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"Luciel, you've far exceeded my expectations," Julian said with a satisfied smile. "Before long, I will submit a recommendation for you to the Royal Knights Academy in the capital for advanced training."
Luciel looked at him with eyes full of admiration and surprise, unsure if he had heard correctly.
"The Royal Knights Academy?" he asked with a hint of doubt.
Julian nodded. "Yes, it's the most prestigious knights' academy in the entire Kingdom of Lane. Every knight dreams of being admitted there. Only the most exceptional talents, selected and recommended by each province, are granted that honor. It is also the birthplace of the strongest military unit in our kingdom—the Thorn Army. Every commander of that elite force is a graduate of the Royal Knights Academy.
"When I was your age, I too dreamed of attending. Unfortunately, I never had the chance. But you—if you are accepted—you'll have a future without limits."
Luciel bowed slightly and said with gratitude, "Thank you, Teacher Julian."
Julian paused, thinking for a moment before continuing. "You passed the ninth floor of the Knight Tower this time, and under normal circumstances, you would be promoted directly to the sixth grade. However, the sixth grade is focused on graduation exams, and there would be little left for you to learn. So for now, you'll remain in the fifth grade."
He added with a smile, "Oh, and although you've advanced, I will still be your instructor. I'll personally guide you in the higher arts of knighthood."
Then Julian seemed to recall something and asked, "Luciel, have you reached the level of a ninth-level apprentice knight?"
Luciel nodded calmly. "Yes, I've essentially achieved that level."
Even though Julian had suspected as much, hearing it confirmed stunned him.
Sixteen years old, a ninth-level apprentice knight... already on the brink of becoming a full knight.
Unbelievable.
Not even the Royal Knights Academy boasted many students with such talent. Julian himself had only reached the sixth level at Luciel's age. The gap was staggering.
Suppressing the emotions rising in his chest, Julian spoke seriously. "You're now ready to begin cultivating fighting spirit. That's the key to breaking through to the knight level."
Luciel's eyes gleamed with determination. "Teacher, how do I begin that process?"
"The greatest difference between an apprentice knight and a true knight lies in the mastery of fighting spirit," Julian explained. "Once you awaken it, you become a knight. Fighting spirit is different from magic. Magic draws power from the elements in the world around us, but fighting spirit comes from within—your bones, your muscles, your blood. It's the inner fire that must be ignited.
"When I broke through, I was on the battlefield, on the edge of death. That brush with mortality triggered the awakening of my fighting spirit. Many knights first awaken it only when their lives are hanging by a thread."
Julian looked Luciel in the eye. "Unless you are a natural-born genius, you will need pressure—real pressure—to awaken that power."
"Facing death... that sounds far too dangerous," Luciel murmured under his breath.
Julian's gaze turned sharp. "You think knighthood comes easy? Countless apprentice knights fail at this very threshold. Without unyielding will and fearless courage, one cannot grasp fighting spirit or be worthy of the title of knight."
Luciel nodded with humility, absorbing every word.
"But don't rush," Julian advised. "Take your time to build a solid foundation. In the meantime, try adopting a magician's meditation technique to calm your mind. A clear and steady will is crucial in awakening fighting spirit."
"Meditation?" Luciel was surprised.
Julian confirmed with a nod. "Yes. Fighting spirit is linked to willpower. Magician's meditation helps strengthen that will. Some even take special potions to enhance their mental resilience—though I can't say how effective they really are."
Luciel began to consider his options. If fighting spirit relied partly on willpower, perhaps he could search for herbs or supplements that enhanced mental strength. He also made a mental note to consult Helen in the library—she might be able to teach him a basic meditation technique used by mages.
Though Luciel once demonstrated promising mental potential during his magical aptitude test, his affinity with the elements had been too low to practice magic. Unfortunately, both traits—mental power and elemental affinity—were needed to unlock the path of a mage, and he lacked one of them.
Julian interrupted his thoughts with a serious tone. "Soon, there will be an inter-academy exchange match between the Orland Magic Academy and our Knight Academy. Rumor has it they've produced a fifth-grade student who has already reached the level of a true magician.
"You are now the brightest star of the Knight Academy, Luciel. Don't let us down."
Luciel stood tall, determination surging through him. "I will give it everything I have."
Typically, in early duels, knights had the upper hand against magicians. Without magical beasts or summoned protectors, a mage's greatest weakness was their vulnerability at close range. If a knight could close the distance, the fight was as good as over.
However, this time the Magic Academy had produced a genuine magician—an entirely different class from a mere apprentice. It was clear they were out to redeem their honor from past losses.
Luciel could feel the weight of expectation settling on his shoulders. The pressure was immense.
Julian noticed his tension and laughed lightly. "There's no need to be so anxious. A ninth-level apprentice knight still stands a real chance against a true magician. In the coming days, I'll teach you special techniques for facing spellcasters, including a low-tier evasive footwork method. With your strength, it shouldn't be a problem."
Luciel sighed with relief. Julian's confidence in him gave him renewed courage.
As the meeting came to an end, Julian motioned for him to leave. But just as Luciel turned to go, he remembered something.
He reached into his tunic and pulled out a gleaming golden badge. "Teacher Julian, I found this inside the Knight Tower. Do you know what it is?"
Julian's eyes widened the moment he saw it. His face lit up with excitement and disbelief.
"This is... the Knight Tower's Perfect Evaluation Badge!" he whispered, awestruck.
In that moment, Julian realized that Luciel wasn't merely a gifted student—he was a once-in-a-generation prodigy. The perfect evaluation badge was something few knights had ever earned, even among elite academies. To receive it at such a young age, and on his first attempt, was nothing short of astonishing. Julian's heart pounded—not with envy, but with pride. He had never been more certain: Luciel was destined for greatness.