Reforged: Chapter 25: Request for Promotion

Before the appearance of Medivh, Duke, the traveler, was somewhat lost. However, at this very moment, he had undergone a drastic transformation.

Perhaps it was because he had been pushed into a corner by the possessed Medivh that his thoughts became incredibly clear. Since Medivh had been taken over by Sargeras, just as in the game before Duke traveled to this world, he no longer expected any good fortune in Azeroth's future.

Lordaeron, Dalaran, Alterac, Kul Tiras, Gilneas, Stromgarde, and Stormwind—the seven largest kingdoms in the world—except for the island nation of Kul Tiras, the other six would be destroyed one by one in the coming times, either by the Orcs or the Scourge.

The only human kingdom that could constantly rebuild and rise again was Stormwind, the last hope for humanity! As a human, Duke was certain that his future lay in Stormwind. Considering the upcoming disasters for Stormwind and the entire kingdom, Duke understood what he needed to do—first, accumulate enough power to influence the events at the Dark Portal.

Facing Sargeras-possessed Medivh directly would leave him no chance of winning. Even with Medivh's power as the Guardian, the mighty being was not to be trifled with.

As an outsider, Duke knew that no one would believe him. The more he said, the faster he would die.

However, submitting to Sargeras-controlled Medivh meant death, and with the a creature so skilled in manipulating souls, death was hardly the end.

Duke was all in, truly all in.

On the surface, Duke challenged authority, but he was actually setting a trap for Sargeras. As long as he had to maintain Medivh's identity and not expose his false façade, he had to treat Duke fairly, especially since Duke was still a young boy.

Medivh raised his right hand and snapped his fingers. The noise in the hall seemed to vanish instantly. People opened their mouths wide, their arms raised, their expressions still excited, but they could no longer make a sound.

"Gentlemen of the Stormwind Royal Magic Association, I ask you, where is your grace? Your noble generosity? Is it wrong for a young boy to speak of his great dreams? Is it necessary to make such a big deal of it?"

The reason for everyone's excitement was because of Sargeras, who had secretly used a spell similar to "Berserker Aura."

Yet now, Sargeras appeared like a fair and wise sage, earnestly persuading the mages who had made outrageous remarks.

Seeing this, Duke wanted to vomit.

Duke remained silent, staring defiantly at "Medivh."

Sargeras laughed and walked over, as if to gently pat Duke on the shoulder. However, Duke dodged as if he was afraid of being infected by a plague.

"Heh... it seems you have a deep prejudice against me."

"You could have stopped them from the beginning," Duke said truthfully.

"Medivh" looked slightly embarrassed, "I apologize, I was caught off guard as well."

Duke still stared intently at 'Medivh.'

"Alright, it is indeed a discourtesy from the Stormwind Royal Academy of Magic, Duke. Your dream is not too far-fetched. The doors of the Academy remain open to you. As an apology, you may choose any mage within the Academy as your mentor. I guarantee, as the headmaster, that no instructor will refuse you. As long as you join our Academy, you will receive a 20% discount on all materials and spell formulas."

As Medivh's words fell, the entire audience was in an uproar.

Such preferential treatment! It was too generous!

Unfortunately, Duke knew that Sargeras' words were just empty promises.

Duke had already ignored the most powerful mage, Medivh. Who else would dare to be his teacher? Wouldn't that be a slap in Medivh's face? Even if Duke insisted on apprenticing, who would dare to teach him real skills?

At this moment, even the old man Norton, who had the best relationship with Duke, was afraid that Duke would turn his gaze towards him. He quietly retreated two steps, lowering his head and hiding in the crowd.

The only useful thing was the 20% discount.

Of course, that would require Duke to become a member of the Academy.

A smile crept up on Duke's lips. He had a second choice at this moment—to abandon Stormwind and embrace Dalaran, the sacred land of mages. Perhaps this would allow him to temporarily escape the center of this global storm, but it would also cause him to miss a crucial opportunity to rise.

"Alright, as long as I can access the library's resources according to your regulations, I agree to join the Stormwind Royal Academy of Magic. As for a mentor... I don't think anyone would want to be mine, so let's forget about it."

The moment he finished speaking, Duke could imagine what would happen next.

As expected, the next second, there was an uproar all around!

So arrogant! Too arrogant!

A mere apprentice, not only claiming to surpass the strongest mage Medivh, but also publicly declaring that he didn't need a mentor? Did he really think he was an unrivaled prodigy?

However, seeing Medivh's suppressing gesture, no one dared to say a word. But, in their hearts, they piled the worst judgments onto Duke's head.

Medivh seemed a little troubled: "Indeed, our public library is open to all members. However, the number and level of magic books that each rank can read are different. As an apprentice, there aren't many books suitable for you to read, and they usually start with the 'Apprentice Handbook' provided by your mentor..."

Duke stepped forward and asked confidently, "Then, may I ask, what is the standard for an official mage?"

Before Medivh could answer, his disciple Khadgar replied, "Under the witness of three official mages, without the help of any magical items, if you can independently cast three level-1 spells, you will be recognized as a novice mage."

At this time, Khadgar was very young, probably around the same age as Duke, about 13 or 14 years old. He had a clear, youthful face. The well-known mustache above his lip in the future was only a faint outline now.

Short black hair, a relatively fair complexion, and apart from not looking like a farmer's child, he wasn't much different from ordinary Stormwind teenagers.

Khadgar had been sent to Dalaran by his family to study various magical knowledge since he was six, and only recently had he officially become Medivh's disciple.

Despite his exceptional intelligence, Khadgar was still not a novice mage.

And at this moment, the clear voice of Duke Marcus resonated throughout the room.

"So, I, Duke Marcus, hereby request to take the novice mage examination."