NOVPUBThe floating staircase finally came to a gentle stop, softly depositing Lawrence and Lanci on the third-floor corridor.
They stepped onto the in-house walkway of the Cardmaker’s Association, imbued with the feel of magical craftsmanship. The corridor was filled with a profound tranquility, the wood grain design on the floor spreading out under their feet like the fingerprints of time, chronicling the history and development of the Association.
"You’re a student of the Magic Engineering College. Your professors should be pleased with you. Why would they have problems with the College?"
Lawrence asked, walking alongside him.
Did this young man have a terrible relationship with his professors at the Magic Engineering College?
Lanci, with his gentle and polite demeanor, did not seem to be the arrogant, defiant type of student.
"... I’m from the Sage Academy."
"..."
Lawrence was silent for a moment,
"I didn’t realize you were also well-versed in casting spells."
He could not help but marvel at Lanci’s versatility.
"No, no, I can’t cast spells at all,"
Lanci said, shaking his head in embarrassment and trying to change the subject.
Even though Lanci excelled in various fields, the one thing he simply could not learn was spell casting.
Lanci’s practical magic skills were among the worst in the history of the Sage Academy, typically students of his caliber wouldn’t be admitted to the Academy in the first place.
"Then why didn’t you apply to the Magic Engineering College?!"
Lawrence was completely flabbergasted by Lanci’s thought process and almost felt dizzy trying to understand it.
He was obviously a natural-born artistic magic artisan, so why would he join the Sage Academy, which focuses on combat spell casting!
"When given the choice between the two, I thought the entrance exam for the Sage Academy was a lot simpler than the Magic Engineering College’s..."
The compulsory courses at Magic Engineering College included some he didn’t want to take, while the optional courses were common across the board, so it didn’t much matter which he attended.
Obviously, he chose the Sage Academy, where two months of preparation could guarantee admission.
"..."
Lawrence finally realized that Lanci was incredibly carefree.
He goes wherever he wishes.
As soon as the Cardmaker’s Association notified the Magic Engineering College, the professors there would be happy to help Lanci.
After all, he was a student from their own alma mater.
Still, by then the professors at the Magic Engineering College would presumably have mixed emotions and lose sleep for several days.
In the future, even if they wanted to brag, they wouldn’t be able to claim Lanci as their own product...
"Actually, while there are hardly any students below the fourth grade who become platinum-level cardmakers, according to the rules of Ichrite Academy, if one is officially recognized as a platinum-level cardmaker by the Association, the Magic Engineering College can employ them as faculty under the "Special Talent Recruitment Charter in Hutton Kingdom". Platinum-level cardmakers are welcomed everywhere."
Lawrence couldn’t help but sigh.
Sometimes, fourth-grade students at Ichrite Academy will also hold part-time teaching positions or assist the professors with their classes.
If a fourth-grade student graduates and they have a deep affection for the school, they may also choose to stay at the school and continue to work as formal teaching staff, a number of Ichrite Academy’s incredibly powerful professors have made this same choice.
After all, the academy offers easy access to the Void Gate to take on the Shadow World. The environment, resources, and support services are all top-notch.
The school also doesn’t discourage its professors from holding other legal positions.
Such as the current Dean of Sage Academy and High Priest Loren of the Church of the Goddess of Destiny, he was once the top freshman of Sage Academy.
"No, no, today was mostly luck, and besides, it’s only a third-order card. I still have a lot to learn."
Lanci hastily shook his head. He still had a long way to go in the field of magical engineering, the only area he excelled in was art.
If he joined the Magic Engineering College, he could only teach painting courses at best, while still having to further his studies in mid to high-level magical engineering.
Those subsequent courses in magical engineering are what his heart truly desires.
"Wait a minute."
Suddenly, Lanci frowned, as if he had realized something.
This familiar feeling...
There was a time when he, too, was specially hired…
If he could really acquire a teaching position at Ichrite Academy.
It seemed that he would be one step closer to that ·pos·i·tion· he once dreamed of but now dared not to.
If he could take a few more steps forward.
And one day be able to have Lanci himself preside over the entire Ichrite Academy.
Perhaps then, he could recreate the glory days of the Purgatory Corridor Academy.
Although Lanci admitted to himself that he was a bit of a mixed bag,
Deep down, he did harbor this small dream.
It was his only dream - to relive that fleeting, dreamlike experience once again, and to become the great principal admired by the students and loved by the teachers!
"So, Mr. Lawrence."
The excitement and anticipation in Lanci’s voice were palpable,
"After I pass the evaluation and officially become a platinum-level cardmaker, will the Magic Engineering College possibly invite me to take up a teaching position?"
Lanci’s eyes sparkled with the energy and ambition unique to the young, like a star filled with great aspirations, shining brilliantly in the night sky.
"If both parties are agreeable, it shouldn’t be a problem..."
Lawrence’s response was hesitant and tinged with confusion,
"Generally, no school would refuse the inclusion of a platinum-level cardmaker, but very few platinum-level cardmakers are willing to serve."
Lawrence didn’t know why, but Lanci’s overly longing look made him feel a bit uneasy.
"I sure hope the review process can go smoothly then."
Lanci’s spirits soared at this, as if all his fatigue had been swept away.
His cheerful demeanor even made his steps seem lighter and more energetic.
Soon, under Lawrence’s escort, Lanci passed through several distinctive areas and finally arrived back at the familiar guest area on the third floor.
Stepping onto the carpet made of soft and delicate fibers, the patterns interwoven with delicate flowers, classic geometric shapes, and smooth curves, along with the arched floor lamp in the corner of the discussion area, added warmth and elegance to the space.
Many people along the way cast astonished looks at Lanci, as if they were witnessing the birth of a legend.
However, Lawrence’s status as the vice president of the Ichrite Branch was highly respected. Even those who were curious about Lanci maintained their distance with respect for Lawrence, rather than coming over to probe.
"Lanci, if you ever need help in the future, you can come directly to the Association and find any of the deacons and tell them to find Vice Chairman Lawrence, I will come to assist you promptly."
Lawrence advised.
Although he had thoroughly explained the important matters to Lanci, the remaining content would be informed to him by the Ichrite Cardmaker Association Branch after going through the school, it seemed Lanci wanted to leave the Cardmaker’s Association early today and go home to rest, requiring Lawrence to escort him out.
"Thank you very much."
The two of them had already reached the sofa area of the discussion zone as they chatted and laughed.
