NOVEL NEXT Chapter 69: Disciple
"Now," Mensa said as he looked at Hayden, who was still holding the paper with the list of information about the Mission's Tier List.
"Once you obtain this silver pendant, your path will be… different."
Hayden was definitely curious about this. "Different how?"
The Headmaster leaned in and explained.
"Only a few students have reached Aura Initiates in the Academy. There are only nine of them as a matter of fact. They're all 14 years old and in a special class being taught by Vice Headmaster Sabin. They're also receiving some lessons from a Sword Expert we hired who could also use Aura… In terms of Aura, they are quite similar to Knight Candidate. But in terms of experience and technique, they could probably deal with new Aura Knights."
"That's incredible." Hayden smiled as he realized that he could actually learn some things from a true Aura Knight. Even if Sabin had already retired, he was still a genuine knight who had so many things he could learn from.
Headmaster Mensa gently nodded, seeing how Hayden looked so excited.
"However, in your case… It will be different. You are only nine after all. So, you would be my personal disciple—trained in the ways of Aura beyond what most knights ever learn."
Hayden's eyes lit up as soon as he heard this... The Headmaster's personal disciple?
But the Headmaster wasn't finished yet.
"You would receive a total of 20 Dawn Points monthly once you become my disciple, but more importantly, you would gain access to knowledge forbidden to most. Ancient Aura techniques. Secret battle formations. Even the art of forging Aura-infused weapons."
Hayden's pulse quickened. This was incredible!
Nonetheless, Hayden had already seen so much even in his past life. He knew that there would be a catch to this. He immediately controlled his emotions and looked at the old knight…
As expected, he guessed it right.
"However, there are risks. If the noble families discover your talent, they will try to claim you. If rival academies learn of you, they will attempt to steal you. And if the wrong people realize just how strong your Aura potential is…" He let the implication hang in the air.
Hayden understood. The silver pendant would surely make his life complicated.
It was a good thing to be strong but since he was still too young, the Headmaster was actually worried that he might get taken away.
Mensa leaned back as he spoke calmly.
"So, Hayden Gray. If you accept being my disciple, you have to keep your current status as an Aura Initiate a secret for now. Of course, this matter won't be for long. Perhaps in just a few couple of years, you'd be able to show your true power… So, are you ready to master your Aura in secrecy until the time is right?" Mensa asked in the end.
Apparently, he wasn't even saying everything. As a matter of fact, his biggest worry was for Hayden to leave this Academy and study somewhere else.
Indeed! He didn't want him to be poached by stronger Academies, as he wanted his Academy to produce another Aura Knight!
The Dawnspire Academy may be called a Knight Academy but unfortunately, they had only produced a total of 12 Aura Knights throughout its entire years of existence.
On the other hand, larger Academies would produce at least three to five Aura Knights every year.
It was no wonder that Headmaster Mensa wanted Shane.
'We may produce a small number of Aura Knights… But all of them could make a name for themselves.' Mensa thought to himself.
After all, it was one of the reasons why Lady Seraphine of the Earl's family was sent here… It was to assist her in achieving something that would make her name renowned.
Anyway, Hayden no longer hesitated and reached out as he took the silver pendant.
"I'm willing to be your disciple, Headmaster…"
The Headmaster's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Wise choice."
"But," Hayden added, as he held the pendant tightly… "I still want to take missions that only Aura Initiates could take. I need the experience."
Mensa chuckled. "Then you shall. I can make arrangements to ensure that your identity will not be known. Wait—"
Mensa then recalled something that would solve the situation. "Ahh… There's that method… You'll just do so under a title called 'Elite Squire.' Just hide that silver pendant for now. Anyway, it means that you're recognized by the Headmaster and can accept any type of mission. Furthermore, no one will question it if I occasionally send you on assignments outside the Academy."
Of course, to be an Elite Squire, Headmaster Mensa had to give something to Hayden. Headmaster Mensa then gave a ring to Hayden. It was a large ring and Hayden couldn't wear it. However, Hayden could use this as a pendant or just a token to prove his identity as an Elite Squire if necessary.
"It doesn't have any other purpose aside from telling the staff in the Academy that you are connected to me. Of course, it will also work for a few people connected to me and the Academy outside this city." Headmaster Mensa explained.
Hayden then nodded at this. This was perfect. He could grow stronger without drawing too much attention.
"One last thing," Mensa said. "From this moment on, you will refer to me as 'Master' in private. And should anyone ask why you're receiving special treatment…"
Hayden smirked. "I'll say the Headmaster just likes me."
Mensa burst into laughter. "Good. Now go. I'll summon you for your first lesson soon."
"Ahh… Right, I might bring you to the upcoming competition. However, it is not for you to compete but to watch them closely. You also need to know a few important people,e and it might be helpful for you once you grow up."
Hayden knew that this was a perfect opportunity to record other Academies' sword styles and breathing techniques, so he immediately accepted it!
"When will it be, Master?" He asked.
"Oh… It will be in another month, so you still have some time to take on my lessons." The Headmaster replied as he sent Hayden away.
As Hayden left the office, he couldn't help but feel a bit excited about this!