Heaven's Greatest Professor

Chapter 54  Arcane Society Badge

"Of course, I'm merely joking," Warden laughed, but June didn't share in his amusement. "While fear does bring obedience, respect is far more effective."

"Are you truly serious about this?" June gave him a level look.

"Yes," Warden replied.

"And you're telling me all this because you need a letter of recommendation from me?" June asked, understanding the situation.

"You've read my mind," he affirmed.

June narrowed her eyes, deep in thought for a moment. "I'm probably going to regret this," she mumbled, retrieving paper and pen from her spatial cube. She began drafting the letter of recommendation right there. "My reputation is at stake; don't embarrass me too much."

"Are you for real?" Warden couldn't believe it would be this simple.

"I believe this is for the best," she said, "as long as you maintain a professional demeanour while on duty."

"Thank you," Warden managed to say, suppressing his usual sarcastic response.

"You'll also need an Arcane Society badge," June mentioned. "I would have taken you to the Administrator's office myself if I weren't otherwise occupied."

"I can assist with that," Jason interjected.

"That would be perfect," June agreed, turning to him again. "You appear to have recently advanced to iron rank, so the absence of a badge shouldn't be an issue for you. Just take the test since you don't have a provisional badge."

"Hey, can I access the records to find anything about my... old record?" Warden inquired. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"The records are not available to common rankers," June explained. "Besides, you need the badge by tomorrow. They don't typically issue badges at such short notice, but I think Jason can assist you with that, right?"

They looked to Jason.

"It won't be a problem," he assured.

"That settles it," June declared. "However, if, by some misfortune, you don't acquire the badge by tomorrow, you can still attend the interview."

With that, she handed him the letter and stood to leave. She paused momentarily, as if to remind him, "You have my contact card. Don't lose it and only contact me when absolutely necessary."

Warden watched as she disappeared from view.

"Brother, are you secretly an heir to some great house?" Jason asked.

Warden shrugged. "Why do you ask?"

"Professor June is notoriously reserved; her world revolves around her work," he said. "She seldom offers anyone as much attention as she has given you. You must be a lucky fellow."

Warden shrugged again. "Perhaps I've made an impression on her."

Jason gave him a knowing look.

"I'm aware she's out of my league," Warden admitted, "but my mother always told me to aim for the stars."

A look of distress crossed Warden's face as he was suddenly reminded of his past. He scowled, frustrated. Despite his efforts, he could recall nothing more about his mother.

"Warden, are you alright?"

"Yes," he replied, standing. "Let's head to the administrator's office."

*** Warden would have had to wait in a queue for hours if not for Jason, who somehow used his brilliant and youthful face to bypass that. Warden simply thought Jason to be some normal noble with a hero complex, but it turned out his background was more grandiose than he had imagined. Unable to contain his curiosity, he asked the young noble.

"My father holds a high position here," Jason replied, skirting around the real answer.

Warden didn't press further, as it was clear Jason was uncomfortable with divulging more.

"Come on, let's head in for your test," Jason said, leading him into the inner facility.

On the way there, Jason explained the test. It was primarily a measure of the strength and potential of the ranker. The result of the test would determine the rank of his badge. Being of iron rank, Warden would receive an iron badge, but there were two additional distinctions: stars and grade. Stars were awarded based on the ranker's reputation, while the grade—ranging from F to S—indicated potential. Naturally, higher stars and grades offered some perks, which Jason didn't fail to mention, encouraging Warden to give his best.

Given that Warden had no reputation, he wouldn't receive any stars. Therefore, he aimed to achieve the highest possible grade.

"What grade is your badge?" Warden asked.

"Mine is three stars and a B grade," Jason replied with pride. "Of course, I haven't checked in for months, so it might be upgraded."

The inner facility was a vast hall, where a few individuals were already undergoing their tests. The tests varied, including assessments of raw power, speed, dexterity, weapon mastery, and other skills necessary for becoming a ranker.

"First up is the raw strength," Jason announced as a woman in a pristine suit approached them.

She adjusted her glasses and led them to a massive barrier on the wall. A young girl wielding a machete was already taking the test. She lunged at the metal barrier and swung her blade, emitting a bright yellow light.

Protective and measurement spells activated on the barrier instantly, absorbing her attack without leaving a mark.

A holographic display appeared in front of her, showing only a single letter. [D-].

"Che," the girl spat on the ground as the woman sent her to the next test. She turned to Warden and said. "Give it your best shot." Warden drew his blade and opened the palace of toil. Void energy churned through his channel as inky dark purple smoke misted out of the blade, which made the two spectators frown up. Without further ado, he swung the blade on the barrier. More protective script lightened up as the blade connected. It was more than double compared to the girl, even though Warden hadn't used his all. A moment later, the result came in. [C]

Warden scowled. Looks like these tests were harder than he imagined. "C?" Jason said. "That's pretty good. If you do well in the next tests, you might get a Grade-B badge." They were ready to leave for the next test, but Warden didn't move. "Can I take another shot?"

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