Chapter 323: Dark Demon and Duel Brain (4k)
The night was deep, indeed not an ideal time for lengthy discussions.
Dark Demon and Sarah Shylph continued walking forward.
Before long, they arrived before the tower of the Noble Academy.
The snake eyes of the golem Feathered Serpent opened at some point, its gaze reflecting the moonlight.
Professor Shylph exchanged a glance with the golem, which then closed its eyes again.
Dark Demon smoothly pushed open the tower’s door and turned back to Professor Shylph, “Good night, professor.”
Professor Shylph responded, “Good night.”
…
The atmosphere in the Common Room after curfew was quiet and cold.
Dark Demon stepped inside, and the door behind him shut automatically.
The mana lights on the walls and the flames in the fireplace lit up one after another as if welcoming him.
Dark Demon’s expression changed slightly, and he suddenly felt like sitting in the empty Common Room for a while.
He then summoned several one-star mana spirits and sat by the fireplace for about half an hour.
Only when his body and mind were warm did he feel satisfied and returned to his dormitory with the mana spirits.
Upon entering the dormitory, he activated “Paradise,” and summoned the other mana spirits.
As the space in the dormitory gradually filled, warmth overflowed from his heart.
Finally, the sweat on his back could flow quietly.
In fact, tonight’s hunt, especially the latter part where he faced off against the vampire Vlad alone, though he appeared calm, only he knew how nervous he truly was inside.
After all…
He was facing a real vampire!
A demon with unknown methods, who killed without any remorse!
Even with the blessing of the wind elemental spirit and the presence of two professors, the possibility of a “worst-case scenario” still existed.
If something went wrong…
Robert might be in danger!
Fortunately, everything went very smoothly.
Dark Demon exhaled deeply, then took out fresh clothes and entered the bathroom.
First, he filled the bathtub with water and took a shower, rinsing himself thoroughly before fully immersing his body in the warm water.
As the hot water slowly covered his body, his limbs relaxed.
Dark Demon couldn’t resist the overwhelming drowsiness, and once his heavy eyelids closed, they were hard to reopen.
His breathing gradually stabilized…
…
When he woke up again, it was already six o’clock in the morning according to his biological clock.
Dark Demon slowly sat up from the bedding, looking down at his neatly dressed pajamas, pondering how he had gotten into bed.
“(＞^ω^＜) Meow—”
Eevee, the mana spirit, wrapped its ribbon-like antennae around him as if seeking praise.
It tried to make Dark Demon forget his mistake on Valentine’s night through cuddling, but Dark Demon had long forgotten about it…
He petted the soft fur on top of Eevee’s head affectionately, unable to help smiling.
A new day had come.
…
The incident of hunting vampires did not cause much commotion in the academy.
Setting the hunting time after curfew was a wise choice.
Although some students noticed the unusual events within the castle, the curfew acted as a deterrent, making them hesitate before venturing out to investigate.
Therefore, no one truly uncovered the truth.
Of course, the people involved wouldn’t reveal anything either.
On Friday, there were only two classes: one was Duel Class, and the other was Beast Mastery.
Professor Pavar Jones lectured on the theory of duels in class.
Dark Demon had already mastered this part independently; most of his time was spent observing Robert.
Because, in a sense, Robert should be considered a “patient.”
However, after observing for a while, Dark Demon found that Robert hadn’t changed much.
Vlad’s influence on him was subtle, guiding rather than brainwashing him.
Thus, Vlad’s departure didn’t immediately revert Robert to his original state.
This was good news.
But for Robert, there was likely a greater gain.
The four mana cards Vlad left behind were still with him.
The professors hadn’t thought of reclaiming these four mana cards yet.
This meant Robert successfully bypassed the school rules and obtained four high-strength mana cards out of thin air!
Among them, the value of the secret rite card that could summon the Vampire Count was immeasurable.
He was like winning a lottery worth a billion, and the ticket was found by chance…
Unless the professors suddenly recalled and restricted it someday, he was truly fortunate!
But Robert was unaware of his luck; instead, he was focused on something else.
“Vit.”
Robert, who had been writing, turned to Vit and whispered, “Look, is my prediction too late?”
“Prediction?”
Vit read from his notebook: “Your fate, the fate of a chess piece, the shattering of the piece means the end of the person…”
…
At the same time.
Dark Demon also recalled such a prediction.
He flipped through his notebook and copied down the prophecy, feeling surprised.
“Professor Metia’s ‘chess’ in this prophecy aligns with Robert being parasitized by Vlad.”
“A puppet, Robert has indeed become Vlad’s puppet.”
“At the time, if handled improperly, Robert might have truly died.”
“So, is this a true prophecy, or just a coincidence?”
…
Despite Professor Metia repeatedly emphasizing that her words at the time were not a prophecy,
if even one detail came true, it would make people wonder if the rest were also true, leading them into a cycle of thought.
Perhaps, this is the power of a seer.
…
Beast Mastery class proceeded without major issues.
Professor Nina captured another monster from the dungeon for demonstration.
Though the students complained aloud, they were actually enjoying themselves.
After completing the lesson, Professor Nina happily said, “We’ve met many monsters over this period. Next, I’ll introduce more interesting ones.
Once we have a solid theoretical foundation, I’ll apply to Professor Shylph for a one-day trip to the dungeon! I really hope it comes through.”
“A one-day trip to the dungeon?”
The young magi who had been arguing suddenly fell silent.
If they had previously only known the surface-level details of the dungeon beneath Saint Maryann Academy, after Professor Nina’s lecture, they now had a vague understanding of its dangers.
Whether it was the “Sucking Spirit” or the “Cocksnake,” both were considered killers for newcomers.
For adventurers who weren’t adequately prepared, their existence was deadly.
Moreover, the instructor was Professor Nina…
Although the young magi had gradually developed a better impression of Professor Nina over time,
this didn’t mean they would dismiss her as unreliable.
So the young magi had an extremely ominous premonition about this so-called “one-day dungeon trip.”
“Professor Shylph probably won’t approve her application, right?”
Many students laughed dryly at each other.
While Professor Nina always seemed timid, they knew she could be stubborn when needed.
At this moment, they could only hope Professor Shylph would intervene…
Friday afternoon.
Dark Demon originally planned to go to Traveler’s Street to buy tools and materials for wood carving, perhaps even preparing materials for crafting “Flower Cards.”
But as soon as he reached the castle gate, a gentle breeze from his hair flew out and intertwined playfully with another breeze approaching him.
That breeze carried Professor Shylph’s voice: “Come to the office.”
Dark Demon paused and said, “I’m coming.”
There was no choice but to return.
When he reached Professor Shylph’s office, he found others were already inside.
He knocked on the door and discovered it was Professor Kazel.
Professor Kazel looked quite relaxed, indicating that today’s matter wasn’t urgent.
The office was filled with a faint floral scent, refreshing and invigorating.
Dark Demon entered the office and closed the door behind him.
Then he sat next to Professor Kazel, glanced at Professor Shylph who was busy grading papers, and asked, “Did you call me for something?”
Professor Kazel poured tea for him and moved the snack plate closer, then said, “It’s nothing major. You talked about the ID cards with Professor Shylph last night, and I think it’s a good idea.”
Dark Demon nodded in realization and said, “Does that mean Principal Altair agreed?”
Professor Kazel smiled and said, “He agreed. But the specifics haven’t been decided yet.”
Dark Demon picked up the teacup, removed the lid, blew on the tea, and said, “Indeed, this isn’t something that can be resolved quickly. The style, function, distribution method, number of cards to be issued, and who gets them—all need careful consideration.”
Professor Kazel said, “Principal Altair thinks the ID cards should be made similar to the house selection cards, capable of receiving notifications from the school and binding to the user. Ideally, they should also include an escape device function.”
Dark Demon: “Real-name system for ID cards?”
“Real-name system?” Professor Kazel nodded, “That sounds good. Essentially, each ID card corresponds to one person. By checking the usage records, we can know who has entered the secret passage. If any problems arise later, it will be easier to hold someone accountable.”
Dark Demon: “With the escape device function, the security would be greatly enhanced.”
Professor Kazel said, “Exactly. We don’t want anyone getting lost in the secret passage anymore.”
Dark Demon: “But wouldn’t this make the production process of the ID cards quite complex?”
Professor Kazel smiled, “Higher production standards reduce the likelihood of counterfeits. Additionally, the number of ID cards should be kept to a minimum.
Especially during the initial testing phase, only one or two should be distributed. And, as you mentioned, there should be criteria for obtaining an ID card. Principal Altair thinks that since this is within the academy, it should follow the academy’s rules—duel for it!”
“Duels for it?”
Dark Demon was surprised.
Could Principal Altair also be a duel enthusiast?
But Professor Kazel continued, “Dueling for it is fair and reasonable, and doesn’t seem forced. Since the invisibility person wants to enter the secret passage, they should find a way to get one through dueling or having someone else duel for it! If they choose to steal or rob it after the duel, that’s fine too.”
Ultimately, the purpose of the ID card was to lure the invisibility person out.
Compared to some special “keys” that break seals, “ID cards” were more credible.
Regarding the difference in grades, Professor Kazel had considered this: “Initially, two ID cards will be distributed, one for first to third years and one for fourth to sixth years. If you want one, you can participate in the duel.”
Dark Demon, half-open mouth, felt a sense of biting off more than he could chew: “This means, if I want an ID card, I need to compete with second and third years?”
Professor Kazel blinked, “Experience, even failure, is still experience.”
Dark Demon: “Alright.”
Professor Kazel: “Of course, this is still in the planning stage. Although the goal is to lure out the invisibility person, this initiative itself helps with managing the secret passages, making it feasible.
Once ID cards start being distributed, the initial purpose will become secondary. Additionally, we can release information about it, maybe someone will come directly to me to steal it.”
Dark Demon: “Let’s hope so.”
Such was the current situation.
Even if adjustments were made later, it wouldn’t change much.
In short, Dark Demon realized he had to temporarily abandon the idea of entering the secret passage this year.
Third-year students were full of hidden talents, making it nearly impossible to snatch an ID card from their hands.
Rather than relying on this, it would be better to wait for future distributions.
The school wouldn’t distribute only two ID cards.
There would be plenty of opportunities later.
…
Dark Demon himself expected the distribution of ID cards.
Ideally:
Having an ID card would become a symbol of “elite” status.
Not too few, but not too many either.
These individuals would have strong self-control and the ability to handle danger, able to develop the secret passage positively after entering.
…
After a while.
Professor Shylph also stopped writing and joined the discussion between them.
Later, they even discussed the design and appearance of the ID cards, almost forgetting the “invisibility person” at the back.
Sometimes, the professors’ minds were truly imaginative and creative.
Dark Demon benefited greatly just from discussing non-mana technology with them.
When he left the office, it was already dusk.
Dark Demon didn’t go to Traveler’s Street; instead, he used the night to finish his homework.
By Saturday, he finally had free time and began extensive shopping.
Now, his house selection card had a total of 50,000 credits, giving him a sense of “rich and powerful.”
Passing by an old bookstore run by goblins, he couldn’t help but stop.
Looking again, he saw: “Isn’t that Senior Anglia?”
