As Cyb Louis's words hung in the air, all the ntors present were struck silent, their gazes shifting to Dean Bruce, brimming with both surprise and curiosity.
They were all here on the sa exchange program—so how was it that he knew the leadership at headquarters, let alone received such courteous treatnt?
Unconcerned with the murmurs around him, Dean Bruce walked straight to Cyb Louis, nodding slightly in acknowledgnt.
With a somber expression, Cyb Louis swept his gaze across the ntors and said in a firm tone, "You are all ntors who have passed the evaluations. It should be clear to you that this is a rare opportunity. I hope each of you will take full advantage of your ti at the Advanced Magic Academy to learn and strengthen yourselves."
As he finished speaking, hope lit up in the eyes of many ntors; after all, they had co here with the intention of growing stronger.
However, Cyb Louis's tone then took a sudden turn. "That said, let make one thing clear! Within Saint Laurent City and especially in the Advanced Magic Academy, you are expected to follow strict regulations. Failure to do so will result in consequences—at best, you'll be sent back where you ca from; at worst, you'll face disciplinary action!"
"For all academy rules, you can inquire with the local academy leaders. City rules are also detailed in a handbook that you can pick up."
The coldness in Cyb Louis's words caused a ripple of tension among the ntors.
"Take a headcount, and if everyone's here, we'll set out imdiately!" Cyb Louis motioned with a wave, and the guards by his side went off at once to tally the numbers.
With the headcount complete, the ntors were led toward Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy. Dean Bruce, however, was invited to join Cyb Louis in his carriage.
As soon as they boarded, Cyb Louis tossed a yellow key over to Dean Bruce, saying, "This is the pass for entry into the Flowing Sands Secret Realm. Just give this to the young lady."
"Thank you," Dean Bruce replied, pocketing the yellow key. "When does it open?"
Cyb Louis chuckled. "Tomorrow. Your little lady lucked out—she'll be able to avoid the grueling initiation training!"
"Initiation training?" Dean Bruce raised an eyebrow, quickly understanding; it must be similar to the modern-day boot camps, designed to hone the freshn's egos and put them through a rite of passage.
"What a pity," Dean Bruce murmured, half to himself. With her going to the Secret Realm, he wouldn't have the chance to leave the students with a truly morable impression.
"What's the matter? You look disappointed," Cyb Louis chuckled. "The freshman training isn't only exhausting for the students; it's even more tiring for the ntors. The fact that you can go to the Secret Realm is a good thing."
Dean Bruce shrugged, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, then shifted the topic. "I'm curious—does Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy truly have that many students? Why gather so many ntors?"
"Of course, there are plenty of students. But these so-called 'ntors'..." Cyb Louis smirked. "Do you really think they're here to teach? They're basically ntor assistants—laborers, really! If any special situation arises, they'll be thrown in to handle it! Trust , it's not so cushy assignnt."
Dean Bruce narrowed his eyes slightly and replied in a low tone, "And with you promoting to a senior ntor position, won't people within the academy figure out that I'm basically your informant? How am I supposed to gather any information if I'm under constant scrutiny?"
"Let them know, then. So what?" Cyb Louis replied dismissively. "I'm the head of the Departnt of Education and Research. Placing a few people wherever I want shouldn't be an issue. With your new position, you'll have all the corresponding privileges, so no need to worry about their targeted behavior."
"Besides, if they dare to target you, that'll reveal who has sothing to hide. When the ti cos, I'll just send my people in to take over the entire academy!"
The undertone of Cyb Louis's words grew colder.
Revealing the hostility he held toward certain people at Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy.
Not interested in getting involved in these factional disputes, Dean Bruce simply nodded. "Alright, I understand. Do I have a ntor assistant?"
"Of course." Cyb Louis's smile softened. "Senior ntors are allowed two assistant slots. You can select two people yourself."
"By the way... I get the feeling that your aura seems stronger today than it did yesterday. Even the magic surrounding you seems more vibrant!" Cyb Louis squinted, trying to probe, "Did you gain insight into new magic, or perhaps reach a new level?"
"To my knowledge, only those about to enter the Saint realm have that trait of heightened magical energy around them!"
Dean Bruce rely smiled and responded coyly, "Take a guess." He had no intention of revealing his strength; the more Cyb Louis misinterpreted, the more advantages he could gain in the future.
Cyb Louis let out a hearty laugh, dropping the line of questioning, and switched topics once more. "These past few days, so many things have happened. The saintess ran away from her arranged marriage, finally returned, and now wants to call it off again! And over in the Empire of Lane Cloud, several ministers have outright retired, choosing to return to their hos."
"They say that all those loyal to the Hundred Battles General have left the capital," Cyb Louis comnted.
At this, Dean Bruce exhaled in quiet relief; at least Nicholas William had escaped safely. However, his relief was short-lived as Cyb Louis continued.
"More surprising still, the two princes have mysteriously disappeared, the king has succumbed to illness, and now a female ruler has ascended the throne!" Cyb Louis remarked with wonder. "Historically, every ti an empress has ruled, wars have erupted. But now, with another continent watching us like a hawk, I truly hope we avoid tearing ourselves apart from within."
A quick glance was all Dean Bruce needed to grasp Cyb Louis's implication.
He was hinting that Dean Bruce must avoid any internal conflicts at this ti.
Yet, what shocked Dean Bruce most was the chaos unfolding in the Empire of Lane Cloud!
With the death of the ghostly figure and the imposter holding Miranda Joy's identity gone, how could such turmoil still arise?
His earlier suspicions had been spot on.
Miranda Joy wasn't a re puppet; she was in collaboration with that figure! And her strength must be formidable, or she would never have managed to pull this off, even with the national mage and other powerful figures at large.
[Well, the Empire of Lane Cloud is none of my business, Dean Bruce thought to himself. I never intended to stay there long. Sha about that pupil of mine, though. Just accepted him, and before he could offer any rewards, he vanished mysteriously.]
With a slight shake of his head, Dean Bruce dismissed the thoughts and remarked aloud, "War is not born from an empress but from the desires rooted in people's hearts."
"Desires?" Cyb Louis paused, visibly taken aback, and fell into deep thought.
Seeing this, Dean Bruce let him be, closing his eyes slightly and retrieving a Red Sun Fruit from his system space to consu quietly, enhancing his strength.
Before long, the carriage ca to a halt.
Cyb Louis snapped out of his reflection, gazing at Dean Bruce with a look of newfound insight. "Your words have truly opened my eyes! Yes, indeed—war stems from human desire! Kings seek expansion, ministers and nobles seek fa and rank, commoners seek a better future for their children, and even servants wish to break free of their chains."
"One day, when there's a chance, we must have a good, long conversation," Cyb Louis said with a smile. "We've arrived—prepare yourself for a new life, though I doubt these things will pose much of a challenge for you."
As he spoke, Cyb Louis lifted the carriage curtain, and a roar of noise poured into Dean Bruce's ears like a crashing wave.
Stepping down from the carriage with Cyb Louis, Dean Bruce took in his surroundings, noting the towering trees and tall buildings stretching up to the sky.
Hundreds of students walked along the pathways, looking noticeably older than those in the junior magic academies. Seeing Cyb Louis's carriage, many paused to bow respectfully.
Cyb Louis nodded back, a warm smile on his face.
Suddenly, a chorus of gasps rose from the crowd, drawing both Dean Bruce and Cyb Louis's attention. Turning, they spotted a group of young students—the sa boys and girls they had encountered on the street the previous day.
Dean Bruce didn't have ti to engage with them and waved them off, signaling for them to go on their way. Yet the sight of him stepping out of a carriage bearing the emblem of the Departnt of Education left the youths visibly shaken, their expressions turning into looks of dread.
Glancing around, Dean Bruce noticed the absence of the other ntors and asked, "Where is everyone else? Why haven't they caught up?"
"They're walking. Naturally, it'll take them longer to arrive than us," Cyb Louis replied calmly. "No need to wait on them. Co along with to the administrative office to finish the necessary formalities, then I can get back to my duties."
Moving through the throngs of students, Dean Bruce and Cyb Louis soon reached the administrative building.
"Well, well! What an unexpected visit! Lord Cyb, what brings you here?"
A rotund, middle-aged man approached them at the entrance, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Today's the start of the term; I'm afraid there isn't anywhere suitable to receive you."
Ignoring the man's greeting, Cyb Louis turned to Dean Bruce, introducing him, "This is the Dean of Students, Mordo Chakol. Don't let his harmless looks fool you—he's a ninth-rank archmage, just one step away from becoming a grand archmage!"
"Ahem!" Mordo Chakol interrupted, looking embarrassed. "Lord Cyb, you jest. I'm rely an administrator; there's no way I have such abilities. If anyone actually believed that, I'd be a dead man."
As he spoke, Mordo Chakol's gaze remained fixed on Dean Bruce.
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