Chapter 11: Level 5 and Academy Life

Yunluo Li, Year 9995, September 1st.

The Ernst Institute welcomed the new academic year.

Aikesi held the Grade 5 schedule, standing before the teaching building, watching students come and go. His sky-blue academy robe stood out vividly in the sunlight, five golden patterns embroidered on the cuffs—the mark of a Level 5 Mage.

"Third brother!"

Reynolds' voice came from behind. Aikesi turned, seeing four people walking toward him. Reynolds ran ahead, a brilliant smile on his face.

"How is it? How does Grade 5 feel?" Reynolds asked, leaning in.

"Not bad." Aikesi glanced at him, "And you? Grade 3?"

Reynolds' face fell: "Don't mention it. I still have to stay in Grade 3 for another year. You're all Level 5 or Level 4, while I'm still wandering around at Level 3."

"You only broke through to Level 3 last summer vacation; it's good enough that you advanced to Grade 3." George walked over, four patterns embroidered on his cuffs, "I'm in Grade 4, and Yelu is in Grade 4 too."

Yelu waved his own cuff, looking very proud: "Level 4, how about that?"

Aikesi nodded: "Not bad, faster than I expected."

"Of course, I'm a genius." Yelu boasted shamelessly.

Linlei walked over last, his cuffs also bearing five patterns. He stood beside Aikesi, said nothing, and simply nodded to the others.

"Fourth brother is Level 5 too?" Reynolds' eyes widened, "Did you two plan this?"

"Coincidence," Linlei said.

Aikesi smiled: "Let's go, class is starting."

The five parted ways before the teaching building. Aikesi and Linlei walked toward the Grade 5 classroom, Yelu and George headed to Grade 4, and Reynolds walked alone and lonely toward Grade 3.

"Same place this afternoon," Aikesi said, looking back.

"Got it!" Reynolds waved his hand.

The Grade 5 classroom was smaller than the lower grades, with fewer people. When Aikesi entered, more than a dozen people were already seated. He spotted Dixie immediately—the man sat in a corner with two empty seats around him, no one daring to approach.

Aikesi chose a seat by the window and sat down. Linlei took the seat beside him.

The morning class covered Huo Xi Gaoji Moha Yuanli. The teacher was a Level 7 Mage, explaining things in great detail, but Aikesi found it no difficulty at all—his understanding of fire, forged by the Fallen Heart Flame and the Fire Spirit Bead, far surpassed his peers.

After class, he and Linlei went to the cafeteria together.

Grade 4 and Grade 3 classes ended a bit later; by the time they arrived at the cafeteria, Yelu and the others had already claimed a spot.

"Over here!" Reynolds waved.

The five sat around a table, eating and chatting. The conversation ranged from classes to cultivation, and from cultivation to gossip. Reynolds mentioned a girl in Grade 3 was chasing him, which Yelu mocked mercilessly.

"You? A Level 3 brat?"

"What's wrong with Level 3? Level 3 is still a Mage!"

"What element is that girl?"

"Water element."

"Oh, then you two are a good match; water and wind generate each other."

Aikesi listened to their bickering, the corners of his mouth rising slightly.

There were no classes in the afternoon; as usual, the five went to Hou Shan.

Aikesi chose the same spot, a clearing not far from the waterfall, with a quiet environment. The five found their own spots to sit, with Aikesi sitting cross-legged in the center.

"Let's begin."

He closed his eyes and activated the Fallen Heart Flame.

Milky-white flames spilled from his body, slowly expanding to cover an area five meters in radius. The concentration of Fire Element around them surged sharply, and the air grew warm.

The five simultaneously entered a meditative state.

An hour later, Aikesi retracted the flames and opened his eyes.

The others gradually woke up as well.

"Comfortable." Reynolds stretched.

George nodded: "Indeed noticeable. The activity of the Wind Element has increased by at least thirty percent."

Yelu rubbed his chin: "I feel a twenty percent increase in my Water Element too. Third brother, this flame of yours is truly a good thing."

Linlei said nothing, simply nodding at Aikesi.

Aikesi smiled: "Continue tomorrow."

Days passed like this.

Classes in the morning, cultivation together in the afternoon, and chatting in the courtyard at night. Occasionally on weekends, they went to Fenlai Cheng for a stroll, bought some things, and had a good meal.

One day in late September, after Aikesi finished his usual cultivation at Hou Shan and was about to return, the system's voice sounded in his mind.

【Ding—This month's check-in opportunity has refreshed.】

【Check in?】

Aikesi silently thought: Check in.

【Check-in successful.】

【Reward obtained: Gathering Qi Pill ×1 (from a certain cultivation world). After consumption, it can significantly accelerate the accumulation of Magic for one month. Note: Effective only below Level 7.】

A pale green pill appeared out of thin air in Aikesi's palm, about the size of a thumb, with faint patterns flowing on its surface, emitting a faint, soothing medicinal scent.

"A pill..." Aikesi examined it carefully.

This world also had alchemy, but he had never seen something like a pill before. This must be a product from another world.

"Accelerate the accumulation of Magic," he murmured to himself, "Just what I need."

Back in the dormitory, he did not take it immediately but studied it first. After confirming there were no side effects, he swallowed it at night.

The pill dissolved upon entering his mouth; a warm medicinal force flowed down his throat into his body, then rapidly spread through his limbs and bones. He could clearly feel the Magic in his Middle Dantian growing at a faster rate than usual.

"Effective."

He closed his eyes and entered a meditative state.

Over the next month, Aikesi's cultivation speed improved significantly. The magic power that originally took half a year to accumulate was nearly half completed in one month with the aid of the Gathering Qi Pill.

By the end of October, he smoothly stepped into the mid-stage of Level Five.

During dinner that night, Yelu also noticed: "Third Brother, your aura seems a bit stronger?"

"Mid-stage Level Five," Aikesi said.

Leinuo spat out a mouthful of rice: "So fast? You were only Level Five last month?"

"One month." Qiaozhi was also surprised, "Your speed... is too exaggerated."

Aikesi shrugged: "Good talent, can't be helped."

Yelu rolled his eyes: "Just keep bragging."

The group laughed together.

One day in November, after finishing cultivation at Hou Shan, Leinuo mysteriously leaned over.

"Third Brother, I have something to ask you."

"Speak."

"That flame of yours... can I use it alone for a bit longer?" Leinuo blinked, "I feel my progress has been quite fast recently; if I can practice a bit more, maybe I can reach Level Four by the end of the year."

Aikesi looked at him: "Just that?"

"Just that."

"Sure," Aikesi said, "After everyone finishes each day, I'll add another half hour for you alone."

Leinuo was overjoyed: "Really?"

"Really."

"Third Brother, you're too good!" Leinuo almost lunged at him.

Aikesi sidestepped: "Stop talking nonsense, starting tomorrow."

Yelu, standing nearby, saw this and leaned over to ask: "What are you two whispering about?"

Leinuo proudly said: "Third Brother is going to give me private tutoring."

"On what grounds?" Yelu glared, "I want it too!"

Qiaozhi joined in the fun: "Count me in."

Aikesi looked at Linlei. Linlei shook his head: "I don't need it."

"Then it's settled," Aikesi said, "One hour each day, everyone together. After that, Leinuo gets an extra half hour."

Yelu was dissatisfied: "Why is he special?"

"Because he's the weakest."

Leinuo: "..."

Yelu laughed heartily.

Days continued to pass.

By the end of December, the Ernst Institute welcomed the year-end assessment.

Aikesi easily passed the Grade Five assessment, rated excellent. Linlei was also excellent. Yelu and Qiaozhi passed smoothly in Grade Four. Leinuo barely passed in Grade Three and was so happy he treated the whole dorm to a meal.

"It wasn't easy; finally, I won't be held back a grade," Leinuo raised his cup.

"You have the nerve to say that," Yelu retorted, "You almost got held back."

"But it was almost, right? Being a little short still means passing!"

The group clinked glasses while laughing.

Returning to the dorm that night, Aikesi lay on his bed, recalling the events of these past few months.

Mid-stage Level Five; the effect of the Gathering Qi Pill is still ongoing, estimated to reach late-stage Level Five by March next year. Linlei is also nearing the peak of Level Five. Yelu and Qiaozhi are steadily improving; although Leinuo is slow, he is also progressing.

The days were plain, yet fulfilling.

【Ding—Detected that the host's monthly sign-in opportunity has refreshed.】

【Sign in now?】

Aikesi silently thought in his mind: Sign in.

【Sign-in successful.】

【Reward obtained: Aizesilasi Aoshu Zhihui (Permanent) — Mental power perception increased, meditation efficiency increased by ten percent.】

A cool breath surged into his mind, instantly spreading out.

Aikesi closed his eyes, feeling this subtle change. The elemental fluctuations around him became clearer; he could even vaguely sense the auras of several brothers in the next room.

Yunluo Li, December 31, 9995.

New Year's Eve.

The five of them did not go to Fenlai Cheng; instead, they bought alcohol and dishes and set up a table in the dorm courtyard.

"Next year will be 9996," Yelu raised his cup, "Come, let's drink!"

"Cheers!"

The five clinked glasses and drained them in one gulp.

Leinuo, his face flushed from drinking, put his arm around Qiaozhi's neck and said: "Eldest Brother, do you think we can still gather like this after graduation?"

Qiaozhi thought for a moment: "We should be able to."

"Definitely," Yelu said, "My family's merchant guild has branches everywhere; come find me anytime."

Linlei said nothing, just gazing at the distant night sky.

Aikesi patted his shoulder: "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," Linlei withdrew his gaze, "Thinking about the future."

"What happens later, we'll deal with later." Aikesi poured him wine. "For now, drink."