Chapter 183: Augustus Academy

Though Helag hadn’t signed a contract with the Terchy family, he planned to stay with them for some time.

Barring any unforeseen events, Helag would likely remain in Blackrock Valley for a while.

As a talented formal wizard skilled in potion-making, Helag was valuable to the Terchy family, generating significant profit.

However, if he died outside before two years passed, it would be a huge loss for the Terchy family.

Despite this, Brack informed Helag of the opportunity, leaving the decision to him.

The Terchy family was betting on Helag joining the Land of Dawn.

If Helag succeeded, it would greatly benefit the entire Terchy family.

“After enrolling, the test will be at Augustus Academy. We’ll escort you there,” Brack said.

With Helag’s decision to enroll, his value to the Terchy family increased, necessitating protection.

Other Terchy wizards enrolled, but none matched Helag’s potential and talent.

They feared for Helag’s safety en route to Augustus Academy, so they planned to escort him.

Helag knew he wasn’t as afraid of Malcolm now, but avoiding risk was wise, and an escort was welcome.

A month later.

Helag sat in the Terchy family’s carriage, nearing Augustus Academy.

Besides him, Brack and two other Terchy wizards accompanied him, with Lennon driving.

Enrollment lasted a month, with testing beginning afterward.

The month allowed distant wizards to travel to the academy.

Some wizards were far away, but Augustus Academy didn’t care; late arrivals were considered withdrawals.

During the month, Helag learned much about the Elven Plane from Shatia, gaining detailed knowledge.

He suspected the Land of Dawn’s test might relate to this information.

The Land of Dawn’s recruitment aimed to open the Elven Plane.

The carriage stopped, and Helag heard the lively sounds outside.

Exiting, he saw a vast plaza paved with white stone slabs.

Carriages were parked everywhere, indicating arrivals for the test.

Augustus Academy wizards were easy to spot, wearing white and gold robes.

Formal wizards and apprentices had slightly different styles, but similar colors.

“Helag!” a blonde beauty waved from afar.

Helag looked up, recognizing Lilian.

He’d informed Lilian of his arrival, and she’d volunteered to meet him.

Lilian had matured over the years.

Her figure was more developed, and her youthful face had matured.

Once a pretty girl, she was now a beautiful woman.

Helag smiled, “Long time no see, Lilian.”

Lilian smiled back, “Long time indeed. I didn’t expect you’d become a formal wizard so quickly. Impressive.”

After years apart, there was some unfamiliarity.

Lilian glanced at Brack, “Mr. Brack, I was assigned to guide the Terchy family.”

Brack nodded, “Thank you, Miss Lilian.”

“This way,” Lilian led them toward a large stone archway on the plaza’s east side.

“Helag, be careful in the test. I’ve heard it’s dangerous and challenging,” Lilian advised.

Helag nodded, “I will. To enter the Land of Dawn, risks are necessary.”

Lilian hadn’t enrolled, planning to enter the Land of Dawn through Augustus Academy, so she wasn’t part of the test.

Beyond the archway, tables were set up, each with an Augustus Academy wizard behind it.

Wizards queued before the tables, seemingly to fill out information.

“Mr. Brack, the Terchy family needs to register here, like signing in,” Lilian explained.

Brack nodded, approaching an empty table to fill out forms.

“How many enrolled?” Helag asked.

Lilian shook her head, “I’m not sure, but I’ve heard three to four hundred.”

Three to four hundred might not seem many, but they were all formal wizards.

These wizards came from various Barrens organizations and families, potential seeds or mainstays.

“The test will be tough; not everyone can enter the Land of Dawn,” Helag mused.

Lilian said, “It’ll be hard, but not too difficult. The Land of Dawn needs people and wants to select potential candidates. It’s a great opportunity for Barrens wizards.”

Helag had discussed with Lilian, learning the recruitment wasn’t as suspicious as he thought.

Lilian’s information might not be entirely accurate, but it was more reliable than others.

Helag concluded the Land of Dawn genuinely wanted new blood, not to trap them.

Brack quickly completed the paperwork, handing it to the wizard across the table.

“Mr. Brack, I’ll take you to the lodging area,” Lilian said.

Helag and the others’ lodging was in a quiet area, with few people around, all staying in one house.

Lilian handed Brack a set of keys, “I chose this house carefully for you to rest. Mr. Brack, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take Helag for a walk.”

Brack smiled, “Go ahead, don’t let me keep you young folks.”

He winked at Helag.

Helag smiled wryly, following Lilian out.

“How’s the necklace I gave you? Why aren’t you wearing it?” Helag asked.

Lilian raised her hand, revealing a wooden box containing the Heart of the Ocean necklace.

“Such a precious item isn’t for daily wear; it’s too flashy,” Lilian said, but she put it on.

Helag thought it suited her well, a perfect match.