decided to respond.
“Well, it has its charm. The enthusiasm is palpable, and I can see the effort behind each character,” he said thoughtfully. “However, the narrative feels a bit disjointed at times. The passion shines through, but it could benefit from clearer structure.”
“That’s true,” Jossie nodded, looking somewhat relieved. “The author does have potential, but they need more experience to refine their writing.”
As they discussed the book, Dakota’s mind drifted to the ongoing experiment. He glanced toward the “Reaper’s Casket”, still waiting patiently.
“Any updates from inside?” Jossie asked, breaking his train of thought.
“Not yet,” Dakota replied. “But I trust Nai Nai to handle it.”
A comfortable silence settled between them as they both waited.
Suddenly, a sound came from the “Reaper’s Casket.” Dakota and Jossie exchanged glances, their anticipation growing.
“Looks like we’re about to find out,” Dakota said, leaning forward slightly.
After a few tense moments, the lid of the casket began to creak open, revealing Nai Nai, calm and composed.
“How did it go?” Dakota asked, eager to get the results.
Nai Nai took a deep breath, a smug smile on her face. “Exceedingly well. I managed to successfully absorb the Underworld Fire. It feels… powerful.”
Dakota released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, a grin spreading across his face. “Great job, Nai Nai. I knew you could do it.”
With the experiment concluded successfully, the trio began to share their experiences and thoughts, the earlier tension dissipating into excitement for the future.
的影响。
“不过在此之前，我们还是需要确保这次实验没有什么未知的问题。”达克心中想着，向奈奈和乔茜示意。
奈奈随后向他眨了眨眼，显得有些调皮。“达克，你是不是有点紧张？我可是全新的我哦！”
“新的你也是要小心。”达克稍微松了一口气，但对于未来的实验还是有些担忧。“这次实验虽成功，但我们不能掉以轻心，尤其是在接下来的过程中。”
乔茜也点头赞同，显得很认真。“是的，安全第一，我们必须得确保一切都在控制之中。”
“嗯，休息一下准备接下来的实验吧。”达克试着让气氛轻松一些，虽然心里还是抱着一丝不安。
几人各自整理思绪，等待着接下来的计划，期间沉默而又期待的气氛在小屋内蔓延开来。
而“死神棺”的形象也变得逐渐温和，与奈奈的互动让现场的紧张气氛缓解了很多。达克由衷希望，接下来的实验能再创辉煌，让他们真正走出“冥界之火”的阴影。
让她忙于夜宵。
于是，达克决定明天的聚餐就在教师宿舍解决，今天便算作最后的放松。
回到宿舍后，达克将今天的事情和他的想法整理了一遍，确保一切都已准备就绪。他觉得，明天将会是一个新的开始，也将迎来新的姐妹。他满心期待着接下来的变化。
夜深了，达克闭上眼睛，准备迎接明天的到来。
也想过这个可能性，所以并不着急。”
“那就好。”达克微微一笑，“我们先去美食街享受一下吧。”
于是，达克、欧若拉、奈奈和乔茜一同带着两位新来的女仆，向美食街走去。街道上熙熙攘攘，色香味俱全的小吃摊位吸引着他们的注意。
“这里的食物真不错，听说有很多独特的菜式。”奈奈兴奋地说。
“我也听说过，尤其是那些甜点。”欧若拉附和道，眼里闪烁着期待的光芒。
“我倒是更喜欢咸味的食物。”达克微笑着回应，心中想着能够和朋友们度过愉快的一天。
他们来到一家热闹的餐馆，入座后开始点餐。蕾西始终面无表情，但是在听到美食的名字时，她的眼神微微有了变化，似乎对食物有了些兴趣。
格瑞丝则显得温柔和善，与周围人打招呼，隐约给人一种安心的感觉。
“你们都有什么推荐的菜？”达克问道。
几位女仆开始纷纷推荐各自最爱的美食，气氛愈发活跃。美食街的独特魅力，伴随着笑声与聊天，让人感受到温暖的友谊。
正当他们享用美味的同时，外面又开始下起轻柔的细雨。雨声轻轻敲打着窗户，仿佛在为这个愉快的聚会伴奏。
“没想到这样的天气还挺合适的。”达克笑着说道。
大家都觉得这是一种奇妙的体验，而在此刻，彼此的心也变得更加紧密。
午餐后，他们打算去看看其他的店铺，享受这一天的余韵。无论怎样，大家的友情都在这个冬季的日子里，显得格外温暖。
Trina, the head maid, told me everything and instructed me to follow the young master’s orders.”
Dark said, “Then let’s head to the canteen first.”
……
It’s said that the dining table is the easiest place to bridge distances between people, but Dark felt nothing of the sort at the moment.
He had reserved a private room in the Waltz Music Restaurant in advance, so as soon as he arrived, he went straight into the room.
Inside the private room was a very spacious round table.
Dark sat down at the main seat, and Victoria immediately slid onto his right side, while Aurora sat a bit more reservedly on the other side of Victoria, beside Phoenix.
On Dark’s left side sat Eve, followed by Nene and Jossie.
As for the newcomers, they all sat across from Dark!
Not to mention the clearly anti-social Reisy, Dark was completely taken aback that Grace had also isolated herself, sitting alone across from him.
Reisy was consistent and taciturn.
Grace, charming and gentle, should have been articulate, yet spoke very little, only answering when Dark asked her something.
But Dark wasn’t hosting a Q&A session, and it was impossible to keep asking questions.
In any case, these two clearly had problems!
Looking back, the first pair of newcomers, Nene and Jossie, were truly easy to get along with, as if they were specifically sent to cooperate with the experiment.
In contrast, the second pair, Reisy and Grace, felt more like they were being rushed in to receive the results—just as Grace had said, they were there to receive treatment!
Reisy was a “task fanatic” and a “task expert,” but since undergoing the “Underworld Fire,” things had not been going well for her. Whether it was challenges or reproductive urges, she felt utterly lost.
Grace had a special physical constitution, and if not treated soon, her impulses would likely explode.
Thus, she intentionally kept her distance from the young master to avoid triggering those impulses.
Compared to Reisy, Grace’s issues seemed somewhat more severe.
Therefore, after understanding the situation, Dark decided that the “Reaper’s Casket” should first completely extract the “Underworld Fire” within her, and then he would address Reisy.
All in all, during this meal, Dark managed to deepen his relationship with Nene and Jossie.
After the meal, they returned to the shop, but it was not open for business; instead, everyone entered the inner room, where Eve used “Connectivity Technique” to connect with Irina and began the projection.
As Alvaraite and the others appeared on the wall, Dark finally opened the conversation.
For the first half hour, he spoke almost exclusively with Alvaraite, discussing events happening in the academy and outside of it.
Of course, he didn’t mention the “Brain Fluid Demon” incident this time.
Partly because the academy required confidentiality, and partly because there was no need to bring it up.
Saying it out loud would only add unnecessary worry.
Once the mother-son conversation concluded, it was finally time for Nene and Jossie’s reporting session.
“Scorpion” Claire and “Lion” Trina were both present.
Nene and Jossie shared their experiences in the academy but did not mention the investigations just yet, focusing mainly on the details of the experiment.
As the two finished reporting, the people in the Duke’s Mansion finally gained a very detailed understanding of how Dark planned to eliminate the “Underworld Fire.”
When the topic of the return date came up, Nene suddenly suggested, “Don’t you think the academy needs a guide?”
Her superior, Claire, remained silent.
Alvaraite, however, asked with great interest, “What kind of guide?”
Nene replied earnestly, “Using the ‘Reaper’s Casket’ to extract the ‘Underworld Fire’ doesn’t require the young master to personally participate. However, our coming and going as maids will exhaust the young master’s energy.
I personally believe this would waste the young master’s time and adversely affect his studies. We must avoid this!”
Alvaraite was very pleased with her perspective and nodded repeatedly.
A hint of pride appeared in Nene’s eyes as she continued, “In summary, I believe we need to establish a fixed guide within the academy, specifically responsible for directing the coming and going of maid sisters.
If we can form a fixed route, then there won’t be a need for the young master to intervene personally. As long as we follow the designated route, we can help our sisters extract the ‘Underworld Fire.’ This way, not only will it save the young master’s time, but it will also improve efficiency. It’s a win-win situation!”
“That makes sense,” Alvaraite complimented, “So, do you want to be that guide?”
In Alvaraite’s view, while Nene might have some schemes, if she was a loyal minister, her cunningness could actually be a point in her favor.
Since Nene proposed the establishment of a guide, it seemed she wanted to stay at the academy.
As for the reasons, Alvaraite felt there was no need to guess.
But she quickly realized she had miscalculated.
Nene actually shook her head, saying, “The work of the guide might be a bit tedious, so it would be better to choose someone who can endure loneliness. During their free time, the guide can also double as a shop assistant. Having two people means there’s no need to find students for temporary work or drag someone else in.”
Nene did not specify who should be substituted.
However, this was essentially a two-choice proposition.
Now, among those familiar with the experimental steps, only she and Jossie remained suitable for the guide role.
If the Duke approved her suggestion, Jossie would naturally be allowed to stay.
“Then let’s have Jossie try,” Alvaraite said, looking at Jossie with an inquisitive gaze.
Jossie did not say anything, nor did she do anything, and just like that became a candidate for the “guide.”
She widened her eyes at Nene, looking confused.
Nene turned her back and winked at her.
Jossie was suddenly at a loss; her brain wasn’t turning that quickly: “I need to think…”
But at that moment, Trina, “the Lion,” who was standing behind Alvaraite, suddenly asked, “Jossie, do you want to stay by the young master’s side?”
This question was far more difficult to answer than the previous ones!
Jossie’s face flushed, and she squeezed out a voice like a mosquito: “I do want to…”
But as soon as she said this, the gazes of the others in attendance landed on her like a barrage!
Aurora suddenly realized that her future rivals were likely far more numerous than she had imagined…
Jossie stood like an ironclad warrior on the battlefield, still standing tall despite the onslaught of attention.
Without waiting for her to respond, Trina directly made the decision: “Then you’ll temporarily stay at the academy as the head of the ‘Netherfire Plan.’ Understood?”
Jossie instinctively aligned her feet, slapped her hands to her sides in a militaristic stance, and replied, “Understood!”
“Very good,” Trina smiled with satisfaction.
“Then it’s settled,” Alvaraite confirmed.
This matter was decided just like that!
Nene felt quite proud; if the projection had not been ongoing, she would have certainly taken credit on the spot.
But she was clearly too happy too soon.
“Scorpion” Claire suddenly said, “Nene, I don’t think you need to come back. Having just one head is likely to lead to oversight, so two are necessary. What do you think?”
Nene awkwardly turned her neck, her gaze shifting to her superior.
Claire’s expression showed no change.
But Nene could clearly sense that she was getting angry!
However, Claire’s points were valid.
Having just one person was insufficient; at least two were required for better coordination.
……
But that had nothing to do with it.
Faced with Claire’s sharp gaze, Nene knew she was left with only one path to take!
She awkwardly said, “It sounds like, perhaps, that’s indeed the case…”
Thus, the so-called “Head of the Netherfire Plan” transformed from one person into two.
Jossie was very pleased about Nene’s retention.
Alvaraite thought she could be useful, and having one more person beside Dark would certainly lighten his burden.
As for Dark himself, he wouldn’t object to this arrangement.
In fact, among those present, except for Nene herself, no one had any objections to this decision.
Only Nene’s wounded world was thus completed!
……
The subsequent “video conference” continued.
But their discussion topic had shifted from the “Underworld Fire” to the two Golems.
Victoria and Phoenix were tense, bearing the Duke’s concern.
That little bit of care from the young master was somewhat more than the two Golems could bear.
They were just ordinary Golems; how could they be as multi-talented as the young master??
……
This “video conference” ended with familial-like reminders, and both Victoria and Phoenix fully felt the warmth of parental concern.
Another person who experienced the same level of care—Aurora—stood before them as a model, leaving them unable to say even a word of “How could it be done?”
Because the young master’s academic requirements, both of these girls had met!
……
“Well, good night, darling,” Alvaraite waved her hand at Dark and vanished from the projection.
After Dark responded with a good night, he lowered his hand, looking at Nene with interest: “Looks like you won’t need to pack your bags, Nene.”
“Ha, young master,” Nene said sadly, “It seems that Nene will have to trouble you more.”
“It’s me who is troubling you,” Dark smiled, “The head of the ‘Netherfire Plan,’ is that what it’s called? From now on, the experiment arrangements for Reisy and Grace will be entrusted to you and Jossie as heads. I’ll have the ‘Reaper’s Casket’ follow your guidance.”
Nene couldn’t help but take a deep breath and sighed, “No problem.”
Jossie, on the other hand, was happily lost in her own thoughts.
As for being tasked with Reisy and Grace, she had no objections whatsoever.
Of course, under the current circumstances, they had no right to voice any objections.
……
That night, Reisy and Grace were guided by Nene and Jossie to check into the teacher’s dormitory left behind by Claire.
Fortunately, the teacher’s dormitory at Saint Maryann Academy was spacious enough that even with two more people, it didn’t feel cramped.
Dark also lent out the “Reaper’s Casket,” allowing Reisy and Grace to experience the “sleeping in a coffin” sensation in turn.
After confirming that neither of them had any repulsive reactions to it, Dark arranged for Grace to go through the experiment first, followed by Reisy.
This way, it would take about three days to complete Grace’s treatment.
Then Nene and Jossie could arrange for her to leave the academy and bring in a new arrival.
In any case, with these two maids coordinating, Dark could indeed save a lot of trouble.
And not having to deal with new maids every week significantly reduced his mental strain.
Reisy and Grace were both quite the handful.
Who knows what difficult characters would be sent in the next week?
The maids nurtured in the Duke’s Mansion were definitely not puppets stripped of their independent thoughts.
They had their own personalities and enjoyed relative freedom.
Nene and Jossie might truly be one in a hundred when it came to being easy to get along with…
Regardless, the “Netherfire Plan” officially began today!
It was foreseeable that with the dual effects of the “Underworld Fire” and the “Reaper’s Casket,” the Duke’s Mansion would produce batches of powerful beings capable of magical warfare.
What Dark needed to do afterward might just be to lend out the “Reaper’s Casket” and, at the last moment of extracting the “Underworld Fire,” use “Arrogance I” to help them regain their senses.
That was quite easy.
……
At 10:30 PM, after some thought, Dark extracted two points from “Arrogance,” raising its reserves from 4 to 6.
The next day, the first class in December began.
After attending two classes, Dark was just about to head to the canteen with Diana and Rose when the Selection Card suddenly trembled.
He had no choice but to change course and head to the office of the first-year mathematics professor—Lars Melnor.
With the end of the first semester approaching, while Saint Maryann Academy would not set assessment projects for the first semester, a major project would basically be issued.
And as a teaching assistant for the first-year mathematics class, he was going to shine!
……
[The reward for continued updates will be recalculated tomorrow.]
[Additionally, congratulations to the rookie author “Underneath” for leading all authors in Heimiya with a huge advantage, winning the Heimiya 2021 annual first prize. Currently, I recommend the work “The Villain Only Wants To Live a Buddhist Life,” which is now on a 10% discount. Orz]
