Chapter 18: Rewards

“Have you read that new paper? The summary is brilliant—now submitting articles will be so much easier with this method…”

“Yes, I wonder which learned society president compiled it—truly impressive!”

“Could it be someone from the Arcane Society, or even the president?”

“Probably not, I heard they’re investigating too…”

Information spread rapidly, especially since Borne’s article was pinned to the top of the notice board, instantly becoming the academy’s hottest topic. The template for papers was posted separately as well—something that had never happened before.

Anyone with a functioning mind could see that the academy’s leadership was driving this change!

Many also noticed that not only was the format standardized, but the library’s layout had been adjusted. The lending areas were now divided by level, allowing students to easily find materials appropriate for their stage!

Soon after, the article “Three Steps to Write an Outstanding Paper” was included in the academy’s required reading handbook.

Very quickly, the author—“Doctor”—became widely known throughout the academy.

Many speculated the author must be a teacher, or perhaps some high-ranking official, even a vice dean.

Doctor—a learned person!

Who else in the academy could use such an audacious pen name and get away with it?

It was glaringly obvious…

Because of this, several noble representatives even visited the dean, only to be turned away at the door.

However, a vice dean came out to explain that this wasn’t the intention of the dean or the higher-ups.

The nobles pondered this and did not press further.

As for Borne, he paid no heed to the undercurrents swirling behind the scenes. After the first day, his points shot up like a racehorse.

Clutching a large sum of points, Borne immersed himself in the library. But after a few days, he noticed his points stopped increasing. Just as he wondered why, he discovered his work had been posted in the required reading handbook.

Soon after, Mr. Evans approached Borne.

“Your article is excellent. The leadership has decided to adopt your template as the standard for all future academy papers, and your article will be used as the public sample, free for everyone,” Evans said gently. “Of course, you’ll receive compensation. You may choose two items from this list as your reward.”

Borne was not surprised—being ‘requisitioned’ ought to come with some acknowledgment…

He had been prepared for this when he submitted his work; nothing was faster than aligning yourself with those in power. The Count was a high-ranking arcanist, and Borne himself was an arcanist. There was no jumping back and forth opportunistically…

This article was more of a strategic proposal than a traditional paper, and carried risks—like a child just entering elementary school proposing a viable teaching plan to the national education department.

What was this called?

The academy had seen little effective reform in decades, and now a newly admitted, special-recruit child had produced it.

Were the senior officials doing nothing all these years?

If it had been someone else without a background, they’d be hauled off to a dark room, examined by a high-level mage or arcanist—everything from their physical state to their soul, even their childhood accidents, would be laid bare.

But Borne’s grandfather was a vice dean and one of the academy’s high arcanists. Borne had calculated this—no one would suspect him of wrongdoing; they’d just say geniuses think differently. With the ‘genius’ aura carefully cultivated over several years, his record was clear.

Furthermore, Borne was now the youngest arcanist by far; perhaps not ever, but certainly in decades.

Youth has its advantages—innocence, boundless imagination, and the “genius” label makes unconventional ideas seem normal.

If someone older suddenly changed, their habits would be traceable, unless fate intervened—like a novel’s protagonist who eats “smart pills” or has a wise old mentor suddenly appear, their timid nature flipping to bold and decisive. Wouldn’t that be obvious?

Getting off with a burning at the stake would be light; necromancers and other mages are fascinated by such foreign souls.

That’s the benefit of having powerful backing—who knows if it’s the Count’s idea or Borne’s genius? Does it really matter?

Borne took the scroll, glanced through it quickly—the parchment was simple, but every option enticing. The gist was:

1. One thousand points as compensation.
2. Three basic spells.
3. One magical item.
4. The chance to ask a question to the dean or another vice dean.
5. One hour of access to the Nether Scrolls.

Each one was highly appealing.

Most arcanists are academic prodigies, and aside from scholars of equal or superior rank, they look down on everyone else—even junior arcanists. For an instructor to patiently converse with a student like today was unheard of.

In Evans’ mind, Borne owed most of his reward to the Count, perhaps it was the Count’s idea. But as part of the academy’s faction, Borne was considered ‘one of us’, and there’d be plenty of ‘exchange’ opportunities in the future.

Moreover, this child was promoted to arcanist before age seven and had formidable backing—anyone with sense would treat him kindly.

Borne didn’t hesitate long. He said, “I choose the first and fifth options.”

Evans was not surprised; he’d guessed Borne would pick the Nether Scroll access.

Even Evans, after becoming a mid-level arcanist and instructor, only got a little reading time each month.

“Given your young age, only one scroll will be opened for you,” Evans explained patiently.

“Thank you, Mr. Evans. I understand,” Borne replied with a bow.

Evans smiled, “Hand me your points token, I’ll grant you the permissions.”

Borne quickly handed over the wooden token.

Evans took out his own token and pressed them together, softly chanting; both glowed blue.

“Here, it’s done.”

He handed the token back to Borne. “Well then, I’ll be on my way.”

Borne bowed again. A gust swept by as Evans cast [Fly] and soared away.

“Farewell then! I look forward to your next ‘work’!”

“‘Work’?” Borne’s eyes flickered. “Seems I’ll need to keep a lower profile from now on. But this is a pleasant surprise—Nether Scrolls! I didn’t expect to access them so soon.”

The Nether Scrolls possess wondrous magical power. Everyone who reads them gains a unique arcane ability, but each scroll only offers a chance for insight on the first reading—and any insight is limited to basic arcane level.

Many apprentices in the academy save up points, hoping to borrow a scroll just before advancing their class; though this shortcut can never match the power of ‘the world’s favor’.

Borne became an arcanist before studying magic, whereas most learn magic first and become mages before researching arcane and then converting to arcanist. The gap is enormous!

Though Borne’s disguised appearance makes him seem older, his true age is only seven—an age when most children in his previous life would just be entering elementary school.

For most, graduating as an arcanist is a cause for wild joy. Even mid-level arcanists are rare, but Borne, even if he idled daily, would see his magic power grow steadily with age—reaching mid-level was no issue.

Many people envied him immensely!

…

In the lakeside garden villa of the academy,

A group of young nobles were enjoying afternoon tea.

“What do you think of this ‘Doctor’ who suddenly appeared?” asked a tall, striking woman.

“Who knows? But it’s definitely not you, madam!” replied a young noble.

“A student? The handwriting and style are unfamiliar—I’ve never seen it. Could it possibly be a new student?” McCarthy muttered, teeth clenched.

“Gerald, how’s the investigation?” Anderson turned to ask.

“Chief, I’ve compared all submissions from the past three years—including several interns. There’s no information on this person, and no one recognizes the handwriting,” Gerald replied.

“Though the paper was written in ‘Nether Tongue’, the style is distinctively noble,” Anderson said in a low voice. “Could it really be a new student?”

“Chief, do you think—it might be him?” Gerald lowered his head slightly.

“Who?” Anderson asked gravely.

Everyone turned their attention to him.

“Iolam! Borne Iolam!” Gerald adjusted his glasses. “The academy’s genius arcanist!”

“Hm? Hm!” Anderson’s pupils narrowed slightly, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes.

…