Chapter 5: Novice

As he thought about the theories that the old elders explained, he remembered that three of them also came up with a universal law of magic as they have fought mages at their same level!

A person’s body would be suited to either magic or martial arts; the chances of a person being suited for magic was quite low, but they exhibited extremely destructive power. There was only one issue, absorbing mana required for their spells needed an understanding of the world; even with meditation, this was difficult to accomplish.

While he was stuck in that place of eternal darkness, he was forced to learn various theories regarding magic, just in case he’d fight one.

However, everything they taught was theory; Fang wasn’t a magician, he didn’t know if the theories were suitable for practice. But Mii was one…

Fang searched around the mansion, finding Mii washing some clothes. “Mii, can you stop for a moment?”

She put down the clothes. “How can I help you, master?”

“Listen to this,” Fang started to recite another perception on magic, contained with the basic theories that he was taught. “What do you think?”

Until he finished, Mii had been intensely listening with her head down, but as he continued to explain, she became shocked. “Master, this way of perceiving magic seems to explain the deep fundamentals that everyone thought were there without explanation, and these unique, fresh views, I’ve never heard of before, even from my school!”

He had curiously once looked at the magic book that Mii studied from after she returned from school, however, the several pages of complex, various formulas that composed of the laws of magic were too esoteric for him to understand. Even if he was born with a body suitable for magic, he was afraid that he simply would not make any progress in magic; after all, even if he had the ability, he would also need comprehension which were two completely different things.

However, these basic theories that the old elders came up with contained simple and vivid examples. Fang was sure that other than the advanced material, magic wasn’t that difficult to know, surely, the basic magic below the magician level should be quite easy to practice.

Excited, Mii asked, “Master, where did you learn these magic theories? These should be from a very powerful magician, maybe even at the archmage level.”

Although Mii was the closest person in the world he knew, Fang couldn’t help but think that the idea of being in a spirit world to be taught by old, supreme masters while he was in a coma was too bizarre. Helplessly, all he could do is laugh and put it off to the side. “The details are nothing important, if you think these explanations of magic are good, then just keep in mind when you practice magic.”

Mii knew that Fang was hiding something, but she didn’t push any further. “Yes, master!”

These methods and meanings were too powerful, he thought. And so, he stayed inside the practice room for the most of the time, coming out infrequently for their frugal meals.

A month passed.

Inside the mansion, a body was alight with a faint glow. Fang was able to spread energy throughout his entire body – his eyes lit up in joy.

He was at the breaking point from the novice class to the intermediate class! Unexpectedly, just after a month of effort, he was at this stage. Fang turned around and looked at the calendar; time really did pass quickly.

After a few days passed, it was the day of the entrance examination.

Even though Fang got to know the endless method for practicing, the time that the old masters had to teach was limited, so they only imparted the basics and the most useful theories of martial arts to Fang; after all, supreme techniques would at least require decades to learn, and to learn ten different supreme styles in the period of six months was impossible.

But because of the unique insight and approach to martial arts he gained through the exploration of these theories, he was at a starting point higher than the majority of people. He knew though, that he couldn’t afford to be lazy.

Certainly, he had a head start. It was the beginning, however, he still needed to learn fighting techniques and needed pointers on improving his combat experience – this would all be accessible once he entered a good college!

Fang’s eyes narrowed, half a year ago, he was unable to surpass the apprentice stage due to the flaw in his heart. But now, the situation is different.

I must get the top score in the entrance examination!

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The quiet days of Victoria City were over, as the city started to bustle in activity due to the upcoming entrance examination.

Outside the venue, anxious parents and their children arrived early with their friends, waiting patiently for the exam to begin.

To adhere to the principles of openness and fairness, the entrance examination was free for everyone to observe, so naturally, many people attended to watch the fun.

The voices started to get louder once two people appeared, immediately attracting attention.

“Hey look, isn’t that Fang?”

“This guy was already weak, but to go in a coma for half a year and wake up in time before the competition, what kind of bad luck does he have?”

“After he woke up, I heard that he didn’t even go to the training school; I thought he completely gave up on martial arts. Is he here just to test his luck?”

“Luck? He failed to break through the apprentice level, and he comes and tries to take this exam? Does he not have any shame? Just abstain, and stop wasting time.”

The grating insults that the people had didn’t change at all from half a year ago, Fang thought bitterly. No one except Vincent and Yato knew that Fang had already reach the novice stage – after all, he spent all his time holed up in his residence.

Accompanying Fang was Mii, and as his maid she couldn’t help but get angry at the hateful comments. “These people really look down on you, master, ignore them and focus on the exam and prove them wrong!”

Fang lightly chuckled. “Mii, don’t worry, very soon, no one will dare to look down on us!”

As only the examinee could enter the examination grounds, Fang patted Mii’s shoulders and confidently strode in.

However, a man suddenly appeared in front of him.

Vincent!

With this back straight, and an arrogant manner following his footsteps, Vincent coldly sneered. “Only a 5th grade novice, Fang, with this pathetic level, you are as much of a threat as a piece of paper!”

He paused, then took some heavy, deep breaths, as Vincent had come from the training school to the city at the last moment, squeezing in as much practice as possible.

Indifferent, Fang ignored him, and as their shoulders collided, Vincent almost fell to the ground.

Unexpectedly, Fang was so tough!

Fang commented as he continued to walk, “Who’s the trash?”

Vincent’s face instantly turned ugly, and started to tremble. “You…”

Fang continued on, leaving behind a fuming Vincent. Watching Fang leave, his heart sank, as he confirmed that Fang wasn’t weak. He definitely entered the novice level, and he should be at a high grade – otherwise, it was impossible for him to almost fall.

However, Fang, don’t think that because you’ve won against Yato, you have strength. During this examination, you will see, that compared to me, you’re nothing!