Chapter 78
Ganlahast's Obsession
If giving the book earlier was merely an expression of appreciation for talent, then this promise goes far beyond the scope of normal teacher-student relationships.
This is the private communication rights and sanctuary of a legendary mage.
This kind of treatment is something that even the heir to the Dragon Throne would probably only receive, let alone an ordinary student who has only studied for four years.
"Do you think I'm being too attentive, like a school principal?"
Facing Ye Wei'an's slightly puzzled gaze, Ganlahast smiled self-deprecatingly: "That's because in you, I see Cormier's hope of deciding his future on the chessboard of the gods."
"Principal, you think too highly of me," Ye Wei'an replied humbly. "Cormir's army is now strong and well-equipped, and the Purple Dragon Legion is invincible. Even those remnants of Netheril's ghosts can only proceed cautiously if they want to touch Cormir. We are not weak."
"Worldly power is as fragile as paper in the face of true power."
Ganlahast turned around, and Ye Wei'an could see the firelight dancing in his brown eyes. "You think the Purple Dragon Legion is invincible because you haven't seen the power beyond the mortal realm. The terror of the Shadow City lies not only in their floating city, but also in the gods behind them. They are merely agents of a higher power."
At this point, Ganlahast seemed to be lost in memories.
"Cormier hasn't always been so lucky. During the calamities of the past century, we were also on the verge of extinction, and it was thanks to the help of Elminster and the chosen ones of the goddess of magic that we survived."
As he spoke, a hint of resentment crept into his voice. "Although His Excellency Elminster and the chosen ones of the goddess of magic have indeed maintained order, they always rely on their divinely bestowed power to interfere in Cormier's political affairs. I have tolerated this for decades. In their eyes, Cormier's mages seem to be forever second-rate."
"But now, Cormier also has his own users of cursed fire."
He stared at Ye Wei'an, his eyes burning: "You are my student, you are a citizen of Cormier. I will train you to become a pillar of the state, so that those old fogies will know that this land can decide its own destiny without relying on anyone else."
Ye Wei'an never expected that, in Ganlahast's eyes, his fate was actually linked to the fate of the kingdom.
But what else could he say after all that?
Of course I said yes!
"Of course, I will strive to become stronger for the sake of the kingdom."
At least so far, Cormier hasn't wronged him.
For the sake of Ganlahast, he might be able to protect the Purple Dragon Kingdom in the future.
"Good, very good!" Ganlahast clapped his hands and laughed.
He waved his hand, and the document that was originally prepared to issue a "graduation" certificate suddenly burst into flames and turned into a pile of ashes.
Then he rewrote it.
Ye Weian was somewhat surprised when he received his new graduation documents.
Because it clearly states "Outstanding Graduate!"
Ye Wei'an was somewhat surprised: "Principal, I remember that students who leave the academy early can only apply for graduation."
"Based on the strength you just displayed, if this is considered 'graduation,' then those ordinary people outside who are still gloating over casting a fireball probably don't even qualify for graduation."
Lahast put down his pen and chuckled, "The only pity is that you're a self-funded student. If you were one of those sponsored students, I could tie you to the Battle Mage Corps right now, and I wouldn't give you up even if the king himself came to ask for you."
Students at the Battle Mage Academy are divided into two categories:
Those exceptionally talented but impoverished children from ordinary families were able to enroll in school through financial aid, with tuition fees paid by the state.
The price they pay is that they must serve in the Battle Mage Legion after graduation;
On the other hand, aristocratic children like Ye Wei'an, who paid exorbitant tuition fees, enjoyed complete freedom after graduation.
As Ye Wei'an received his graduation certificate, the long-lost system notification sound rang crisply in his mind.
[Achievement: Outstanding Graduate]
Description: Successfully graduated from a prestigious university with the highest honors.
Please choose one of the following spellcasting feats: Swift Spellcaster, Lightning Spellcaster, Spell Archer, Ritual Spellcaster, Archmage, Elemental Mastery.
Without much hesitation, Ye Wei'an chose [Lightning Caster].
[Lightning Caster]: Your rapid spellcasting style allows you to weave magic at incredible speed. You gain the following buffs.
Attribute boost: Your Intelligence, Perception, or Charisma +1, up to a maximum of 20.
Dual Target: When you cast a single-target spell, you can select an additional target.
Instant Response: When you use "Reaction" spells (such as Counterspell and Shield), the mana cost is halved.
This feat increases his ability to fight in the blink of an eye, making it the most suitable of these spellcasting feats for him.
Especially the effect of instant response—
His [Spell Counter] already had the function of absorbing magic power, and now with the addition of "half the cost", it is basically equivalent to him being able to use Spell Counter for free.
Ye Wei'an originally planned to continue adding the attribute bonus from this specialty to his Charisma.
In this way, his charm attribute can reach 20 points, which is the limit that ordinary people can reach. It cannot be improved by conventional means beyond that.
But glancing at the old mage beside him out of the corner of his eye, he temporarily suppressed the urge to add more points.
Ganlahashit's keen senses were so sharp that he could even detect his cursed fire. If one's temperament and mental state suddenly changed under the watchful eye of this legendary mage, it would be hard not to arouse the other's suspicion.
Ganlahast showed great courtesy, personally accompanying Yevian down the tower and all the way to the entrance of the mage tower.
As they were about to part, Ye Wei'an stopped and casually asked, "Principal, you just said I could come to you anytime if I ever get into trouble. Does that still stand?"
"Of course, child. Every mage who graduates from Cormier is a treasure to the kingdom, let alone you," Ganlahashit said gently.
"Well, I'm in a bit of trouble now."
"Oh? Go ahead and say it."
Since we have such a powerful connection, we might as well make the most of it.
Ye Wei'an immediately began to talk about what had happened before.
"Before coming here, I encountered some minor trouble at the Royal Court across the street. The heraldic officer there seemed to have a strong prejudice against me, an illegitimate child, inheriting the Xia Xing family title and officially becoming a nobleman."
After hearing these words, Ganlahast's expression became somewhat strange.
"Child, you must understand that the talent of Cursed Fire, favored by the origin of the Demonic Network, is a thousand times more precious than any certificate in this world. It is the kiss of the gods; the bloodline of mortals is utterly insignificant before it."
"I understand what you mean, Principal." Ye Wei'an shrugged helplessly. "Unfortunately, the common people of the Royal Court don't understand this. They only recognize the coats of arms of nobles and royal decrees."
Ganlahast's smile faded slightly, and he let out a long sigh, clearly empathizing with the situation.
"Yes, you're right. Even mages, as long as they live in Susar, will be bound by these worldly quagmires."
He looked at the young man again: "Go and do your work, Ye Wei'an. I'll talk to Edwin about the efficiency of the courts later. In Cormier, no one has ever been able to humiliate my student without cause."
Ye Wei'an recognized the person he was talking about.
Edwin Morahan, a senior paladin and purple dragon knight, and the chief justice appointed by the king himself.
In theory, he was in charge of every single person and every single matter in the Royal Court.
Ganlahast truly lives up to his title as the leader of the battle mages; he can easily find anyone who is the highest-ranking official in the legal system.
Having received a personal promise from this arcane leader of Cormier, Ye Wei'an knew that his noble status was now secure.
"Thank you for your guidance and care, Principal."
Ye Wei'an bowed slightly, performing a standard mage salute, before leaving the mage tower.