Chapter 120: Admission Task

“Jelica is assigned to Master Tang Nade; as for that wild mage, Commissioner Quik, you handle his placement.” Xie Er’s gaze settled on an elderly man seated two seats to his side.

“Understood.” Commissioner Quik nodded.

“In one month it’s admissions day. The committee must coordinate all preparations thoroughly—no more blunders like the year before last.” Xie Er’s tone had turned stern.

More than half the people present sat up straight at this, clearly recognizing this matter concerned them directly.

“Also, this year’s college budget should favor the Potion Department more. Hmm—the additional portion will be deducted from the Rune Department’s allocation.”

“Dean, the Rune Department’s budget has already been cut four times—it’s already at rock bottom,” the senior official in charge of budget allocation ventured cautiously.

But Xie Er remained unmoved. “The college’s budget is limited. Those who deliver more get more. Equal distribution is not an option.”

“The Rune Department has produced no meaningful contributions or results in years. Reducing its funding is only natural.”

“I understand.” Clearly awed by Xie Er’s authority, the official immediately submitted.

In a room within the Guest Hall of Seris Magic College.

Gao De sat restlessly, rising from his chair at intervals to pace back and forth in the room.

After enduring countless hardships, he had finally reached Shengxi City.

Though still uncertain, he had to take the risk.

So after spending one night at Hains Hotel, he rented a carriage the next day and traveled out of the city to Seris Mountain, where Seris Magic College stood.

When Gao De presented the college staff with his “letter of recommendation,” they were plainly stunned.

Quickly, they assigned him a room to rest temporarily and said they would deliver the “letter of recommendation” to the dean—final arrangements would be decided by the dean himself.

Thus, Gao De took up residence in the Guest Hall of Seris Magic College, waiting patiently for the college’s final decision.

He waited an entire day.

During that time, a college staff member came once to verify his age and mage rank.

After that, no one else came to see him or inquire about his situation.

Nor did anyone restrict his movements.

Still, except for briefly going downstairs to eat a meal, Gao De spent most of his time quietly in his room, going nowhere.

Arriving in an unfamiliar place, unaware of the rules and regulations, caution was best.

Just as Gao De was still anxious, footsteps returned at last outside his door.

And clearly, they were not just one person’s footsteps—there was a disorderly clatter.

Gao De perked up, sensing the moment of decision had finally come.

The door knocked. Prepared, Gao De opened it immediately.

Three people stood at the threshold, two in front, one behind—all dressed in the college’s neatly tailored staff uniforms, their chests embroidered with the college’s emblem of honor.

The leader was a middle-aged woman with a stern face, radiating undeniable authority; the man beside her was much older and carried less weight of command.

The man behind them appeared younger and more efficient—clearly a typical “foot soldier.”

“Gao De?” the woman spoke first, her voice soft yet clear.

At Seris Magic College, Gao De had abandoned his alias “Google Ditu” and used his real name. He stepped aside to let them enter, nodding: “That’s me.”

“No need. I’ll speak here and leave,” the woman waved her hand, indicating they could talk at the door. “I’m Commissioner Rachel of the College Committee. We’ve verified your letter of recommendation—it’s valid.”

“Gao De, age thirteen, Second-Rank Mage Apprentice, admitted via letter of recommendation from the Tenth Dean of this college, Gavin Hog. Per regulations, we will admit you with the highest privileges.”

Even though Gao De was composed, hearing this news made him breathe a quiet sigh of relief.

It was finally done. All his hardship to reach Shengxi City had not been in vain.

Gao De felt a pang of nostalgia. In his past life, had he ever faced such worries?

He took an exam, and the acceptance letter arrived naturally—sometimes even delivered personally by school staff.

“Here is the map of Seris Magic College.” The woman raised her hand. Behind her, the “foot soldier” hurriedly handed over a bundle of items. The middle-aged woman took them and passed them to Gao De.

First came a finely detailed parchment map, meticulously depicting every corner and location of the college.

“This is the college’s rulebook. It contains many important notes—review it often. Don’t break the rules. It’s your own responsibility.”

Then came a key.

“This is the key to your room—Zone One, Room Thirty. It’s a beautiful place. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

“This is your identity badge—the official proof of your student status. Don’t lose it. Replacement costs one gold.”

“Also, do not lend it out. The badge records your credits, academic progress, and serves as your access authorization. Each student’s privileges differ.”

“You hold the highest privilege. You may use facilities locked to lower-privilege students, and access knowledge others must pay for—free of charge. There are many privileges. I hope you prove worthy of them.”

“Lastly, report to Hardship Cliff before eight tomorrow morning to receive your admission task.”

“At Seris Magic College, only after completing the admission task does a new student truly become a member of this college and begin formal coursework. Only then will the college assign you a mentor.”

“One reminder: if you fail the admission task, even with Dean Gavin’s ‘letter of recommendation,’ you cannot be officially admitted.”

“I will remember,” Gao De replied respectfully, though still unclear about what the admission task entailed.

In a place where everyone was immeasurably stronger than him, maintaining proper respect could never hurt.

Commissioner Rachel nodded in satisfaction, stepped aside, revealing the elderly man who had stood silently beside her, studying Gao De.

“Master Lar has something to discuss with you. Talk it out—I’ll leave now.”

As she spoke, Rachel added one final warning to the elder: “Remember what the dean instructed.”

Master Lar gave a slight nod, expressing gratitude to Rachel and assuring her: “Rest assured. I will not violate any college rules.”

Gao De watched silently, a flicker of suspicion and a bad premonition rising within him.

He was a newcomer—why would college leadership want to speak with him? Clearly, they had ill intent. Gao De muttered inwardly.

Still, the overall atmosphere remained civil, so his composure held steady, his expression showing no trace of unease.

“Then you two talk.”

Commissioner Rachel glanced at Gao De’s still youthful face, sighed faintly in her heart, and departed with the “foot soldier” behind her.

(End of Chapter)