Chapter 67 | The Seventh Witch

Because she had graduated from one of the world's premier institutions, Collette had known the moment she first met Shulim that Shulim's talent had to be A-Class or higher.

Although even the academy rarely had the chance to use magic items that tested aptitude, over the years, they had long since figured out a set of rules for how each tier of talent manifested.

For someone like Shulim to reach the Second-Tier at just seven or eight years old was undoubtedly indicative of the very highest peak of talent—at least A-Class.

Back then, Collette had already harbored the intention of recommending Shulim for admission.

In the end, during Shulim's fourth year, she wrote a recommendation letter to the academy. When the academy received Collette's letter, they were rather surprised by her description of Shulim. After all, a talent that started at a minimum of A-Class was considered a genius among geniuses even at Manacos Magic Academy, making them prime targets for special attention.

Naturally, the academy would not simply take Collette at her word. Had it been a B-Class talent, they wouldn't have cared as much; they would simply test her upon enrollment, and if she fell far short of what was written in the recommendation letter, her qualification would be revoked directly.

But an A-Class talent had to be taken seriously. The academy had no desire to miss out on such a genius.

Thus, the academy immediately dispatched a professor with the admission recommendation letter to conduct an inspection. If the claims were proven true, the recommendation letter would be handed over on the spot. If false, the professor would return with the letter.

And the person Collette had mentioned when she stopped Kunon for a match with Shulim that day was none other than this professor from Manacos Magic Academy.

Upon arriving in Mente Town, the professor made no public fuss. After gathering more details from Collette and Kunon, he had been observing her in secret.

It wasn't until Shulim crushed Ander with unmatched dominance that day that the experienced professor instantly determined Collette's claims were true—Shulim's talent was indeed at least A-Class!

He had quickly handed the letter to Collette and repeatedly urged her to ensure Shulim attended the academy. As for why he didn't show his face in person...

This was because the academy feared such a gesture might feed a student's arrogance, which would hinder their growth. Thus, they avoided such approaches. Even if a candidate seemed disinclined to attend, they would only guide them covertly rather than extending a direct, personal invitation.

“Enrollment next year...”

Back in the Hayeral household, Shulim sat on the sofa, repeatedly turning over the admission recommendation letter Collette had given her.

The entire letter had been treated with an anti-forgery magic circle, leaving absolutely no possibility of it being faked.

All she needed to do was report for enrollment in the specified year at the Royal Capital, Langard, to become a student of Manacos Magic Academy.

And Shulim's scheduled time for enrollment was next year.

The reason she had to wait until next year had to do with Manacos's admissions system. Because they recruited from all over the continent, there would often be many cases where students could not make it to Langard in a short period due to distance and other travel issues.

If they were to issue the recommendation letters for the current year, it was highly likely that the recipients wouldn't even have received their letters before the registration period had already expired.

For this reason, Manacos generally sent out recommendation letters one to two years in advance.

It didn't matter much to Shulim anyway. In fact, it was actually better since she could use this year to thoroughly research the specific details of Manacos, and—

It was time to start preparing for her future journey.

...

Time flew. With the assistance of Collette, a native of the Royal Capital, Shulim gained a solid understanding of Langard, as well as the academy's environment and culture.

Furthermore, with Kunon's help, Shulim's common knowledge regarding travel and independent living had also vastly improved.

Although she didn't know why Instructor Kunon was taking the initiative to help her, she resolved to make the most of his kindness.

On a certain day as her departure date approached, her father, Rezerian, suddenly called Shulim to his study.

“Father, is there something you wanted to see me for?” Shulim curtsied and asked.

Sitting at his desk, Rezerian looked at his overly sensible daughter, feeling a wave of emotion wash over him. “Shulim, out of my seven children, you are the youngest, but you are also the one I worry about the least. Sometimes, I even wonder if my youngest daughter is a bit too mature. Ever since you turned seven, you barely even act spoiled around me anymore...”

Shulim: “...”

“Sigh, I'm sorry. I suppose your father is getting old; I've started to ramble lately,” Rezerian sighed and got down to business. “I called you here today because I have a gift for you.”

“A gift? For me?” Shulim blinked in confusion.

“Yes, this right here.” Rezerian nodded and retrieved a sword from beneath his desk. It was neither too long nor too short, and its scabbard looked incredibly plain and unremarkable.

But when Rezerian drew the blade, the silver light shimmering across the sword like a river of stars instantly caught Shulim's eye.

“Your older brothers and sisters have all ventured out. Except for Yamen, they all have protection. But you're different. Langard is far away, and you'll have to make the entire journey on your own. The dangers are easily imagined. You already have a wand, but you still lack a handy sword. That's why I'm giving you this sword, forged from mithril.”

Shulim took the mithril sword, caressing it with deep affection. The edge was incredibly sharp. Even just lightly brushing her fingertip against it elicited a stinging sensation; there was no doubt that with the slightest bit of pressure, her finger would be sliced open.

She tried channeling her mana into it. Since a large amount of mithril had been used in its creation, her mana flowed through it without any resistance. In a battle, this sword could easily be utilized as a magic sword.

Even though Shulim knew very little about weaponry, she could tell this sword was the work of a master.

“Well? Do you like it?” Seeing his daughter look so enamored, Rezerian asked with a smile.

“Yes!”

Shulim nodded, and then, as if suddenly remembering something, she looked up and asked, “Father, this sword must be very expensive. Our family's financial situation...”

Rezerian's smile instantly froze on his face.

“Cough, cough...”

After coughing twice, Rezerian spoke with a slightly awkward smile, “Expensive... well, it wasn't that expensive. You don't have to worry, our family can still afford it. But... just to be safe, try not to expose the blade when you're outside. We don't want to attract the greed of those with ill intentions.”

No wonder the scabbard was made to look so plain...

Shulim did not expose Rezerian's lie about it not being expensive. Members of the Hayeral family would never discard another's good intentions just to indulge in self-pity. Likewise, Rezerian would not let his care for his daughter cause her unnecessary worry. The expense was likely indeed quite heavy, but it was still far from becoming a true burden to the Hayeral family.

She nodded. “I understand, Father.”

Shulim returned the sword to its scabbard and held it in her hand, planning to find a strap later to secure it to her waist or back.

Rezerian felt deeply comforted by his daughter's sensible attitude. After hesitating for a moment, he spoke again, “Aside from that, there is one more thing.”

As he said this, his tone couldn't help but turn serious.

“Shulim, you should know that my dream has always been to revitalize the Hayeral family and restore the glory of our ancestors.”

Shulim nodded.

Rezerian continued, “And yet, you've secured a recommendation for admission to Manacos Magic Academy, the premier magic academy in the world. This means your talent is the absolute finest in the entire history of the Hayeral family—”

“Therefore!”

Rezerian paused, and then said with absolute gravity, “I want you to never worry about anything concerning the Hayeral family ever again!”

Shulim's eyes widened, and she looked at her father in confusion.

“Sigh—”

Rezerian sighed and said, “My dream belongs to me, not to you. You have your own life. If your talent was just average like the rest of the Hayerals, I wouldn't say anything about us striving together for the family. But your talent is exceptional! This means that a much vaster future awaits you. I do not wish for you to be bound by a mere family. I only want you to spread your wings, fly to your heart's content, and lead a splendid life of your own! This is more important than anything else...”