"Too skillful, isn’t it? The light spell doesn’t flicker, the wind blade doesn’t veer off, the fireball doesn’t explode... This can’t just be of a ’basic magic’ level."
"His movements... it’s like an instinctive release that you comprehend in battle, completely unlike the traces of systematic education from the academy."
Herman was also taken aback, then laughed heartily, leaning on his magic staff as he took a few steps closer:
"You, youngster, are truly extraordinarily talented? You’re using it so steadily just by intuition... This isn’t talent, it’s innate understanding."
He paused for a moment, clicking his tongue: "It’s like... a genius awakened by wild instinct."
Emily stood at the edge of the field, her eyes almost sparkling with light: "This man is simply omnipotent..."
Yet Louis merely smiled lightly, seemingly indifferent about the showcase he just displayed.
Herman patted his shoulder and half-jokingly said: "Why don’t you skip the assessment and just join us as a lecturer in the Mage Forest?"
Louis smiled gently: "When I was young, I encountered an... aged wild mage in my family. He saw my talent and taught me some basic things."
No one knew that the so-called "basic guidance" was actually the last legacy of the deceased Legendary Mage Loken.
At this moment, he just wanted to acquire a pass, allowing him to legally use magic and obtain other magical materials.
He did not need to be overly dazzling.
Just need to be astonishing enough, reasonable enough to "pass exceptionally."
If he truly displayed all his strength, the mages present today might be terrified and report to their superiors: "A monster has appeared here."
When the residual light of the final spell slowly faded in the air, Herman softly applauded, and the surrounding mages nodded in approval.
This was not mere ceremonial applause, but true recognition of an unshaped genius.
Herman, leaning on his magic staff, stepped forward and announced with a smile:
"Louis Calvin, you have exceptionally passed the Mage Forest’s basic entry test. From this day forth, you are granted the title ’Iron Mask Mage.’"
With that, he retrieved a deep gray mask from his robe sleeve, simple in design, adorned with the silver-white demon pattern symbolizing the Mage Forest.
"This is a magic mask, symbolizing your official recognition by the Mage Forest, though you’re still at the initial tier."
He waved and a young mage approached, presenting a small scroll edged with gold and a black-covered pocket booklet.
"This is a pass personally signed by the Supreme Mage, allowing you access to some of the Mage Forest’s established stations across various regions."
"Moreover," Herman added, "considering you are in the Northern Territory and can’t visit the Mage Forest headquarters in the short term, we’ve already prepared a batch of initial-tier magic books for your study and usage."
An accompanying mage opened a book box at the side, inside neatly arranged several heavily-bound magic books with spell patterns on the covers.
Louis took the mage mask, and at the moment his fingertips touched the metal, there was no profound joy in his heart, but rather an indescribable sense of distance.
This thing is burdened not only with weight but with rules, recognition, and a certain external order’s constraints.
Of course, he understood what this symbolized, a legal magical identity, the preliminary recognition by the Mage Forest, a path towards more knowledge and magical resources.
But he knew in his heart, that path would not change his goals, nor dictate his heights.
He reached this step not by others’ benevolence but by his own calculations and resolutions, along with his own trump card.
Yet Louis wouldn’t show this sense of detachment.
He lifted his gaze, eyes steady, his tone appropriately expressing the gratitude and decorum expected of a young lord:
"Thank you, Lord Herman. I understand, this mask is not only recognition but also trust in me. If you encounter any difficulties in the Northern Territory, I will wholeheartedly devote my efforts as a member of Mage Forest."
This statement contained not a hint of humility, yet carried a sense of propriety.
Herman, hearing this, smiled lightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes.
He patted Louis on the shoulder: "This is only the most basic entry identity. If you wish to advance to a formal mage, whether bronze pattern, silver pattern, gold pattern...
You will have to personally visit our Mage Forest’s core zone, undergo formal trials and contracts. After all, most of the high tier materials cannot be lent out, that’s the rule.
But this winter we all have to stay a while in the Red Tide Territory, winter is not a suitable time for mages to travel in the Northern Territory. If you have any questions, feel free to come to our temporary station to inquire. My door is always open for you."
Louis carefully stored the mask and solemnly bowed to Herman: "Thank you, Lord Herman, after this period, I will definitely visit the Mage Forest personally."