Chapter 1044: The Academies

“Master, the hydro elemental energy construction you told me about last time—did I get it right this time?”

Taking advantage of a brief break in his tests, Flynn hurried to Sein’s side, his posture respectful as he sought guidance.

In his hand, a beautifully structured water elemental spell model materialized—a stable hexagonal crystalline formation.

Flynn had taken a slight detour when first stepping onto the elemental path.

After all, Faeloria’s magic system lacked formal methods for testing elemental affinity. Instead, it placed emphasis on a mage’s mental focus level and mana reserves.

Flynn naturally had a strong affinity for the hydro element, followed closely by the geo element.

Yet, when he had begun learning magic, he had chosen to study pyro and aero elemental magic instead.

It was not an impossible route, but it made his progress far more difficult.

Once Sein had conducted an aptitude test and evaluation, Flynn was presented with a choice.

Without hesitation, he discarded his previous approach and started anew.

This was why Sein had always held high hopes for Flynn.

Technically, with Sein’s extensive expertise in pyro elemental magic, he could have simply guided Flynn down that path—but he chose not to.

A mage’s talent and potential should be nurtured.

As an orthodox mage of the Magus World, Sein could not bring himself to twist another spellcaster’s pursuit of truth.

His experience serving as the Divine Tower of Dark Flame’s dean and boundless knowledge gave him the qualifications to lead Flynn in mastering the hydro elemental magic.

As Flynn progressed, Sein would eventually suggest that he expand his understanding of geo elemental magic—and Flynn would undoubtedly follow his guidance.

For now, though, mastering the fundamentals of hydro elemental magic remained his current priority.

After receiving Sein’s insights and valuable notes on the hydro elemental spell model, Flynn left, clutching his notebook in satisfaction.

Though Sein had given him a crystal ball capable of recording information, Flynn preferred writing things down by hand.

He believed that writing down his own notes would help him retain information better.

Flynn had already taken on the role of instructing other members of the Godslayers in magic on Sein’s behalf.

After all, Sein had no time to teach so many people himself. Instead, he taught Flynn, who then passed on the correct principles of truth and knowledge.

To place the control of elemental magic in the hands of the deities was, in itself, a blasphemy against the very essence of elemental power!

Sein’s private library was currently open only to Flynn, though much of its advanced knowledge remained beyond his reach.

Yet, in a way, Flynn’s meticulous note-taking was his own way of building a library.

The foundation of Faeloria’s future elemental spellcasters would be laid by the small archive he was creating.

Every note he wrote, every insight he recorded from the great Magus Civilization—each one was a piece of knowledge that future Faelorian spellcasters would revere as truth!

Greatness always began in obscurity.

Even Rank Nine beings did not reach their heights in a single step.

Perhaps Flynn himself had yet to realize the significance of the notes he was scribbling down, but this was the essence of knowledge transmission.

This was the spreading of truth!

Though Flynn was not from the Magus World, Sein could not help but feel a sense of satisfaction watching the young man’s dedication and thirst for knowledge.

As a truth seeker, seeing someone so earnest in their pursuit of wisdom gave him a rare moment of joy.

“Alright, let’s proceed with the body tempering experiments next,” Sein said, turning to Yuri, who had been waiting by his side.

These experiments were not something Flynn could participate in—nor did Sein intend to pass down such core secrets to him.

After all, Flynn was not his apprentice, and Sein had no plans to take one anytime soon.

From the beginning, Flynn had been nothing more than an assistant, despite his insistence on treating Sein with the respect befitting a mentor.

Watching his esteemed mentor disappear into the depths of the laboratory, Flynn clutched his notebook tightly and made his way out.

The castle had been expanded many times by the Purgatory demons and the geo elementals summoned by Sein himself, transforming it into a vast complex.

Some of the smaller human nations of the Prime Materia Plane did not even have royal palaces as magnificent as the fortress standing before him.

As Flynn walked through the castle halls, he saw Audria and Ronaldo approaching from the opposite direction.

Nowadays, both Audria and Ronaldo had taken on the role of instructors, guiding the younger generation in the proper ways of cultivation.

At the moment, they were both slightly stronger than Flynn.

But a short-term lead meant nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Audria and Ronaldo had nearly reached their limits—at best, they would remain Rank Two.

Flynn, however, was different. His potential was still unknown.

At least from Sein’s perspective, there was hope that he could one day reach Rank Three.

The three of them had come to Purgatory together and remained close friends.

The only change was that Audria and Ronaldo were now married.

Ronaldo, more rugged and outgoing than the quiet, introverted Flynn, had spent more time with Audria.

Flynn, in contrast, devoted himself to long hours of solitary study, immersing himself in the pursuit of truth.

Still, Flynn offered his sincerest blessings to the union of his closest friends.

However, neither Audria nor Ronaldo noticed the flicker of regret and bitterness buried deep in Flynn’s eyes.

In truth, Flynn had liked Audria for a long time.

The ranger, slightly older than him, had once taken great care of him when they were younger.

But some things simply were not meant to be.

Flynn could not bring himself to come between his closest friends or risk jeopardizing their friendship, so he chose to endure it alone, suffering in silence.

Over the past two years, whenever Sein emerged from his laboratory, he would always find Flynn alone—either buried in books at the library or conducting experiments.

Perhaps, in some way, Flynn was using learning as a distraction—filling the void within him.

“Another batch of little ones has arrived. Many of them show promise in mental focus, so you’ve got your hands full again!” Ronaldo said, clapping a firm hand on Flynn’s shoulder.

Teaching magic was far more demanding than guiding someone in Primordial Force cultivation.

𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Flynn had to juggle his duties—assisting in Sein’s laboratory, conducting his own studies, and now mentoring the new initiates.

No wonder Ronaldo and the others could not help but feel sympathy for their hardworking friend.

Audria shot Ronaldo a look before turning to Flynn, speaking with the warmth of an older sister.

“Flynn, I made a pot of mushroom soup with the ones you sent me last time, Flynn. Why don’t you come over and enjoy a bowl? You should really take some time off and rest. Don’t spend all day buried in books.”

“Sounds great, looks like I’m in for another treat,” Flynn said with a smile.

“Those elemental mushrooms were a gift from Master Sein last time—they have some energy-boosting properties. I have a few more if you like them!” he offered.

“That sounds amazing! I have to say, those incredible stuff you get from Master Sein is really delicious.” Ronaldo tried to stop himself from drooling, but his enthusiasm betrayed his love for food.

“Don’t even think about it! Those mushrooms and other rare materials from Master Sein are meant to be shared with the children at the academy. You’re already a Legendary Being, yet all you ever think about is food?” Audria scoffed, poking Ronaldo’s forehead.

Flynn chuckled before shifting the topic. “Speaking of which, have you decided on a name for the academy yet?”

The concept of an academy was something that had only recently taken root in Faeloria, introduced through Sein’s influence.

“Power Academy. What do you think?” Ronaldo grinned, flexing his arm muscles.

Flynn smirked. “Heh, that’s a nice name.”

“What about you? Have you decided on a name for your magic academy?” Audria asked.

“The stories Master Sein told me about the quest for truth always mentioned Magus and Arcanist. I wanted to name it after one of them, but I haven’t quite decided which to use,” Flynn replied, scratching the back of his head and looking a little shy.

“No need to overthink it, just use both words!”

“Come on, let’s get you something to eat first.” Audria took Flynn’s arm and pulled him deeper into the castle.

The three of them walked together, just as they had when they first arrived in Purgatory, their laughter and chatter gradually fading into the distance.