Chapter 1 Suspended Stairway

The suspended stairway finally came to a slow stop, the floating crystal steps gently setting Lawrence and Lan Qi down on the third-floor landing.

They stepped onto the internal passage of the Card Makers Association, a space imbued with the artistry of magical engineering. A profound tranquility filled the hallway, and the wood grain on the floor stretched out beneath their feet, like the fingerprints of time, recording the history and development of the association.

"You're a student from the Magic Engineering Institute. Your teachers would be overjoyed; how could you possibly cause them trouble?"

Lawrence asked, puzzled, as they walked.

Could this young man have such a bad relationship with the Magic Engineering Institute's teachers?

Judging by Lan Qi's gentle and courteous demeanor, he didn't seem like the arrogant, aloof type.

"...I'm from the Sage Institute."

"..."

Lawrence was silent for a long moment.

"I didn't expect you to be proficient in magic as well."

He couldn't help but be surprised by Lan Qi's versatility.

"No, no, I can't cast spells at all."

Lan Qi lowered his head in shame and waved his hand, wanting to avoid the topic.

Even though Lan Qi had learned many skills, magic was the one thing he couldn't master.

Lan Qi's practical magic skills could be considered the worst in the history of the Sage Institute because someone of his level wouldn't usually even get in.

"Then why didn't you apply to the Magic Engineering Institute?!"

Lawrence was completely baffled by the guy's thought process and felt his head spinning.

He was clearly a natural, artistic magic engineer; how could he join the Sage Institute, which specialized in spellcasting and combat!

"When I had to choose, I felt like the Sage Institute's entrance exam was much easier than the Magic Engineering Institute's..."

Besides, the Magic Engineering Institute also had required courses that Lan Qi didn't want to take, while the elective courses were the same for both, so it didn't really matter which one he went to.

Of course, he chose the Sage Institute, which he could confidently pass after two months of preparation.

"..."

Lawrence finally realized that this guy was truly carefree.

He just went wherever he wanted.

Even if the Card Makers Association notified the Magic Engineering Institute, the professors would still be happy to help Lan Qi.

After all, he was a student of their school.

But at that time, the Magic Engineering Institute's professors would probably be in a mixed mood, unable to sleep well for days.

Even if they wanted to boast in the future, they wouldn't be able to brag that Lan Qi was one of their students...

"Actually, now that I think about it, although there's almost no precedent for students below their fourth year reaching Platinum-level Card Maker, according to the rules and regulations of Yggdrasil Academy, if you're a Platinum-level Card Maker officially recognized by the association, the Magic Engineering Institute can use the 'Hutton Kingdom Talent Recruitment Special Regulations' to specially hire you as a professor-level employee. Platinum-level Card Makers are welcome everywhere."

Lawrence couldn't help but sigh.

Sometimes, fourth-year students at Yggdrasil Academy would also work part-time as teachers or help professors with their classes.

If a fourth-year student graduated and had deep feelings for the school, they might continue to stay at the school and become a full-time faculty member. Many of Yggdrasil Academy's extremely powerful teachers came this way.

After all, the academy also provided very convenient access to the Gate of the Void to challenge the Shadow World, with first-class environments, resources, and support services.

The school also didn't prevent teachers from holding other legal positions.

For example, the current Dean of the Sage Institute and High Priest Loren of the Goddess of Destiny Church was once the top freshman of the Sage Institute many years ago.

"No, no, I really just got lucky today, and this is only a Tier 3 card. There's still a lot to learn."

Lan Qi quickly shook his head. He still had a long way to go in magical engineering, and his expertise was only in the field of art.

Going to the Magic Engineering Institute would at most allow him to teach painting classes, while also continuing to study advanced magical engineering.

And those subsequent magical engineering courses were exactly what he yearned for.

"Wait."

Lan Qi suddenly frowned, seeming to realize something.

That familiar feeling...

Once upon a time, he had also started from being specially hired...

If he could really obtain a teaching position at Yggdrasil Academy...

Then it seemed that he would be one big step closer to that position that he had originally awakened from his dream and no longer fantasized about.

If he took a few more steps up...

Until one day, Lan Qi could be in charge of the entire Yggdrasil Academy...

Perhaps he could recreate the glory of the Purgatory Corridor Academy of the past.

Although Lan Qi himself admitted that he was a slacker...

But deep down, he still had such a small dream.

That was his only dream—to recreate that brief, dreamlike experience and become the great headmaster who was respected by students and loved by teachers!

"Then, Mr. Lawrence."

Lan Qi's voice was filled with excitement and anticipation.

"After I pass the review and officially become a Platinum-level Card Maker, is it possible for the Magic Engineering Institute to specifically invite me to take a teaching position?"

Lan Qi's eyes sparkled with the vitality and ambition unique to young people, shining like a star full of lofty aspirations in the brilliant night sky.

"If both parties are willing, then it's definitely not a problem..."

Lawrence's response was hesitant and somewhat puzzled.

"Generally speaking, no school would refuse the addition of a Platinum-level Card Maker, but very few Platinum-level Card Makers are willing to take a position."

For some reason, Lawrence was a little scared by Lan Qi's overly longing expression.

"Then I really hope the review process can go smoothly."

Lan Qi immediately became cheerful, as if all his fatigue had been swept away.

His spirited appearance even made his steps seem light and powerful.

Soon, accompanied by Lawrence, Lan Qi passed through several distinctive areas and finally arrived at the familiar reception area on the third floor again.

Stepping on the carpet made of soft and delicate fibers, the weave interwoven with delicate flowers, classical geometric shapes, and smooth curves, together with the curved floor lamps in the corners of the meeting area, added a touch of warmth and elegance to the space.

Along the way, many people cast surprised glances at Lan Qi, as if witnessing the birth of a legend.

However, Lawrence's position as the vice president of the Yggdrasil branch was highly respected, and even those who were curious about Lan Qi didn't dare to come over and inquire about anything, but chose to keep their distance with respect for Lawrence.

"Student Lan Qi, if you need any help in the future, you can go directly to any deacon at the association and tell them to look for Vice President Lawrence. I will come and help you get it done quickly."

Lawrence instructed.

Although he had explained the important matters to Lan Qi in detail, and the remaining content would be notified to Lan Qi by the Yggdrasil Card Makers Association branch through the school, it seemed that Lan Qi wanted to leave the Card Makers Association as soon as possible today to go home and rest, and Lawrence needed to send him out.

"Thank you very much."

The two chatted and laughed and had already arrived at the sofa in the meeting area.