As Alex, Noah, and Sophia entered the gates of the Academy, their hearts throbbed with excitement. With every step forward, that excitement only grew stronger.
So this is it… This is my new home, Noah thought as he clenched his fist tightly.
Alex glanced at Noah and Sophia with satisfaction. Their eyes burned with determination, and it reassured him that he had made the right choice.
"System, I need information about this Academy," Alex said.
[Compiling information, Host. Transmitting directly to your brain.]
A moment later, a vast amount of knowledge flooded Alex's mind.
The Academy was divided into two main areas: the Outer Courtyard and the Inner Courtyard.
The Outer Courtyard was designated for students, while the Inner Courtyard was reserved for teachers.
To become a teacher, a student had to reach Tier 4 Mage and pass the Teacher Trial.
There was also a large library—currently empty—where items purchased from the System Shop could be placed directly. The Academy included meditation rooms, student dormitories, training grounds, battle arenas, alchemy zones, and a vast grassland where teachers could build their own residences.
There was also a separate area for children below the age of fourteen.
"For now, let me show you where you'll be staying. We'll talk tomorrow," Alex said.
Noah and Sophia nodded and followed him.
Alex guided them to the far-right corner of the Academy, where a small civilian zone was located. Twenty two-story houses stood neatly arranged. Nearby, there was farmland prepared for crops and vegetables.
"This will be your home until you turn fourteen," Alex explained. "The human body has pathways to absorb natural energy—mana. These pathways fully develop at the age of fourteen, which is why it's known as the Beginning Age of Mages. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Headmaster," Noah and Sophia replied in unison.
"Good. Each house has enough meat and vegetables to last two people for three months. You'll also find seeds and farming tools to grow your own food."
"For the next four years, you'll take care of yourselves. Consider this a test. I'll check on you occasionally, but your growth—both body and mind—depends on you. Be self-sufficient. Be dependable."
Alex turned and began to walk away.
"Thank you, Headmaster!" the two bowed deeply.
As Alex strolled quietly through the Academy, silence filled the air. His thoughts grew heavy.
Should I search for more talents… or wait until Noah and Sophia come of age?
He sighed.
"Let's complete Mission Three first. System, teleport me to my residence."
[Teleportation confirmed.]
The Academy was vast, so the System granted Alex special privileges to travel instantly. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared before a massive bungalow at the very center of the Academy, protected by an additional defensive barrier.
Alex stepped inside and was immediately mesmerized.
There were training rooms, guest rooms, a meditation chamber, and a bathroom as large as a boathouse. Everything a person could possibly need was already there.
When he reached the bedroom, he paused. A massive bed—large enough for five people—stood at the center. Beside it was a wardrobe filled with clean clothes.
Alex undressed and entered the bathroom.
As he submerged himself in the warm water, the tension in his muscles slowly melted away.
"Such a nice bath," he muttered.
After changing into fresh clothes, Alex sat down on the couch and began reorganizing the magical knowledge given to him by the System.
Magic is the fundamental control of elements—the very laws through which the world governs itself, he thought.
The world is made of countless elements combined together. Intelligent beings can harness this power because they are children of the world itself. Yet not everyone is born with this ability. Balance must be maintained.
In the eyes of the world, an ant and a human are no different.
If the world lacks something, it creates it. What a complicated cycle.
If I want to increase my rank, I must absorb natural energy that matches my element.
My element is Dark. To advance quickly to Tier One, I need to absorb mana during the night.
The meditation room will take care of that.
Alex closed his eyes.
Tomorrow, his true journey would begin