Zayne, Rea, and Solomon sat in the carriage as their road began. They were on their way to the northern part of the Lax River Region, heading for one of the largest Mage Academies.

"Mr. Solomon, what is the name of the academy you teach at?" Zayne asked, with genuine interest on his face.

Solomon smiled, "We are headed to a place called - Zexiton, Academy of the Arcane Power. I'll take the responsibility to tell you that our students, once they graduate, are some of the strongest mages in the entire Lax River Region."

Rea sighed, "Even though I've always disliked it, the main thing about Zexiton is the power. I mean, there are many other academies, some focus on defense, some focus on knowledge and finding rare spells, and for some the foundation is alchemy."

Zayne nodded, he understood that each academy had its own way.

"Though we have very strict conditions and selection, we have many students. Many believe that power is the most important thing, so I can't blame parents for sending their children to us." Solomon shrugged. He'd been through hundreds of students, so he knew what he was talking about.

"I see... I wanted to ask you something else. Can anyone become a mage?" Zayne asked with a serious expression as if something very important depended on it.

Solomon sighed, "It's a complicated question with no easy answer. Everyone has mana, which is why Knights can also use skills, but skills and spells are different. The first ones use physical stats and instincts more, while the second ones are more suitable for those whose minds are strong and filled with the necessary knowledge as well as practice."

"Zayne." Rea looked at him intently, "Don't forget the world we live in. Being a Mage is prestigious, on a level with the Knight Commander and far above the average Knight, so... Noble Families are willing to spend all their money to make their child a little stronger, get more mana, and some elementary spells to practice. All for the sake of passing the entrance test."

Zayne's face darkened, Solomon noticed this and said, "Rea's right, but it's not as hopeless as it might sound. I, and the other professors, try to give everyone a chance, so if we see a talent for magic in a student, we'll help this one get through."

Solomon sighed as he stared at him intently, "Obviously, you're not asking all this for yourself, does anyone you know really want to be a mage?"

Zayne smiled bitterly, "Well, I think I can tell you about that. My sister, her dream since she was a little girl was to be a mage."

Solomon nodded with a serious look, "Fine, when she's ready she can come to Zexiton, but I'll tell you right now, I treat everyone the same."

"Sure, I wouldn't expect otherwise." Zayne said as he got a bitter smile, "She's sick right now, but she'll get better soon, and then she'll definitely be excited about this opportunity."

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Suddenly the carriage stopped as the coachman knocked on the wall.

"Hmm? Is something wrong?" Solomon asked since they were far from done with the ride.

"Mr. Solomon, as you know there are several ways from Red Feather City to Zexiton Academy. Usually, I would always take the route along the mountain, as it is the safest, though longest route." The coachman said quietly, looking around, "However, given that you're here we can take a shortcut."

Solomon grinned, "Sure, let's not waste any time. Let's go straight through the Mistylands, even if something happens, I'll deal with it."

Zayne looked at him puzzled, and saw Rea who flinched slightly.

'Damn... This looks like some dangerous place, right? Well, with Solomon we have nothing to worry about. I've got other things to do right now.' Zayne pondered inwardly as he closed his eyes.

Zayne decided to go to Mage Academy, so, he also agreed to distribute his Status Points according to Solomon's advice.

'My level was forcibly upgraded, so I got a hell of a lot of Status Points, it was time to spend them. Even though I don't know what Solomon's idea is, intelligence will make my skills stronger anyway. Zayne pondered before distributing his Status Points.

[Intelligence: 33 -> 100]

[Strength: 42 -> 60]

[Agility: 52 -> 70]

[Vitality: 42 -> 61]

[Endurance: 46 -> 65]

[Status Points: 141 -> 0]

Zayne spent it all as an unusual energy spread throughout his body, bringing with it freshness and lightness.

[Your intelligence has reached 100! This stat has reached a point! You have received the First Ring of the Intelligence!]

At the same moment, one of the five arcs, shone brightly, transforming into a silver ring emanating white particles.

[You have passed to the next stage in development! The knowledge of the rings is revealed!]

[First Ring of the Intelligence: All of your skills or spells are now 10% more powerful and require 5% less mana! Your mind is now stronger, making it much harder to put hypnosis or other mind-affecting spells on you!]

"Agh... I didn't think it would be so nice..." Zayne muttered.

"Hah, looks like someone decided to take my advice. Getting stronger always feels good, doesn't it?" Solomon smirked, then he looked intently at Zayne, "You got it, right?"

Zayne nodded, "Sure. I didn't expect it to give me such bonuses, I didn't reach the First Ring for nothing."

Rea's eyes went wide, "What...? You've already reached the First Ring...? Not in strength, though more likely in dexterity... but it's incredible anyway."

Zayne shook his head, "No. I did as your father said and got the First Ring of the Intelligence initially."

Rea had no words, it all seemed to make no sense to her.

"Hahaha, don't make such a funny face. I just prepared something special for Zayne, he needed a First Ring for that." Solomon laughed.

Their ride continued straight toward the academy as they entered the Mistylands. All was quiet, but something made the coachman frown.

'Hmm... Is it just me?' The man inwardly muttered, 'But... why is the fog so thick?'