Chapter 35 - Five - I am sorry, you are how old? (2/2)

”H-how o-o-old,” Leon's throat was suddenly feeling dry and he struggled to finish the sentence.

”How old should the applicants be?” Pike finished for him and he nodded that this was what he meant. ”Well, we usually take new students between 15 to 20 years of age; some study in sects or under private tutors before coming to us hence the range in age. Why do you ask?”

Leon had glanced up at Jin Li, but hearing the upper range felt disheartened. Although he had never enquiries, surely Jin Li was older than this. Jin Li tutted and leaned down to say with all seriousness. ”I am seventeen years old.”

Leon blinked a few times. ”W-what?” Surely there was no way Jin Li was his junior in age, he must have heard him incorrectly!

I said...” Jin Li began to repeat his words.

”Who's this?” Pike asked Leon.

”M-m-my friend, J-Jin Li,” Leon told him.

”Oh, he is looking to apply to the institute?” Pike asked.

”No,” Jin Li said firmly, but Leon managed to squeak out a slightly louder affirmative, causing Jin Li to glare at him once more. ”I don't need to.”

”It's a g-g-good i-idea,” Leon pressed him. ”B-b-better f-facilities.” Jin Li narrowed his eyes, but did not continue to deny or confirm his application.

Pike looked slightly confused regarding the interaction between the two, but thought it better not to question it. ”Why don't I take you to speak with one of the Teacher's now,” he suggested. ”It doesn't hurt to apply. You won't necessarily be assigned to any school within the institute anyway.”

Jin Li suddenly felt as if this boy was mocking him. Not get into what school? They would all beg for him to attend to their schools. ”Fine,” he agreed.