After that, the rest of the students all released their own most powerful fireballs.

However, none of them could achieve what Fike had done.

​​

Even Ah Fei only managed to release a wall of flames like Maggie had demonstrated earlier.

Time flew by, and soon, the teacher addressed the class.

"Students, today's lesson ends here. You must practice more when you get back, try to master control over your skills as soon as possible!"

She added, "By the way, before you leave, I have one more thing to announce. In a week's time, Yogmo Academy will be holding a freshmen trial!

"The few who emerge among the top in this trial will not only be rewarded with a large number of credits, but will also gain the right to hunt high-level Exotic Beasts.

"You must work hard these few days to get a good ranking!"

Excitement grew among the students after hearing this.

"Okay, everyone can go back now."

After she dismissed them, Maggie looked at Fike.

"Fike, you stay for a while."

Fike obediently walked toward the teacher as she motioned for him to follow her to the office.

After they had arrived at the office, Maggie spoke directly, going straight to the point.

"Fike, I demand that you get first place in the freshmen trial!"

Fike was left speechless at this, and he couldn't retort.

At the moment, he knew as well that he was indeed the strongest student in the class.

Fixing her gaze on him, she continued.

"I sensed that the fireball you released just now was still somewhat restrained!"

Maggie had hit the nail on the head, noticing the little trick that Fike had used when he performed his demonstration just now. Seeing this, he didn't bother hiding it and nodded his head.

"Fike, do you know? With your talent, it is very likely that you will become the most outstanding student since the establishment of Yogmo!"

Fike did not want to stand out and become the most dazzling star, so he simply replied, "Professor Maggie, I will strive for a good ranking. As for what happened just now, I did indeed restrain myself."

"I understand your concerns, so I won't ask too many questions. Good luck!"

Seeing that the teacher understood him so well, Fike lowered his guard.

Maggie continued to tell him, "You will have to go to the Healing Magic Department every night from now on. Director Chamberlain has arranged for that. To be honest, Fike, I have never seen a student like you."

Maggie continued.

"Although I admit I'm very curious about how a priest like you can learn the skills of a mage, I believe that everyone has little secrets that they should keep to themselves.

"Since you have such a talent, then you should cherish it, understand?"

Fike unconsciously thought to himself as he heard the teacher's sincere words.

'Maggie was born a low-ranked mage, but she has pushed herself to become a teacher through her own hard work and effort. She's even so understanding towards me. It seems that I'll have to learn more from her in the future!'

"I know. I won't belittle myself, don't worry!"

Maggie returned a nod of acknowledgment.

"You can go back now. Don't forget about tonight's class!"

Fike nodded.

At this time, he seemed to have suddenly remembered something, so he said to Maggie.

"Miss Maggie, do you know Tegpus?"

Maggie nodded and replied, "Of course I do. Tegpus is the king of forging in our school. Equipment made by his hands is hard to come by!

"Why are you asking all of a sudden? Do you have something you need him for?"

Seeing that Maggie understood, he said, "Yes, I was asked by an old friend to ask Master Tegpus for a favor."

"I see. Okay, I can tell you his location, but..."

Noticing her hesitation, Fike prompted.

"But what?"

"Tegpus has a weird personality. He's never willing to meet people spontaneously, and he locks himself in the workshop of the Forging School all day long. I'm afraid it'll be quite difficult for you to see him."

Having gotten what he needed to know, Fike thanked her.

"So he's at the workshop of the Forging School? Okay, I got it.

"My schedule's running tight, Professor Maggie. I'll be taking my leave first. Goodbye!"

Staring at the student's departing figure, Maggie shook her head helplessly.

'I wonder if you can really pry open Tegpus' doors?'

...

Fike stood at the door of Tegpus' workshop at the Forging School, deep in his thoughts.

'Is this master Tegpus' personality really so strange?'

Fike knocked on the door hesitantly.

"Is Master Tegpus here?"

Before he had barely finished his sentence, a hoarse voice came from within the workshop.

"I'm not free today. I won't see you!"

Seeing that he had gotten a response, although not one especially pleasing, Fike continued to speak.

"Master Tegpus, I have a request from Master Bert. Please open the door!"

After a moment of silence, the hoarse voice sounded again.

"Bert? What do you have to prove that you came to me on behalf of Bert?"

"I have the spatial ring created by Master Bert with me as proof!"

Soon after Fike had finished speaking, the tightly shut door was slowly opened.

A huge white-haired old man walked out of the room.

'This must be Tegpus.'

"Come in quickly!"

Seeing that Tegpus' attitude was improving, Fike continued.

"Aren't you going to ask for a look at the spatial ring?"

"No need. Only he and I know about that creation of his!"

Tegpus turned his back to him, proceeding to continue swinging a huge hammer that looked like it weighed a thousand pounds onto a black anvil.

"Tell me. What's the matter? Then you can hurry up and leave. I'm very busy."

Fike spoke calmly.

"Master Bert has passed away."

The thousand pound hammer crashed into the ground, creating a huge hole and shaking the room.

"What? Bert is dead? That guy is... dead? Wasn't he doing well in Ledda? How... did he die?"

Seeing the master blacksmith so stunned, Fike decided to tell him the whole story.

After hearing his recount, a teardrop welled at the corner of Tegpus' eye.

"I told him to come with me to Yogmo Academy, but he never listened to me. Great, he's finally dead."

Although his words were harsh, the burly man's expression said it all.

Fike procured the half-finished king-tier equipment from the spatial ring before handing it over to Tegpus.

"It was Master Bert's last wish that you would complete the forging of the first king-tier equipment of our time."

Tegpus stared at the half-finished prototype before him.

His voice trembled slightly as he spoke.

"It's been so many years, but Bert was still thinking about this. He's too stupid... too stupid..."