Chapter Five: The Academy of the White Emperor

Chapter Five: White Emperor Academy

“Cheers! To celebrate our mercenary group’s promotion!” Huster and the others drained their goblets of honey wine.

“If it weren’t for Huster, we wouldn’t have advanced so quickly,” Mia said, finishing her wine in one gulp, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

“Well, Mia, you’re too modest. Allow me to reintroduce myself: Huster Redona, intermediate sixth-tier lightning magic swordsman, hailing from the other side of the forest.” Huster suddenly stood up and performed a formal salute of the Magic Sword Knights.

“Oh, now I remember. When we first met, you said you were a magic swordsman, but at the time none of us paid much attention. Thinking about it now, Huster, can you actually use magic?” Mia asked, her face showing a sudden realization.

“Well, the lightning magic of our family has been lost. I had no choice but to create my own magical martial arts. I’m out here to hone myself and to search for lightning magic,” Huster said with a smile, ruffling Mia’s water-blue hair.

“By the way, Huster, why did you join our Spark Mercenary Group so readily?” Copper Hammer, having just finished a cask of strong liquor, wiped his mouth and asked the question everyone was thinking.

“Oh, I came over because I heard Copper Hammer’s roar. After listening to your conversation, I decided whom to help. The Black Wind Mercenary Group didn’t seem like good people at all. Besides, I’ve left my family to train and I’m completely unfamiliar with the outside world. I needed companions,” Huster replied, spinning a lie. How could he possibly tell them that the system gave him a quest to help them?

“Ah, well, whatever the reason, we’re glad to have you with us, Huster. It’s getting late; everyone go wash up and get some rest,” Catherine said, wiping her hands and addressing the group.

“Sis, I want to sleep with you tonight,” Mia said, conjuring a ball of water to wash her hands before leaping into Catherine’s arms.

“All right, tonight I’ll stay with you,” Catherine replied, laughing softly.

Watching this warm scene, Huster smiled and returned to his room. This kind of life was not bad at all.

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Within the Girls’ Affection ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The next morning, at the Spark Mercenary Group headquarters, Huster, clad once again in combat gear, drew Heaven’s Spark from his belt and flung seven conjured disks into the air...

Bang! Bang! ... Bang! Bang! Bang! Seven gunshots rang out, and the seven disks were blown to pieces.

Clap! Clap! “You’re up early, Huster,” Amy Lou said, applauding as she approached from behind.

“Well, Amy Lou, you’re up early too.” Huster holstered Heaven’s Spark and turned to her.

“Did you make breakfast?” “Yes. I woke up early and decided to test my skills a bit. Thankfully, I haven’t lost my touch.” The two chatted casually...

“By the way, what was that thing you were holding? Its method of use reminds me of those extinct goblin weapons... what were they called? Oh, right—firearms,” Amy Lou asked curiously.

“Ah, you mean this? It’s called Heaven’s Spark. I crafted it from mithril, based on incomplete goblin records in my family archives. It can channel magic power to unleash powerful attacks.” Huster spun the gun and handed it to Amy Lou.

“It’s beautifully made. You’re amazing, Huster.” Amy Lou marveled, her eyes filled with surprise as she handled Heaven’s Spark.

Such strong magical conductivity—this rivals sixth-tier magic weapons.

“How do you use it?” “Align these parts with your target, and pull here.” “That simple?” “Bang!” “Wow! That’s really accurate. Amy Lou, you’re incredible.” Seeing the hole in the usual practice target in the courtyard, Amy Lou fell into deep thought once more.

A normal attack already reaches sixth-tier... what would happen if magic were infused? No wonder he took down Kash so easily.

“Mm... good morning, everyone.” The sleepy little mage Mia rubbed her eyes and walked out.

“Morning, Mia,” they replied in unison.

“Oh! Breakfast’s ready? Who made this? It smells amazing. I’ll go wake everyone up.” Awakened by the aroma, Mia lifted the pot lid, tasted a dish that could be considered a work of art, then ran back inside to call out.

“Wake up! Everyone get up! There’s delicious food today!” Watching the little girl, Huster smiled. What could be more joyous than being acknowledged by others?

“Good morning, everyone. What’s gotten into Mia today? In two days we’ll be back at the academy, and she won’t even let us rest,” Catherine said, emerging in casual clothes.

“Academy? What academy?” Huster asked curiously.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. We’re all students of the White Emperor Academy. The holiday is ending soon, but we’ve earned enough credits to advance to the next level, thanks to you, Huster,” Catherine explained.

“Can I go? Are there lightning magic courses?” Huster asked, full of anticipation.

“Of course. I was planning to invite you. There are lightning mages at the academy, though they’re rare. Their title is ‘War Mage’,” Catherine said happily.

“That’s wonderful! I’ll go with you in two days.” Knowing he could finally study complete lightning magic, Huster’s joy was beyond words.

“I announce that tomorrow we set out for the academy,” Catherine declared after breakfast.

“Huh? Wasn’t it two days from now?” Mia asked.

“Huster will be coming to study at the academy, so we’re leaving early—he needs to take the entrance exam.”

“Yay! Huster will definitely get excellent results!” Mia’s energetic voice rang out once more.

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Line dividing excellent results ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Another year begins, and the White Emperor Academy opens its doors once again. As the foremost of the four great academies on the continent, it draws crowds every year, but only a thousand new students are admitted annually. The registration lines stretch all the way outside White Stone City, so long one might wonder if they’ll still be standing by tomorrow. Yet, despite this, no one dares utter a complaint—even if they have grievances, none dare show it openly. Such is the awe the White Emperor Academy inspires.

Before them loomed the vast White Stone City: pristine ten-meter walls, patrolling soldiers all at least third-tier, wide avenues bustling with people, the central thoroughfare leading straight to the heart of the city—a castle more magnificent than any royal palace, the White Emperor Academy.

The White Emperor Academy is the dream school of countless young men and women across the continent. As the premier academy, it boasts the most comprehensive education system, with mentors no less than fifth-tier. Sixty percent of the continent’s strongest individuals are graduates of this institution!

Of the current ten eighth-tier powerhouses on the continent, three hail from White Emperor: fifth-ranked Storm Sword Saint Usmode, fourth-ranked Sky Sword Saint Casimode, and first-ranked Frozen Mage Saint Seras. And Seras, the top-ranked, is none other than the headmaster of White Emperor Academy.

Given all this, one might think admission is nearly impossible. But in truth, entry to the White Emperor Academy is quite simple: anyone who has reached the third tier can enroll. However, there’s a strict rule—only those aged sixteen to twenty are accepted; anyone older, even a ninth-tier Archmage, will be turned away!