After leaving his room, Klyde made his way toward the mission boards.
'With my knowledge and the direction I'm taking as a Magus, it's only a matter of time before I draw unwanted attention. Taking on a few missions should give me an excuse. If anyone questions my progress, I can just say I stumbled upon the remnants of a powerful Magus during my mission. On top of that, it gives me a chance to explore areas in the novel that'll benefit me.'
Klyde wasn't naive enough to believe the Academy would overlook his rapid growth. While he was progressing steadily now, that would change in the future.
In this world, talent among Magi came in many forms, and rapid advancement rarely went unnoticed.
While his talent was average, Klyde had something others didn't; alongside his vasts amounts of knowledge, he also knew the future.
He knew the hidden methods, the shortcuts, and the lucky encounters of various characters in the novel.
They were all something that would help any Magus drastically.
Still, he also understood that it was best to be cautious.
A few convenient excuses is good to misdirect attention and buy himself more time.
Until his strength reached a certain threshold, keeping a low profile was never a bad choice.
Before long, Klyde arrived at his destination.
The Mission Boards building was one of the busiest places in the academy's central grounds. Apprentices came here to select assignments issued by villages, noble houses, and various independent factions. These missions served not only as training and a source of income, but also helped reinforce the academy's influence and reputation across the continent.
Inside, dozens of apprentices could be seen roaming about. Mission scrolls were pinned neatly to the walls, sorted into categories: reconnaissance, resource collection, creature subjugation, assistance, and more.
Klyde made his way to the subjugation section and casually pulled a scroll from the board — one that just happened to be near a location he wanted to go to.
He then headed to the Mission Hall, where an older Magus sat behind a counter. The man wore faded robes and a silver-trimmed monocle, a large logbook open before him.
Klyde placed the scroll on the desk.
"Hm? Subduing Ashfang Hounds in the Everglades?" the elderly man muttered, lifting an eyebrow as he read the mission.
"You know these beasts are aggressive and highly resistant to elemental magic? Even Tier 1 High-Rank Magi have trouble dealing with them."
Klyde gave a calm nod. "I've been refining my star and thought some field experience would help stabilize the process."
The elder gave him a skeptical look. "Even so, this seems reckless. What's your current star count?"
"One," Klyde replied indifferently.
The elder's expression shifted instantly into a deep frown. "One? Hmph. That's not just reckless, that's plain stupidity. I assumed you had some ability from the way you spoke, but this is another matter entirely."
He grumbled, then added with a huff, "You'd be wise to go with a team, boy."
"I'm confident in my capabilities," Klyde replied casually. "I've prepared accordingly, and I won't take unnecessary risks. If the situation becomes too dangerous, I'll simply withdraw from the mission."
The old man stared at him for a long moment before finally relenting. Sighing and rubbing his temples, he said, "Why are the young always so eager to throw themselves into danger..."
After a brief pause, he dipped his quill into an inkpot and asked, "Name?"
"Klyde Lucival."
The elder scribbled the name down in the logbook, stamped the scroll, then looked up.
"You're clear to go. Just don't be foolish. We've already lost too many promising Magi to overconfidence."
"Understood," Klyde said with a polite nod before turning and walking calmly out of the Mission Hall.
...
After Klyde exited the Mission Hall, he made his way to a random shop in the academy to exchange a magic crystal for some gold for his travels.
Afterwards, he began walking to the outer gate of the academy where a few guards stood.
"Halt student! Please show proof that you can leave the academy."
The guards standing by the gates stopped Klyde when they saw him approaching.
Klyde nodded simply and showed them the mission and the stamp on the scroll. "I have a beast subjugation mission outside."
The guards took a quick glance at the scroll before nodding.
"It's legitimate. Stay safe out there."
They opened the gate, and Klyde casually walked out, his figure soon fading into the distance.
...
After leaving Twilight Sun Academy, Klyde began making his way to the nearest city.
In his memories, there was a place called the Grey Rock City; it was only a few hours away from the academy in walking distance.
After a few hours of walking, Klyde soon arrived.
Klyde approached the guards that stood by the entrance of the city.
When the guards noticed Klyde approaching them, they gave each other a surprised gaze.
When the guards at the gate saw Klyde approaching in his academy uniform, their posture immediately shifted. They stood straighter, and one of them stepped forward with visible respect.
"Magus," he greeted with a small nod. "There's an entrance fee for common travelers, but Academy members may pass freely."
Klyde returned the nod without speaking and continued indifferently through the gate.
After Klyde left, the guards sighed in relief.
Just being in the presence of a Magus would make any mortal break out into cold sweat. To them, their lives were as cheap as grass. Thus, mortals knew never to provoke a Magus.
"To have the talent to become a Magus, how envious..."
"I know right. To be able to use magic has always been a dream of mine. I wonder if I should quit my job and try to find some inheritance from a legendary Magus, heheh."
"Quit dreaming! If I have to stay as an ordinary guard, you're also staying as one with me!"
"This is why you are still single, friend. Your aspirations are too low, yet your tastes in women are too high! Who'd be interested in someone like that?"
"Bastard?! What did you say?!"
The guards began arguing with each other.
...
Grey Rock City was quite busy. Merchants called out to customers, and carts rolled through the streets.
Klyde was casually strolling through the city, catching the eyes of passersby due to his academy uniform which revealed his status as a Magus.
Ignoring the stares, Klyde entered a clothing shop not far from the gate. The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man, looked startled when he recognized the robes.
"Welcome, Master Magus! Is there anything in particular you need?"
"I need travel clothes," Klyde said simply. "They should be plain and durable. Also I'll need a cloak, gloves, and linen. I'll be moving through the region and don't want to stand out."
The man nodded quickly and gathered a few sets.
After receiving the clothes, Klyde changed into the new clothes and folded his Academy uniform.
"That'll be 9 silver," the shopkeeper said, almost hesitating.
Klyde handed over one gold coin and placed his academy uniform on the desk. "Store this. I'll return for it in a few days."
"Of course," the man replied respectfully.
After receiving the change for the gold coin, Klyde left the shop and walked to the outer side of the city, where the stables were located.
Klyde swiftly purchased a regular horse that was suitable for travel.
With everything ready, he mounted the horse and rode out of Grey Rock, this time attracting far fewer stares.
The Everglades were north of the city, however, Klyde went slightly northeast.
He would be stopping at a small village.