Chapter 33: Huberterian's Unspeakable Secret
Chapter 33: Huberterian's Unspeakable Secret
The usually tense and powder-keg-like atmosphere of the courtyard exam venue was now unusually quiet.
Huberterian and Vivian averted their gazes, neither wanting to utter another hurtful word.
"..."
In the midst of this unusual silence, Lanchi's interjection left the two other candidates waiting by the side stunned.
Though Lanchi himself might not have realized it, they felt he possessed a unique talent for defusing volatile situations!
Even though this was not exactly a life-or-death situation, as Lanchi had voluntarily stepped in to mediate, it still inspired a sudden urge in them to become his disciples.
This was far more useful than any magic, they thought.
Their expressions soon caught Lanchi's attention, and he offered a smile and a nod to the two candidates who were looking at him with newfound respect.
Indeed, doing good deeds like mediating disputes would earn one admiration. Lanchi felt happy to be respected.
More importantly, the current harmonious atmosphere among the candidates in the exam venue was what Lanchi truly desired.
With more respect and understanding and less conflict, the world would become a better place.
...
After several dozen seconds of quiet in the courtyard, hurried footsteps approached.
Teacher Theresa returned to the exam venue, carrying her small magical instrument.
"Sorry for the wait, everyone. I'm back now..."
She had finally seen Examiner Ferrat off and had been worried that in her brief absence, the hostile Miss Huberterian of the Duke's family and Princess Vivian would clash.
However, before Theresa could finish speaking, she paused, slightly surprised by the harmonious atmosphere that currently prevailed.
Had she been overly concerned?
Shaking her head to clear her confusion, Theresa reminded herself to focus on the present. She quickly walked over to Huberterian and Lanchi and said, "Congratulations on passing the exam."
Teacher Theresa smiled at Huberterian and Lanchi, "On the day of the school opening, you can go directly to the main building of the Sage Institute, and you will be guided there. Also, the school dormitories can be moved into three days before the start of school, and the student rings can be picked up from the Magic Engineering Institute around the same time."
She pointed to the candidates' qualifying rings, indicating that they could exchange them for their official enrollment documents at the Magic Engineering Institute later.
"Thank you."
"Thank you, Teacher Theresa."
After receiving Huberterian and Lanchi's thanks, Theresa bade them a gentle farewell with a wave.
Then, like a waiter in a busy lunch restaurant, she quickly turned to the second group of examinees, which included Vivian, and said, "Sorry to keep you waiting. We can now begin your exam..."
Vivian listened to Teacher Theresa's words absentmindedly, her gaze still following Huberterian's retreating figure.
Although Huberterian had happened to meet a helpful person this time, Vivian believed it was only a matter of temporary luck that would soon vanish like a bubble.
The reason Lanchi was currently so trusting of Huberterian was simply that he, a boy from the border, did not know Huberterian's secret—
Huberterian had demon blood flowing in her veins; she was the illegitimate child of Duke Alan Tharros and a demoness.
Vivian was certain that if Lanchi ever learned of Huberterian's demonic heritage, his friendly attitude would definitely undergo a drastic change, and he might even join the ranks of those who persecuted Huberterian.
In the Kingdom of Horton, ravaged by the Demon Tribe's war many years ago, there was not a single person who did not harbor hatred and fear towards the demons!
...
Ecclesiastic Academy, the Learning and Education Building.
The uniquely designed and avant-garde structure boasted a width of several meters, with its stairs descending in progressive layers. The interplay of beige stone and crystal railings created the illusion of light weaving through the floors.
Each level of the stairs served a different purpose—some wooden steps doubled as resting areas for students, while others displayed the latest creations from the academy. The lowest level even connected to a spacious terrace.
Two young figures walked down the stairs of the building, their strides relaxed as they navigated through a pressure-free artistic space.
After today's challenging exam, Lanchi couldn't help but wear a broad smile, his cheerful mood evident.
Although Huberterian maintained her usual stoic expression, giving no hint of her inner thoughts, the fierce light in her eyes had unknowingly faded.
"Speaking of, Huberterian," Lanchi said as he walked alongside his newfound comrade, Huberterian. "You're quite familiar with this part of the Royal Capital and have a broad range of knowledge. In your opinion, what's the fastest way to make money in the capital that won't land me in jail?"
He added a quick clarification after posing his question.
Although the penal code itself could be a money-making handbook, it was definitely not an option to be considered.
As they walked, their figures occasionally passed by decorations adorning the stairs—newly cultivated plants from the Alchemy Institute, the latest academic achievements, and bizarre artworks from the Magic Engineering Institute.
"..." Huberterian hesitated, falling silent for a moment.
She had intended to bid farewell to Lanchi at this point.
She was grateful for his help and kindness, but she was also acutely aware that their paths would not intertwine as friends.
It wouldn't be long before Lanchi discovered her secret—that she was a half-demon.
She hadn't deliberately hidden or lied about her identity to him, but even if he didn't actively investigate, his friendly attitude towards her would inevitably change once those who wanted to target her decided to reveal her secret to him. In that most critical moment, she would be pushed into the abyss, their friendship shattered.
What she dreaded the most was the thought of a friend suddenly becoming a stranger, their relationship irreparably damaged, and an unbridgeable enmity forming between them...
But perhaps this was her way of repaying Lanchi for their brief and fleeting connection.
"If my father hadn't gone missing, our Duke Alan Tharros family would have been more than happy to invest in talented individuals like you," Huberterian replied with a hint of regret. "Unfortunately, I don't have the authority to access the family's funds at the moment."
She felt compelled to match Lanchi's sincerity, even if just for this moment. "If you don't have any crafting skills, the fastest way to make money is to challenge the Shadow World."
They continued their descent, taking their time as they walked down the stairs. The giant glass walls between the floors reflected the sunlight, brightening the entire space before it was momentarily dimmed by the marble walls.
"Hmm..." Lanchi nodded thoughtfully.
Although he had learned how to craft magic cards, he could only create low-level ones for now.
His craftsmanship was still rough, and his success rate in card crafting was abysmally low, often resulting in explosions that made Talia shake her head in dismay.
He didn't even feel confident about taking the registered card crafter exam conducted by the Southern Continent Card Crafters Association anytime soon.
It seemed that his combat profession, White Mage, was more advanced than his crafting profession, Card Crafter.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
