NOVPUBAs Lanci and Zestira strolled down the streets of the South District of Herram, they seemed like fleeting ghosts adrift through the intricate city-state canvas.
Scenes flashed past them like fleeting moments: colorful street lights, bustling hot shops, giant billboards of all kinds of bizarre goods, and the people of Herram enjoying their weekend.
Despite all the hustle and bustle around them, their steps and conversations were notably leisurely and slow-paced.
"Your mentor’s mentor... is that the woman you said can’t get married?"
Zestira raised her head and looked at Lanci next to her, asking as if she figured out something.
Even though it wasn’t quite polite to talk about one’s mentor’s mentor in this way, after all, this was literally what Lanci had said, and she was merely quoting his words.
Being stuck in the house all day certainly seemed risky for one’s social life.
Zestira, no matter what, didn’t want to become an old woman forgotten by time, which would make her even further from her idol, Talia.
"Yes, her. Always with a cold face, as if everyone owed her money," Lanci complained with a helpless shrug, thinking about how Talia behaved when they were together.
"I see."
Zestira slowly lifted her hands and massaged her cheeks, then tried hard to push out a stiff chuckle.
She had to learn to smile, she didn’t want to become a negative model among the demon race like how Lanci described Talia.
True demons were ones who could bewitch others with their warm smiles.
"...Zestira, are you practicing to smile?" Lanci glanced at Zestira and asked in a somewhat uncertain voice.
"Yes."
Zestira didn’t avoid admitting her purpose.
She’s always been practical, and she had started to realize that to achieve the perfect smile was actually quite challenging.
"Take it easy, you’ll learn it," Lanci reassured.
Zestira was very young, she had plenty of time to learn and to change herself if smiling was something she wasn’t naturally good at.
If she found it hard, he could introduce her to a professional acting coach.
When it came to acting skills, Hyperion was without a doubt the most professional. No matter what script was given to her, she could immerse herself in the character instantly and deliver a stunning performance.
The Great Love Poet also had decent acting skills, but sometimes she went too over the top. Sometimes she would embody a playful boy trying to prank people, which created an androgynous impression.
When he meets Hyperion again in Northern Continent, he could ask her to teach Zestira.
Perhaps Hyperion could also learn some tricks about Awakening Gift Magic of Half-Demon from Zestira in return.
"Can your innate magic sense objects at a great distance?" Lanci asked about details related to her innate magic power.
"Not particularly far. At most, about ten plus meter radius," Zestira shook her head.
"..."
Lanci rested his chin on his hand, appearing pensive.
Does this mean that the person who was observing them was much closer than they thought?
Even so, neither Lanci nor the cat boss noticed anything.
Thankfully, the observer likely wasn’t a hostile person, or else it would be hard to conclude that he didn’t bear any hostility towards Lanci and Zestira.
Who might have an interest in him or Zestira?
During Lanci’s brief silence, Zestira suddenly exclaimed.
"By the way, speaking of goodwill and ill will, I did meet someone at school who has no ill will against me."
Perhaps because someone had been mysteriously observing her before, Zestira recalled something.
"Really?"
Lanci raised an intrigued eyebrow.
People who possessed such philanthropic quality generally got along well with him.
"Remember the "Chronicles of Holy War" you read before?"
Zestira talked to Lanci about the book on the train they took to Herram that day.
"I remember,"
Lanci nodded, knowing it was published by the Imperial Royal Magic Academy Publishing House.
"The author of that book, Xido Allendale, is an associate professor of history at the Protoss Royal Magic Academy. I chose one of his history courses at school for credits. It was quite unexpected that he happened to be the lecturer. His class is only available this semester as sometimes he would leave the school to explore ancient sites," Zestira explained to Lanci.
"I see."
History is one of the few theoretical topics that Zestira doesn’t dread.
And history itself is quite significant in strategizing and systematizing Shadow World. On the South Continent where the scholastic system and Intelligence Sharing Management Organization are mature, historians have privileged positions and conveniences for research in the Magic Tower and its academies.
Being able to produce working results alone in the Northern Continent, Xido is indeed a formidable historian.
After reading his works, Lanci became even more convinced of this.
"Could I sit in on one of his history lectures next week?"
Lanci asked.
If given an opportunity, he would love to have a chat with a historian from the Northern Continent about certain Holy War-related issues.
After all, there were many questionable aspects about the cause and consequences of that Holy War, and Lanci happened to have some information that virtually no historian would be aware of.
"No problem. Associate Professor Xido welcomes students with questions to approach him after class."
Zestira nodded and then paused for a moment.
"Your earlier saying about me focusing on strengthening the range aspect, what would be the result?"
She asked about the possible ultimate form of her innate magic.
"It would evolve into the most powerful enemy-searching skill, allowing you to fundamentally determine the location, condition, attacking and escaping intentions of the enemies."
Lanci knew in advance that Zestira’s innate magic wasn’t as accurate and specific as Talia’s when it came to information analysis, but it was more about the range and active prediction. This also was the reason why Lanci was reassured to let Zestira stay in the Protoss Royal Magic Academy alone.
She was Lanci’s first and most prized student, or it would be more accurate to say, she was the first demon who claimed Lanci as her master, and naturally, Lanci took special care of her.
"Despite being an exploration and information skill, it will provide you with the advantage of taking the absolute initiative in any combat scenarios."
Lanci added.
The most potent enemy searching ability, combined with Zestira’s potential for Extreme Force, could restrict many tricky moves.
Even illusions, which dragon demons were not good at dealing with, could be foiled by this innate magic.
"Sounds good."
Zestira nodded.
Seems like she was not completely satisfied with it.
"What kind do you want?"
Lanci asked in curiosity.
Even if it was suitable for her, it would be meaningless if she did not desire it.
Zestira hesitated a bit, then said:
"Is it possible to specialize in mental manipulation to the point where I can magnify the fear or affection that others have towards me?"
"...?"
Upon hearing this, Lanci was taken aback.
This ability sounded vaguely familiar.
Why did you idolize Talia, but wish to possess the Great Love Poet’s abilities?
"I think that’s what Talia is like. She is more skilled in mind attacks than using force, so I want to master the most powerful heart technique."
Zestira noticed Lanci’s reaction and continued to explain.
