Chapter 83: The Realm System and Lilia’s Gaze

“I trust that most of you gathered here today possess a profound understanding of the various cultivation systems. It should also be apparent that two mages, both at the first-tier, can possess vastly different strengths. The prevalent methods for assessing cultivation realms across the continent have inherent flaws. Today, I shall impart a more precise system for evaluating these stages.”

“Our Academy has meticulously categorized most cultivation paths, including those of Knights, Mages, and Priests. This involves subdividing each major tier into six smaller realms. Consider a first-tier mage, for example. Within that single tier, there are six minor realms: First Realm, Second Realm… up to the Sixth Realm. The Sixth Realm, in common parlance, represents the peak of the first tier.”

“This theory is applicable from the first to the third tiers. Beyond the third tier, breakthroughs become increasingly arduous, hence the division into nine realms for those higher stages. Following this pattern, the sixth tier and above are divided into twelve realms. As for Divine Envoys beyond the ninth tier, I doubt many among you will ever reach such heights, so I shall refrain from elaborating further.”

****

Though the teacher’s words were blunt, their truth was undeniable. Had the teacher not mentioned it, Gern would have mistakenly believed that the apex of cultivation in this world was merely a ninth-tier expert.

In his previous life, he had rarely even encountered eighth or seventh-tier experts, only hearing whispers of them during a few grand spectacles, let alone comprehending realms beyond the ninth tier.

At the front of the classroom, the teacher’s discourse flowed ceaselessly, delivering a theoretical lecture on magic to the assembled students.

How much each student absorbed depended entirely on their individual comprehension. Some, fearing they might forget crucial points, even used recording stones to preserve the entire lesson.

Gern, utterly clueless when it came to magical knowledge, naturally found himself utterly lost. He knew his magical aptitude was utterly abysmal.

However, his own ineptitude didn’t mean all his forms were equally lacking. At the very least, his female and dragoness forms possessed a far superior understanding of magic compared to his current body. Thus, he frantically jotted down notes, intending to meticulously study these concepts once he transformed into his other guises.

Time flowed on. Lilia, who possessed exceptional magical talent, had already mastered most of the subject matter, so she paid little attention to the lecture.

Instead, her attention was entirely fixed on Gern, her cerulean eyes brimming with admiration. Her little dragoness, even in her male disguise, was utterly adorable when serious.

She did not interrupt Gern’s diligent efforts, merely watching him silently as he tirelessly penned down various points of knowledge. Seeing him so focused, Lilia suddenly had an idea. Perhaps she could use the excuse of helping Gern review his magic lessons to visit him often.

As for her true intentions in seeking him out? ‘Better not to ask; it might attract the attention of higher powers.’

“*Ding-a-ling*~”

The bell signaled the end of class. Gern wiped the sweat from his brow, then nodded in satisfaction as he surveyed the contents of his notebook.

“Gern, why are you taking so many notes?”

Hera, glancing at Gern’s notebook from behind him, furrowed her brows. Her own magical talent was not insignificant; the Druids of the Elven race were, in essence, elves who had mastered the power of nature and magic. She had already encountered most of the concepts the teacher discussed, considering them common magical knowledge across the continent.

Of course, the lecture undoubtedly included some of the Academy’s latest research findings—practical, effective techniques proven through experimentation. From her perspective, these were the truly important things to record.

“Ah, you wouldn’t understand,” Gern replied. “This is called ‘better safe than sorry.’ What if one of these points proves crucial in a critical moment?”

As a Heretic God Cultist who had scraped through countless perils over the years, Gern deeply understood this principle. He had faced danger more than once, and wisdom accumulated by predecessors was undoubtedly always useful.

“Alright, alright.” Hera shrugged helplessly, recalling that Gern had never once used magic, likely due to his abysmal magical aptitude. Considering he had saved her life before, she decided she could help answer any questions Gern might have about magic in the future.

Sina, however, held a different view from Hera and rather approved of Gern’s approach. Her magical talent was comparatively weaker than theirs; she specialized more in the power of a Knight.

“Gern, could I borrow your notes later?”

“Hmm?” Gern turned back, looking at Miss Sina, who seemed a little conflicted. He saw the yearning for knowledge in her eyes.

After a moment of thought, Gern nodded and handed the notebook to Sina. “Here, take them. Just return them to me during the knight class.”

“Mhm, okay.”

“Huh!?”

Suddenly, Gern felt a sharp pinch at his waist. He twisted his head, meeting Lilia’s gaze directly.

“Now, Mister Gern, don’t you think you owe me something?”

The moment he met Lilia’s gaze, a cry of ‘Oh no!’ echoed in Gern’s mind, and a bead of cold sweat immediately trickled down his forehead. That look, that gesture—he knew them all too well. ‘Wasn’t this precisely how Lilia reacted in his past life whenever she saw Miss Fox interacting with other girls?’

‘Observing from the shadows back then, Gern had felt a chill. Now, with him as the protagonist, that chilling sensation was far more visceral.’

“Ahem, well… Miss Lilia,” Gern attempted to speak, but Lilia clamped a hand over his mouth.

“Gern, come on, let’s go chat outside.”

“Mmph! Mmph!” Gern cast a pleading look at Sina and Hera, his violet eyes filled with desperate entreaty.

Sina observed Gern’s despairing expression, then glanced at the notebook in her hand, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. Hera, ever so carefree, found the scene quite amusing, even cheering Lilia on from behind.

“Miss Lilia, I’m rooting for you two! Be sure to invite me to your wedding feast when the time comes.”

****

The actions of the girls drew the attention of the surrounding students. Upon witnessing Gern and Lilia, they exchanged knowing smiles, instantly understanding the situation. However, a few individuals wore expressions of displeasure, most of them being nobles from the Klett Kingdom. Leading them was Leon, who had always been at odds with Gern.

Many among them had pursued Lilia for a long time, only to be met with constant rejections. They couldn’t fathom how this seemingly unremarkable young man had managed to capture the princess’s heart. ‘Why couldn’t they succeed? Why did the princess show such exclusive affection for Gern?’ At this thought, expressions of bitter resentment marred their faces.