The Golem Mage Chapter 1122: Sad Farewells.

The grading of the students proceeded as the status quo after Alec achieved his objective and returned the remuneration he had acquired back to the attendant. Following this, only a select few managed to attain an A-rank assessment, and remarkably, all of them were squad commanders.

Concurrently, the majority of the second-in-commands were assigned either B or C ratings.

Lucas and Beatrice both secured B ratings. While the subordinate commanders were still undergoing their assessments and receiving B's and C's, those positioned lower on the list began to experience apprehension. They observed that even individuals possessing greater strength than themselves were scoring lower than anticipated.

However, for the appointed envoys, it was difficult to fathom the sheer abundance of gifted individuals within this cohort of mages hailing from the Five Kingdom Continent. Consequently, a significant number of envoys from alternative locales had already convened, awaiting the conclusion of all assessments.

Pale and Katie were awarded C and D ratings, respectively, while Sophia and Endrick both achieved C grades. This outcome came as a surprise to Pale; the realization that they shared the same grading as him was unexpected. Nevertheless, he attributed it to the fact that, ever since their association with Alec, they all seemed to have experienced a ludicrous surge in power.

Brandon and Arthur both received C ratings, while Agnes and Knight were assigned D ratings. Essentially, nearly all the mages from the fiftieth position downwards primarily received D grades and below.

In truth, Alec was not the sole recipient of an F-rank assessment; his case was merely the most conspicuous due to his prior ranking of third on the list. Even Liam, who had rejoiced at Alec’s presumed misfortune, ultimately received an F grade himself.

Ultimately, the assessment process was brought to a close, leaving only the designation of the regions that would accept them. The lords dispatched by each regional monarch began to approach those with the most promising grades, endeavoring to present counteroffers against whatever incentives the chief envoy, who had accompanied them, was proposing.

Amusingly, a substantial number of them accepted these alternative propositions. It was at this juncture that Alec fully comprehended he was not the only one harboring an unfavorable impression of that individual.

The demeanor they exhibited during their arrival, coupled with the fact that he had already shown favoritism even before their journey commenced, had already engendered a sense of dissatisfaction among many of the mages regarding their operational methods.

Thus, when presented with an opportunity to make a different choice, they all seized it. Not far away, Lucas approached Alec and presented him with a spatial ring.

Alec caught it in his right hand. Standing behind Lucas were Kaelus and Aeron Blade, awaiting his departure.

"I kept pondering how I could possibly repay you for all the times you placed your trust in me and assisted me on my journey here, but I simply could not conceive of any suitable methods. Therefore, I resolved to undertake this modest gesture for you."

"Although the reward I received was ostentatious and extravagant; I still possess several of the elixirs you provided, and they are not significantly inferior to the primary reward. Consequently, I elected to exchange my reward for corpses and am now entrusting them to you, believing they will prove more beneficial to you than to myself. I sincerely hope we may cross paths again in the future," Lucas stated, extending his hand towards Alec for a handshake.

Alec regarded him, a multitude of emotions swirling within him. He was acutely aware that Lucas was not the sort of individual inclined towards sentimental exchanges.

He was fundamentally a warrior, someone whose true eloquence manifested when his blade clashed against an opponent's.

"I perceive you have determined to remain allied with them," Alec remarked as he reciprocated the handshake.

"Indeed. We have identified a region that has pledged to grant us contiguous territories. This arrangement will enable us to provide mutual assistance, and though our personal relationship may not be intimate, Blades always look out for one another. Particularly now, in this unfamiliar environment, we must adhere to that tenet more rigorously than ever."

Upon absorbing Lucas's explanation, Alec simply offered a nod and then gently withdrew his hand before embracing him. He harbored a genuine reluctance to accept the spatial ring from Lucas. All he wished to convey was that Lucas possessed the capacity to acquire more resources independently, and that his actions were merely aimed at discovering a more expedited path to self-improvement. This was the underlying reason for his personal choices and the primary motivation for instructing his confidantes to do likewise: their proximity would facilitate the distribution of a portion of the spoils. However, he understood that Lucas had already finalized his exchange, rendering any reversal impossible.

Therefore, he accepted Lucas's benevolent gesture, unwilling to leave any unresolved sentiments lingering between them. Following this, the remainder of the squad—predominantly the male members—exchanged hearty bear hugs with Lucas, while the female contingent opted for brief embraces before he departed with his two clan associates.

Subsequently, Pale and Katie approached and informed him that, despite their strong desire to remain in close proximity to Alec, based on the prevailing information, the only regions receptive to an F-ranked mage were the border territories, commonly referred to as the wilderness. These areas were notoriously susceptible to frequent incursions by abyss lords and their formidable armies.

Pale had intended to accompany Katie, establishing a secure sanctuary in close proximity so they could watch over each other, much like Lucas planned for his clansmen. Upon hearing this, Alec bestowed his blessing upon them.

With those two departing, there was only one more individual he needed to consider: Beatrice Marionette, who seemed to have no one to align herself with.

She turned her cold gaze upon Alec.

“Are all of them accompanying you?” Beatrice inquired.

“Indeed, our collective plan is to present Alec with our lord tokens and consolidate our territories under him, allowing us to form a unified kingdom as swiftly as possible. We are content with being assigned titles for the time being,” Arthur clarified on this occasion.

“Based on our understanding, once an individual achieves the status of a human king on this continent, those appointed to serve under him naturally become lords overseeing various sectors of his domain, serving to maintain order. Therefore, we will exert all our efforts to expedite his ascension to that level.”

At this revelation, Beatrice nearly let out a delighted squeal.

“I wish to join as well, but you must pledge not to burden me with responsibilities. My sole desire is to live peacefully day by day and focus on my cultivation. Is this arrangement feasible?” Beatrice asked, prompting Alec to burst into laughter. Though she attempted to maintain a stoic expression, it was entirely ineffective against Alec, who found her demeanor utterly charming.

“Naturally, you may join under my purview. I give you my word, should anyone impose duties upon you, I shall not take it lightly. It will become my life’s mission to mete out punishment upon them,” Alec vowed, making a concerted effort to keep a straight face.

Beatrice, conversely, displayed a subtle smile beginning to surface on her lips. Despite her best efforts to conceal it, Alec had already caught sight of it.

While he and his retinue were still engaged in conversation, numerous emissaries from significantly wealthier and more prosperous regions arrived with the explicit intention of recruiting Arthur, Brandon, and the others. However, their collective response was unified—they would follow wherever Alec was headed.

As these envoys were unwilling to extend an invitation to Alec to join their regions, they departed. They preferred to pursue other high-caliber talents rather than permit a F-grade human of low standing to benefit from their highly compatible mana regions.

At that precise moment, a frail-looking elderly man, leaning on a staff, approached Alec.

“At last, the most significant figure among the F-grade mages. I have arrived to offer you the opportunity to become a powerful lord within the Wilderness Region,” the old man declared, baring his teeth as he fixed his gaze upon Alec.

The unadulterated joy etched on his countenance was evident; he appeared genuinely pleased that a mage like Alec had no refuge except for the wilderness.