Chapter 119: Lances Real Dream

Chapter 119: Lance's Real Dream

The floating crystal staircase finally came to a slow halt, gently depositing Lawson and Lance onto the third-floor corridor. As they stepped into the interior hallway of the Card Maker's Association, which was rich with the artistry of magical engineering, a profound silence enveloped them.

The wood grain on the floor stretched out beneath their feet like the fingerprints of time, chronicling the Association's long, storied history and evolution.

As they walked, Lawson was clearly puzzled by Lance's previous reaction, so he asked, "You're a student of the College of Magical Engineering, so your instructors would be nothing but delighted by your accomplishment. How could you possibly be causing trouble for them?"

Did this young man have a terrible relationship with the professors at school? That didn't seem right. Judging by Lance's gentle and polite demeanor, he didn't strike Lawson as the aloof or arrogant type of student.

"...I'm actually from the Sages' College," Lance admitted.

Lawson fell silent for a long moment. Finally, he couldn't help but marvel at Lance's versatility, "I had no idea you were also proficient in spellcasting."

Lance lowered his head in embarrassment and waved his hands, trying to steer the conversation away from the topic, "Oh, no, no—I can't cast spells at all."

No matter how many skills he mastered, spellcasting was the one thing he simply couldn't learn. His practical spellcasting performance ranked among the worst in the history of the Sages' College. In fact, someone of his poor proficiency usually wouldn't even make it into the college in the first place.

"Then why didn't you apply to the College of Magical Engineering?!" Lawson was completely baffled by the way this boy's mind worked. He was practically getting dizzy trying to follow the logic. Here was a natural-born artist and magical artisan, so why on earth would he join the Sages' College, an institution that specialized in combat through spellcasting?

"Well, when I had to choose between the two, the entrance exam for the Sages' College seemed a lot easier than the one for the College of Magical Engineeering..."

Besides, the College of Magical Engineering had mandatory courses Lance wanted to avoid, whereas the electives were shared between the two colleges. Ultimately, it didn't make much of a difference to his goals which one he attended.

Naturally, he chose the Sages' College, as it had an entrance exam he could pass with certainty after just two months of preparation.

Lawson finally came to a realization. This guy was truly, utterly unconventional. He simply went wherever he felt like going. Once the Card Maker's Association notified the College of Magical Engineering, the professors there would certainly still be willing to help Lance. After all, he was a student of their own university.

However, they would undoubtedly be left with mixed feelings, unable to sleep soundly for days on end. After all, they wouldn't even be able to brag that Lance was a student they had taught...

"In fact, although there is almost no precedent for students below their fourth year to reach Platinum Certification, according to the rules and regulations of Ikerite University, if they are Platinum Certified card makers officially recognized by the Association, the school can follow the Special Regulations on Talent Recruitment of the Kingdom of Hutton and hire those individuals as teacher-level employees. Platinum Certified card makers are welcome wherever they go."

Lawson couldn't help but sigh. Sometimes fourth year students from Ikerite University also taught part-time or helped full-time faculty teach classes. If a fourth year graduated and felt a deep affection for the school, they could stay in the school and become a full-fledged instructor. This was how many of the most powerful teachers at Ikerite University got recruited.

After all, it was very convenient to go to the Void Gate in the university to challenge the Shadow Realm. The various environments, resources, and supporting services were also first-rate. Furthermore, the school did not prevent teachers from holding other positions.

For example, Lawrence, the current dean of the Sages' College and a High Priest of the Church of the Goddess of Fate, had been the top freshman of the Sages' College many years ago.

"No, no, my luck is really the main factor today, and this is only a Tier 3 card. There is still a lot for me to learn."

Lance quickly shook his head. He still had a long way to go in magical engineering, and he only had expertise in art.

At most, he could only teach art classes at the College of Magical Engineering. Furthermore, he would have to continue to study intermediate and advanced magical engineering classes at the college. Of course, those courses were exactly what he desperately wanted to take.

"Wait." Lance frowned suddenly, as if he was surprised by something. This scenario seemed incredibly familiar to him. Once upon a time, he had also started out as a special instructor...

If he could actually get a teaching position at Ikerite University, then he was actually a big step closer to that position he had in that wonderful dream-like world in the Shadow Realm.

If he climbed even higher, then one day he might even take charge of the entire university. Then he could recreate the glory he had in Purgatory Corridor Academy again.

Although Lance himself admitted that he had show-off tendencies, he couldn't get rid of that small dream within his heart. That actually was his only dream—to relive that brief fantasy-like experience and become a great headmaster respected by students and loved by teachers!

Lance's voice immediately became full of excitement and enthusiasm as he asked, "Well, Mr. Lawson, once I pass the review and officially become a Platinum Certified card maker, is there a possibility that the College of Magical Engineering might specifically invite me to take on a teaching position?"

His eyes sparkled with the vitality and aspiration characteristic of youth, shining like a star fueled by ambition in the brilliant night sky.

Lawson replied with a hint of hesitation and puzzlement, "If both parties are willing, then certainly... Generally speaking, no school would turn down a Platinum Certified card maker, though very few Platinum Certified card makers are actually willing to take such a position."

For some reason, the look of intense longing on Lance's face made Lawson feel a bit apprehensive.

"Then I really hope the review process goes smoothly." Lance's mood instantly brightened, as if all his fatigue had vanished. He was in such high spirits that even his stride looked light and energetic.

Soon, accompanied by Lawson, Lance passed through several distinct zones and finally arrived back at the familiar reception area on the third floor. His feet sank into a carpet woven from soft, fine fibers. The pattern was an intricate blend of delicate florals, classical geometric shapes, and fluid curves. It complemented the curved floor lamp in the corner, lending the space an air of warmth and elegance.

Many people along the way cast astonished glances at Lance, as if witnessing the birth of a legend. However, given Lawson's high status as the vice president of the Ikerite branch, even those curious about this young card maker refrained from rashly approaching him. Instead, they kept a respectful distance.

Lawson instructed, "Lance, if you need any assistance in the future, feel free to come to the Association and speak to any administrator. Just tell them you're looking for Vice President Lawson, and I'll see to it personally and promptly."

He had already explained the key details and that the Ikerite Association branch would handle further notifications through the school. It was also obvious that Lance wanted to leave the Association and head home to rest as soon as possible, so Lawson walked him out.

"Thank you very much."

While conversing pleasantly, the two of them made their way over to the sofas in the meeting area.