Valley and Jane widened their eyes and stared at Felix in disbelief. It was common knowledge that the Royal Magi Academy was the Ivy League, the top school for elite mages. No commoner could dream of attending this institution. Even children from noble houses couldn't freely enter the academy, as it required real skills and talents to be admitted.
Additionally, the academy had a notorious reputation for its limited quotas, accepting only three new students each year. Lastly, they never accepted any student older than 18 years old.
Thinking about this age requirent, Valley and Jane bitterly smiled. As Felix was over 18, he might still be rejected despite receiving a direct invitation from an archmage.
Felix, who wanted nothing to do with schools and colleges, ca up with an excuse. "I'm too old to enter a school. Sorry, but I have to decline."
Garudeer and the three archmages were curious. They sized up Felix and were puzzled. "How old are you, young man?"
Felix had just recently resurrected from ash, so his skin and appearance looked younger than his actual age. From an outsider's perspective, he seed to be 15 or 16 at most.
Jane and Valley also secretly admired Felix's flawless, smooth skin and defined muscles. His adolescent face was similar to that of other teenagers from noble families. Upon closer inspection, they realized Felix might be younger than they initially thought.
Despite everyone thinking Felix was a teenager, he disclosed his real age. "I'm 18."
The archmages sighed, disappointed by the revelation. Still, Garudeer didn't give up. He fetched an emblem of his tower from his pocket and gave it to Felix.
The emblem was a palm-sized, carved golden plate in the shape of a female harpy. It emitted a breezy air, almost like a portable fan.
"Well, you're a bit older than I thought. If you change your mind, you can visit the capital city and show this to the guard. They will guide you to the academy. There will be a new admission test in two months. I hope you can co and try it out."
"I didn't tell you that I would join you, though."
Garudeer smiled bitterly. "You won't lose anything. In fact, every attendee receives sothing in return, even if they fail our tests. For example, we give away first-rate mana crystals as consolation prizes for invited participants."
As soon as Felix heard 'mana crystals,' his eyes glinted. His expression turned solemn. "How many mana crystals?"
Garudeer and the others were taken aback. They looked at each other and laughed dryly. "One hundred."
"I'm in! Where is the capital city? When do we start the test?"
Felix urgently needed extra mana crystals to make mana-piercing ammunition for his guns. Although Jessica promised that the system could turn crude oil into mana crystals, that feature was still out of reach.
Seeing how enthusiastic Felix was, Garudeer and everyone else were surprised. They cheered, hoping to see Felix at the capital city in two months. Garudeer brought out a piece of papyrus paper and handed it to Felix. It was the map of the country and its provinces.
Felix looked at the map and discovered seven provinces: Ol'Water, Sandy Dune, Veria Belt, Highland, Rosaria, Helic Field, and Joint Paradise.
Terra City was in Veria Belt Province, far from the provincial capital city, Veria, located 200 miles north of Aero Academy City. According to the map, the Dragoon Empire's capital city, Big Zoot, was at the center of Joint Paradise Province, 1,200 miles east of Terra City.
Traveling 1,200 miles without modern transportation within two months was a daunting task, even for Felix. Looking at the map, he didn't know if he should abandon ho and cross the country for so mana crystals. It didn't seem worth the trouble anymore.
Felix had a change of heart. "Um, it's kinda far, isn't it?"
Garudeer made a proposal. "Actually, if you wish to participate in the next admission test, you can follow us to the headquarters. We'll fly you to the academy after we're done with the Lamia Army."
Jane and Valley gazed at Felix with glittering eyes, eager to know if he would accept.
Felix sobered up as he only wanted mana crystals. Getting knee-deep into trouble for sothing that could be easily attained in the future seed foolish. Moreover, if he wanted to learn sorcery, he could search the system store and get so unique abilities or perks.
Felix made his decision. He shook his head, rejecting their offer. "Maybe next year. I don't think I can join you this ti."
"Ah, what a sha," Garudeer and the other archmages said, disappointed. Jane and Valley were also dejected.
"Anyway," Garudeer looked around the interior and changed the subject. "What kind of array formation are you using to expand your house's size? This is fascinating! I don't feel any discomfort or dizziness like the ones we have in the Storm Tower."
Felix raised an eyebrow and took a ntal note. It seed that the locals also had a similar magic that could expand or distort spaces within a building or a container.
'Right, Jane and Valley ntioned sothing about spatial magic. If they can use spatial magic, this kind of thing should be common in this world,' Felix thought.
Felix coughed and tried not to reveal too much. "That's my family secret."
"Hahaha! Of course!" The archmages laughed. "Our apologies, junior. We always respect privacy. We're not trying to steal or force you to reveal your secrets."
Fortunately, the old n were respectful. As noble children also practiced unique spells of their families, every mage had one or two secrets. Among mages, there was an unspoken rule to respect privacy, especially for youngsters or juniors. Those who violated this rule would be shunned or torn apart by their colleagues.
Since Garudeer failed to convince Felix to participate in the upcoming admission exam, he chatted with Valley and subtly interrogated her about her fallen noble house.
...
Thirty minutes later, Garudeer had heard everything he needed. The group of archmages excused themselves and left the house. Before everyone was gone, Garudeer tried his luck with Felix again.
"Are you sure you don't want to take the admission exam? A second circle fire mage like you will surely get in."
Felix shrugged. "Nah, that sounds troubleso. I'd rather self-study. I hate socializing with kids, especially rich kids. They're all spoiled rotten."
The archmages burst into laughter. One of them was in tears while Valley pouted, offended by the remark.
Garudeer couldn't stop giggling. He added, "You're absolutely correct, young man. By the way, we haven't asked your na yet. What should we call you?"
Felix smirked and trolled them. "Florida Man."
"Very well. We'll rember you. Be sure to visit us at the capital city."
"Alright."
After bidding farewell, the group flew away. Peace returned to the household once again. However, Jane and Valley imdiately bombarded him with questions. They were still disappointed that Felix rejected the offer.
"Felix, are you dumb? Even if you fail the exam, they would have taken you as a disciple! Also, second circle? I thought you were fifth circle or sixth. Second? Really?" Jane started yapping.
Valley mustered her courage and pestered Felix. "Royal Magi Academy is the most prestigious school for mages! Even I and my brother can't dream of entering! Why did you reject their offer? It's such a waste!"
Felix rolled his eyes. "It's just not worth it. I ain't wasting my ti studying irrelevant subjects I'll never use. I'd rather self-study sothing I need to learn or use. It's more efficient."
"But you could even beco an archmage and join the royal court!" Valley was still puzzled.
"I don't need that kind of connection to survive," Felix paused. He stared at the irritated girls and deeply sighed. "Humans only have four... no, six basic needs: One, food and water. Two, ds. Three, clothes.
Four, a roof. Five, internet, I an, sothing to kill ti. And lastly, sex... I an procreation. Status, fa, authority, wealth, and a luxurious lifestyle are for ego-boosting."
The girls stared at Felix in astonishnt. His words were strangely profound and made them think. However, his next sentences made them roll their eyes.
"Therefore, going to school will prevent from nightti activities. Jane, Daddy is horny and hungry, so go make Daddy a sandwich! And Valley, you... go play in the pool or sothing. Adults are trying to make so babies!"
"..."
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