The clearing in the forest returned to silence, with only the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.
Lorne watched Asta's energetic figure disappear at the end of the forest path before retracting his gaze.
He looked up at the sky; the setting sun was slowly descending, its orange-red glow dyeing the clouds on the horizon like burning flames.
Lorne also had a plan for his own cultivation.
The research into Space-Time Magic had currently hit a bottleneck; this was not a matter of talent but a lack of knowledge.
Without any relevant texts or guidance from a mentor, relying solely on self-exploration to achieve groundbreaking progress was quite difficult.
That would require a vast amount of time for trial and error, which was too inefficient.
As for his primary combat magic—Ice Magic—it had already formed a rather mature system.
Whether for offense, defense, or control, there were corresponding powerful spells.
Intentionally trying to comprehend new Ice Magic spells would be of little significance and would instead scatter his focus.
Therefore, his goal for the next period of time was very clear.
That was to solidify his foundation, using the purest meditation and training to increase the total amount and purity of his magic power.
It would not be too late to consider Space-Time Magic after entering the Royal Capital, after the Magic Knight Squad selection trials were over, and after he had access to a wider world and richer magical knowledge.
Thinking of this, Lorne felt a sense of clarity.
He straightened his robes and slowly walked towards the church... Meanwhile, inside the Grimoire Tower.
The white-haired Master of the Grimoire Tower sat in his large chair, looking at the somewhat constrained Father and Sister Lily.
"I'm sure you all know that the Magic Knight Squad selection trials will be held in the Royal Capital in a few months," the Tower Master said, stroking his beard, getting straight to the point.
The Father and Sister Lily exchanged glances and both nodded.
This was a grand event in the Clover Kingdom, an opportunity for all young boys and girls with dreams to leap over the dragon's gate; they certainly knew about it.
"According to previous years' practice, our area usually has two recommendation slots, granted to the most promising young people."
The Tower Master paused, a peculiar glint flashing in his aged eyes.
"However, this year's situation is a bit special."
He held up three withered fingers.
"This year, we have three recommendation slots."
"Three?!" The Father's face showed some surprise.
For a poor, remote place like Hage Village, getting three slots was probably due to Yuno, the genius.
"Yes! It took quite a bit of effort! After all, a four-leaf grimoire appeared!"
"It's not a problem to ask for one more slot."
The old Tower Master said with a smile, stroking his beard.
Hearing this, both the Father and Sister Lily showed proud smiles, feeling honored.
Yuno was indeed the pride of their Hage Village church!
"One for Yuno, then what about the other two slots?"
Sister Lily asked softly, curious.
At this, the Tower Master's face showed a hint of helplessness and regret.
The old Tower Master sighed: "Originally, those two children, after the incident with Rebuchi, completely lost their will and had explicitly stated they would give up participating in this year's selection trials."
The Father and Sister Lily heard that those two slots were now vacant again.
"So, those two vacant slots, after my consideration..."
The Tower Master looked at the two of them, announcing his decision word by word.
"One of them, I've decided to recommend to Lorne."
This decision was within the Father's and Sister Lily's expectations.
Although Lorne was not from Hage Village, he participated in the awarding ceremony here, received a grimoire, and lived at the church for several months.
His calm personality and powerful strength, far exceeding his peers, coupled with getting along very well with everyone, meant they were not surprised he received a recommendation slot.
"And the last slot..."
The Tower Master's voice came out faintly, "I've decided to recommend to Asta."
"What?!"
This time, the Father's reaction was several times more intense than before.
His voice even changed pitch due to his emotional agitation.
"That... Yuno and Lorne are fine, but why let Asta participate in the selection trials?!"
His face was full of confusion, and there was a deep-seated worry.
"That child himself said he wanted to participate!"
The old Tower Master said somewhat indifferently.
After all, they couldn't find any other suitable people in such a small place, so why not let Asta try?
"Asta... he definitely won't pass, right?!"
The Father's voice carried a hint of hesitation.
He knew Asta too well; that child was as persistent as he was eager to become the Magic Emperor.
Asta had not a single trace of magic power in his body!
Sending Asta to participate in the Magic Knight Squad selection was not to fulfill a dream, but to face humiliation!
It was to let Asta be cruelly shattered by harsh reality once again!
"Since that child wants to participate, why not let him try?"
After saying that, the old Tower Master suddenly leaned forward and teasingly looked at the Father,
"What's up? I say, you! You're reluctant to let Asta go to the Royal Capital, aren't you?"
The Father's gaze also drifted, and he turned his head away, revealing an unnaturalness as he loudly argued:
"That's not it at all!"
"He's definitely going to fail anyway, so it's better not to go in the first place. This is for his own good!"
"I'm definitely not reluctant to let him go!"
The Father's face was slightly flushed, and he avoided eye contact, looking evasive.
Standing by, Sister Lily looked at the Father, who was trying so hard to explain, and she raised her hand to cover her mouth, unable to help but reveal a faint smile... Under the afterglow of the setting sun, Lorne walked unhurriedly, and from a distance, he saw the familiar outline of the church.
He also saw the Father and Sister Lily returning from the direction of the Grimoire Tower.
Both of them looked a bit off, as if they were contemplating something.
Lorne keenly sensed this unusual atmosphere.
Had something happened?
A hint of doubt arose in his heart, but he did not immediately go forward to ask.
Looking at the Father, he was clearly in a state of indecision.
Lorne wondered if it was about the Magic Knight Squad recommendation slots?
He merely slowed his pace, maintaining a distance from the two, silently following behind them.
When they returned to the church entrance one after another, the scene in the courtyard was as usual.
Yuno was leaning against the wall, using Wind Magic to tease the younger children, causing them to erupt in giggles.
On the other side, accompanied by an energetic shout, soaking wet with sweat.
Asta, as if just pulled out of water, was running back from outside, carrying his giant demon-slayer sword.
Lorne's gaze swept over both sides, and his doubt intensified.
The Father stopped, looking at Asta, who was sweating profusely and full of infinite aspirations for the future, his expression growing more complex.
Finally, he let out a heavy sigh and turned to walk into the church.
"Father... what's wrong with him?"
Asta, who had just run back, also noticed something was off; he scratched his head and looked at Sister Lily, puzzled.
Sister Lily smiled and shook her head:
"Nothing, Asta, you'll know soon!"
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