Chapter 319 - 297: Test Your Magic Talent (2)

Chapter 319: Chapter 297: Test Your Magic Talent (2)

’Given that Tirtus, the Chief Judge of the Eighteenth District, was also an honorary professor at Mizkatoke, I suppose a similarity like this was to be expected?’

However, the towers here were much taller and more numerous than the ones in the Eighteenth District. And instead of the pristine white from back there, their surfaces were a rustic, ancient gray.

This inevitably made Lloyd think of his own Thought Realm...

’If I just applied a filter to this view, and added a bit of a Twist...’

’No, that’s not right! Why am I making such a random connection?’

Lloyd shook his head vigorously, reasoning with himself.

’This place is picturesque, the landscaping is excellent, and the atmosphere is elegant and serene. I can see plenty of people walking around. It’s nothing like that dead, chaotic place.’

’Yes, that’s it!’

He forced himself to stop his wild thoughts and started to wander around again, planning to check out the Manifestation and Ancient Magic departments he was interested in.

’I’ve already joined the Space System, but just taking a look won’t break any school rules, right?’

He hadn’t gotten far before he came face to face with two very shiny bald heads...

’Weren’t those the bald brothers I met once at the dueling grounds?’

"Hey! Aren’t you that new student from before?"

The older-looking bald brother greeted him warmly. His younger brother chimed in, asking:

"Didn’t you leave with Professor Lawrence? Why are you here?"

"Well, it’s like this..."

Lloyd smiled and gave them a brief explanation, omitting a few details.

Even though he didn’t mention the part about opening the door, the two bald men’s eyes went wide, and they asked in unison:

"What? You actually joined the Space System?"

Lloyd nodded and replied:

"Yes. Professor Lawrence said I have a talent for it."

"This... but you’re a new student. Directly joining the Space System is against the rules, isn’t it? Wait, was that burst of fighting Spiritual Charm from earlier Professor Lawrence convincing the dean for you?"

"It seems so... I never thought the legendary Professor Lawrence would value a new student so highly. You’re really making us jealous..."

The two bald Seniors spoke one after the other, the way they looked at Lloyd completely changed.

But they weren’t so surprised that their entire Cognition was shaken, probably because they weren’t in the Space System themselves.

"So you’ve already completed your enrollment procedures?"

"Yeah, I’m just wandering around, getting familiar with the place. I happened to end up here. I’m not intruding, am I?"

"Not at all. This is a public area, so all students can come and go as they please. Since you’re here, let us show you around."

The older bald brother offered, looking especially enthusiastic.

His brother quickly added:

"You’re from the Veto system, right? Want to see how we do Veto here? It might be a little different from what you’ve seen outside."

"I’m actually more interested in your system."

"Haha, is that so? That makes sense. After all, you can’t really encounter Ancient Magic outside. Then let’s take you to the place where we usually study and research."

"Ancient Magic is only considered rare outside. Here at Mizkatoke, it’s a very common department with a lot of students. In comparison, your Space System is the one to be jealous of. The two of us, for example, didn’t have the guts to even apply for it..."

The bald brothers chatted with Lloyd as they led him to the Ancient Magic Tower, the place they usually hung out.

The moment Lloyd stepped inside, a chaotic blast of Spiritual Charm washed over him. It felt like countless people were using their Extraordinary Abilities, turning what should have been a quiet atmosphere into a clamorous ruckus.

Every so often, he could hear people shouting:

"WAAAAAH! Grant me strength, Gaia!"

"Earth! Fire! Wind! Heed my command!"

"JIGU JIGU, WAIBU WAIBU!"

"My Magic will tear you apart!"

"Unleash the self!"

’Er... are they doing some kind of cringey roleplay?’

Although Lloyd couldn’t see anyone yet, he could feel the place was bursting with energy—a world away from the silent, taciturn Space System.

The two bald men couldn’t help but look embarrassed. They each explained:

"Ahem... It’s the holidays, so everyone is seizing the time to practice. They’re hoping to pass their exams or raise their ratings before the new school year starts, so everyone is working very hard!"

"Um... those Spells... don’t take them seriously. There aren’t actually any fixed incantations for casting Magic. These people are just shouting to help themselves concentrate and channel their Spiritual Power. Ahem... once we get proficient, we won’t need to chant any Spells."

To ease the awkwardness, the older bald brother continued with a proposal:

"By the way, are you interested in testing your own Magic talent? It’s free. Who knows, maybe your talent is outstanding, and after you graduate from the Space System, you can come over to our Ancient Magic department for further studies."

"Even if you don’t pass, it doesn’t matter. You’re already in the Space System anyway. Just have some fun and get to know us a little better."

"Sure, I’ll treat it as a learning experience."

Lloyd nodded repeatedly.

The two bald men immediately led Lloyd through a corridor.

Along the way, they encountered several students wearing stereotypical Mage Robes, who politely and friendly greeted the two brothers and Lloyd.

However... the hairstyle they all chose was a shiny bald head...

And in terms of physique, almost all of them were burly men with broad shoulders and thick waists.

Just as Lloyd was finding this strange, the bald brothers led him into a room that looked like the school infirmary.

The area looked spacious and was filled with a wide array of equipment. All sorts of instruments with a slightly sci-fi feel were set up, none of which Lloyd had ever seen outside.

Inside, two people who looked like teachers were on duty. They wore the same style of Mage Robe, had the same shiny bald heads, and the same formidable build. Their muscles looked like they were about to burst through their Mage’s Robes.

’What is going on? Is this hairstyle really popular here?’

’Even a certain skeleton I know had the sense to pick out a thick, lush wig for himself!’

’And why is everyone built like a bear? Do you guys play as Mages by putting all your points into strength?’

’Is this a Magic Tower or a Monk Temple?’

Lloyd couldn’t help but complain silently. He then heard the bald brothers negotiating with the two teachers.

"Oh? A new student from the Space System? That’s a rare creature. Let me get a good look at him!"

"But he looks so skinny, there’s barely any meat on his bones..."

"That’s just how the Space System is. A bunch of beanpoles and bookworms..."

Lloyd could only pretend he didn’t hear them and, following the teachers’ instructions, sat down at a long table.

"Young man, don’t be nervous. I’ll stake my hair on it—you won’t be harmed in any way during this process. So just relax. Mmm... take a deep breath. Yes, just like that..."

"Please place your hand on this Crystal Ball. Try to empty your mind, and then mentally repeat the word ’Magic’. We need to see your subconscious understanding of the concept of ’Magic’, as this is very important for the subsequent tests..."

"Remember, don’t let your mind wander. Try to keep your Thoughts as empty as possible, or the results won’t be accurate."

The two teachers had made a strange request. Lloyd paused for a moment, then did his best to empty his Thoughts. Mentally repeating the word "Magic," he reached out and touched the Crystal Ball.

The Crystal Ball instantly lit up with a dazzling blue light.

"Ooh? Not bad talent, eh?"

One of the bald teachers exclaimed in praise.

But the next second, the blue light on the Crystal Ball turned a deathly gray. Then, several octopus-like tentacles suddenly shot out from it, twisting and flailing rapidly in the air.