed to undergo wizard aptitude testing.
Dean Tungus observed Locke's quick acceptance of these revelations with some surprise, but chose not to elaborate further. Instead, he said, "Locke, I'll need a drop of your blood."
"Then, you must drink the [Elemental Emerald Potion] mixed with your own blood. Both you and I will witness your true potential."
"This potion is extremely expensive, but at least fifty years ago in the Wizard World, it was still considered one of the better methods of assessment."
Locke asked, "Fifty years ago, Dean? Does the Aurelian Academy rarely maintain contact with the Wizard World?"
Dean Tungus glanced at Locke and replied, "The Endless Mystic Sea is perilous. Beyond the coastal waters of Corfu Island, danger lurks everywhere. Even official wizards cannot traverse it safely, let alone people like us."
"The last time I had any contact with the Wizard World was fifty years ago. That was when I first arrived on the Corfu Continent. Since then, I've never been able to return..."
A trace of melancholy flickered across Dean Tungus's face. "Of course, this was also my own choice."
"The Aurelian Academy is already a very safe and comfortable place."
"The Wizard World is far more ruthless than any place you've ever seen. Wizard apprentices who cannot survive there have no choice but to retreat to some remote corner, living out their remaining days while making their final contributions to their respective wizard organizations."
(End of Chapter)