I made my in a direction that was not the Oasis.

Usually, that would be my goal, but thanks to my recent achievement… I was going to be training in a different place.

‘I hope I’m not too early…’ Muttering to myself, I stared at the staff’s area of the Lower Class.The Lower Class Region, just like other Classes, was separated. There were multiple structures within, and also a vast area for training, relaxation and other activities. Among buildings like the classrooms, library, training hall, and the likes, the Staff Area was a place of relevance.

The three Lecturers involved with each Year of the Lower class presided over their respective offices, as well as minor staff that taught electives. The Staff room was big enough to contain all of them, since Ainzlark had no lack of space, but I couldn’t help but compare the differences this building had with those belonging to higher Classes.

‘Probably the same gap as heaven and earth…’

With that slightly playful thought coiling in my mind, I eyed the particular area that was my target; the office of my Year’s lecturer.

Neron Kaelid was the Lecturer in charge of the Lower Class First Years. In essence, he was my Lecturer, and it wasn’t strange for a student to wish to visit their Lecturer’s office.However, with a week of break, which student would desire to see a teacher rather than hone their skills? There was a reason I approached this man and that was simply because he had agreed to be my Master!

Since I was the man’s apprentice, it was well within my right to see him anytime I desired. Plus, we had an agreement that he would teach me before he departed for a particular issue in five days. That meant I had five days to squeeze as much knowledge and skill as I could and ruminate on them before he returned.It was perfect, especially considering the fact that a penalty hung over my head and would be given this Sunday. The Penalty didn’t bother me one bit, though. I was looking forward to my training time instead!

********

“Oh? Looks like you’re here.” Neron spoke in his usual stoic voice the moment I entered, acting as if he didn’t sense me coming a while back.

“Yes Master. I am ready to receive your guidance.” I made a mock bow and smiled wryly as I approached the man.

“Oh, please. Cut that out. It looks so fake.” Neron nearly burst out in a snicker.

He remained composed, though, as one would expect the usually stoic man to be.

“Alright, Professor Neron. What will b=we be doing for today?” I looked around the room as I asked.The office wasn’t exactly cramped, but it was certainly not built for Magic Training. With books carefully arranged on the shelves; a desk and two chairs outfitted at the center, this indeed looked more lika a place for business rather than combat.

“Have a seat.” He proposed, and I took him up on his offer.

While seating, I felt the man’s gaze on me. It was like that of a watchful fellow closely examining something.

I knew Neron was curious about me, but the feeling was mutual. I could only hope that our relationship would foster a form of trust that could prove mutually beneficial. If anything, I knew Neron wasn’t an enemy.

“I’ll get straight to the point, Jared… I’m curious about you; your abilities and intelligence are too advanced for your age. It’s clear you’re like a genius, but even then, your abilities supersede any other person I know… with the exception of one…”

It was weird of him to say this, considering the fact that people like Kuzon and Ciara existed. I mean, those two were clearly more powerful than me. Yet, it appeared none had garnered his interest. I wondered why.

“Is it because of my Mana Core?” I asked bluntly.

Neron smiled and nodded.“Those with talent are born with such scary potential that their Mana Cores form on their own in such short time. They develop quickly and the color they possess can be even higher than Magic Users that practice their butt off.” Neron began his explanation.

“As you know, there exist nine Mana Core categories; White, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange, Red, Purple, Silver, then finally Gold.”White was known as the weakest and Gold could be considered the strongest, however…

“These are merely terms of growth for a Mage, depending on how Mana matures in a person and how well they excel in a particular field. But, there is one other Grade of Mana Cores. You should know it as well…”

I nodded, shuddering a little.

“The Special Grade.” We both spoke at the same time.

Special Grade Cores, having the color of the rainbow appeared within those who were loved by Mana and possessed exceptional talent in Magic.

It was said that this Grade manifested naturally and bypassed the usual progression of Mana Cores, and the potential of those who awakened such cores was endless.

“That boy; Kuzon, as well as the girl; Ciara… they both have the Special Grade Cores. As a result, it’s undisputed that they should be very strong. Their potential is limitless, after all.”

I didn’t know why Neron was going out of his way to explain these things, but I knew he wanted to establish a point.

“You have a White Mana Core, Jared… same as me. We’re different from those born geniuses. Obviously, we worked hard to get where we have gotten to. But, working hard isn’t enough…”

Neron was right. If all it took was hard work and determination, many people would have exceeded the limits and made good names for themselves. An example as Jerry! Even though it was clear that he put in scary amounts of effort, in the face of superior talent, he had no choice but to lose.Of course, there were things to be gained from efforts, but it couldn’t be compared to latent potential.

“… To truly get to the zenith, one needs to work smart as well. Knowledge isn’t strictly power, but it can be translated as a means to obtain it.” Neron continued, further impressing me.

“And that’s what makes you special, just like me… you have knowledge, don’t you?”

I smiled, and he smiled as well.

As we both stared at each other, it was evident what the both of us desired…

… Knowledge!