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3.66% Sorcerer: I want to be an Academic Prodigy / Chapter 20: Chapter 20 Qualification Test Invitation

Chapter 20: Chapter 20 Qualification Test Invitation

"Sigh---"

Beaman took a long breath to suppress the turmoil inside his heart.

Having spent years with the Mercenary Group, he understood the value of a complete mid-grade Breathing Secret Medicine even better than Ivan.

High-grade Breathing Secret Medicines were always more talked about than seen; no one had ever actually managed to buy one. Mid-grade secret medicines were equally scarce and would inevitably spark fierce competition among buyers once they became available, fetching high prices.

Let's put it this way, if you chose to present the potion recipe to the Aromatic Wheat Grand Duke during a significant festival, and the Grand Duke was delighted, he might just grant you a title and a piece of land. Of course, that's an exaggeration, but it illustrates well the value of the Ocean Blue Secret Medicine.

"You're not young anymore, decide how to handle it yourself."

Beaman was a squire, only one opportunity away from advancing to Knight Class, and the Ocean Blue Potion had minimal to no effect on him; he didn't want to bother with such troublesome matters and simply let his brother handle it.

Ivan said, "I need to think about it."

Beaman added, "Just a reminder, the Breathing Secret Medicine has side effects, which might increase the difficulty of advancing to Knight Class."

Ivan was aware of this too, but as it was only a possibility, no one could say for sure, and he didn't care: "Current strength is more important."

"Right, that's what everyone thinks."

Beaman expressed agreement, noticing that people around shared the same view, but they didn't know about the nobles.

Sensing his brother's indifferent attitude, the two brothers shared a smile.

At this moment, a voice came from inside the house.

"Mr. Ivan, nice to meet you again, and Mr. Beaman, good morning."

The visitor was Lisa Church, who had surprisingly shown up at the Marichadon residence this early in the morning.

Both brothers answered her with an inexplicable expression and greeted her.

Lisa pointed to one side, "Well, Mr. Ivan, this is our second meeting already. I wonder if your apothecary lab is organized yet? Please allow me to visit; otherwise, there may not be another chance in the future."

Hearing this, Beaman's expression shifted slightly; he knew the secret medicine was made inside, and how could he allow someone to visit that place?

In a flash, several thoughts crossed his mind, and his hand instinctively reached for the dagger at his waist.

Ivan, noticing his brother's guarded look, quickly said, "Alright, it's still a bit messy, I hope Miss Lisa won't mind." He was a cautious person, after the last experience, he always made sure to secure important items before leaving the house.

He signaled to Beaman that there would be no issues.

Approaching Lisa, he noticed a faint fragrance emanating from her, the Tyrone fragrance that he had given her last time.

Nonchalantly, he opened the door, and Lisa, with her petite frame like a graceful butterfly, stepped into the apothary lab first.

To Lisa's disappointment, the lab held nothing more notable than a workbench, a storage rack, and some miscellaneous items; it was just a simple and ordinary apothecary lab.

Lisa said politely, "Mr. Ivan's workplace is so simple, you will surely become an admirable Pharmacist in the future."

"I'll try my best."

Accompanied by Peggy, Lisa soon left, leaving everyone baffled.

Ivan was somewhat confused, "What's up with Miss Church?

"She might have taken a liking to you,"

Hearing Beaman's words, Ivan rolled his eyes.

If he remembered correctly, last time someone had mentioned that their leader Paul was pursuing Miss Church, and he had even argued with Paul about it.

Seeing his interest, Beaman shared Lisa Church's background: her father was Baron Church from the impoverished Black Pine Territory, which included a rundown town and three villages.

Recently, the Black Pine Territory faced a significant crisis; a group of boars, emerging from nowhere, periodically descended from the hills to ravage the fields and injure many, including the territory guards. There were even fatalities reported.

These boars were unusually large and difficult to deal with.

Baron Church came to Flying Fish Port with his daughter for two main purposes: one was to visit and connect with relatives, and the other was to seek help in eradicating a wild beast horde.

However, the financial situation of the Black Pine Territory has always been tight. Baron Church couldn't offer much in the way of a reward, which is why no one was eager to take on a losing deal and the task remained unaccepted.

Ivan asked in confusion, "I recall they have been here for quite some time, isn't it really okay to ignore their territory like this?"

Beaman shrugged, "Wild beasts will knock down trees and trample wheat fields, but they won't harm people on their own."

Ivan understood that the horde of boars, after ravaging the crops, might retreat on their own and not return to Black Pine Territory — but the losses incurred by Baron Church would be substantial.

He thought of another issue, "What about Paul, what does he think?"

Beaman said irritably, "He wants to do it without a reward — obviously, the others in the Mercenary Group wouldn't agree, no one wants to join him in his madness."

Ivan instantly got it, "So, Miss Church is here to pull strings."

Beaman replied, "Probably, best to avoid getting involved with her."

There were things he left unsaid, Miss Church initially got close to him, but after Paul showed interest, she shifted her affections to Paul. Now, it seems she might be aiming to charm his brother. All in all, this noble girl's thoughts were quite bizarre.

West City.

In the villa, Ivan had just finished a lesson in the Tidal Language.

"Very good, it won't be long before you switch to a different language."

"Thank you, you're right, I'm also quite interested in the Fernundo language."

Mrs. Harayer was always satisfied with Ivan's progress in his studies and expressed her appreciation with words that flowed from her sensuous red lips.

Seeing that it was about time, Ivan indicated his intention to leave, "Madam, may I know when the next lesson is scheduled?"

"The day after tomorrow morning, same time as usual."

Having answered, Mrs. Harayer seemed to have more to say but did not speak it.

Ivan did not notice this and stood up to say goodbye, taking his belongings and leaving the villa.

"Wait, Mr. Ivan."

Just as he reached the door, Mrs. Harayer called him from behind. He turned around, puzzled.

"There's something you might be interested in, let's discuss it back inside," Mrs. Harayer gestured for him to return to the living room and first closed the villa door.

After a few seconds, Mrs. Harayer hesitantly asked, "Mr. Ivan, are you interested in becoming a sorcerer?"

Upon hearing this, Ivan's heart skipped a few beats, but his expression remained unchanged as he nodded slightly.

Seeing this, Mrs. Harayer said, "Actually, most people don't know a fact — sorcery differs from knighthood, only a select few with aptitude can embark on that path, most lack a critical thing — sorcery aptitude and talent."

Ivan actually knew this because Donnie had mentioned it before.

And that data item on his Academic Prodigy dashboard, labeled 'Spirit', which hadn't changed at all, was highly likely related to sorcery talent.

"So, how does one determine if they have sorcery aptitude?"

Mrs. Harayer said, "That's exactly what I wanted to talk about. There is an opportunity now to test this, but it isn't cheap. Are you interested?"

"How much?"

"Fifteen gold coins for one session, happening in the next few days; delay might mean missing out."

Ivan was undoubtedly interested. If he possessed sorcery talent, he certainly wanted to seize the opportunity to embark on the path of sorcerer training; if not, better he quashed that hope early and becoming a strong knight wouldn't be bad either.

After scheduling a time with Mrs. Harayer, Ivan finally left the villa with a heavy heart.


next chapter

Chapter 21: Chapter 21 Guidance and Undercurrents

Cassia Swordsmanship Hall.

Because he couldn't learn much, Ivan rarely came here.

"Donnie."

"You've been away for so long."

Seeing him, Donnie ran over happily.

Ivan, feeling a bit embarrassed, still pulled him into a corner of the martial arts arena and asked, "Donnie, any news from that side recently?"

Donnie didn't think too much and shook his head, "It's strange, there have been no new developments recently, which is probably a good thing."

Nothing?

Ivan couldn't figure out why, as he had even less information than Donnie.

Realizing something, Donnie spoke up, "Is something the matter? Or did you find out something? Spill it, don't be stingy with the details."

Under his urging, Ivan briefly mentioned the test.

"How much?"

"15 gold."

Upon hearing the price, Donnie gasped, shocked by the costliness.

He asked hopefully, "Can it be a bit cheaper?"

Ivan said, "It probably can't, we don't have any bargaining chips."

Financial constraints are frustrating, Donnie sighed dejectedly, then said with a hint of sourness in his tone, "Buddy, you really are flush with cash now."

Ivan chuckled, "It's alright, if you need help, I can provide a bit of assistance." Donnie was willing to share all sorts of information with him, so naturally, he wouldn't be too miserly.

"Forget it, I'm just temporarily short of cash, give it some time---I'll be fine soon," Donnie refused outright.

Indeed, Donnie was proud and especially so in front of friends, always rushing to pay the bill and known for his generosity.

The entire martial arts arena was U-shaped, with both sides covering a significant area, divided into several zones so that the disciples could practice dispersedly without getting in each other's way.

Yet there were those who couldn't stand the sight of others.

"Hey, what are you two whispering about over there? Coming here and not properly training, you're ruining the atmosphere of the Swordsmanship Hall."

"Senior Brother Henge, we---"

By his voice, Ivan knew it must be their meddlesome Third Senior Brother Henge.

Donnie tried to explain, but Henge interrupted him, "No 'what', not practicing seriously explains why your strength is always at the bottom, going out and losing face for everyone here."

He was completely unaware when he was overstepping boundaries, his gaze wandering between the two.

He repeated his often-said line, "Not satisfied? Want to spar? Let me give you some pointers."

Donnie knew that this Third Senior Brother was looking to take advantage of them, his hand reaching into his pocket, only to find it empty, his expression darkening.

Donnie subtly tugged at Ivan, flashing him a look.

Glancing down, Ivan made no response.

Seeing the two not giving way, Henge grew more impatient, "Both of you, come at me, let me teach you how to use a sword."

That's when Ivan stepped forward, "Fine, I will learn from your expertise." If he had no strength, he might let it be, but with the ability he had, he couldn't tolerate such pettiness.

Donnie, surprised by his impulsiveness, quickly grabbed his arm, "Don't be rash, let's talk this out, Ivan." He knew well that Henge, being ranked third in the Swordsmanship Hall, relied on his strength, otherwise, with Henge's nasty character, he would have been taught a lesson numerous times already.

"There's nothing to say to people like him, better to teach him how to speak with a sword."

Ivan pushed his hand away and took a few steps aside, drawing the Quillen Sword from its scabbard, his attitude very clear.

To think someone would be so overconfident!

Henge, angry but laughing, "Good, this Junior Brother is brave."

He decided then, he'd have to teach this Junior Brother a profound lesson and show others a lesson as well, that he was not someone just anyone could challenge.

He waved his sword, signaling Ivan to follow.

The two, one after the other, moved to a more central location in the training ground, immediately drawing the attention of many.

Ivan guessed his opponent's thoughts, cursing inwardly, let's see how you'll face the crowd after losing so badly.

Considering that the Swordsmanship Hall's number three was not easy to deal with, he promptly channeled the blood energy in his body upwards, slowly pushing it towards his arms. Strength was his advantage, so it made sense to enhance it.

Beaman had once reminded him, upon sensing an enemy, to grasp every second to accumulate power and seize the opportunity to strike first.

"Senior Brother Henge, don't be too hard on him."

"Just teach him a lesson."

Henge, one of the top contenders in strength at the Swordsmanship Hall, was not without supporters, someone shouted encouragement from a distance.

As a handful of junior brothers and sisters approached, Henge, having assumed his stance, finally raised his sword to issue a challenge, with a dramatic flourish he called out:

"Ivan, junior brother, the longsword is sharp and merciless, please be extremely careful."

"Come on then."

Without waiting for a reply, Ivan's Quillen Sword struck first, closing the distance with large strides.

"Good attack," Henge said, but he didn't take his opponent seriously. He held his longsword with one hand, angled toward the ground in front of him, his face exuding ease and pleasure, as if he were out for a walk.

"Ha!" Before the swords met, Ivan suddenly placed his other hand on the hilt and, in the next second, swiftly launched the attack he had long been planning.

"Ding!"

In Henge's estimation, he could defeat this bottom-ranked opponent barehanded; using both hands on the sword seemed like nothing more than a struggle from his opponent, so he made no change to his stance.

Their swords met at a single point, force colliding directly.

He keenly sensed that the strength transmitted to his hand was off, and Henge's expression changed.

Such great strength.

This isn't good!

That second, his expression became particularly stiff.

His grip on the sword was unstable, beyond his control.

"Ding!"

Then, the Quillen Sword delivered a second blow, targeting that sword-grasping palm.

In a rush, Henge haphazardly brought his sword up to block.

The longsword was knocked flying.

Ivan was skilled in sword artistry, and he wouldn't miss this opportunity. The Quillen Sword hissed through the air with its edge slicing through, thrusting straight at his opponent's face.

The tip of the sword stopped in front of his opponent's neck.

"Ah."

Feeling the sharp point touch the skin of his neck, Henge felt a flutter of panic, letting out an involuntary cry of shock.

The onlookers fell silent, none of them had anticipated this outcome.

Ivan sheathed his sword succinctly: "Thank you for the lesson, senior brother Henge."

He had mastered three types of swordsmanship: basic swordsmanship, Gushing Sword Skill, and Frog-style Sword Technique. With Beaman occasionally feeding him moves and teaching him many tricks and experiences for fighting enemies, those who underestimated him were sure to suffer.

Henge was one such person, who never took this bottom-ranked junior brother seriously.

"Idiot."

At the entrance of the Swordsmanship Hall, the eldest senior sister, Mellie, just happened to see the moment Henge was at sword-point, muttered a curse, and cast an additional glance at Ivan, seemingly deep in thought.

Hearing Ivan's words, the others snapped back to reality, with Donnie staring at his friend as if seeing a deity.

Henge was also jolted from his nightmare.

The matter of winning or losing was settled!

This was an undeniable fact.

"Ivan... junior brother, let's duel again next time."

Regardless of whether he had been complacent, a loss was a loss. Henge's face flushed with embarrassment, he left behind those words and scurried off.

...

Night.

A light mist draped over Flying Fish Port's lights like a delicate veil.

Within the City Lord's Residence, Earl Hobson, in the prime of his life, was unusually agitated.

"How many people went in total?"

His trusted official, Baron Karl, replied, "12 people."

Earl Hobson asked again, "How many are dead by now?"

"7 people."

The Earl knew full well that among those was his niece Pearney, who had been sent to the island where the sorcerer resided. The continuous stream of death reports made him inevitably worry about Pearney's predicament.

Watching the Earl pace back and forth, Baron Karl seemed to want to say something but halted at the edge of his lips.

After a while, Earl Hobson sighed softly and waved his hand, "Start preparing, proceed with your suggestion, just in case."

Baron Karl inclined slightly, stepping out of the study with light footsteps.


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