The Wizard's Pursuit of Truth

He looked toward the stage at the ten figures receiving their well-deserved glory. To say he wasn’t envious would be a lie.

But what could he do about his frustration? In the end, he had lost to that guy, Wang Ya Harak.

Gusai Wizard announced loudly, "Your efforts, all demonstrated in the Secret Realm competition—I can see them, other Wizards can see them, and even the esteemed Official Wizards are watching."

"The corresponding rewards and privileges have been delivered to your Wizard Marks. Alternatively, you may go to the Resource Management Department to collect them yourselves."

"What I will announce next concerns your future. As of today, you are no longer freshmen, but senior students. Just like the other seniors in the Lower House, you will no longer receive your previous support."

"Your task quotas will return to the normal standard, as will your Wizard Tasks. You will also have more choices, not limited to just the Dark Land Headquarters. Opportunities await you in the Wizard Cities of every district..."

Gusai Wizard’s words caused the expressions of the Wizard Freshmen below to shift. The commoner freshmen, in particular, began to murmur amongst themselves, their shock evident. A wave of uncertainty washed over them.

The freshmen from the Wizard Clans, however, had already been briefed. Their futures and placements were all being handled by their clans, so they weren’t particularly worried.

Wang Ya’s expression shifted. ’So that’s where they come from... the Law Enforcement Wizards in the major Wizard Cities, and the City Lord Mansion Wizards. This must be how those Wizards get their posts.’

’The Dark Land Headquarters doesn’t continue to support just anyone. Wizards who don’t show enough potential are assigned to the various Wizard Cities like this.’

’Gusai Wizard was essentially giving them a subtle hint, letting some of the Wizard Freshmen choose their own future paths.’

’Those who accept their assignments early and take up posts in the Wizard Cities might even land a better position.’

’It inexplicably reminded him of the job allocation system from his past life. Still, an arrangement like this was far better than the lot of those Wild Wizards out there.’

’You get a fixed amount of Magic Stones every month and a stipend for Extraordinary Resources. Your daily work is just maintaining stability within the borders of the Dark Land.’

’With so many Official Wizards present, the chances of any problems arising within the territory are slim.’

’It’s a job countless Wild Wizards would kill for.’

But that would never be Wang Ya’s choice for his future.

He still had the drive to fight and to continue down the Wizard Path.

A cushy post like that was nice, but it would dull a Wizard’s Heart. It would be all too easy to get stuck there for a lifetime.

Gusai Wizard suddenly fell silent. Wang Ya’s pupils contracted as he glanced in a specific direction.

Some of the more powerful Wizards in attendance also sensed it and looked over.

The auras belonged to Extreme Wizard Apprentices—they were powerful, and there were quite a few of them.

The leaders of the Wizard Clans, headed by Puni Stark, appeared at the entrance to Freshman Square and walked straight toward the stage.

Jishilin, Goodley, and other clan leaders were among them. At the sight of them, the freshmen who belonged to Wizard Clans immediately grew excited.

Some of the commoner Wizards hadn’t yet realized what was happening.

A few of the Wizard Clan freshmen who had befriended them explained, "Those are the heads of the Ten Great Wizard Clans. Some of them are also successors of the Extraordinary Factions, or even Chiefs and Vice-Chiefs."

"Their arrival means the Extraordinary Schools are about to recruit new members. This is a massive opportunity."

Gasps of surprise spread among the commoner freshmen. A fiery ambition ignited within them as they watched the figures ascend the stage.

Puni Stark spoke apologetically to Gusai Wizard. "My apologies for interrupting the assembly for the end of the freshmen’s Secret Realm trial. The Fierce Tiger Chief and the Demon Dragon Chief asked us to come ahead to maintain order. I trust that won’t be an issue?"

Gusai Wizard stared at him, his face impassive, then took a step back, ceding the central position.

Puni Stark took Gusai Wizard’s former place. He smiled down at the crowd of Wizard Freshmen and said in a gentle voice, "Little ones, I trust you all know of the Twelve Extraordinary Schools. In a moment, the Fierce Tiger School and the Demon Dragon School will be recruiting new members from among you."

"All you need to do is remain quiet and wait."

Wang Ya wasn’t sure if he was imagining it, but he felt as if Puni Stark had glanced his way several times.

It wasn’t just him, either. Even the other Wizard Clan leaders who had arrived were covertly watching him.

It made him uncomfortable. A Wizard’s spiritual senses are extremely keen, and being watched like this was no different from being stared at directly.

「About three minutes later.」

"Quite lively, isn’t it? But my Fierce Tiger Lineage doesn’t accept trash, only the elite." The coarse voice belonged to a figure in a white Wizard Robe, who approached side-by-side with another figure in a deep black Wizard Robe.

As the crowd looked toward them, it was as if they saw two terrifying beasts roaring, exuding an alarming aura.

They instinctively averted their eyes, but the powerful presence of the two Wizards compelled them to look back.

Puni Stark smiled and said, "Fierce Tiger Chief, Chief Schneider, here are the results of the Secret Realm competition, along with the top ten members."

The figure in the white Wizard Robe was none other than the Chief of the Fierce Tiger Lineage, Begging. He had a wild mane of white hair, the build of a bear, and an oppressive gaze. A smile revealed his canine teeth. "Puni, it’s been a while. Your Power has increased again. Very impressive."

The Demon Dragon Chief, Schneider, nodded at Puni. His gaze fell upon the top ten Wizard Freshmen, lingering on Wang Ya the longest, as if lost in thought.