“Karea Academy, as the largest magical academy in the Free Federation, must have a wealth of resources. That’s why I want to go there,” Nora explained.
Hearing her reasoning, Daniel realized that Nora had made this decision independently rather than waiting for someone else to guide her.
Satisfied, he had no further questions.
He then turned his gaze to Green, curious about his nephew’s choice.
“I want to stay here, in Riverside City, and remain at Crossbridge Academy,” Green replied. “During our last adventure, I gathered several young children. I want to watch over them and help them grow, just as Grandpa once did.”
Daniel nodded. He hadn’t expected everyone to leave for new experiences; if Green chose to stay and follow this path, Daniel would support him.
“Then go ahead and pursue it,” Daniel encouraged, giving Green an approving look. “By the way, stay behind; I have some things to discuss with you.” The others took this as their cue to leave.
Nina, who had been overlooked, couldn’t contain her impatience. “Headmaster, what about me? I want to go to Karea Academy too!”
It was clear Nina was in a hurry—she hadn’t even remembered Karea Academy’s name correctly.
“You? I’ll be going out for a bit, so you’ll be coming with me,” Daniel replied.
Nina looked baffled.
Why was everyone else allowed to pursue what they wanted, while she had to follow Daniel around?
Staying with him seemed far less interesting than staying at the academy, like Green.
“Headmaster, you can’t be unfair!” she protested.
“This isn’t unfair at all. They all have clear goals. What about you? What do you want?” Daniel asked.
“I… I want to study magic! I want to become a powerful tier-sage!” After a long pause, Nina finally blurted it out, but her statement caused the others to laugh, even Green, who raised an eyebrow skeptically.
It was hard for anyone to take Nina’s words seriously given her playful nature.
“Alright, you’ll stick with me,” Daniel concluded firmly.
“Oh, and I have something for all of you.” Daniel pulled out several red forges and handed them to the group, along with some magic array crystals.
“I’ve marked instructions inside; you’ll understand how to use them as you go. Try it here, so I can answer any questions you may have.”
The four of them immediately tested the forges, while Nina, watching eagerly, cast a longing glance at Daniel.
Not daring to speak up, she looked away reluctantly.
After successfully refining a mana drop, they realized the forge’s immense value and turned to Daniel in awe.
He merely smiled and advised, “The mana drop will dissipate over time, so it’s best to use it immediately after refining.”
Following his suggestion, they each consumed the drop and felt an immediate change—the magic patterns within them flowed more freely.
The mana drop’s effects were instantaneous, and the prospect of even more potent drops for physical strength, soul enhancement, or innate talent excited them all.
After the others left, Nina looked up at Daniel with puppy-dog eyes, trying to squeeze out a tear but failing miserably.
“Headmaster, I… I want one too! If you don’t give me one, I’ll… I’ll cry until I die right here in your office!”
“Take it,” Daniel said, handing her a forge. “You’re coming with me, so you’ll have plenty of chances to use it. You saw how the others operated it, right?”
“Of course! Thank you, Headmaster, you’re the best!” Nina grinned, leaving his office in high spirits.
…
A few days later, the group stood at the gates of Crossbridge Academy.
From today onward, each would set off in their own direction.
After exchanging farewells, they parted ways.
Green stayed behind at the academy to see each of them off.
Nora headed to meet the Karea Academy representatives, who were also leaving that day.
Standing apart from the group, Nora looked calm and composed.
Yark, however, wore a sullen expression, clearly displeased.
Only one out of five had chosen to join Karea Academy.
How could they be so indifferent to the opportunity to join such a prestigious institution?
It baffled him.
In a display of silent hostility, Yark kept his distance from Nora, showing neither respect nor warmth.
He avoided making any snide remarks, but his dislike was obvious.
“Nora, hello. I’m Eileen,” a girl in the group approached Nora with a friendly smile.
“Hello,” Nora replied.
“Don’t mind Yark. He’s always like that. Most people at Karea Academy are friendly,” Eileen reassured her. freeweɓnvel.com
“It’s just that… this is my first time leaving Riverside City. Going somewhere so far feels…” Nora said softly.
“I understand. I felt the same way the first time I left home. But you’ll get used to it. The academy is a wonderful place, and once you settle in, you’ll feel more comfortable,” Eileen said kindly.
“Is there a library at the academy?” Nora asked.
“Of course! I’ve even worked there. The collection is huge…” Eileen’s animated descriptions gradually eased Nora’s nervousness.
A simple carriage rolled out of Riverside City.
“Headmaster, where are we going this time?” Nina asked excitedly, watching the familiar scenery pass by.
“We’ll head north first.”
“North? I could teleport us there to save on mana stone costs, and then you could give the savings to me…” Nina began calculating with her fingers.
Daniel sighed. “Think about the distance from Riverside City to the northern border. Calculate how much mana it would take, and consider where we might end up if we need to recharge along the way. Honestly, with all the mana stones I’ve given you, isn’t that enough?”
“Mana stones are never enough!” Nina mumbled, casting an envious look out the window.
Her obsession with mana stones was apparent.
Just then, Daniel noticed another carriage approaching from behind.
A familiar presence emanated from it.
He signaled the driver to pull over.
Moments later, Claire stepped out of the carriage. “Thank goodness, I caught up with you, Daniel,” she said, sounding relieved.
“What brings you here?” Daniel asked.
“Well, Daniel, I have a young relative who’s quick-witted and capable. I thought if she traveled with you, it might make the journey smoother.”