After receiving the report from the "Grand Steward" Ivan at the outpost, Gauss habitually affirmed his work.
Watching his brisk departing figure, Gauss had a slightly puzzled expression.
Since when has Ivan’s personality become so lively?
If I remember correctly, when he first came for the interview, he seemed quite composed.
But on further thought, Gauss felt it wasn’t hard to understand.
In a previous life, many fresh graduates had several years of work experience when applying for jobs; who wouldn’t "embellish" themselves a bit in an interview.
At least, there’s no denying Ivan’s work ability and attitude.
After secretly observing the outpost situation, Gauss then made a trip to Aaliyah’s "seclusion" place.
However, to avoid disturbing her purification, he didn’t approach, just watched from a distance for a while.
After giving Ying a few reminders, he left the scene.
After all, with the previous lesson from Flute Castle, someone needs to keep an eye out.
Of course, compared to Flute Castle, here falls under the Farlim jurisdiction, with a safety level several notches higher.
During his leisure time, he occasionally would come and take a look, as it wasn’t too far from the Red Dragon Team’s outpost.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
Inside the manor’s outpost, Gauss held the invitation to the magic academy that Ivan mentioned.
After much thought, he decided to proceed to the invitation visit.
Though he inherently had an advantage at the starting line with the Adventurer’s Handbook compared to other casters, moderate exchanges with them would help him understand the power gap between other casters and himself.
Although his caster level has reached a high of level 7, with actual peak combat strength reaching level 11, during his entire career, his engagements with human professionals haven’t been that many.
More often, his adversaries were those unspeaking monsters, little green skins, spellcasting green skins, big green skins...
In other words, he was more accustomed to PVE than PVP.
So moderate exchanges would be beneficial.
"Captain Gauss, would you like me to accompany you?"
Ivan, at some unknown time, appeared beside Gauss again.
Looking at Ivan’s expectant eyes and thinking of his status as an academy graduate, Gauss figured he might also want to take this opportunity to visit his alma mater.
Also considering that Ivan had worked tirelessly recently to stabilize the potion supply for the Red Dragon Team’s store, Gauss eventually did not refuse.
In the entire Red Dragon Team, only Ivan was most suitable to accompany him. Neither Albena nor Serdur in the manor were regular casters.
"Then I’ll trouble you to accompany me for a trip."
"It’s my duty, Captain Gauss."
Ivan had someone bring out a carriage.
The two sat in the carriage, and as the coachman snapped the whip, the wheels began rolling quickly towards the manor’s outskirts.
...
"Ho!"
With a shout, the horse gradually came to a halt.
Gauss got off the carriage.
Not far away stood an estate comparable to a luxurious purple castle, and even before formally entering, its noble aura was palpable.
"Captain, this is my alma mater, Karl Ksa Magic Academy."
As Ivan gazed at the architectural complex before him, a trace of nostalgia and pride flashed across his face.
Though his caster level wasn’t particularly high, this academy had nurtured many strong spellcasters.
As he knew, among the extraordinary spellcasters of Farlim, at least three had received magical instruction here in their youth, with remaining ones also having various ties to the academy.
It’s safe to say of the total magical talent in Farlim, Karl Ksa Magic Academy occupies a significant portion.
Gauss sensed that the magic power concentration here was noticeably higher than in other parts of the city.
This was still outside the academy; inside and some cultivation chambers would only have higher concentration.
Though casters cannot directly absorb natural magic for their own use, long-term exposure to such an environment evidently benefits the subtle growth of their own magical power.
No wonder Ivan said that most of Farlim’s prominent local casters have ties to this academy.
How could those who rely on their own efforts bridge this gap?
Moreover, students who can enter the academy are bound to stay ahead step by step.
Magic Potions, access to a wide variety of spells, student interactions, professional courses, and superior faculty resources all represent tangible gaps.
Even students’ practical experience fighting monsters is considered, with the academy periodically organizing clearing expeditions under the watch of strong teachers, ensuring a higher safety factor.
The only advantage Gauss could think of was psychological resilience.
This academy-trained caster may not be ruthless enough towards enemies or themselves, and their cunning and experience may not be as rich as those honed through grassroots struggles.
Of course, this advantage becomes minimal in the face of an absolute level gap.
Moreover, these academy-trained individuals will naturally quickly fill in this slight shortfall with training after leaving school.
Gauss thought of this and sighed.
"Gentlemen, according to the academy’s regulations, entering the academy on a non-open day requires prior appointment; may I ask if you have documents?"
The guard at the entrance, also a professional, has naturally honed a pair of "keen eyes" from long-term gatekeeping in such a place, adept at observing and assessing.