Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe - C.424 Mentorship

"Don't be so shocked," Professor Whitaker chuckled, finding Adam's reaction very amusing. "In fact, all graduate students, at some point, have to mentor undergraduate students."

"Really?" Adam asked with deep skepticism.

"Of course." The old professor nodded matter-of-factly. "It's been a tradition in Saratoga for centuries now. You see, us Rank 3 magi don't have enough time to be teaching every student that resides here."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "We can only allocate so much time to properly educate you graduate students. As for the Rank 1 undergraduate students, they are mostly taught by you lot."

Adam felt that this indeed made a lot of sense. It would be very inefficient for the Rank 3 magi at Saratoga to be teaching Rank 1 students when the same can be done by Rank 2 graduate students.

But still, he didn't feel good about this. Adam knew nothing about teaching. Moreover, he also felt that he wouldn't be a good teacher.

He glanced at the old professor and asked meekly, "Uh, what do I get out of this?"

"Must you always think about the benefits before deciding to do something?" Professor Whitaker spoke in an exasperated tone.

Adam made the most serious expression as he nodded. "Yes, this is the way."

Professor Whitaker's lips twitched incessantly. She really felt like beating this young man in front of him.

But in the end, she could only shake her head and sigh, "Magus Constantine, what did I say about returning to basics?"

Adam groaned in frustration, "But there are other ways to return to basics. I don't think I can be a good teacher to these kids. Plus, I'm sure they'll be very annoying."

Professor Whitaker spoke solemnly, "Teaching others is a powerful way to reinforce and deepen one's understanding of magic. By explaining concepts to these undergraduate students, you'll find that your own knowledge gradually solidified."

"Haa…" Adam sighed in a defeated manner.

He knew that the old professor was right. Still, he felt like he could find other ways around it. Just thinking of teaching those entitled little aristocrats made him feel slightly agitated.

"Another thing to take note of is that you will also be able to build connections," Professor Whitaker began.

"Saratoga Castle is one of the Four Pillars of the Empire. Naturally, the vast majority of the students who arrive here have a deep background. I'm sure you already know the importance of networking."

Hearing her speak, Adam was once again reminded of Berger. He couldn't help but smile a little. But the next moment, he thought of another important matter.

He looked the old professor in the eye and asked seriously, "Is there money to be made?"

Professor Whitaker immediately clenched her fists and growled at the youth, "Magus Constantine, never in my life have I raised my hand on a student. Please don't make me."

Adam shrunk back in his seat as he raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, Professor, I was just asking. No need to get mad."

"Hmph!" The old lady snorted and then prepared tea for herself. She needed something to calm down.

A few moments later, she added, "Although you won't be directly earning money, but participating in the mentorship program will make you eligible for research funding."

"Really?" Adam beamed, "Hahaha! You should have said this from the get-go!"

Professor Whitaker was flabbergasted by the youth's demeanor. She couldn't help but think to herself, This kid… he's such a money-grubber!

She added, "However, the research funding will depend on a lot of factors."

"Don't worry about it, Professor." Adam puffed his chest out proudly. "Under my tutelage, I will be sure to beat, I mean mold them into splendid magi."

The old professor suddenly felt very bad for the students whom Adam was about to teach. She couldn't help but warn, "You mustn't go overboard. As I've said before, these students of yours have deep backgrounds."

"Yes, yes, understood." Adam nodded confidently.

The next moment, Adam thought of something and asked solemnly, "By the way, Professor, there's something I'd like to ask."

"What is it?" Professor Whitaker asked as she poured tea into two cups.

Adam politely received his cup of tea and thanked her. He then asked, "Professor, will I be able to find any books on rune magic in the Grand Library?"

"Rune Magic?" Professor Whitaker asked with slight surprise. She lifted the porcelain teacup and took a sip before asking, "Why the sudden interest?"

Adam shrugged. "I've always been fascinated by it. I thought I'd read up on some of the arcane textbooks regarding it and expand my knowledge."

The old professor smiled, "I'm glad that you're constantly seeking arcane knowledge."

However, the next moment, she shook her head. "But I'm afraid you won't find any books on the subject matter within the castle walls."

Adam was astonished. "Even Saratoga doesn't have information on rune magic?! How can that be?"

"Let me ask you something." Professor Whitaker placed the teacup on the table. "Have you come across any guilds related to this profession?"

Adam was about to speak but suddenly found that he couldn't find the words.

That's right! There wasn't any runesmith's guild in Ravenfell, and even when I visited Acryon a few months back, I couldn't find one there.

He looked at the old professor with a surprised look. "How come there aren't any guilds related to runesmiths here? Could it be that there isn't any in the entirety of Ulier Continent?"

"Not just Ulier but there isn't one even in Europa, Indus, Yen-Lu, and Nahua," said the old professor.

She paused for a moment and continued, "You see, rune magic is a very esoteric form of art. Only a select few magi in this world have access to this type of knowledge.

"Furthermore, mastery over rune magic is incredibly rare, and those who have such knowledge are either disinclined to teach it or have been lost over time.

"Saratoga simply doesn't have the resources or qualified instructors to teach rune magic, and therefore, it doesn't have books on the subject."

Adam's expression turned solemn as he ruminated over the old professor's words. He started stroking his chin deep in thought, At least the Herbalist's Guild had one book related to rune magic, albeit that knowledge was strictly for potion brewing.

Ah, what a conundrum! Now that even Saratoga doesn't have access to rune magic, I have no other option left.

I guess I'll have to contact the Brotherhood's handler soon…

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