The afternoon training session felt like opening the door to a whole new world.
Arret seemed to have adjusted his teaching strategy as well. He no longer treated her entirely as a beginner and instead began teaching more practical magic.
The first was flight magic, which Lilith was most interested in.
Needless to say, she learned it instantly.
As Lilith suspended herself in the air, she felt a surge of joy for having mastered flight magic.
The others all looked at Lilith with envy.
At this moment, Arret gave a light cough, pulling the envious gazes of the other students back to him.
“Very good. Student Lilith has mastered it very quickly. But remember, the speed and height of flight depend on your magic capacity. You must pay attention to—”
Lilith nodded superficially, but in her heart, she was indifferent. She basically didn't need to worry about her magic reserves.
“Alright, next I will teach you a basic offensive magic. It is called slashing magic.”
“The principle is to highly compress magic to form an invisible blade of energy.”
“It sounds cool, doesn't it? But its power, likewise, depends on the intensity of your magic. Therefore, the output is quite limited.”
He demonstrated, lightly waving his staff. A flash of white light passed, precisely slicing through a target.
The students began to try one after another. The success rate this time was even lower; most people's slashes collapsed before flying even five meters.
Lilith looked at her palm and thought it seemed rather simple.
Imitating Arret's manner, she swiped her finger toward a vacant target in the distance.
That target was sliced clean in half. The power didn't diminish in the slightest as it struck the wall beyond.
Arret walked quickly to the target, and the shock in his heart was beyond measure as he inspected the cut.
He gave Lilith a deep look. He didn't ask anything on the spot, only saying in a heavy voice, “Your control is acceptable, but you can be more restrained with your magic output.”
Lilith stuck out her tongue and nodded quickly.
She really had done her best to minimize her power just now.
For the rest of the time, Lilith didn't dare try any more offensive magic.
However, Principal Aurora, who had quietly come to the edge of the training ground to observe, clearly didn't see it that way anymore.
After the class ended, Arret told the other students to practice on their own or rest, then called Lilith aside privately.
Soon, Principal Aurora walked over as well.
The two high-ranking academy officials exchanged a few words in low voices, their gazes falling on Lilith from time to time.
Eventually, Principal Aurora stroked his white beard. With a kind but unquestionable smile on his face, he announced to Lilith:
“Student Lilith, based on Mentor Arret’s report and my own observations, we believe your control over magic already far exceeds that of a freshman. Therefore, after a comprehensive evaluation by the academy, we have decided to temporarily recognize your mage rank as Rank 2.”
Rank 2!
Lilith was stunned herself. “I’m Rank 2 just like that?”
Aurora nodded, his expression becoming a bit more serious. “Lilith, your talent is beyond doubt, but growth isn't just about talent; it’s also about effort.”
Lilith’s heart skipped a beat, giving her a bad premonition.
Sure enough, Principal Aurora continued, “It just so happens that the academy recently received a joint mission request.”
“Near Gimi City in the eastern part of the kingdom, there has been abnormal gathering and activity of monsters. We need to send people to clear them out and investigate the cause.”
“This was originally a training mission for upperclassmen, but I feel that for you, it is an excellent opportunity for practical combat.”
Lilith blinked and blurted out, “Principal, you aren't just using me as free labor, are you?”
The smile on Principal Aurora’s face stiffened for a moment before he quickly explained:
“Of course not. This is an extremely rare opportunity for practical experience. It will allow you to truly see monsters and utilize your magic. Moreover, there is compensation.”
Lilith thought about it. It didn't sound too difficult.
Besides, she could go out for a walk instead of staying in the academy for classes all day. Thinking about it that way, it seemed quite nice.
“How long will it take?” she asked.
Aurora smiled. “If things go smoothly, including the travel time, it should take about seven to ten days.”
“This is a joint operation with several other academies. Each academy will send some elite students. Once you arrive, there will be people from the guild and the local garrison to meet you and coordinate the arrangements.”
“Alright.” Lilith thought it over. Not only could she see the world, but there was also money to be made. She had to go.
Principal Aurora stroked his beard with satisfaction. “Very good.”
“No time to lose. I will personally open a targeted teleportation circle for you to send you directly to the assembly point near the border. Go make some simple preparations and meet me in the Teleportation Chamber of the main tower in an hour.”
An hour later, Lilith arrived as scheduled.
“Step into the center of the formation, Lilith. Once you reach your destination, look for people wearing the joint operation badge. They will arrange things for you.”
“Understood,” Lilith replied.
Arret stepped forward and handed her a small silver brooch engraved with the emblem of the Holy City Magic Academy.
“Wear this; it is your identification. Be careful in everything you do. Remember, real combat is different from training. Monsters are dangerous. If you encounter a situation you cannot handle, prioritize your own safety.”
“Thank you, Mentor.” Lilith took the brooch and pinned it to her collar, feeling a bit of warmth in her heart.
“Then, depart, Lilith,” Principal Aurora said finally.
A flash of intense light followed, and her figure vanished from the magic circle.
Silence returned to the hall, with only the residual faint glow of the magic circle slowly fading away.
Arret looked at the principal, somewhat worried. “Principal, is it too risky to let her encounter real combat so early, especially with the abnormal monster incidents at the border? She just enrolled...”
Principal Aurora gazed at the empty magic circle and said slowly, “Arret, that child’s talent is extraordinary. She will be fine.”
On the other side...
The silver light of the teleportation completely dissipated, and Lilith felt the pull of gravity once more.
She opened her eyes and found herself standing inside a building that looked like a watchtower. Beneath her feet was a small receiving magic circle.
The border. She had arrived.
Rate on N.U.
