Andrew was in the office of Director Magus, who was briefing him on extraordinary talents detected among the lower classes. One of these young individuals, after undergoing magical affinity tests, had demonstrated a Delta level—a rarity even among the nobility.

  In the kingdom, all humans can channel mana, but efficiency and growth rate depend on lineage, diet, and training. Most people barely level up over the years, while the older nobles and elite bloodlines, like the Douglases, progress far faster thanks to advanced techniques, superior resources, and high-level monster flesh.

  For that reason, discovering a Delta among commoners was a strategic breakthrough for the academy, whose purpose had always been to identify and train individuals with exceptional abilities to strengthen the royal family's army. Such a find stirred significant excitement among the nobles, as a talent like this was considered a strategic treasure.

  By comparison, talents like Sofia The Mondring, who possessed an Omega level, represented near-absolute mastery, capable of overpowering any opponent in strength and endurance. Had she not already been promised to the Douglas heir at that time, the king would have wanted her as his queen, securing an extraordinarily powerful lineage. An Omega, in essence, was almost a living legend.

  "Very well, Magnus," Andrew said firmly, "I want to meet this young talent."

  "Of course, my lord. He is in the E-class buildings," Magnus replied respectfully.

  "Is he really that inferior?" Andrew asked, curiosity tinting his tone.

  "Yes, my lord," Magnus confirmed. "He is a commoner, so we must guide him from the lowest ranks. His potential is enormous, but his education and training will determine his future. Despite his lack of instruction, he possesses the mana of a level twenty warrior and a Delta-grade magical affinity with the air element. That means each air spell he casts consumes far less mana than normal. With proper training, he could rival elite mages."

  "Very well," Andrew responded. "That will make it easier to shape him to our needs. Turning him into a loyal servant of the kingdom will be straightforward if properly trained."

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  Magnus led Andrew to the area where the students were housed. From a distance, the prince could see the 124 buildings accommodating 1,690 students, as well as the imposing central building where the most advanced classes were held.

  "Here, in classroom 1-38E, is Asher," Magnus explained. "The young talent with Delta-level magical affinity. His abilities are extraordinary. Even with full resources, reaching levels like his is practically impossible; his affinity makes him unique."

  Andrew nodded, understanding that this was not simply a matter of training any student, but guiding a talent who, if properly instructed, could shift the balance of power in the kingdom.

  "Shall I call him out now?" Magnus asked.

  "No, let's greet the entire class first, then we'll summon him," Andrew replied.

  Andrew walked through the classroom, greeting all 43 cadet-level students, who responded with measured and respectful honors. After the greetings, Asher was called into the faculty room.

  "You must be wondering why you're here," Andrew began.

  "Yes, sir. Have I done something wrong?" Asher asked, visibly nervous.

  "No, calm yourself," Andrew said with a reassuring gesture. "I want to make you an offer. Would you like to become a squire of the royal family?"

  "Sir, could you repeat that?" Asher replied, clearly bewildered.

  "Do you want to serve the royal family?" Andrew clarified.

  "I am not worthy, sir, but if given the chance, I swear my eternal loyalty," Asher responded, bowing humbly.

  "Good. I like your attitude, and most importantly, your talent. I'm willing to help you, but you'll have to give it your all. As a servant of the royal family, you cannot dishonor our name, and you must work harder than your peers," Andrew explained.

  "Yes, sir. I am ready to give everything. I've always dreamed of becoming a knight of the royal guard, and I will not waste this opportunity," Asher declared, determination shining in his eyes.

  Back in the Class A area, Andrew turned to Magnus with a firm voice.

  "Who is the instructor for the group where Asher is placed?" he asked.

  "Sir Knight Francisco, of the Lord class," Magnus replied.

  "Assign him to Cristian," Andrew ordered. "He's from the Magister class. I want him to supervise my new servant and provide all the necessary resources for him to rise in rank as quickly as possible. Train him carefully; he must become a high-ranking servant of the Erkhan family."

  "It's likely the other students will envy him or even harass him," Magnus warned, a hint of concern in his voice.

  "Tell Cristian to handle that," Andrew replied firmly. "We do not care what the others think. Once he becomes a servant of the royal family, he must be treated as such. Not all of us are equal, and that is one of the academy's purposes: to teach each student to understand their position," he concluded, exuding the authority of a prince accustomed to having his orders followed.