https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-25-Simplified-Starlight-Elixir-Steady-Progress/13535125/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-27-Piercing-Edge-Ability-The-Thief/13535127/
Chapter 26: Ma Kusi's Threat, A Monster?
Chapter 26: Ma Kusi's Threat, A Monster?
Andie had somehow appeared at the dining hall entrance, still carrying himself with the elegant nobles' poise, but his eyes now carried an unmistakable air of authority.
The candidate apprentices exchanged uneasy glances before quickly dispersing.
Though nobility held little weight within these walls, as the Thirteenth Prince of Falu Kingdom, Andie's backing still commanded considerable influence - at least in the eyes of these candidate apprentices.
"These guys..." Andie approached Luo En with a faint smile, "Yesterday during the Darend anomaly, they were all hiding in their rooms too scared to open their doors. Now they're suddenly all eager to show off their attentiveness."
Luo En gave a slight nod. "I have no interest in associating with them. Thanks for helping me out, Andie."
"Then let's move somewhere quieter." Andie extended the invitation with a smile. "I've got some freshly made pancakes that should beat these black breads by miles."
As they entered Andie's quarters, the lavish arrangement immediately stood out compared to other candidate apprentices' rooms. A small table displayed steaming pancakes, accompanied by a pot of fragrant floral tea.
"Speaking of", Andie poured tea for Luo En while smiling, "I never expected you'd actually defeat that mutated Darend using just a wooden sword. Pity I wasn't at the Dormitory Area then - I should've come to lend you a hand."
Luo En sipped his tea. "Just luck."
" Luck?" Andie gave him a knowing look. "You're getting more humble these days. Back in the capital, you'd have been parading that achievement around the entire city by now."
Hearing the teasing, Luo En shook his head helplessly. "That was the past."
"True enough." Andie took a bite of pancake, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "But seriously, your recent transformation has been astounding. Practicing the Solar Corona Breathing Technique daily, studying at the Herbal Medicine Shop, and now even grasping the fundamental concepts of sound wave magic..."
He paused, his smile turning enigmatic. "If I hadn't witnessed your progress step by step, I might have suspected you'd been possessed by some powerful being."
"Possessed?" Luo En's heart stirred at the mention of his "Dual Soul" talent, though his expression remained calm. "I just don't want to wait here helplessly for death."
"Fair enough." Andie's tone turned suddenly serious. "But you should be extra cautious lately, especially regarding Ma Kusi."
Putting down his teacup, Luo En asked, "What about him?"
"That fellow might only be an ordinary apprentice, but his older brother Aolifu is on the verge of becoming a Full Mage."
The golden-haired youth's voice grew heavy. "At the School, Aolifu stands at the same level as Holt among senior High Apprentices. He's also made notable achievements in curse sorcery research."
He hesitated briefly, choosing his words carefully. "It's precisely because of this formidable backing that Ma Kusi dares to act so recklessly without fear. Most of the candidate apprentices he's forced into servitude have become materials for his brother's spell experiments."
Luo En fell into thought. Now he understood why Ai Mi Li had suffered such a tragic fate after surrendering to Ma Kusi. The moment she chose that path, her fate had likely been sealed.
"Therefore", Andie's tone turned even heavier, "you've drawn too much attention recently. Though Ma Kusi himself is just an ordinary apprentice, his brother Aolifu has recently been researching some bizarre special spells seemingly related to spiritual energy extraction."
He looked meaningfully at Luo En. "Given your current displayed talents and potential, you might very well become their target. While Madame Ellen and Holt offer protection, caution remains essential."
"I understand."
Luo En nodded. He'd already noticed the apprentice who enjoyed collecting "beautiful female servants" often casting cold, lingering glances at him.
"But don't worry too much." Andie returned to his elegant smile. "With those two people you know about, they probably wouldn't dare act too obviously. Besides..." He cast a probing glance at Luo En. "With the power you've displayed now, even if they did act, they might not come out unscathed."
Luo En smiled without responding, changing the subject. "By the way, any new news from the market lately?"
"You mean those Black Market merchants?" Andie shook his head. "They've become much more restrained since the Darend incident. However..." He gazed deeply out the window. "This calm won't last long. With the assessment deadline approaching, those at their wits' end will eventually take desperate risks."
"You're right." Luo En looked out the window at the gradually darkening sky, his mind already calculating his next moves.
The Darend incident had profoundly impacted him. While his current progress remained satisfying, time still pressed heavily upon him. He needed to master the fundamental concepts of sound wave magic soon while continuing to enhance his other abilities.
"It's getting late." Andie stood up. "You probably have things to attend to?"
Luo En nodded, gathering his belongings to leave.
His next step would be thoroughly studying Darend's notes and attempting to advance this incomplete prototype of sound wave magic to a new level.
At the door, Andie suddenly called out his name. "Luo En."
"What is it?"
"You know?" Andie's face bore a playful smile. "I'm actually kind of glad we never had any conflicts back in the capital."
Luo En hesitated briefly before understanding the implication. "Don't worry. That spoiled brat died on his way to the Black Mist Jungle." He replied nonchalantly while half-turning his body.
"Exactly." Andie gave him a meaningful look. "Replaced by someone far more unpredictable - a truly terrifying monster."
Hearing this description, Luo En couldn't help but chuckle. "A monster, you say."
In this world of survival of the fittest, perhaps becoming a monster was indeed the only way to survive.
He left Andie's room, the corridor already cloaked in twilight. Shadows along the path twisted under the dim light like the claws of demons. Though occasional furtive gazes still lingered around him, Luo En no longer cared.
His sole focus now lay in growing stronger, until he became powerful enough to fully control his own destiny in this cruel world. Any covetousness or schemes would ultimately dissolve into nothingness before true strength.
(End of Chapter)
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