Chapter 361 The First Meal in Xuebang
Hitchhike After saying goodbye to the mysterious and generous "Mr. Colin", Marco Gage felt that his life had opened a new chapter.
Holding the letter and the heavy bag of silver coins given by his close friend, his heart was filled with the immense pride called ideal.
He did not stop at the hotel, but set off immediately, preparing to find the next hitchhiker to the south.
Hong Kong's hard work paid off. Perhaps it was the good luck brought by His Highness. He soon met a group of mercenaries who were about to set off.
That was a group of young people who planned to go to the distant continent of Janna to try their luck. They had just completed an errand to escort noble children to Xuexue State, and then spent a few days enjoying themselves in the Eagle Rock Territory.
And then——
There is no more.
They ran out of money and spent it all on the nuns.
Marco was shocked. He had also gone to church to pray, but he had never heard that praying with a nun cost money? !
Several mercenary boys smiled and were not embarrassed to explain to him, so they just said in a confused way.
"You will know next time you go there, it is not an ordinary church."
Although Marco was curious, he still shook his head like a rattle.
"Go back? I will never go back in my life!"
In short, the mercenaries revealed their next itinerary, and the next stop will be passing by Longshi City, which is the only way to go from the northern wasteland to the south, and also the only way to the Holy City.
The topic quickly turned to Ma Ke himself.
He did not reveal too much information to these rough people. He just packaged himself as a poet pursuing his ideals and said that he wanted to go to the Holy City to see what the holy light that shines for all eternity looks like and whether it just cannot shine on this snowy field.
The mercenaries who have been licking blood all year round did not have a good impression of this thin-skinned and inexperienced boy at first. They felt that he talked too much and was not practical at all. He had not endured the same hardships as them.
However, when they heard Marco scolding those noble lords in bitter words, they suddenly became interested again. Especially when Marco read out his "plain" poem full of rebellious spirit in a measured tone, the group of rough men burst into cheers.
Okay!
They don’t know what art is, and they don’t have much knowledge in their stomachs, but the word “class” simply speaks to their hearts!
The richest land is always near the castle, so why aren't they in a huge cage?
If Marco only talked to them about knowledge, only about art, only about souls and dreams, he would definitely not be able to gain their resonance.
But the young man himself never expected that the poem that was changed by his "bosom friend" had such a sentence that hit the remaining softness in the hearts of these poor people, and made them open their hearts, and finally faced the shallow but passionate "knowledge" in this young boy's heart.
Under the cheers of a group of mercenaries, the shy Marco got the nickname "Poet".
Soon those generous mercenaries said that they would not charge him a penny for travel expenses and let him ride in the carriage together. They thought it was a wonderful person on the road.
In this way, "Poet" Marco embarked on a new journey together with a group of illiterate mercenaries.
It was during this trip that he suddenly discovered that these rough guys were actually quite interesting. They don't have as many twists and turns as nobles, but they also have their own little thoughts under their roughness. They are not kind, and they are even cunning to the extreme, but there are also things they will never do, and they will say a few words when they meet people or things they don't like.
His father would have told him coldly that it had nothing to do with him. If he didn't want to be as miserable as them, he should seize the time to awaken his extraordinary power.
A few days later, the team arrived at Longshi City, the seat of the Duke of the North.
Mako had no interest in this military fortress that was full of iron blood and chilling atmosphere, but to pass the time he still wandered around the streets and alleys, just to find inspiration.
A mature poet should not only have one poem, not to mention that this poem was revised by Mr. Colin for him. He has to write his own thing.
However, when he passed a street corner, a notice with black characters on a white background suddenly caught his attention.
《Longshi City execution ground publicly executed two felons! The daring man who stole the prince's personal belongings was finally punished! 》
Hello fellow, stealing from the prince?
Who is so brave and not afraid of death?
Mako looked at it curiously.
And this was incredible, he actually saw his name on the execution list!
Marco Gage!
The moment he met his name, he felt as if all the blood in his body had frozen, and his hands and feet were cold.
"I...I'm dead?!"
The portrait is like a bloody execution ground. His mind is blank and buzzing. He only remembers that he ran away in two steps, turned around and fled into the alley next to him, like a frightened rat.
But it was an execution notice after all, not a wanted warrant with a reward, but no one noticed that the coward was frightened by the bloody portrait.
Mako didn’t know how long he ran, until he was exhausted and holding on to the wall, he stopped in shock, and sat down in the snow to think.
He did not know the "Milos" who was executed together, let alone why his name appeared on it.
As for the charge of "stealing the prince's belongings", he was even more confused.
At least someone should tell him——
Did he steal something from which prince? !
He returned to the hotel where the mercenaries were staying in a state of confusion.
While eating, a group of mercenary buddies looked at him in a state of despair, and they all looked at each other wondering what was going on.
But people always have their lowest moments.
They had room and board together all the way, and they still regarded him more or less as one of their own, rather than a client who paid for services.
Hence, a waiter patted him on the shoulder and spoke to him.
"By the way, poet, we all called you poet after we chatted all the way. I still don't know what your name is?"
"Yes, tell me about it?" A young man with a freckled face encouraged curiously, eager to hear his story.
Mako shuddered, and the bloody portrait flashed in his mind again, and this time the person on the guillotine became himself.
Under the strange gazes of everyone, his lips trembled and he squeezed out two words through his teeth.
…"Hungry wolf."
At this moment, he really looked like a wild wolf that had been hungry for three days and three nights, with only skin and bones left, shivering in the biting cold wind in the north.
He needs time to digest the weight behind this heavy weight.
"Hungry wolf?"
"Hahaha!"
"What a name!"
The mercenaries let out a burst of good-natured laughter, but did not go into it further, continuing to drink beer and share the roasted meat.
Most of these guys who come out to make a living use pseudonyms, just like the nuns who work in the camp. As for the reason, of course he was afraid of being found by his past enemies, or he was planning for a pastoral life after Jinpen washed his hands.
There are not many clean people on this white snowfield. People are born to wallow in the mud. The only difference is that some people can see the mud on their bodies clearly, and some people insist that I am clean.
Perhaps this "poet" also has his own difficulties!
…
The Tower of the Great Sage and the Apprentice Canteen, here as always, the pragmatism of Xuebang is implemented, and it is also as busy and fulfilling as ever.
Hundreds of apprentices were sitting along plain long tables in the grand and spacious hall, and there were more than a dozen of the same long tables, all of which were packed.
The only bright color is the small magic tray that slowly rises from the center of the table, delivering the steaming porridge and bread sprinkled with icing sugar and jam to everyone accurately.
This thing is rare in the empire. It is said that it was not long ago that the professors of Xuebang understood the mystery from the void.
Of course, the empire may not be able to use it.
In any case, this is the first breakfast for many young preparatory students. It is said that there will be a more sumptuous banquet waiting for them in the evening.
Barrett, who had just become an apprentice, rubbed his hands, his face full of excitement, and devoured his food. The bumpy journey from the border to here was all melted into his rising appetite.
In fact, to be precise, he is not yet a formal apprentice. There are five levels of students in Xuebang, namely preparatory students, apprentices, practitioners, honors students, and graduates.
Graduates, also called quasi-mages, can join the empire's army as chanters in the mage corps, or they can stay in the academy as teaching assistants to continue studying the mysteries of magic.
By the way, teachers here are also divided into different classes. The most common ones are teaching assistants at first, and then tutors, professors, sages, and great sages.
There are twelve sages in total, and there is only one Great Sage, and he is the head of the thirteen towers—the Tower Master of the Great Sage Tower, and the co-owner of the Council of Sages!
When you reach the level of sage, it basically depends on your destiny. To be able to serve as a transcendent person without exception, you must have sufficient achievements in the field of magic.
However, although most people have no hope of becoming a sage, relatively "high-ranking" professors can still challenge them.
At the level of professor, he is not only a dragon among men, but also a tiger among men. His status is basically not inferior to that of a duke in the secular kingdom. Even if he is slightly inferior and dislikes each other, both sides are equal in terms of status.
Barrett’s dream is to become a professor, he dreams of it!
And now he is not only shouldering the dreams of himself and his parents, but also the dreams of Leo, and the dreams of Fenique and Ilara who unfortunately failed in the interview——
He wants to move forward together with their unfulfilled ideals!
Toward that unattainable tower!
However, these are things for now.
The first thing he has to do is to work hard as a preparatory student to learn the most basic magic theory in the next three years of training, and successfully become a formal apprentice in the assessment after three years.
Then——
They will go to the mage tower in their minds based on the aspirations determined when they passed the initial interview, just like the delicious and sweet bread on their table.
After that, the road ahead will be smooth sailing!
Barrett took a hard bite of the bread in his hand, savored the fragrant strawberry jam, and savored the sweetness alone.
The air is filled with the aroma of food, but no matter how strong the aroma is, it cannot suppress the buzzing sound of discussion.
"Senior Coors, Ilana, have you heard?" A slightly childish male voice sounded. It was Finn, a preparatory student who had just entered the school. He looked around curiously, "What are everyone talking about? It feels like something big happened here!"
He comes from the remote countryside of the Kingdom of Rhodes, and his face still carries the simplicity from the fields, as well as the purest longing for this magical holy land.
As for Senior Coors and Ilana, they were friends he made on the road. Because he works hard and does all the dirty work, he has no pretentiousness at all, nor does he have the ambition to "become a sage written on his face", so he is very likable.
Who would hate a harmless little bee?
Sitting opposite him, Ilana is also a new preparatory student, but her expression is much more realistic. Perhaps because of her noble birth, she slowly stirred the porridge in the bowl with a spoon, turning a deaf ear to the noise around her and making no comments.
As for Coors, he is probably Ms. Ilana’s licking dog, and his attentiveness is written all over his face.
It is true that he is an official apprentice of the Tower of the Great Sage, but he has already entered the tower, so what does he mean by a senior who is in charge of admissions?
What's more, he is not in charge of admissions, he is just giving advice to the teaching assistants in charge of admissions.
Those gimmicks may be useful to little girls from ordinary backgrounds, but they are just a joke to those who have seen them.
However, in order to show his erudition and knowledge of the "internal affairs of the school state", he still cleared his throat vigorously, and using the "ladder" handed over by junior Finn, he launched an attack on the "flowers" hanging high on the city wall.
"A big event? Finn, this cannot be described as a 'big event'. This is simply a legend that can be recorded in the history of the academy!"
He leaned forward, his eyes shining with the unique light of worshiping the strong, which made the confused juniors stunned for a moment.
"Legend, legend?"
"That's right!"
Coors' voice rose involuntarily, attracting curious glances from the neighboring tables. He lowered his voice, but his excitement did not diminish, and he continued speaking vividly.
"Listen up Finn, this story has to start from the beginning. Just when you rookies were taking the exam, an incredible big shot came to the recruitment point on the border - his name is Roxey Colin! That guy is a real prince of the empire, and it is said that he has a letter of recommendation from a powerful person in the empire. Even the king of the Kingdom of Rhodes is a younger brother to that person, do you understand?"
Finn nodded blankly, his face turned slightly pale and slightly red.
In Xuebang, one can freely discuss the king of the Kingdom of Rhodes, but he is a Rhodesian after all, and he is still a little unable to adapt to this change.
Coors took a deep breath, as if he was gathering strength for the next climax.
"There is nothing extraordinary about being born with a good name, but the extraordinary things will come soon! His Highness could have come in comfortably lying down, but he chose not to do so! I heard from my buddy that he helped His Highness register for the exam, and he saw with his own eyes the compassion and sparkle shining in His Highness's eyes! He was not willing to accept the defeat. Yong, he hid his title, he wants to start from the lowest level of the entrance test just like us! Let me tell you, this kind of courage is not something that ordinary people can have!"
Finn couldn't help but want to applaud, but he clapped his hands and quietly stopped, turning his hands together in prayer.
"Sir, Saint Sis... This is really... I heard that the examination room produced a paper that three examiners gave perfect marks at the same time. Did he write that paper?!"
"Yes! And this is also the most dramatic thing - this perfect paper has been exchanged!" Coors changed the topic, his eyes were full of anger, and his tone became more and more passionate.
"Switch?! This, how is this possible! This is a school! Is that guy crazy?!" Finn exclaimed, but this time it was the other apprentices next to him who exclaimed that Saint Sith is here.
There is an old saying in Xuebang, don’t offend anyone but the magician.
Of course, there are similar words in the Kingdom of Rhodes, except that the magician is replaced by a knight.
“Yes! I can’t believe that Senior Milos, who is diligent, conscientious and helpful to others, is actually that kind of person! You really can’t tell a person’s face. I obviously admired him before! But what happened? He was so bold that he took advantage of loopholes in the program. His Highness the Prince's perfect score paper was changed without anyone noticing! How dirty is this person? "
Kurth cursed in a low voice and revealed all the inside information he knew.
But this is not an inside story. The Tower of the Great Sage has already made the results public and printed them in the morning newspaper. It’s just that these preparatory students who have just entered do not know it yet.
Ilana raised her delicate eyebrows, she was really surprised, but she was not surprised by Milos's audacity, but she was surprised that a young apprentice could take advantage of procedural loopholes, which was also rare in her home country.
>
Kors's face was filled with a sunny smile, and he put his hand on Finn's shoulder, but his eyes secretly looked at Ilana, as if to confirm whether that beautiful face was shining with the same light of admiration as this boy named Finn.
“…The story ends with two heads. The Duke of the North will not protect two thieves. This cunning fox did not run far and was hiding under our noses in the knight fief on the border! The most ridiculous thing is that he actually used the money he earned to go whoring haha! So this is what he makes money for?”
"The other mastermind behind the scenes, Marco Gage, also confessed his crime not long after and repented on the execution ground. Unfortunately, it was too late! As for His Highness Colin, he originally planned to return to the Holy City, but Professor Hector personally chased him back and hired him as the tutor of Xuebang. ! That’s a mentor! Holy Sith, I’m so thankful that I can become a mentor before I’m 50, but he’s so young... But then again, if it’s your highness, I’ll approve of it!”
Kurth finished speaking in one breath, his cheeks flushed with excitement.
Finn's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he regarded His Highness Colin as his spiritual idol and academic role model!
He thought of himself, a poor boy from the countryside, who had come here with his faith in knowledge!
There is all fairness here that is not available in the Kingdom of Rhodes. As long as it is real gold, even if it is buried in the dust or falls on the snowfield, there will still be good people like Professor Hector who will not hesitate to rush in on a snowy night to take him back to the holy pure land!
This story is not just a piece of gossip for him, but also a shot in the arm, dispelling his confusion and fear about the future.
“This is Xuebang!” Coors said excitedly, “This is the real ‘knowledge is power’! Not only that, Xuebang’s fairness and self-correction have also been perfectly confirmed. Heinous scoundrels like Milos were finally found out and dealt with! We will never Let go of every cockroach you see!"
"Finn, don't get too excited yet."
Ilana didn't want to speak, but seeing that the young man who helped her carry her luggage was about to faint, she still gave him a casual nod.
"What your senior told you is right. Gold can shine everywhere, but you must also have your own scale in your heart. Don't let your piece of gold be exchanged for a stone. Whether you admit it or not, the status of 'Prince' plays an important role."
"If it were you and me, even if we were framed, I would probably just be like the fallen leaves on the snowfield, buried in the endless white snow. You don't have to be suspicious all the time, but you must stay awake and don't be led by the crazy rope and walk into the abyss that you can't see the bottom of."
Finn was stunned for a moment, as if someone shook his shoulder when he was dozing, and he seemed to have some understanding, although it was still very vague.
Ignoring Kors who was gasping for breath with his mouth wide open, Ilana slowly cut off a small piece of bread with a knife and fork.
She continued calmly before putting it into her mouth.
"Of course, I admit that there is no doubt about the strength of His Highness. But relatively speaking, I am more curious about what kind of changes such a young mentor will bring to the Tower of the Great Sage... I hope he can stay with us longer."
To be honest, she quite admires the professor's appearance.
Especially after listening to Coors for so long, she became more interested in this mysterious prince. Maybe she could sign up for his class and have a look.
If he is smart, he must not only have a profound understanding of magic. Maybe she can learn something more powerful than magic!
"Whatever changes! That's not what we apprentices can worry about! It's not what you preparatory students should worry about!"
Coors coughed, emphasizing the dignity of his status, like a child whose toy was taken away, trying to use the authority of an elder to forcefully take back the initiative of the topic.
"Anyway, I have found out that His Royal Highness the Prince will officially move into the Tower of the Great Sage today! He will be familiar with the teaching work for a period of time, and you rookies may have the opportunity to take his class!"
This sentence is like a huge stone thrown into a calm lake.
The surrounding apprentices who seemed to be concentrating on eating but were actually eavesdropping all stopped in unison.
The buzz in the entire canteen paused briefly at this moment, and then erupted with an even louder sound!
Awe, curiosity, expectation, and even a trace of jealousy, all kinds of complex emotions are intertwined on the faces of the apprentices!
This mentor Colin, who they have not yet met, has already been labeled as a "legend" in their hearts!
In a corner of the cafeteria, a figure suddenly shook.
Barrett's eyes widened as he ate alone, his hand froze in mid-air, and the spoon fell into the wheat porridge with a clang, splashing a few bits of white juice.
Mr. Colin!
That companion who was calm and reliable in the adventure, but regretted that he "failed" in the end!
It’s actually...Prince Colin? !
Saint Sith is here... After working on it for a long time, he failed not because of lack of strength, but because the paper was transferred by someone? !
But——
Why no one told me? !
At the same time, His Highness Colin, who was sitting on a soft sofa in the office above the tower, finally received the explanation he wanted from the respected Professor Hector.
Those are two newspapers.
One is the "Sage Newspaper" published internally in Xuebang, and the other is the "New Magical Vision Newspaper" published in several major cities in the northern wasteland.
That report was so well-written that people couldn't help but applaud, and it was so full of loopholes that people couldn't help but laugh.
A mere three million gold coins is enough to buy a mage's dignity, so this dignity is a bit too worthless.
What if this prince has never seen the money?
The index finger gently stroked the newspaper, with a decent smile on Luo Yan's face.
He felt like a diner holding a bell in his hand.
As long as he shook it slightly, Professor Hector sitting opposite would clench his legs and serve a delicious dish to Tutor Colin with a grimace.
Just like now——
He glanced at the newspaper in his hand and said in a serious tone.
"Oh, his name is Milos, the magic apprentice...Tsk, tsk, this kid is really hateful, don't you think so? Professor Hector."
Professor Hector secretly wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a tight face.
"Of course... We never imagined that such a scum would appear in the Tower of the Great Sage, but we have found his assistant and fired the guy, which can be said to have closed the loophole."
He has already cursed these people ten thousand times in his heart. These people are really poor and crazy, and they dare to take any money! However, he also knew that it was useless to just hate him. He was just an old scholar who wanted to make peace. The key was to have the prince in front of him nod.
In fact, it’s time for this prince to nod!
Even from the perspective of sympathizing with those "apprentices with real skills", he felt that this prince had crossed the line a little bit.
After all, you are just a prince, not the emperor himself. Are you here to cause trouble in the school or for academic exchange? !
Xuebang has given you a lot of face!
What else do you want!
Would you like to chop two more minced meats for you?
"Oh."
Luo Yan nodded. He didn't want to do anything, let alone embarrass the children who were much weaker than him, but this did not prevent him from gently shaking the "bell" in his hand.
Seeing that the newspaper in His Royal Highness’ hand turned another page, Professor Hector finally breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that this was a sign that the matter had turned over.
However, before he could finish breathing, the prince from the Holy City suddenly changed the topic again and said a few more words——
"Where's the money?"
"Even if there are only 3 million gold coins, why don't I look at where each money comes from, whose hands it passes through, and where it goes?"
"Can't we spend it all on the "girls"?"