Chapter 342: The Search
Chapter 342: The Search
Isaiah changed into a brand-new wizard's robe, his grip on the staff in his hand alternating between tight and loose, clearly agitated.
"No need to be nervous," a middle-aged woman in her forties named Melisa, a full-fledged apprentice of the Academy, said reassuringly.
Noticing Isaiah's changing expression, Melisa gently comforted her, "Not all wizards are cold and heartless, especially the younger ones. Unless they practice certain specialized techniques, their emotions are much like ours."
"Wizard Lynn is not yet seventeen. He went through the apprentice years with you, and he won't forget you," Melisa added.
"Yes," Isaiah forced a smile, "Since he became a full wizard, my potion supply has been much more relaxed. I believe that in a few years, I'll become an advanced wizard apprentice."
"That's right," Melisa nodded with a hint of envy, "You're very lucky!"
"Even though I haven't passed the Academy's re-examination yet, many apprentices hope to befriend you. After all, you're Wizard Lynn's closest friend, and he is one of the most promising wizards among his peers."
Moreover,
In the speculations of many, Lynn is very likely to become a Tier 2 Wizard in the future.
And Isaiah, who cheered for Lynn, would undoubtedly advance to the wizard rank with his sponsorship.
Melisa, who had cared for Isaiah during her time at the Academy, now hoped to gain his friendship in return.
Such is the abruptness of status changes.
"He's here!"
Isaiah's body tensed, and he jogged towards the approaching figure, bowing respectfully, "Wizard Lynn."
"Lord Lynn," Melisa followed closely behind.
"Isaiah, my friend, there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Lynn as before," Lynn waved his hand, "Follow me."
"Yes."
Isaiah remained respectful, his body still tense despite Lynn's friendly attitude.
This was Melisa's teaching.
'Once you become a wizard, things will be different from before. No matter how close you were, you must maintain a certain level of respect.'
Melisa spoke with a hint of sentiment, 'I've witnessed similar situations. Among a group of good friends, one of them became a wizard by chance. The others didn't change their attitude towards him, thinking it would bridge the gap between them. But they unknowingly angered the wizard, and from then on, they encountered trouble one after another.'
'Wizards are different from us. Even if you don't respect the person, you must respect the power they represent.'
Isaiah deeply agreed.
She followed Lynn into the room, and Melisa tactfully stayed behind, guarding the door.
"You should be preparing for the re-examination at the Academy," Lynn gestured for Isaiah to sit down and asked, "Why did you come here?"
"I was planning to wait for the re-examination, but the Academy called for a second recruitment, and I was on the list," Isaiah said cautiously, "Is there a problem?"
"..." Lynn seemed deep in thought, "For you, coming here is too dangerous."
"I heard about that too," Isaiah nodded,
"Many people died in this operation to eliminate the abyssal creatures, which is why the Academy is recruiting again."
"That's not it," Lynn shook his head, "I have an enemy in the Academy who dares not act against me but might target those around me."
"Like you!"
"Ah!" Isaiah's face paled, and his eyes flickered, "On my way here, I heard that two wizard apprentices affiliated with you were in danger, and you didn't take any action."
"Hmm..." Lynn lightly tapped the table, "I don't know those two, not even their names. It's obvious that someone wants me to leave the protection of the Wizard Tower."
As for the consequences of leaving, one could easily guess.
"Someone dares to target a wizard?" Isaiah's face was filled with concern, "You must be careful."
"I'm fine," Lynn smiled, standing up and stretching,
"Whether it's a wizard or a wizard apprentice, if you think about it, it's all about the survival of the fittest. There's no real difference."
"I became a wizard at a young age and was highly regarded by many, but without a background, I also lack connections. Even if I die out there, it won't matter much. It'll just become a topic of conversation for some."
"His advancement was too recent, and while he's caught the attention of some, it's not enough to be a concern."
Moreover, he wasn't one to be subservient to others.
"Linen..." Isaiah's worry intensified.
"Don't worry about me," Linen waved his hand, "You should be more concerned about yourself. If someone targets me, they might go after you as well."
"Stay close to me for the next few days. I'll arrange a task for you near the Wizard Tower."
"... Isaiah's face turned slightly red.
"Mhm."
"Also," Linen thought for a moment, "During this time, many people will want to associate with you. If it doesn't affect your cultivation, you can go along with it, but help me investigate something on the side."
"There's a magical creature called a Crow Wader, with a keen sense of smell, and some members of the Demon Hunter Corps specifically breed them..."
He had asked Maggie to look into it, and she had found some information, but it was still inconvenient to rely on others.
It was better to take matters into his own hands.
Half a month later.
About thirty miles from the Abyssal Rift.
Several figures were frantically fleeing, using every acceleration spell they could—Blink Spell, Gale Spell, Flight Spell—to speed up their escape.
Run!
Flee!
Behind them, the dense forest rustled as leaves shook, and occasionally, a streak of fire flashed by.
Each time the fire appeared, a figure would fall, instantly turning into a pile of ashes.
6◇9◇Book◇Bar
Whether it was steel armor or wizardry shields, none of it was effective against the mysterious attacks.
Not long after.
"Boom!"
A ball of flame descended from above, engulfing one of the fleeing figures.
When the flame dissipated, only a charred corpse and a terrified companion remained.
"Crow Wader." Linen's figure appeared not far away, holding a creature resembling a small raccoon.
However, this raccoon had lavender fur and a pair of fluffy wings on its back, making it incredibly adorable.
"When it's not angry, it's quite cute."
Despite Linen's gentle caresses, the Crow Wader seemed terrified, its body tensing involuntarily.
"It's a shame it's not the one I'm looking for."
"Where's the other one?"
This Crow Wader's aura was similar to the one at Susan's disappearance, but they weren't the same.
They were a pair.
The sole survivor in the field trembled and looked up, "Please, can you let me go?"
"No." Linen shook his head, "Even if it wasn't about the Crow Wader, you secretly hunting down academy apprentices, as an academy wizard, I should still kill you."
"Don't think that I won't find out if you don't speak. You should know the capabilities of a wizard."
"If you tell me, your death will be quicker."
The survivor's face was filled with despair.
...
"Bang!"
A delicate porcelain item shattered into countless pieces.
In the Abyssal Cottage, a First Circle Mid-Rank Wizard, Xize, glared with eyes like a raging lion.
No!
A Flame Lion!
The raging flames surrounding him caused the temperature in the space to soar, turning the rocks into flowing lava.
"Charles is useless!"
"It's been so long, and according to him, Linen hasn't made any moves, yet he appeared nearby."
"Grandfather," a young voice sounded,
"Could it be that Charles betrayed you? After all, for you, swallowing Linen would increase your cultivation, and for Linen, you would be a delicious treat as well?"
Xize lifted his head, his eyes shifting, then he said after pursing his lips,
"Why did Linen secretly leave Viper Academy's territory and come near the Abyssal Rift?"
"I'm not sure," the young voice replied, shaking his head,
"It seems to be related to the Demon Hunter Corps."
(End of Chapter)
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