A faint tremor echoed as the strength-testing stone shuddered twice, revealing a shallow fist imprint on its surface.

Nebis Leyang: 500 jin fist strength. Magic Aptitude: Level 10. Elemental Affinity: None.

The crowd was slightly taken aback. *500 jin from a single punch?!* That was the baseline for an Ironclad warrior—did this mean Leyang had already reached that tier?!

Impressive, yes, but nowhere near as shocking as Ailin Camila Lumiere or Glantham Phoenix. After all, teens with 500 jin strength at seven or eight weren’t rare in the empire. Merely above average.

"500 jin in one punch? Hah! Good lad. Reminds me of my younger days, Bark Keith!"

As Leyang’s results settled, a towering figure loomed beside him. Bark Keith’s stern face cast a shadow over Leyang, radiating palpable pressure.

"You’re Nebis Leyang, correct? Would you join my War God Temple as my disciple?" Bark Keith’s voice rumbled.

*Disciple*—not *personal disciple*. Leyang’s talent was solid, but not exceptional enough to earn a hero-tier warrior’s exclusive mentorship. Still, it was an enviable offer. Countless youths dreamed of joining the War God Temple, yearning to become the empire’s blades. Their futures would shine bright.

"Hmm…" Leyang paused, then gave an unexpected reply. "Sorry, Master Bark. I don’t like restrictions."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Rejecting a hero-tier warrior’s invitation? Unthinkable.

Joining the Magic Court or War God Temple meant superior resources—but also strict obligations. Nothing came free. Take the War God Temple: graduates served two mandatory military years defending the empire. Only then were they free. Merit earned rewards; failures faced punishment.

Leyang needed no one’s guidance. Strength would come with time. Why waste years bound by temple rules?

"*What?* You’re sure?" Bark Keith’s expression twisted awkwardly.

"Yeah. My apologies." Leyang nodded firmly.

"Suit yourself." The hero warrior retreated. He wouldn’t pressure an eight-year-old over this—though this child’s unnerving composure made him wonder if he was some reincarnated old monster.

Leyang glanced at Phoenix, then stepped off the testing platform under curious stares.

"Admissions testing concludes here. Results post tomorrow. Top ten recruits each receive one magic crystal. As for our top three—" Plan Dominic’s voice cut through the murmurs. "Ailin Camila Lumiere, Glantham Phoenix, and Nebis Leyang—follow me."

Magic light lifted them away from the hall.

"Dismissed," Soya Jemi waved, departing with Bark Keith.

---

**Headmaster’s Office**

"Relax. I brought you three here to grant a privilege each. Choose wisely." Plan Dominic’s tone was gentle.

"I wish unrestricted access to all texts in the Arcane Library," Ailin Camila Lumiere chimed sweetly.

"Granted." A keychain floated into her palm. "But stay below the seventh floor. Its Magic Array is lethal."

"Thank you, Headmaster!" She beamed.

"And you, young Glantham?"

"I… I want exclusive use of Training Ground One. No interruptions during practice." Phoenix’s eyes held quiet hope.

"Done. It’s yours until graduation."

"Thank you, Lord Dominic!" She bowed gratefully.

"Lastly, Nebis Leyang. What privilege do you seek?" Dominic’s gaze lingered on him. *If only he had an elemental affinity…*

"Unrestricted entry and exit from Kamila Noble Academy. No conditions." Leyang answered without hesitation.

"*Hmm?* That’s…" Dominic frowned.

"Is it difficult? I’ll sign a waiver—any consequences are mine alone!" Leyang thumped his chest. This freedom was vital for his training.

"May I ask why?"

"Personal reasons, Headmaster. I can’t disclose them."

"Very well. I’ll inform the gatekeepers shortly."

"Thank you!" Relief flooded Leyang. *It’s done.*

"Oh, Phoenix," Dominic added casually. "Move from Dorm D to Dorm A."

"*What?!* Dorm A?!" Phoenix jolted. *Royals live there! I’m just a knight’s daughter—*

"My quarters neighbor an empty room," Ailin Lumiere interjected, clasping Phoenix’s hand with a radiant smile. "Since we’re both Master Soya’s personal disciples, we should grow close."

"Princess Ailin!" Phoenix stammered.

"Just call me Lumiere."