Academy Life (20)

After listening to Po Kong-Mars’s explanation, Todd had to reassess Starlight once again, his eyes filled with shock.

He had never heard of such a constitution. He doubted even the most senior craftsmen in his clan would have imagined someone could possess affinity for all six elements at once, let alone think of how to forge a custom weapon for him.

“This is tricky... With current technology, making a suitable weapon for you is simply unrealistic. It’s a real problem, a real problem!” Now, even Todd was at a loss.

If it were just two elements, he might have been able to pull it off with enough time and a few helpers. But six... that was likely something only the gods of the Age of Gods could achieve.

“It’s alright. I’m used to fighting empty-handed anyway. If it can’t be done, it’s not a big deal. Thank you anyway, Master Todd.” Starlight was quite open-minded about the bad news. While he truly wanted a personal weapon, he saw no point in forcing it if it was impossible.

“Don’t thank me. Sigh... I never expected such a bizarre constitution! However, the continent is vast, and I believe there must be some unknown material out there that can meet your requirements. If you ever find it, come back to me. No... if such a material really exists, I’ll have the best smiths in the clan forge it for you personally—I won’t even charge you a copper!” Todd sighed and shook his head.

“Given your current situation, the only way I can think of is to make six different weapons and switch between them depending on which magic you’re casting... though I doubt you’d want to do that.”

“Of course not!” Starlight waved his hand dismissively. The cost of a single staff was already giving him a headache; making six? That would be the death of him. Besides, there wouldn't be time to swap weapons in the heat of battle—it wasn't like he was performing a circus act.

“Well, there’s no helping it then, Little Star. It looks like you’ll have to keep fighting bare-handed. What a shame, we didn't get to squeeze any benefits out of the Principal for this,” Po Kong-Mars said, patting Starlight’s shoulder in consolation.

“Why are you still thinking about that! Am I that kind of person? Since there’s nothing to be done, we’ll be going now. Goodbye, Master Todd.” Starlight pushed Po Kong-Mars’s hand away with a wry smile. He didn't dwell on the matter and gave Todd a deep bow.

“See ya! Thanks again for the repairs!” Po Kong-Mars waved at Todd, then turned to Starlight. “Actually... I have a half-baked idea. Little Star, if you don't mind the weight, why don't you just have someone cast a rod out of Mithril? If anyone gives you trouble, just whip out your big silver rod! Hahaha!”

“...Are you crazy? Do you really intend for me to jump into melee combat with you!? And what kind of terrible name is that! Let’s go!” Starlight rolled his eyes at him again.

Though he possessed considerable strength, the thought of a mage like himself carrying a rod weighing hundreds of pounds to club people... the image was so ridiculous he couldn't even bear to imagine it.

“Alright, I won’t see you out! If you ever discover any new materials, remember to find me!”

Amidst Todd’s farewell, Starlight grabbed Po Kong-Mars’s arm again and led him away from the blacksmith shop.

...

The next morning, after cleaning the house until it was spotless, Starlight’s group left the small building that had been their home for over half a month and set off toward the main castle of the academy.

The weather today was a stark contrast to previous days. Heavy clouds hung overhead like a massive curtain of lead, pressing down on everyone and creating a sense of oppression.

The air was thick with moisture, and the faint rumble of thunder echoed from the distant horizon. This weather cast a shadow over everyone’s mood.

Starlight looked up at the gloomy sky, an inexplicable sense of unease surging deep within him once more, as if something ominous was quietly brewing within those distant clouds.

Driven by this unease, he quickened his pace and reached the Principal’s office just before the drizzling rain began to fall.

At that moment, Eventador was buried in paperwork at his desk. He didn't seem surprised by their arrival and simply pointed to the sofa nearby, signaling for them to sit and wait.

A few minutes later, he finally finished his work, stood up from behind his desk, and said to Starlight, “Little Star, you’re leaving already? This is sooner than I expected. Looking at your expressions, it seems you’ve encountered some difficulty?”

“That’s right. Uncle Evan, didn't you say Grandmaster had something to discuss with me? Can you tell me what it is now?” Starlight asked.

Eventador was about to speak but suddenly stopped. He turned and gave a deep bow toward the space behind Starlight. “Teacher, since you are here, there is no need for me to explain, is there?”

The four on the sofa finally reacted, quickly standing up and turning around. A thin, elderly figure had appeared silently behind them.

Seeing Mowei, the group hurriedly bowed in respect. Even Noah floated up from Starlight’s waist and gave a few nods in the air.

Mowei merely gave a gentle wave of his hand, and their bent waists straightened involuntarily, as if supported by an invisible force.

“Alright, there is no need for such formality. Since you are here, Little Star, I will get straight to the point. I want you to represent me in a competition. There, you might find the person you are looking for,” Mowei said in a warm tone.

“A competition? If it’s a tournament for mages, I don't mind participating... When do I need to be there?” Starlight was momentarily stunned by Mowei’s proposal, but he quickly recovered and agreed.

“The timing is not urgent. You only need to arrive in Lionheart City by next spring.”

Mowei paced slowly across the room as he spoke softly.

“Eh? The Royal Capital... next spring? Are you talking about the Magic Grand Arena? Has it already been five years?”

While Starlight was still a bit confused, Po Kong-Mars was the first to speak up.

“Indeed, it is the Magic Grand Arena. My teacher’s intention is for Starlight to represent our academy in the competition,” Eventador confirmed with a nod.

“Is there something special about this competition? The academy has so many students; couldn't you just pick a few others to go?” Xia Duo asked, feeling puzzled by their reactions.

“You wouldn't know, Little Shadow. This competition is a grand festival for mages held once every five years. The most outstanding mages under the age of twenty-five from across the entire continent gather there to compete. The winners not only receive incredibly generous rewards but may even be granted a personal audience with the King. Their futures are practically guaranteed!”

Po Kong-Mars explained with great excitement. Although he knew nothing about magic, the quinquennial Magic Grand Arena was one of the staple celebrations of the Royal Capital. Having grown up in Lionheart City, he naturally felt strongly about it.