https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-304-Lanchi-s-Ambitions-Were-Clearly-Lacking/12584420/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-306-Cardinal-Lanchi-Draws-a-Clear-Line-Between-Public-and-Private-Affairs/12584422/
Chapter 305: Lanchi Just Wants to Be Beaten Up Today
Chapter 305: Lanchi Just Wants to Be Beaten Up Today
On the platform of the magical energy railway station in the imperial capital of Helrom, the winter morning was tinged with a faint ray of dawn.
Although the sun had not yet fully risen, the light blue sky had begun to refract its radiance, bringing a touch of warmth to the bustling city filled with tall buildings and ancient architecture.
Today was the first weekend of March.
A faint white mist hung over the rails, formed by the evaporation of dew from the drop in temperature the night before. The magical energy train station standing beside it was exceptionally quiet, with only the occasional whistle and mechanical sounds breaking the silence.
Near the station sign on one side of the platform stood Lanchi, dressed in a diamond-patterned vest and a long, dark gray coat. He glanced up at the timetable on the crystal display before shifting his gaze toward the distant end of the track, obscured by the morning mist. He was likely confident that the incoming train would soon come into view.
"Hey."
At that moment, a familiar voice broke the tranquility beside him.
Lanchi turned around.
It was Xide, standing before him.
She wore a tailored white shirt with a flowing overcoat and a black long skirt, exuding both competence and nonchalance.
"Good morning," Lanchi greeted the Bishop of Destruction.
The two had previously agreed that after he finished his week-long work at the Protoss Royal Magic Academy, they would embark on a journey to the Destruction Branch in the north together.
Of course, this was a task assigned to them by the Destruction Branch in the imperial capital, a mission for the two newly promoted Bishops of Destruction.
Although they had not met even once during their time at the academy, Lanchi was almost certain that Xide had been keeping an eye on him in disguise as a student.
The platform was still relatively quiet, with only a few early morning commuters rushing to catch their trains. The distant clock tower chimed six, and their two motionless figures standing by the platform cut a quiet silhouette.
"Where's your cat?" Xide asked, glancing at Lanchi's hands and then at his black scarf.
He was holding two recently purchased pet tickets, but one had transformed into his scarf, and the other remained hidden.
Lanchi remained silent, his gaze lowered to his shadow on the ground.
And his shadow was trembling.
Apparently, Cat Boss was terrified out of his wits.
Or perhaps he'd rather die than be near the Bishop of Destruction.
As for Black Fox, he was completely oblivious to Xide's strength or weakness and showed no signs of wariness towards her at all.
"He's too timid," Lanchi said helplessly, shifting his gaze to Xide.
"That's normal. Usually, even powerful magical beasts would be scared away if I don't disguise or suppress my aura." Xide didn't seem to mind, aware of her innate ability to drive away animals.
"This cat is naturally shy and may be more affectionate towards familiar elders," Lanchi added.
Although it was unclear if Xide wanted to pet the little black cat, it seemed that her chances of getting close to Cat Boss were slim unless she resorted to forceful means.
"I see," Xide replied.
As their brief exchange concluded, a low rumble of metal wheels grinding against the rails could be heard in the distance.
The sound gradually grew louder, becoming increasingly distinct from its initial faintness. Amidst the rumbling, a golden beam of light pierced through the thick fog in the distance, signaling the approaching magical energy train.
As the train slid gracefully into the platform with a dignified swiftness, a unique magical energy vibration rippled through the station, lasting for several seconds until it came to a complete stop. A wisp of smoke-like mist rose from the train, and the doors slowly opened, revealing its luxurious interior.
Without needing to check, they knew that the tickets purchased by the Destruction Knight Order for them were for adjacent seats.
After Lanchi and Xide boarded the train, they walked through several carriages before quickly locating their seats.
Thick curtains were drawn on either side of the windows, but through the gaps in the fabric, a hazy view of the outside world could be glimpsed.
Lanchi gazed out the window, his thoughts seemingly lingering on his academy in the imperial capital, while Xide picked up a magazine to occupy her time.
Such journeys were a rarity for her, and she relished the unusual leisure it afforded her.
Finally, Lanchi seemed to let go of his concerns and decided to embrace the new adventure.
"Xide, you have to protect me. I'm just a fourth-rank auxiliary," Lanchi said with a slight smile.
Xide had insisted on reverting to the power level of a teenager, and even though she suppressed her strength to the fourth-rank, there was an oppressing aura about her that suggested she had once effortlessly defeated fourth-rank opponents.
"I want to make it clear to you that while I am technically your companion, and though it is theoretically possible for me to save your life, I will not stop you if you choose to act in a suicidal manner. I respect the destiny of others, and when I deem that you are about to engage in a hopeless endeavor, I will not follow you," Xide replied, turning her head to look at him directly, her tone blunt and without a hint of sentimentality.
"..." Lanchi maintained a polite smile, but his expression froze momentarily.
It seemed that his plan to feign weakness and manipulate Xide into helping him defeat their enemies was not going to work.
"Furthermore, when I assess that the enemy is far stronger than me, I will act according to the reasonable judgment of a fourth-rank warrior. For instance, if the situation calls for it, I will choose to flee, and I will also decide whether to sell you out or bring you along with me," Xide continued, outlining her mechanism for action and effectively issuing a disclaimer—implying that Lanchi would have no grounds for blame if he ended up perishing due to his own recklessness.
"Under what circumstances would you choose to flee with me?" Lanchi asked, curious about the conditions that would prompt her to take him along.
"That would depend on the level of danger presented by the situation, as well as the level of goodwill that Xide has toward you," she explained.
"Ah?" Lanchi was unfamiliar with this style of negotiation.
"Therefore, you must also cherish and protect me," Xide added, setting down her magazine and patting Lanchi's shoulder reassuringly.
"Why should I be the one protecting you?" Lanchi was perplexed. How had the conversation turned to him being responsible for her safety?
"If I'm not happy, I might just leave the team. You have to consider the feelings of your teammates," Xide stated matter-of-factly.
Lanchi was momentarily speechless.
Her strict adherence to logic was impressive.
If he hadn't clarified things right now, would she have given him a lesson in regret later on?
"...”
Seeing Lanchi rendered silent, Cat Boss felt that he had finally met his match.
Not only had he failed to charm her, but her unique perspective had also turned the tables on him.
"...Alright," Lanchi finally nodded in acceptance.
He understood Xide's logic, which revolved around doing the bare minimum and ensuring that he couldn't take advantage of any loopholes.
The more he thought about it, the more frustrated and cheated he felt.
If she wasn't going to be of any help, why bring her along at all?
No, he had to embrace a death-seeking playstyle for this northern journey.
She had only stated that she wouldn't follow him into a hopeless situation, but if there was even a slim chance of survival, he might still be able to motivate her to act!
He couldn't rely solely on her strength as a Bishop-level combatant; it didn't feel worth it otherwise!
(End of Chapter)
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