After studying so many notes and manuscripts, Cici and Eric had gained significant improvements in their spellcasting. At the very least, they now understood how to manipulate lightning elements more precisely—maximizing destructive power with minimal mana and refining their casting techniques.
Of course, fully digesting everything they'd learned in the library would take time.
The tournament had ended some time ago, and Tyrone's routine remained the same: theory classes in the morning, sometimes practicing magic in the afternoon, and occasionally skipping lessons to research scrolls while guiding Tifa's cultivation.
By now, he could easily cast **Paralyzing Net**, a second-tier spell. Just as he'd guessed, as his mana grew, the level of spells he could cast increased significantly. But when the three members of the Lightning Class saw the **Paralyzing Net** Tyrone unleashed, they were left speechless.
The massive, crackling web of electricity was something even **Mentor Maria** couldn't replicate.
---
After the morning theory class, Maria looked at the three of them and said, **"No afternoon lessons today. Prepare yourselves—tomorrow marks the start of the annual evaluation."**
Cici and Eric immediately perked up with excitement. Tyrone, encountering this for the first time, asked, **"What exactly are we evaluating?"**
**"Basically, it's the academy's way of sending us out to gain experience while earning next year's tuition,"** Cici chimed in.
Maria nodded. **"The academy charges 100 gold per student annually—a deliberate decision by the headmaster. Many students come from poor backgrounds, and this system forces them to earn the tuition through their own efforts during evaluations and breaks. It ensures they gain real-world experience before graduation."**
Tyrone nodded, asking for more details. He soon understood the gist of the evaluation.
Students would form **class-based teams**, register as **mercenary groups** at Faelor City's **Adventurer Guild**, and compete to complete the most—and highest-quality—missions during the evaluation period.
There were no **direct rewards** from the academy, as completing guild missions already came with its own payouts. Still, this event was one of the students' **favorite activities** of the year.
After parting ways with the group, Tyrone wandered through Faelor City, spending **10 gold** on daily necessities before stashing them in his **spatial pouch** in a quiet corner.
*Having this treasure is amazing—no need to lug around a pile of supplies.*
Returning home, he informed **Uncle Oak** and **Tifa** that he'd be away for a while. Uncle Oak repeatedly urged him to stay safe, while Tifa gazed at him with pitiful eyes.
After dinner, Tyrone checked Tifa's progress as usual. The girl had been working tirelessly, cultivating day and night, and had already accumulated a small amount of elemental energy.
He decided that after returning from the evaluation, he'd take her to determine **which magic affinity suited her best.**
**"Master, how long will you be gone?"** Tifa clung to Tyrone's hand, leaning against him.
**"About a month or so."** The exact duration was unclear—Maria had only given a rough estimate.
**"What if Tifa misses you?"** Her large eyes blinked rapidly.
**"Focus on your training. If you make good progress by the time I return, I'll bring you a gift."**
**"Really?"** Instantly, her gloom vanished.
---
The next day, the group gathered at the academy. Maria led the team while Cici and Eric **forcefully stuffed** Tyrone's spatial pouch with spare clothes, snacks, and other supplies.
**"Are we going on a picnic or something?"** Tyrone protested. The pouch wasn't that big—after their relentless packing, it was nearly full.
**"Everyone ready? Let's move out!"** Maria smiled at the three.
**"Almost—just a few more things!"** Cici held a handful of melons, staring expectantly. With a sigh, Tyrone stuffed them in too.
Since they were heading to the Adventurer Guild to take on missions, they needed an official identity—a **mercenary group!**
The Lightning Class had already registered one two years ago: **"Lightning Hammer"!**
**"Who came up with this terrible name?"** Tyrone groaned. Cici immediately glared—no need to guess, the **"invincible little beauty"** was the culprit.
**"Tyrone, you'll need to register as a mercenary first before joining our group,"** Maria explained. **"For this evaluation, I'll only step in during extreme danger. Accepting and completing missions is entirely up to you. Cici and Eric know the rules, but since it's your first time, avoid missions that are too difficult."**
**"Got it."** Tyrone nodded.
---
The Faelor City branch of the **Adventurer Guild** was massive despite being just a subsidiary. The bustling hall was filled with all kinds of mercenaries and adventurers—some seeking teammates, others submitting completed missions, and a few posting new tasks.
Following Maria's guidance, Tyrone first underwent a **strength assessment**, paying **10 gold** to register as a **lowest-rank mercenary.**
Though he could now cast **beginner-level spells** and should've advanced to **Apprentice Mage**, he'd been too busy to visit the headmaster for a robe upgrade. So, he still wore the **black robes of a magic apprentice.**
After receiving his **lowest-rank mercenary emblem**, he followed Maria to another counter to complete the **"Lightning Hammer"** membership process.
Lightning Hammer was also a **lowest-rank** mercenary group. Guild rankings started at **Level 1**, increasing based on mission quantity and difficulty.
With only **eleven low-rank missions** completed and a **90% success rate**, Lightning Hammer's record was decent.
**"The Fire Class's group is already Level 3,"** Cici grumbled. **"If we hadn't been so short on members, we wouldn't be stuck at this rank."**
**"With Bro Tyrone this year, we'll level up for sure,"** Eric added.
**"I checked—we just need two more low-rank missions to advance. Let's do this!"** Maria flipped through Lightning Hammer's mission log.
**"We can't stay at the bottom anymore."** Cici shot Tyrone a determined look.
**Will Lightning Hammer rise in rank—or will their lack of experience hold them back?**