Chapter 185: Permanent Residency

Lilian was quite famous at Augustus Academy, primarily due to her beauty and exceptional aura.

Her talent, being Professor Nina’s student, attracted many admirers, with Klaus being just one of them.

Seeing a conflict involving Lilian, the academy’s people couldn’t ignore it and rushed to help.

Malcolm left, not daring to say a word.

Once he was gone, Lilian pulled Helag away from the crowd.

“Why provoke him? You’ll be taking the test together, and I’m worried he might harm you,” Lilian fretted.

Helag didn’t answer directly, instead saying, “I didn’t expect you to be so fierce. You really have a princess’s demeanor.”

Lilian tugged at him, “I’m serious. He’s a crystallized wizard with strong combat skills. Be careful.”

Helag nodded, “I know. I provoked him on purpose. If I don’t, do you think he’ll leave me alone? Besides, Malcolm nearly killed me last time. I’ll repay him a hundredfold someday.”

“I believe in you,” Lilian smiled sweetly.

They continued exploring Augustus Academy, visiting iconic buildings and classic spots.

They talked about many things, including past experiences and tales from the Colson Continent.

Before they knew it, it was late at night.

After parting with Lilian, Helag returned to the house.

The Terchy family had three enrollees: Helag, a man named David, and a woman named Reese, both gaseous wizards.

David was sturdy and quiet.

Reese had a great figure, what you’d call curvy in the past.

Both were direct descendants of the Terchy family, with Reese being Larry’s cousin.

Seeing Helag return, Brack gathered them and instructed, “In the test, cooperate and help each other. Let Helag lead; he may be young, but he’s more experienced.”

Brack emphasized to David and Reese, “You grew up protected by the family, lacking experience. Listen to Helag when it matters, understood?”

“Understood,” David and Reese nodded seriously.

They weren’t spoiled brats; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been chosen to enroll.

They respected Helag, knowing he single-handedly defended Blackrock Valley against Carl, a well-known feat in the family.

“Be cautious. Your lives matter most, even if you fail the test,” Brack advised.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Brack,” Helag nodded, saying little.

“Rest now; the test starts tomorrow,” Brack said, trusting Helag to handle things.

***

The next morning, Lilian led them to a hall.

“Enrollees can enter; others cannot,” Lilian announced at the door.

“Thank you, Miss Lilian,” Brack said.

“I’m going in,” Helag told Lilian.

Lilian met his gaze, “Good luck.”

Helag nodded, entering with David and Reese.

They passed through the hall to a large auditorium.

Many were already present, with a few people standing at the front.

Helag felt an immense threat from them.

“Second-level… no, possibly third-level wizards,” Helag assessed.

At the front stood a man in a top hat, with a monocle over his left eye, appearing around thirty.

He posed the greatest threat to Helag, seemingly devoid of magical aura yet exuding strength.

Sensing Helag’s gaze, the man glanced over and smiled slightly.

Helag bowed politely, recognizing a powerful figure.

Half an hour later, everyone had arrived.

The man in the top hat stepped forward, “Hello, I’m Bennings, the main coordinator for this operation.”

“As you know, today is the test. But today is more about explaining the test, and you can still opt out.”

His words puzzled the crowd.

Explain the test?

Wasn’t today the test day? Could they not test today?

And what was this about opting out?

Those who enrolled were ready for risks.

Bennings continued, “Our test is unique, requiring a year-long pioneering war in the Elven Plane. During this year, you’ll follow orders and complete tasks. After a year, if you’re alive and without major faults, you’ll gain permanent residency in the Land of Dawn.”

The hall fell silent, then erupted in whispers.

Bennings adjusted his monocle, letting them digest the information.

Helag was surprised, not expecting this test setup.

He’d anticipated conventional tests, perhaps involving battles.

But this test involved entering the Elven Plane for a pioneering war.

A year-long stay in the Elven Plane.

The dangers were obvious.

Plane pioneering wars were bloody and ruthless.

Whether Elven or Wizard Plane, such wars meant countless deaths.

As invaders, the Wizard Plane would face fierce resistance in the Elven Plane.

Now was the war’s early stage, when the Elven Plane was strongest, making entry most dangerous.

Many considered quitting but hesitated to forgo the opportunity.

Surviving a year granted permanent residency in the Land of Dawn.

This residency was significant, making one a Land of Dawn member, no longer in the Barrens.

Residency also allowed family relocation to the Land of Dawn, for direct relatives or spouses.