Read 30+ advance chaps at my p@treon
[email protected]/LordDraco
Replace @ with a
******
His diagnoses were remarkably detailed, and on several occasions he noticed minor issues that even some academy healers had overlooked.
He even suggested small adjustments that could improve a patient's recovery speed.
Yet despite all of that, the student who stood above everyone else was Ash.
From the very beginning, his performance had been extraordinary.
His diagnostic spells were precise.
His observations were accurate.
More importantly, he didn't simply identify problems.
He explained why they existed and proposed effective treatments.
Several times, Ash pointed out details before even the academy healers noticed them.
One elderly healer actually checked a patient's chart twice after hearing Ash's assessment.
The boy had been correct.
Every single time.
As the rounds continued, Vastor found himself paying increasing attention to Ash.
The boy's practical knowledge far exceeded what a first-year student should possess.
His understanding of healing theory was impressive.
His experience was even more impressive.
Most astonishing of all was how naturally he interacted with patients.
There was none of the hesitation or uncertainty common among inexperienced healers.
Ash behaved as if he had been treating patients for years.
Which, considering his background helping Myra in the village, was not far from the truth.
Vastor had reached his age and position by recognizing talent when he saw it.
He never allowed personal preferences, social status, or prejudice to cloud his judgment.
And based on everything he had witnessed so far, one conclusion was becoming increasingly clear.
Ash might be the most talented healer in this year's intake.
Perhaps even one of the most talented students he had seen in many years.
"I'd say we have some clear winners."
While speaking to the top students, Vastor's voice lost any trace of sarcasm or mockery.
Instead, he spoke with a warm and friendly tone, like a grandfather talking to his favorite grandchildren.
"Would you mind introducing yourselves properly to the class?" he asked.
"It might motivate the others to work harder and try to compete with you."
'If they're delusional enough to think they have even the slightest chance, of course,' Vastor thought inwardly.
In his mind, he had already separated the cream from the milk, and the milk from the waste.
He was merely being polite.
"My name is Friya Solivar."
Like everyone else, she wore academy pants instead of a skirt, so she slightly lifted her robe while performing a graceful curtsy.
"My mother is Duchess Solivar. I hope you have heard of her."
Vastor raised an eyebrow while searching his memory.
"Ah, yes. I remember now."
"I heard many praises about how she managed to stop that terrible flood last year."
He nodded approvingly.
"Such an ingenious woman was bound to have a gifted daughter."
"I'm sure you have a bright future ahead of you."
Vastor skipped Yurial entirely.
He doubted anyone in the room had missed the fact that he was Archmage Deirus's son.
After exchanging a few gestures with one of the attendants, Vastor moved toward the petite girl standing nearby.
"My name is Quylla from Cerea."
She bowed deeply.
"I'm twelve years old."
Quylla didn't know much about noble etiquette, so she simply shared what she considered important information.
Vastor smiled kindly.
"So young, yet already so skilled."
"You truly are a diamond in the rough."
One of the attendants handed him a small bottle filled with purple liquid.
Vastor presented it to Quylla with a slight bow.
"Here."
"This is one of the finest tonics our Master Alchemists can produce."
"Drink a glass every night before going to sleep."
He chuckled.
"You'll grow like a mushroom."
"I'm sure you'll become a beautiful young lady."
Quylla immediately blushed bright red.
She carefully accepted the bottle with both hands.
It was the most valuable gift she had ever received.
Holding it like a precious treasure, she repeatedly thanked him while stuttering from embarrassment.
Vastor then looked at Lith who was using perfect silent chore magic to write down notes.
"My name is Lith from Lutia. I'm twelve years old as well."
"Twelve years old? Lith?"
Vastor looked genuinely surprised.
Lith was already taller than him, standing at around 1.6 meters tall, so the professor had failed to realize his age at first glance.
"I've heard a lot about you."
He chuckled.
"Hell, everyone here has."
Vastor turned toward the class, though his gaze lingered mostly on Ash, Friya, Yurial, and Quylla.
"Guys, Lith here is the one who cracked the so-called Curse."
"A unique poison that managed to stump some of the best healers in the kingdom."
"Have any of you heard about it?"
Friya and Yurial nodded immediately.
Quylla and many of the other students shook their heads.
Vastor sighed inwardly at the thought of wasting paper.
Still, he gestured for one of the attendants to distribute copies of the report.
While the attendant worked, Vastor continued speaking.
"A twelve-year-old hexacaster with exceptional talent in Light Magic."
"That's how he earned his admission."
Between Lith's physique, height, and everything they had just learned, many students began looking at him differently.
Some even showed a hint of respect.
Friya and Yurial, in particular, regretted their earlier actions.
If they had befriended him instead of provoking him, perhaps they could have learned a great deal from someone so talented.
For a brief moment, Friya wondered if she still had another chance.
After all, Lith had seemed uncomfortable around girls earlier, and she considered herself fairly attractive.
She offered him a friendly smile and opened her mouth to start a conversation.
Lith responded with a cold stare.
The smile froze on her face.
His eyes were emotionless.
Sharp.
Predatory.
For a brief second, Friya felt as though she were being watched by a dangerous beast.
A chill ran down her spine.
She immediately abandoned the idea and pretended nothing had happened.
"Lith, my boy."
Vastor laughed while patting him on the shoulder.
"You should smile more."
"If you keep glaring at everyone, how are they supposed to notice how handsome you are?"
Lith almost rolled his eyes.
'Me? Handsome?'
'What a bootlicker.'
'Does he really think I didn't notice his complete one-hundred-and-eighty-degree change in attitude?'
Meanwhile, Ash watched the exchange from the side with mild amusement.
Vastor wasn't even trying to hide his favoritism anymore.
Anyone with eyes could see that talented students received very different treatment from everyone else.
Fortunately for Ash, he happened to be one of those students.