Chapter 884 An Unexpected Beginning
Handing Audrey Jeane over to Emma was an idea that Dak thought up after seeing how harmonious their relationship was.
He couldn’t immediately judge whether his decision was correct. For now, he just wanted to place as many observers around Audrey as possible.
This was similar to encouraging Tudor and others to engage in friendly sparring with Evan Pearson.
Of course, it was also to ensure that the exchange students could have a good experience.
…
After bidding farewell to Emma, Dak returned to the counter.
Pandora said with a half-smile, “I knew the ‘Mana Spirit’ was something you all created.”
Dak smiled and said, “Actually, the establishment of the ‘Mana Spirit’ has nothing to do with me.”
Pandora asked curiously, “Then, can you tell me if the rumors circulating among the students are true?”
Dak: “What rumors?”
Pandora cheerfully recited, “The dark deity has risen from the abyss, and the world is on the brink of destruction. We, the Mana Spirits…”
“Stop!” Dak quickly interrupted, “In any case, this wasn’t fabricated by me!”
Pandora said with a smile, “So, is the world truly on the brink of destruction?”
Dak shook his head, saying, “It’s hard to say.”
Pandora was not yet a member of the ‘Wisdom Serpent,’ so there were many things Dak hadn’t explained to her.
But since he hadn’t been cautious around her, he occasionally let slip some information.
Was the world really on the brink of destruction?
It was truly hard to say.
If it could be easily explained, the ‘Star Tower’ wouldn’t need to hold a ‘Prediction Night.’
But sometimes, “it’s hard to say” is itself an answer.
Pandora’s expression gradually calmed, then she earnestly asked, “Then, will joining the ‘Mana Spirit’ really grant stronger power?”
Dak slightly frowned. The rumors about the ‘Mana Spirit’ spreading in the academy had indeed become more fantastical recently.
Such widely spread rumors might soon reach the exchange students, causing unexpected changes.
But when the professors came up with this idea, there was no such thing as “exchange learning.”
He took a deep breath, looked up at Pandora, and tapped his head, saying, “If wisdom is also considered a form of strength, then yes!”
Pandora suddenly frowned, “Is it really true?”
Dak said, “While it is, merely joining the ‘Mana Spirit’ won’t help much individually.”
Pandora pondered and said, “I understand roughly. But isn’t the ‘Mana Spirit’ a secret organization? Is it okay to reveal this?”
Dak chuckled, “These are just rumors. Besides, you and Aunt Hefestus have always been on our candidate list. It’s just not the right time yet. When the time comes, I’ll explain in detail.”
Pandora glanced toward the reading room and asked, “According to what you’re saying, Emma is also on your candidate list?”
Dak replied, “You could say that, but differently.”
Pandora curiously asked, “What’s different?”
Dak smiled, “Secrets.”
Specifically, Emma was on the ‘Mana Spirit’ candidate list, while Pandora was on the ‘Wisdom Serpent’ candidate list.
Pandora laughed, “Looks like I’ll have to wait until the right moment.”
Dak thought for a moment and said, “It shouldn’t be too long.”
Inviting Pandora Dragon to join the ‘Wisdom Serpent’ wasn’t a matter that required much consideration.
She had a clear background and had lived almost entirely in the academy since enrolling in Saint Maryann Academy. She was reliable and had impressive abilities.
However, her current issue was being deeply linked to Hefestus Dragon.
If she were to join the ‘Wisdom Serpent,’ Hefestus would also need to be included.
But although the academy provided a professorship for Hefestus, her credentials were still shallow. The professors didn’t know her well enough to fully trust her.
This was why Dak hadn’t approached Pandora yet.
He needed to wait for Hefestus to accumulate enough trust.
…
Fortunately, Pandora wasn’t someone who would push for answers relentlessly. After understanding the situation, she stopped probing further.
Dak took the opportunity to ask her to watch over Saint Maiden Audrey while she worked part-time as a librarian, and she agreed.
“Thank you, then I’ll leave.”
Dak left his purpose achieved.
“I should read now,” Pandora said, escorting him out of the library.
…
Leaving the library, Dak immediately started searching for Saint Son Evan Pearson.
He had to find Evan Pearson and release the imp he still held onto.
But Evan Pearson was even more lively and active than he expected.
Dak searched the entire castle before finding Evan Pearson and Tommy Smith along the lake outside.
The bottom of the lake in Saint Maryann Academy concealed immense secrets.
But merely strolling by the lake wouldn’t reveal the hidden space beneath.
Dak didn’t approach them directly but released the imp after confirming their positions.
Outside without walls, the imp vanished into the air with a flicker of its body.
Then it burrowed underground and disappeared completely.
Dak smiled and turned to leave.
Back in his dormitory, he retrieved the surveillance tablet, infused it with mana, and activated the screen.
The tablet split into two, showing the surveillance footage of Saint Son and Saint Maiden.
Professor Lily had used this equipment to monitor them throughout the day, so the privacy was unquestionable.
Imps could not only pass through walls but also maintain distance to avoid detection.
But on the surveillance tablet, the user could adjust the focus and zoom in.
Dak chose an appropriate viewing distance, placed the tablet on his desk, and began working on his research after observing for a few minutes.
He didn’t have a voyeuristic tendency; he simply used the device to track the exchange students.
By morning, Saint Maiden Audrey Jeane spent her time in the library, her guardian knight never leaving her side.
Saint Son Evan Pearson ventured only to the edge of the thick forest, ignoring the danger warning sign and entering the outer perimeter.
Before being surrounded by ghost butterflies, Tommy Smith seemed to sense danger in the forest and pulled Evan Pearson out.
Evan Pearson, though displeased, eventually prioritized safety and did not venture deeper.
Later, Evan Pearson visited the dungeon entrance and returned to the castle for lunch.
Without house selection cards, they could only eat in the canteen.
But after lunch, Evan Pearson took Tommy Smith into Traveler’s Street!
The imp’s tracking was forced to stop, unable to follow them through the teleportation hub without being detected.
Dak instructed the imp to wait in place via the surveillance tablet.
This wait lasted until three in the afternoon.
Evan Pearson and Tommy Smith spent three hours in Traveler’s Street and unsurprisingly returned empty-handed.
They lacked house selection cards and credits to pay.
…
At three thirty in the afternoon.
Audrey, who had been reading in the library, was forced to put down her book due to Jessie Louise’s reminder.
Soon, the four exchange students returned to the temporary guest room in the teacher’s dormitory.
Dak intended to see what they would do once inside, but the two imps stopped moving after reaching the corresponding floor.
Dak briefly pondered and realized Archbishop Caleb Norris was in that room.
While guessing what Norris was doing, he continued his research.
Despite being distracted by the surveillance footage, he felt he was on the right path. By the end of the day, he gained a clear understanding of converting ‘Ultimate Skill · Drink Milk’ into a magic card.
If his progress was fast enough, perhaps within a few days, the first trial version of the ‘Bliss Magic Card · Drink Milk’ would be ready!
Excited, Dak momentarily forgot to check the surveillance.
When he noticed again, it was past five in the afternoon.
Four exchange students exited the room simultaneously!
A glance was enough for Dak to notice they had prepared meticulously.
They wore new uniforms from the Secret Rite Academy, their hair neatly combed, and faces adorned with makeup, significantly improving their appearance.
Even Archbishop Caleb Norris dressed impeccably.
The imps remained motionless in the ceiling, and the five from the Secret Rite Academy quickly left their surveillance range.
After a while, Dak ordered the imps to return and closed the surveillance tablet.
—The house selection ceremony was about to begin!
…
Tonight’s house selection ceremony was also a welcome ceremony for the exchange students at Saint Maryann Academy.
Only after the ceremony would they officially enroll.
The students of Saint Maryann Academy already knew about the arrival of the Saint Son and Saint Maiden, but not everyone had seen them in person.
Students discussed who the Saint Son and Saint Maiden might be as they slowly gathered in the grand hall on the first floor.
Regardless of the reason for the event, students always showed great enthusiasm for “feasts.”
Both the lavish food and the ensuing “ball” generated anticipation.
Moreover, tonight’s feast was particularly topical.
Reluctantly, Dak put down his work, straightened his clothes, and walked out of his room.
He arrived at the common room on the first floor, preparing to go to the grand hall with the second-year boys.
The boys quickly gathered, chatting and laughing as they exited the tower.
Soon, everyone entered the hall, sitting at their respective tables according to year and house.
The hall had clearly been decorated, appearing splendid under the bright lights.
A piano played alone in a corner, and sacred hymns floated in the air.
Thousands of golden candle holders floated in mid-air, and long tables were filled with golden plates and silver goblets.
The professors of Saint Maryann Academy entered from the stage after the students were mostly seated and took their places at the teachers’ table.
Though it was just a welcome party for the exchange students,
since it involved the “house selection ceremony,” it naturally became grand.
For this “exchange learning activity,” Saint Maryann Academy had shown genuine sincerity.
Dak sat between Diana and Rose, involuntarily thinking of Wit and the others far away.
They had set out yesterday afternoon. According to the speed of dragons, they should have arrived at the Secret Rite Academy this morning. He wondered if their exchange student group had made it smoothly.
Had the students of the Secret Rite Academy treated them as warmly as here?
“It should be fine. After all, Wit is the son of a hero. Even students from the Secret Rite Academy wouldn’t dare disrespect a hero.”
As Dak thought this, he saw Archbishop Caleb Norris and four exchange students walking out from behind the stage, following the professors.
“Hasn’t Principal Altair arrived yet?”
Dak subconsciously searched for Principal Altair, but he found neither her nor Professor Shylph.
“Dak, what are you looking for?” Diana leaned over and asked.
Dak said, “I wonder if Principal Altair is late too at this crucial moment.”
“She shouldn’t be, right?” Diana said uncertainly.
“I hope so.” Dak laughed lightly and paid no further attention.
In fact, whether Principal Altair was present or not wouldn’t affect tonight’s feast.
There was a fairy as a stand-in, so no one would know she wasn’t there.
—Unexpectedly, something unforeseen happened.
The one who finally walked onto the stage was not Cynthia Saint Altair, but Professor Sarah Shylph!
Not only was Principal Altair late, but she didn’t even use a stand-in.
Dak watched Professor Shylph walk out from behind the stage, a hint of confusion rising in his heart.
Where was Principal Altair?
…
…
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