"Vale, I have received the results of the investigation." Headmaster Jean began, his voice steady but tinged with seriousness. "The person you encountered on the airship was indeed Bone Fletcher, the Silver Class Necromancer of the Vermont Family."
It was the first time Vale had heard this name, so he didn't think too much of it. As for the Necromancer being part of the Vermont Family, it didn't surprise him a bit.
'If this guy was famous, I could probably sell his items in an auction to earn a lot of money.' Vale mused.
"While Bone Fletcher's actions were undoubtedly heinous, it seems that he had acted on his own accord, without the knowledge or approval of the Vermont Family." Headmaster Jean continued, his voice filled with a mix of relief and concern. "The family has expressed their deepest apologies for the actions of their rogue member. They were glad that you've eliminated him."
Vale nodded as he looked at the Headmaster's expression. It seems that he still wanted to say something, but he was hesitating.
This was quite rare, so Vale couldn't help but ask.
"Is there anything else, Headmaster?"
Realizing that Vale had noticed something, Headmaster Jean could only sigh and reveal another matter.
"Morgan Vermont seemed thankful for your contribution, and he wanted to meet you. He invited you to visit the Vermont Castle."
Vale didn't hesitate as he answered immediately. "No, thanks… I mean—He doesn't have to thank me. I'll be busy since I missed a couple of days in my classes."
There was no way Vale would want to be alone with that legendary figure of the Dark Arts Faction.
The old man had so many legendary feats over the many decades he had been alive. Their history class had covered most of his achievements, and even up until their third year, they were still studying some of his achievements in the past.
Vale could only think that this person was already a Grandmaster Arcanist in secret. It means that he was dangerous!
Seeing how Vale immediately rejected the idea, Headmaster Jean couldn't help but chuckle as he had already guessed how Vale would react to this.
"Alright..."
Headmaster Jean understood Vale's thoughts and respected his decision not to meet with Morgan Vermont.
He knew the weight of such a meeting and the potential dangers that could arise. With a nod, he acknowledged Vale's response.
Jean had to do his best to cancel this meeting or at least delay it for years.
"I understand, Vale… Leave it to me. However, you can't leave the Academy for the rest of the year." The Headmaster said.
Vale hesitated for a moment before he nodded.
"I can do that…"
"Good. Your studies and your safety are of utmost importance. Just focus on your classes and aim for the number one spot for the Competition's participating students in your batch..."
"Yes, Headmaster."
Vale felt a sense of relief knowing that the Headmaster supported his decision. The thought of being in the presence of such a renowned figure in the Dark Arts Faction was both intimidating and unsettling. He preferred to keep his distance and concentrate on honing his skills within the familiar grounds of the Academy.
He still doesn't know many things about Arcane Paths, and his system may not save him if Morgan decides to do something about him.
Days turned into weeks as Vale immersed himself in his studies and training. He attended classes diligently, absorbing knowledge from his professors and refining his mystical abilities.
As for Celina, she had appeared in the Academy once again after two months, telling everyone that she was sick and had been taken by her family to recuperate.
Of course, Vale confronted her about the incident they faced, but he realized that Celina had wholly changed. She had even forgotten about the incident in the Airship and her desire to make him her Personal Shadow Knight.
'This is too suspicious… It's a good thing I didn't meet Morgan…' Vale thought as he felt that his ESP Spell had truly saved him this time.
It was as if he was meeting a different Celina!
It might be an act to fool him, but there was a higher chance that something happened to Celina. After all, her reckless action brought the demise of a powerful Silver Class Necromancer. This could also be a punishment for her previous actions.
Vale could not be bothered about this, so he just ignored her for now and focused on his studies.
His routine of daily life in the Academy provided a sense of stability amidst the uncertainty that loomed outside its protective walls.
During this time, Vale's friendships with his classmates had also deepened, and they supported one another through rigorous training sessions in the Ceremony Hall and Training Hall. Furthermore, they also studied together when solving challenging assignments their Professors gave.
Outside of classes, Vale continued his search for the Planar Spells, the Golden Spell Lights, and other Arcane Paths, especially the Psychic Path. He always visited the libraries, consulted ancient tomes, and delved deeper into the mysteries of Arcane Arts.
Though progress was slow, Vale remained determined to learn as much as possible while still in the Academy.
As time passed, Vale's skills grew, and he became more adept at handling his Magic Zone. His dedication and perseverance did not go unnoticed by his professors, who saw great potential in him.
Vale's effort finally bore fruit in the fifth month of the third-year class.
During the morning class, Vale heard Professor Zara announce the names of the students recommended to consume the second Darkness Possession Potion.
He had been eagerly waiting for this moment, knowing that the potion would enhance his Phantasm State's abilities and strengthen his magical prowess. With this second potion, he believed that he would be able to stop his nightmare!
However, as the names were called, Class 2 was surprised to hear Lisa Grayback's name among the chosen few.
The first batch was actually Vale Chambers, Leonore Roland, and Lisa Grayback!
Lisa, a quiet and reserved student, had always been underestimated by other students in the class because of her background. The news of her inclusion in the group to consume the second potion caught most of the class off guard.
Whispers filled the classroom as some of their classmates exchanged surprised glances. Warren Lawstein, known for his exceptional control over Dark Spells, and Dalton Stranway, whose Magic Zone had already exceeded 24 meters, were expected choices.
The fact that Lisa was selected instead left many puzzled.
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