Chapter 22: The circumstances of my memory (second chapter)

After learning that Sal was indeed a new student who had just completed her enrollment procedures, both Natiaweda and Vivian showed very surprised expressions.

Because Kanteria, as a high-level academy, did not explicitly require a minimum age for new students, but talent in magic was something that usually only started to show clearly after one reached adulthood.

In other words: the vast majority of those able to study at Kanteria were already adults.

Even in rare cases like Sal, who met the admission threshold at such a young age, she would still need a guardian who also met the academy’s requirements to enroll together and remain by her side at all times.

Thinking of this, Natiaweda gave Rayne a rather meaningful look.

Since Sal was confirmed to be an enrolled student, then the person beside her was undoubtedly the guardian responsible for accompanying her.

To this, Rayne neither confirmed nor denied it.

He did not deny it because he was currently fulfilling the role of Sal’s guardian.

As for why he did not admit it…

It was because he was not fulfilling this guardian role as another enrolled student.

His identity was special.
For someone in their thirties to attend the academy as a student would be difficult to adapt to, and it would also be unfair to the other students.

Rayne’s current strength exceeded what a Silver-ranked adventurer represented by far, but because of years of decadence and obsession with dragon girls, his control over magic was nowhere near what it used to be.

“Practice makes perfect” — this applies to mages as well.

For example: the more proficient you become in reciting a spell’s incantation, the shorter the time from chanting to casting.

Do not underestimate what may seem like only a few seconds of difference.

In actual combat, those one or two seconds could allow the enemy to react to your spell, placing you — or even your whole team — in danger.

As for Rayne, all he needed was time to reacquaint himself — to recall the feeling he once had when training under his mentor.

And the time needed for this reacclimation, for someone who had already found the goal he now wanted to pursue in life, simply did not matter.

Rayne’s mentor was clearly aware of his situation.
This time, in order to keep him at Kanteria, she even collaborated with the current headmaster to offer him a condition that he could not refuse.

As for what that condition was — that will be revealed later.

“So… little sister Sal, after enrolling, which field do you intend to specialize in?”

After some simple conversation, the group had already exchanged names.
Vivian, clearly prepared, exchanged a subtle look with Natiaweda before casually asking Sal the question.

Faced with these two young ladies who had willingly brought her food, Sal appeared noticeably stiff.

In her previous life, she had never encountered such warm and enthusiastic people — let alone lively girls.

Known in the jianghu as: Xiao Chunan.

Fortunately, unlike her previous life, she now had Rayne — her nominal guardian — who could answer such questions in her place.

“She just enrolled, so she doesn’t have any particular plans yet.”

Kanteria Academy allowed new students one to two weeks before choosing their primary discipline.

During this period, they were allowed to attend lessons in any department.

But by the end of the two weeks, they must choose their specialization.

This rule existed because, before it was implemented, there were too many students who believed themselves capable of everything and tried to study all disciplines, only to end up mastering none, lowering the academy’s graduation rate.

Neither Natiaweda nor Vivian were surprised by Rayne’s answer.

After all, Sal had only just arrived — her talents would only become clear after she tried things herself.

Before that, having no specific goal was the correct approach.

However, Natiaweda clearly still wanted to hear Sal’s personal thoughts.
After a brief silence, she extended an olive branch.

“Little sister Sal — would you consider joining the Magic Division?”

(This is a bit too blatant, isn’t it…)

That was Vivian’s subtle look toward her friend.

Indeed, poaching a newcomer during enrollment season would be considered unethical competition.

But this was not enrollment season — and the departments no longer urgently needed freshmen.

And Natiaweda’s reason for recruiting Sal had very little to do with seeing traces of her own little sister in her.

It came from her position as leader of the Magic Division students — and from her refined judgment shaped by Imperial aristocratic upbringing.

Think carefully: a man in his thirties bringing a fifteen-year-old girl to a top-tier academy in the Empire’s capital, and arriving outside enrollment season.

What did that suggest?

Either they had connections to someone high-ranking in the academy — or one of them possessed exceptional talent.

Either case would benefit the Magic Division greatly if Natiaweda could bring them in.

Weighing the benefits, Natiaweda acted.

“If you join the Magic Division, I can personally instruct you outside of class.”

“Outside of class?”

Sal frowned.
This was not what she imagined.

Dormitory life was one thing — but extra lessons during free time too?

Did this mean she would need to study constantly?

Sal silently wondered if this was divine punishment for her poor academic performance in her previous life — and now all the studying she skipped had been reassigned to this life.

But while Sal saw it that way, Vivian definitely did not.

“Little sister Sal — if I were you, I would join the Magic Division without hesitation!”

Seeing her so serious, Sal smiled politely while chewing a piece of meat — clearly not understanding why this was such a big deal.

(It’s just extra tutoring. Why are they making it sound like some rare privilege?)

Vivian noticed this, so she began explaining just how strong her friend really was.

“This Natiaweda here is the undisputed top talent of our entire academy year — the only one comparable to the magic prodigy from years ago—”

Hearing this, Sal, who had been quietly eating, suddenly couldn’t help but laugh.

When everyone turned to look at him, Rayne calmly put down his chopsticks and waved lightly.

“Sorry — I suddenly remembered something amusing.”

(What is with this guy…?)

Vivian complained inwardly, clearly displeased at being interrupted while boasting about her friend.

Yet she did not know—

This seemingly ordinary — though admittedly handsome — middle-aged man…

Was the very same legendary magic prodigy whose name still shaped the Magic Division to this day.