Left with no choice, Starlight asked the bookstore if they had any books on storage space magic. He figured he should be able to afford such a basic spell, especially since Po Kong had mentioned it to him many times.
However, the answer he received was still no. As it turned out, no one would spend money to buy such a fundamental spell separately.
It was generally a basic skill taught by schools or masters. Almost no one paid for it, so bookstores naturally didn't bother stocking such books.
Exiting the bookstore, Starlight couldn't help but sigh, “I suddenly feel so poor! Po Kong, how about we start taking some commissions tomorrow?”
Po Kong patted his back in comfort and said with a smile, “We can go, I don't have anything else to do anyway. However, isn't your efficiency a bit low doing it this way?”
Starlight knew Po Kong was right. Even if they could take on high-rank missions now, the amount he would receive individually after completion wouldn't be particularly high.
Moreover, most missions were quite time-consuming. If he only calculated based on mission rewards, he would have to work for a month or two just to afford a single spellbook.
Just then, Noah, who was hanging at Starlight’s waist, suddenly twitched. Understanding the signal, Starlight immediately pulled Po Kong to a deserted corner and held the book up in front of them.
“Do you two really plan on saving money like this? Let me show you a better path. The enrollment season for the Central Spiritual Arts Academy is in about a month. Starlight, you should just go there. Most of the knowledge you need can be found in the school!” Noah said.
However, upon hearing this suggestion, Po Kong immediately raised an objection.
“I know he could go to the Central Spiritual Arts Academy, but we can't afford the tuition there! If I remember correctly, studying there for a year costs several thousand gold coins. Even if I lent him all my savings now, it wouldn't be enough!”
“Who said we have to pay? As long as he performs well enough, money won't be an issue... Besides, with his current level, he doesn't necessarily have to be a student to enter the academy,” Noah replied nonchalantly.
“Wait, Noah, do you mean...” Starlight suddenly realized something and asked.
“See! Look at that! Starlight is quick to catch on! Po Kong, why haven't you figured it out yet?” Seeing that Starlight had quickly grasped his meaning, Noah immediately turned to Po Kong.
“Huh? What do you understand now? Weren't we just discussing his tuition problem?” Noah’s sudden scolding left Po Kong somewhat confused.
Noah cleared his throat and said, “I can say for certain that Starlight’s total mana and control are already stronger than many teachers in the academy. All he lacks is the number of spells. In that case, why not let him try to be a teacher?”
“That’s right! That really is a great idea! Starlight, look, if you become a teacher at the Spiritual Arts Academy, not only can you consult those books that sell for sky-high prices for free, but you might even get a decent salary! It’s killing two birds with one stone!” Po Kong finally understood and looked at Starlight with excitement, as if he were the one going to be a teacher.
Although Starlight was still relatively inexperienced, it didn't mean his mind wasn't flexible. He quickly spotted the problem in this seemingly perfect plan.
“Wait a minute, both of you. Setting aside whether I have the strength to be a teacher, I don't even know how to teach others! Besides, as the most famous magic school on the continent, is it really that easy to get in?”
Even though he raised his doubts, Noah insisted that this was the best plan. As for what made him so certain, he remained mysterious and didn't explain, only telling Starlight to check out the Spiritual Arts Academy in a month. Then, he made an excuse to close his pages and fell silent.
Seeing that Noah was no longer paying attention to them, the two could only temporarily list this plan as their top choice.
However, Starlight still decided to head to the guild starting the next day to take on some commissions, hoping to earn some more income in the limited time remaining.
Even if he ultimately couldn't enter the Spiritual Arts Academy, he could at least ensure that this month wasn't wasted.
With this goal in mind, the two stepped into the bustling guild hall again the next morning.
It was worth mentioning that Po Kong’s status as a Rank 6 adventurer was indeed very useful.
When the counter staff saw the black badge on his shoulder, they immediately and respectfully brought out a carefully organized file and handed it to them.
This document, hundreds of pages thick, detailed the commissions currently on record. Most of them were high-difficulty missions of Rank 4 or above, saving the two the trouble of searching through the quest board in the hall one by one.
One had to know that the Adventurers Guild released a massive number of commissions every day, and with a limited number of staff, such service was not something an ordinary adventurer could enjoy.
“Here, pick for yourself. I don't mind either way.” Po Kong only skimmed through the file before handing it to Starlight with little interest, letting him choose.
Looking at Po Kong’s nonchalant attitude, Starlight helplessly took the file and began to read carefully.
In this file, Rank 4 and Rank 5 missions made up the vast majority. The complicated terms made Starlight’s head ache; no wonder Po Kong had handed the heavy task of choosing to him.
After half an hour of difficult deliberation, Starlight finally selected a commission located near the Violet City-State.
The goal of this mission was to kill a sub-dragon species monster that had repeatedly ambushed travelers. The difficulty was moderate, and it was categorized as a Rank 5 mission.
Starlight chose this mission because its rules were relatively relaxed, with no time limit or other special requirements.
The base reward for the mission was five hundred gold coins. If the sub-dragon's corpse could be brought back intact, the guild would also purchase its valuable parts at a fair price.
Just as he was about to return the file, a sudden burst of curiosity made him flip the dictionary-thick document to the final page, where he saw a striking entry.
Rank 9 Mission: Heavenly Demon Phoenix
Requester: Unknown
Posted: Unknown
Requirements: Resolve all Demons entrenched in the Ancient City of Gods and explore the ruins of the Ancient City of Gods atop the summit of Crown Peak.
Reward: 1,000,000,000 gold coins or other.
Seeing this, Starlight’s black pupils couldn't help but constrict slightly.
The description of the commission was exceptionally vague, without even a single note. There was only a blurry requirement and that extremely tempting reward.
In the Adventurers Guild system, a Rank 8 adventurer already corresponded to Saint Rank strength. This unique Rank 9 mission undoubtedly signaled its extraordinary difficulty.
Seeing him staring blankly at the file, Po Kong leaned over curiously and immediately saw the words 'Rank 9 Mission' on the last page.
“Hey, you aren't really planning to take this commission, are you? Even if you're desperate for money, you shouldn't gamble with your life!” Po Kong asked jokingly.
However, Starlight’s expression was exceptionally grave, and he didn't answer the question directly. He took a few deep breaths, slowly closed the file, and handed it back.
Seeing Starlight’s poor complexion, Po Kong put away his playful attitude and whispered, “You don't really want to touch that mission, do you? Let me tell you...”
“Don't worry, I know this is a mission we currently cannot complete. I'm not so stupid as to go and die. But what I want to say is, this mission is my ultimate goal!” Starlight reached out to interrupt him, speaking one word at a time.
“Are you serious? Do you understand what the words ‘Heavenly Demon’ mean?” Po Kong asked.
“I understand, but this is also something I must do! Don't worry... if that day comes, I won't drag you down with me!”
After saying this, Starlight fell silent. For a moment, the atmosphere between the two became somewhat awkward.
Just as he was wondering how to break the silence, Po Kong’s large hand suddenly slapped his shoulder with a crisp sound.
This slap clearly carried considerable force. Even with Starlight’s excellent physical condition, he felt a distinct pain in his shoulder.
However, Po Kong seemed completely unaffected, and his tone returned to its usual lightheartedness as he laughed.
“I knew I wasn't wrong about you! Let's worry about future things in the future, as long as you don't do anything stupid now! Besides, don't underestimate me. If that day really comes, how could a mage like you lack a qualified vanguard?”
Rate on N.U.
