Outside the testing hall, Michelle had been waiting for nearly two full hours before Ron finally emerged.
"Huh? What are you stuffing into your pocket?"
Just as Michelle was about to ask about Ron's talent results, he saw Ron hurriedly jamming something into his pocket with suspicious vigor.
"Just some fruit pits. Sorry for the wait—let's go."
Ron patted his pocket to ensure the crimson serpent fruit pits were secure.
"…Why are you putting fruit pits in your pocket?" Michelle asked, baffled.
"I think they taste great. I'm going to try planting them. When they grow and ripen, I'll let you have one."
Michelle didn't understand at all, but he still nodded politely. Remembering the main topic, he asked:
"So—how was it?"
Ron smiled. "Let's talk as we walk."
"Alright."
Inside the Dean's Office
Monica leaned back in her wooden chair as the magical scenery dissolved, returning the room to its ordinary state.
On the stump where Ron had sat, a single crimson serpent fruit pit remained—one Ron had dropped earlier.
Of course she knew he had taken the pits.
Thinking of the boy's behavior, she let out a soft, amused sigh.
"What a clever, interesting child… but unfortunately, he truly has no magical talent."
Her voice fell, and the vibrant forest-like aura returned, gently filling the room.
Outside
Hearing Ron's "test results," Michelle tried to comfort him.
"It's alright. Even without magic, you can still cultivate battle qi."
"That's what I thought too."
Ron wasn't disappointed at all. He knew his own situation well—no talent now didn't mean none in the future.
With his ability to refresh entries infinitely… even all-element magical talent was not impossible.
Seeing Ron genuinely carefree, Michelle relaxed.
"There's still plenty of time. Let me show you around the academy."
Ron nodded. He had a whole-day pass thanks to the recommendation letter, so he wasn't worried about being kicked out.
As they walked, they passed a towering wall. From the other side came a thunderous rumbling.
Ron looked up in confusion. Michelle chuckled.
"That's the Magic–Martial Arena. Both departments test their abilities there."
Hearing that, Ron felt a spark of interest. Michelle noticed instantly.
"Want to go in? I'll take you."
Magic–Martial Arena
The arena was massive—large enough to seat ten thousand spectators.
In the central field, dozens of magic students were casting spells, brilliant colors flashing like fireworks. Others were sparring in pairs.
Ron's eyes lit up like a child seeing candy for the first time.
Michelle narrated patiently, pointing at one of the students.
"That one's casting the basic fire spell 'Fire Breath'. It looks simple, but it requires five incantations. Chanting them that fast and still hitting the target is impressive."
He pointed to the student's opponent.
"That sword user is from the Martial Arts Department. He isn't using any martial techniques—he probably hasn't learned them yet. But his swordsmanship is refined. He can last several rounds."
Ron smirked. "Judging from the way you're talking, you're stronger than both of them, right?"
"Haha… not bad," Michelle replied with modest pride.
"Speaking of which… are martial students weaker than magic students at the same level?"
Michelle nodded.
"In most cases, yes. When a mage and a martial artist of equal level fight, the mage usually wins."
"Has it always been like that?"
After all, both systems originated from the same Age of Seclusion. The gap shouldn't be this large.
"My teacher said martial artists can only truly contend with mages at the third transcendent stage. As for the reason… he didn't tell me. We're only first-stage mages, after all."
Just as Ron was about to ask more, a magic-robed student jogged over.
"Michelle, Mentor Yale is looking for you."
"Oh—coming!"
Seeing Michelle hesitate, Ron waved a hand.
"It's fine. Go ahead. I'll wander around on my own. When I get tired, I'll head back."
"Alright."
Michelle smiled apologetically, then hurried away.
Ron watched for a while longer, then left. First-stage duels were flashy but offered nothing to learn from.
Lost
Outside the arena wall, Ron stretched lazily. The warm sun felt wonderful.
Grumble~
His stomach growled.
"Michelle said the academy cafeteria is daylight robbery… better eat outside."
He set off following his memory.
Ten minutes later—
Every street looked the same.
"…I'm lost."
There wasn't a soul in sight. Not even a signpost.
"In a place this big, they should at least put signs!" Ron slapped a nearby tree trunk in protest.
Ying~
A faint sound came from above.
Someone was up there.
Ron looked up—and froze.
The Little Girl in the Tree
A tiny girl was perched on a high branch, wearing a loose green robe with what looked like bird feathers hanging from her ears. She hugged a piece of bread in both hands, nibbling it nervously.
Her large, bright blue eyes stared at Ron—wide with panic, like a squirrel caught stealing nuts.
Ron spoke first.
"Little one, why'd you climb so high? Be careful you don't—"
Fall.
The moment he said the word, she slipped.
Ron jolted and lunged forward.
The girl squeezed her eyes shut as she plummeted straight into his arms. Ron twisted his body, cushioning her fall, and the two crashed onto the grass.
Just as Ron opened his mouth to ask if she was hurt—
Plop.
A piece of bread fell directly into his mouth.
Her bread.
Instinctively, Ron took a bite.
…It was delicious.
He ate the whole thing.
The girl stared in horror as her meal was annihilated before her eyes.
Feeling her stare, Ron said calmly,
"You shouldn't climb so high. What if you fell? Luckily I was here this time."
He gently helped her up. When his hand brushed the bird feather earrings, a faint green glow flickered.
"N-No! I wouldn't have fallen if not for you! And you ate my bread! That was my lunch! Pay me back!"
Her voice was crisp and angry—well, trying to be angry.
Her trembling ruined the effect.
Ron finally got a clear look at her.
Pale golden hair in a short ponytail. Feather earrings. Light blue eyes. Small, delicate features. Thin and tiny—barely 1.2 meters tall.
And wearing a Magic Department uniform.
…but wasn't the academy's minimum admission age twelve?
How was she so small?
"Hey! Why aren't you saying anything?"
She puffed out her cheeks, trying to appear brave.
Ron sighed and placed several silver coins into her hand.
"Here. Consider it payment for the bread."
She was clearly scared. Staying longer might make her cry, so Ron turned to leave.
The girl stared blankly at his retreating figure.
After a long silence, she exhaled shakily.
"I-I was so scared…"
Being discovered eating in a tree, being held by a stranger—both were firsts in her life.
Suddenly—
"Do you know the way out?"
"Wah!!"
Ron had returned behind her without a sound.
"Hey, don't cry! I wasn't trying to scare you. I'm really lost."
Ron was just grateful no one else saw this.
{i will rewrite this novel right now it is rushed work and cant work on it right now because well exams are having fun fu*king me over} though if u by it from patreon i will email u the rewritten verson after its done as well
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