NOVPUBLocated in the Aestheland Kingdom, towards the northwest of the Protoss Empire, lies the Royal Capital Gedaria in the north.
The evening haze dances with the wisps of cooking smoke in the air, filtering through the dense canopy, and paints the forest city in a soft, delicate glow. As stars begin to twinkle on the horizon, the city state welcomes the arrival of the night.
At the end of February, the fleeting day is nearing its end.
In the heart of the city, near a pristine lake, encircled by trees, stands a grand temple.
In the depth of the temple, where halls decorated with pure white marble and dark gray pillars intertwine.
The Bingxue Witch, Yaya, sits comfortably on her couch, delicately lifting an exquisitely crafted porcelain cup. Within the cup, pale green tea leaves gradually unfurl in the transparent hot water, exuding a relaxing and pleasant aroma.
With her eyes closed, she savors this moment of tranquility.
However, the tranquility does not last long.
From an unseen corner of the room, the invisible Hyperion watches attentively, her gaze firm and cold, or perhaps preparing.
If she can touch the Bingxue Witch, it will mean that she has passed the Witch’s special training.
Her breathing has been muted, as she approaches the Bingxue Witch stealthily, swift and silent like a shadow.
But the Bingxue Witch remains motionless, seemingly completely unawares of the impending Hyperion.
Just as Hyperion’s dagger is about to reach the Bingxue Witch’s back, she suddenly feels a chill seeping into her feet.
An invisible coldness rapidly spreads from the floor to her ankles, freezing her feet in place, firmly rooting her to the spot.
Hyperion strains to escape, but the power of the cold is overwhelming, creeping up to her hands and leaving her dagger hanging in mid-air, just a hair’s breadth away from the Bingxue Witch.
"You still cannot conceal your intent to attack."
The Bingxue Witch finally opens her eyes and says mildly.
"I’m sorry, Teacher Almis."
Hyperion drops her head in disappointment, a flicker of dismay in her eyes.
Yet the gaze of the Bingxue Witch is deep and filled with gentle light.
"It’s alright. You have almost got the hang of it. You have a unique talent for eliminating presence, but it seems to be activated only in life and death situations."
She lifts a finger and the coldness dissipates instantly, freeing Hyperion’s legs. Along with a touch of healing magic, she ensures that no trace of frostbite is left on Hyperion.
"..."
Hyperion carefully steps back, blush spread across her face, her heart filled with admiration.
Indeed, she does realize that she can sometimes suppress her magic, aura and even existence in critical moments.
But she is too shy to admit that this might be due to her own talents or the result of being shaped by someone else.
"Hyperion, continue."
The Bingxue Witch whispers, and a gust of coldness propels Hyperion to the corner of the temple.
Thus, in the depths of the temple, within the halls of the Bingxue Witch, the tranquil exchanges with frost begin again.
It continues until the last remnants of twilight have faded from the stained glass windows, leaving only the lamp light illuminating the young and resolute face of Hyperion. Her shadow stretched out on the cold, austere stone floor, still just a fraction away from the Bingxue Witch.
"Let’s call it a day. Don’t rush, you’re almost getting the hang of it."
The Bingxue Witch heals the minor frostbite on Hyperion.
Next month, she will be sending Hyperion to the Protoss Empire, and currently, she is training Hyperion in stealth and survival skills.
No matter what, survival skills are the most critical.
Although she will be dispatching the three clergy whom Hyperion is familiar with to the Xi Bei Province of the Protoss Empire as liaisons, the mission execution in the capital city, Herram, will ultimately depend on Hyperion.
"The Protoss Royal Magic Academy that you will be going to next month is quite a hostile school for ordinary students. As a person from the South Continent, you may have difficulty blending in. The first hurdle for you is to obtain sufficient credits before the day of the planned prison break, so that you can meet the threshold and successfully take on the prison internship task."
Bingxue Witch gestured Hyperion to sit next to her and told her,
"If you are powerful enough, you can quickly rise to the top ten seats among the third-year students. Even if you are at the last tenth seat, you will have considerable power...But with only a month’s time, it’s nearly impossible. Poor-born students who are not in the top ten seats can face severe unfair treatment in this school, especially when they try to gain credit. This may be a bit hard for you."
"It’s okay, I can endure, Teacher Almis."
Hyperion nodded in response.
She never was the domineering type.
"..."
Bingxue Witch was compelled to wonder during a short silence.
After spending a month with her, she found out that Hyperion was a good girl, and it didn’t seem to be an act at all.
She was elegant, kept her promises like the pure falling snow, gentle, yet fearless.
She was very different from her mother, Isatia.
If one considered Isatia as a timid little angel, the consequences could be severe.
Though Talia and Isatia sisters differ greatly in personality, they were very similar in one aspect—when they wanted to take revenge, they could become extremely manic and terrifying.
Currently, it seems Hyperion isn’t like her mother or her aunt at all.
"Speaking of Teacher Almis, have there been any recent news from the Protoss Empire?"
Hyperion asked.
Bingxue Witch shook her head.
Recently, the blockade on the northern border has been strengthened. Even the communication from the provinces in the north has been cut off from the other provinces. Other than some secretive departments with special channels, it was almost impossible for the Capital Herram to get news about the northern provinces.
"Worried about him again?"
Bingxue Witch countered.
She knew exactly why Hyperion was concerned about the Protoss Empire.
The young lad called Lanci Welfort, after being separated from Hyperion, was probably drifting in the Protoss Empire.
"I hope the Cat boss listened to me and took care of him."
Indeed, Hyperion was worried about Lanci, but this concern had multiple layers, making it hard for her to explain it to Bingxue Witch.
"No need to worry. I trust Loren’s character wholeheartedly. A student taught by Loren would definitely adhere to order and have proper conduct. You can rest assured about such a young man."
Bingxue Witch took another sip of tea, expressing her firm belief.
"..."
There were some things Hyperion hesitated to say.
After all, she never spoke ill of Lanci, so now she had nothing to say.
Perhaps she was worrying too much.
Lanci promised her that once he finished his project, he would take a leisurely tour in the empire and then return.
Leaving aside what he used to do in the Shadow World, in the present world, he was a very steady and trustworthy man.
There should be no problem.
She had to keep trying herself.
Settle down.
Hope to see you in the capital again.
