"Isn't strength what you're pursuing? If you learn magic, according to your theory, an Elementalist would be invincible!" Bexia found the previous statement confusing, but it did make him see things in a new light. However, he still hesitated because he didn't want to give up the idea of becoming a warrior, even though he had thoughts of learning magic.
"What are you pursuing by staying here?" Bor knew that everyone who entered this academy had grand aspirations. They all had strong goals, either to become renowned masters in a certain field, or to join the military and become officers, using their achievements to enter the upper-class noble society. Or perhaps they wanted to graduate and become the backbone of the Adventurer's Guild. But at this moment, Bor could tell that none of these were what Bexia was pursuing. He had a feeling that the things others valued were worthless in his eyes, like dung.
It was like the finger ring he had just given him. Bexia might understand its value, but he didn't have much desire for it. His thought upon receiving it was probably, "Perfect, I can use this!"
"Could it be because of a woman?" Bor remembered Bexia's situation. It seemed that he had gotten close to his granddaughter, and there were even rumors about him and the priestess Anzu.
"You surely cannot have such shallow pursuits?"
"To be honest, right now all I want is to go home. The purpose of coming here was also to become stronger, so that I can go back."
"In that case, you should learn magic and become a powerful Elementalist. With the talent you've shown, you can definitely surpass my current achievements and become a legendary Elementalist that echoes across the continent!"
"You might even break the shackles of what humans call kings and become the supreme ruler of magic!"
"Finding a way home doesn't necessarily require immense strength. As long as you prove your worth and your name spreads to every corner of the continent, you won't need to seek it out yourself. Your admission might come looking for you!"
"Moreover, being an Elementalist will bring you connections. You can use them to help you find your family, isn't that better than searching on your own?"
"That makes sense..." Bexia hesitated for a moment, but he was also tempted by what Bor had said. Because what Bor said was indeed true.
"Think about it yourself!"
Seeing that Bexia seemed to be hooked, Bor couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Inside, he couldn't help but complain. He was already so old, and it wasn't easy to take on a disciple. He had talked so much already, he needed a break to have a sip of water.
"I have a condition. If the headmaster agrees, then I will agree to be your disciple!"
Bor almost spat out the water he had just taken in. He was, after all, a renowned Elementalist and a top-level expert in the entire continent. If news got out that he was taking on a disciple, the threshold of Assman Academy would be trampled several meters underground. But now, he was actually begging a student to be his disciple, feeling like he was begging for a teacher himself!
"Tell me about it." Bor took a deep breath to calm himself down.
"Practicing magic is fine, but you can't disturb me while I'm practicing combat techniques."
"Oh! You have a big heart, wanting to practice both magic and martial skills. Know that this might waste your magical talent, as starting at your age already means you're behind others!" Bor tried to advise, not wanting Bexia's magical talent to go to waste.
"I believe that magic and martial skills don't conflict with each other, but rather complement each other!"
"I know that..." Bor looked at Bexia. Who in the continent didn't know this? But just studying one system was already difficult; who had the ability to master both?
But as Bor thought about it, he could take on Bexia first. He could subtly guide him to become an Elementalist later. The thought made Bor's heart brighten up.
"Alright! I agree. From now on, you will attend regular classes in the morning and come to me to learn magic in the afternoon. How does that sound?"
"But in the afternoon, I have practical combat training with Ophelia!"
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. You don't need to have practical combat training with Ophelia anymore."
"Why?" Bexia was puzzled. "Doesn't that mean I won't be able to study?"
"Ophelia accepted the kingdom's order to go somewhere, and it will take a long time for her to come back. If you insist on practical combat training, I can arrange for someone else to assist you. But you have to manage your own time. You still need to come over and learn magic every afternoon, or you can practice with the priestess of Anzu!"
"But I saw Ophelia yesterday?"
"I didn't say she left right away. I guess she will come to say goodbye to you a little later."
"Why did she suddenly leave?!" Bexia couldn't understand.
"Well..." Boer hesitated for a moment, sighed, and said, "Actually, because of her mother's situation, I think you should know something. Ophelia is very straightforward. She went to ask her father the night she came back, and they had a fight immediately..."
"Is that so?" Bexia now had a rough idea of why. Ophelia had a falling out with her father, their ideas clashed, or Ophelia found out that her mother was actually killed by her own father, and she couldn't accept it for a while, so she chose to leave.
"Now that I've told you all I know, when do you plan to apprentice under me?" Boer chuckled, looking at Bexia expectantly, waiting for his answer.
"Anytime works, but I only study here in the afternoon. You can't interfere with the rest of my time. I don't want to neglect my martial arts training either!"
"Then let's do it now! Follow me." Others stood up and left the headmaster's office, leading Bexia up the stairs to the attic. He waved his hand and used magic to unlock the enchantment on the attic before walking in.
"This is my library, and it also serves as my secret potion laboratory. You can come here to study in the future."
"But I have some things to attend to in the near future, so I may not be able to teach you. Also, based on what I know, you don't have much foundation in magic, so you should take a look at my magic notes first and understand the basic theories of magic."
"It would be best if you can also write down your insights so I can give you some advice!"
"Okay!" Bexia nodded. The books here were a treasure to the outside world, after all, it was a personal experience notebook of a crowned. It was something that money couldn't necessarily buy.
