Lydia held her test paper with boundless joy, shouting excitedly. She hadn't expected to actually pass her graduation exam, and not just pass it but with a decent score!
Despite scoring zero in shaping subjects and performing dismally in elental studies and herbology, her high marks in practical combat and alchemy just managed to push her over the passing threshold in the practical test.
Combined with her outstanding written scores, averaging a solid seventy-four, she was among the top apprentices! Darren and the others were just as thrilled, accompanying Lydia early in the morning to witness the announcent of the results.
"Brilliant, Lydia! Looks like you're about to beco the first half-human wizard!" "I knew you could do it!"
The half-humans present were ecstatic. They had witnessed Lydia's journey firsthand, defying the common belief that half-humans lacked magical talent. While others saw it as wishful thinking or even foolishness, to Lydia, joining the Iyeta Academy to study magic and beco a true alchemist was a steadfast goal.
To many, it seed like an impossible dream. They likened it to expecting a pack animal to soar the skies like a griffin. Magical talent was seen as inherent, creating a chasm between the extraordinary and the ordinary.
Despite the lack of recognition and facing constant skepticism and ridicule, Lydia never considered giving up. She worked as an alchemist's assistant, crafting various flying devices, all in pursuit of a chance to study magic.
Most of these efforts ended in failure, but luck favored her when she unexpectedly gained the recognition of Headmaster Lynn and got involved in crafting skyships, fulfilling the agreent with Grand Master Herlram, eventually joining the Iyeta Academy.
Two whole years had flown by since then.
This ant that finally, a half-human would beco a true wizard!
"Don't get too carried away with your happiness. Passing this exam rely grants you the eligibility to use the Source of Magic. It doesn't guarantee becoming a full-fledged wizard..." Debra, feeling rather annoyed, interrupted the excited Lydia and the others, continuing with a sardonic tone. "With your magical aptitude, even with the Source, it's a waste. There's hardly any possibility of becoming a wizard."
Debra's sharp words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing the enthusiasm of the half-humans, silencing the previously lively atmosphere.
Elok and the others frowned but couldn't muster any retort. As harsh as Debra's words were, they held a stark truth!
For these apprentices who passed the assessnt, there was still one major hurdle—the final promotion ceremony!
Following the tradition of previous years, only half of the candidates would successfully advance. And for Lydia, who hadn't even mastered a basic Zero-Ring spell yet, the likelihood of becoming a full-fledged wizard was slim.
With this in mind, those who hadn't passed glanced at Lydia with a hint of mockery in their eyes.
Even if they managed to pass this assessnt, what did it matter?
A person's potential to beco a wizard was decided the mont they were born!
If they failed this year, there were still exams next year and the year after that. At least, they still held onto the hope of becoming a full-fledged wizard!
Seeing Lydia's spirit dampened by Debra's few words, Jonny, contemplating, spoke up. "If Headmaster Lynn didn't stop you from taking the graduation exam, perhaps he might have a way to make you a wizard!"
She believed the Headmaster wouldn't be so cruel—giving hope and then crushing it.
Lydia's eyes lit up at the thought. If soone else claid they could make her a wizard, she would have doubted. But if it was Headmaster Lynn, it was different!
Before Debra could retort, Orlando walked over, beckoning the candidates who had passed to proceed to the Tower of Ascension.
After establishing aerial transport routes, the entire promotion process sped up. After confirming each student's results yesterday, Lynn imdiately arranged for them to board the airship to the Council, bringing back the Source of Magic. From start to finish, it took only half a day, eliminating the weeks of waiting they used to endure.
Debra and the others watched enviously as the apprentices whose nas were called entered the towering tower, while they had to wait outside.
Pearce was the first one chosen, nervously entering the Tower of Ascension. On seeing Lynn, he bowed respectfully.
"Your Excellency!"
"Pearce, your scores this ti are decent. Though your written exam lacked, your grasp of elents, shaping, and herbology is comndable..." Lynn smiled, handing over a vial of blue potion.
Pearce excitedly took the vial, almost trembling and almost spilling the precious potion.
Amused, Lynn reminded Pearce that in such a state, he wouldn't be able to complete the ascension.
Pearce took several deep breaths, calming himself before solemnly consuming the Source.
A piercing cold surged from his abdon; the potion's power quickly spread through his body, finally reaching his brain. Then ca a peculiar, almost bone-deep itch, as if every cell in his body was being torn apart and reconfigured—a pain that penetrated his soul.
Sweat beads the size of beans trickled down Pearce's forehead.
His complexion turned shades of blue and purple, seeming as if his blood had been drained, appearing terrifyingly gaunt.
The entire process lasted for about ten minutes, and a strong surge of magic emanated from Pearce.
Soon after, a blazing fireball manifested in the void, and Pearce opened his eyes, filled with joy. Spellcasting without material, using magic to mimic elents—it was the symbol of a true wizard!
"It seems you've succeeded!" Lynn nodded with a smile.
"Thank you very much, Your Excellency! Without you, I might have remained an apprentice for life." Pearce deeply bowed, expressing his gratitude.
Entering the Iyeta Academy at twelve, he had been an apprentice for a staggering sixteen years, nearing thirty this year.
Due to the lack of natural talent and the delay in accumulating magic, it was only when Lynn beca a professor at Iyeta, introducing the novel and ntally challenging course of Nurics, that Pearce found a breakthrough.
So, for the Headmaster, Pearce was incredibly grateful...
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