The single line, “Hoyles’s apprentice Kai,” instantly caused a stir. The doctors and students who hadn’t paid attention to me before all turned to look.

Only then did everyone realize that Hoyles’s legendary apprentice—“Kai”—was also attending the lecture.

Countless curious, jealous, and resentful gazes shot toward me. A trace of worry appeared in Hoyles’s eyes at the sight of this scene. After all, I hadn’t studied this field growing up, and yet today’s lecture was precisely about it.

Just as Hoyles was about to speak up for me, I beat him to it.

“Who says I can’t?” I stood up and looked at Justus proudly.

Justus frowned. “Then please, go...