Chapter 49: Lanchi Attracts Attention
Chapter 49: Lanchi Attracts Attention
At that very moment, within the walls of the Icretia Magic Academy...
Vice Principal Ron, who had been teaching in the classroom building, received an urgent message. His expression turned grave as he immediately announced an early end to the class and hurried to the conference room in the main building of the Sage's Court.
Pushing open the heavy door, he entered a room where the tension seemed to hang heavy in the air despite the soft color palette of the decor. Each teacher wore an unusually solemn expression, their eyes fixed intently on the screen at the center of the room.
"Lorren, how are they doing?" Vice Principal Ron asked with a hint of anxiety as he sat down next to Principal Lorren.
Ron had initially thought that the second-tier Shadow World would pose no challenge to Lanchi and Huberian, and even if it were a third-tier world, they would likely manage just fine.
After all, with their combined ranks, they would either face a more difficult second-tier Shadow World or a relatively easier third-tier one.
But Ron could never have imagined that these two newcomers, on their very first attempt, would be thrust into a fourth-tier Shadow World with an exceptionally perilous setting—a demon nation from an unknown time and space, a place where normal humans could not hope to survive.
There were only two possible reasons for being matched with a Shadow World far beyond one's rank.
The first was simply abysmal luck, triggering an extremely rare event. However, in such cases, the other teammates were often stronger than average.
The second reason was the presence of rule-breakers—high-ranking individuals deliberately teaming up with low-ranking players to crush lower-tier Shadow Worlds, thereby disrupting the normal matching mechanism.
"...It would generally be considered a serious accident, but in the case of those two, it's not certain that they're ill-suited for this Shadow World," mused Principal Lorren, his eyes fixed on the magical screen displaying the footage relayed by the Magic Engineering Institute.
Vice Principal Ron nodded in understanding at Lorren's words. He could guess at the underlying meaning that the Principal, in his position, could only imply.
Most challengers, especially those below the Platinum rank with less extensive experience, would find their abilities and judgment severely compromised when faced with extremely dangerous Shadow Worlds due to the abnormal environment, bizarre rules, and excessively bloody and insane historical scenarios.
However, there were also those rare individuals who, when confronted with the most insane of Shadow Worlds, could unleash talents that they would otherwise be unable to exhibit in the present world.
In the realm of demons, there were no human laws to abide by.
And once Lanchi was freed from the constraints of the law...
Well, the outcome was anyone's guess.
...
In a small attic designed to resemble a library, located within the jurisdiction of the Sage's Court.
Looming tall and ornate, the carved bookshelves stretched from floor to ceiling, resembling the ramparts of an ancient castle.
On the second floor of this structure was another magical screen, capable of actively selecting specific footage from the rotating display.
"Hahaha, Modan, you've been played by a fool today!" A young woman in a black skirt sat in the main seat, laughing so hard that she kicked her legs as she clutched her stomach.
This place was their team's property, a unique venue granted to them by the school.
Although Modan was a Gold-ranked challenger and the leader of this team, it was clear at a glance who the true boss was.
The woman in the black silk skirt was a Platinum-ranked fourth-year student, possessing immense power and a lofty status that most teachers couldn't hope to match.
"Yes, it seems we won't be seeing him again," said Modan, the Marquis of Gasigus, his previously gloomy expression now much relieved.
"But you should also prepare for the possibility that he might not be a fool after all."
Within the confines of an independent laboratory affiliated with the Magic Engineering Institute, the spacious and brightly lit interior exuded an air of sophistication. The color scheme, predominantly white and gray, instilled a sense of tranquility and focus.
High above, uniform lighting from the ceiling bathed every corner in soft radiance, while the encircling walls boasted embedded magic screens displaying various data and information. Scattered across the laboratory were uniquely shaped workstations where magi-technicians diligently pursued their research endeavors.
"Is that the same kid Her Highness Vivian mentioned? The top student of the Sage's Court this year?"
The voice, emanating from a companion standing before a magic screen in the distance, drew attention.
A handsome young man, clad in a workman's outfit and thick protective gloves, paused from his task of repairing a magical apparatus. Pushing up his protective goggles, he, too, turned his gaze toward the image on the screen.
"It's a good thing we didn't recruit him," remarked a young woman standing nearby, dressed in an alternate uniform style of the Magic Engineering Institute. In contrast to the young man, her collar bore a silver-level registered card maker's badge from the Card Maker's Association.
"They say his way of thinking is quite different from most people. Perhaps he did it on purpose," the young man mused, scratching his head in confusion.
Girl: "But..."
The current scene on the magic screen, depicting a thoroughly wrecked mechanism within the Demon Examination Hall, seemed to spell nothing but a dire predicament.
"You don't get it, do you?" The young man removed his gloves and set down his tools, perching on the desk as he contemplated the magic screen.
Like Princess Vivian of Houghton, he, too, had ash-blond hair, but his attire was remarkably plain, akin to that of a commoner. This was his customary style unless he was back at the royal palace. Often, people failed to recognize his royal status, perceiving him only as someone with an extraordinary aura.
"Have you figured something out?" the girl inquired.
Young Man: "I don't quite understand it either."
"... "
The girl remained silent, her arms folded as she turned her head away, standing quietly by his side. Had it not been for the potential repercussions of assaulting royalty, she would have taken action by now.
...
In the dormitory building of the Knight's Court, students poured out of the corridors and staircase, their footsteps echoing as they made their way through the lobby after a long day of studies. Some appeared refreshed, while others bore signs of fatigue.
As it was nearing the end of classes and dinnertime, the corridors were noticeably busier than in the afternoon.
"Hurry to Jera Memorial Square! If you're late, there won't be any steps left to sit on," someone urged.
"Who would've thought there'd be such a brute in the Sage's Court?" another student remarked.
Not far away, at the corner of the first-floor corridor, a student with grayish-white hair and sunglasses perched arrogantly on his nose was in the process of affixing a plaque bearing the words "Fred Detective Agency" next to his dormitory door. A pair of nails protruded from between his lips, completing the picture of nonchalance.
Students passing by couldn't help but betray their surprise at the sight of Fred.
Setting aside, for a moment, the question of why there would be a detective agency on campus, the more perplexing issue was the presence of a detective within the Knight's Court. However, upon laying eyes on the man with white hair and violet eyes, exuding a wild wolf-like aura of explosive power, their confusion seemed to melt away.
"... "
Fred, his attention fixed on the plaque, remained silent.
He was oblivious to the unusual commotion that had gripped the school that evening. Ever since the end of classes, he had overheard several students hurrying back to their dormitories, only to rush out again, their voices carrying snippets of similar conversations.
"Forget it, I'll go take a look later," Fred muttered, his focus unwavering from the task at hand.
(End of Chapter)
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