In the end, they discovered that Allen showed no trace of divine art; the Power of Law was an ability he’d awakened naturally, without any external force.
In other words, in a sense, Allen was already her equal.
The key distinction between ordinary grand magi and ultimate grand magi was whether or not they could use the Power of Law.
This power, which could directly harness the world’s essence and attributes—whether you were a warrior or a mage—if you could use it, you were Stage Six.
The academy couldn’t decide the life or death of a Stage Six grand mage, so they requested instruction from the empire where Avelina was.
And since Allen hadn’t broken any imperial laws, the empire could only strongly suggest that the academy find a reason to execute him.
After all, they didn’t want to lose credibility by executing a citizen who hadn’t broken their laws, which would be far worse than Avelina gaining another Stage Six grand mage.
Their primary goal was to maintain rule, not to become eternal sinners who halt magical progress.
The delicate balance between the two sides might also be affected.
In the end, the only one at Avelina who wanted to eliminate Allen was Lia, who had a deep hatred for the Holy See.
…
“If you want to protect him, you must have your reasons, so I won’t interfere. My reason for wanting to kill him isn’t just because he hurt you all…”
Lia continued to tell Lin Yue, “This is what I found after tracking the strange aura that day. I suspect Allen was being controlled by this.”
Lia handed Lin Yue a stone that was red and black intermingled.
“I used magic to inspect it. This probably enhances and attracts nearby magic, and affects a mage’s mind.”
Enhances, attracts magic, and affects a mage’s mind?
Upon hearing this series of keywords, Lin Yue half-covered his mouth, his eyes darting quickly.
“Could it be… someone else is being affected.”
He was just about to look up when he noticed Lia was standing very close to him, slowly raising her hand…
“Well done, Lin Yue. You worked hard this time…”
Lia…
That small, delicate hand gently patted his hair.
Lia smiled and used a gentle tone he’d never heard before, “Thanks to you, we managed to resolve everything in the best way. As your teacher, I’m really proud…”
Is she… encouraging me?
Feeling this almost childlike comforting gesture, Lin Yue’s previously restless heart slowly calmed.
“You’re two years younger than me, you know. Stop acting like my teacher already…”
Lin Yue laughed, raised his head, and scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed.
“By the way, what’s this fancy box? I’m curious.”
After patting Lin Yue’s head, Lia floated over to where Isabella had been sitting, curiosity in her voice.
That’s…
Only then did Lin Yue notice the exquisite iron box left on the table.
He opened it to find some potions for restoring magic and bodily functions, but there were no labels, so he had no idea where they came from.
Lia opened a bottle, sniffed it, and showed a surprised expression.
“This potion is no joke—even I’d have to use it sparingly. Sniff sniff… The magic is so pure.”
Lin Yue was puzzled. Did Isabella just forget to take away such a valuable thing?
He glanced in the direction Isabella had left, completely baffled.
…
Isabella walked alone on the way back to her dorm, her mood troubled.
“What was wrong with me just now…?”
She couldn’t understand why she suddenly lost control of her emotions and left.
This was completely different from what she’d planned before leaving her room.
The moment she saw Lin Yue, her mind had gone completely blank.
The thank-you script she’d practiced fell apart, and she could only hastily leave behind the potion she’d brought for him and walk away.
“Ugh…”
Suddenly, the image of Lin Yue, mouth full of blood, shielding her with a bitter smile, flashed through her mind.
When she remembered all those intimate scenes between Airella and him, her thoughts became hopelessly tangled—like a broken old television full of static.
So that’s it…
The moment this thought popped up—”The two of them actually make a good couple”—Isabella felt her chest tighten, as if something had grabbed her hard.
It was suffocating.
What was this feeling?
Aftereffects of magic exhaustion…?
“Is…Isabella!”
Before she could sort out her thoughts, a somewhat childish boy called out to her.
That voice…
“Yuan, good evening.”
Isabella took a deep breath and, seeing the boy a little shorter than herself, composed herself and greeted him politely.
Yuan was one of the teammates Allen could pick in the original story—a thin and small boy, but his potions were extremely reliable.
The potion Isabella gave Lin Yue was made by Yuan at her request.
“Miss Isabella, um… how was the potion I gave you a few days ago? If it’s not enough, I have more.”
Yuan spoke with a fawning tone that anyone could see right through—he clearly liked Isabella.
But as the eldest daughter of a renowned magical family, it was perfectly normal to have admirers.
It was just that ever since the engagement with the Hawk Family fell through, many families didn’t dare propose easily.
In terms of excellence, after the magic tests, the Valiana sisters were on another level—so outstanding that they’d dare invite you, but you wouldn’t dare accept.
Both heiresses were too impressive, and the price was absolutely not small.
You might even have to marry into their family.
Isabella looked at the timid boy in front of her and put on her most elegant noble-lady manner, saying: “Thank you for accepting my request to make the potion. I hear the Rudel Family’s secret potions are priceless, though this might not be much, please accept these coins.”
“No, no… I can’t take your money, Miss Isabella.”
Yuan scratched his head shyly, clearly hoping to improve Isabella’s impression of him.
He’d heard Isabella used to hate Lin Yue, that good-for-nothing, and had said outrageous things about marrying both Valiana sisters.
How detestable!
With all the recent rumors flying around, it must have made it hard for Miss Isabella to go out…
Just thinking that Lin Yue was about to join the elite class and study magic with him made Yuan feel disgusted.
By the way, since Yuan was terrible at fighting, he was knocked out by Gus and the others during the exam.
But when it came to potions, he was a real genius—he could even make revive-all-and-restore potions for the whole team at almost no cost later on.
Miss Isabella must be in a foul mood now.
But this is the best time to stay by her side and win her heart…
But to his surprise, when Isabella heard him shorten her name, the polite smile vanished, replaced by an unhappy but still restrained expression as she firmly refused: “I don’t like owing people favors. Please take the money.”
She handed Yuan the pouch containing more than twenty gold coins.
“And, please address me properly. I don’t like anyone but family calling me by that nickname.”
Isabella said this sternly, leaving Yuan a little bewildered.
Got carried away…
Yuan bowed his head in disappointment, remembering how Isabella had stood up for Allen that day, and felt the fire in his heart burn hotter.
But he was attracted by Isabella’s courageous, unyielding attitude—being treated differently was better than being treated the same as everyone else.
With that, he was ready to go back and make even more potions for Isabella.
“Oh, by the way, you can stop making the potions now. I don’t need them anymore…”
Don’t need them…?
“Ah… why?”
Then I have no value left at all?
“Because, he doesn’t care… never mind, just don’t trouble yourself over it.”
Halfway through, Isabella realized she was letting her true feelings slip, so she hurriedly composed herself and prepared to return to her dorm.
He already has Airella… Giving gifts that would only make things complicated was pointless.
Keeping a distance was also an important part of noble upbringing.
Since he’d already given his heart to another woman, there was no reason for her to give him gifts as a member of the opposite sex, regardless of her intentions.
Isabella sighed. If she’d known, she wouldn’t have sent that token of friendship, to avoid any misunderstandings…
Thinking of all the recent rumors, she felt even more downcast.
And Yuan, watching the dejected Isabella, was stunned on the spot.
She’d never shown an expression like that…
Is it because of the rumors about Lin Yue?
Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in his mind.
After all, she’d always seemed to hate Lin Yue, so it had to be the rumors upsetting her—no wonder she needed so many recovery potions!
Just you wait, Lin Yue!
“Achoo!”
Meanwhile, Lin Yue blew his nose, suddenly feeling a chill.
Was it because he took a cold shower…?
Lin Yue silently vowed that he’d definitely heat the water before bathing tomorrow.