The students training in the gymnasium were visibly awestruck by William’s progress. Word of his attempt to master the infamous Magic Mind spell had spread like wildfire, and the sight of twenty-five intricate runes swirling around him solidified his reputation as a prodigy.

He trained relentlessly, pushing his limits, and by day’s end, he had increased his count to twenty-seven. News of his accomplishment spread through the halls of Snowpeak Academy, fueling both admiration and disbelief.

In the academy courtyard, a group of students huddled together, their conversation dominated by William’s feat. One of them, a red-haired youth, spoke with fervent admiration.

“Did you hear?” he exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. “William has already mastered twenty-seven runes of the Magic Mind spell!”

“You’re joking, right?” one of his companions scoffed. “That’s the best joke I’ve heard all year!”

“I’m serious!” the red-haired student insisted. “He’s a genius! I want to learn from him someday.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Headmaster Tholfnir. “Are you certain he has mastered twenty-seven runes?” Tholfnir inquired, his voice a gentle rumble.

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The students, startled by his unexpected presence, bowed respectfully. “Yes, Headmaster Tholfnir,” the red-haired student confirmed. “I saw him practicing in the gymnasium. I wouldn’t lie.”

Tholfnir’s lips curled into a subtle smile. “I know you wouldn’t,” he said, his eyes twinkling with an unspoken knowledge. “Thank you for informing me.”

With a subtle gesture, Tholfnir vanished, leaving the students to ponder the meaning behind his cryptic words.

The students’ hushed whispers followed William like a shadow. His audacious choice of spell, his rapid progress, and his defiant stance against the prince had made him a legend within the academy walls. But admiration was often intertwined with mockery.

“So what if he’s mastered a few dozen runes?” scoffed a noble student, his voice dripping with disdain. “There are, what, a hundred and eighty of them or something?”

“Actually,” one of his companions corrected, “there are one hundred and ninety-two runes in the Magic Mind spell.”

“Hah!” the noble exclaimed, his laughter echoing through the courtyard. “That makes it even worse! The idiot’s going to fail.”

The group erupted in laughter, their scorn for William evident. He was, once again, the subject of ridicule, his ambition dismissed as foolish arrogance.

But not everyone shared this dismissive attitude. The professors, witnessing his relentless dedication and remarkable progress, recognized a rare talent. Even Headmaster Tholfnir, his wisdom honed by centuries of experience, saw something special in William.

Under the cloak of night, while the academy slumbered, Tholfnir summoned the professors to a secret meeting. They gathered around a circular table in a hidden chamber, the air thick with anticipation.

“I believe we must grant him a place, even if he doesn’t fully master the spell or achieve the required points,” Tholfnir declared, his voice resonating with conviction. “His ability to learn so many runes of the Magic Mind spell in such a short time speaks volumes about his potential.”

A young professor with slicked-back hair raised an objection. “But Headmaster,” he argued, “won’t this damage the academy’s reputation? The entrance process has remained unchanged for centuries. Making an exception for him could spark outrage.”

Tholfnir’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “I am well aware of the process,” he replied, his eyes twinkling. “And I also recall that the last student granted such an exception was…myself, centuries ago.” He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled professors. “I believe this young man is worth the risk. What are your thoughts?”

The professors, their initial reservations overridden by Tholfnir’s conviction and William’s undeniable talent, agreed to grant him a place even if he fell short of the required points. A sense of excitement filled the room, and a wager was proposed. One professor, his beard as white as the snowcapped peaks surrounding the academy, declared he would craft a unique enchanted ring for William if he succeeded. Others chimed in with promises of favors and preferential treatment, though most remained skeptical of his chances.

Tholfnir’s next words, however, shocked the room into silence. “If he masters Magic Mind,” he declared, his voice resonating with an unwavering belief, “I shall take him as my personal disciple.” He paused, letting the weight of his statement sink in. “If he fails, I shall grant each of you a favor. But if he succeeds, I expect you to provide him with every advantage and opportunity this academy has to offer.”

A favor from Tholfnir, the kingdom’s most powerful mage, was a prize beyond measure, especially with no limitations placed upon the request. The prospect of such a reward, coupled with the potential to mentor a student of William’s caliber, sparked a competitive fire in their hearts.

“Don’t feel bad when I call in that favor, Tholfnir,” James, the young professor with slicked-back hair, chuckled. “That kid is talented, no doubt, but he won’t master that spell in the remaining time. No way.”

“I agree with James,” another professor chimed in. “It’s simply too much to ask.”

Tholfnir, his eyes twinkling with an ancient wisdom, simply smiled. He knew better than anyone the challenges William faced, but he also recognized the spark of greatness within the young man. Only time would tell if William could rise to the occasion and claim his destiny.

William was blissfully unaware of the clandestine meeting transpiring elsewhere. He was dead to the world, lost in the depths of slumber after an exhausting day spent wrestling with the intricacies of the Magic Mind spell.

Three days had flown by since he’d imbibed the potent elixir. The 1000% boost to his learning speed was no joke; he’d already managed to piece together the first 50 runes of the spell, an impressive feat by any measure.

Of course, he wasn’t alone in this endeavor. Jinra, his ever-present guide, was there every step of the way, helping him weave those arcane symbols into his very being, coaxing forth the first faint whispers of the Magic Mind’s power.

“Focus, William,” Jinra instructed, his voice a calming presence amidst the chaotic storm of magic. “Guide the runes directly into your mind. They cannot take root elsewhere.”

Creating the runes had been an ordeal, a trial by fire that pushed William to his limits. But inscribing them onto his soul, weaving them into the fabric of his mind – that was proving to be an entirely different beast.

Despite Jinra’s guidance, it was like trying to thread a needle in a hurricane. Each attempt to absorb the runes sent them scattering through his body, a chaotic dance of energy that refused to be tamed.

“You need to focus,” Jinra repeated, his voice laced with concern.

Hours blurred into a frustrating haze of failed attempts. Finally, William erupted, his frustration boiling over. “I am focusing!” he roared, slamming his fist against the floor. “I’m trying my best!”

Jinra placed a calming hand on William’s shoulder. “Alright, alright, I know you are,” he said softly, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Just relax for a moment. Let’s take a breather. I’ll go fetch us some water.”

He was, undeniably, a good mentor. He understood that berating William for his lack of focus would only exacerbate the issue. Sometimes, a gentle touch and a moment of respite were far more effective than relentless pressure.

William watched him go, then slumped back against the rough bark of a nearby tree, the frustration gnawing at him. He was surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the forest clearing, the sun dappling through the leaves, birdsong filling the air. Yet, all he could feel was the burning impatience of his own shortcomings.

‘Will I succeed in time?’ The thought echoed through his mind, a chilling whisper that threatened to consume him. The deadline loomed, a menacing shadow that stretched ever closer.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep