Advice from Nathaniel

Fifteen days of intense training had passed. Today, after completing their scheduled five laps, Nathaniel ordered them to form three rows as usual. He stood tall in front of the eighteen trainees who had managed to cross the 3,000 cut-point threshold within seven days. The rest had been dismissed by him.

For the last eight days, Nathaniel had personally fought with them, more accurately… he had beaten them until they corrected their mistakes. Every day, they left the training grounds with blood, sweat, and tears. But now, they had developed battle instincts, their bodies reacting even without consciously seeing an enemy's attack.

Nathaniel's voice boomed, "Count your numbers!"

The trainees began counting aloud, "One, two, three…" Ranav was number five today.

Nathaniel called out, "Number one, step forward and show your strength."

Number one walked up confidently and punched the testing pad. The display flashed 4511. Nathaniel gave a satisfied nod and moved on to number two.

When it was Ranav's turn, he struck the pad with a well-controlled punch. The display flashed 7285.

According to Jessica, he could easily score over 10,000, but they had agreed not to display anything abnormal. Instead, he aimed to just brush Nathaniel's expectations… keeping him interested and possibly turning him into an ally for the future.

Nathaniel's expression showed clear approval. Ranav could tell he was impressed.

After finishing the strength test, he walked up to him and asked politely, "Sir, may I have your communication rune?" Ranav had noticed Nathaniel using a communication device earlier.

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh? You've awakened magic?" He let out an appreciative chuckle. "Good. Very good."

He reached into his pocket and retrieved his communication device. "Here."

Ranav promptly took out his own device and touched it to Nathaniel's, exchanging their communication runes.

"I want to stay in touch and seek your guidance in the future, if that's alright with you." Ranav kept his tone respectful.

Nathaniel grinned. "It's more than okay. I'd be happy to guide a genius like you." He patted Ranav's shoulder. "If you keep training, you could easily exceed 10,000… no, even 15,000 in the future." His eyes gleamed with excitement. "Feel free to contact me anytime, even just for a simple greeting. I won't mind."

Ranav nodded. "Thank you." He stepped back to his position as Nathaniel called for the next trainee.

After everyone had measured their strength, Nathaniel casually walked to the machine himself. He clenched his fist and struck the pad with a powerful punch.

The display flashed 21,152.

Gasps echoed through the training field. The trainees stared, wide-eyed, their mouths slightly open in disbelief.

Nathaniel smirked. "While sparring with you, I was holding back my strength." He glanced at the stunned trainees. "Don't be discouraged. I was once in your place. My current strength is the result of relentless training and discipline. If you work hard, there's no reason you can't achieve the same."

His voice turned serious. "Remember this… no training is better than real combat. The best way to hone your skills is through battle. I have shown you the path, but it is up to you whether you follow it or let it go."

He scanned their faces one last time. "The next time I see you, I expect you to have reached at least 10,000. Make sure you can stand proudly before me."

"Dismissed."

After training, Ranav returned to his room for a bath. Feeling refreshed, he headed to the dining hall for breakfast, where Paramita and Vayunisha soon joined him at the table.

As they ate, Ranav spoke. "Our training ended today. I want to return home. What about you, Paramita?"

Paramita shrugged. "I have nothing urgent here. Besides, Big Sis is heading to the academy tomorrow, so I think I'll return with you."

Vayunisha, curious, asked, "When are you planning to leave?"

Ranav responded, "We could leave today. It's just a matter of crossing the teleportation gate. But I need to inform Aunt Vartika first. I don't have her communication rune."

Vayunisha nodded. "I'll contact her now."

She took out her communication device and relayed Ranav's decision to Vartika. A few minutes later, she received a reply. "Mom will be home for lunch. She wants to discuss it with you first."

After breakfast, Ranav decided to buy some local specialties for his sisters. He asked for Vayunisha's help, and both she and Paramita eagerly joined him, helping him pick out a variety of gifts for his family.

At lunchtime, Vartika greeted Ranav with a calm expression. "So, you really want to return?"

Ranav nodded. "Yes, Aunt Vartika. I've been away for almost a month. Training is finished, and I don't have any pressing matters left here, so…"

Vartika cut in. "That's fine. I've given you all the books on summoning magic I have, and there's nothing more for me to teach you right now."

She pulled out her communication device. "Here, take my rune."

Ranav quickly took out his device and synced it with hers. "Thank you."

Vartika nodded. "I'll notify the Mage Association about your departure. You and Paramita won't be charged for using the teleportation gate. Our family has the privilege of using them for free."

Ranav raised an eyebrow. "Why does your family have free access?"

Vartika smiled. "The Solanki family is one of the ancient households of the kingdom. We were actually eligible for a personal teleportation gate, but since we live in Taxila, which already has a public one, we couldn't claim it. Instead, we were granted unrestricted access to all gates within the kingdom."

Ranav thought for a moment. "Why not build your own gate?"

Vartika chuckled. "Teleportation gates are all interconnected. You can build one for yourself, but if it's not linked to the kingdom's network, it's useless. The royals control that monopoly. Only households that live in remote areas with no Mage Association receive personal gates. Exceptions exist for Archdukes and Academy Principals… it's all about monitoring movement and politics. You'll understand when you're older."

Ranav sighed. "I'm not really interested in politics. I just want a peaceful life with my family."

Vartika smiled. "That's a good mindset, but remember… if you ever need to use a teleportation gate, just contact me in advance. I'll arrange it for you."

She then asked, "Have you thought about when you'll apply for the academy? Do you have any specific goals?"

Ranav shook his head. "I'm not making any decisions yet. My master is handling my future planning. She said she wants me to awaken all six primary elements before joining an academy so I can major in anything I like. Since my family has no magical background, entering with only healing magic would be difficult. Also, I'm interested in alchemy and forgemastery, and I need all elements for those fields."

Vartika nodded approvingly. "That's a wise decision. But if you ever need a recommendation, the Solanki family can provide one for Black Mayura Academy. It has a solid alchemy and forgemastery department. If you want to be a healer, though, I suggest White Mayura Academy… they have the best professors, including Royal Healer Professor Nightingale."

Ranav bowed slightly. "Thank you for the advice. I'll discuss it with my master and let you know if I need any help."

Vartika smirked. "You're too formal. You call me 'Aunt,' but act like a stranger. Because of my relationship with your master, you're like family. Just remember… your master never had a family. You are like a son to her. Treat her as she deserves."

She paused, then stood up. "I need to get back. I left in the middle of an interrogation. Keep me updated."

With that, she gave Ranav one last glance, then left the dining hall.