Chapter 525 - 523: Third Year, Special Access

The start of the new term at the Divine Magic Academy was just as lively as in previous years.

The students of each grade were still gathered together to attend the opening ceremony.

The difference from previous years was that this time there was an added awards segment, to reward the third-years who had reached Tier Three right at the start of the term, and to encourage second-years who had successfully reached Tier Two, while publicly naming the third-years who still hadn’t reached Tier Two.

By the way, this year they implemented "track division."

All those who had not yet reached Tier Two would have their promotion to third year postponed, which basically meant being held back.

All those who had reached Tier Three would have some classes added and some classes removed.

Hilia looked over it; the main differences between the third-year and second-year courses were in three subjects: Divine Realm Simulation, Advanced Magic, and Advanced Holy Words. The course titles were the same, but the content was different.

"Looks fine, but for me right now, it’s already a bit behind."

"Falling behind is normal," Rose said. "Everyone has different talent and different learning pace. If you make a Tier One and a Tier Three Mage study together, it’s unfair to both. Your school will definitely open a back door for you."

"A back door? For real?" Hilia raised an eyebrow.

"Not just for you; the other Holy Daughter candidates are the same. You’re already different from ordinary Tier Threes, and the instructors can see your situation." Rose smiled slightly. "I didn’t have you prepare for the Ascension Trial at home because I wanted you to come back and first gobble up some of the school’s resources before you prepare for ascending."

"What kind of back door could the school even have..." Hilia muttered.

She didn’t really believe it, but not long after, she received a message from Alina asking her to come to the principal’s office.

"So there really is a back door."

Hilia’s eyes lit up. She happily rushed to the principal’s office, and as soon as she walked in she realized she wasn’t the only one there—every Holy Daughter candidate had shown up. Besides them, there were also many students who clearly didn’t look like third-years.

When it was about time, Mr. Blake walked in from outside, clapped his hands, and drew everyone’s attention.

He wasn’t the type who liked to waste words, and went straight to the point: "I called you here because all of you have touched the threshold of ascension. The academy will arrange additional coursework for you to help you complete the Ascension Trial."

"According to our statistics, there are eight from third year and twenty-two from fourth year. When your name is called, step forward. Doris Loring."

"Here!"

"Shaline Elmi."

"Here!"

"..."

Very soon, everyone had answered to their names. Hilia looked in surprise at the other students from her grade.

Aside from the Holy Daughter candidates, there were actually three other genius Mages with absolutely outrageous talent. What shocked Hilia even more, though, was Shaline. She’d been the last one to reach Tier Three, apparently only getting there around finals. How had a few months gone by and she already qualified for ascension?

Hilia’s eyes grew thoughtful.

Clearly, she’d done something remarkable with that Heart of the Magic Puppet.

Rose hadn’t said anything, so Hilia had no idea what exactly Shaline had done.

Under the principal’s lead, the group headed to the top Meditation room of the Gentle Tower.

"For the whole of this year, your Meditation class will be held here, as your final Meditation prep for the Ascension Trial," Mr. Blake said.

Someone couldn’t help asking, "Principal, why only third and fourth years? What about the fifth-years?"

Mr. Blake replied mildly, "By fifth year, they’ve all already reached the point where they can attempt the Ascension Trial. Some of them have already completed one attempt... That’s right, they failed. Their curriculum has been unified. I called you here because you possess higher talent. Only those who meet the requirements for the Ascension Trial before fifth year, or are just about to meet them, receive ascension training."

The implication was that they were all talents the academy was focusing on cultivating.

Quite a few people immediately showed looks of joy.

Mr. Blake poured a bucket of cold water over them: "But don’t get arrogant. Every year we organize a final sprint for the Ascension Trial, but in the end only some make it. In the worst year—which was last year... not a single one succeeded."

All the students sucked in a sharp breath.

Not one person passed the Ascension Trial?

That was terrifying.

An invisible pressure instantly made everyone uneasy.

"Meditation is only the first step. Come with me; I’m going to take you somewhere else for additional training."

After having all the students show their faces in the Gentle Tower and recording their information, Mr. Blake led them through the Forbidden Forest to the Tower of Diligence at the far northern end.

Once again, they went to the top floor.

The layout of this top floor was similar to that of the Gentle Tower, but what differed was that at its center there was a glowing sphere of light. The sphere was restrained in place, eternally radiating light without dissipating.

Hilia recognized what it was.

Tier Two Divine系 Magic: Holy Light Strike.

Mr. Blake walked up to the Holy Light and said to everyone, "See this Holy Light Strike?"

Everyone stared at the light sphere and nodded.

Hilia complained inwardly: It’s not like we’re blind.

Mr. Blake said calmly, "Step forward and feel it. See what’s different about this light sphere."

At his words, everyone walked up, curiously studying the glowing orb floating in midair, bowing their heads in thought.

Hilia didn’t stand in the front row. She just looked through the gaps in the crowd and felt it for a bit. It didn’t seem any different from an ordinary Holy Light Strike.

Someone else seemed to sense the same thing. "Principal, this Magic seems... no different?"

Mr. Blake nodded. "Yes, it’s no different from the Holy Light Strike you cast."

Everyone: "..."

"But then, why do you think it can float here, and where is it drawing its power from?"

Everyone froze and tried sensing it again.

Hilia already understood what Mr. Blake was trying to do, so she said, "It’s absorbing Magic Power from the outside world and circulating automatically. That’s the hallmark of a Tier Four Mage."

Mr. Blake looked at Hilia with approving eyes and nodded. "Right. Aside from the initial release, when it borrowed the Mage’s Magic Power, this Holy Light has been drawing Magic Power from nature on its own and will exist forever.

"On top of that, the Magic Power consumption of this Holy Light has also been reduced to a minimum. In the time to come, you will have an important period of understanding here. Through the spell structure of this Holy Light, you’ll gain insight into drawing Magic Power from nature and refining Magic Power. You don’t need to actually pull Magic Power yet; as long as you can grasp the feel of it, the Ascension Trial will help you complete the actual drawing of Magic Power from nature.

"However, your Magic Power refinement must reach at least 110% to be considered having met the special training standard. Of course, if you can reach 120% and also gain a sense for external Magic Power, then the Ascension Trial will be a matter of course for you."

Mr. Blake paused, then added, "All resources here will be open to you. In a bit, go down to the first floor and find the instructor stationed there. Ask him; he’ll provide the tools and materials each of you needs based on your individual situations."