While walking down the hallway, Maya couldn't contain her curiosity anymore. "Well, even though I know that you have become an evolution master, I still don't know how you're able to use the elements."
Auric thought for a moment. He didn't know how much he should explain.
His lack of affinity meant his absorption speed and talent were even better than those with Grade S affinity.
Although he could absorb energy from the materials, the maximum limit would be the same as the gathering technique's limit. With his natural absorption speed, it would be better not to use materials.
Of course, he obviously couldn't disclose anything about his gathering technique yet.
Still, Maya was his teacher. As a teacher, Maya wanted to learn how to effectively teach her students.
So, he should show his power.
Auric raised his right hand and clenched it into a fist. Then, the steel element converged in his hand, turning his normal hand into steel.
"What?" Maya covered her mouth with her hand. "That is… steel element? Aren't you supposed to be a plant evolution master?"
Maya even gripped his hand to make sure it had hardened like steel. "This is really the earth element's extreme variant, the steel element. What is going on? Do you have two elements?"
Auric scratched the back of his head. "How do I say this? An affinity is like a double-edged sword. If you have an affinity, wouldn't it mean you will attract the element based on it?"
Maya furrowed her eyebrows. "So, you mean, because you don't have an affinity, you can make use of all elements?"
"You can say it that way, but I can't really absorb anything I like. I can only absorb elements after I'm certain of their configuration. Each element has a unique property, right? I can't really explain it in words."
"It's understandable. Since your physique is unknown, no one is prepared to explain something like that. For the time being, can I assume you can use all elements under a certain condition, correct?"
"Yes." Auric nodded.
"If you say it this way, wouldn't that mean you are much better suited for the elemental faculty rather than the evolution faculty?" Maya's eyebrows twitched. She realized she had been tricked by Auric. "You kid..."
"Ahaha." Auric rubbed his cheek, embarrassed. "I have to get the most out of it because I don't know how long this talent will last. Maybe I won't be able to understand my body in the future and will fall out of favor."
"At least I know you are a careful person. It's good to be cautious with your physique. Besides, if you master all elements, it will take too much time."
Maya was weighing whether she should have him develop all elements to make him versatile or maintain his growth speed.
"Actually, learning battle techniques makes it easier for me to understand elements. It will increase my chances of developing those elements," explained Auric.
"So that's why you want the library pass." Maya nodded in understanding.
"Yes. Well, I'll teach you whatever you want. I will check your body periodically to see whether there is anything harmful."
"Thank you for your care, Teacher."
"Do you want to use a weapon?" Maya asked.
Auric contemplated. "If I'm fated to use one, maybe. But for now, I'm thinking about focusing on elemental techniques. If I can have more elements, I can suppress others by using the corresponding elements."
"That is true. That's the biggest advantage of your physique. Since we're alone now, you can say anything you want. Since you know your body best, I will consider everything you need."
"Nothing for now."
"Alright then. Still, with all elements, can't you become an evolution master for every element except unique ones?"
"That's what I'm planning to do in my shop."
Since she wasn't an evolution master, she didn't have much knowledge to assist him with.
"Well, if you want to take another teacher, I'm not really against it, but just tell me about it first."
"I understand." Auric was quite satisfied with this teacher. She cared about him enough, but at the same time, didn't restrict his freedom.
He could choose what he thought would be the best, and she would still support him in one way or another.
"There is one more question. The principal shouldn't be the one giving you the letter of recommendation, right? It must be someone else." Maya narrowed her eyes, observing his reaction.
"Indeed, but I don't dare to reveal the name without that person's permission."
"Well, I do have some guesses. There are only a few people who can request the recommendation letter." Maya raised three fingers. "That person must achieve one of these three: a big donation, student council, or be directly related to the vice dean or above. Don't tell anyone about it. Just know the dark side within our education system."
"Is it fine to have a backdoor like that?" Auric asked, quite surprised that they were not even hiding it.
"More or less. First of all, a donation is good since it allows the school to upgrade its facilities or even provide better service. However, we are extremely strict when giving that privilege to the first category."
"Because they might abuse that privilege?"
"Yes. In the end, money drives the world."
"Sad but true." Auric nodded.
"They can rely on their money to a certain extent, but if they have no talent, what do you think they will do?"
"Let's see. Hire other students to protect them or buy materials to upgrade their strength?"
"Correct. If they're not talented, they might end up losing all their money. And if they buy materials, the other party who sells the materials might need that money for something else. Or if they hire other students, those students can use the money to improve themselves."
"I see. But there should be a limitation, right?"
"Yes. The limitation is that no unrelated entries in the college. If you end up provoking that type of person, you can stay in my villa and they won't be able to do anything to you. As for your parents, just inform me about it and I will handle it in one way or another."
"Thank you for the care, Teacher."
"Mhmm. As for the student council, they are basically the most elite students in our school. They have a certain responsibility, so just consider it to be the privilege of a government official. But in this category, we will have to consider the person they invite more thoroughly."
"So, the requirement has been loosened." Auric didn't think it was a terrible idea.
"Well, even if they are loosened, if they can't keep up, they will be sidelined. Though they might try to use their connections to bully other people."
"Ultimately, we will encounter that type of individual in the real world."
"Indeed. Last but not least, relation. This one is even stricter. They can use their connection, but their evaluation will be reflected in the other party's evaluation. If I bring you as my relative, and if you do something bad, I will get a bad evaluation."
"Will that make a difference?"
"Yeah. This position offers you many benefits, you know? Everyone wants it. If they see a chance, those hyenas will do everything they can to tear you apart and replace you."
"I will do my best not to embarrass you, Teacher."
"It's fine. Your achievement as an evolution master is enough for me. Although I shouldn't say these words as an educator…" Maya came closer, whispering directly into his ear. "Just show enough talent that they have no choice but to turn a blind eye to your misconduct."
"Ahaha. Do you think I'm someone who will do terrible things?" Auric pointed at himself.
"Killing? Maybe not. Women, who knows?"
That word struck deep into his heart. It was indeed recognition from his teacher, but she probably shouldn't say it directly.
"Hahaha!" Lindwurm, who had been silent the whole time, couldn't help but laugh out loud. "This is a teacher I can approve of. She truly understands you."
Cough! Auric tried to calm down and explain himself. "It's not time for me to find a woman yet. I'm still too young to even consider it."
"What? You still haven't had a girlfriend at that age? With that face? With those grades?"
"I will, but not now." Auric shrugged.
"Well, that's good. At least I don't have to worry about you creating a scandal or anything."
Auric was speechless, while Lindwurm continued laughing as if he was finally enjoying the conversation.
Since she had explained everything, she took out her car key while asking, "Where do you live? I'll drive you there."
"Is it all right?" Auric asked.
"You are my student now. Even if you don't want to flaunt it, I have to show that you are under my protection. I can't let anyone bully you, can't I?"
"I understand. Thank you very much, Teacher."
The two ended up exiting the school through the main gate. The moment they came out, everyone's eyes were on Auric.
No one expected that Auric would be scouted by the Grand Magica College. Unlike Eric, the vice dean came personally to invite Auric.
The scale was on a completely different level.
For some reason, Eric was also standing outside as if he was waiting for him. He wanted to believe that Auric was only suitable for administrative work or something similar, but the fact that he came out together with Maya meant he was going to become a real student.
"You…" Eric was speechless. He pointed at him but didn't dare to say anything with Maya beside Auric.
Auric waved his hand with a smile. "See you soon, Eric."
Eric's face was red from embarrassment. He was clenching his fist, but a trace of magical energy leaked from his body as his face turned back to normal.
"Huu…" Eric took a deep breath as if he had calmed down, but during that time, Auric was already entering Maya's car.
"Is that really Auric?"
"So, Auric is really going to become a student at the Grand Magica College?"
"How?"
"No one knows. Maybe the principal would know."
"Doesn't that mean Auric is still 'A-ric'?"
"Did he get in through connections?"
The people were discussing Auric's admission to the Grand Magica College, but no one really knew the details.
Meanwhile, Auric had already reached his home.
"Oh my. Who is this?" His mother certainly didn't expect a visitor, especially an older woman.
"Hello, Madam. I'm the vice dean of the Grand Magica College, Maya Relesha. I've come to invite your son to be a student on our campus, and I'm taking him in as my student."
"What? Does our Auric have the capability to enter the famous Grand Magica College?" Natalia looked worried, thinking that if Auric wasn't capable, he might end up getting bullied there.
"Don't worry, Madam. With me as his teacher, I can assure you he will be fine. Besides, I've seen his talent. He's more than capable of becoming our student."
"Is that so?" Natalia's eyes lit up. "Please come in."
"No, no. I came here just to pass this message. Since his admission is a bit late, I have to hurry and process it so that there won't be any trouble."
"Oh, I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
"Not at all." Maya smiled. "I'm looking forward to having your son come to our campus. Please excuse me."
"Yes, thank you very much. Please take care of our Auric." Natalia politely bowed.
Maya then went back to her car and drove away, while Natalia slapped Auric on the arm. "That's my boy!"
"Ouch." Auric smiled wryly while rubbing his arm even though it didn't hurt.
"Let's go. We're going to celebrate. I'll cook your favorite tonight."
"Yes, yes. Let's go in." Auric stepped into the house. At least there was no trace of sadness on her face. He still remembered how she felt responsible when he mentioned the awakening ceremony.
…
The next day.
Auric opened the door to his store. With a proud look, he muttered, "Finally. Now that everything is out of the way, I can officially open this store."