Chapter 21: The hottest day for Dean Emil

Da—Da—

Two crisp knocks rang out, drawing everyone’s attention.

Dean Emil, holding his cane, slowly walked to the center.

“Everyone, today’s examination is now over.”

“First, congratulations to the candidates who have successfully advanced to the next round.”

At this point, Dean Emil subconsciously glanced at Lynn.

Seeing that innocent expression on Lynn’s face, he felt a strange throbbing in his temples.

“Hiss… Hoo—”

He gritted his teeth and let out a long breath.

After so many years of teaching, Emil had always considered himself an accomplished educator, believing there was nothing left for him to learn.

Until today, when Lynn, that circuit breaker, taught him a brutal lesson in the most humiliating way.

During the scoring, he desperately wanted to give Lynn a big fat “Fail”.

But his flimsy sophistry was ultimately defeated by the hard facts.

If Lynn really was a trial sent by the Goddess of Fate.

Then right now, he only wanted to give the Goddess of Fate’s rear a solid kick…

And, of course, Lynn’s as well.

Sigh.

Dean Emil steadied himself and continued, “The next round’s theme is ‘Searching for Hope’.”

“Throughout history, outstanding magi have been able to find a glimmer of hope even in desperate situations, relying on calm and wisdom.”

“In tomorrow’s exam, after entering the test field, candidates will be unable to use magic power.”

“Candidates must figure out a way to survive the hunt of the ‘Seekers’ and persist until the final moment.”

“In addition, this assessment will be conducted in total isolation, with no live broadcast to the outside.”

“Best of luck to you all.”

Except for Lynn, of course.

Emil thought to himself.

…

The setting sun slanted across the cobblestone sidewalk, and the magic lamps on both sides of the road lit up one after another.

Even as dusk approached, the streets remained bustling with traffic.

Shops along the street opened their gas lamps, the warm orange light spilling softly onto every passerby through the windows.

Soon after, food stalls began to spread out as well, and the cries of vendors gradually filled the air.

The vibrancy of the city was laid out in full before their eyes.

But Sophie had no time to admire the lively scene.

She’d been troubled since the afternoon, a preoccupied look fixed on her face.

“Lynn…”

Sophie tugged at Lynn’s sleeve, wanting to speak but hesitating.

She was very worried that this matter might drag Livia into it as well.

After all, the Abyssal Order had too many ways to restrain witches.

“What’s wrong?”

Lynn asked, looking to be in a rather good mood.

Sophie felt a bit embarrassed.

How could Lynn keep such a sunny, optimistic attitude?

After a moment’s hesitation, Sophie finally spoke, “About the Abyssal Order…”

“With me here, what’s there to worry about?”

Lynn smiled.

“Eh?”

At the mention of the Abyssal Order, Livia finally reacted, a bit slow on the uptake.

“Could it be that guy this afternoon who spoke rudely to Mr. Lynn?”

Sophie nodded rapidly: “That’s him!”

“But don’t worry, Miss Livia, I’ll protect you!”

Sophie darted in front of Livia, rolled up her sleeves, and flexed muscles so faint they were almost invisible.

“Oh.”

Livia replied perfunctorily, showing little interest in Sophie’s proposal.

“As long as Mr. Lynn protects me, that’s enough, hehe.”

She turned and clung to Lynn’s arm, unwilling to let go.

“Ugh…”

Sophie’s mood sank a little.

But she quickly perked up again.

It seemed she really had to hurry and get stronger, so she could show off in front of Miss Livia and prove she was even more reliable than Lynn!

With that thought, Sophie’s fighting spirit burned anew.

“Oh right, Sophie, could you do me a favor?”

Sophie tilted her head in confusion and pointed to herself.

“I need you to buy a few things for me.”

Lynn raised the basket in his hand and scratched his head, smiling a little sheepishly.

Although Sophie was a bit reluctant, she still picked up the basket, took the list, and ran errands for Lynn.

“Now then, Livia—”

“Here!”

Livia snapped off a textbook salute to Lynn, her sudden seriousness making him a bit bewildered.

Lynn blinked in confusion.

“Hehe, nothing, just tell me what you need, Mr. Lynn!”

“Tomorrow, think of a way to make sure the live broadcast screen shows the situation inside the arena.”

“Understood, Mr. Lynn!”

Another crisp salute.

Lynn could only sigh helplessly.

Sometimes, he really felt that Livia was just like the lively girl next door.

Well, as long as she’s happy.

Lynn gathered his thoughts again.

He’d spent all afternoon thinking, and finally remembered just who Pedro was.

Heir to the Northern Kingdom, third-rank magus.

In order to advance quickly, he’d struck some sort of deal with the Abyssal Order, and could now even use their spells to further enhance his power.

A troublesome opponent.

Although the arena’s buff would prevent everyone inside from using magic power,

The Abyssal Order’s spells weren’t counted as magic power.

Meaning, as long as Pedro wanted, he could completely overpower everyone present.

Even with the “Dragon’s Heart,” defeating Pedro across two ranks would be extremely difficult.

Most importantly, Lynn had no way to warn the proctors about the Abyssal Order’s infiltration in advance.

If he remembered right, the Central Council had already listed the Abyssal Order as the second greatest threat after the extraterrestrial dragons long ago.

The crackdown on the Abyssal Order had only grown fiercer and more frequent.

And yet, in the heavily guarded Central Royal City, The Abyssal Order had infiltrated.

Clearly, there was a mole.

But exactly where was the leak?

Lynn had no idea, nor any way to investigate.

If he reported it early, and the mole happened to be one of the Academy’s higher-ups…

He’d be as good as finished.

All in all, things weren’t looking good for Lynn right now.

But, even in desperate straits, Lynn still managed to find a single solution.

“Hoo—”

Lynn let out a long breath.

Next…

It’s all up to you, Ah Yan.

Lynn thought to himself.

“Mr. Lynn, try this!”

Livia’s voice snapped Lynn out of his thoughts.

She’d somehow returned with a cup of juice, took a sip herself, then shoved it into Lynn’s mouth as he stood daydreaming by the lamppost.

“Mmm… it’s pretty good.”

Lynn replied offhandedly.

He was completely oblivious to Livia’s little scheme.

“Hmph~”

Livia’s cheeks turned crimson.

That counts as an indirect kiss with Mr. Lynn, doesn’t it?

At that thought, a sweet feeling welled up in Livia’s heart.

One day, Livia was sure she’d make Mr. Lynn fall in love with her.

When that day came, she would boldly kiss him, right and proper!

Staring at Lynn’s handsome profile under the streetlight, Livia silently made her vow.