Chapter 42: Felinsoya

“Lin Wei, how is your wizard aptitude?” Laixiuen asked, sounding almost offhanded.

Lin Wei glanced at him. “Third class.”

When Laixiuen heard this, his gaze toward Lin Wei grew more cordial. “Third class aptitude? What a coincidence, so am I. My affinity as a wizard is with wind and lightning. What about you?”

Lin Wei nodded. “Shadow. Only shadow.”

A trace of astonishment flickered across Laixiuen’s face. “Only shadow... That’s truly enviable. It’s the most powerful element in the Shadow Forest.”

Lin Wei merely smiled, neither agreeing nor refuting.

“Oh right, Lin Wei, do you know Philinsaya?”

“Philinsaya?” Lin Wei raised an eyebrow, looking at Laixiuen with puzzlement.

“I forgot, it’s only been seven days since you completed your wizard aptitude test,” Laixiuen smacked his forehead. He leaned closer to Lin Wei, lowering his voice, “Philinsaya is the only one among us with fifth-class aptitude.”

As he spoke, Laixiuen discreetly pointed toward a group of people nearby.

“Fifth-class aptitude?” A trace of curiosity appeared on Lin Wei’s face. It was the highest grade of wizard aptitude. Though Lin Wei did not believe that, with his intelligent core, he would be inferior to a fifth-class prodigy, he nonetheless found himself intrigued by this Philinsaya.

Following Laixiuen’s subtle gesture, Lin Wei spotted a girl surrounded by several young nobles. The girl wore a duelist’s uniform, a slender cruciform sword at her waist, with wine-red hair and crystal-blue eyes like clear water under a blue sky. She radiated an air of valiant grace.

“Knight at the peak…” Lin Wei narrowed his eyes, instantly judging Philinsaya’s strength. “She looks even younger than me, yet she commands such power. Not only is her talent for wizardry enviable, but her aptitude for knighthood surpasses many so-called geniuses as well.”

As if sensing Lin Wei’s gaze, Philinsaya turned slightly, locking eyes with him. She paused, then offered him a faint smile.

Lin Wei was somewhat surprised, but he returned the smile nonetheless.

“Lin Wei!” Laixiuen was nearly breathless with excitement. “Philinsaya, the goddess herself, smiled at you! How is that possible!”

It wasn’t just Laixiuen—those young nobles clustered around Philinsaya were also captivated by her smile. Yet, realizing she had smiled at an unfamiliar face, their looks toward Lin Wei brimmed with jealousy and fury.

Lin Wei ignored their stares. Such was the temper of youth. Once in the wizard academy, they would come to understand that growing stronger and surviving were the true priorities.

“Philinsaya… seems rather unusual.” Lin Wei, of course, did not believe such a universally admired girl would be enamored with him for his looks alone. Instinctively, he sensed that Philinsaya had detected his strength. “Even when the two white wizards tested my aptitude, they didn’t realize I had the power of a great knight, yet she sensed something... Is that due to her wizard’s gift? Because she’s fifth-class...?”

Noticing Lin Wei’s keen gaze upon the group around Philinsaya, Laixiuen thought he was being provocative. “Lin Wei, don’t get involved with them. They completed the test over six months ago and have already formed their own circle while waiting for the academy.”

Just then—

“Everyone!”

A sonorous, magnetic voice rang out.

A young man in wizard’s robes appeared. His features were delicate, his complexion sickly pale, almost feminine in their refinement. Yet he exuded a peculiar allure that drew people in; many girls in the crowd already gazed at him, eyes shining, unable to look away.

“My name is Uens. I am your senior.” A charming smile graced Uens’ lips. “The one who just verified your enrollment was our mentor from the Shadow Forest, the formidable official wizard Lorna Bavia.”

“First, congratulations to you all. From this moment on, you are members of the Shadow Forest. You are about to enter the world of wizards, to encounter powers beyond your former imagining. From now on, an unbridgeable gulf will separate you from ordinary people!”

At these words, the faces of the boys and girls present instantly shone with pride.

Lin Wei’s lips curled slightly. “So the indoctrination begins already?”

Uens maintained his smile, clearly satisfied with their reactions. “It will take about half a month to reach the Shadow Forest. During that time, you will spend delightful days aboard this great vessel. If you have any questions, you may come to me. As for Mentor Lorna, unless something especially important arises, you will not see her again on the journey.”

“Now then, on this ship, the Shadow Forest Academy has provided thirty chefs and over two hundred attendants for you fifty-seven students. Your needs and comforts will be well taken care of. Next, please proceed to the main hall on the first deck to register your information, receive your number, and choose your rooms.”

With that, Uens departed in haste. Yet as he turned, Lin Wei clearly caught a fleeting, meaningful smile—one that hinted at something deeper beneath the surface.

“It seems this journey will not be as simple as it appears.” While the others brimmed with excitement, a flicker of caution passed through Lin Wei’s heart.

“Uens… Shadow Forest… Black Wizards…” Lin Wei pondered quietly. “If all the students and mentors of Shadow Forest were as gentle as Uens appears, the academy would never have earned its reputation for black wizardry...”

Just then, Lin Wei’s gaze met Philinsaya’s clear eyes once more. In her look, he saw understanding.

“So, Philinsaya has noticed as well…” Lin Wei’s curiosity about her deepened, and he smiled softly. “What an interesting girl…”

Philinsaya, too, looked at Lin Wei with intense curiosity.

“What are you thinking about, Lin Wei!” Laixiuen patted his shoulder. “Let’s go register! There’ll be a feast later, and I hear they’re even organizing a ball!”

“Coming.” Lin Wei glanced once more at Philinsaya, then hurried after Laixiuen.