The Astonishing Privileges of a Core Apprentice

"Oliver’s magical talent is certainly impressive," Hector explained. "In just a few days, he’s already mastered a Red-tier spell."

"But when compared to what you demonstrated on the training grounds yesterday, your knightly potential seems even more extraordinary," Arcanus Professor added with a knowing smile. "Without any training, your strength already exceeds that of your peers, reaching at least 500kg. Such talent would be wasted if you didn’t pursue the path of knighthood."

Arcanus’ assessment came with ease, his experienced eyes calculating Oliver’s raw power with just a glance.

"You might not fully understand what this means, but with a gift like yours, even the royal guard might come calling," he continued. "You could easily join them, should you wish."

"However..." Oliver hesitated, wanting to speak up, but before he could, Arcanus snapped his fingers, and a student appeared carrying a tray.

Upon the tray rested a gleaming steel longsword. The blade shimmered with a razor-sharp edge, clearly forged by a master blacksmith—it was worth at least 500 silver coins.

Upon closer inspection, Oliver saw that the hilt was adorned with a glowing red gem, faintly humming with magical energy. It was enchanted.

With the enchantment, this sword’s value skyrocketed to over a thousand silver coins.

"This is a gift from me to you, as part of your initiation into the academy," Arcanus said, lifting the sword and flicking it with his finger, sending a clear, melodious ring through the air. "Are you sure you don’t want it?"

Oliver looked at the sword, then back at the professor, his heart racing. "But... Professor, can I study both knighthood and magic at the same time?"

He had been struggling with the idea in his head. His strength came from his immense magical core, which gave him an advantage, but in terms of true knightly talent? He felt mediocre at best.

Arcanus studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "You’re quite determined to pursue magic, aren’t you?"

"If that is your wish, then I will grant it."

William and Hector exchanged glances, concern flickering in their eyes. Studying both at once? It was unheard of. Their own training, focused on a single discipline, was exhausting enough. If Oliver took on both magic and knighthood, would he be able to handle it?

And there were the practical concerns—training with magic and knighthood would require twice the resources. Magic potions, enchanted gear, weapons—all of these things were costly, and Oliver came from a humble background. Could he afford it?

And most importantly, it’s almost impossible for both a magical core and a combat core to coexist within the same person!

After the initiation ceremony, Oliver left the professor’s garden, carrying his new academy uniform and two books: Introduction to Magic and Introduction to Knighthood. William and Hector couldn’t hold back their questions.

"Professor," William asked, "why allow him to study both? What’s the reasoning behind it?"

Arcanus chuckled. "Some things can only be learned through experience. Oliver has exceptional knightly potential. His future could see him rising to heights that others cannot even dream of."

"For him," the professor continued, "the trials and challenges he faces now will forge his character. Such struggles will shape him for the greater challenges to come."

William and Hector exchanged knowing glances. It was a test—a way for Oliver to grow stronger through adversity.

As Oliver made his way back to the dormitory, he couldn’t contain his excitement. First, there was the academy uniform. It was simple—black and grey, with a golden emblem on the chest. But that emblem marked him as a core apprentice of Oakridge Academy!

Just wearing it meant that even the town’s aristocrats would treat him with respect. A core apprentice was no minor position; it was equivalent to being an apprentice magician or knight.

The two books he carried were valuable in their own right. One contained advanced magical techniques, including seven new orange-tier spells that would greatly expand his abilities. The other, the Knight's Handbook, contained foundational skills that would enhance his combat prowess.

But the real prize was the enchanted sword. He marveled at it as he read its description.

[Flamesteel Longsword: A finely crafted steel longsword infused with fire magic, its edge keen and its gem-studded hilt enhancing its fiery power. A perfect weapon for beginner knights.]

The sword was a treasure in itself. With its fire enchantment, it would prove invaluable against creatures vulnerable to flame, and the craftsmanship was unparalleled.

Oliver couldn’t help but feel gratitude towards Professor Arcanus. The man had given him a chance few could dream of.

It wasn’t just the professor, either. Other upperclassmen had given him gifts—Violanda had gifted him a potion for healing, William had given him a pair of boots, and Hector had provided a magical scroll for frost enchantment.

Though each of these items was not worth much—perhaps only a few dozen silver coins—they were worth more to Oliver than gold. Just months ago, he had been unable to afford a meal, and now, he was receiving such generous presents.

Oliver laughed aloud as he looked at himself in the mirror, wearing his new academy uniform.

From today onward, I am no longer just a poor farmer’s son. I’ve officially entered the world of mages.

Though he had not yet become a full-fledged mage, he knew it was only a matter of time before that day arrived.

His status as a core apprentice quickly became the talk of the academy. The next time Oliver entered the cafeteria, he overheard the kitchen staff gossiping.

"Did you see that? That’s the academy’s sixth core apprentice! From now on, we treat him like royalty. All his meals are to be top-notch."

A portly chef was instructing his subordinates, who nodded and took note, keen to remember Oliver’s face.

Oliver couldn’t help but smile.

A few months ago, he and James had barely enough money to eat, often standing outside the bustling cafeteria, inhaling the savory smells wafting from within. At lunch, they had to travel far to find cheap roadside eateries to fill their stomachs.

But now, Oliver’s meals and accommodation were all provided for free, and he could eat whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. The difference was like night and day.

Such was the privilege of a core apprentice.