"Professor Li, please pardon my lack of knowledge. What precisely is this free - exchange coupon for a first - level spell?" Kael inquired after listening intently.


    "Let me elucidate for you. In the university setting, be it spells for mages or combat skills for warriors, anything of the first level and above necessitates credits for exchange. "


    "A standard first - level spell typically demands at least ten credits. For some more potent spells, the requirement can soar to twenty credits," Guan Borong elaborated.


    "In other words, the five first - level spell exchange coupons are, at the very least, equivalent to fifty credits."


    Kael mentally computed the figures.


    By comparison, the perks proffered by Tiannan University were indisputably the most enticing.


    They were offering a substantial amount of credits, and the university was also conveniently close to his home.


    Observing that Kael was still deep in thought, Professor Li cleared his throat and continued, "Student Kael, given our rather fortuitous connection, if you sign the application agreement with us today, I can privately introduce you to either an associate professor or a full - fledged professor as your mentor."


    "What!"


    "Are you serious?" Both Kael and Guan Borong exclaimed in unison, their voices laced with astonishment.


    "Bear in mind that even if you apply to a top - tier (Grade A) university, securing a mentor of this caliber is by no means guaranteed.


    Professors and associate professors are all high - echelon professionals at the Gold rank.


    In contrast, ordinary teachers in the university are merely at the Silver rank.


    In fact, when you first commence your university studies, some of your instructors might even be Black Iron rank teaching assistants.


    Having a professor as your mentor right from the start would endow you with a significant edge in your academic pursuits!"


    "Truly?!" At the mere thought of this, Kael''s breath quickened.


    Indeed, having an accomplished teacher was an invaluable asset in the learning process, not to mention the extensive network of connections a mentor could offer.


    Students under the tutelage of a Gold rank mentor were invariably highly talented individuals.


    Beyond the teacher''s connections, these senior students represented a rich reservoir of networking opportunities.


    For someone like Kael, hailing from a humble background, leveraging such connections could potentially open doors to great achievements.


    Subsequently, his thoughts turned to Professor Li standing before him.


    Since he, too, was a professor, could it be...


    Kael regarded Professor Li with sincere eyes and it all clicked into place.


    Presumably, Professor Li had taken a particular interest in him and might well accept him as a student once he enrolled.


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    Professor Li, meeting Kael''s gaze, smiled faintly and shot him a knowing look.


    Guan Borong, on the other hand, stared at the two of them in bewilderment.


    He darted his eyes between his teacher and Kael across the table.


    The two seemed to be engaged in a silent, meaningful exchange, and he opened his mouth, but no words emerged.


    "I''m eager to apply to Tiannan University!" Without further ado, Kael made his decision.


    "Excellent! Xiao Guan, fetch the contract!" Professor Li beamed with delight and promptly directed Guan Borong to retrieve the contract.


    Guan Borong produced a two - part agreement contract and handed it to Kael.


    Kael accepted it, perused the terms of the agreement meticulously, and upon finding no discrepancies, affixed his signature.


    "Marvelous! Kael, I''m eagerly anticipating our meeting at Tiannan University in two months!"


    Following this, the two visitors prepared to take their leave.


    Before departing, Kael exchanged contact information with them.


    ...


    After descending the stairs and exiting the community, Guan Borong swiveled his head to ensure there was no one in the vicinity.


    Then, he sidled up close to his teacher.


    He murmured softly, "Teacher, did you perhaps get a bit over - excited just now? Given your standing in the school, where on earth are you going to find a professor - level mentor for him?"


    "Teacher, if you possess such influential connections, could you first lend a hand in resolving my employment situation? I''m still a teaching assistant in the internship phase, and the school hasn''t yet offered me a permanent position!"


    "What nonsense are you spouting?" Professor Li delivered a light slap to the back of Guan Borong''s head.


    He heaved a sigh and said, "Didn''t I clearly state it was a private introduction? Moreover, it''s not stipulated in the contract. "


    "Besides, once I return to the school, I''ll make inquiries to see if any professor is willing. This still counts as an introduction, even if the professor ultimately declines. What more can I do?"


    "Teacher, you''re really resourceful! But what if Kael raises a ruckus later?" Guan Borong rubbed the back of his head and then gave his teacher an admiring thumbs - up.


    "What''s there to be concerned about? I''m a seasoned mage, after all. If he causes a commotion, I can always step in as his mentor if need be." Professor Li stood with his hands clasped behind his back, exuding an air of self - assurance.


    "Teacher, stop jesting. Kael has been addressing you as professor, but you''re only at the Silver rank!" Guan Borong chuckled.


    "You cheeky scoundrel, show some respect!"


    The dignified pose that Professor Li had just struck crumbled. He slapped Guan Borong on the back of the head once again.


    "I''ve reached the bottleneck of the Silver rank. I''m confident that a breakthrough is imminent. Once I do, I can directly assume the role of his mentor, thus fulfilling my promise."


    "What? Teacher, you''ve been saying that ever since I first became your disciple. It''s been years, and you''re still languishing at the Silver rank. "


    "Who knows when you''ll finally break through to the Gold rank?"


    "Hold your tongue! I told you to stop blabbering!..."


    "Ah, teacher, I''m sorry. I was wrong! You''re going to kill me! Stop hitting!"


    ...


    Back at home, Kael carefully stowed away the contract. This was an item of substantial value.


    One credit was roughly equivalent to one hundred thousand yuan.


    Calculating the benefits from Tiannan University, they amounted to a total of one hundred and fifty credits, which translated to a staggering fifteen million yuan.


    It was incredible how he had amassed such a large sum seemingly out of nowhere.


    Clearly, there was a vast chasm separating extraordinary professionals from ordinary folks.


    Nevertheless, there were still nearly two months until the commencement of the school term.


    It would be ideal if he could unearth some lucrative opportunities.


    Credits and money were distinct entities. From Kael''s current understanding, it was prudent to retain these credits.


    Exchanging credits for money was tantamount to trading high - value assets for inferior ones.


    However, his family''s financial situation was in dire need of improvement.


    His parents were still toiling away in the factory, working overtime daily, putting in more than twelve - hour shifts.


    While this might have been manageable when they were younger, now that they were in their forties, continued overwork would surely take a toll on their health.


    It was high time for him to shoulder some of the family''s burdens.


    The immediate priority was to seek out income - generating endeavors and capitalize on his status as an apprentice - level mage.


    After all, relying on meditation on Blue Star over the next two months would yield minimal gains in terms of strength.


    As for spells, he had already mastered the three spells in his spellbook.


    To enhance the casting speed and potency of these three spells, he could only rely on the passage of time and repeated casting to gradually accumulate proficiency.