Mage Manual-Chapter 1421 - 1038: Pitiful Man

"Are you here specifically to visit Sword Flower University?"

Adelle and the others naturally were willing to help the young man named ’Xiu’ enter Sword Flower University. From his name, it was clear that he didn’t have a particularly distinguished background. Names like ’Xiu’, ’Linda’, and ’Mary’ were often used by parents with limited education, common among the lower class to the point of being ubiquitous. But precisely because they were so common, they were used more frequently—noble parents expect their children to become unique stars, while lower-class parents often just hope their children can live like most others, free of illness and calamity, leading ordinary lives.

After thanking them, Xiu nodded and smiled, "Yes, she used to often talk to us about Sword Flower University. It’s her favorite environment... I’ve always wanted to see the place where she lived."

"It’s actually not that interesting."

Adelle shrugged, "The academic buildings, libraries, training grounds, and sports fields are just like those of other universities, nothing special, far less impressive than Truth University. The only noteworthy thing here is the frequent sight of luxury cars."

"She said the same thing." Xiu laughed, "But taking a walk around the campus with her was quite nice. It was also her first time seeing Sword Flower University under the snow."

"Indeed." Ingrid nodded, "I noticed when I was jogging, that East Lake had frozen over, and there were students ice skating on it."

"Ice skating!" Adelle’s eyes lit up but then quickly moved closer to Xiu, "Forget it, other than going to the bathroom, I’m not leaving my bed again..."

Somehow, it felt quite warm next to Xiu; perhaps it was the heat from the thermos filled with milk tea.

When they reached the campus crossroads, Lois noticed that Xiu was heading in the same direction as they were. She glanced at him warily, "Which way are you going?"

"To Dormitory 21 in the girls’ dorm."

"That’s the same as us!" Adelle’s eyes brightened, "Could it be that your girlfriend is someone I know?!"

After all, they were just strangers who met by chance. Although Adelle was a bit curious to gossip, she also knew that rashly inquiring about a stranger’s romantic life was too abrupt. A gentle reminder was already hard to resist. After all, this was reality, not the unrestrained online world, and Adelle had to maintain the image of a composed and dignified university belle.

If it were someone she knew, it would be different. A university belle caring about a friend’s love life was entirely reasonable and could even count as a commendable deed in the semester’s comprehensive quality evaluation!

"Maybe." Xiu shrugged, frost falling onto his hair, "She’s a very lively person."

"But I know exactly who’s in a relationship in Dormitory 21 and even who they’re dating." Adelle pondered, "Especially long-distance relationships like yours, which is quite unique, but I’ve never heard of anyone maintaining a long-distance romance for nearly a year..."

"That’s because she never mentioned it." Xiu smiled, "She probably never brought me up to anyone."

Adelle exchanged glances with her roommates, and Lois suddenly asked, "Where are you from?"

"From a faraway place, I bet you haven’t heard of it."

"So are you a Two-winged Mage? Or a One-winged Mage?"

Xiu smiled and shook his head, indicating that he was neither. Ingrid also sensed something and asked, "Have you been to college? What do you do for work now?"

Xiu seemed a little embarrassed, "I’ve never received formal Mage education, nor do I have a job... I currently rely on selling things to make ends meet."

Now they all could confirm it, this man... was definitely the humble party in the relationship.

They had no idea about the woman’s situation, but at least if she was attending Sword Flower University, she was sure to become a Mage.

Only Mages have a chance to become Nobles of Dazzling Star; no matter how intelligent and hardworking ordinary people are, at most, they could become senior officials, and after their death, perhaps posthumously granted the title of ’Sword Knight’. The gap between Mages and ordinary people is even greater than between nobles and commoners.

The fastest way for ordinary people to join the noble class is to become a Mage and choose a noble marriage. Nobles must ensure there are enough Mage members within their family to maintain their titles; otherwise, they can’t pass the Noble House’s audit, and to increase members, the only way is through marriage.

Therefore, although the noble system has faced increasing criticism in recent years, most people are still quite satisfied with the status quo: class mobility among the Nobles of Dazzling Star is always smooth. People with abilities are sure to access resources, and those without capabilities are quickly kicked out; there’s no situation of the incompetent occupying high positions.

The only thing worth criticizing is that the upper class has more educational resources, while those from lower backgrounds can only rely on online education for self-study. However, at least on the surface, the Kingdom of Stars allows anyone willing to work hard to find a way forward.

In short, the woman is destined to become a Mage Noble in the future, while Xiu is just a regular young man from a remote area; their conditions don’t match at all. Although Mage education does not limit age, without laying a solid foundation and learning habits during childhood, advancing magic to the Silver Realm after adulthood is difficult.

But this is strange, too. If Xiu’s conditions are so poor, why would the woman be willing to date him? Is he handsome? Or does he have some impressive strengths?

Lois thought of something and asked, "Xiu, have you... financially supported your girlfriend?"

Xiu blinked and hesitated for a moment, "I wouldn’t call it support... but some assets were originally shared with us, and sometimes when she wants to buy new Technique Spirits or new Miracles and I don’t have anything I need to spend money on, naturally it goes out to her. Actually, it’s not much money, and I don’t mind it."