Chapter 885: Our People from Saint Maryan Are Warm and Hospitable, Part 6k
Looking at Professor Shylph who walked to the center of the stage, Dark’s doubts within his heart gradually increased.
According to the scheduled events, it should have been Principal Cynthia Saint Altair, who had returned from outside, stepping up to host now.
Although she might be exhausted from her journey, given Principal Altair’s character, if she had arrived at the academy, there was no way she would miss such an event.
“Could it be that something unexpected happened on the way?”
Dark couldn’t help but ponder.
However, when he talked with her in her office this morning, everything seemed normal, and Professor Shylph did not reveal any abnormalities.
This meant that if there were indeed unexpected circumstances, they likely occurred during the day.
“What exactly happened…”
Dark looked at the stage, trying to read something from Professor Shylph’s face.
But Professor Shylph remained as stern as usual, maintaining her composure perfectly without giving anything away.
In fact, there had been no public announcement about Principal Altair’s return today, so her taking over the hosting role did not raise suspicion among others.
—Professor Shylph started speaking right after stepping up, showing no intention of changing the person in charge.
“Principal Altair is actually late!” Diana covered her mouth, somewhat surprised.
Dark quickly said, “She might have some matters preventing her from coming. A welcoming ceremony for exchange students, having Professor Shylph host it should be enough.”
Diana turned her eyes, shifting the topic proactively, “I wonder which academy the exchange students will be assigned to?”
This topic was clearly more interesting to the students.
While Principal Altair spoke on stage, the students below tried to lower their voices, but still whispered among themselves.
A few impolite students even pointed at the exchange students.
As for Archbishop Caleb Norris, who led the exchange students in, he had long taken his seat in the faculty section—sitting next to the amiable Professor Steven Harvey.
“Even though I dislike him, the ‘Saint Son’ should be assigned to our academy, right?”
Tudor, sitting across the long table, leaned over and muttered quietly.
The boy next to him raised his hand and said, “Isn’t that perfect? It’d be best if the senior student beside him gets assigned to another academy.”
Pistons said, “What do we have to fear? The Noble Academy is our territory. We can do whatever we want with him once he’s there.”
Tudor frowned and worried, “But he has already made contact with President Edwin.”
Pistons responded, “President Edwin wouldn’t side with outsiders, would he?”
Tudor whispered, “But he will uphold justice, won’t he?”
“Justice?” Pistons frowned, “We just want to have friendly exchanges. Once he’s placed in the Noble Academy, we’ll be classmates, and we can spar with each other. What’s wrong with that?”
Tudor glanced toward Dark and said, “That’s true.”
Pistons added, “Moreover, it’s a paid exchange! Evan Pearson just arrived here; he must be short on credits. We pay 100 credits for each exchange session. Maybe he’s quite willing?”
The boys discussed excitedly in hushed tones.
Dark occasionally glanced at them but spent most of his time watching the stage.
After finishing her formulaic welcome speech, Professor Shylph turned to Archbishop Caleb Norris and said, “Next, let us invite the Honorary President of the Secret Rite Academy of the Saints, Mr. Caleb Norris, to speak.”
Despite being the Chief Archbishop of the Church of the Saints, Caleb Norris came as an honorary president.
He stepped onto the stage, naturally exuding a pure and holy aura that made people feel affectionate towards him.
Caleb Norris was well-versed in these “speech segments.” With a kind and gentle tone, he spoke in a way that was soothing and captivating—so much so that people couldn’t help but be drawn in, even forgetting what he specifically said.
“I sincerely hope that this one-month exchange learning session will mark the beginning of friendship between our two academies.”
With those words, Caleb Norris gracefully left the stage.
Professor Shylph returned to the stage and addressed the students below, “Let us wish for our friendship to last forever. Now, let’s begin the house assignment ceremony. First, on behalf of the students and professors of Saint Maryann Academy, I warmly welcome the four exchange students.”
As soon as she finished speaking, she clapped her hands.
The students below initially did not clap, but seeing Professor Shylph clap repeatedly, they followed suit.
“Papapa!”
For a moment, the hall was filled with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The four exchange students, prompted by Archbishop Caleb Norris, walked up to the stage one by one.
The applause gradually died down, and the exchange students were divided into pairs, standing on either side behind Professor Shylph.
Professor Shylph said, “I believe everyone present already knows the identities of the four exchange students. The two standing to my left are second-year student Evan Pearson and fifth-year student Tommy Smith, while the ones to my right are first-year students Audrey Jeane and Jesse Louise.”
She turned slightly, allowing the four to step forward, then said, “Tommy Smith and Jesse Louise are here as the [Guardian Knights] of Evan Pearson and Audrey Jeane. But since you’re here, you are students of Saint Maryann Academy. During this month, I hope you will regard yourselves as students and engage in mutual exchange and learning with our seniors. Who will go first for the house assignment ceremony?”
The three students excluding Audrey Jeane exchanged glances involuntarily.
Then, Evan Pearson’s Guardian Knight—Tommy Smith stepped out and said, “Professor Shylph, I will go first.”
Professor Shylph nodded slightly and said, “Can you introduce yourself briefly?”
“Of course, esteemed professor,” Tommy Smith placed his hand on his abdomen, bowed slightly, and then straightened up. “I am Tommy Smith, a fifth-year student at the Secret Rite Academy of the Saints, Holy Knights Academy. Since fourth year, I have been selected by the [Saint Son] as his guardian knight, which is a great honor. Even after graduation, I hope to join the ranks of the [Saint Son]’s protectors and continue to safeguard him.”
As soon as he finished speaking, a sudden booing erupted from the audience below.
He abruptly looked up, trying to find the source of the booing, but found nothing.
Instead, the students below were also startled by this sudden booing, looking around frantically.
Of course, they found nothing.
“It seems someone strongly dislikes the statement made by this guardian knight,” Dark slightly furrowed his brow and asked Tudor opposite him, “Tudor, do you know Smith?”
Tudor answered subconsciously, “There seems to be a Smith among the nobles in the capital.”
Dark guessed, “Could it be that Smith?”
Tudor said, “The Smith family is quite populous. It’s hard to say.”
Dark said, “The Secret Rite Academy of the Saints has always had a donation admission system, so it admits a certain number of nobles every year. Of course, I’m not saying that Tommy Smith entered through this method. But he is very likely a noble’s child, and now he openly declares his desire to join the Church after graduation… Is he renouncing his right to inherit the noble title?”
Tudor said, “He could be a non-heir. But regardless, such behavior is indeed unpopular.”
Dark nodded, “So it’s normal for him to be disliked.”
Tudor suddenly frowned and said, “But in that case, isn’t there a possibility that he might be assigned to the Noble Academy? If he ends up with Evan Pearson…”
…
On the stage.
After Tommy Smith finished his introduction, Professor Shylph extended her hand, and a gentle breeze descended, transforming into a magic card. The back of the card depicted a crown, a spear, a mana book, and the Tarot card [Fool], while the front remained blank.
Tommy Smith narrowed his eyes and asked, “Professor Shylph, what is this
Is it just the Sorting Card?
The Sorting Card of Saint Maryann Academy was well-known.
Graduates from Saint Maryann Academy, although they could not use most of the functions of the Sorting Card outside the academy, still treated it as a mana card for summoning familiars.
At the same time, the Sorting Card was also a student identification for Saint Maryann Academy, symbolizing one’s status.
Professor Shylph nodded and said, “This is the Sorting Card. It will allocate you to the most suitable academy based on your personal traits.”
Tommy Smith took the Sorting Card and examined it carefully.
Professor Shylph continued, “Cover the Sorting Card with your left palm and inject mana while thinking about what you like, want, dream of, or aspire to. The Sorting Card will guide you.”
Tommy Smith naturally closed his eyes, injected mana, and quietly pondered.
As expected of a fifth-year student, Tommy Smith quickly infused his thoughts into the card.
To an outsider, he had just closed his eyes when the Sorting Card in his palm suddenly emitted dazzling white light.
“Raise the Sorting Card to show the result,” Professor Shylph quickly instructed.
Tommy Smith raised the Sorting Card in his hand.
“Bang!”
From the Sorting Card, fireworks-like light points shot out.
These light points converged in the air and formed a massive knight’s spear!
The Sorting Card shouted, “Tommy Smith, Knight Academy!”
…
“Knight Academy, huh?”
Dark felt slightly surprised.
Tudor and others sitting opposite him visibly relaxed.
Although they knew that the strength of Saint Son Evan Pearson was probably not weaker than Tommy Smith’s, they still felt extra caution towards him due to his seniority.
This was likely the psychological pressure brought by the student attribute, which was hard to avoid.
Now that Tommy Smith unexpectedly got allocated to the Knight Academy, they were no longer worried about being obstructed by him in classrooms and towers—assuming Evan Pearson indeed got allocated to the Noble Academy!
Thinking of this, Tudor and the others immediately looked up at the stage.
…
“Well done, Smith! You will surely become the best holy knight!”
A voice rang out, and Tommy Smith abruptly turned around, only to see Saint Maiden Audrey Jeane’s guardian knight, Jesse Louise.
As for the Saint Son he had pledged loyalty to, there was no reaction at all.
“Sorry, Your Holiness,” Tommy Smith whispered, stepping back to stand beside Evan Pearson.
Before coming here, they had speculated about the sorting results, believing that Evan Pearson would most likely be allocated to the Noble Academy.
Now that Tommy Smith was allocated to the Knight Academy, it almost guaranteed their separation.
He apologized for this.
However, Evan Pearson didn’t care where he was allocated.
“Professor Shylph, am I next?” Evan Pearson stepped forward half a step and said.
Professor Shylph said, “Introduce yourself briefly.”
Evan Pearson faced the students below and said coldly yet elegantly, “I am Evan Pearson, the current Saint Son of the Church of the Saints, studying at the Secret Rite Academy of the Saints, Saint Son Academy, second year.”
The appearance and demeanor of the Saint Son were now displayed before everyone.
El’ Pearson glanced coldly at the students below and said to Professor Shylph, “Shall we start?”
Professor Shylph waved her hand, and another blank Sorting Card appeared in her palm. She handed it to Evan Pearson, “Do you know how to use it?”
Evan Pearson replied, “Of course.”
Then he stared at the Sorting Card and directly injected mana.
On the face of the Sorting Card, a crown, a lance, and a mana book appeared in sequence, finally… stopping at a golden crown representing nobility!
“Bang!”
Another burst of fireworks shot into the sky, forming a giant crown with golden light points.
The Sorting Card shouted, “El’ Pearson, Noble Academy!”
“Indeed?” Evan Pearson put away the Sorting Card, his face showing no surprise.
It seemed natural that he was allocated to the Noble Academy.
Below the stage, in the Noble Academy area.
Edwin Clarissa played with a silver goblet, smiling faintly.
The senior students of the Noble Academy surrounding him also seemed thoughtful.
In the second-year area, Tudor and others showed excitement.
Pistons immediately proposed, “How about we have a welcome party for our Saint Son at the Noble Academy after tonight’s sorting ceremony?”
A smile crept across Tudor’s lips as he muttered, “There is?”
Pistons proudly said, “Of course.”
Tudor mysteriously added, “Then we’ll gather at your room.”
Pistons blinked and said, “I can’t wait.”
Dark, seeing them so secretive, couldn’t help but ask, “What are you talking about?”
Tudor suddenly shivered and turned back, “Are you free to attend the welcome party tonight?”
Dark shook his head, “I have something else afterward.”
Tudor immediately patted his chest and said, “Leave it to us! We will definitely treat Pearson well!”
Dark smiled and turned to look at the stage.
Following Saint Son Evan Pearson, Saint Maiden Audrey Jeane also stepped forward.
She addressed the students below, saying only one sentence, “Audrey Jeane, first year.”
After confirming they hadn’t misheard, the first-year students became excited.
It couldn’t be denied that males and females received inherently different treatment.
The students of Saint Maryann Academy accepted Saint Maiden much more warmly than Saint Son.
Even among the first-year students, many were genuinely happy.
Of course, there were also those who were excited for other reasons.
“I never thought Saint Maiden would be a first-year like us. What do you think, Angie?”
Anna leaned against Angie, smugly.
The two little princesses’ eyes seemed to be burning with flames.
But nearby, Joie touched his forehead and muttered, “It might not be the Noble Academy, so why get excited now?”
Joie Demon’s prediction came true.
After Saint Son was allocated to the Noble Academy, students subconsciously expecting Saint Maiden to be allocated there were shocked to discover that the fireworks gathered into a mysterious mana book!
The Sorting Card suddenly shouted, “Audrey Jeane, Mana Academy!”
Audrey Jeane couldn’t help but curl her lips upward when she saw the mana book pattern on the Sorting Card.
She was very satisfied with this outcome.
…
“It’s my turn!”
Saint Maiden’s guardian knight took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Out of a sense of responsibility as a guardian, Jesse Louise naturally hoped to be allocated to the Mana Academy, but with Tommy Smith’s case in mind, she couldn’t expect too much and could only silently pray to the Saints.
If the Saints truly responded to believers’ prayers, there would be no organizations other than the Church of the Saints in this world.
Fortunately, Jesse Louise wasn’t a believer of the Saints, so she wasn’t disappointed by not receiving a response.
—She was allocated to the Fool’s Academy!
…
“An unexpected coincidence,” Professor Shylph summarized the sorting ceremony.
“Evan Pearson was allocated to the Noble Academy, Tommy Smith to the Knight Academy, Audrey Jeane to the Mana Academy, and Jesse Louise to the Fool’s Academy.”
“Starting today, the four exchange students will be students of the four academies. I hope that within the next month, both the exchange students and our academy students can learn valuable things from each other.”
Based on this foundation, let us grow together.
“The sorting ceremony ends here. Next, we welcome the exchange students… No, let’s welcome the four new students! Let’s welcome them to join us!”
“Lastly, I hope that Viviene Alvende, Justin Wayne, and Betty Murray from the Secret Rite Academy of the Saints can also return with full hands.”
The students enthusiastically welcomed the exchange students with applause.
Then, Professor Shylph took out a series of magical cards, waved them slightly towards the audience, and instantly filled all the tables with exquisite delicacies.
Amidst the more enthusiastic cheers from the students, Professor Shylph said to the four exchange students, “Go to your respective houses.”
…
So, the four exchange students walked down from the stage and headed towards the four long tables.
They had prepared for tonight’s events earlier and were aware of the distribution of each house.
Tommy Smith first sat in the fifth-year area of the Knight Academy, receiving warm hospitality from the male students of the fifth year.
Jesse Louise was also warmly welcomed by the fourth-year girls of the Fool’s Academy. The girls pulled her down to sit and enthusiastically asked about the matters concerning the Saint Maiden.
However, the two Guardian Knights could not help but watch over their respective “masters” with concern.
Audrey Jeane walked into the aisle between the Mana Academy and the Knight Academy, and then… suddenly stopped at the second-year area.
And she faced the direction of the Knight Academy.
Her gaze locked onto Emma’s face, clearly asking, “Why are you in the Knight Academy?”
Emma impatiently lowered her head, pretending not to recognize the Saint Maiden.
Evan Pearson strode confidently toward the seat of the second-year Noble Academy.
He had locked onto Dark’s position.
Therefore, he quickly reached behind Dark and politely asked, “Excuse me, may I sit next to you?”
“No!” Diana said discontentedly before Dark even opened his mouth.
She looked at the Saint Son as if he were an idiot, her round eyes seemingly saying, “Can’t you see?”
On the other side, Tudor suppressed his laughter, stood up, and said, “If you don’t mind, Saint Son, you can sit here.”
As he moved the chair, a new one appeared right there, making it seem like it popped out of nowhere.
At this point, Evan Pearson found it impossible to refuse.
He had to suppress his dissatisfaction and made his way around to sit between Tudor and Pistons.
To be honest, it was a bit cramped.
But the Saint Son always maintained his aloofness and elegance.
Tudor warmly said, “Hello, I’m Teddy Tudor. We will be classmates from now on. You can ask me anything you need or don’t understand. After all, I am the class leader of the second-year Noble Academy.”
“Class leader?” Evan Pearson frowned slightly, “Does that mean the top student? Why not Dark Demon?”
“Not at all,” Tudor said without embarrassment, “The class leader is just someone who does the hard work in each grade. So, you don’t have to worry; just ask me if you need anything. We have specially prepared an internal welcome party for you tonight. You must attend. People from Saint Maryann are always hospitable!”
“Yes, yes.” Pistons squeezed in from the other side, looking simple-minded, “Can we call you Pearson? Are students from the Secret Rite Academy as hospitable as us? Will our Hero’s Child be bullied?”
“Hero’s Child?” Evan Pearson’s frown deepened.
…
…
[Sent]
[Although sent, still working through the night.]
Chapter 886
As the greatest rival on the path of the Hero, Evan Pearson found it difficult to develop any goodwill towards Wit Gold.
But when it came to whether Wit would be bullied in the Secret Rite Academy?
Evan Pearson couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.
The Secret Rite Academy was not as casual as Saint Maryann Academy.
Even if the Hero’s Child was admitted temporarily as an exchange student, they would still have to undergo baptism.
Only those who displayed outstanding talent during the baptism would be eligible to be assigned to the Saint Son or Saint Maiden House.
As for those with poor talent and low status, they would only end up in the Holy Knights Academy — yes, Evan Pearson truly looked down upon the students of the Holy Knights Academy.
Thus, he did not consider Tommy Smith as his equal.
“If it’s the Hero’s Child, they should be assigned to the Saint Son House, right?”
Under Tudor and Pistons’ warm reception, Evan Pearson’s expression remained cold as he said, “Students of the Saint Son House are very disciplined.”
“That’s great!” Pistons winked at Tudor and began to engage him in conversation.
Of course, they were originally very interested in various pieces of information about the Secret Rite Academy, such as whether the girls in the Saint Maiden House were as pure and beautiful as the Saint Maiden herself.
But Evan Pearson never considered matters of romance. In this aspect, he was truly a naive and innocent guinea pig.
Therefore, when Pistons and company eagerly inquired about the Saint Maiden House, he found himself struggling to handle the situation.
Especially in this situation, he could not order them to shut up as he did in the Secret Rite Academy. Instead, he was forced to endure their crude remarks.
In his heart, he despised the fact that despite being a place of nobility and elegance, everyone here seemed as vulgar as the students of the Holy Knights Academy.
… That was because most students of the Holy Knights Academy in the Secret Rite Academy were also from noble families…
Evan Pearson put on a thick “mask” and did his best to maintain his “elegance,” “composure,” and “broad-mindedness” in front of everyone.
…
Across from him.
The noble, composed, and broad-minded Dark Demon was sharing the food in his plate with the girls beside him.
Dark didn’t pay much attention to Evan Pearson.
Since Evan Pearson was indeed assigned alone to the Noble Academy, he would find it harder to act secretly for the next month.
As for what he needed to do publicly, Dark wasn’t particularly interested.
Compared to that, things were more complicated with Audrey Jeane.
Because he hadn’t left any pawns under his control in the first-year Mana Academy.
Originally, there were three points of interest in the first-year Mana Academy.
The first was Cecilia Doyle, who was close to Eralganie.
The second was the dark elf girl Viviane Alvende.
The third was his little cousin, Jon Demon.
Now adding Saint Maiden Audrey Jeane, that makes four.
“Perhaps it’s time to strengthen my bond with Jon…”
Dark thought, glancing naturally toward the first-year Mana Academy area.
Audrey Jeane had already taken her seat.
The one who came forward to welcome her was none other than Cecilia Doyle, a descendant of a sage.
His little cousin, whom he placed high hopes on, didn’t even look at the Saint Maiden!
As for Viviane Alvende, it was clear that she was deliberately avoiding contact with the Saint Maiden.
Viviane belonged to a dark elf family that had once allied with demons during wartime, and thus had a grudge against the Church.
— Even without this grudge, people from the Church wouldn’t treat dark elves well.
There was an irreconcilable conflict between them.
Under these circumstances, Viviane, who would have been the most suitable person to interact with Audrey Jeane, was immediately ruled out. From the start, Dark never considered using her.
But if it were Jon, due to gender factors, it might be somewhat difficult.
But there was no choice; if there were difficulties, he had to face them head-on!
On the other side, the fifth-year student Tommy Smith from the Knight Academy was already in a tight spot.
The president of the 【Sports Club】, Sherlock Holmes, and the vice-president, Hank Willard, had him sandwiched between them.
Sherlock Holmes and Hank Willard were both burly men with arms thicker than their thighs. Although Tommy Smith was assigned to the Knight Academy, he was tall and slender.
From behind, the three of them formed a “hot dog” shape.
Tommy Smith was that sausage…
Even if the distance was too far to hear clearly, Dak could guess with his toes that the president and vice-president of the 【Sports Club】 were surely trying to persuade Tommy Smith to join their club.
If Tommy Smith joined the 【Sports Club】, wouldn’t the president and vice-president be able to manipulate him however they wanted?
Training, intense training!
Just thinking about Hank Willard being punished for late-night training made Dak feel sympathetic towards Tommy Smith.
Don’t be fooled, Holy Knight!
…
Evan Pearson probably hadn’t realized that his 【Guardian Knight】 was on the brink of a cliff.
Even if he did realize it, he probably wouldn’t care.
In his mind, there were plenty of 【Guardian Knights】 like Tommy Smith to spare.
…
At this moment, Audrey Jeane’s 【Guardian Knight】 was thriving in the fourth-year Fool’s Academy.
The students of the Fool’s Academy weren’t particularly interested in the disputes between the two academies.
They were having ordinary conversations with Jesse Louise.
Jesse Louise’s social skills were quite high, handling the situation with ease.
Unlike Tommy Smith’s side, the fourth-year Fool’s Academy would definitely not be able to hold back Jesse Louise’s pace.
…
After observing around, Dak got a good sense of the situation.
Then he started eating, filling his stomach appropriately.
There was still a long night ahead.
…
Half an hour later.
The students gradually stopped eating, and melodious music began to play on stage.
Some brave students were already starting to invite the 【Saint Maiden】 or 【Saint Son】 to dance.
But all the invitations were rejected.
To ensure the purity of the 【Saint Son】 and 【Saint Maiden】, the Secret Rite Academy set up the Saint Son’s Chamber exclusively for boys and the Saint Maiden’s Chamber exclusively for girls, so naturally, they wouldn’t allow any interactions between genders.
Of course, the Holy Knights Academy didn’t have such strict rules.
Thus, the two 【Guardian Knights】 might actually accept the invitations.
However, both Tommy Smith and Jesse Louise unequivocally refused.
Most students only invited politely, and after being rejected, they didn’t get angry but turned to dance with other classmates.
Due to the presence of professors, the atmosphere of the ball remained harmonious.
A little while later, the professors at the teacher’s table began to leave one by one.
The atmosphere in the hall became slightly restless.
Dak observed and noticed that many students wanted to teach these exchange students a lesson.
But when he thought about what happened yesterday, this seemed quite normal.
In most people’s eyes, these four exchange students had immediately clashed with the students of Saint Maryann Academy upon arrival.
Audrey Jeane and Emma’s “verbal duel” was tolerable.
But Evan Pearson and Wit Gold’s “physical duel” greatly damaged the reputation of Saint Maryann Academy.
Moreover, in that duel, Wit Gold, representing Saint Maryann Academy, lost.
Therefore, students with strong loyalty to the academy naturally wanted to regain their honor.
Especially the students from the Noble Academy and Knight Academy were particularly concerned about this.
With Edwin Clarissa holding down the Noble Academy, no one in the Knight Academy could suppress the agitated students.
But the senior students in the Knight Academy couldn’t bully the juniors, so they targeted Tommy Smith!
Once all the professors left the hall, someone might throw a white glove at Tommy Smith right away.
But could they wait until all the professors left?
Didn’t the professors think of the same things?
Dak couldn’t help looking toward the teacher’s table.
More than half of the professors were still enjoying the atmosphere of the ball.
Among them, the most prominent figure was Archbishop Caleb Norris, who wasn’t even a professor.
This also made Professor Steven Harvey, who sat next to Archbishop Norris, stand out.
— How could he not stand out?
A chief archbishop of the Church of the Saints and a veteran necromancer, sitting side by side and chatting happily, how could they not stand out?
Judging from their current appearance, it was impossible to tell that they had quarreled before.
They seemed like old friends who had known each other for decades.
Anyway, they were sitting motionless, showing no intention of leaving.
…
And if they didn’t leave, the drama in the hall would be hard to play out.
Dak thought this, suddenly feeling a stir, and the 【Blessing of the Wind Elemental】 in his ear peeked out.
“Are they meeting so early?”
A hint of confusion flashed in Dak’s eyes.
The meeting of the 【Mana Serpent】 was originally scheduled after the banquet, which was at nine o’clock tonight.
But it was only eight o’clock now, and there was still almost an hour before the banquet ended.
Moreover, Professor Steven Harvey showed no intention of leaving either.
“Could it be for something else? Principal Altair?”
Dak quickly pondered, and his gaze suddenly met Aurora’s, who then pointed to her ear afterward.
Dak immediately knew that Aurora had received a notification as well.
He lowered his head and whispered to Diana and Rose, “Get ready, we’re leaving.”
“Huh?” Diana looked up, her lips smeared with cream.
Dak helplessly pulled out a wet tissue folded into a flower shape from his glass and wiped her mouth dry.
“Mmm, wait.” Diana suddenly bent her head, swallowing the remaining cake in one bite, then gulped down the rest of the juice in the cup. She then wiped her hands and stood up, saying, “Let’s go, let’s go.”
Leaving the ball early wasn’t unusual; some people had already left early.
But when Dallon saw the three of them stand up, he instinctively asked, “Dak, where are you going?”
Dak said, “To a club.”
Dallon: “Oh.”
Dak smiled at him and walked out the door with Diana and Rose.
On the other side, Aurora had already stood up.
By the time they left the hall, Evan Pearson suddenly asked, “What club is he in?”
Due to the gap in time, Dallon took a while to understand whom he was asking about and immediately replied, “The Magical Animal Club, why?”
Evan Pearson frowned, “Magical Animal Club? Does your academy even have such a club?”
Dallon laughed, “Dak’s club is a bit special. You’ll know once you’ve been here longer. So, how about we have a few drinks tonight?”
Evan Pearson calmly replied, “I don’t drink.”
Dallon quickly added, “Not alcohol, just juice. We can continue after returning to the tower. By the way, have you arranged your dorms yet?”
Evan Pearson said, “I think there should be arrangements, but our luggage is still in the temporary guest rooms.”
Dallon enthusiastically offered, “Why didn’t you say so earlier? Once the ball ends, we’ll go help you get it.”
Evan Pearson thanked him, “Thank you.”
Everything seemed harmonious.
…
At the entrance of the hall.
Dak waited for a while and saw Aurora push the door open.
After Wit left, the remaining students in the 【Mana Serpent】 were only a few.
However, neither Diana nor Rose had received any notifications; they were brought along by Dak.
After all, although Diana and Rose were considered members of the 【Mana Serpent】, they were only ranked ninth, on par with the 【Mana Spirit】.
They two
, originally, they were not qualified to attend this meeting.
However, Dark intended to groom them for higher ranks and pulled them along.
“Is Aurora also going?” Diana saw Aurora come out and asked innocently.
Aurora replied, “Professor Shylph informed me about the meeting.”
Diana abruptly turned her head toward Dark, surprised, “Meeting?”
“It’s an organized meeting,” Rose poked Diana’s head and interjected.
Dark nodded, “Let’s go. There might be other surprises tonight.”
Diana asked, “Where are we going?”
Dark said, “The lab.”
…
Not long after, the four of them arrived at the hidden lab behind the teachers’ dormitory.
Upon entering the lab, they found that all the professors except Professor Harvey had arrived.
“Professor Harvey will probably be responsible for watching over Archbishop Norris.”
As Dark’s gaze shifted, he suddenly noticed one more person in the crowd.
“Chris?”
…
In the pure white and clean laboratory, there was only a long table for meetings and corresponding chairs.
Including Dark and others, there were fourteen people in total, all seated.
Eralganie, Sister Carrian, Olivia, and Eve were also among them.
Dark initially wanted to sit in any chair, but Professor Shylph pulled out the main seat and patted its back.
Dark hesitated slightly but eventually walked over and sat on the main seat.
On his left,依次是Kazel professor, Eralganie, Professor Lily, Eve, Aurora, Diana, and Rose.
On his right,依次是Professor Shylph, Professor Jones, Professor Metia, Sister Carrian, and Ophelia.
Directly opposite him sat 【Scorpio】Chris.
The atmosphere in the lab was very serious; no one wore any extra smiles on their faces.
Diana and Rose were like sheep who had wandered into a pack of wolves, instinctively huddling together, looking nervous.
“Cough.”
Dark cleared his throat habitually, breaking the silence.
Then, he opened his mouth and asked, “Professor Shylph, we arrived last. Can you tell us what happened?”
But as he looked at Professor Shylph, Professor Lily suddenly said, “I don’t know what happened either!”
Dark frowned, feeling that things weren’t simple, “Then why do you look so serious?”
Professor Lily said with a naive tone, “Because everyone else does!”
Dark’s expression froze, then he turned to look at the other professors.
Thus, the originally tense atmosphere shattered like glass.
The professors’ tense faces relaxed one by one, revealing various expressions.
In this makeshift meeting room, the air suddenly became more fluid.
“What’s going on? I thought something big happened,” Professor Lily complained, slapping the table.
“There really is something serious,” Professor Shylph continued seriously even as Lily finished speaking.
Dark’s eyebrows furrowed slightly because he noticed that Chris, sitting directly opposite him, still looked serious.
“Where is Principal Altair?” Dark suddenly asked.
Since Chris was already here, Principal Altair should be here too.
Why didn’t she participate in the house assignment ceremony or this meeting?
“Yeah, where is the principal?” Professor Metia looked at Professor Shylph and asked.
Everyone’s eyes turned to Professor Shylph.
In fact, most of the people here, like Dark, had just arrived.
Everyone was puzzled, but no one knew the exact reason.
Naturally, they all had a vague, bad premonition.
Professor Shylph took a deep breath and said, “Cynthia hasn’t returned.”
“Not returned?” Dark was startled, “Then where is she?”
Professor Shylph looked at Chris and said, “According to Chris, she vanished just before arriving at the academy.”
…
“Vanished?” Dark frowned, showing confusion.
Lily blinked and asked, “How did she vanish? Did she leave anything behind?”
Professor Kazel suddenly said, “What about Altair’s elemental?”
“Yes, what about the principal’s elemental? That little griffin?” Sister Carrian subconsciously asked, then suddenly realized, “So you’re the one hosting today’s house assignment ceremony?”
Professor Shylph said in a heavy tone, “That’s right. The griffin and the sphinx both disappeared when Altair vanished!”
Dark asked, “When did this happen?”
Professor Shylph said, “Chris entered the academy at around four o’clock this afternoon, but Altair disappeared around three. They spent an hour confirming Altair’s disappearance.”
Dark asked, “Where exactly?”
Professor Shylph said, “To the north, above Graces Forest.”
“Graces Forest…” Dark’s mind quickly flashed through the geographical information around Saint Maryann Academy.
But Graces Forest was just a very ordinary forest, where mostly ordinary beasts lived.
From any perspective, Graces Forest itself seemed to have no connection with Principal Altair’s disappearance.
There was a brief period of silence in the discussion.
Although Professor Shylph revealed only limited information, it was enough to make everyone think.
No one shouted or made a fuss.
Even Professor Lily, who usually talked a lot, was frowning in thought.
But within a few seconds, this period of silence ended.
Professor Kazel said decisively, “There are only two possibilities for Altair’s sudden disappearance. One is that she triggered some kind of teleportation device in the sky above Graces Forest, and along with the two elements, was sent to an unknown place. Of course, I personally don’t believe this situation is likely. Given Altair’s abilities, if she has already descended from the Mountain of Gods, she wouldn’t leave any loose ends. So I can only lean towards the second possibility… Altair herself, who returned with the team, is actually an elemental illusion.”
“Elemental illusion?” Diana whispered.
Professor Shylph added, “Cynthia possesses nine elements. These nine elements share her life, and each can transform into her avatar. When necessary, she can synchronize these avatars to do almost everything her physical body can do. Therefore, when she is not at the academy, her affairs are handled by her avatars.”
Those present were shocked after hearing this secret.
Professor Shylph continued, “Furthermore, Cynthia’s current state is immediately reflected in those nine elements. So as long as the elements are fine, it means she is fine. But now…”
“Now, the elements have vanished,” Dark added.
Those who understood the meaning felt a profound sense of pressure.
At any time, Cynthia Saint Altair, one of the strongest saints in the world, was the backbone of Saint Maryann Academy.
With her backing, Saint Maryann Academy could even face the mighty Church.
But now, with the elements that share her life gone, Principal Altair’s fate unknown, Saint Maryann Academy seemed to have suddenly entered its weakest period.
“So, what is the current situation?” Professor Jones asked.
Professor Shylph took a deep breath and said, “Like Professor Kazel said, I also believe that the one who returned with the team is an elemental illusion. Cynthia may never have descended from the Mountain of Gods.”
