Grand Warlock: My System Gave Me Infinite Classes

In the afternoon, Robb arrived punctually at Classroom 7 on the east side of the third floor. When he entered, he saw over ten apprentices seated, most wearing the gray robes of Elementary Apprentices, with a few in deep-blue Intermediate Apprentice uniforms.

He found a seat near the back and looked around, noticing a range of expressions, some anxious, some hopeful, many listless. A long-haired apprentice whispered to his neighbor about the course: "I heard this class is pretty tough, only around 30% pass each session."

His neighbor replied: "That's actually considered a high rate. I didn't pass 'Mental Stability Techniques' last time; I had to re-enroll and spend another 25 magical shard."

At that moment, the front door opened, and all the chatter stopped. Robb expected a senior wizard but instead saw a young man in his twenties step in, wearing the dark-gray and purple-trimmed robe of a High Apprentice. He walked to the lectern and scanned the room: "I'm Erik, assistant to Tutor Victor, and I'll be teaching this session's 'Magic Circuit Optimization' course."

Robb frowned slightly, he hadn't expected a paid course to be taught by a High Apprentice. But glancing around, all the other students seemed unbothered, as if this were completely normal.

Erik appeared to sense his unease, allowing a slight smirk to show: "Maybe some new apprentices don't fully understand our system. As a High Apprentice, I'm more than capable of teaching you, most of whom aren't even Intermediate Apprentice yet."

His tone carried a hint of condescension, making Robb uncomfortable. But seeing the other apprentices' blank expressions, he realized this arrogance was routine.

"Our course is divided into three phases, each lasting a month," Erik continued. "At the end of each phase is a test, only those who pass can proceed. Only those who complete all three phases may qualify for the advanced class taught by Tutor Victor himself. Of course, you may also pay extra shards for one-on-one sessions with your tutor."

Robb quietly took note.

So, the fee he paid didn't guarantee direct access to a senior tutor, it only got him closer to one.

"Note that we hold weekly quizzes, and outstanding students can skip phases and jump ahead," Erik added, his tone brightening slightly. "Additionally, each lesson includes thirty minutes of foundational theory, followed by thirty minutes of advanced practice. Top performers may gain exclusive Q&A time after class."

At these words, Robb's mind stirred.

The academy's system clearly prioritized talent, bright students could accelerate their progress and access more support, while those less gifted were trapped in fees and basic classes.

"Enough talk, let's begin."

Erik raised his hands. The glow from the magically powered lamps dimmed on the walls, leaving only the light above his desk, casting his shadow across the back wall like a giant.

"Magic circuits are the foundation of casting, much like blood vessels are to the body," he began. "Everyone is born with a set of magic circuits, but most are closed or partially closed. Basic meditation opens them, but optimizing flow efficiency is today's lesson."

He traced a floating three-dimensional outline of a figure in mid-air, with blue lines of energy flowing through a complex network.

"This is a standard magic circuit diagram. Notice these nodes…"

He pointed at intersections of energy lines.

"These are critical flow junctions, also where blockages most often occur."

Robb focused on his notes; although the content was basic, it was remarkably clear, much more efficient than his solo studies.

Midway through, Erik proceeded to advanced material. He demonstrated a breathing technique to enhance internal magical flow, then called a few apprentices to the stage to try.

"I need a volunteer."

His gaze swept the room and stopped on Robb in the back row: "You, gray-robed apprentice in the last row, come up and try it."

Robb was surprised but rose and approached the lectern.

"Follow the method I just taught."

Erik noticed Robb was a stranger and frowned but directed him to proceed: "Focus on sensing internal flow. If you can't feel it, get off and I'll pick someone else."

Robb closed his eyes and followed the instructions.

Thanks to his Intermediate Apprentice spiritforce and professional enhancements, he soon felt magic flowing through him, streams converging and diverging along his circuit. He pinpointed a sluggish junction, the so-called "blockage."

Following Erik's guidance, he focused on that point, imagining the magical current breaking through.

After seconds, he felt the blockage loosen and flow smooth.

[Spell Construction (Novice) Experience +1]

Erik snapped him out of the trance: "Excellent. For a first attempt, your response speed and control are remarkable."

Returning to his seat, Robb noted the changed stares, some surprised, some envious, some grudgingly resentful.

The rest of the class introduced simple optimization techniques, which he diligently recorded.

By the end, Robb realized he'd gained more beginner-level Spell Construction experience in this single session than he had through countless solo practice hours.

"Paid classes really are worth it," he thought.

As he headed to his next class, Erik stood by the door, signaling him to wait.

"Apprentice Robb, right?"

His tone was friendlier than during the lecture.

"Your performance in class was impressive, especially your ability to sense and regulate magical flow, well beyond the average Elementary Apprentice."

"Thank you, Lord Erik," Robb replied humbly. "I'm deeply interested in circuit optimization."

Erik nodded.

"If you keep this up, next week I might invite you to a special quiz. If you pass, you can skip the first phase and move ahead to the second."

Robb nodded eagerly.

"By the way," Erik added, "I once taught an Elementary Apprentice named Talisa, also from Farwynd. Her progress was astonishing. She finished all three phases in just half a course and caught the tutor's attention."

"Talisa…" Robb thought, "I've heard of her. She's now a disciple of Witch Corinna, right?"

"Yes. Among my past students, she was by far the most talented, even surpassing Hugo."

Erik paused, then added:

"Hugo was a genius too, he completed all of Tutor Victor's tests within two years of joining. But Talisa still surpassed him."

Learning that both Talisa and Hugo, people he was somewhat familiar with, had gone through this same course and stood out only added pressure to Robb's shoulders.

He bade farewell and hurried to Classroom 3 on the north side of the fifth floor.

On his way out, he noticed a group of tired apprentices talking in the corridor, their faces marked by scars and signs of magical burns, they'd clearly returned from a dangerous assignment.

"Did Karl run another edge-forest mission?" one girl whispered. "This is his third time, and last time he nearly died."

"No choice," another replied. "The dorm rent is due in two weeks, if we don't take jobs, we'll be out in the street."

The girl watched Robb's retreating figure, her expression a mix of envy and resignation.

"Another rising star."

She murmured softly:

"Like Hugo used to be, or Talisa last year, smooth sailing. I've had to retake this lesson three times."

Her companion sighed.

"Focus on your mission next week, those poisonous snakes in the Deadwood Forest won't spare you just because you're jealous."