NOVPUBUnder the sway of a gentle breeze, green tree shadows printed a tranquil scene inside the living room, punctuated by the morning sunlight filtering through the glass window and curtains.
At present, Lanci had brewed two cups of tea, brought them on a tray from the sink to the living room, and handed one to Vice Dean Ron.
Lanci didn’t say anything first, simply sat quietly, waiting for Ron to speak.
Finally, after a moment of contemplation, Vice Dean Ron, holding his tea cup, said:
"Lanci, my main reason for coming here today is to act as a representative of Sage Academy and inquire about the origin of the [Friendly Communication] card that you used in the third round of the test."
Ron seemed to be worried about putting pressure on Lanci, so he spoke quite slowly,
"Of course, if it’s inconvenient for you to disclose, you don’t have to answer my question. I just want to get a better understanding, there’s no ill will."
Although Lanci’s performance in the practical test of the Shadow World was commendable, Ron, as a human, felt it inappropriate to comment on the Shadow World. Moreover, the teaching and research group at Sage Academy needed to consider which scenes from this Shadow World test could be sealed as forbidden or incorporated as teaching materials to some extent, after making adjustments.
As for the Silence Spell Card [Friendly Communication], it might have a significant impact on the future teaching model of Sage Academy.
Also, to protect Lanci, Ron, who shared the same opinion with Dean Loren, had to consult Lanci and understand the situation before taking further action.
"..."
In the quiet space, a brief silence fell after Vice Dean Ron finished speaking.
Although Lanci made the card.
The most crucial principle of the poison magic came from Talia. Since [Friendly Communication] involved demon-related poison magic, if they traced back to its origin, it might cause trouble for Talia.
So far, Lanci only planned to make two [Friendly Communication] cards. He would keep one, and the other one would go to Talia. After all, in their master-student agreement, any useful Magic Card that he made had to be shared with Talia. Also, before selling this Magic Card, he needed to get Talia’s permission.
Because of this, their interests were entirely bound. Hence, Talia felt comfortable teaching Lanci all she knew, to help him make a fortune as soon as possible and pay off his debt.
"…I got it from an old refugee woman at the Nanwantian Border in exchange for something. She claimed it was a family heirloom, but I can’t find her anymore after some time." Lanci explained from his position on the sofa.
After spending time with Talia, he had formed a habit of being honest.
"So that’s how it is..."
Vice Dean Ron nodded after hearing his explanation.
Accordingly, [Friendly Communication] wasn’t likely the work of an up-and-coming Cardmaker but an old card that Lanci had happened upon.
Although Lanci seemed somewhat hesitant in his response, he looked up into Ron’s eyes unwaveringly as he spoke. His magic power was stable, not the typical demeanor of someone lying.
High-level magic users often can deduce plenty of information from the magical fluctuations of others.
Therefore, the higher the level, the more they will practice controlling their magic power to deceive their opponents.
Lanci obviously hasn’t yet mastered the control of magic power.
Ron didn’t intend to test Lanci; he was just worried that others with ulterior motives might easily trick him into revealing information.
"So, this card is likely a natural Magic Card produced by the Shadow World, rather than a man-made Magic Card?"
Ron stroked his stubbled chin, posing the question as he pondered.
Natural Magic Cards can only be obtained from the Shadow World and even if it’s a purple one, it could still be unique.
Ron indeed believed that [Friendly Communication] was more in line with a card produced in the Shadow World, it didn’t quite seem like something that an individual could have created.
"In my personal opinion, it is more like a natural Magic Card."
Lanci agreed.
After hearing Lanci’s words, Ron finally heaved a sigh of relief.
It seems that they probably don’t need to worry about the worst-case scenario where "this card has already spread in the market".
Then, Vice Dean Ron stood up from the sofa
Indeed, it seemed as if he had finally understood what he had been puzzling over.
"Lanci, Dean Loren has sealed the records for your third round of exams and warned all other teachers who viewed this practical exam not to disclose any details,"
Ron said, looking at Lanci in a solemn voice.
Lanci nodded.
He finally understood why even Princess Vivian didn’t know any details about his third round of exams.
It seemed High Priest Loren had protectively concealed everything on his behalf.
"So for now, the ’Friendly Communication’ card hasn’t been made public, and although you used it in a brief moment during your exam in the ’Demon Shadow World’, its effect was barely noticeable. No one will recognize the difference between it and Silence."
Ron continued,
"We can only cover for you momentarily. After you use the ’Friendly Communication’ card in public view later on, be careful of those coveting this card. Some greedy individuals and especially the mad cultists could undeniably use unscrupulous means to obtain this valuable card and try to create a duplicate."
Although Ron knew Lanci had a unique skill of ’Tormenting the King’, those ruleless, illogical, and extremely mad cultists could make countless mistakes. Yet young Lanci only had one precious life and as a student, he could never risk his life against these malignant individuals deeply ingrained across the North and South Continent.
"I understand, thank you, Teacher Ron,"
Lanci seriously bowed in gratitude to the Vice Dean
"I’ll be on my way. If you need any help, visit me at the Sage Academy Office,"
Vice Dean Ron had a lot of other official duties to tend to. Even making time to visit Lanci required prior planning.
"Also, as the most outstanding freshman of our Sage Academy, you might have the opportunity to visit other renowned institutions with a school delegation to member countries of the Southern Continent Kingdom’s parliament, this semester. If you meet the heads of other schools, there’s no need to act as overly respectful as you are to me. Be dynamic like a young person, but of course, remain respectful and polite."
Ron looked at Lanci with satisfaction.
If this child was his, he would definitely like him more.
"Alright, rest assured."
Lanci nodded and quickly raced to open the door for Ron.
Based on the short communication and interaction. Ron had a good impression of Lanci - far gentler and more polite than Ron had imagined.
At first, Ron was worried that Lanci might be too flamboyant or arrogant, causing chaos in the real world.
But now, it seems that he need not worry too much. Lanci, being a considerate student, understands the difference between the Shadow World and the real world.
...
After closing the door to the dorm,
Lanci leaned back against the door, exhaled with relief.
"Phew, that was close. Almost acted like a school principal again."
The moment Lanci heard that Ron was the Vice Dean, he subconsciously thought of instructing him.
With each conversation he had with Ron afterward, he was trying hard to restrain himself, acting as a student rather than displaying the atmosphere of the highest leader of the school.
However, according to Vice Dean Ron, there’s no need to be so restrained when visiting other schools.
He was confident enough in demonstrating a youthful spirit.
