Throne of Magical Arcana

In a branch of the Congress of Magic on the Solar Islands in the Boundless Ocean…

While the dark picture where a middle-rank sorcerer’s head was blown up in public hadn’t been entirely erased from Blake’s head, nothing could stop him from listening to ‘Arcana Voice’ and ‘News of the World’, which was the entertainment all over the islands that was even more popular than parties and balls.

“Good evening, this is the Weekly News Review of Allyn, and I’m your old friend Lark.”

Blake felt that he truly had one more friend when he heard the crisp and calm voice every night, one who told him stories late at night and who made him feel familiar even though he had never met her.

‘Lark’ reviewed the important news piece by piece, and Blake listened attentively. He was now delighted at the progress in research studies and now was worried by the gloomy situation in Holm.

“… Over the past few days, an unprecedented tide has appeared in Allyn. Countless apprentices and sorcerers sent their resumes to the Atom Institution and surged to the eighteenth floor of the Allyn magic tower for written exams and interviews. According to sources, the Atom Institution was crammed by people during the days, and they had only seen such splendor when the grand arcanists participated in a symposium. The people completely blocked the way.”

Lark’s cold voice was mixed with a smile, especially when she mentioned ‘sources’.

“What resume? written exams, and interviews?” Blake said to himself in confusion. ‘Atom Institution’ raised his strong interest. It should be Mr. Lucien Evans’ Atom Institution, right? Did he come up with any paradigm-shifting theoretical system again? No, since apprentices and sorcerers were involved, it should be about something else.”

Lark continued, “For the audience outside of Allyn, you may be unaware of what has happened. So, allow me to briefly review the incident. On July 3, the Atom Institution issued an ‘Apprentice Assemblage Task’, planning to hire ten apprentice-level assistants to help the arcanists in the institution with their experiments.”

“What was most surprising, however, was the way of recruitment that the Atom Institution adopted. You would have to obtain a resume form, on which you would write your name, age, school, assessment and your magic image. Then, after screening, they would select distinguished candidates for interviews…”

Blade was already unable to follow Lark. His brain was humming. The previous announcement was crushing his skull like a surging tide.

“The Atom Institution is short of apprentice-level assistants?”

“If I can enter the Atom Institution and get involved in the cutting-edge studies in the microscopic field, maybe it won’t take long before I can improve both my arcana and my magic to the middle rank!”

“No, no, their interviews must be over…”

In Blake’s eyes, if the Atom Institution wanted apprentice-level assistants, the queue outside of the gate would span across Allyn. Of course, that was exactly what happened. But according to his experience, shouldn’t the magic school recommend elite apprentices to them directly instead of issuing a task openly?

“It is said that Mr. Lucien Evans is a man of integrity and strictness. This must be his idea. The best candidates will be chosen fairly and openly…”

Many magic apprentices who were not distinguished in the magic school, because of fortuitous incidents, were sometimes better than the elite apprentices in terms of arcana and magic abilities. However, due to the gap at the beginning, it was difficult for them to catch up with the latter or get more opportunities.

“This is the shortcoming of being far away from Allyn. How frustrating it is to know things only when they are outdated…” Blake sighed and focused his attention on the news again.

“… It is reported that more than five hundred apprentices submitted their resumes on the first day, and that another eighty official sorcerers and middle-rank sorcerers were willing to join the Atom Institution as apprentices…”

Blake did not mock them, because he had thought the same thing when he heard the news. He was thinking about abandoning the privileges of an official sorcerer and join as an apprentice, even if he would be responsible for the chores.

He heard that Mr. Evans convened a regular meeting every month. He would gain a lot even if he only attended it as a guest.

“… Up until now, the first round of resume screening, written exams and interviews have been over. Mr. Lucien Evans was not involved. Mr. Jerome and Mr. Rock were responsible for the whole process. According to them, they have selected twenty-five eligible candidates, who will participate in the final interview together with the talents selected from the second round of recruitment. Mr. Evans will be in charge of the final interview.”

The second round? Blake almost jumped to his feet. Did that mean that he still had an opportunity?

Lark’s crisp voice spread into his ears. “Here, I would like to remind the members in the branches and local magic groups outside of Allyn that today is July 8, and 6 p. m. on July 10 is the deadline of resume submission. The second round of written exams will begin on July 12. If you are interested, please plan for your visit to Allyn.”

“You are all members of the Congress of Magic, and the Congress and the Atom Institution treat you equally. In fact, the second round of recruitment was added by Mr. Evans for you. He said that the sorcerers and apprentices outside of Allyn must not be left forgotten.”

Blake felt rather moved. The sorcerers and apprentices in Allyn could never feel the pain of being forgotten by the Congress. The reason ‘Arcana Voice’ and ‘News of the World’ became the most popular entertainment was not just because they provided a lot of knowledge but also because they offered a bond to make the islanders feel connected to Allyn.

“Thank you, Mr. Evans. Thank you, Congress…”

“… You can ask your friends in Allyn to help you with the resume. I believe most branches and local organizations should have devices for electromagnetism messaging. If you don’t have any friends in Allyn, you are free to contact the Task Zone. This is their contact… Please stay where you are until you receive the invitation for written exams, so that the branches and the local groups will not be paralyzed.” Lark’s voice had never been more pleasant for Blake.

After he finished ‘News of the World’ in excitement, Blake waited for dawn anxiously.

When the sun was high, Blake hurried to the magic tower of his branch. Although it was partly within his expectation, he still saw a surprisingly long queue.

“What a heated scene…”

It was an ineffable picture for Blake, who waited until the afternoon before it was his turn.

Blake meant to contact the staff in the Task Zone. However, a shadow that he always dreamed about suddenly showed up in his heart, and he somehow changed the target of his communication.

“Hello, who is it?” A common female voice came over.

Taking a deep breath, Blake said, “It’s me, Blake. How are you doing, Alfalia?”

“I’m doing fine. Is there anything wrong?” Asked Alfalia.

Weighing his tone, Blake said, “Are you still in the Paphos County? Is it only three hours away from Allyn?”

“It takes two hours and forty minutes on a magic steam train. Blake, do you want me to fill in and submit your resume for you?” Alfalia’s voice was filled with a smile.

Blake said in surprise, “How did you know?”

“Because I’m on the magic steam train to Allyn for the Atom Institution.” Alfallia chuckled.

Blake scratched his head. “In that case, I’ll have to ask for your help.”

“Okay.” After Alfallia’s reply, the two of them fell into a brief silence.

Then, Blake couldn’t help but ask, “Are you not worried of running into those things again?”

Alfallia was born into a magic family and inherited a huge fortune, which was why she could use electromagnetism communication items when she was only a second-circle sorcerer. However, with her wealth, her capability and her outstanding looks, she became a target that certain immoral higher-rank sorcerers coveted. She had refused the deal with those people and returned to the Paphos County, her hometown.

Alfallia smiled, “I can always give up if I run into one again. It’s not like I can’t experiment on my own without the Atom Institution. Besides, Mr. Evans is an honorable man who never had any rumors. I trust his integrity.”

Hearing his love’s casual but firm words, Blake smiled. That was exactly the Alfallia that he had always loved. Every time he recalled her, her face was rather fuzzy, but her bright, smiling and determined eyes were always clear.

“May you succeed.” Said Blake sincerely.

Alfallia smiled, “You, too.”

……

Inside the Atom Institution, Lucien was discussing superconductivity with a few students, when he saw Rock wobble in palely as if he were about to collapse.

“Mr. Rock, what’s up?” Annick asked concernedly.

Rock whined, “I’m about to die! Resume reviewing, written exams and interviews were all my job, and I needed to complete my own experiments and magic structures. I feel that I’m stepping into a grave, because I see faces everywhere! That jackass Jerome was always accompanying Vera!”

“You were the one who took over the job happily. That’s nobody else’s fault.” Lucien observed sarcastically. Then, he entrusted the experiment to Katrina and Layria, before he returned to the magic tower casually. After all, many experiments were unsuitable to be performed in front of the people of the Atom Institution.

“Master, today’s ‘Holm Weekly’.” Hardly had Lucien greeted Pinocchio when Leo handed over the newspaper.

Lucien took over and read it. The headline was exactly ‘The Queen Has Appointed A New Royal Archbishop’.

Nodding his head, Lucien was not surprised. Natasha had mentioned it the other night. She appreciated Richard’s religious reform but believed that it should be conducted prudently as it would drive the Church mad.

“Sard passed Natasha’s request without any blockage? Is his purpose really so simple?” Lucien brought the newspaper to the library.

At this moment, Pinocchio announced, “Master, a guest named Arthur Doyle has come to visit you.”

Its voice echoed in the tower.

What is it about? Lucien asked Pinocchio to let Arthur in. Then, he saw the round fatty approach him flatteringly, “Lucien, here’s an invitation. Duke James will hold a party in his personal estate tomorrow, and he hopes that you can join. Her Majesty will also visit his manor.”

The fatty had been in a panic all day after the demise of Prince Patrick and tried to approach Duke James. However, after Natasha acceded to the throne, and especially after she celebrated the birthday for Lucien, Arthur had been revived and rejuvenated. He had been strutting cockily, except that he lost his confidence whenever he ran into Lucien.

Is this an opportunity for us to meet? Lucien’s mood was never better. Although they couldn’t do anything when they were surrounded by the nobles, it would still be enough as long as they could meet.

Therefore, Lucien nodded and promised that he would come.

……

Late at night, inside a private villa…

Looking at Count Barady, Duke York said gloomily, “Her Majesty will visit James’ estate tomorrow. How’s the thing that you mentioned last time going?”

“It should be hopeful.” Count Barady gave a vague reply.