Mage Manual

"Senior, you're already exploring the Distant Realm, so why focus on the Sea of Knowledge?" Li Jiatu said, "Why not discuss swordsmanship with me? It might be beneficial for you."

"You make a good point, but..." Sonia slowly stood up and smiled, "I'm here to substitute."

Ding dong——

The class bell rang, but it couldn't snap the bewildered Li Jiatu out of his daze.

"As a Holy Domain Mage, I don't need to focus on the Sea of Knowledge, but you're still a Silver Mage, so pay attention to the class." Sonia smiled slightly, putting down a bouquet of tulips, "I'll help Professor Trozan accept your gift, and I'll give her your message about 'tulips not being as fragrant as the Sword Maiden's towel'... Now sit down and attend the class."

She then walked to the podium and told the excited freshmen, "Quiet. For some reason, Professor Trozan cannot lecture today, so I, Sonia Sevi, a second-year in Sword Skill, will be giving the lecture in her place. If you have any complaints, you can email the principal."

"No complaints!" The freshmen almost shouted in unison. Although Professor Trozan is also a legend, the Sword Maiden is a famous figure in Jiale City, just one year older than them, and speaks so well, they're naturally more eager to have the Sword Maiden teach them!

"While that's the case, some might not know, I'm already a Holy Domain Mage exploring the Distant Realm. With my experience and the teaching materials, I can certainly teach this class, but what you probably want to know more about now is the Angel Inheritance of the Lake Light in the Sea of Knowledge, right?"

"And the Ghost Inheritance and the Time Heritage!" one student excitedly exclaimed.

Sonia chuckled, "But by the time you all become Two-winged Mages and Holy Domain Mages, those inheritances should be long over. As for the Lake Light Inheritance, if you work hard enough, you might just make it in time."

Adelle below remarked emphatically, "Yes, as long as you can summon the Technique Spirit on your first day of practicing swordsmanship, it'll definitely be in time."

"Students shouldn't interrupt when the professor is speaking!" Sonia tossed a piece of chalk down, but Adelle dodged it.

"Is that not a rumor but the truth?" a freshman questioned in surprise, "Did you really break through to the Silver Realm on your first day practicing swordsmanship and summon the Technique Spirit, Senior?"

"Impossible, it must be that you had some exposure to swordsmanship before, right? Didn't the forum say you practiced swordsmanship for a month before, Senior?"

"But from becoming a mage to advancing to the Holy Domain took you only a hundred days, advancing to Silver in one day doesn't seem all that strange."

Seeing the class turn into her personal press conference, Sonia snapped her fingers, and a sharp Sword Qi whistled through the room, instantly silencing everyone.

"In any case, Lois, who broke through 300 meters in the Lake Light Inheritance, will be taking over this class." Sonia extended her hand towards Lois and smiled, "Currently, the farthest record in Dazzling Star is 410 meters. Lois reached 310 meters, placing her at the forefront among trialists."

Feeling the expectant and shocked gazes of the freshmen, Lois felt her steps grow heavier. As she passed by Sonia, she couldn't help but say, "Substitute but still call for a substitute…"

"What's a Holy Domain Mage to do?" the Village Girl shrugged, showing an annoyingly sweet smile that shattered many a young heart.

Truth be told, Sonia didn't intentionally thrust her roommate into the spotlight. As a Silver Mage newly exploring the Void Realm, for Lois to be leading the charge in the Lake Light Inheritance speaks volumes of her talent and insight into the inheritance. She's more than adequate in teaching the class.

Seeing the hundreds of freshmen, Lois naturally relaxed, showing no sign of stage fright. She quickly skimmed past the self-introduction and went straight to the point: "The prerequisite for entering the Lake Light Inheritance is the Water Magic Technique Spirit. Then, to dive into the Sea of Knowledge and grasp the golden chains in the sea, you can reach the great path..."

"The difficulty of the Lake Light Inheritance increases with walking distance. If you encounter danger and can't continue, please jump into the sea on either side immediately. The seawater will automatically wash you out of the great path, but you will also be ejected from the inheritance and unable to enter the Lake Light Inheritance for 24 hours."

"Here are some of the common challenges in the Lake Light Inheritance..."

This lecture went on for an entire class period. Not only the freshmen, but even Sonia listened attentively. After all, she can't enter the Lake Light Inheritance, and watching her own roommate teach is a fun affair, especially with Adelle constantly playing pranks—it's like they're here to stir up trouble on purpose.

The next session was a free Q&A. Everyone posed different questions about the Lake Light Inheritance until someone suddenly asked, "We might not make it in time for the Lake Light Inheritance. Can Senior Sevi share some insights about exploring the Void Realm from her own experiences in the Sea of Knowledge?"

Sonia paused, thought for a moment, and then stood up, "The most important thing is definitely not to stay in one place for too long, as it's very dangerous. Don't ask me why it's dangerous."

"As for the rest, my advice is similar to what's in your textbooks. If I had to share some personal insights, or rather, looking back on regrets I have from the past..."

"First, find the target's soft spot."

The freshmen: "Mhm mhm!"

"Second, strike while the iron's hot."

The freshmen: "Mhm mhm."

"Third, be decisive when the time comes. If delayed, competitors will appear!"

The freshmen didn't notice the strange looks exchanged among Senior Lois and others and took diligent notes, thinking the Sword Maiden Senior was sharing tactics on how to deal with the Fish-Slicing Dragon, perhaps?

*

After the bell signaled class was over, although Sonia wanted to escape, how could the juniors miss the chance to surround the Sword Maiden Senior? They all gathered around, requesting autographs, photos, and hugs.

Amidst the overwhelming admiration and flattery from the juniors, Sonia felt a hint of pride, despite the nuisance, knowing this was a chance to develop the Claw Club. She chose to fulfill some of the fans' requests selectively. Just as she was plotting her escape, she caught sight of a junior at the edge of the crowd.

Typically, fashion-conscious Sword Flower students either forego the school uniform or customize it to stand out. However, this junior's uniform was an unaltered original, accompanied by very old-fashioned glasses. She sported a practical, suitable short haircut, timidly standing outside the crowd, exuding the aura of someone new from the countryside.

Sonia looked closer and spotted her name on the junior's book: Norine.

A name as common as Linda's...

It's so familiar, Sonia thought.

"Norine!"

The crowd went silent as they watched Senior Sevi move through the throng towards the inconspicuous Norine. Then, the senior adjusted Norine's collar and gently removed her glasses, smiling, "Isn't this cute?"

"When you have time, go to 'Perfect Starlight' for laser eye surgery. Sword Flower students get a 6.8% discount with their student ID, not too expensive. And consider growing your hair to midsize, tying it into a ponytail for easy maintenance. It'll make you look prettier. Are you listening?"

Norine was stunned for a while before nodding vigorously.

"Open your mouth."

"Ah."

Sonia unwrapped a lollipop and popped it into her mouth, "If you dislike using lip balm, sucking on a lollipop can make your lips look moist, and a single one can last an entire morning while managing your weight. I used to do it often—although if you're planning to practice body technique, it's best to eat full meals."

"Keep it up, you'll embrace the rosy days of university life."

Then Sonia turned and waved, "Goodbye, everyone. Study hard, and don't skip the next class!"

After Sonia and the group left the classroom, the freshmen gathered around Norine. Unaccustomed to such attention, Norine remained silent, only sucking on the lollipop and gazing at the classroom door in a daze.