Almost everyone, specifically the youths that were classified as citizens from a lower class world, felt a burning sensation on their palms lasting for only a moment.
Emery's field of view was hijacked with a large notification that said the following:
[Restriction spells has been placed]
Confused, he looked at the others only to find out they had the same expression.
"Emery… are you seeing this too? Restriction has been placed," asked Julian, dumbfounded.
Emery nodded as well as Chumo, Thrax and Klea. They all allowed the same information to be shown to each other.
[Thrax]
[Battle power: 25 (16)]
[Spirit power: 33 (23]
[Julian]
[Battle power: 15 (11)]
[Spirit power:34 (24)]
[Chumo]
[Battle power: 16 (11)]
[Spirit power 35 (26)]
[Klea]
[Battle power: 11 (8)]
[Spirit power:42 (37)]
Both their spirit and battle power had been drastically reduced.
"What is going on?" a youth from the crowd asked.
"What is this? I can't even cast a spell!" cried Klea, waving her hand and repeatedly reciting the names of her spells.
Silva, on the other hand, looked unperturbed.
"What is going on, Silva?" Emery asked.
Silva sighed, seemingly not interested in explaining at all, but did so anyway. "Acolytes that arrive here from a lower world have always been given a powerful restriction spell upon their return."
"Why? What for?" Emery pressed the question.
"I don't know nor care enough to know the whole reason behind it. But from what I've heard, it's to ensure balance of the acolyte's world once they return. After all, they don't want a civilization to advance too rapidly with the help of other world civilizations."
Silva lifted her hand and was able to make roots grow like the one from her entangle spell.
"How are you-"
Silva cut off Klea mid sentence and said, "Since I come from a higher realm, I am not affected by the restriction spells. As for you all, the rules are different. From what I've heard though, you may still cast the spell, at least part of it, as long as you have full mastery over it."
Julian raised his voice from his otherwise calm demeanor. "Bullshit! Everything here is beyond our world! If that is the case, ours will be a lower world for who knows how long!"
"Watch your tongue!" Silva said, her cold stare brought goosebumps to everyone in her surrounding.
"If you don't like what you're hearing, take it upon the headmaster yourself!" she added.
Emery was surprised just as everyone. This was a first for them to see Julian lash out like that.
"So-sorry about that, Silva. Can you tell us more about what you know?" Emery interjected.
Silva snorted and crossed her arms. Her brows were furrowed but she obliged him. "Listen, it isn't only your strengths that are restricted, your mouth should be the same in case you thought about telling anyone of this world. All of the belongings you have accumulated here will stay here until the next time you come back to this world."
Emery and his friends did gain some items during the past seven days in the magus academy and these items would surely be beneficial to bring back. He had the six green essence potions left in his bag but since he had convinced himself it wasn't his anyway, it would be best for him not to carry it around. Emery wanted to ask a few more questions when Headmaster Altus Dreyden tapped his wooden stick once again.
The purple tower behind the old man glowed magnificently while he said, "In lieu of the rules given by the government to the academy, all acolytes from the lower worlds have been given restriction. Be wary of the restriction that has been placed for you since there are punishments if you decide not to follow the rules in place. This is for your own good, the world and humankind."
Emery felt an unusual trust toward the speaking headmaster. He wasn't sure if it was due to a spell or the old man's powerful aura; the moment this old man said a single word, all complaints from the fuming acolytes came to a halt and all was silent once more.
The headmaster continued speaking, "Remember to always be diligent in improving your understanding of the elements. You will all be sent back in a short whole and I will see you all back next year."
Julian appeared to have calmed down now but the way he had his fist clenched said otherwise. He asked, "Silva, how can we end this restriction?"
She ignored Julian, which made Emery butt in, making her finally answer Julian's inquiry. "Didn't you hear me and the headmaster earlier? Sigh… if you really are determined, then it'll be after you reach a certain rank in the academy or until your realm is stronger than the spell itself."
Julian deeply breathed out and released his fist. Both he and Emery thank Silva for providing valuable knowledge.
"Huh! Just make sure you return next year and return the favor," she said to Emery just before her body glowed and a blinding beam of light struck her directly from the sky. Emery opened his eyes, and Silva was no longer there.
It didn't take long for the same thing to occur at the other acolytes around them. Some appeared scared but some relaxed. This must be the transportation method, so Emery thought this was the time to say goodbye.
He stared at his four friends; Julian, Thrax, Chumo and Klea. He said as he waved his hand, "Take care guys. We will see each other next year."
The same ray of light first struck his hand, a buzzing sound rang in his ears, he felt his whole body floating and then the large beam of light struck his whole being. Shortly after, Emery opened his eyes. The blue sky entered his vision as the musky smell of the grass and earth entered his nostrils. The rustling of the trees, the rushing river current beside him all welcomed him back.
"I have finally returned," he said.