Chapter 180

Chapter 180: Classroom in the Woods

Though these water currents seemed small, both knew that if they hit a stone, they could easily carve out a smooth surface. If they hit a newcomer, it might result in serious injury or even death.

Even though they were chasing rapidly, time was running short. The distance of several hundred meters seemed to pass in an instant. The splashing water turned into droplets, flying forward like invisible bullets.

Concentrate—

A clear voice rang out, and a white circular shield appeared on the lake outside the dining hall. The shield was translucent, adorned with lotus inscriptions, emitting a faint white light. This should be a natural ability of some extraordinary rank.

Tiny water droplets struck the shield, making slight sounds. The shield surface trembled slightly, and ripples of light spread out, blocking most of the water droplets.

However, due to the hasty activation, the shield wasn’t large enough. Some edges were left unprotected. Other nearby walls were hit directly, creating small pits. Some of the water droplets near the lake couldn’t be blocked and flew toward Lolan Hill’s table.

A gentle breeze rose, and the water droplets vanished.

Letis slowly put down her fan, finally catching her breath. She was surprised at how quickly she had reacted and managed to avert danger.

Other girls and neighboring students cheered and thanked her. The scene became noisy. Some students remarked on the dangers of Emanas, while others looked at the two people across the table with admiration, and some continued eating without concern.

The teacher who led them slowly lowered the lotus round shield on the lake. It seemed she was an Angel Sequence extraordinary being, which explained her protective spells.

“Even senior students shouldn’t be so careless. Even daily sparring should take place in designated areas,” she said unhappily to the staff of the Fortress Academy, mentioning she would report this to the Sage Council and deduct points from the academy.

This made some of the staff anxious. The academy’s rating not only affected honor but also their salaries. In their urgency, they contacted mentors on campus to find a solution.

Soon, the teachers brought the two students over. Although they were top fifth-year students, they were somewhat submissive before the domineering mentor, as they were in the wrong.

After some discussion, the leading teacher calmed down. The final decision was that they wouldn’t report to the academy. Instead, the two seniors would apologize to the freshmen and assist in teaching swordsmanship for a month.

Perhaps outsiders found it odd for students to teach other students, but in fact, the top students at Emanas might surpass many mentors in certain areas. These two students, though not yet graduated, already had Sequence 6 abilities, making them formidable swordsmen.

Ignoring the two seniors writing self-criticism, the other freshmen, led by the teacher, toured the Fortress first.

The tranquil fortress, like a deep castle, had numerous facilities. Stone staircases twisted and turned, connecting rooms. Occasionally, one could see the peaceful lake through windows along the passages. Compared to the High Tower Academy’s harshness and the Bridgehead Academy’s war fortresses, this place was more suitable for living.

“Do you know? There are rumored secret passages under the Fortress Academy that lead directly to the bottom of the Silent Moon Lake,” a student mentioned, recounting a tale from elders.

“I’ve heard that too. They say if you enter those passages, you can never return.”

Several girls began whispering.

“Could it be that there are monsters in the lake?”

“It’s hard to say. The Silent Moon Lake is very deep, never completely dried up. People who swam down there found the water extremely cold, possibly colder than ice.”

“Why do you always know such strange legends? My two brothers graduated from Emanas, but I never heard them mention this,” a boy puzzled.

“I guess your brothers graduated from the Bridgehead Academy; it’s mostly boys there.”

“No, one of my cousins is a Magic Sequence.”

“Probably someone who stays in the house all day, studying without going out much.”

As they toured and talked, the freshmen gradually got to know each other, sometimes jokingly asking about names and hobbies.

After visiting the lakeside castle, the teacher led the students to the forest nearby, where there were more buildings of the academy, including classrooms and dormitories.

The forest was lush, and wooden buildings appeared among the fallen leaves.

“Lolan, come here! The scenery is so beautiful,” Alena called, holding Nia’s hand and beckoning Lolan Hill over.

Lolan Hill entered the wooden classroom. The room was not tall, about five meters high, with visible wooden textures on the ceiling. Despite frequent cleaning, dust could still be seen in the gaps between dark brown wooden boards, suggesting the classroom was quite old.

The classroom was filled with wooden desks and chairs. The corners of the desks were worn smooth, and the color had darkened. Large windows on the sides opened upward, offering views of the forest.

In early spring, wind chimes stood outside the windows, their branches laden with flowers. Some flowers were close enough that reaching out a hand could touch the branches.

Upon closer inspection, one could see spider webs between the branches and dust accumulated from raindrops on the leaves.

Yet, none of this detracted from its beauty. The bright yellow flowers dotted the branches, with golden crowns and funnel-shaped petals, giving the view outside a vibrant yellow hue. Even the classroom seemed infused with a light yellow tint, becoming more lively.

“How splendid,” some students quietly admired.

“Maybe we should join the Fortress Academy,” Lily suggested excitedly.

“It does seem nice,” several girls agreed.

Thus, the freshmen toured the mountain forest. Besides the teachers’ and students’ houses, there was a treehouse-style restaurant. Some wild game dishes were delicious, but since they had eaten a lot already, they could only buy a little more.

As evening approached, Lolan Hill and her classmates boarded the return magic car under the teacher’s guidance.

The scenery outside gradually darkened, except for the purple twilight in the west. After a day of fun, many freshmen felt tired, and the chatter diminished.

Lolan Hill watched the passing scenery, occasionally moving her body and shifting the sleeping Night Spirit on her knees. This little girl, only 14 years old, was probably the youngest in the class. It was hard to imagine how her parents let her come to school.

Night Spirit’s white pigtails slid onto the floor occasionally as the magic car moved. Lolan Hill picked them up again, tucking the ends behind Night Spirit’s ears to prevent them from falling again.

“Lolan is like an older sister,” Bumansa’s voice came from behind.

“No, I don’t think so,” Lolan Hill replied, looking back at the smiling Bumansa.

“Bumansa is more like an older sister.”

Not only did she say this, but Lolan Hill also believed it. Bumansa indeed had a friendly older sister vibe, taking care of everyone around her and enjoying baking.

That afternoon, the gentle breeze Letis summoned couldn’t stop the water droplets. Bumansa secretly intervened, turning the attack into nothingness, and didn’t reveal it to avoid embarrassing Letis.

(End of Chapter)