Chapter 27 0029: I’ll Take Care of It

“What did you say? A seventeen-year-old magical prodigy? Are you certain?” In the video call, a white-haired man was speaking with Kurt. The elderly man, draped in a crimson mage’s robe and gripping a staff, exuded an imposing presence.

“Yes, this prodigy independently devised a set of arcane formulas for fire elements before I’d even begun instructing him on conjuring fire. I’ve tested them myself—his formulas can enhance flames, and the degree of enhancement depends on the mage’s own power!” Kurt reported excitedly to his superior in red.

The old man on the other end narrowed his eyes and blurted, “An offensive formula?”

Kurt nodded, his face alight with enthusiasm. “Exactly! As long as there’s fire on the battlefield, we can use these formulas to make it spread and burn stronger—this is an attack-type formula, not one of those flashy, ornamental spells! My lord, he’s only seventeen! At seventeen, he’s already grasped the arcane essence of offensive fire magic all on his own. That’s true genius! When I discovered him today, I was overwhelmed. At last, our continent might see the rise of a powerful mage!”

Among mages, there is a distinction between performative, illusory magic and those spells that deliver genuine offensive power. Clearly, the latter is far more valuable on the field of battle. While most mages serve in various occupations, only those capable of fighting become the backbone of the guild. These battle-mages play a pivotal role in the struggle for supremacy among the continent’s races.

“I want to meet this young man. Bring him to headquarters at once!” The elder in red breathed heavily as he spoke.

“My lord, one more thing—I forgot to mention, the boy isn’t willing to join the guild or leave Watchtower City,” Kurt added.

“What did you say?” The mage in red frowned. “He refused to join the guild? Are you sure he’s in his right mind?”

On this continent, the Mage Guild commands an exalted status. Even the mightiest lords dare not offend such a vast organization. All global and interplanetary portals rely on mages from the guild to operate and maintain their magic. Even the city skyrails are made possible by magic arrays, easing traffic in this crowded land; without aerial routes, the battered roads below could never suffice.

Thus, the importance of mages in daily life is self-evident—but to think that’s the extent of their influence would be a grave error. The guild possesses another enviable attribute: immense wealth.

The Mage Guild claims half the revenue from all transportation and teleportation worldwide—an income that can only be described as staggering.

To join the guild as a mage is to secure a bright, worry-free future. That’s why the director and the headmaster were so shocked when Chu Yun turned down Kurt’s offer. No one would refuse the chance to be a respected mage; the profession is synonymous with status, wealth, and power.

Kurt relayed Chu Yun’s exact words of refusal to his superior. After listening, the mage in red nodded approvingly. “Indeed, true geniuses often think differently. Perhaps his talent and insight are inseparable from his character and environment. I believe we should respect his habits and let him develop naturally. Our teaching methods may only serve to shackle his creativity. The decline of mages in recent years might well be tied to our rigid approach; perhaps it’s time we tried something new. But if, as you say, the boy is reserved and dislikes socializing, he’s bound to be isolated at the academy and attract trouble.”

“That’s true,” Kurt replied, frowning over the files he’d collected. “At his previous academy, he was often bullied—once nearly beaten to death. And because he married into the Ye family, he’s made many enemies among his peers. With his background, it would be all too easy for them to end his life. He’s in grave danger, my lord. It’s as if the hope of our continent is being strangled in its cradle.”

The mage in red exhaled, made up his mind, and nodded. “Here’s what we’ll do: you don’t need to return. Stay at Lanwind Academy and keep an eye on him—watch over his safety. Though even your skills may not help if he’s in real danger, I’ll speak to the city lord of Watchtower City and see if he can arrange some special protections.”

“That would be excellent,” Kurt replied.

The elder continued, “While you’re there, expose him as much as possible to magical knowledge. Take the opportunity to get to know him better and conduct a thorough assessment.”

Kurt nodded. “Understood.”

After hanging up, Kurt decided it was time to approach Chu Yun and get to know him.

Meanwhile, Hou Manman, like the other students, believed Chu Yun was finished this time. Even her own Hou family dared not cross the Mage Guild—they could only keep their distance. She knew that pleading on his behalf would do no good; the only thing left was to offer him another path.

She spotted Chu Yun eating in the cafeteria, so she carried her tray over and sat across from him, crossing her long legs in a move that drew every nearby gaze.

“I heard you were called to the office? Serves you right. I told you, just apologize and be done with it—why insist on being stubborn?” she scolded.

Chu Yun kept his head down, devouring his meal, not bothering to respond.

Hou Manman’s lips curved into a smile. “But you don’t need to worry. If things don’t work out, come to River City with me. You can choose any martial arts academy there—you have my word.”

“Why should I go to River City?” Chu Yun finally looked up.

“If you’re called to the office, what else could it be but expulsion?” Hou Manman teased, lifting his chin with a slender finger. “Come with me—let me take care of you in River City.”

Her main goal was to get Chu Yun away from that woman, Ye Linglong.

Chu Yun brushed her hand aside, scoffing, “I’ve already turned down the Mage Guild’s invitation. Why would I go to River City with you?”

“You’re just stubborn and can’t stand to lose, aren’t you?” Hou Manman smiled slyly. “But I won’t embarrass you by exposing it.”

Just then, an elder’s voice drifted over. “There you are.”

Kurt came over and sat down heavily beside them.

Startled, Hou Manman quickly stood and bowed, “Greetings, Master Kurt. I’m Hou Manman.”

Kurt nodded briefly, then turned to Chu Yun with a smile. “You don’t have to join the guild, but I insist on nurturing your magical abilities. You have no objections, do you?”

Hou Manman, listening nearby, thought she must have misheard. Her eyes widened, lips parted in shock.

Chu Yun finally nodded, glanced at Kurt, and asked, “Will I still get a million gold coins a year?”

Why say no to free money?

Kurt replied, “Didn’t you tell me not to corrupt your soul with gold?”

Chu Yun said, “But without money, my soul has nowhere to rest.”

Kurt was speechless.