7 Why won't anyone believe the truth nowadays!?

This was the first time Vincent felt complete, unadulterated terror. Even in the face of a 3rd-Rank Mage, he didn't feel this kind of terror.

His gaze followed the young man exiting the commercial area. He didn't look on any further and quickly left; he embarrassed himself long enough.

...

After leaving the commercial area, Claude went home. He knew that his actions might cause the wrath of that young man's, therefore he decided to power himself up before that time arrives.

Even though he's already a 4th-Rank Mage, that doesn't mean he's invincible. In any case, it's better to be safe than sorry.

As he laid on his bed, Claude took the Nine Revolving Suns and absorbed himself. With Intermediate Essence Arts knowledge, although he has some difficulties, he can still manage to understand some things.

After a long time, Claude frowned, "Can I really not start right now? What if that brat comes to me for trouble?"

While he read, he learned that, apparently, Essence and Mana cannot co-exist. Because once an purified mana comes in contact with purified Essence, destructive effects would occur. To circumvent that, one should should purify mana.

"Purifying mana requires the user to have Great Accomplishment in Mana Manipulation. If that's the case, why don't I just... purify my mana by following the pathways of Nine Revolving Suns?" He thoughtfully said to himself.

"Argh, that won't work. If I did that, my mana will turn into Essence. Therefore I need to think of a solution to prevent that."

...

The students who got eliminated at the Inter-school competition either went home or went back to school.

Most of the students who went back to school were the students whom Claude discussed magic with. Among them were Vaun, Luna the blonde girl, and Riyah the timid girl.

"Why did you call me this time? If you don't give me a satisfactory explanation, I'll make you regret calling me here." A red head boy crossed his arms and said coldly.

He had just got back from the Inter-school competition after getting defeated. After Vaun called him over, he hurried back to school.

"Oh really?" Luna glared.

Riyah, who was in the middle of the two, muttered to herself, 'Why am I here? I should've went home. I'm not even part of this group.'

Vaun ignored the red head boy's question and asked, "Where's Frey?"

"After he was utterly defeated, his sister went on a rampage and sent him home to train. It was really a sight to behold." The red head boy explained with a look of reminiscence on his face.

Shaking his head bitterly, Vaun sighed, "I don't know why they gave us such an impossible task. Win a duel against an Aizen student? Do they think we're Gods?"

Luna and Deimos also smiled bitterly upon hearing this.

Winning against students from River City's School of Magic is difficult as it is, yet their brothers and sisters want them to win against students of a distinguished school such as Aizen.

"Argh, forget it. I called you here today to discuss with you about magic. I, Luna, and this girl met a high-ranking mage earlier. You can't guess what his identity is" Vaun said with a mysterious smile.

"What? Is he that old guy living at the back of the school?" Deimos asked.

Flabbergasted at Deimos' conclusion, Vaun quickly explained, "What? No! How could that old guy be a high-ranking mage? It's the janitor!"

"You say that as if the janitor being a high ranking mage isn't more confounding." Deimos shook his head and was about to turn around to leave, "If you're just here to tell me that the inconspicuous janitor is a high ranking mage, then don't involve me in your delusions. Be thankful that I'm in a good mood today."

Vaun felt aggrieved.

Why won't anyone believe the truth nowadays!?

Gritting his teeth, he said, "We know a way to attain the Integration realm. Maybe then... you can surpass your brother."

Deimos stopped in his tracks and stared at Vaun with curious eyes, "I doubt I can beat him with just that, but keep talking."

With that said, Vaun reiterated what Claude had discussed with them. As students not even in the 2nd-Rank, Claude's words were like ancient scriptures.

Not to mention that Claude simplified it for them, so they easily understood the crux.

After he was done explaining, Vaun glanced at Deimos only to see him silent and seemingly deep in thought. He didn't dare to disturb, so he asked everyone to stay quiet.

Soon, a loud exclamation was heard, "Brilliant! I don't know why I only learned this now. If we did follow the Senior's instructions, it is indeed possible to attain Integration. Not only that, we can achieve it with half the effort!"

Everyone was surprised. They thought that it was simply a way to attain Integration. They didn't think that they would only use half the effort it would normally take.

"Are you sure!?" At this time, even Riyah who was only listening also asked alongside with Vaun and Luna.

"Undoubtedly sure! You should know that before Freya had Integrated an element into herself, I often went to their house to hang out with Frey. I also managed to eavesdrop on a few conversations regarding the Integration of an element." Deimos said confidently, "However, their method is far from comparable to the Senior's. The difference is like heaven and earth!"

"Hypothetically, if we do the Senior's method, how sure are you that we can reach the Integration Realm?" This time, Luna asked.

The Integration Realm is something every Mage below 3rd-Rank wants to reach. Naturally, as 1st-Rank Mages, they too want to reach that realm.

"I'm 100% sure!"