Chapter 257: Former President of the Witch Secret Realm, Renata
After bidding farewell to Teacher Ji, I played with the Spellbook Rack Spellbook I obtained with those resources along the way.
I must say, the nested ability of this Spellbook is really impressive. After I used it, similar to the Memory Shelf, it formed a rack, and the other Spellbooks it holds are displayed with their magical effects in book form.
Although it only has the singular ability to hold other Spellbooks, it categorizes spells excellently, almost as if it is arranged like a directory, making it extremely convenient for me to search. Compared to the “chaos” of carrying spells directly in my body before, the effect of this Spellbook transformed my other Spellbooks into “order.” This indeed provides a very good experience for many Spellbook users.
However, after a brief experience, I got a rough idea of its uses. I must say, this Spellbook’s moving axis requires a consumption of over a hundred magic power but only does the task of cataloging. Who could tolerate that?
If I were to use another high-consumption Spellbook, each one would be immensely powerful; at least the visual effects would have a strong overwhelming presence. But this thing only generated a rack…
It feels a bit like being swindled; the grand vision drawn by Teacher Ji was indeed too ambitious, and the derivative spells… are indeed beyond what I can currently achieve.
Now, looking back at my few derived manipulation spells—Floating, Resonance, Gathering Points—they all seem a bit childish.
Yet, these were things I carefully explored and were the result of my hard work, also serving as my main attack methods.
I guess I’ll just keep accumulating for now.
Before leaving, Teacher Ji told me that there was a new transfer student in our Class 14.
Her name is… Luxien.
Setting aside the background of this transfer student, just hearing the name Luxien sounds somewhat familiar.
Then I confirmed some things with Teacher Ji’s meaningful gaze.
Indeed, she is the one from the Wizard Academy…
The Witch Academy even dares to interact with students from the Wizard Academy; are witches really that powerful?
The crux of the matter is that I haven’t seen the Wizard Academy causing trouble at the Witch Academy. After all, the Wizard Academy is one of the three top-tier academies. Don’t be timid.
Alright, my nature of wanting to stir up trouble re-emerged, and I shook my head, dismissing that thought.
“Classmate Yang Yuelan, nice to meet you.”
“Um? Hello…”
As I descended the stairs, even before stepping outside, I was stopped in the hall on the first floor by a senior. Out of politeness, I greeted her, as she seemed quite courteous.
“Let me introduce myself, I’m Renata Hurt, you can just call me Renata. I’m the former president of the Witch Secret Realm Association, and I’ve already graduated, making me one of the veterans of the association.” The tall senior with wavy hair gently touched her chest, then spoke to me in a warm tone.
“Ah? Former president… veteran?”
After her self-introduction, she hit me with a shock right away. Who is this person coming to find me?
Moreover, she is from the Witch Secret Realm Association, which should be somewhat semi-official. A veteran, so free to come find me?
It can’t be just for the Excessive Consumption Spellbook, right?
They manage so many Witch Secret Realms; it wouldn’t make sense for them to ask me for this.
“Are you shocked? Just think of me as an ordinary senior. I noticed how anxious you were to leave here; I assume you haven’t eaten yet. How about I invite you to a meal?”
“Uh… that might not be necessary?”
I declined politely; what kind of meal is this? Is it not a trap? I thought I was fully prepared to deal with other seniors, and who would have guessed that I would be hit with such a heavy bomb right away? Am I not allowed to live?
“It’s alright, this meal is on me, after all, I have something to ask of you, so it’s not entirely one-sided. I have a transaction I’d like to discuss with you; I wonder if you would be interested?”
“A transaction… can it be discussed now?” I took a deep breath, freshening up; after all, such things should be faced. At least she wasn’t trying to cause trouble right away, right?
“What else could it be? You really have a talent for playing dumb, don’t you? So, what’s your answer?” As Renata said this, she led me to a car.
I was slightly surprised to see that Renata drives; wouldn’t it be more convenient to fly on a broomstick?
However, the Witch Academy does have quite a few vehicles after all, since the roads between Witch Academies are meant for cars, right? I doubt they built a road just for the academy bus.
“Just some personal habits; there are certain things I can’t let go of. While I love driving, I also hold a flying license,” Renata opened the passenger door, gesturing for me to enter. “Still undecided? I’m very sincere. My representative identity can explain a lot. If you are willing to have a meal with me, it can save you quite a bit of trouble.”
“Thank you.” I nodded and took a seat in the passenger seat after her lengthy explanation.
I indeed disliked trouble, and I suppose I was somewhat under her control; just a meal, after all.
“Buckle your seatbelt… and we’re off.” Renata skillfully settled into the car, fastening her seatbelt with one hand, and then the vehicle let out a low rumble.
In the next moment, a strong sensation of acceleration hit me, whisking me away at high speed.
“Are you alright? The car’s speed may not match that of a flying broomstick, but it has that raw feel of operation, and I quite like that feeling.”
“Is… is that so?” I looked at the rapidly moving scenery ahead and the stream of light receding on one side. This person drives like a maniac? She looks like such a gentle person…
The car sped away, taking me away from the central teaching area and heading towards the bustling commercial district of the Witch Academy.
Once I got out of the car, I stood in front of a huge hotel, while Renata tossed the car keys to a senior in uniform who was there to greet us.
“Come on, don’t be shy. Some places always create the first visit; the Witch Academy is more than just a teaching area for studying and a dormitory for sleeping. You ought to experience more fun things.”
Renata led me inside, but I didn’t really agree with her words, as not everyone likes or is accustomed to certain lifestyles.
If one truly wants to experience more interesting things, why not try planting rice in the fields? Farmers might find it very interesting; you should give it a try.
High-end venues are no different.
Hypocritical masks, unspoken rules, interests that never stray far from the usual, forced smiles, bravado, threats, exchanges, sacrifices… these things are not any easier than physical labor.
Under the guide of the waitress, we arrived at a window-side table, where we could see the bustling, illuminated night scene below, filled with vibrant lights, and I could even see senior witches riding broomsticks weaving between the high buildings.
I had been thinking about this being the Witch Academy, where only graduated seniors remain. Even though there are many students each year, it’s impossible to fill the vast scope of the entire Magic Capital city, right?
And now I understand.
Spells… many basic manual labor tasks have been replaced by spells; many roles such as greeters, standing still, must be under spell effects, while those that are not spell effects must be alchemical puppets.
Alchemy and spells at the Witch Academy seem to have developed to an extent that exceeds my expectations.
“Do you have any dietary restrictions?”
“I don’t think so…” I thought for a moment before responding.
“Then I’ll place the order. Is it fine if I do? Or do you want to?”
“I won’t trouble you.”
“Alright then.”
Renata turned to the nearby waitress to speak; this young lady is not a puppet and is probably a full-time senior here. I wonder how much they are paid to be willing to work here.
Speaking of which, as long as one masters some skills, they shouldn’t be too poor…
“Would you mind if I called you Xiao Han?”
“Not really; most people I know call me that.”
“Great.” Renata smiled as if she was intentionally trying to get closer to me. “This late congratulations also counts as a celebration for your first place win in the exchange tournament.”
“Thank you, but it really wasn’t necessary.”
“Oh? So, Xiao Han, you are such an unconcerned person. If it were someone else, I wonder what they would have done by now, but you remain unchanged as usual.”
“I don’t like trouble.” I added.
But at this moment, the waitress began to pour wine for us. “Wait, I don’t drink.”
“Oh? You don’t drink? Then let’s switch to juice, but… Xiao Han, you’re of age, right? You really should try some alcohol.”
“Thanks for the suggestion, but I’ll stick to my opinion.”
If accounting for my previous life, I don’t know how long I’ve been of age, yet I still dislike alcohol. Drinking leads to trouble and reminds me of my cheap father when he was drunk… it’s truly unpleasant.
“That’s fine, I was merely suggesting. Those with strength have the right to define right and wrong, right?”
“Uh… however, let’s get to the main topic; there’s no need for pleasantries.”
“You’re so direct. Although the dishes aren’t served yet, that’s true. I also don’t like those complicated things, but I instinctively do that when I arrive here… In any case, I’ll apologize first; however, some things are best not let others hear. Let’s talk once the dishes are served.” As she spoke, Renata turned her head to gaze through the enormous one-way glass, observing the scenery outside.
“Let’s talk about something else for now, Xiao Han. How many undercurrents do you think are hidden beneath all this prosperity outdoors?”
“Honestly, I don’t want to know.”
“Hahaha, I really like your straightforward personality. However, some things are always unavoidable unless… you possess the power to suppress everything.”
Renata chatted with me a bit longer, and soon my juice and the dishes Renata ordered arrived.
“Cheers to our friendship.”
I didn’t respond, merely lifted my glass and lightly clinked it with hers. I didn’t think that such a brief moment would lead to some supposed friendship between us; that’s not something possible.
Throughout, she seemed to step on my nerves, self-righteously displaying her ways of treating others.
And my earlier shock regarding her being a veteran of the Witch Secret Realm Association had diminished.
Perhaps during this brief interaction, I realized she’s just a graduated senior, after all?
“Now can we discuss serious matters?” I asked.
“Indeed, Xiao Han, what are your thoughts on the things you currently possess?”
“Thoughts? Which aspect do you mean?”
“Hmm… specifically regarding their value.”
“Very precious.”
“Indeed very precious, that’s certainly correct. Now, how many people do you think such precious items attract attention from?” Renata continued to inquire.
“Mostly the seniors from the Witch Academy,” I replied.
I could feel her guiding the topic, but I didn’t mind because leading the conversation aims to break down her mental defenses and fall into her rhythm.
If my decision can be shattered by just a few of her words, then I truly have no reason to persist any longer.
In other words, I firmly believe my choices are not wrong; she cannot sway me, nor will she take any Spellbook from me.
“Exactly, the vast majority of seniors are like that. After all, the Excessive Consumption Spellbook is truly too precious. That’s what you think, right?”
“Yes.” I nodded, my expression unchanged. This anticipated dialogue regarding her thoughts holds no value for me; it’s merely the basic guidance for mastering the rhythm of the conversation.
“I watched the entirety of the exchange tournament, and I must say, the most exciting part was undoubtedly you, Xiao Han, especially those two times you used the Excessive Consumption Spellbook.”
“Not bad.”
“Truly indifferent, but that’s fine. I’d like to ask how it feels to use such a Spellbook?”
“Haven’t you used one?”
“I have, but unfortunately, after I stepped down as president, that Excessive Consumption Spellbook no longer belongs to me. Some Spellbooks do not belong to individuals but to positions. When I was in office, I even possessed the Master Spellbook. The only regret is that I never got to use it; isn’t that laughable? To own but never to use.”
“Hmm.”
I nodded inwardly, considering whether her lamenting was somewhat too low-level.
“So, you all want my Excessive Consumption Spellbook, right?” I directly asked at that moment.
“Of course, you should understand this with your clever mind. Since you stated it plainly, may I ask about your thoughts?”
“No.” I shook my head.
“Quite straightforward, but if you add this round’s rewards, having two Excessive Consumption Spellbooks all for yourself seems a bit too showy, don’t you fear?”
“Not really.”
“Your words are few; such matters cannot be forced. I never intended to take your Excessive Consumption Spellbook upon our first meeting, but aren’t you interested in hearing my conditions? I came with sincerity.” Renata continued to probe me.
“As for anything related to Spellbooks, I won’t negotiate at all; for others, there might be room for discussion.” I plainly stated, and whether she believed it or not was not my concern. Furthermore, she mentioned our first meeting; what, if this time doesn’t work, is she expecting another meeting?
I certainly don’t have that much time to waste with them.
To put it plainly, after ten years of study to graduate, yet not becoming an Extraordinary Witch and lingering around the Witch Academy doing petty tricks—what is this?
Are they shortsighted?
Even if one doesn’t wish to become an Extraordinary Witch, compared to all this, I still esteem Senior Yisha Yuan more, for she doesn’t cause trouble and doesn’t add to my stress. Yet the Witch Secret Realm Association is pulling such antics, with inherited Spellbooks, graduated veterans—what, do they plan to treat the Witch Academy as their family business?
“I see… so other terms could be discussed…” At this moment, upon hearing my words, Renata immediately revealed a smile that didn’t seem fake but definitely suggested she was satisfied with my prior statement.
So her target isn’t solely the Excessive Consumption Spellbook—or not just the Spellbook. Is there something else in the exchange tournament rewards that she values?
I naturally don’t believe she’s foolish enough to want anything from other academies…
“In this exchange tournament, I see Xiao Han, you also had an ex-girlfriend. I wonder… what do you think of seniors like me?” Renata put down her cutlery, striking an alluring pose, while under the table, her long legs wrapped in black stockings gingerly slid forward…
“Not much.” I evaluated, and compared to Sister Bai, she was far from it. But as I spoke, an electric-like sensation brushed against my ankle from where her stockings touched…
Clink.
The metal cutlery fell onto the tablecloth-covered surface, and Renata’s movement suddenly halted, while I instinctively pulled my foot back.
“I have no intentions.”
“What a pity.” Renata withdrew her leg, feigning disappointment.
“I initially thought I could fill that missing piece for you; it seems I was overly sentimental.”
“Indeed.” I replied without reservation.
“Of course, Xiao Han has such high standards that one can’t expect you to like me. But since you are so adamantly holding onto Spellbooks, let’s talk about other matters.”
“What do you want?”
“You should know what you have better than I do~ I thought you realized.” Renata elegantly cut a piece of some unrecognizable steak and chewed it slowly.
And I began to quickly assess myself; apart from Spellbooks, I didn’t have much of value left…
“A custom alchemical item voucher…”
“Smart! I didn’t expect you to guess it right, a custom alchemical item! Custom alchemical items are as important as Spellbooks, and in certain aspects, even more important. And more crucially… customized.”
“Then… what are your terms?” I inquired.
She did guess correctly; I did guess it. But currently, I don’t urgently need any alchemical items. What can they enhance? Combat power? Survival? Special effects?
This is different from what I pursue. At the academy, everything doesn’t have to be one’s own—magic sources, Spellbooks, equipment, including alchemical items.
Only the knowledge I learn and the skills I master are genuinely mine; everything else is merely a cherry on top.
From the needs, I can tell I’m not on the same path as her.
So there’s no need for too much unnecessary talk; it’s only a matter of leveraging interests.
“You know I’m from the Witch Secret Realm… don’t misunderstand. Even we wouldn’t dare reach for the Witch Secret Realm, or our teachers would k*ll us. But we have our own privileges.”
“For example?”
“For instance, intelligence on special realms, as well as qualifications for restricted realms!”
