Chapter Sixty-One: A Second Examination

In the afternoon, Lando and Carter made their way together to the Academy’s Research Division.

The Research Division, located at the heart of the Academy, was its most critical area, housing the most cutting-edge equipment and instruments. It was said that even the Academy’s intelligent core terminal—Silverglow—resided within its confines.

Only research projects of verified value, approved through rigorous review, could establish laboratories here. For a newcomer like Lando, who had never even joined an ordinary lab, this place was known only by name, its true face hidden from his experience.

After passing strict security checks, the two arrived before a towering, circular building.

“This is the public facilities area of the Research Division,” Carter explained. “Inside, you’ll find many of the most advanced devices in Silver Tower Academy—and even within our entire Silver Tower School. Only laboratories based in the Research Division are eligible to apply for their use.”

Gazing up at the skyscraper that seemed to pierce the clouds, its silver coating reflecting dazzling light, Lando felt awe. Yet, only after entering did he realize his imagination had been too limited. From outside, the building’s height always seemed at odds with its relatively modest width, but once inside, the space was astonishingly vast. There must be some kind of spatial expansion technology at work.

The entire first floor was an open hall, devoid of any staff. In the center, numerous round platforms were arranged with meticulous order—a paradise for anyone with a penchant for symmetry.

Approaching one of the platforms, a light screen appeared before them. At Carter’s gesture, both placed their hands upon it.

“The management here is strict,” Carter explained. “Our core intelligence clearance isn’t high enough, so we need to manually verify our identities.”

After the scan, an electronic voice sounded: “Cadet Carter, Cadet Lando, you have been granted temporary access to E-49. Would you like to transfer?”

“Yes.”

In the blink of an eye, the space around them shifted.

They found themselves in another hall, at the center of which stood a massive, ornate machine—much like the one Lando had seen in the Mesut Laboratory of his initial world, though larger and more magnificent.

The perimeter was clear, seemingly designed for onlookers.

Already, the hall was filled with clusters of people. As Lando entered, several turned curious, appraising eyes upon him. His sharp senses detected undercurrents of hostility, too—though he couldn’t pinpoint their source.

Carter scanned the crowd, his eyes lighting up as he spotted someone. He quickly pulled Lando toward a group where many people stood—among them, Professor Moritz.

Carter approached a central figure, greeting him respectfully. “Mentor, I have brought Lando.”

The title “Mentor” was not used lightly; it indicated a formal, acknowledged bond between master and student—a sign of closeness.

Lando realized, Carter’s mentor—wasn’t that the renowned…

“Lando, this is my mentor, Otto Bugart, the newly appointed Grand Arcanist of our Silver Tower School,” Carter introduced, pride evident in his manner.

Lando hurriedly bowed. “Professor Otto, greetings! Professor Moritz, greetings!”

Otto smiled. “Polite young man. Don’t be nervous. Nothing will happen to you.”

Lando could clearly sense that, as Otto spoke, much of the scrutiny and hostility around him diminished. He couldn’t help but marvel—so this was the aura of a Grand Arcanist! Truly formidable!

Just then, Moritz spoke. “Come, Lando. It’s much like the basic detector you used before—the only difference is that this process takes much longer. That’s normal. Go ahead.”

Lando nodded. To be safe, he had already removed all loaded souls before leaving his quarters. There was nothing else to prepare. He entered the detection device and, seeing the onlookers outside, felt oddly like a test subject on display. Fortunately, as if anticipating this, an elemental shield rose up, cutting off all lines of sight—a relief.

“How do you think he’ll do?” Otto asked casually.

Moritz replied without hesitation, “Purple-grade, almost certainly. The only question is whether he’ll display any special talents.”

“Oh? You have confidence in him.”

“Absolutely!”

As the detector began to operate, threads of mysterious energy were infused into it, passing through Lando’s body—though he felt nothing.

On the crystal before the detector, light began to shine…

White…

Green…

Blue…

A flash of purple appeared, quickly filling the entire crystal.

This surprised no one; all had expected as much.

Now, everyone grew attentive. They knew the real test was about to begin.

Beside the detection crystal was a transparent screen, where colors began to swirl into view.

The edges of the screen turned blue, signifying that the elemental colors for earth, water, fire, and air occupied the center, with other hues circling around.

From the crowd, someone remarked offhandedly, “Elemental affinity—blue-grade. That’s decent.”

No one else reacted; clearly, such talent was unremarkable here.

The screen cleared again, remaining transparent for a long moment. The crowd waited patiently—they had seen enough dramatic reversals in this hall to know better than to speak too soon.

Suddenly, a trace of purple appeared at the edge of the screen.

At once, everyone’s spirits rose. For though purple-grade aptitude did not guarantee a purple-grade talent, if one did possess such a talent—and if it were suited to an arcanist’s path—it would be of immense value.

Wisps of what looked like transparent sparks flickered at the center of the screen, faint and elusive.

“Is that some kind of special fire talent?” someone wondered aloud. “But why only sparks?”

Another speculated, “Maybe the fire type is too advanced? Even with purple aptitude, he can’t control it—so it only manifests as sparks?”

“Transparent fire? Looks a bit like some kind of starlit flame. Anyone recognize it?”

“I know a few kinds of transparent fire, but all of those could be controlled by a purple-grade talent. It shouldn’t be any of them.”

While the crowd whispered, an elderly man stepped out from a corner, brusquely pushing aside anyone in his path as he approached the screen.

Those shoved away first bristled, but recognizing who it was, their anger faded swiftly to sheepish smiles. Regardless of whether the old man noticed, they bowed and greeted him, “Good day, Headmaster!”

Others, hearing the greeting, quickly followed suit.

The Headmaster ignored their salutations, his gaze fixed thoughtfully on the tiny flame on the screen.

Even Otto, usually so composed, hurried over to greet the Headmaster. Receiving no reply, he could only touch his nose in embarrassment.

This old man was the Headmaster of Silver Tower Academy, famed for his particular fondness—educating troublemakers. Most present, including Otto, had spent their student days as key targets of the Headmaster’s “loving” guidance. Now, in his presence, they wore the expressions of mice meeting a cat.

As the Headmaster stared at the screen, his expression grew ever more grave, until at last he uttered four words:

“Spark of Wisdom?!”

Those words hung in the air with weighty significance. For a moment, the entire hall was silent as a tomb—you could have heard a pin drop.