Chapter 6: Enrolling to Become a Magic User

After speaking, Alicia turned her head away. She simply couldn't understand why Eric dared to provoke Kevin.

Alicia had always noticed Eric's efforts. However, his lack of talent was painfully obvious. Wasn't he aware of that himself?

'Come to think of it, I really shouldn't have interfered. Maybe it's because he's worked so hard ever since senior year, it's been quite moving...' Alicia thought to herself.

Eric, seeing her attitude, didn't say much in return. He knew how people thought of him in class, but his personality didn't care about others' opinions.

After expressing his thanks, he immediately pushed everything that had just happened out of his mind and focused on his studies. He opened his Magic theory book and began to read.

[Ding, you've read the book, triggering a 10x critical hit, progress +60]

[Skill: Reading (Beginner)]

[Progress: (160/500)]

[Description: Mental Focus, Tireless]

At that moment, another line of text appeared before Eric's eyes. He was slightly surprised. 'I didn't expect reading could also trigger a 10x critical hit.'

It was clear that his skill had reached the beginner stage.

This, probably, had something to do with the fact that he had been working hard and reading many books all along.

'If that's the case, then almost everything I do is like I'm using a cheat, huh?' Eric felt invigorated.

He then continued reading. Interestingly, as he read, the progress bar for reading kept increasing.

Although he didn't trigger another 10x critical hit in such a short time, the feeling he had while reading was completely different from before.

Now, every time he picked up a book, he felt naturally immersed in it, and he didn't even feel tired at all.

"Class, it's time." came the voice of the tardy Mr. Lester as he finally entered the classroom.

This time, he didn't bring any textbooks. As soon as he walked in, his expression was stern, and he addressed the class, "Today, we need to do something very important."

All the students immediately focused their attention, and Eric closed his book.

At the front of the class, Mr. Lester asked, "How many of you will be taking the college entrance exam this year?"

His question was concise. As soon as it was asked, many students in the class exchanged glances and began whispering among themselves.

extraordinary beings were a rare breed, and not everyone in the class could become one.

With just a month left until the exam, those who were unlikely to become extraordinary beings could stop wasting their time.

They would choose to apply to regular schools and not take the extraordinary beings entrance exam.

"This is an important matter, but after a year of study, I believe everyone here already has their own answer in their hearts." Mr. Lester said as he scanned the room.

Kevin, sitting in the front row, couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Of course, I'm participating. With my abilities, just one more week, and I'll definitely break through to Low-level Physical Cultivation Practitioner!"

As he spoke, his eyes involuntarily shifted to the back, where Eric was sitting not too far away. "But some useless people, well, they probably won't make it…"

His group of lackeys all laughed and chimed in with agreement.

Mr. Lester remained expressionless. For him, Physical Cultivation Practitioners were of little concern. In every senior class, the number of Physical Cultivation Practitioners usually made up about a third of the class.

What he truly cared about were the extraordinary Magic users. He himself was a teacher of Magic.

In the past, only one Magic User at most would be produced from each class, and sometimes none at all!

"So, how many of you will be taking the Magic entrance exam?" Lester asked, his gaze falling on Lilith and Alicia.

These two were his most valued students, and he hoped both of them were fully prepared and confident enough for the challenge.

Lester said, "Then, for those of you who are determined to take the exam, please raise your hands. I will sign you up!"

Kevin and his group of friends raised their hands, followed by Lilith and Alicia.

In the end, only a few hands were raised across the entire class.

About two-thirds of the class, after some hesitation, ultimately decided not to raise their hands.

Their journey as extraordinary beings had come to an end.

Kevin looked around smugly at the students who kept their heads down, a proud smile spreading across his face. 'This is what it feels like to be above everyone else, isn't it?'

But just as he basked in his superiority, the next moment, his eyes fell on someone else's raised hand, causing his jaw to drop in shock.

In the corner, after everyone else had raised their hands, another hand shot up—it was Eric's.

Eric's hand raised almost caused an uproar. A huge wave of surprise spread through the class, as both those who raised their hands and those who didn't were all stunned.

"Eric? Come on, are you joking?" Eric's deskmate, a boy with yellow hair, whispered in disbelief.

He had spent over half a year trying to become a Physical Cultivation Practitioner, only to fail. It wasn't the end of the world for him, though, since Eric was always there to take the heat. But seeing Eric raise his hand? That threw him off completely.

In the back row, a girl who hadn't raised her hand was also shocked. "Eric? Did you make some progress in Physical Cultivation Practitioner? Well, you've been working out all year, so you must have improved quite a bit, right?"

Around them, students were all speculating that Eric had made some progress in Physical Cultivation and was finally ready to take the exam.

In the front row, Alicia turned around, narrowing her eyes. 'Just as I thought. Eric, who's worked so hard for an entire year, clearly won't give up on the entrance exam. Is he really going to muster the courage to push for a spot as a Physical Cultivation Practitioner?'

But Alicia was certain Eric wouldn't succeed.

She had always been very perceptive, and for this entire year, Eric had sat right behind her. She could feel his changes more than anyone.

Even if it were a Physical Cultivation Practitioner, Alicia still didn't believe in Eric's chances.

'He's just stubborn. He won't accept reality until it's too late. He's refusing to back down now. But in the end, he'll only face a bigger blow.' She sighed, disappointed.

Meanwhile, Kevin's group of Physical Cultivation Practitioner boys were laughing out loud.

"Hahaha, Eric, you seriously think you can join our ranks as a Physical Cultivation Practitioner? Looks like we're in for a big joke by the end of the year." one of them mocked blatantly.

Another boy sitting next to Kevin chimed in, "You probably think Physical Cultivation Practitioner is just about working out and getting stronger. But in reality, Eric, you're completely wrong."

He continued, "Strength is the most basic requirement. The essence of being a Physical Cultivation Practitioner is combat, fighting! And that takes insight, not to mention talent. You don't have either!"

Buckets of cold water kept being poured over Eric, all coming from the Physical Cultivation Practitioners in the class.

Kevin said nothing but wore a mocking grin on his face, his gaze at Eric filled with amusement, as though looking at a clown.

On the podium, Lester also raised an eyebrow when he saw Eric's hand go up.

While Eric's talent left much to be desired, his diligence was undeniable. As a teacher, Lester sometimes felt a twinge of regret for this student.

"Eric, you still refuse to give up, huh? Alright, I'll sign you up for Physical Cultivation Practitioner so you can give it one last try."

Eric slowly lifted his head. Throughout all the ridicule and mockery from others, his face had not shown any sign of change.

At this moment, he looked directly at Lester, speaking in a calm yet strangely powerful tone.

"Teacher, you've misunderstood."

His voice was flat, but there was an undeniable weight to it.

"I'm not signing up for the Physical Cultivation Practitioner exam. I'm signing up for the Magic User exam!"

As soon as these words left his mouth, the entire class fell into stunned silence.

No one spoke a word. It was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.

Both Lilith and Alicia's expressions changed drastically.

"You… what did you say?"

The students around Eric were all wide-eyed in disbelief.

Not a Physical Cultivation Practitioner, but a Magic User!

This was the critical moment for the high school entrance exam, and the words Eric spoke here would be carefully recorded by Lester. Once registered, it would be final and unchangeable.

Eric had always been regarded as the class's underachiever.

If he had said Physical Cultivation Practitioner, maybe there would still be a glimmer of hope for him.

But Magic User… Was he out of his mind? This was like playing with his own future.

Lester's expression subtly shifted, a faint change that didn't go unnoticed. He adjusted his glasses and looked at Eric with great seriousness. "Are you serious?"

Lester paused his pen. Eric still had one last chance to change his mind.

"I am serious." Eric answered calmly, his expression impassive as he confirmed his final decision.

Magic User!