Chapter 36: Going Head to Head

“So, you two are here to take that… assessment, right?”  

The meaning behind these two was obvious—they wanted Sara to participate in the Imperial Magic Academy’s entrance exam and study there.  

Li Xian truly didn’t understand what was so great about this shabby school that made so many people flock to it.  

“That’s right.”  

This time, it was the other mage answering Li Xian.

His name seemed to be Light.  

It was clear he was a proud man—or rather, somewhat self-righteous.  

“You surely understand what it means to enter the Imperial Magic Academy… Miss Sara is a genius; someone like you is simply unworthy of her. I believe you’re aware of this yourself. Wise men adapt to the times—Miss Sara’s future is bright, and it’s almost certain she will become a transcendent-level mage one day.”

He continued, “If you selfishly refuse to let Miss Sara study at the Academy, it’s not only selfish but also foolish! Delaying the future of a genius of the Empire for personal reasons—you could be called a criminal against the Roland Empire!”  

“I advise you to think carefully and avoid causing harm to both yourself and others.”  

These words were delivered with righteous indignation, and a few baseless accusations were cast on Li Xian.

If Li Xian were an ordinary person, he might have been intimidated.  

This was precisely Light’s intention.

In his eyes, since this pretty boy was a coward, scaring him a little would resolve everything smoothly.  

Unfortunately, Li Xian was neither a coward nor a common weakling.  

Even clay figures have some spirit—let alone a powerhouse like Li Xian.

Though he was new and not yet fully aware of his own strength or pride, such words were enough to irritate him.  

“I don’t know.”  

But anger didn’t mean he had to lose control.

Li Xian understood this well.

Being aggressive was just a sign of cowardice.  

He replied coolly, lifted the cup in his hand, and took a gentle sip of tea.

His expression was calm and indifferent, but beneath the tranquility was a solemnity that made the atmosphere around them stiffen.  

Light’s face slowly changed.  

“I don’t know what so-called magic academy you’re talking about, nor do I think I’m unworthy of Sara. If she wants to go, that’s her business—no irrelevant outsider should interfere!”  

“Master…”  

Sara nervously stepped beside Li Xian.

Her soft voice was like a fuse, reigniting the tense atmosphere.  

‘Master.’ They all clearly understood the significance of that title.  

“You…”  

Vick looked at Li Xian, his expression shifting multiple times until it grew very unpleasant.  

Such a genius, yet so submissive—willing to be a servant?

If there was no coercion or deceit behind this, who would believe it?  

Light’s expression grew serious.

Unlike the straightforward Vick, Light was arrogant but not foolish enough to be completely ignorant.  

If Li Xian were truly a timid pretty boy, he wouldn’t have reacted that way or calmly spoken such words.  

“Is he hiding his strength or just ignorant and fearless?”  

Either way, the conversation was no longer appropriate.

People were beginning to notice, and today was the registration day for the Academy’s entrance exam.

After breakfast, they still had to rush to sign up.  

Light pulled Vick away.

After finishing breakfast, Li Xian took Sara back to the room.  

“Sara.”  

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Li Xian looked at Sara and asked, “Is something bothering you?”  

“Huh?”  

Sara immediately looked up at Li Xian.

“Master, I…”  

“Do you want to go? To that Academy…”  

Li Xian naturally noticed the subtle change in Sara’s expression when the Magic Academy was mentioned.  

“Sara… doesn’t want to.”  

“Are you lying?”  

Li Xian gently lifted her flushed cheek with a finger.  

“Because… Master seems not to like the Imperial Magic Academy.”  

Sara’s eyes darted away, but she eventually told the truth.  

“That’s where my mother graduated from…”  

“Then go.”   Li Xian sighed softly.

He didn’t want to force Sara to do anything she didn’t want to do, nor would he stop her from pursuing what she wanted.  

“But…”  

Sara shook her head, still worried.  

“It’s fine.” Li Xian smiled.

He didn’t want to return to a life of hunting Fireball Rats for a living.

Staying in the Imperial Capital to see if there was another path wasn’t a bad choice.  

However…  

“By the way, how much is the tuition at that Magic Academy?” Li Xian felt a little uneasy so he asked.

The cost of living in the Imperial Capital had left a deep impression on him.

This academy seemed so impressive—what if he couldn’t afford the fees?

That would be awkward.  

“Huh?”  

His question left Sara dumbfounded.  

“Huh?”  

Li Xian echoed her confusion, looking at her.

Since her mother graduated from there, surely Sara would know these things?  

“Master, you don’t know?”  

Sara’s face was strange.

After all, this was something basically everyone in the Empire knew.  

“The Imperial Magic Academy doesn’t charge tuition.”  

“Ah? Seriously?”  

Li Xian was stunned.

Was that even possible?  

“Not only do they not charge any fees, but students enrolled at the Imperial Magic Academy receive a monthly stipend of one thousand Gold Coins.”  

“Now I understand why everyone wants to go there.” Li Xian said seriously.  

No tuition and they pay you?

This isn’t studying; it’s like getting a high-paying government job with job security.  

“Sara, when are you going to register? I’ll go with you.”  

Honestly, why turn down free Gold Coins?  

“Huh? Ah… okay…”  

Sara looked blank but could only nod foolishly since her master said so.  

Li Xian wasn’t making this decision on a whim.

Though he disliked academy life, without better options, improving his adventurer rank required obtaining proof from an institution like this academy.  

Better close than far.

And this was the best academy in the entire Empire.

He might as well learn more Magic there.

After all, he had the magical power but didn’t know much about Magic itself yet.  

So this academy—whether it’s truly amazing or not—was undeniably enticing…