?Chapter 1227:


    Good thing he’d had the sense to ask Christina earlier if she was still epting new students.


    He took a deep breath, slowly calming down. A smug little smile crept onto his face.


    These three old men had no idea they were about to be seriously disappointed.


    The more he thought about it, the better he felt.


    Christina stepped forward, frowning slightly, her voice calm but firm. “Sorry, everyone,” she said. “I’m only taking Magnus as my student. That’s it. No one else.”


    She paused, then added, “I’m happy to offer some advice here and there, but if you’re really looking for a mentor, maybe consider bing his students instead.”


    Magnus felt like he was glowing. He stood a little taller, chest puffed out like a proud rooster.


    He thought this was karma for the way these people had disrespected her earlier.


    The crowd looked around at each other, the disappointment on their faces like a mirror—they all saw the same regret. Why hadn’t they approached Christina earlier? They could have been her students too.


    Now they’d missed their chance, and they were kicking themselves for it.


    Magnus grinned wider. “I’m not taking on anyone either,” he said, clearly enjoying himself. “I’ve already chosen my student.”


    He’d made that decision a long time ago and had every intention of passing on everything he knew to his student.


    Some folks had still been holding out hope—maybe if they couldn’t study under Christina, they could settle for Magnus.


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    But that door was shut too.


    “Alright, everyone, you can straighten up now,” Christina said.


    Most of the group slowly straightened, though clearly disappointed about it.


    But the three elders were still bowing, stubborn as ever.


    “Miss Jones… did we offend you somehow?” one of them asked, sounding genuinely apologetic. “Is that why you won’t take us as your students?”


    “We were blind before,” another added quickly. “Please don’t hold it against us. We know better now.”


    “Take me as your student, Miss Jones,” the third said earnestly. “I’ll do whatever you ask—help you with anything you need.”


    They were convinced their earlier words had rubbed Christina the wrong way.


    Why else would she take in Magnus but not them? It couldn’t be because they weren’t qualified—they were just as capable.


    But Christina just shook her head. “It’s not like that,” she said, her voice calm. “When I choose a student, I look for a certain connection… something that just feels right. And with you, I don’t feel that.”


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