Ranking

Most of all, all these problems can be solved if Alex manages to get on the ranking. With such a rare element, the academy will definitely pay special attention if he gets on the ranking of his batch"

Immediately Vee mentioned the ranking, the expressions on the faces of Bretrato and the village head changed.

They both knew about the ranking in academies that Vee was talking about and how difficult it was to get on it, especially for kids like Alex who were from poor families. Getting into the ranking was not impossible even though it was hard… moreover, the benefits of being on the ranking were mind-blowing. A student would literally be able to attend any class of their choice for free and get a lot of resources to improve themselves before the ranking got refreshed!

Marcos and Agnes did not know of this so they could only look towards the village head and the old storyteller for clues after hearing Vee's words.

As for Alex, he understood nothing that was being said but he was sure that it involved a lot of money and the fact that he might be going to a magic academy.

'A magic academy!' Alex was rolling with excitement inwards and his eyes were clearly showing it. How many times had he heard of the glorious stories of academies from the old storyteller? It was not extravagant to say that every kid who had listened to the old man's stories longed to attend a magic academy but they knew it was impossible unless one was a mage but it seemed like Alex was going to be fortunate enough to attend! He was barely stopping himself from laughing foolishly.

But another thing that he also did not understand was the ranking that they were talking about. He decided not to bother himself for now and allow them to conclude first before maybe asking or keeping his curiosity to himself.

The debate did not go on for long after Vee started giving valid points before they finally came to a conclusion to send Alex to a magic academy.

"And a year should be enough for us to gather a quantitative amount of money to send him to an academy and pay for registration, this should also be enough time for you two to prepare him. Alex had never left the village since he was born and it might be difficult for him to accept leaving even if it's for his own benefit. He is going to be away from his parents and the other kids so it would be understandable for him to refuse the kind gesture" the village head said to Marcos and Agnes who both nodded with serious expressions. They too would find it hard to let go of their only child to venture into the big world but they knew it was for the good of all.

Alex stared at them with a wronged expression, he was a fifteen-year-old kid and definitely understood this part since it involved the academy and he knew that it would benefit all if he went. Why would he refuse a chance to help his village? But he did not blame them, he might be fifteen but he looked smaller and could be mistaken for a twelve-year-old kid so it was not strange that they would see him with such a mentality even when he was older.

After they had agreed on the next step of action to take and already decided to inform the other villagers the next day, a new question arose.

"What academy should Alex be sent to?"

Depending on the academy that he would be sent to, they would be able to plan how to work the amount of money needed.

"Why don't we just send him to the academy in the next kingdom/city? The academy there can be said to be above average and the registration fee is not that expensive" The old storyteller suggested and everyone instantly agreed with him, everyone except Vee.

(So I think I will stop making use of cities in the book and just call the places kingdoms, a lot of kingdoms can be in a continent, right?)

"The academy in the next kingdom? Why don't we send him to the Royal Magic Academy since we already agreed to send him to an academy? If we are going to suffer to get him through, he should get the best of the best choices" Vee voiced out, his tone firm and solid like he was making a declaration.

Everyone was stunned by Vee's words, Marcos and Agnes were even more touched by the old man's decision. They felt touched that he was willing to suffer to get the best of the best for their son.

Who hasn't heard of the Royal Magic Academy? Even the kids of this village knew of it from the old storyteller's stories. The Royal Magic Academy was not named this way because it was owned by a Royal family, it was named this way because it was the strongest academy in the whole southern continent and was also built by the supreme rank mage that ruled the continent.

"You stinking old man, don't bite more than you can chew. Do you have any idea what you are saying? The Royal Magic Academy, seriously?" Bretrato hissed at Vee, this damned old man was just so good at pissing him off.

"Yes, Vee. I know that we should get the best for our people but the Royal Magic Academy is just too far from our reach. Not only is it very far away for ordinary people to reach easily, but it is also where the children of the most prominent families and powerful factions send their juniors. I'm afraid we can't get Alex in" The village head supported the old storyteller and stared at Vee with a frown.

Even Alex's parents could not help but sadly agree that it was too much for the village to send Alex to such a place.

"Eish! You people keep disappointing me. You all keep ignoring an important matter" Vee said with a mysterious grin on his old face.

"And what is that?" The village head asked as everyone else also looked at Vee, waiting for his answer.