Locke returned to his dormitory at dusk.

The dorm was quieter than the morning, as nearby rooms, occupied by Anjouans, had emptied over the past few days.

Those students had been forced to leave the academy.

With the Frankish Empire conquering Anjou, Aurelian Academy’s annual intake would drop by at least a seventh.

Alone in his dorm, Locke opened the first book and read avidly through the night, enthralled and enlightened.

It was his introduction to the wizarding world.

After a simple bread dinner, Locke retrieved the Level 4 synthesized item from the Horadric Cube.

Previously, he had synthesized a Level 3 ring using a gold ring, ruby, and sapphire.

He also synthesized a fist-sized Level 3 ruby from three rubies and several Level 2 sapphires into three Level 3 sapphires.

These Level 3 gems were larger, with superior clarity and color, rare treasures.

Selling a few could easily cover Aurelian’s tuition.

Now, it was time to synthesize a Level 4 item.

Locke noticed the cube didn’t prompt him to synthesize a Level 5 item.

As a mortal, Level 4 was his current limit.

The Level 4 sapphire was smaller, only fingernail-sized, shaped like a pearl.

[Level 4 Sapphire (Deep Blue Jade), a peculiar gem from deep veins, with mental fluctuation stabilization (filtering) properties. Jewelry made from it, worn constantly, stabilizes the wearer’s mental state.]

Locke paused, examining the gem. “As expected, Level 4 items aren’t ordinary.”

“This sapphire stabilizes mental fluctuations subtly. I don’t know its full use yet, but I can have a jeweler craft it into a ring.”

“This is the Horadric Cube’s power.”

Locke thought, “With the cube, I’ll never lack high-grade materials, a major asset in the wizarding world.”

“I’ve escaped gold coin poverty, though I’ve racked up magic stone debts.”

Looking at the nine thick tomes, he mused, “This is the reward for my gamble.”

“If I hadn’t deduced the Outstanding Graduate quota’s existence, I’d likely be packing to leave, never touching the wizarding world.”

“Outside, I’d rely on the cube, posing as a famed gem craftsman in Corfu’s mortal society, dying as dust in a century.”

“But now, everything’s different.” Locke eyed the books, reflecting.

“With the Outstanding Graduate status, I’m safe at Aurelian, free from survival worries. My only task is to study.”

“But rest is part of studying.”

With history class tomorrow, Locke closed the book in the late night, collapsed into bed, and fell into a sweet dream.

…

The next day, Aurelian Academy, history classroom.

Professor Alder entered with a dark expression, slamming his materials on the podium. Many students, eager for drama, focused on Locke and the few remaining Anjouans.

Angel’s face was deathly pale, like paper, her eyes flickering with resentment toward Locke.

She believed Alder’s anger targeted Locke for refusing to work in his office.

Other students, privy to rumors, awaited the spectacle.

Cohen Julian, son of a Frankish earl, whispered to his two stout lackeys, “Today’s a show. Those Anjouans, especially Locke, will be expelled.”

On the podium, Alder’s grim gaze swept the room, lingered on Locke, then shifted venomously to another student. “Last quiz results are out. Some didn’t study at all.”

“Abysmal scores.”

“This semester, I’m raising the history course passing standard. Anyone averaging below the passing line fails unless you use free time after class to copy textbooks in my office.”

“Earn performance points.”

“Only then will I let you pass.”

Alder adjusted his monocle. “But I must commend one student, Locke Augustine from Anjou, whose scores have greatly improved. Learn from him.”

“Class begins.”

Alder’s words stunned many, sparking whispers, especially from Angel and Cohen.

Angel, shocked, stood instinctively, then sat back, realizing her outburst was impolite.

With her status diminished, she relied on working for Alder to stay without paying fees.

But, confused, she stared at Locke, lips trembling on her pale face.

Why wasn’t this like what Alder said in his office? Wasn’t he supposed to expel Locke publicly to show Anjouans the consequences of refusing him?

Why the change?

Regret flashed across Angel’s face. Weak and dizzy, she realized something was off, even if slow to catch on.

‘If I’d listened to Locke and avoided Alder’s office, would I be like him now?’

In another corner, Cohen’s eyes narrowed in confusion. “What’s going on? How did that lowly Anjouan, Locke, turn things around?”

“Why is Alder sparing a landless earl’s son?”

Not entirely a wastrel, Cohen grew silent, wary, and hesitant to provoke Locke further.

In class, Locke listened to Alder’s lecture.

Knowing the academy’s truth, he found Alder’s tales of the seven kingdoms’ ancient history intriguing.

The chaotic era before the seven kingdoms, with hundreds of small states, bore traces of wizard influence.

Likely, each state had at least one wizard behind it.

Locke thought, “Tongus must have informed Alder I joined the secret society.”

“But why is Alder boldly targeting other students in class? He’s growing reckless.”

“Like a drowning man clutching at straws. Why is he so desperate?”

Locke shook his head, focusing on the lecture. It no longer concerned him.

As a wizard prospect, he was no longer the academy’s bottom-tier fodder.

Alder likely wouldn’t dare touch him now. It was irrelevant.

Locke attended history class for two reasons: to conceal his wizard ties, as Tongus required him to attend mandatory classes normally.

Second, Alder’s history was a basic general knowledge course for the wizarding world.

So, Locke needed to study it.

Looking up, he saw Patty Aisa, seated in front, turn and silently mouth, “Congrats, noble.”

“Didn’t expect you to pass.”

“We’re society members now. Afternoon meeting.”

Locke smiled at the blonde girl, who grinned like a friend.

He was accepted.

It made sense; the academy had few wizard prospects.