Chapter 38: Chapter 38: The Approaching War!
The leader of Stanlow City Junior Magic Academy was a burly man with a fiery red, explosive hairstyle that fluttered in the wind, making it look like a blazing flame, attracting everyone's attention.
Alita Miller timely introduced him to Dean Bruce, whispering by his ear, "This is the principal of Stanlow City Junior Magic Academy, Biber Parson, an Eighth-Level Magus, proficient in fire elemental magic. He even possesses the ability to enhance himself by controlling fire elements. It is said that in that state, even some Grand Magi would not be his match."
As figures came into view one after another, Alita Miller's voice continued to reach Dean Bruce's ears, describing their strengths and unique abilities, which made Dean Bruce narrow his eyes slightly, inwardly surprised.
To have access to so much information clearly indicates that Alita Miller must have a powerful organization backing her!
It wasn't until the group of mentors from Stanlow City Junior Magic Academy approached that Alita Miller stopped speaking, quietly standing by Dean Bruce's side, giving off a sense of delicate reliance.
Of course, Dean Bruce was not the target of those people's attention. Biber Parson's gaze swept across the crowd and immediately landed on André. He grinned and strode forward, exclaiming loudly, "Principal André, long time no see! You look younger than ever. Have you perhaps advanced to the Grand Magus level?"
Whether a magician or a martial arts cultivator, the higher their level, the more their power would affect them, thereby increasing their lifespan and making them appear younger.
It is rumored that those who reach the level of a Sage Magus or Sword Saint not only retain youthful appearances but also have tighter and smoother skin!
André Maxwell also smiled and replied, "Principal Biber, you're quite the joker. I'm almost too old to walk. Leading the team in this competition has already exhausted me. I fear you won't see me at the next competition in a few years, so how could I possibly advance?"
"But you, on the other hand, are full of energy. Just standing next to you, I can feel the intense heat. You must be close to a breakthrough, right?"
To Dean Bruce, the conversation between leaders was nothing but endless small talk. After exchanging pleasantries for a long time, André and Biber went from discussing levels to education and then from education to treasures, causing many mentors to grow bored.
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Lina Jones hesitated for a moment before walking up to Dean Bruce with a smile, "Instructor Dean, we meet again. Thank you for your help last time."
"No need to be so formal," Dean Bruce responded warmly, knowing that the upcoming plan involved Lina Jones. He smiled, "It was just a small favor. You already gave me a generous gift last time. If you keep being so polite, I might start feeling embarrassed."
As they spoke, the eyes of the instructors from both cities all turned toward them, their faces full of surprise.
Despite the close proximity of the two cities, a mountain range separated them, making it difficult to traverse safely, even for instructors with considerable strength. As a result, people from the two cities were quite unfamiliar with each other.
Seeing how familiar Dean Bruce and Lina Jones were with each other, how could they not be surprised?
After the initial shock, the male instructors couldn't help but feel envious and jealous!
How is it that the two women surrounding Dean Bruce are both so stunning? And each in their own unique way! One had the allure of a mature woman, captivating hearts, while the other was like the girl next door, evoking a sense of pity and protection!
After chatting for a while, André and Biber finally finished their pleasantries and shifted the conversation to the upcoming competition, instantly drawing the attention of all the instructors.
There was no other choice; the outcome of this competition would determine the instructors' salaries for the next several years. Who wouldn't want to earn a bit more money? After all, cultivating required significant financial resources!
Just the cost of a professional training room was steep, and if one needed to purchase medicinal herbs or crystal cores, the prices could easily reach over a hundred thousand!
They didn't have Dean Bruce's good fortune. The gifts from Nicholas William and Lina Jones were so generous that Dean Bruce wouldn't have to worry about resources for months!
André Maxwell pondered aloud, "Last time, if I recall correctly, the competition was in teams of two, with the number of crystal cores obtained from the beasts hunted in the Black Dragon Mountains as the standard for evaluation. This year, how about we make some changes?"
"Agreed!" Biber Parson nodded, "After all, we are instructors. Besides combat ability, we should also assess their survival skills in the wild. What if they lead a team in the future and can't take care of their students? This time, let's evaluate them based on the resources they gather in the Black Dragon Mountains, such as medicinal herbs and minerals."
At this point, Biber Parson's expression became serious. He swept his gaze over the many instructors, his voice taking on a commanding tone, "This competition will last for a total of five days. During that time, you can gather various medicinal herbs, minerals, and even some special resources in the Black Dragon Mountains. Points will be awarded based on the rarity of the items collected!"
"After five days, the points will be tallied. Of course, during the competition, if you manage to snatch herbs or minerals from others, those will also count toward your score."
"After all, as instructors, you must have combat capabilities. Otherwise, if your students get bullied and their belongings are taken, will you just stand by and watch? As long as you don't go too far, any method is allowed!"
As he finished speaking, the eyes of the instructors immediately turned fierce.
This was different from the New World; the planet Meze was inherently a world where the strong prey on the weak. The instructors appeared honest and straightforward only because their positions at the academy constrained them. Once those constraints were removed, they were all ruthless individuals who wouldn't hesitate to kill.
"Oh, I almost forgot to mention—this year is different from previous years. The top three scorers will have the opportunity to further their studies at an Advanced Magic Academy. If they seize this chance, they might even stay on as faculty members!"
"Good luck. I hope you all perform exceptionally well. Now, go—your time starts now."
Upon hearing this, the instructors couldn't hide their astonishment. In the next moment, they rushed out, eager to get ahead. Within just a few breaths, the group of instructors, including Dean Bruce, had vanished over the hillside, disappearing into the wilderness.
André Maxwell furrowed his brows and muttered, "Why did you have to tell them that? Aren't you just forcing them to turn on each other?"
"If they don't turn on each other, how will they be tempered?" Biber Parson responded calmly. "In recent years, the friction between the various temples and alliances has been increasing. Moreover, races like the Beastmen and Dwarves are all eyeing us with hostility. A major war is likely to break out soon!"
"I don't want to see someone get lucky and sneak into the Advanced Magic Academy. If they lack the drive, they might not even learn advanced magic once they get there, and they won't be able to contribute to the alliance in future battles!"
"You... you're such a war maniac!" André Maxwell couldn't help but sneer. "What, are you planning to go to the battlefield yourself?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Biber Parson answered without hesitation. "By the way, if you don't want to go to the battlefield, you'd better step down from your position soon. Otherwise, if you dare to shy away from the fight, I'll kill you first!"
André Maxwell mocked, "You want to kill me? Aren't you afraid of getting hurt yourself? That might reduce your effectiveness on the battlefield."
"Even if it means mutual destruction, I won't allow someone in a high position to enjoy the benefits without bearing the responsibilities!" Biber Parson replied coldly. "You know, my parents died at the hands of such people. I will show no mercy!"
André Maxwell sighed and gave a bitter smile. Resigned, he said, "I'll find a chance to step down, but before I do, I have one request."
Biber Parson nodded, "What is it?"
"After I retire, please look after Dean Bruce. His parents were dear friends of mine, and they died exploring ruins for the alliance. They made great contributions to the alliance, so I ask that you don't refuse this request."
After a brief pause, André Maxwell spoke softly again, "If possible, I hope you can bring him into the alliance's ranks."
"…"
Biber Parson suddenly turned around, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, staring coldly at André Maxwell without saying a word.
Meanwhile, deep within the Black Dragon Mountains, the forest was thick and lush. Dean Bruce followed closely behind Alita Miller as they made their way toward a specific area.
A moment later, Alita Miller halted in front of a large boulder and smiled, "Let's wait here for a bit. The others will be here soon."
Dean Bruce found a spot to sit down on the ground. Suddenly curious, he asked, "How many members does your organization have? Were they the ones who ambushed Lina Jones last time? Aren't you afraid she'll recognize them?"
Alita Miller chuckled, "If you want to learn about our organization, you'll have to join us first; otherwise, I'm not telling. As for those two operations, apart from me and the other leader, everyone else was switched out. You don't need to worry about being recognized. I deliberately avoided using my usual magic back then, all in preparation for this moment!"
"As for that guy... he has a spell that can change his appearance and aura. Even if Lina Jones herself or a Grand Magus-level expert were here, they wouldn't be able to tell."
Alita Miller's eyes twinkled mischievously as she suddenly turned to Dean Bruce, adopting a seemingly vulnerable expression, which made Dean Bruce feel a bit puzzled.