Chapter Fourteen: Test One (Please Bookmark! Please Recommend!)

"That's about all. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

Lanford fell into a prolonged silence. He was familiar with this kind of setting. An arcanist—wasn’t that the standard trope in orthodox Western fantasy? The only difference was that this Arcane Empire spanned a much greater range.

Now, memories from his past life and observations from this life intertwined in his mind. For a moment, he didn’t know what to ask; mainly, he was afraid of saying something beyond what he should know and letting Carter sense anything amiss.

"You keep mentioning aptitude. What kind of aptitude does an arcanist require? What’s the standard for determining it?" Lanford asked cautiously.

"The strength of arcanists is no accident. The initial threshold is aptitude. I don’t know the specifics, only that the Arcane Council has invented a special device. Every world where a base is established has one, designed to draw in fresh blood for the empire."

"You said arcanists are the strongest profession in the world?"

"Heh, that’s not just my claim. Ever since the first Arcane Emperor founded the arcanist profession, after tens of thousands of years of development, it’s become an acknowledged fact throughout the explored universe."

"Arcane Emperor?"

"The title of Arcane Emperor isn’t inherited nor is it based on authority. Any arcanist who revolutionizes the research of the Arcane Empire may be named Arcane Emperor."

"For example, the first Arcane Emperor, Caesar the Great, proposed the concept of the arcanist profession and perfected the theory of the Arcane Furnace, which gave our arcanists an initial advantage over other professions. Or take the seventh Arcane Emperor, Lord Edison Cornet of the Silver Tower lineage, who optimized golem structures, established golem factories, and designed many powerful golems—some even surpassing legendary level. Of course, that’s just one of the seventh Arcane Emperor’s many achievements."

"Though the title isn’t based on strength alone, the twelve Arcane Emperors are still recognized as the greatest within the Arcane Empire, their renown shaking countless worlds."

"What is the Arcane Furnace?"

"The Arcane Furnace marks the beginning of the arcanist’s journey. The first stage for an arcanist is to establish their own Arcane Furnace. The details will come after you’ve completed the aptitude test."

Lanford nodded. "When do we depart for the capital?"

"Don’t rush. I need a few more days to wrap things up here. Why not attend the kingdom's honors ceremony first? It won't delay us. Even if you don’t care about it, the Moria family will benefit greatly from this recognition."

"All right."

...

The kingdom’s recognition ceremony arrived as scheduled. After discussion, Lanford declined the reward of a noble title for himself, allowing Baron Moria to become Viscount Moria and gain vast lands, while Lanford received first inheritance rights to the viscountcy.

He hadn’t planned to accept even that—after all, knowing how vast the world was, who would want to flounder in a small muddy pond?

Upon learning Lanford was heading to the capital for further study, the kingdom’s envoys rejoiced, immediately promising many benefits. The count and the newly minted viscount seemed relieved as well.

Lanford could guess their intentions, but didn’t intend to dwell on it.

...

"Ah, finally done! Breaking through a world node is such a hassle—I finally understand why the contribution rating for these tasks rises every year," Carter exclaimed as he emerged from his study, seeing Lanford already waiting.

"You seem impatient," he said with a smile.

"No, I just wanted to congratulate you on completing your task," Lanford replied calmly, ignoring the luggage nearby.

Carter chuckled, waving his hand. The study shed its disguise and transformed into a silver metal box, which fell into his palm.

Seeing Lanford’s surprise, Carter grinned with pride. "Most second-stage arcanists prefer to build their own magic towers first. Me, I like to travel and see new sights, so I crafted a mode of transportation first."

"Alright, let’s go." With that, he pocketed the metal box and pointed forward. A two-meter-tall oval portal appeared before them.

Staring at the sudden, dimly blue-lit portal, Lanford exclaimed, "A teleportation gate?!"

"Well, you know a thing or two, kid."

Since Carter didn’t seem particularly concerned, Lanford relaxed and stepped through the portal with him, arriving directly in a mountain forest.

"Where are we?"

"This is about ten kilometers from the capital. We’ll be there soon."

"Mr. Carter, I have a question." Carter gestured for him to continue. "If you have such convenient abilities as teleportation gates, why bother building a vehicle? Wouldn’t it be easier to just ‘zoom’ wherever you want?"

"The reason I could teleport here easily is thanks to the locator at the capital’s magic academy. Going elsewhere isn’t that simple. And entering a new world without a base? I couldn’t even open a portal."

"I see."

...

"Let’s go. We’ll head to the academy and get your test done so we can all relax."

"Mr. Carter, if I don’t meet the aptitude requirements, what happens?"

"Don’t worry. Even if you lack the required aptitude, nothing will happen to you. You’d simply lose the chance to join the Silver Tower. We still need administrators in this world, so I’d propose supporting you as our representative."

...

Arriving at the capital’s magic academy, Carter led Lanford unimpeded straight to the headmaster’s office.

"Mesut, come out! I brought a youngster for testing," Carter shouted before even entering.

"Carter, the reason the professor assigned you this task was to temper your temperament, but you’re as impatient as ever," said a gentle-looking middle-aged man, opening the door.

"I am who I am—no need to change," Carter muttered.

Mesut shook his head and turned to Lanford. "Hello, young man. You’re Lanford, right? Carter thinks highly of you, but don’t feel pressured—arcanists aren’t suited to everyone."

Lanford couldn’t help but smile at the elder’s reassurance. "Hello, Mr. Mesut."

"Hey, don’t discourage Lanford—he’s exceptional," Carter protested.

"I’m not... Well, you know how rare the blue is. Better not raise the child’s hopes only to confront disappointment."

Blue?! Lanford’s heart stirred. Could it be...?

Mesut opened a hidden door in the room, and the three entered an underground chamber.

The underground chamber’s style was completely out of sync with the era—bright corridors, silver walkways, and at the end, a massive metal door. As they approached, Mesut said, "Open!"

The metal door slowly parted, revealing a laboratory even more futuristic within.

...