9 Task

Arial sighed after hearing the terms of his enrollment…

'This… Just how bad my talent is?'

The young man thought that he would have some kind of advantage after completing the 7th Stage of the experimentation. Or at the very least, he would have enough talent to attend the academy.

He had never thought that he would have to get pitied just to be enrolled in the Academy!

'Ugh… So that's why Uncle Henrik informed the Headmaster first instead of me enrolling normally in the Academy.'

He finally realized that this is all within Henrik's calculation.

Anyway, as long as he could complete the request to protect the Count's daughter and gain access to the library, Arial would be happy even with this condition.

"Kid, are you sure this is all fine with you? You can consider attending the Knight School or other Mystic Arts Academy with low standards… I can recommend you there."

Ruslan said very kindly. This means that he's not aware of his true purpose for attending this place. Well, it does make sense since even Henrik wasn't sure about the identities of the people who is targeting that Count's daughter.

With that in mind, Arial politely declined.

He had to attend this academy at all costs since this is also the best within the whole Kingdom.

"Thank you for the offer, Headmaster. However, I think that getting me tested by the instructors themselves is a good idea… but what if I didn't pass any of their tests."

That was a good question. The three men looked at each other before Ruslan answered.

"Do not worry. If that really happens, you will still work as a custodian. However, if you have confidence in your physical abilities, you should at least pass the test from the instructor of Physical Education or maybe the History Class Instructor. Kekeke… What I'm saying is that some classes don't require any talent for Mystic Arts. Don't give up!"

Ruslan encouraged him as he probably thought that he was worried about not getting a pass from other instructors.

"Thank you. I will do my best, Headmaster."

Ruslan then explained about the job of being a custodian and about the person he would have to meet for this. He also mentioned that this job is nothing to be laughed about.

Within the Academy, not just anyone can enter its multiple buildings. Only the qualified custodians and the security personnel were allowed to have access to most of the buildings… Nevertheless, as a caretaker, his main task is to clean them which would be later explained by the current manager of all the custodians in the Academy.

"I understand, Headmaster."

"Good… Here, take this and show this to the Registrar's Office so they can further assist you with the uniforms and other things you need to know. As for the instructors inside the Academy, we will let them know about your situation…"

Ruslan concluded their conversation after giving all this information he needed to know.

As the three pillars of the Academy were left in the Core Testing Hall, the testing array on the floor disappeared after a wave of the Headmaster's hands.

"Hmm… That guy, what is he thinking? Why did he want this kid to learn the Mystic Arts?" Ruslan muttered as the two men beside him nodded.

"Well, who knows… Maybe he was just frustrated that he's bad at Mystic Arts that's why he sent his student here to learn and not be like him."

"That's not the issue… That kid is not simple. There was no way we couldn't test his affinity clearly."

"You two… Stop thinking about him. Especially you, Clemens… Don't investigate his background any further." Ruslan said to the man who wasn't hiding his hostile gaze when Arial entered the hall.

This is because Clemens is in charge of a large information network within the whole Kingdom!

The fact that Arial's background is so suspicious made him feel unpleasant about his presence.

"Haa~ If you say so. However, Sir Valentin must assign at least one of his disciples to observe him from time to time."

"I don't mind that… I have a few more disciples that have nothing much to do anyway…" Valentin, one that is considered as the Academy's strongest Mystic Arts Practitioner, replied in an indifferent tone.

In truth, he wasn't too worried about Arial's presence since he has poor talent or affinity with mana. In short, even if he tries to cause trouble, it would be nothing much and could be ignored because he's weak.

Nevertheless, he already wants to return to his office so he just agreed to whatever they said.

***

Arial came out of the Core Testing Hall and saw quite a lot of students exploring the buildings where they are allowed to go.

He ignored them for now as he headed towards the Registrar's Office. It's not difficult to find since it is quite near the front gate of the Academy…

Clip-clop! Clip-clop! Clip-clop!

Arial saw a carriage entering the Academy grounds and heading toward the Mystic Tower. He hadn't seen many carriages here so it easily caught his attention and all the other passer-by.

He even heard some of them talk about the carriage…

"Wait… Look at that crest! Isn't that similar to the County of Ressel!"

"Ahh! That purple crest. You're right. That should be Count Irvin Ploense."

"No! You mean his daughter. The one inside should be Lady Tia!"

"Ugh! I wish I could see her today!"

As soon as he heard this, Arial realized that they are talking about Florentia Ploense! The only daughter of the richest count of this kingdom and the target of his secret bodyguard mission!

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The carriage continued moving out of his sight until it was completely blocked by several buildings.

The young man smiled as he stopped gazing at the carriage and entered the Registrar's Office.

Anyway, he would have plenty of time to see her in a few days so he didn't mind if he missed her today.