Zane didn't leave the room. As soon as he authenticated his card, his soul crests trembled twice, then two infusions of causal power followed. Out of respect for the professor, he didn't check, but now he couldn't resist. Something told him these titles would be the key to his rise in this upcoming new world.
[Title: Analyst Apprentice (White-Blue)]
[Knowledge is the foundation of magic; it is the source of a mage's power and the key to their success. And nothing in the Astral Cosmos screams "knowledgeable" like being an Analyst. They are the brave individuals who dare stare into magic's chaotic nature and make sense of it. Congratulations on taking a significant step towards confronting and pursuing the Truth.]
[Effect 1: Active Concentration. You can enter a state of intense concentration when studying, raising your knowledge absorption by 5%. This skill can also be used to resist [Aura Attacks.]
[Effect 2: A slight increase in mental energy.]
"Hmm, for some reason, I thought this title would be more powerful," Zane thought. Despite his slight disappointment, he didn't mind that much. Anansi's blessing had already increased his learning ability, so adding this title was another bonus. On top of that, he had already trained a high resistance to [Aura] attacks. More importantly, the true MVP of his accomplishment was the next title.
[Title: Earth's First Analyst (Light Red)]
[Magic is still a mystery to Earth, but you have defied the odds to become the first person to say they've peeked behind the veil. Congratulations! Hopefully, your existence can help shed light on the world's darkness and ignorance. In the upcoming magic era, your existence will be both a guiding light and an inspiration for many. So, keep fighting and survive to bring a new dawn to the world.]
"That title description sure brings a lot of pressure," Zane thought, then continued reading the effect.
[Effect 1: Low Rune Intuition]
[Effect 2: Increase Mana Affinity]
[Effect 3: Iron Soul]
[Effect 4: ???]
[Effect 5: ???]
Effect 6: ???]
Zane frowned for a moment, then looked at the professor. "Can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Three of my title effects are question marks."
"…Is your title Light Red?"
"Yes."
"You Earthlings are truly lucky."
"Hmm?"
"Do you know that the Grand Analyst Title is only Light Red?"
"It is?"
"Yes. So, in some ways, your Earthlings are lucky. The invasion will provide you with opportunities that many people would die for."
"I didn't think the First Titles were so important. Maybe I should focus on acquiring more," Zane thought. Professions begin next month, so there might be a chance to acquire the First Alchemist Title.
"Professor, what is an Iron Soul?"
Professor Malida paused again; these Earthlings were truly lucky. "It's a system designed to measure a soul's constitution."
"Constitution? As in —-"
"How much damage it can take before it collapses, how fast it can heal, how hard it is to be influenced by foreign forces, how malleable it is, and so on," Professor Malida explained. "It's divided into Normal Soul, Strengthened Soul, Wood Soul, Iron Soul, Steel Soul, Diamond Soul, and Adamantium Soul."
"The soul is connected to the spirit and the mind. Does the effect expand to them?"
"Yes."
"How can I raise my soul constitution?"
"Diet, luck, and talent."
"Diet?"
"Yes. The safest way is a daily dose of potions, specially made magic food, and with a bit of luck and talent, your soul constitution will improve over time."
"You said the safest way? So, there are others?"
"There are extreme methods, but those can easily injure the soul and ruin your potential."
"I see. Well, thank you." Although he had more questions, he decided to wait until he met Professor Burbank.
"No problem. Don't forget to sign up for the association website."
"I will."
While walking out of the building, Zane began mulling over the other effects. He knew what Rune Intuition was. The professor had mentioned it before, and he knew someone with that talent: Keesha. She had an uncanny ability to learn Mind Runes, sometimes even deducing answers without enough knowledge, relying purely on instinct.
"Keesha's talent is only for the Mind Field, while mine is for every field. However, she probably has a Middle or High Rune Intuition," Zane thought. He still needed to check, but he was sure her intuition was higher caliber.
"Then, there is the second effect. I understand what it means, but I can't feel the —"
Zane suddenly stopped himself and closed his eyes: he sensed it. Usually, he needs to enter a deep meditative state and visualize the runes to sense the mana particles in the air. But now, he only closed his eyes, and his senses detected them.
"What's more, mana seems to be naturally gathering toward me, albeit at an extremely slow pace." Zane opened his eyes with a grin as he realized the title effect had raised his magic talents. Although his talent was still S-Class, he was now at or reaching the limit of that grade. Zane's footsteps suddenly became more confident as he exited the hall.
"Well?" Myk immediately asked.
"I did it. I'm an Analyst Apprentice," Zane replied, showing them his card.
Myk immediately gave him a bear hug. "I knew you could do it."
"Congratulations."
"Yes, Congrats."
"How about we celebrate? I know a great Karaoke place. I can reserve us a place," Evelyn suggested.
"I'm down, but I need to see Professor Burbank first."
"Everybody can disperse for a shower and meet here in half an hour."
"No problem."
Zane rushed to the class after emailing Professor Burbank.
"My boy, I knew you could do it."
"I couldn't do it without you, Professor."
The professor patted his shoulder. "I'm just a guide. I can lead you to the fountain of Arcane Truth, but without the mind and will to drink as much as possible, you wouldn't be here today."
"True, but how many people are willing to go above and beyond to lead me to that fountain? I don't know about others, but I know I was lucky to have you."
Professor Burbank paused as he sensed the tears bubbling up. "Alright, enough with the sentimentality." He sat down behind his desk and offered Zane his usual small stool, which stood in front of it.
"Your title should be Light Red, correct? How many effects?"
"6."
"That's the highest level."
"There are levels?"
"Light Red Titles can have one major effect or 4-6 minor effects."
"Red and Dark Red?"
"7 and 9."
"I see. But why are most of them question marks?"
"It means your soul is not ready for the subsequent effects. When the time is right, they will manifest."
"After I condense my first circle?"
"Most likely, but they might manifest early if your mental energy reaches 0.9. Wait, you do plan on maximizing your stats, correct?"
"I am," Zane nodded. To condense a perfect Essence Rune, both his mana and mental energy must reach their peak.
"Good."
"So, what's next?" Zane asked. "Do we focus on becoming a First Class Analyst?"
Professor Burbank secretly nodded, appreciating how level-headed and ambitious the young man remained. "No, Second Class, and we must do it in the next six months."
"Is there a particular reason?"
"You want to keep your current momentum, right?"
"Of course."
"And the best way to do so is to be accepted into Rune Master's Ruben's apprenticeship. If you can get in, you will be, without a doubt, Earth's best Alchemist — and that's even if you don't complete his training."
Zane looked at the professor; he knew this man didn't speak in hyperbole. "That's a bit exaggerated, isn't it?"
"It's not."
Zane furrowed his brow. "Who exactly is this Rune Master Ruben?" Zulu had mentioned the name once, and Zane searched the library for information about Rune Masters, but everything was locked behind a security clearance.
"Do you know what a Rune Master is?"
"No."
"Runes used for spells, enchantment, alchemy, Runescribe, and many other professions share a basic foundation, but they are wildly different —- especially at higher levels of magic. A Rune Master is a title granted to someone who has mastered all types of runes. They can combine different runes to create these complex magical systems or machinery. They represent the pinnacle of Alchemy."
"So, they are masters of many professions?"
"Mastering might be pushing it, but yes, they know a lot about many professions while mastering one that is considered their main field."
Zane's eyes lit up.
"Interested?"
"Of course."
"That's the spirit. Rune Master Ruben is famous in Alkira because he has trained three other Rune Masters. People — including the descendants of Archmages — will do everything in their power to join his training. Anyone who joins — even if they fail — will be sought after by Alchemist Associations across the world. Nations will fight for them."
Zane's did get excited about these words. On the contrary, he frowned. "I'm sensing a but."
"Rune Master Ruben is known for having a horrible personality. His apprenticeship—while it grants access to nearly unlimited resources and high-level training—is brutal. The passing rate is less than 5%, with many students dropping out and even committing suicide due to the intense pressure. However, as I said, even if you fail, you're guaranteed to become a Rune Adept, and even a Rune Expert, which is sought after by many."
Zane groaned softly.
"On top of that, he's not an official member of the tower. Lord Drakken invited him to teach, which means he has a lot of power and less restraint compared to other teachers."
Zane remained silent.
"What do you think?"
"He's not physically abusive, is he?"
"No, but he will not mince his words. And he will push you physically and mentally with his terrifying workload."
"In that case, let's do it."
"Excellent. For the next six months, we'll train you into a Second Class Analyst. Then, for the remaining three months, we'll focus on the foundational theory of other runes."
"I understand."