NOVPUBAt eight o’clock in the evening at Ichrite, the city was adorned with street lights on both sides like myriad stars, creating an atmosphere of serene elegance.
Taking advantage of the fact that the large shopping mall in Hutton Pedestrian Squares had not yet closed, the trio went to buy some daily necessities first.
After leaving the items at home, Talia followed Lanci and Hyperion to visit the Sage Academy Dormitory Building at Ichrite Academy.
Once Hyperion had packed up enough clothing to last two weeks at Talia’s place, she picked up her suitcase and left with Talia.
Lanci watched as they walked away along the tranquil campus path lit by the soft glow of street lights.
He then turned to head towards his own dormitory.
If he didn’t have to give the [Great Love Poet] to Hyperion, Lanci himself would be fine with the [Shining Virtue] and [Wonderful Note] in hand.
Later, he’d go find Frey, who would surely have prepared the chess set by now. If the club president wasn’t too busy, he’d likely be invited to come play as well.
With Hyperion’s situation perfectly resolved, Lanci felt his campus life was once again free from worries and filled with joy!
His mood was uplifted, and even the autumn night air seemed much fresher.
It was often in such great states of mind that inspiration struck.
Lanci hadn’t touched his card-making tools in several days, having just returned from the Shadow World this morning.
He felt a tad rusty, yet nostalgic.
"It’s time to practice cardmaking again; I can’t let my skills decay from neglect."
Walking down the corridor of his dormitory, Lanci stretched lazily.
Since he was still in his own room with a Cardmaking Workshop, he couldn’t wait to delve into some card-making research.
Before his winter break trip to the Northern Continent for the "Tablet Holder Research Project", he had to make a magic card using the [Wolf King’s Pride] as the core material. That way, he could become a sealer who brings warmth to everyone, breaking the cold stereotypical image of sealers led by the Bishop of Nirvana.
That was his duty and goal.
Lost in thought, Lanci had arrived at the door of Dormitory 101.
He opened the door to his dormitory, turned on the lights, and headed straight for the Cardmaking Workshop, transformed from a spacious storage room.
Ever since Lanci had installed in the workshop an enchantment similar to the one in Talia’s room, designed for protection and soundproofing, he no longer worried about disturbing his classmates.
Stepping into the workshop, he could see all sorts of strange bottles and jars arranged everywhere, filled with all kinds of herbs and mineral crystal powder.
Ancient scrolls and blueprints were piled high on the long workbench, while the instruments and tools were neatly lined up on one side.
After organizing briefly, card-making magic pens, etching knives, tweezers, tiny hammers and other tools started appearing before his eyes.
He then donned a work coat, ready to begin his card-making research.
First of all, Lanci chose the material for the card.
This time he didn’t plan to make high-level magic cards, but merely intended to practice and experiment with new ideas.
He pulled out a stack of blank magic cards from a drawer, then quickly prepared and dipped into a bottle of blended dark red Magic Ink, starting to etch runes onto the paper.
Each stroke of his hand was steady and precise. He also chose a deep-red mineral powder, carefully sprinkling it on the card during the process, then meticulously carving it in with the etching knife and a tiny brush.
Over ten minutes passed, but he was still working intently.
However, the structure of the card gradually became unstable, like sparks jumping and hovering on the card.
Soon after, the runes on the card were genuinely ablaze, flickering with firelight. An explosion, accompanied by a heavy jolt in the workshop, echoed loudly!
As usual.
His explosive card technique was still extraordinarily powerful.
Because he was in a particularly relaxed mood now, the explosion was even more casual.
"Let’s continue!"
Lanci was not discouraged at all and even showed a relieved smile. He rolled up his sleeves and restarted making cards.
After this.
Every time a magic card in his hand exploded, his shadow violently twitched in the firelight.
It was as if his shadow was afraid of him.
Lanci didn’t even notice the strangeness of his own shadow.
He just continued to explode cards cheerfully, treating it like playing with fireworks. It seemed like the bigger the explosion, the better; he wanted the greatest power!
Not until an explosion engulfed the entire Cardmaking Workshop, almost broke the protective enchantment, and rattled the various bottles and jars on the shelf, did Lanci finally show a satisfied smile.
"Fantastic!"
Lanci held up his hands and cheered, his experiment was currently heading towards success!
He was then about to strike while the iron was hot and try again.
However.
His originally calm shadow violently trembled as it detected his movement.
"Meow, meow, meow! That’s not how you make cards!"
From Lanci’s shadow, a cat seemed to have separated from the ink, its whole body ready to bristle, standing on all four and yelling at him.
It seemed terrified.
There’s a terrorist here doing building demolition experiments!
"Eh!"
Lanci was also taken aback.
How can a cat leap out of the shadow!
"You are...."
With a brief reassurance, Lanci sat in his chair in confusion, looking at the little black cat on the floor.
Lanci felt that it was not an enemy.
Because it must have a high rank to be able to hide in his shadow along the way without being noticed by him.
And Talia must have noticed it long ago, but she hasn’t singled it out, which means it must be harmless.
"I’m Cat Boss, you always come to my shop, meow."
The little black cat fearfully announced its identity.
"A cat can cook?"
Lanci was surprised.
If his cat could cook three dishes and a soup for him, he can’t imagine how happy he would be.
"Watch, meow."
The little black cat proudly swayed its paw, and immediately the items on Lanci’s table floated up a bit.
It can do telekinesis magic. It’s the only magic it excels in, but because it’s so weak, it has hardly any destructive power.
On top of that, the magic to slip into shadows is its talent.
It can be said that it is the weakest of the seventh-order, bar none.
"Do you need something from me?"
Lanci naturally picked up the little black cat, looked at it gently, and asked.
"Uh.... I want to stroll around Ichrite Academy, meow."
Cat Boss turned his gaze away, and lied.
It didn’t think that this youngster would have such high acceptance ability. He didn’t question it further or blame it for following him and sneaking into his house without permission.
Actually, Cat Boss was concerned that Lanci might be a jerk who had fooled Tata, so it decided to observe Lanci’s character.
It loves sweet love and is also a little matchmaking angel.
No one knows how to be a matchmaker better than it!
Unfortunately, it was discovered right away.
It’s too green...
"I see, it’s late today. Do you want to stay here? I can take you around the campus tomorrow."
Lanci’s clear, emerald-green eyes were full of friendliness as he spoke to the little black cat.
As a true good student, he must show the best of his school to every visitor. It’s his obligation and responsibility.
"Really?"
Cat Boss found this youngster to be unexpectedly easygoing!
He was both naive and friendly, like a little angel. No wonder Tata was willing to accept him.
Moreover, the closer it was to this human, the more inexplicably friendly it felt. It felt so secure around him that it wanted to sleep...
"Of course."
Lanci smiled in response.
Tomorrow he’s going to meet international friend Adams, aid Dean Loren in matchmaking, and do lots of other good things — just in time to show Cat Boss.
He wondered if Cat Boss would like to see him doing things like matchmaking.
