Soya Jemi made such a grand gesture in accepting Ailin Camila Lumiere as her disciple precisely to ensure her safety. With an Archmage as her master, those with ill intentions toward Lumiere would think twice.

One of the three coveted spots was already reserved. Wind and fire dual-element affinity? Seventh-tier magical talent? There was no suspense left.

Soya Jemi motioned for Ailin Camila Lumiere to stand beside her as the testing resumed.

After Lumiere’s stunning performance, the others’ results paled in comparison. Nearly everyone faded beneath her brilliance.

Soon, only Leyang and Phoenix remained untested. Wyatt Paul had failed the magical aptitude test. His physical strength was merely average—utterly unremarkable.

His eyes locked onto the two, desperate to crush them underfoot. Sadly, his schemes were about to crumble.

"Lord Leyang, it’s our turn. I’ll go first."

Phoenix glanced at Leyang, her voice soft.

"Hmm. Do your best."

Leyang gave a slight nod. Based on earlier results, the strongest child had barely managed three hundred pounds of punching force. Many showed magical potential, but only two or three met the threshold. Surpassing them for privileges wouldn’t be difficult.

Now, all eyes turned to Phoenix.

"Glantham family. Glantham Phoenix. Eight years old. I humbly ask for your guidance."

Phoenix stepped to the center of the stage. Every gaze fixed on her. As a half-elf, half-human hybrid, she was met with stares that treated her like a freak. That’s why she’d never had friends. Adults had always looked down on her.

This was her chance to prove herself. She wasn’t some filthy half-breed. She was proud of her bloodline—the greatest gift from her mother!

"Hmph. Shameless half-elf. How dare she show her face up there?"

Wyatt Paul sneered inwardly.

"Good child. Begin."

Plan Dominic offered a gentle smile.

"Okay."

Phoenix nodded, her small, pale hand reaching toward the rainbow-hued magic crystal with a nervous heart.

In the next instant, emerald and pure white light flooded over most of the crystal. The two hues swirled together, then erupted violently—blinding the entire hall just like Lumiere’s display!

"What?! How is this possible?!"

"Another seventh-tier magical genius! And one element is the incredibly rare radiant attribute!!!"

"When did the Glantham family produce such a monster?! They’re about to skyrocket!!!"

...

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Eyes bulged. Jaws dropped.

"How... this can’t be... How could that filthy half-elf be a seventh-tier magical genius?!"

Wyatt Paul’s face drained of color. Panic seized him. He remembered how he’d bullied her. If she held a grudge, she wouldn’t even need to lift a finger—those eager to curry favor with Phoenix would destroy the Paul family for her!

Though only eight, as a noble’s son, he understood the stakes all too well.

"Ade... what do we do... she... that filthy half-elf actually..."

"Stay calm, Young Master! It’s not too late. We must consult the Viscount immediately."

"Y-yes! Home! We must ask Father now!"

The blinding light shattered Wyatt Paul’s pride completely. Revenge forgotten, he fled Kamila Noble Academy like a stray dog fleeing for its life, his servant scrambling after him.

As the light faded, Glantham Phoenix trembled. She’d known she had magic—since childhood, she’d spoken to birds in trees and insects on the ground when lonely. But seventh-tier talent? Equal to Princess Ailin Camila Lumiere?!

Suddenly, a sweet fragrance swept near. Soya Jemi appeared beside Phoenix, her phoenix eyes burning with intensity.

"Your name is Phoenix?"

Soya Jemi softened her voice, afraid to startle the timid little rabbit before her.

"Y-yes, Master Soya Jemi."

Phoenix nodded, tense.

"Will you join my Magic Court as my personal disciple?"

Soya Jemi smiled faintly.

"I... I don’t want to be a Mage."

Phoenix’s heart hammered against her ribs.

A collective gasp echoed. She was refusing an Archmage’s offer?!

Heavens! To become a personal disciple of an Archmage was a blessing beyond dreams—and this half-elf refused?!

"Oh? May I ask why?"

Even Soya Jemi was taken aback.

"Because... because I want to be a great knight, like my father. My mother fell in love with him for being a knight."

Phoenix twisted her sleeve, then lifted her chin firmly. Her voice rang clear.

"*Chuckle chuckle~* Ah, I see. If it’s knighthood you seek, worry not. Join my Magic Court. With your talent, you can become an Elven Holy Knight—a Magic Knight. Their status far surpasses ordinary knights, you know~"

"Really?"

Phoenix’s eyes lit with hope.

"Of course. Would your master lie to a child? Will you accept me as your disciple now?"

Soya Jemi tapped Phoenix’s smooth forehead, a radiant smile blooming on her face.

"Yes! I accept! Please take me as your disciple, Master Soya Jemi!"

Phoenix bowed deeply, respectfully.

"*Chuckle chuckle~* What a splendid day. Two exceptionally gifted disciples in one morning."

Soya Jemi beamed with joy.

Watching this, Bark Keith felt a vast lemon grove circling his head.

"I’m so sour..."