With only 1 prestige point, looking at items that cost 10,000 prestige points to exchange for, I truly felt like a cosmic fool.
"Host."
The system reminded me, "You are viewing the Master-tier emporium."
"Hm?"
I suddenly realized there were several mystical sigils on the left side of the emporium interface, labeled respectively: Novice Emporium, Apprentice Emporium, Adept Emporium, and Master Emporium.
"No wonder the prices are so astronomical, I was browsing the Master-tier selection!"
I hastily activated the Novice Emporium, and a new interface appeared.
Only one item existed in the Novice Emporium: Novice Mystical Cache, requiring 1 prestige point to acquire.
Novice Mystical Cache?
I was delighted. "This must be it!"
I refused to believe anything cheaper existed in the emporium!
"Ding!"
"Host expended 1 prestige point, received Novice Mystical Cache, transferred to dimensional storage."
"Ding!"
"Academy prestige points: 0/100!"
I disregarded my prestige points returning to zero and hastily accessed the dimensional storage, discovering a luminous crystalline box beside the ominous countdown device.
"Whoosh!"
I eagerly opened it.
"Ding!"
"Host unlocked Novice Mystical Cache, received dimensional retreat scroll x1!"
"Ding!"
"Host unlocked Novice Mystical Cache, received dimensional retreat scroll x1!"
"Ding!"
"Host unlocked Novice Mystical Cache, received dimensional retreat scroll x1!"
"Ding!"
"Host unlocked Novice Mystical Cache, received dimensional retreat scroll x1!"
After this sequence of notifications, four mystical scrolls materialized in the dimensional storage, and my expression darkened considerably.
Retreat?
It sounded like fleeing from confrontation.
Dimensional retreat scroll?
It seemed like a defensive mystical tool!
Retreat?
It appeared designed for hasty travel!
Transported to another realm, if not to demonstrate superiority and triumph over adversaries, what purpose does existence serve if one only knows retreat and defensive measures?
"Ding!"
"Host unlocked Novice Mystical Cache, received power amplification scroll x1!"
"Power amplification scroll?"
I inquired, "What is this?"
The system explained, "Power amplification scrolls can rapidly enhance the host's magical capabilities."
"Indeed?"
I was elated.
This seemed to be the most valuable item in the Novice Mystical Cache!
"How do I utilize it?"
"Crush it!"
"Crack!"
Without hesitation, I crushed the scroll inscribed with mystical runes.
"Whoosh!"
Instantly, tremendous mystical energy emerged from my being and flowed through my magical channels.
"Ding!"
"Host has successfully advanced to Third Circle Mystic!"
"Ding!"
"Host has successfully advanced to Fourth Circle Mystic!"
"Ding!"
"Host has successfully advanced to Fifth Circle Mystic!"
After crushing the power amplification scroll, my mystical prowess increased from Second Circle to Fifth Circle.
The mages of Mystral Realm possessed twelve primary magical channels within their beings.
Opening one channel represented one circle of mystical mastery. Unlocking all twelve channels meant achieving Twelfth Circle mastery.
Naturally, channel opening was merely the foundation of Mystral Realm magic.
Beyond this existed Arcane Scholar, Spellweaver, Void Touched, Elemental Lord, Cosmic Sage, Realm Shaper, and Reality Bender.
The higher one's mystical level, the greater their power.
Legends spoke of experts who had reached Elemental Lord or higher being capable of aerial flight and eliminating enemies across vast distances.
"Magnificent!"
Sensing the potent energy gathering within my form, my expression radiated joy.
If the mages dwelling in Mystral Realm who cultivated traditional mystical methods to achieve breakthroughs knew I had advanced three circles by crushing parchment, they would be so envious they'd manifest physical illness.
I retrieved the yellow scroll marked 'Seal Breaking' and asked, "What purpose does this serve?"
The system stated, "The Seal Breaking Scroll unlocks the mystical binding on the Severance Athame."
"That blade is magically sealed?"
"Affirmative. The Severance Athame has constraining enchantments. The host must use the Seal Breaking Scroll to unlock these restrictions before normal utilization."
My expression darkened considerably.
The weapon provided by my desperate wish required unlocking before use. What an absurd design!
•~•
"Sigh."
Contemplating this ridiculous system and my desperate wish, I gazed skyward and exhaled deeply once more.
"Stop sighing incessantly."
Lyralei spoke indifferently, "We must make haste. Otherwise, when the Shadowvale City gates close, we'll be sleeping in the wilderness again."
Since I desired to develop the academy, I needed to recruit students.
According to the previous headmaster's memories, Shadowvale City would host recruitment trials in half a month, attracting numerous young men and women seeking mystical education.
This represented an excellent opportunity for enrollment!
Consequently, Headmaster Kieran departed with Lyralei and coincidentally encountered the violet-haired sorceress in the wilderness.
"Lyralei."
I smiled charmingly. "I'm somewhat fatigued. Perhaps we could rest briefly?"
"Negative."
Lyralei responded coldly.
"..."
I was rendered speechless and continued our journey.
"Swoosh!" "Swoosh!"
Suddenly, urgent footsteps approached from behind. Looking back, I observed several mages in matching robes pursuing us and forming an encirclement.
"Senior Mage Theron!"
The violet-haired sorceress covered her face and spoke angrily, "He's the one who attacked me!"
"Hmph."
The mage addressed as Senior Mage Theron glanced at me coldly. "Your audacity is considerable, daring to assault members of my Celestial Tower Academy."
"Celestial Tower Academy?"
I found this institution somewhat familiar.
Lyralei stated calmly, "Headmaster, Celestial Tower Academy is a third-tier institution from Crystalline Heights."
"Ah, I recall now."
Upon hearing the woman address me as Headmaster, Senior Mage Theron spoke incredulously, "You claim to be a Headmaster?"
I felt wounded.
Do I not appear sufficiently distinguished to be an academy head?
"Senior Mage Theron!"
The violet-haired sorceress covered her swollen features and declared, "He claims to be Headmaster of Shadowmere Academy!"
"Shadowmere Academy?"
"Hahaha, isn't that the institution whose headmaster vanished into the void while attempting forbidden magic?"
"I heard the faculty held a farewell feast—how can they still exist?"
The Celestial Tower Academy students expressed complete disdain and mockery.
Though both were third-tier institutions, Celestial Tower Academy surpassed Shadowmere Academy in foundation and student body.
"Sigh."
I sighed internally.
Knowing the previous Headmaster Matthias was lost to the void while attempting to impress visitors, I was speechless for considerable time.
Men.
It's natural to seek recognition and advancement.
Since he opened that portal, he should have accepted the consequences gracefully. Why risk everything with such dangerous magic?
I cannot truly comprehend this, because I still don't fully understand the academy's purpose, to embrace unconventional magical approaches!
"Everyone."
I smiled diplomatically. "Did you intercept me simply to humiliate Shadowmere Academy?"
"Bah."
Senior Mage Theron spat, declaring, "A worthless institution dares refer to itself as an 'academy', do you truly consider yourself important?"
"A youth whose mystical channels haven't fully developed, what qualifications do you possess to be a Headmaster?"
"This new student is pathetic, being defeated by such a weakling. If this becomes known, it will shame Celestial Tower Academy!"
The Celestial Tower Academy students completely disregarded me, exerting maximum effort to humiliate and ridicule.
These are typical mindless antagonists. If I don't crush them completely, how can I honor my identity as a transmigrated soul?
I prepared for confrontation, declaring, "Lyralei, distance yourself. I intend to educate these fools."
Lyralei turned and retreated, but left behind words of indifference: "If you perish, remember to transfer the Headmaster position to me."
I nearly stumbled.
This cold and proud woman actually harbors ambitions for my position!
If I weren't bound by this accursed System, I would gladly transfer the Headmaster role to Lyralei and quietly exist as a relaxed, handsome individual in this mystical realm.