The Vice-Principal quickly summoned nearby students to carry the unconscious White-Bearded Wizard away. Turning to Anaxa, she said, "If you're dissatisfied with this instructor, that's perfectly fine. The Transmutation Tower has many experienced and powerful Wizards. You're sure to find one who meets your expectations."
The following day, news of Anaxa's verbal assault on the White-Bearded Wizard spread like wildfire through the Transmutation Tower. Soon, other Wizards began to approach, curious about the incident. Without exception, Anaxa unleashed scathing criticism on each of them.
"With spellcasting speeds as slow as a turtle's crawl and such shaky fundamentals, you should go back and practice!"
"You call this a magic potion? It's riddled with impurities! I can smell the foul stench from here—if you hadn't told me, I'd think someone had vomited in it. And you want to teach me potion-making? Spare me!"
"What? You can't even cast a basic spell like Disintegrate? Are you really a Gold-tier Wizard? I learned that spell after just one glance!"
"..."
Five Wizards came, but all five were verbally eviscerated by Anaxa and driven away. Some attempted to debate him, but Anaxa thoroughly dismantled their arguments.
This was the Arcane Federation, not a bustling marketplace. There was no room for illogical bickering; if you couldn't logically refute your opponent, you had no choice but to concede.
Those with stronger mental fortitude accepted Anaxa's verbal thrashing wholeheartedly, resolving to return to their studies with renewed dedication. They likely wouldn't be seen again for quite some time. Others, with weaker constitutions or advanced age, fainted on the spot, foaming at the mouth.
Coincidentally, the Vice-Principal arrived just as Anaxa was driving away the last Wizard. She directed bystanders to carry away the foaming Wizard while retrieving a Silver five-pointed star badge, which she handed to Anaxa.
This was one of the rewards for passing the basic assessment, signifying that the student had graduated and successfully reached the Silver-tier Wizard level. The Vice-Principal then said, "If you absolutely can't choose a Teacher, just pick someone at random and apply for graduation immediately."
The graduation requirements for the Eight Mage Towers differed from those of the Basic Campus. There was only one condition: your teacher had to personally declare you ready to graduate, meaning you no longer needed their guidance. That was all.
Upon graduation, the student would receive a golden five-pointed star medal, signifying their status as a Gold-tier Wizard. Afterward, they were free to remain at the Mage Tower to continue researching magic, become teachers themselves, or even leave the Arcane Federation entirely.
However, Anaxa retorted, "I refuse to let those mediocre fools become my teachers, not even for a moment. They're simply not qualified."
"Alright, alright," the Vice-Principal sighed, understanding perfectly. The arrogance of a genius—perfectly normal, she thought. "Very well, I'll see if I can find a way for you to graduate directly. I agree it would be a waste of your talents to keep you as a student any longer."
Regardless of his practical combat skills, Anaxa's ability to intellectually dismantle so many seasoned Old Wizards proved his exceptional theoretical mastery.
The next day, Vice-Principal proved remarkably efficient. When Anaxa arrived at the Transmutation Tower campus that morning, she was already waiting at the entrance, accompanied by Headmaster Heinrich—the white-robed Wizard with his signature monocle.
Normally, the more adornments a Wizard wore on their chest, the greater their achievements and power. Heinrich, however, needed no such embellishments. First, his accomplishments were so numerous that if he were to display them all, his robe would be completely covered in medals and insignia. Second, his reputation preceded him; every member of the Arcane Federation recognized him instantly, rendering any further proof of his status redundant.
Heinrich narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Anaxa with a critical gaze. Anaxa crossed his arms, raised an eyebrow, and met the Great Mage's stare without flinching.
Just as Anaxa braced himself for a challenging examination, Heinrich calmly announced, "You have passed your graduation assessment. Congratulations, you are now a full-fledged Gold-tier Wizard of the Arcane Federation."
The Vice-Principal stepped forward and presented Anaxa with a golden five-pointed star medal, making him the fastest graduate in the history of the Arcane Federation—bar none!
Anaxa accepted the medal, held it up to examine it closely. It was a very ordinary pure gold artifact, bearing only an anti-counterfeit Magic Seal. After taking it, he turned to Heinrich and said, "You've got some taste, at least."
Anyone else would have shown Heinrich the utmost respect, for this Wizard held a position in the Arcane Federation akin to Tribios's status in Okhema.
The Vice-Principal visibly stiffened at Anaxa's blunt words, but Heinrich himself showed no particular reaction. He gestured toward a towering spire that pierced the clouds in the distance and declared, "From this day forward, a chamber in the Transmutation Tower will forever be reserved for you. You may use it as you see fit—a laboratory for magical research, a classroom for teaching apprentices, anything you desire."
"You now have access to all the books in the Arcane Federation's Grand Library. Moreover, even if you do nothing else, you'll receive a substantial sum in Gold Dragons each moon."
Heinrich paused, then continued, "Anaxagoras, though I don't know your true motives for coming to the Arcane Federation, we welcome all scholars. As long as you seek Magic and Truth, the Arcane Federation will never be your enemy."
After all, Anaxa's "achievements" were nothing short of extraordinary: graduating from the Basic Campus in a day and the Transmutation Tower in two. Heinrich, a Great Mage who had lived for over two centuries, could immediately recognize Anaxa's extraordinary talent.
This was no mere Gold-tier Wizard. Legendary? No, perhaps something beyond Legendary?
It was no exaggeration to say that such a figure could never have remained obscure. How could someone like this suddenly appear in the Arcane Federation's capital and become a newcomer?
Any normal person would undoubtedly suspect Anaxa. Yet Heinrich had directly stated, "As long as you seek Magic and Truth, the Arcane Federation welcomes you."