Mian's Life

"One thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven..."

"One thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight..."

"One thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine..."

"Two thousand..."

As the final number fell, Mian pushed up fiercely with both arms. His body flipped upright as gracefully as a cheetah, and he let out a long breath.

The morning light filtered through the sparse branches, dancing across his sweat-drenched bangs and bulging muscles.

In terms of pure physical stamina, he might even be at the level of a mid-tier warrior by now.

Even though he had started studying magic a long time ago, he had never neglected his physical training.

"Very good," a calm and steady voice sounded from behind Mian.

"Teacher," Mian's face lit up with joy. "When did you get here?"

Enlaisi was standing right behind Mian, though it was unclear when he had arrived.

"You've just about used up the body-tempering potion I gave you last time, right?" Enlaisi asked directly, skipping the pleasantries, his gaze sweeping over Mian's lean, muscular arms.

"It's almost gone, Teacher... I have enough money on hand now, so I can go out and buy the potions myself..." Mian scratched his head. Professor Enlaisi had always provided him with potions, which made him feel a bit embarrassed.

"How could the effects of store-bought potions compare to what I prepare for you? I had an old friend brew these specifically... Besides, the quality of goods outside varies drastically. Knowing your temperament, I'm afraid you'd get scammed into pawning your own mage robe." Enlaisi shook his head. "I am your teacher, and I will help you all the way. Just use them with peace of mind and don't feel burdened by it. Whatever outstanding achievements you accomplish in the future will be the best reward for me."

"Yes, Teacher," Mian said gratefully.

"Alright, I have a class next, so I won't keep you company." Enlaisi waved his hand, pulled a pipe from his breast pocket, clamped it in his mouth, and walked off effortlessly.

Mian looked at Enlaisi's retreating back thoughtfully, but eventually shook his head, pushing the thoughts away.

Looking around to confirm no one was nearby, Mian quickly stripped off his sweat-soaked training clothes that clung to his body and changed into a loose-fitting mage robe.

Being so obsessed with tempering the physical body in a magic academy made him stick out like a sore thumb; this was probably why he subconsciously avoided people's eyes.

Walking out of the small grove, Mian ran into a familiar figure.

Anana was clutching a book, standing somewhat blankly in the middle of the road and looking around, spinning in circles like a lost little deer.

"What's wrong?" Mian approached proactively and asked gently.

"Uh... Senior Mian?" Seeing Mian, Anana tried hard to recall his name, her face showing the awkwardness of a newcomer.

"Isn't class about to start? What are you still doing here?" Mian asked, slightly confused.

"I... I can't find where the classroom is." Anana felt a bit dizzy. "This place is too big, and there are so many academies. I have no idea where to go..."

"But you're a freshman, right? All freshmen gather at that building over there. You won't be divided into the respective academies until you officially begin learning magic." Mian pointed to a domed building and thoughtfully explained. "After all, the mana detector only identifies the fundamental attribute of your magic power; it doesn't mean you have to strictly follow that path... If you develop a stronger affinity for other elements later on, it's entirely possible to become a mage of a different attribute."

"I see! Thank you so much, Senior Mian!" Anana hurriedly rushed off in the direction Mian had pointed.

Watching Anana's reckless manner, Mian chuckled and shook his head.

He hadn't registered for any classes today, so it looked like it would be a very relaxing day.

Mian stretched lazily. Next, he planned to head to the training grounds to practice the magic he had just learned.

"Mian!"

A flash of fire rushed toward him, transforming into a familiar figure and revealing Delyan's bright yet anxious face.

It was Senior Delyan.

Why was everyone in such a panic today?

"What's wrong, Senior Delyan?"

"Is there any place to hide around here?" Delyan asked Mian, speaking at a rapid-fire pace.

"What happened?" Mian looked at his senior strangely; she seemed to be hiding from someone.

"Just tell me if there is or not!"

"Oh... maybe over there?" Mian pointed to the small grove he had just exited.

Delyan's eyes lit up, and she instantly darted into the woods.

"Don't tell anyone I was here... And also, call me Instructor Delyan!"

Mian scratched his head, somewhat bewildered.

Not long after, another person called out to Mian.

"Student, did you happen to see a... hmm, beautiful young female instructor run past?"

Mian turned around and was slightly stunned. It was an unbelievably beautiful female elf.

"She was wearing a dark red mage robe... has a very cute face, and also, a super amazing figure!" Liyana gestured wildly with her hands as she described the person to Mian.

She's definitely talking about Senior Delyan, Mian muttered in his heart.

"Excuse me, did you see her? I have some things I need to clear up with her." Liyana looked Mian up and down, vaguely feeling that he looked somewhat familiar.

Suddenly, a memory surfaced in Mian's mind of how Senior Delyan used to boss him around like a servant during magic experiments.

"Mian! Raise the temperature a bit more!"

"You can't handle this already? You're far too useless. A man can't say he can't do it, your future girlfriend will be disappointed!"

"Ah! It's going to explode! Block it! Mian, hurry and block it with a magic barrier..."

All sorts of terrible memories flooded his mind.

"Yes, I saw her... Senior Delyan ducked into those woods." Mian decisively sold Delyan out.

After all, this elf lady didn't look like a bad person, and she definitely had very important matters to discuss with his senior.

"Great, thank you!" Liyana chased after her in a fiery rush.

Mian stood where he was, not walking too far away.

A moment later, commotions came from the woods.

First, Liyana's voice suddenly spiked: "Delyan! You actually dared to cheat on me with another woman while I was away! This is too much, I didn't even go looking for other little girls!"

Then came Delyan's obviously guilty response: "Ah, Liyana... how did you find me?"

Liyana said indignantly, "That's not important! Speak up, how do you plan to resolve this?"

Delyan's voice weakened: "Ugh—who told you to leave for so long... besides, I already broke up with her..."

"Delyan, I was really wrong about you. I didn't expect you to be this kind of person!"

"Wuu—I'm sorry, I just made a mistake that any woman would make... By the way, what about Teacher Mo Lini? Have you won her over yet after all this time?" Delyan tried to change the subject.

"Not yet..."

"Liyana, aren't you way too useless?"

"Wait, how are you lecturing me now? You're not a little lioness at all, you're just a thieving cat!"...

Mian shook his head, paid it no further mind, and turned to leave.