Alchemist or Cultivator?

Chapter 3

“All apprentices who have completed and passed the talent assessment, proceed to the Central Square immediately! The choice of major direction is about to begin!”

The announcement rang through the hall, pushing the apprentices into motion. Rayn had barely left the testing area when the crowd carried him toward the opposite exit. Everyone had just received their assessment results, yet there was hardly any time to process them. The next decision was already upon them, one that could shape the rest of their lives.

The exit opened directly into the academy’s enormous central square. Rayn stepped outside with the others and stopped for a moment when he saw the view.

The square was so vast that it resembled a small city. Its black, luminous floor stretched far into the distance, reflecting the magical light overhead. What drew everyone’s attention, however, were the enormous images suspended above the square.

Magical scenes played across the sky. Wizards fought across blood-soaked battlefields, spells crashed down like falling stars, and monstrous creatures from strange worlds tore through ancient ruins. Massive magical machines crossed the darkness of the stars while explosions and battle sounds made the entire display feel almost real.

Underneath the images, enormous rune words shone brightly.

[Glory Ahead!]

[Unlimited Wealth!]

[The Fast Track to Promotion!]

[Join the Combat Element, Achieve Legend!]

The advertisements were so exaggerated that Rayn almost wondered if he had walked into a recruitment fair instead of a wizard academy.

Before anyone could make sense of the spectacle, light gathered above the square and formed the image of an enormous wizard. His expression was stern, and his voice seemed to come from somewhere beyond the stars as it spread across the entire area.

“Welcome to Skyrim Academy. The academy will provide you with the most extraordinary knowledge to ignite your Spiritual Flame and construct the Ring of Truth.”

“But power does not come without a price! According to the principle of equivalent exchange, every apprentice must sign a contract with the academy. After achieving a certain level of power or studying for a certain period, you will be sent to frontier planes connected through the astral network, to expand territory for the Federation and the academy!”

The apparition looked down at the crowded square.

“Now, you must choose between two major directions — the [Combat Element] representing strength and conquest! And the [Logistics Element] representing creation and support!”

“You will have one day to choose your major direction. Seize this one opportunity, as once chosen, it cannot be changed!”

The wizard vanished as soon as he finished speaking.

A huge magical screen immediately rose from the center of the square, dividing the area into two sections. The words [Combat Element] and [Logistics Element] appeared above each side.

Smaller screens beneath them displayed the available specializations. The Combat Element included [Soul Element], [Shaping Element], and [Summoning Element]. The Logistics Element offered [Alchemy], [Magic Potion], [Enchantment], and [Mechanical Engineering], along with several other choices.

Mentors and senior apprentices stood around the different sections, trying to attract students.

“Choose the Combat Element! Shortest contract period! Most generous allocation of resources! The frontline is the best whetstone and the fastest stepping stone to becoming a High Tier Wizard!” a middle-aged wizard shouted from the Combat Element area.

“The academy will provide you with the most elite spell models, the most powerful Magical Equipment! And the chance to inherit ancient relics, to seize your wealth and glory across countless planes!”

Rayn stared at the scene with a strange expression.

“This is a job fair… where the heck am I, have I returned home?”

The comparison was impossible to ignore. Even the methods used to attract people felt familiar.

The Combat Element had prepared a temporary magical stage near the front. Several wizards stood on it, and their auras were far stronger than those of ordinary apprentices.

All of them wore academy robes and badges proving that they were at least First Level Official Wizards. Only a few were First Level. Most were Second Level, and there were even several Third Level Wizards among them.

According to the academy’s introduction, these people were returning wizards who had completed military service in the previous batch. They had supposedly left the frontier temporarily to return to the academy and guide the new apprentices.

Their presence immediately attracted attention.

“Look! That’s Third Level Wizard Mentor Mars! He just returned from a mission on the Red Flame Plane, reputedly having slain several powerful Fire Elemental Lords!” an apprentice whispered nearby, his voice filled with admiration.

“And over there, that young wizard who recently advanced to Second Level! I hear he completed his contract mission after only five years in combat and has continued honing his skills on the battlefield ever since.”

“…Tsk, weren’t we all just apprentices coming for the test today? How come you guys know so much?!”

Rayn complained inwardly.