An Exception

Some time went by. Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's professors and acolytes had gradually recovered from the shocking events and adapted themselves to the present situation.

The current Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had almost, ironically, become a graveyard. Within such a great academy, one would rarely see another soul. Its classrooms were vacant, the Trading Post was left uninhabited and even the academy's Quest Hall only had a few acolytes accepting missions.

The entire Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had sunk into stillness as silent and steady as a grave. In these circumstances, if an ordinary person were to stay here, he would be frightened to death.

One positive thing was that the acolytes who survived the Bloodbath, as well as other professors, were highly resolute. They were able to maintain the operations of the academy, even under such circumstances. However, this state of affairs would not last very long. According to Leylin's guess, the enrollment period for new acolytes joining the magic academies of South Coast was fast approaching.

This time, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy would certainly lower its requirements. Then a large number of acolytes would be able to join and thus reinstate the institution's glory. At least on the surface.

But the nurturing of any talented acolyte would consume a vast amount of time and energy, not to mention the recruitment of new 5th-grade acolytes — where and how would it be easy to find one with such talent?

The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's heritage had declined drastically during Leylin's generation. It was likely that at least 10 years would be required to regain their former level of strength.

However, Leylin wasn't greatly concerned about these issues. In fact, he did not give a damn. He once again returned to a thread-like monotonous life — he would distance himself from the world as he delved into his projects within Kroft's private lab.

Although he would not conduct any sensitive research, he still made good progress on little topics that provided Aralis with useful data for future analysis. He had also stopped aiding his professor in his work, leaving Bicky to fend for herself since Merlin betrayed them in favor of his new mentor.

Meanwhile, he took advantage of the privileges granted to a level 3 acolyte — he purchased large amounts of magical resources and stored information on advanced subjects.

Leylin's aptitude in the Magus World was considered average, neither high nor low, but it was rather decent. Yet, he had shown that his cunning more than made up for it. Officially, he had succeeded in advancing to a level 3 acolyte in the same period a fifth-grade talent would. In the future, there would be plenty of time for him to breakthrough into an official Magus.

Considering this point, regardless of whether it be a professor or an acolyte, all would regard him as a person of very great importance.

Whenever Leylin encountered an official Magus, he would greet them. In return, they would nod their heads in recognition and approval. Sometimes they even engaged in small talk with him.

Also, when acolytes saw Leylin from afar, they would immediately greet him and bow their heads. Even to students of older generations, he was considered a Senior for his achievements in defeating a Great Mankestre Snake, as well as winning the Alchemy Tournament. It didn't mean they liked him, though.

On the contrary, most of the surviving acolytes were extremely jealous of Leylin. Despite the anonymity of the exchange process, everyone sort of knew Kroft's personal apprentice had surely gotten a bountiful amount of contribution points.

As for Nyssa and the rest of whatever lowlives that survived the Bloodbath, they did not dare to call themselves magicians in front of Leylin.

Thinking of Nyssa, Leylin could not help but feel amused at her. In such a fierce Bloodbath, she was actually able to preserve her life, which was an extremely difficult thing to do for a trash-tier aptitude like her. That being said, Nyssa herself had confessed to Leylin how she remained hidden for the entire Bloodbath, and had at the last moment stolen a Whitewoods badge from a dead Abyssal Bone Forest acolyte.

Nyssa had then bragged to Leylin of her opportunity to exchange her contribution points for a potion to increase Spiritual Force, and of her preparation to breakthrough to level 3 acolyte. Leylin had also taken the chance to swindle more magic crystals out of her, of course.

'To heal her mutated and disgusting body, she needs to become a proper Magus at the very least. I wish her a painful cultivation, but one that eventually bears fruit. After all, it would only benefit me if one of my tools rises in power.' -Leylin remembered Nyssa's injuries and her addiction to his drugs, causing him to smirk.

Right now, in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, there was only himself and Nyssa who hailed from the Chernobyl Islands. But these fleeting thoughts only passed through Leylin's mind briefly. Very soon, he concentrated on the book in front of him.

The book in his hands was extremely thick, the same thickness as two bricks together. However, the paper's surface was extremely small. This was the style of ancient books.

'Mother Earth laid down on the ground and gave birth to 7 children. They were Anger, Sorrow, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Gluttony, and Fear. Each of her children inherited one of their mother's power. Mountains will tear themselves apart in front of them, and the seas will part before them…'

The book in Leylin's hands concerned myths.

'The ancient writing is extremely obscure. In it, much information about Magi is concealed…'

Leylin's eyes flashed as he commanded his A.I. assistant to record every last word. Ever since Leylin registered under the administrative area and became a potential Magus, he managed to obtain more access to privileged information within Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

Case in point, the forbidden wing of the Library, which was brimming with ancient texts and scrolls.

Of course, within these books, any information regarding official Magus had been erased. At the very most, they were briefly mentioned in passing, with cryptic writings. Normally, people would just gloss over these confusing parts.

Naturally, Leylin was not among them.

First of all, the A.I. Chip had recorded almost all information that was beneath the topics of Magi. Right now, Leylin could vouch for himself that most professors in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy could not match his knowledge concerning acolytes.

This was a great foundation buildup for Leylin at the acolyte level. At least now he was aware of the mistakes from breaking through to a level 3 acolyte and even tried to correct them.

One should not look down on such information. If the mistakes are not corrected, even after Leylin becomes an official Magus, his Spiritual Force would stall for a long period of time, with no chance of ever breaking through to the next level.

Furthermore, Leylin found some content regarding advanced meditation techniques.

According to these bits and pieces, together with the spirit body's intel, Leylin could confirm that the chairman of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and those leaders of major guilds and Magisteriums in South Coast used these advanced meditation techniques to break through.

Hence, they were able to achieve their current status.

As for the majority of the Magi in South Coast, as well as many professors in the academies, they did not know of the existence of advanced meditation techniques. They simply used Grine Water to break through, causing them to remain at the level of a Rank 1 Magus for their entire life.

After looking at all these indications, Leylin completely sealed the notion of using Grine Water for his own breakthrough.

'It seems like heading towards the Zither Moon Mountain Plains and obtaining the advanced meditation technique that the great Magus Serholm left behind is quite necessary for my future developments…'

Leylin closed the book slowly and left the library.

Leylin had used Aralis to record all of the information in the forbidden Library section. In the future, no matter where he was, he could always perform a query as if he were skimming interactive Wikipedia pages.

"Greetings, Professor."

Leylin went to Kroft's lab and bowed to Kroft, who was carrying out an experiment.

Although Kroft was the same as before, Leylin found that his eyes were somewhat dimmed. It seems that Merlin's betrayal, albeit expected, still impacted this old man of more than 100 years of age. Even if Leylin had become his favorite student, Merlin had been his personal apprentice for well over 6 years.

"Leylin, my child!" After seeing Leylin, Kroft smiled and he looked to be more focused. "Regarding my suggestion from before... have you decided on an answer?" Kroft asked with curiosity.

"Indeed I have, Professor." -Leylin bowed once more. "I appreciate that House Leslie thinks highly of me. But I will respectfully decline their generous offer. I wish to try breaking through on my own."

After hearing Leylin's reply, Kroft's expression darkened. However, Leylin's talent in Potioneering was admirable, even to Kroft. After knowing that Merlin had defected from his side, Leylin had become his only apprentice worthy of nurturing, so he could not help but advise again.

"The Leslie family is a great one, with Potioneering as their niche. With them, your talents will definitely be increased to their fullest extent. Moreover, the Leslie family has a sincere approach, where the contract terms are much better than the academy's."

Leylin displayed a very keen look, but deep down he had already rejected Kroft's proposition without the slightest hesitation. After the Potioneering Tournament, Leylin's position in Kroft's heart was elevated. However, following the Bloodbath and its aftermath, Leylin had become the absolute object of Kroft's favor.

Previously, when they spoke, Kroft represented House Leslie in supporting him and made quite an offer to Leylin. Had it not been him, any other acolyte would've accepted the deal with joy.

The Leslie family was one of the largest-scale Magi Houses in Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, with many Magi supporting it.

Kroft was one of its members. Having a long-standing tradition and history with Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, the Leslie family also possessed copies of a Ranks 1 spell and plenty of Grine Water.

What Kroft suggested was similar to the contract signed with the academy. The Leslie family would also give a Rank 1 spell model and a Grine Water in exchange.

Compared to a contract with the academy, however, a deal with a Magi House would have fewer restraints. Nevertheless, this was not in line with Leylin's interests. No matter how powerful the Leslie family was, they surely wouldn't be able to provide an advanced meditation technique.

Looking at Kroft, who did not have a single high-grade meditation technique, Leylin already knew the answer to this dilemma. Under the inheritance of great Magus Serholm, Leylin hoped that he would never have to join a Magi family and put restrictions on himself.

Moreover, Leylin was a person who valued his personal freedom. Unless he was in a desperate situation, he would never consider selling himself to be contracted with a family.

"I thank you for your support, Professor." -Leylin raised his head, his eyes showing an unshakeable resolve and determination. "Alas, I still wish to try on my own. If I were to fail, I promise you, that I will definitely prioritize your offer and consider joining House Leslie."

Leylin chuckled on the inside. To him, failure was not an option.

Various expressions flashed across Kroft's face. Looking at the most outstanding acolyte he had right now, he suddenly felt a little helpless. "Alright then, my boy. You are only 17 years old! Youth is precious, it allows you to make mistakes. House Leslie shall be waiting for you."

Kroft looked at Leylin and was reminded of his younger self. His eyes revealed that he was recalling a memory.

'You gotta be fucking kidding me. His condescending act is making me want to strangle him to death.' -Leylin had to calm his dark urges.

"Thank you, Professor." -Even though Kroft was being somewhat unreasonable, Leylin had to play the part.

[He would never let any harm befall his most prized student. This trait should be rather praiseworthy within Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.] -Aralis said with a tinge of sarcasm.

'This bastard has outlived his usefulness long ago.' -Leylin considered beneath his mask.

"In that case… How do you plan to overcome this obstacle to becoming an official Magus?" -Kroft asked with a hand under his chin.

"This…" -Leylin shook his head as if in embarrassment, revealing an apologetic expression. "I heard that Professor Dorotte had a piece of remnant information concerning official Magi…"

"Hahaha, I see…" -Kroft laughed dejectedly. "Was your plan all along, my boy?"

In South Coast, the information to become an official Magus was often controlled by large guilds. But there was always an exception.