97: Opening Ceremony

Back in Star Sea City, before Linn even had a chance to rest, Elise arrived at the castle study along with Sebastian, the Archmage, Head of the Mage Corps of the Sea God Clan.

"Young Master!" A flush, mixing nervousness and a sense of achievement, radiated from Elise's face, her voice light and airy. "You're finally back. Head Sebastian and I would like to invite you to attend the 'Opening Ceremony' of the Star Sea Mage Corps!"

Sebastian also gave an elegant bow, his pale blue eyes filled with relief and solemnity: "Lord, after nearly a month of intensive preparation, large-scale screening, and basic testing, the first batch of malleable magic apprentices has been selected. According to the conventions of established magical organizations on the continent, there should be a formal departure ceremony, witnessed and instructed by the territory's supreme ruler. This helps to solidify their beliefs and sense of belonging. Head Elise has prepared meticulously for this for a long time."

Hearing this, a look of surprise and anticipation appeared in Linn's eyes. The establishment of the Mage Corps was a key step for the territory toward a higher level, and he had always been very concerned about it. "So soon? It seems you have put in a great deal of effort. This is a major event for the Star Sea Territory; naturally, I must go." He stood up and straightened his robes. "Shall we go now?"

"We were just waiting for you, Young Master!" Elise said excitedly.

The three left the castle and walked toward the newly planned area in the east of the city. From a distance, a new complex of buildings could be seen, its architectural style vastly different from the surroundings. The main structure was a three-story stone tower with simple, sturdy lines, its spire set with a large crystal that seemed to contain magical power, reflecting a soft glow in the sunlight. Surrounding the tower were several neat rows of apprentice dormitories, meditation rooms, and theory classrooms. The overall layout was orderly, exuding a quiet and focused atmosphere. This was the newly built Star Sea Magic Academy.

At this moment, on the wide plaza in front of the academy, three hundred young men and women stood silently. They wore uniform deep blue apprentice robes, with simple Star and Wave Patterns representing the Star Sea Territory embroidered on the hems. Everyone tried their best to stand tall, their faces filled with nervousness, excitement, and infinite longing for the future. They were arranged in neat formations by height, their eyes collectively turned toward the entrance, waiting for the arrival of the young lord who had changed their fates and given them new possibilities.

When Linn appeared on the high platform in front of the plaza, accompanied by Elise and Sebastian, three hundred gazes focused instantly, and the air was filled with silent reverence and expectation.

Elise took half a step forward and reported to Linn in a low voice, a hint of undetectable regret in her tone: "Young Master, according to the standards set by you and Head Sebastian, we conducted preliminary screening and elemental affinity tests among over a hundred thousand subjects. In the end, only these 300 people met the age requirements and reached the minimum talent threshold... It's fewer than we expected."

Linn's gaze slowly swept over the faces below, some still childish, others bearing the marks of life's hardships. He nodded slightly, his tone calm yet powerful: "300 people is enough. Quality is far more important than quantity. The path of magic is inherently difficult; both talent and Heart-Nature are indispensable. These 300 seeds, if nurtured carefully, will grow over time into a force that, when united, is enough to halt an army of ten thousand and change the course of a battle. Elise, Head Sebastian, you have already found the most precious sparks for the Star Sea Territory."

His words caused the slight regret in Elise's heart to dissipate, replaced by a greater sense of responsibility and confidence. Sebastian also nodded slightly, agreeing with Linn's foresight.

Standing on the high platform, looking at the neat blue formation below, Linn's thoughts couldn't help but drift back to years ago, when he was at the continent-renowned Holy Brilliance Academy. Back then, he also wore an apprentice robe, standing in the crowd, looking up at his mentor, his heart filled with yearning and desire for the world of magic. Now, the roles were reversed; he had become the founder and leader. This strange sense of Reincarnation made his shoulders feel heavy, yet a more intense fire burned in his heart. He wanted to create a different starting point for these children and for the Star Sea Territory.

He took a step forward and cleared his throat. His voice, aided by magic, spread clearly and steadily throughout the plaza:

"Apprentices of the first batch of the Star Sea Mage Corps, I am Linn, your Lord."

The plaza grew even quieter, with only the sound of the sea breeze fluttering the flags.

"Today, you stand here wearing these robes, which means that from this moment on, the trajectory of your lives has fundamentally changed. Many of you may have been working in the fields, sweating in the mines, busy in the workshops, or worrying about food and warmth just yesterday. But today, you have a shared new identity! 'Magic Apprentices,' the future protectors and builders of the Star Sea Territory!"

His gaze became deep and powerful: "I know that the path of magic is covered in thorns. It requires perseverance far beyond that of ordinary people, the endurance of tedious meditation, the mastery of profound theories, and facing repeated failed attempts or even danger. It is by no means an easy or pleasurable path."

"But!" Linn's tone shifted, his voice suddenly rising, full of inspiration. "It is also a great path leading to truth, power, and the transformation of oneself and one's fate! What you will master is a power that Mortals can hardly imagine! Controlling fire and water, summoning wind and lightning, constructing barriers, healing wounds, and even exploring the mysteries of the world... All of this will gradually open its doors to you as you learn and grow!"

"The Star Sea Territory is a new land full of opportunities and challenges. There is no decay of seniority here, no absolute barriers based on birth. What is valued here is ability, loyalty, and an enterprising spirit! You are able to stand here today because the sparks of talent within you were discovered by us. And this is only the beginning!"

"I have high hopes for you!" Linn's gaze swept over every focused face. "I hope that you will not only become powerful casters but also become pillars of wisdom, responsibility, loyalty to the territory, and care for your companions. The future of the Star Sea Territory needs sharp swords and sturdy shields, and it also needs a 'third hand' like you to control the elements and mysteries! Your growth will be closely linked to the prosperity and strength of the Star Sea Territory!"

"Perhaps you feel insignificant now, or the road ahead seems blurred. But remember, you are the foundation of the Star Sea Mage Corps, the first pioneers of this sea region's magical Legacy! Your hard work will be etched into the territory's history! I, your Lord, will witness it with you and support you as you move forward!"

Linn's speech lacked flowery language, but every word was resonant and struck the heart. Especially for those apprentices from Slaves or poor Freemen families, these words were like a beacon in the dark, pointing out an unprecedented direction and igniting the long-suppressed hope and passion deep within them. Many people's eyes turned red, and they clenched their fists, their bodies trembling slightly with excitement. They felt incredibly clearly that it was the young lord on the stage who had given them the chance to break free from the shackles of their original fate and touch the transcendent world. Thoughts of gratitude and loyalty spread through their hearts like wildfire.

After the speech, at Elise's signal, all the apprentices placed their right hands over their chests, facing the Holy Emblem of the god of dawn, symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment, and the flag of the Star Sea Territory, which had been temporarily erected in the center of the plaza.

Under Sebastian's solemn lead, three hundred young voices converged, letting out a firm and orderly oath that echoed over the academy and was etched deep into everyone's Soul:

"With the god of dawn as my witness, and my Soul as my contract!"

"We hereby swear:"

"To study and practice diligently, to explore the true essence of magic;"

"To be loyal to the Star Sea, and to dedicate our wisdom and strength to the territory;"

"To abide by the laws, to unite with our peers, and not to bully the weak;"

"Apprentices today, pillars tomorrow; we vow to use what we learn to protect the Star Sea, that its glory may endure forever!"

"Let this oath be witnessed by heaven and earth!"

As the sound of the oath faded, a solemn silence fell over the plaza. Sunlight spilled over the blue apprentice robes, over the vibrant faces, and over Linn's face on the high platform, which was filled with relief and expectation. The magical journey of the Star Sea Territory had officially begun. These three hundred sparks would eventually form a prairie fire in the future.