Even after humanity triumphed over gods and demons to become the world’s masters, true power remained rare. For most people, mastering magic was still difficult and dangerous.

To prevent abuse, every nation strictly controlled the number of mages and restricted magical education. Raising entry barriers was one method.

Thus, every magic academy—big or small, prestigious or humble—demanded sky-high tuition and strict admissions. Even the modest school where the Ouyang siblings studied charged 50,000 copper yuan per semester—equal to their family’s total income for two years.

Without Ouyang Tao’s well-paid job at the Shipyard Forge, Ouyang Xue would never have touched magic.

But high investment meant high returns. Graduates could take lucrative contracts, especially those from elite institutions like Augustus College. Their annual earnings started at hundreds of silver yuan (1 silver yuan = 1,000 copper yuan).

That was why Ouyang Xue had pushed herself relentlessly to enter Augustus College. With that income, her aging parents could retire from fishing at sea. Her brother could quit the Shipyard Forge and focus on becoming a full-fledged mage.

Now, instead of celebrating her hard-won acceptance, Ouyang Xue crouched behind a hill near campus, sobbing uncontrollably.

Her fingers crushed the acceptance letter into a crumpled mess. Her tear-streaked eyes glared at another paper—the Augustus College freshman orientation notice.

The cruelest pain wasn’t a shattered dream. It was seeing it within reach, yet impossible to grasp. "H-how… how could this happen… *sniff*…"

*Elemental Department freshmen must pay a 10,000 silver yuan deposit.* An impossible sum for anyone in their seaside town.

The notice promised refunds for dropouts, expulsions, or deaths—and even a fivefold return after two years of service post-graduation. But missing the payment deadline meant losing admission.

She’d fought to earn money through Augustus College. She’d nearly crossed the threshold. Now, money slammed the door shut. What bitter irony…

"Damn it… I worked so hard…" Ouyang Xue’s knuckles whitened. For the exams, she’d spent over fifteen hours daily practicing spells and theory—giving everything she had.

Now, at the moment of harvest, this humiliation. Grief twisted into rage.

This rule wasn’t about money. It was a hidden barrier. Augustus College didn’t want students like her—commoners.

Everyone knew the world wasn’t fair. Magic wasn’t fair either. It was a privilege for the wealthy. A tool to protect their interests.

"Bastards… bastards! BASTARDS!" Rage boiled over. She ripped both papers to shreds. "What use are these now—?!"

The precious acceptance letter became confetti. She hurled the scraps away. Still unsatisfied, flames ignited in her palms—

A firm hand seized her wrist. "Hey! What are you doing?!"

Ouyang Tao stood before her. Only he knew this hill was her refuge when heartbroken.

"Tch. We’ll need that letter for registration." He knelt, gathering the scattered fragments. Ouyang Xue grabbed his arm to stop him. "What’s wrong?"

"…" She just shook her head, tears streaming, gazing up at him. *It’s pointless now.*

"What happened? You were fine earlier! Wasn’t Augustus College your dream?"

"B-brother… I… *wahhh!*" She collapsed into his chest, wailing. He hadn’t read the notice closely—she was sure of it.

Ouyang Tao’s next words stunned her. "Don’t cry. Let me guess… worried about the deposit?"

"Eh? You… saw it?"

"Of course. I sneaked a peek at the rules too, heh."

"T-then…" His smile was the same as always—that same old silly grin. Yet somehow, her tears slowed.

She realized she was clinging to him. They weren’t blood-related, just sworn siblings. Her face flushed crimson. She shoved him away. "How can you laugh about this?!"

Ouyang Tao just chuckled. From his pocket, he produced a slip of paper. "Relax. Look at this."

"T-this is…" Her breath caught. A banker’s draft. 10,000 silver yuan. Issued by the local bank.

This windfall could save her future. But—"Wait! Where did you get this? You didn’t—"

"It’s not mine," he hurriedly explained. "Time you knew the truth. Our tuition… it’s never been from my wages."

"A benefactor? But I thought your Shipyard Forge job—"

"Pfft. My pay barely covers our living costs. An engineer there’s been funding us anonymously. He asked me to keep it secret. And this…" He tapped the draft. "...is your deposit."

"*Ouch!*" Ouyang Xue kicked his shin. "Why didn’t you tell me?! We should thank him!"

"He refused to be named. Besides, he’s left the Shipyard Forge already."

"Ugh! You’re hopeless!" Years of silent charity, and no chance to say thanks. Guilt and frustration made her punch his arm repeatedly.

"Hey, hey! You can repay him after graduation." Ouyang Tao laughed it off. A gust of wind scattered the paper scraps. "Whoa! Quick—catch them before they blow away!"

"Ah! Right!" Ouyang Xue scrambled after the fragments. The anger dissolved like mist in the mountain breeze.