Academy Life (2)

As the chalk came to a halt, Starlight and Moen stared at the final line of text on the blackboard, silently repeating the words in their minds.

“Take the elemental affinities recorded for your Radiant Elemental Body, for instance. Elements like water, fire, earth, air, light, and darkness are merely foundational. Every element actually possesses the potential for evolution. When they achieve that evolved power, I refer to it as Ultimate Power.”

Seeing that the two were still somewhat confused, Eventador expanded on his explanation.

“Suppose there is a mage with a fire affinity who, after long years of accumulation, finally breaks through to the Saint Rank. This seems like the completion of quantitative change, but has he truly achieved qualitative change?”

“It might be a bit impolite to put it this way to others, but as far as I know, these second-evolution elements—Ultimate Power—are not something everyone can possess. According to Carlos’s theory, Little Star, your opportunity to break through to the Saint Rank lies in finding all the Ultimate Powers and mastering every single one of them.”

“If we compare the Saint Rank to the number ten, then all previous accumulation is the process of moving from zero to nine. What you need to do now isn't to complete that zero-to-nine journey, but to directly become ten, or even higher.”

Following Eventador’s detailed explanation, Starlight’s brow gradually unfurled. He had pondered similar questions before.

Although he possessed immense mana and talent, he could likely reach the Saint Rank smoothly if he focused on a single elemental system without paying much of a price.

But if he were to accumulate all six elements to their limits, the time required was not something he could afford to lose. Eventador and his master’s idea was to guide him to directly contact and absorb a higher level of power.

This was the true meaning behind the goal Noah had set for him: to find the Grand Archmages of every element.

“Uncle Evan, if what you say is true and not all Saint Rank powerhouses possess Ultimate Elements, won’t it be even harder for me to find them?” Starlight immediately voiced his concern.

Hearing Starlight’s worry, Eventador patted his chest with a smile, saying confidently, “Isn’t that exactly why we elders are here? Noah should have explained the meaning of the title ‘Archmage’ to you already, right?”

“Yes, I remember him saying that only those who join the Mages Guild and make outstanding contributions to the world can receive this honor, which is why it doesn't start with the word ‘Saint,’” Starlight replied.

“Correct, though he forgot to mention one thing. In our evaluation criteria for an Archmage, besides contribution and recognition, the most critical requirement is the mastery of at least one type of Ultimate Power!” Eventador added.

Just as the realization hit Starlight, Moen, who had been listening intently, suddenly raised a question of her own.

“I remember Senior Noah mentioning yesterday that your wind magic hasn't reached the Saint Rank level, Principal. Does that mean you haven't mastered the Ultimate Power of wind?”

Faced with Moen’s question, Eventador wasn't displeased. Instead, he explained with a relaxed air.

“You’re right. I deliberately avoided mentioning the four highly conceptual elements: Space, Time, Life, and Death. Unlike the foundational elements of water, fire, earth, air, light, and darkness that form the world, these four powers are more independent and transcend the norm.”

“If basic elements are the first tier, then these four powers reside half a tier above them.”

“Like the Power of Nature you wield—it is actually the power of Life. Just like my spatial power, it is higher than the basic elements. Therefore, we don't need to rely on the accumulation of basic elements to break through the Saint Rank barrier!”

After hearing Eventador’s explanation, Moen nodded thoughtfully. In her view, his analysis was both profound and logical—a completely new theory she had never encountered within her clan.

If she could fully grasp this point, her future path would certainly be much easier to walk.

Afterward, another question occurred to Starlight, and he brought it up without hesitation.

Specifically, what would happen if he studied other advanced elements while already mastering the six basic ones?

Like the massive storage space he had inadvertently created yesterday, this undoubtedly proved he had a certain talent for space magic.

But if he were to study the application of the space element at the same time, would it have any negative impact on his future growth?

However, as soon as Starlight voiced his doubts, Noah spoke up from the side to dispel his concerns.

“I think you’re overthinking it. Learning some space magic from Evan isn't a bad thing. Do you know how many years it takes for someone with an advanced element to reach the Saint Rank? Since you have such excellent spatial affinity, it’s clearly a blessing from the heavens—something others couldn't even dream of!”

Eventador nodded in agreement with Noah’s assessment.

“Indeed. I don't believe space magic will conflict with your constitution. After all, the theoretical foundations of the two are quite different. Just as my breakthrough to the Saint Rank through the space element didn't affect my progress with the wind element.”

Under their combined persuasion, the anxiety in Starlight’s heart slowly subsided.

After calming down to think it over, he also felt the suggestion was worth a try. To him, mastering an additional skill meant an extra chance at survival, provided it didn't negatively affect his foundation.

Time flew by during Eventador’s lecture. By the time Starlight and Moen snapped back to reality, it was already noon.

Although Eventador hadn't taught them any concrete skills today, his meticulous explanations had provided immense inspiration. Many questions they had previously harbored were resolved with just a few of his words.

“Is it noon already? Let’s stop here for today. I need to go handle some academy business. We’ll start practical training tomorrow! I’m heading out; you two feel free to do as you like.”

After answering Moen’s final question, Eventador glanced at the sky outside the window. He gave the two a casual wave and vanished from the room.

“Are all Grand Archmages so elusive, appearing and disappearing without a trace? It’s going to be quite a task for you to find them all one by one,” Moen whispered to Starlight after confirming no one else was in the room.

Starlight could only offer a helpless smile in response. He used to think these Saint Rank figures would be more aloof; he had thought Noah was just an outlier, but it seemed that wasn't necessarily the case.

In truth, Starlight was quite satisfied with the current situation. Regardless of other issues, at least he had taken a major step toward his travel goals.

After leaving the tower, the two headed straight for the academy’s living area. Moen had long set her sights on the library—the largest on the continent. She didn't want to waste time traveling back and forth to their house, so she suggested grabbing a quick bite to eat outside before heading straight to the library.

Starlight naturally had no objections to this arrangement. Years of habit had made him relatively indifferent to his quality of life. Moreover, he was curious as to why Noah had specifically emphasized that they should obtain full access to the library.