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Chapter 16: A Talkative Girl

Translator: Nyoi_Bo_Studio Editor: Tennesh

Saul's house was like a mix between a castle and a garden on a large plot of land. Across the street from his house was the Maho Empire's Mage Union. The Mage Union was at the foot of Mount Saint Brunswick. The palace was built on top of the mountain.

Mount St. Brunswick was named after a human leader, Brunswick. Brunswick was leading 30,000 troops to fight a tribe of magic beasts. They fought hard for almost a whole month. All of them died at the battlefield. No one surrendered; nobody ran away.

Anfey looked up at Mount St. Brunswick. He'd heard the project of building a palace on top of Mount St. Brunswick started with the establishment of the Maho Empire. They dug so deep into the mountain that the mountain was almost hollow. The palace had thousands of rooms of different sizes. It had a museum, library—any facility one could think of.

Many magic arrays were set up in the palace. There was a magic array every three floors all the way down to the bottom of the mountain. This was an escape channel for royal family members when an enemy archmage successfully released grand runes. Although the chances of an archmage spying on an enemy's territory and releasing grand runes successfully were slim, it was not impossible. Someone had done so in the past, so the Maho Empire needed to be prepared for any possibility.

"So… people in this world seemed to have experienced a 'nuclear bomb'," Anfey thought aloud.

"Is my father back? Is he really back?" a girl asked in a singsong voice.

"Niya!" There was a broad smile on Saul's face.

Following the cheers, a girl jumped out, strode across, and ran into Saul's arms.

Anfey laid his eyes on the girl from Mount St. Brunswick. He could only see the gist of her features. She had the same blond hair as Saul's. In Anfey's eyes, blondes usually had curly hair, but this girl had smooth, shiny, straight hair. It looked like a golden silk cloak on her back.

A smiling old housekeeper walked up to them. It was him that had told Niya about this good news earlier.

"Niya, this is your Uncle Ernest." Saul introduced Ernest to her.

"Hello, Uncle Ernest," Niya greeted Ernest politely.

"This is Anfey, my new student. He will be living with us from now on."

"Hi." Niya turned to look at Anfey.

"Ni… Miss Niya, how are you?" Anfey stuttered, "This is… This is a gift for you. I hope you will like it." At this moment, Anfey discovered Niya had very beautiful light-blue eyes, inherited from Saul. She had a tall, slender nose, and slightly thin and sexy lips. Saul did not lie about Niya's beauty. Niya was undoubtedly a gorgeous girl.

"Thank you." Niya took the magic bracelet from Anfey. The bracelet disappeared in her silky hand after a few movements. She must've put it away in her space ring.

Anfey watched her face. He knew what kind of gift that magic bracelet was. Niya didn't show any disdain for it, but she also didn't show any excitement. With some reasoning, it was easy to tell that Niya, as the daughter of Saul, must have seen many nice things. She probably didn't pay attention to that bracelet at all. Anfey was surprised by Niya's response to the gift he gave her. Not bad. Niya was a lady with class.

"Niya, why don't you show the guests around. I need to see the king at the palace. I will be back soon."

"Leaving again?" Niya shook her head, "No…."

"Be good." Saul said something at her ear, Niya's eyes popped wide with excitement, looking at Ernest without blinking. After he successfully distracted her, Saul smiled in satisfaction. He cast a levitation spell, raised himself into the air, and flew towards Mount St. Brunswick.

Anfey saw a longsword hanging from Niya's waist. It was hard to tell if the blade was sharp or not, but the handle was designed in an old-fashioned way, without any girly decorations. There are many ways to tell someone's personality. One could look at their eyes, living spaces, habits, or even the jewelry they wore. All of them could provide information about the person. Niya didn't seem to be a girl flirting around if she liked to wear this kind of sword. Hold on… Longsword? Was Niya a swordswoman? No wonder Saul complained no one would be able to inherit his magic skills! His daughter was a swordswoman!

Anfey turned towards Ernest with a sly smile was in his eyes. It was not common to be as smart, sensitive, and quick to respond as Anfey. Ernest did not understand why that girl looked at him strangely. He managed to keep his face straight, no facial expression changed.

"Uncle Ernest, do you want to take a rest or walk around the house with me?" Niya asked respectfully.

"Whatever," Ernest answered.

It got to Niya. So whatever meant what? She had to turn to Anfey, "Hi, An…"

"Anfey." Anfey helped in case she forgot his name.

"Anfey, do you want to take a rest or walk around the house with me?"

"Whatever."

"You…" Niya could not help giving him a dirty look. She did not dare to be rude to her father's guest. However, it was a different story when Anfey was a student of her father. Anfey was a kid with barely any magic surges. Even the two students, who were already entry-level mages, had to behave well in front of her! She was the daughter of an archmage, who dare to make her unhappy?

"Sir Anfey, how about walking around with Miss Niya and getting familiar with the house?" The old housekeeper stood up immediately to make peace.

"Sure," Anfey agreed quickly.

"Huh!" Niya hummed so quietly that no one could hear it. Niya's face had a lovely and bright smile when she turned to Ernest. "Uncle Ernest, please join us."

"Huh." Ernest said flatly.

In fact, it was superficial to think that this was Ernest. He always looked cool in front of strangers, but opened up and talked a lot more with the people he knew well. Anfey had seen Ernest and Saul have some hot arguments. Anfey even had the experience of being their judge.

"Uncle Ernest, this way." Niya was excitedly showing them around the house.

A group of four was divided into two. Ernest followed behind Niya, while Anfey fell behind on purpose to walk with the old housekeeper. Anfey asked him many different questions, pretending he wasn't doing it on purpose.

Anfey was paying attention to what Ernest and Niya's were saying while he was talking with the old housekeeper. After listening for a while, he slowed down his walking and intentionally kept a distance between them.

Maybe it was out of admiration for Ernest, but still—Niya was a little too talkative.

"Uncle Ernest, does your sword have a name?"

"No."

"May I see it?"

"No."

"Uncle Ernest, my father said you are the best swordsman. You also have the potential to be a saint swordsman. I've been looking up to you since I was small. You… teach me some sword skills?" Ernest's coolness did not stop Niya. Instead, she asked for a favor.

"You… Have you heard about my rumors?"

"Yes."

"Then do you still want to learn from me?"

"Did you mean… those things? Haha, Uncle Ernest, my father told me what's seen by bare eyes was not always true, what's heard should not always be trusted. I trust my father. You are his friend. I trust you too. I just had an argument with my friends a few days ago. I told them you would never engage in any conspiracy if you dared to go to Alisen Empire to battle with Jerrofick. It must be Jerrofick afraid of you and setting you up on purpose. He was a coward!"

"…" Ernest became quiet.

"Uncle Ernest, can I see your sword?" The talkative girl switched the topic back.

"There is nothing special about it." Ernest's tone did not seem to be as cold as before.

"Let me see it," the talkative girl whined, not letting her request go.

"…" Ernest took out his sword reluctantly.

"Uncle Ernest, your sword is too common. It does not match your title!" The talkative girl opened her eyes wide, hardly believing what she saw.

"It is just a sword." Ernest said. There were things that couldn't be explained. At least, it was not possible to explain to this girl that he would never make breakthroughs and become a master swordsman if he relied on things like swords.

"Uncle Ernest, this is my sword!" The talkative girl pull out her long sword. The sword made a sound in the air like wind chimes. The light reflected on the sword was like the clear water. The blade sent out strong magic surges. It was a magic sword!

"Nice sword!"

"Uncle Ernest, take it!" The talkative girl was quite generous.

"Huh? No, thank you. I do not need it."

"Take it, Uncle Ernest. I really want to give it to you."

"I… really do not need it."

"Uncle Ernest, my father asked me to treat you like my real uncle. This is your home. Take it!" The talkative girls was very stubborn about it.

"But… I really do not need it."

"Uncle Ernest, take it, otherwise I will be sad."

"I really…"

"I will cry!" The talkative girl bit her upper lip.

"I …" Ernest had a headache. If it was someone else doing this to him, he would have walked away. However, this girl was the precious daughter of his old friend, and she was just an innocent little girl with some silly ideas. She trusted him and even argued with her friends for him. Ernest did not want her to be sad, but… he really did not need a magic sword!!

"Okay, I will take it." Ernest took the magic sword.

"Haha." The talkative girl stopped crying and smiled. "Uncle Ernest, can you teach me sword skills?" This sword was a gift to ask Ernest to be her teacher.

Ah… Wasn't it too much to ask for a favor in the time it took to blink? Shouldn't she be a little more considerate?

"Ok." Ernest nodded reluctantly.

"Uncle Ernest."

"Uncle Ernest…"

Chapter 17: Trouble

Translator: Nyoi_Bo_Studio Editor: Tennesh

"Professor, I'll go rest," Anfey said with a smile.

"Yeah, rest early. We are going to the Mage Academy tomorrow." Saul nodded his head.

Anfey pushed his chair away, standing up and smiling to a few 'brothers' whose names he didn't remember. He turned and went outside.

"Father, I also want to go to rest." Niya pushed away the plate and elegantly wiped her mouth with a napkin.

"Ok, Niya." Saul didn't think too much about this.

Anfey was going along the stairs to his room. Suddenly, a voice came from behind, "Anfey, wait!"

Anfey stopped, he didn't need to look back to know that Niya was calling him. He just didn't know why Niya was calling him.

"I didn't imagine you could walk so fast, and your walking posture was also very strange." Niya said, slightly short of breath.

"Miss, what can I do for you?" Anfey asked calmly. His mind became vigilant. Some habits could not be changed, such as the way he walked! It was a kind of footwork, always giving people a slow feeling; in fact, the speed was very fast, only a little bit slower than a trot. When he went out shopping with Saul and Ernest, he deliberately controlled himself in order to not reveal any clues. But habits are habits. Inadvertently, he used the previous footwork. He needed to be more careful!

"Let's go to my room and talk."

"This..." Anfey hesitated.

"Why are you still there? Hurry, come with me." Niya waved her little hand authoritatively.

Anfey simply followed Niya until they entered her room. Once they entered the room, the appearance of Niya changed and her smile disappeared. Her face was full of disguised grimness. She was scanning Anfey with a pair of very vicious eyes.

Niya pulled out her sword and started attacking Anfey. Anfey dared not to move at all as he didn't know what her skill level was. He didn't want either of them to get hurt.

"Miss, what are you doing? I am Anfey, your father's apprentice," Anfey said lightly.

"How did you—" Niya suddenly covered his mouth. "Do not interrupt! What is your purpose in becoming my father's apprentice! I am warning you that I have limited patience!"

"Miss, can you just take away the sword? I will tell you the truth." Anfey felt a trace of sadness. The most likely reason was that Saul was too intimate with him, which triggered someone's jealousy. This placed obstacles in the way and even pushed the naive Niya out! It seems that wanting to stay here was not an easy thing.

Anfey always gained the upper hand by striking only after the enemy had struck. This did not mean that he was afraid, or that he wasn't strong enough, it was just his personality. Some people were naturally arrogant and despotic, so they fought over things that they liked. If they could not get it, they destroyed it so that nobody else could get it! Some people liked to be quiet, avoiding fights, and they took a step back to defuse the situation. And for the latter, there were some special types; they did not stir up trouble, but when things happened to them, their counterattacks were much more intense than others'. This so-called tit for tat was fair play, and Anfey was one of those special people.

"Well, you'd better be honest. Do not waste the opportunity I've given you!" Niya tried to look majestic.

"Miss, where should I start? I have to start from the beginning." Anfey sighed. "My life is full of danger, the threat of death always looming over me. When I watch the sunset in the evening, I pray that I live to see the sunrise in the morning."

"Where did you live? In the world of magic beasts?" asked Niya, surprised.

"No, I lived with a great archmage and a group of young kids," Anfey said lightly.

"Great archmage?" Niya shook the sword in her hand. "Do not spout nonsense! Tell me, who is this great archmage? Don't try to muddle your way through!"

"I am sorry, Miss. I cannot tell you the name."

"Then you are lying!" Niya's sword moved forward a step.

"Noble Miss Niya, you can doubt me." Anfey did not change his expression. "Living under the protection of Archmage Saul, everyone is trying to please you. No one dares to make you unhappy, which developed your character. You can doubt whoever you want, you can make anyone explain, or you can kill them without fear, is that right? I am just a little man, and you are lady from above. There is no fairness between us. You do not need to talk to me about what is fair or just. The sword is in your hands. You can just kill me!"

"You... That's nonsense!" Niya's angry face flushed. Her sword approached Anfey's chest.

"I can prove that he is not talking nonsense." Ernest opened the door. Watching Niya quietly, his eyes became very indifferent.

Ernest was a principled person. A simple magic sword and a special identity could not change his position. Anfey passed his test, and Ernest personally brought Anfey away from the island. He trusted Anfey. If Niya still tried to hurt Anfey, he did not mind teaching this noble girl a lesson, even though she was Saul's only daughter. Friendship was friendship while morality was morality, and Ernest would never be against morality out of friendship! He also believed that Saul would not take his own daughter's side.

A person like Ernest was rare. Anfey was a lonely juvenile with very low strength; he was just an apprentice. In the eyes of many people, offending Niya for Anfey was not wise. But what would the world become if everyone made decisions based on what was wise or unwise?

For some things, Ernest could temporarily put down fairness and justice, like when he and Saul went to deal with Yagor. But for other things, Ernest could never give up his own principles. He'd rather die than live in regret!

People like Ernet let the world understand what pride meant! If the world was dark, they were the torches at night, illuminating themselves and others.

"Uncle Ernest..." Niya was stunned.

"I can swear with my life, what Anfey said was the truth. Miss Niya, what else do you want to ask?" Ernest said indifferently, "If there is nothing else, I hope you won't disturb Anfey in the future. If you hate Anfey, and you cannot change your emotions, then you can go to your father and tell him to change their relationship as professor and student. Then I can let Anfey be my apprentice!"

Anfey's hands suddenly tightened into a fist, then slowly relaxed. Anfey and Ernest were not the same type of people. Ernest's dislike for Niya was written on his face. But Anfey was the walker in the night. Regardless of any excitement or disappointment in his heart, his face rarely changed, unless it was deliberate. Anfey was an activist, he believed in action more than anything else. Tons of words being said was nothing compared to a cup of hot tea!

"Anfey, sorry..." Niya lowered her head. By the influence of Saul, Niya worshipped Ernest very much. Although she did not believe Anfey, she had to believe Ernest. Moreover, Ernest made an oath. That was even heavier than she was able to afford.

"Everything is all right now, right? Can I go?" Anfey asked lightly.

Niya nodded, at a loss for what to say.

Anfey did not look at either Niya or Ernest, taking a big step out of Niya's room. Ernest's eyes went back to Niya from Anfey, and he whispered, "What Anfey has been through is not anything that you, lady, could ever imagine. I'll repeat it again. Do not bother him!" These words had been full of warning.

Chapter 18: Guidance

Translator: Nyoi_Bo_Studio Editor: Tennesh

At the crack of dawn, Anfey pushed himself off of his bed and took a few deep breaths. Yesterday's quarrel was behind him; his eyes were made to look forward, not back. If he didn't let go, it would only be harder on himself. To live was to let go, he told himself. Niya was Saul's only daughter, he couldn't do anything to her. It was in his best interest to simply let it go.

When he pushed open the window, he spotted Ernest practicing his sword below. In truth, it was more a warm up than serious practice. For someone to be as skilled as Ernest, practice was not merely enough.

Anfey grabbed a towel and left his room. He descended the stairs and entered the courtyard. "Ernest, sir," he called as he threw the towel to the man. "Please take a break."

"Anfey, morning," Ernest said as he walked over with the towel, wiping his neck. "You're up early," he added as he handed the towel to Anfey.

As Anfey extended his hand to grab the towel, Ernest frowned. "Your hands…"

"My hands?" Anfey blinked, feigning ignorance.

Ernest held out his hands. Their hands were of similar sizes, their fingers long and powerful. The only differences were his rough skin and the tendons sticking out on the back of Ernest's hand. Ernest grabbed Anfey's hand and turned it over, finding a thin layer of calluses on his palm, where the thumb met the hand. Ernest had never paid attention to Anfey's hands before, so he was only now discovering the unusualness of the young man.

"You have experience with swords?"

"A little, a long time ago."

"With whom? I can't feel any fighting intent from you."

"With a strange old man in my village. Not for long, though. I was only ten when Yagor took me to the island."

"Still don't remember where you lived?"

"No," Anfey said, scratching his head. "I didn't have a father and my mother raised me. I can only remember her name and the village head's name. Everything else is blurred."

"Don't worry. All in due time," Ernest said. "What was the village head's name?"

"Bin Laden. Do you know him?"

"No," Ernest said, shaking his head.

"Like you would know," Anfey thought, displaying his disappointment for Ernest to see.

"Come, boy, let me see your skill with the sword," Ernest said, suddenly interested.

"Me? With you?" Anfey asked, widening his eyes.

"Come, don't be afraid. I will not harm you," Ernest said, smiling, as he handed Anfey the magic sword from yesterday.

Anfey took the sword reluctantly, clearly regretting his decision of ever leaving his room.

"Watch out!" Ernest said as he drove his sword forwards. He didn't intend to actually fight Anfey, so although the sword was fast he didn't use much strength.

Anfey blocked the sword, pushing Ernest away from himself. Then he flicked his wrist, brushing Ernest's wrist with the tip of his sword. Ernest blocked Anfey's attack, shocked.

Like the way mages focused on the strength of their magic and their senses, the swordmasters of this world focused on their qi. Their actual skills with the swords were in fact very easily learned. In Jin Yong's world, there was the conflict between the Qi Zong and the Jian Zong[1]; in this world, all the warriors belonged in the Qi Zong. Their skill level was determined by qi as well.

Even though Anfey only used the simplest form of Tai Chi Sword, Ernest could still tell just how effective it was. What was even more shocking was that Anfey was taken away by Yagor at ten, meaning his skills were simple and crude at best. But even so, his skills with the sword were mesmerizing. Just how skillful was that old man from his village?

"Anfey, what was the name of the man that taught you this sword art?"

"I don't know. He was a strange man, and no one wanted anything to do with him."

"Can you remember what he looked like?"

"Of course. He had white hair and beard. He wasn't tall, and always wore loose-fitting clothes. Oh, on his clothes there was an embroidery."

"What?" Ernest thought he was onto something, and his expression became somber.

"A circle, half white, half black. In the white half there was a black dot, and in the black half there was a white dot." Anfey said, drawing a yin-yang symbol on the ground with his sword. "Do you not know what this is?"

"No." Ernest said. "Come, let's spar another round."

"As you wish."

The two men set up again, facing each other. Anfey was using very little strength, weak enough that if Ernest used any more power Anfey's sword would have flown out of his fingers. However, Ernest's frown was only deepening.

Anfey had a strange way of using his sword. He barely moved his upper arms, relying solely on his wrist to control the movement of the blade. Despite that, his movements were persistent and precise. Ernest could feel that Anfey had at least the skill of a mid- to upper-level swordmaster; enough to be a threat to him.

After a few moments, Ernest stopped his hands. He gripped his sword and stared at the sky, reveling in his thoughts.

Anfey placed his sword down quietly. Yes, he did what he just did on purpose. Ernest carried hatred in his heart, waiting for an opportunity. All the while, the object of his hatred had become the general of a powerful army. Saul had said Jerrofick was surrounded by the strongest and the best, and that Ernest's chance of revenge was getting slimmer.

Ernest did not fear death, but that did not mean he was actively placing himself in situations that could lead to his death. If Ernest appeared in front of Jerrofick, he would surely be attacked by those 'best of the best,' leaving him no chance for his revenge.

Anfey had purposefully shown him a few of his moves, hoping to give Ernest a hint or two.

"Mr. Ernest? Breakfast is ready," Niya's voice said. Of course, these things could be left to the servants, but Niya knew she had angered Ernest yesterday. She was hoping that her actions could make up for her mistakes since she still wanted Ernest's instruction on her sword skills.

Ernest, as if awoken from a dream, looked at Anfey. "I'll pass on breakfast," he said. "Go right ahead, Anfey. You are going to the Academy today, so do be careful. If anything happens, try sticking through it. But remember to tell me when you get back."

"It's okay, Mr. Ernest," Anfey said, smiling. "Who's going to do anything?"

Ernest glanced at Niya and snorted, but did not say anything.

"Then I'll be off to breakfast," Anfey said. "I don't want to leave a bad impression by being late on the first day."

Ernest nodded, "Go right ahead."

Niya, seeing that Ernest didn't want breakfast, wanted to saying something more. But, ultimately, she silenced herself and led Anfey towards the dining hall.

Inside the hall, Saul was already at the tableside, and the food was ready. He had not touched it, as if he was waiting for something. Seeing Anfey entering the hall, he smiled. "Morning, Anfey. How was your night?"

"I was very comfortable, Master," Anfey said. "I could hardly remember where I was when I woke up."

Saul, of course, did not know what happened yesterday. Niya was in the wrong and did not dare tell her father about it. Anfey wasn't one for snitching. Ever since he was a child, he had never told anyone when he suffered an injustice. Ernest was used to freedom; when he encountered problems, he was used to dealing with them alone. He would almost never talk to Saul about his problems. So, to Saul, everyone was still friendly with each other.

The youngsters sitting around the table glanced at each other without saying a word. Even the youngest of them had followed Saul for a few years now, but Saul cared only for their magical abilities, not their personal lives. Only Niya could make Saul worry about her personal life. Now there was one more person that could make Saul worry—Anfey.

"Morning, everyone," Anfey said, smiling as he sat down. Only two people returned the courtesy, the rest treated him as if he didn't exist.

Anfey let out a sigh of relief. It seemed like it was only a minor problem. Yesterday, Niya was talked into starting trouble with him, and he thought that they were a group of sly people. Judging by their reaction today, he had overestimated them.

Of course, all of this was because of the unusually good treatment by Saul. It caused hostility among his colleagues, but those feelings could be eliminated over time. He could earn their respect by proving himself useful. If it didn't come to that, Anfey didn't want to make enemies with any of these people. As far as Anfey cared, friendships were much more useful to a man than enmity. It was better to be friends with these people than to fight and conspire against each other right under Saul's nose. It was obvious the first path was easier for him and his future. He had always considered himself to be easygoing, never holding grudges where grudges weren't needed.

"Niya," Saul said. "Take Anfey to the academy later. Tell Steger that he is my student and should be offered the best care."

"Of course, father," Niya said, smiling sweetly.

Translator's Thoughts

Nyoi_Bo_Studio Nyoi_Bo_Studio

[1] Jin Yong is a novelist specializing in Wuxia novels. Qi Zong is a group of martial artists specialized in breathing techniques, whereas Jian Zong is a group of martial artists specializing in sword skills.

Chapter 19: Work

Translator: Nyoi_Bo_Studio Editor: Tennesh

Saul could not be blamed for letting Niya take Anfey to the Mage Academy. In fact, the academy was behind the Mage Union, and it wasn't far from Saul's home. Niya was too lazy to take a carriage, so she directly broke into the Mage Union. Yes, she broke into the Mage Union… Every magician in the union was greeting Niya with big smiles, so Niya reached the back door of the Mage Academy without wasting any effort.

Anfey never thought he'd go back to school again. He was laughing in his heart while curiously looking at the students coming and going. Anfey wondered whether these students had the habit of writing mottos on their desks. If they did, what would they write? Dirty poems were not an option, mischievous words could not be written either, what were they going to write? 'Do Better Every Day'?

The students coming and going were more curious about Anfey. Niya was no ordinary girl, so almost everyone knew her. They couldn't help but be surprised when they saw Anfey and Niya walking side by side, speculating Anfey's origins.

In fact, the Pan Continent Mage Academy was mainly open to civilians; the truly powerful people wouldn't be here. They could have a few or even a dozen private teachers, or find ways to make their children be the students of top mages or high-level archmages. Those who had no other option came to learn at this academy.

Niya never went to the Swordsman Academy. Three children of the king of the Maho Empire were mages, and they never stepped into the Mage Academy. What did the court archmage do? Were they kept around just to be used? Saul's status in the Maho Empire was so high because, in addition to having strength, he was the teacher of the three princes of the Maho Empire. Even the king of the Empire, Mr. Yonlada, listened to Saul's guidance, and he said that it wouldn't be too excessive to say Saul was the second most powerful man. Even when the prime minister was in front of Saul, the prime minister had to be polite.

If Anfey's skills reached the level of a mage, even if only the initial stage, Saul would not let Anfey go to the Mage Academy. Anfey's strength was too weak, so he had to spend some time to absorb all kinds of basic knowledge. This way, in the future, he could be expected to make certain achievements.

Even so, the admission requirement of the Mage Academy was still very tough. Apprentices were not qualified to be trained in the Mage Academy. Saul took advantage of his influence to get Anfey in. Anfey also understood what was happening.

Through the shade, an isolated small building became visible. This small building looked very old. A place about a meter from the top of building was filled with a full circle of moss. The roof was covered with creepers, and some windows even had weeds.

Niya opened the door and went in. Anfey quickly followed. Although he held no grudge and his magic skill was at low level, he was very sensitive. Anfey felt the small building had strong magical fluctuations, and these fluctuations were ten times more powerful than the fluctuations from when Saul fought Anti-Fire Dragon. If there was a magic array inside, and he stepped into it, then he would be dead before he knew it.

Niya walked up to the second floor, and she stopped before a black door. She knocked twice and pushed the door open before anyone answered her knock.

"I was wondering who it might be. So it is Miss Pearl from the Holy City. Come to see this old man?" An old voice came out.

"Uncle Steger, you have not been to my house for a long time," said Niya.

"Your father held the title of dean but did nothing. He put everything on my shoulders; how could I have the time?

"So, ah, when I go back, I will tell my father that you have been complaining about him!"

"Haha... Niya, why don't you introduce me to your guest?" Steger quickly shifted the topic.

"He is Anfey, and he wanted to go to the Mage Academy. My father said to let Uncle Steger make an arrangement."

"Uncle Steger, hello," said Anfey, smiling.

"Hello." Steger nodded.

"Well, I have brought you here, so there is nothing else, right?" Niya clapped. "Then I should go now?"

"Come on? You just get here and you want to leave. Am I too old for you?"

Niya grimaced, then turned and walked out. It was not that she despised Anfey, she was just ignoring him. No matter how Saul tried to convince her otherwise, in her mind Anfey was nothing but a lesser man, so she did not need to ask Anfey's opinion.

Steger looked at Anfey, slightly surprised, but he was in control. "You are Anfey, right? Saul has informed me, and I have been waiting for you. "

"Uncle Steger, sorry for the inconvenience," said Anfey respectfully.

"Not at all." Steger pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "But... some things are not easy for me to do. You are just a magic apprentice, right?"

"Yes."

"Placing you in the first level magic class is not impossible, but today you came to the Academy with Niya. Many people think that you are Saul's apprentice… The news will come out sooner or later. Since the establishment of the Maho Empire's Mage Academy, it has only been open to mages. This is the number one rule of the school, and it cannot be violated. If people knew that Saul used his power to send his apprentice to get to the Mage Academy, I am afraid... If this news spread, there would be some bad rumors about Saul. Do you understand what I mean? "

"Yes, I understand." Anfey smiled and asked, "Uncle Steger, can I work in the Mage Academy? Just let me go to the library to read the magic notes, so I can work while learning magic. If I am not a student, then it will not negatively influence the archmage. "

"You misunderstood me." Steger smiled and shook his head. "Although the basic magic skills are very simple, they are also very important. If there is no one to guide you, you could easily take the wrong path. If learning through the magic notes was sufficient, then it wouldn't be necessary for Saul to send you here. You could just learn at Saul's house. Haha… Although Saul's private collection may lose out to the library's in quantity, it definitely wins in terms of quality. Almost every book is useful, unlike the library here. I can frankly say that at least half of the library's books are scraps, not worth wasting the energy to read."

"Uncle Steger, then what do you mean..."

"I mean that you do not need to go to the first level magic class. You can directly come to me when you come to school every day. I will find a few teachers to tutor you individually. When you become a first level mage, then you can learn together with everyone. Is that okay?"

Anfey thought for a long while. "Uncle Steger, thank you for your kindness. But all of these arrangements just for me… I will feel bad. Uncle Steger, please just let me work here. I believe in my ability. When I become a first-level mage, I will come to you again."

Steger could not help but shocked by Anfey politely declining his good intentions. Special tutoring by a few teachers was an opportunity only those big aristocratic family's children could enjoy. In Steger's opinion, Anfey's response was like not knowing chalk from cheese.

"Anfey, I hope you can reconsider. You do not have to rush your answer," Steger said slowly. He was willing to help Anfey just because Saul asked him to. Not only did Saul Saul to him personally, but he also had his daughter take Anfey here, which meant Saul took Anfey very seriously! Although Steger did not understand why Saul paid so much attention to a magic apprentice, helping his old friend was his responsibility. In fact, Saul sending Anfey to the academy would cause gossip and hurt Saul's reputation. Steger used his power to arrange a few teachers to tutor Anfey. The consequences were the same! Because of this, Saul would be criticized and his reputation would be damaged. Seeing Anfey refusing his kindness, Steger was very upset!

"Uncle Steger, please let me try," Anfey sincerely said. "If I really can rely on self-study to become a mage, then I can avoid a lot of trouble. If it doesn't work, I will come back to you again."

The day Saul set off to fight Yagor, he felt nervous. After Saul confirmed that Yagor was dead, he felt relieved and let his heart open. Seeing Anfey's loyal and incomparable performance, it was natural to accept Anfey. On the other hand, it was the same for Anfey. Putting aside all kinds of differences, Anfey spent thousands of days and nights on the island. His inner loneliness could not be described with words, so he accepted that Saul and Ernest truly cared about him. He also let go of the wall around his heart, fully accepting Saul and Ernest. It could be said that Anfey had taken Saul and Ernest as his own kinsfolk.

Anfey could accept the help of Saul and Ernest, but did not want to owe others, even if it would hurt Saul's reputation. This was the reason Anfey refused Steger's good intentions.

Steger looked at Anfey for a long time. "I hope you will not regret your decision today."

"Well..." Anfey scratched his head and smiled. "If I still cannot become a mage within three months, then I will come back to bother you." Anfey was admitting being defeated. If he replied that he would not regret it, Steger may be disgraced. If he showed that he lacked the confidence, it would ease the atmosphere between them.

"Kid..." Steger grinned. "Well, that's it. I've been looking for a servant, and this work is being handed over to you. I am old, but my body is always healthy. I have nothing that needs to be taken care of. You will have a lot of time to read books at the library. If you have something you do not understand, you can always find me." Steger feared that Anfey would think the identity of a servant was too low, once again refusing his kind offer. So he implied to Anfey that he did not need to be taken care of and Anfey could go to the library to read books.

"Uncle Steger, thank you so much." Anfey bowed to Steger, although this bow was really sincere, but he was tired of being a kid and wanting to return to a normal adult.

"Great." Steger grinned. He searched the table and took out a card. "It's proof of being able to go in and out of the library, so you can start working now."

Chapter 20: The Third Wheel

Translator: Nyoi_Bo_Studio Editor: Tennesh

It was during class time, so there weren't many people in the library. Anfey glanced around and found only a dozen people around the long tables. The northern and southern side of the walls were lined with tall shelves filled with books of all kinds, separated by their magical disciplines.

Anfey had sharp eyes and found several books labeled Dimensional. He walked over, selected a few, and started flipping through one. However, as he leafed through the pages, he quickly discovered that the book was filled with myths about the gods and the origins of the world. He put the book back with a bitter smile.

No wonder Steger said that many of the books in the library were useless. After all, he was here to study magic, not read stories.

After flipping through five books, Anfey realized that none of the books here were what he wanted. After a moment of deliberation, he turned to the stairs to go to the second floor.

Just as he set foot onto the stairs, he felt the familiar feeling of magic around him. He stopped quickly, but it was already too late—his body was already in the perimeter of the spell, and there was no going back now. He felt as if he hit a wall and skipped back a few steps in order to balance himself.

A wave of stifled laughter arose around him. Anfey rubbed his nose and retreated.

"You can go to the second floor after you become a high level mage," said a young woman with long, brown hair and black mage's robes.

"Thanks," Anfey said.

"You must be a new student."

"Not exactly. I am Headmaster Steger's servant, not a student," Anfey said, smiling.

"Servant?"

"Yes. I wanted to study here, but I was rejected as I am only an apprentice now. He cannot break the rules, so I was given the rights to use the library."

"Ah," the young woman said. "It's okay. Even the best archmage was once an apprentice. Don't give up. I hope to see you in the new recruits next year."

"Thank you." Anfey said, stealing another glance at the young woman before going back to reading books.

Around him, some were still talking about him, laughing at his stupidity. They couldn't remember the last time such a fool had appeared. Who didn't know the basic rules of the library? What an idiot.

Anfey, however, did not bother paying attention to the other students' words, as if he couldn't hear them at all. He wasn't feigning his calmness. He had always been able to easily ignore what other people said about him. He was an actor, and they were just laughing at another one of his masks. He wasn't someone who lived for other people's opinions about him.

After a few books, Anfey still could not find what he was looking for. Some books had nothing to do with magic and were merely storybooks, some talked about magic Anfey had already mastered, and some talked about things Anfey couldn't even begin to understand.

A normal person would have been annoyed at this point, but Anfey was calm, quietly reading one book after another. He was an assassin; if he didn't have patience he would've died a thousand times over. He was confident that normal people couldn't match him in terms of patience.

The young woman from earlier was watching Anfey. She was obviously a common visitor to the library. Seeing Anfey putting back easier books after a few pages but frowning and dwelling on others, before putting them back as well, she somewhat understood his level of knowledge. She quietly picked out a few books and walked to his side. "Try these ones," she said softly.

"Ah, thank you," Anfey blinked and said. He picked up the book on the top of the pile and flipped through it. He smiled and turned to the young woman. "Thank you," he said sincerely.

"You're welcome."

The young woman had brought exactly what Anfey wanted. It was everything a beginner like him would want: from the different elements' traits and differences, to their combined effects, to simple spell anatomy. Anfey sat down on the bench nearby and began devouring the books. He wanted, and needed, to remember everything in these books.

Although Anfey placed more value on the fighting techniques that were unique to him, he needed to create a proper identity for himself. It was not enough just being Saul's student, he had to at least become a mage.

Time always flies when one is focusing on a certain thing. Anfey concentrated all of his effort on the books, completely ignoring any movement around him, totally unaware of the passage time. It was not until a hand reached over and closed the book that Anfey snapped out of his trance. He turned around and found himself staring at Steger, smiling kindly behind him.

"Uncle Steger," he said in surprise, pushing himself off of the bench.

"Child," Steger said, smiling. "You are still young and have plenty of time. Don't push yourself too hard; your body may not take it well. It is already dark now, and Niya is waiting for you by the door. Go home, come back tomorrow." Steger felt that he knew why Saul had taken Anfey as his student. Anfey was only an apprentice, but his determination was valuable. Steger had stopped by a few times and seen Anfey reading each time, scarcely moving. Steger was satisfied with the young man.

Anfey glanced out the window, and to his shock he found that the sky had really darkened. He smiled shyly, "I'm sorry, Uncle Steger. I seemed to have lost track of the time."

"No need, no need. Your dedication should be encouraged. Go. You won't like Niya when she's angry."

"Ok, I'll be on my way, Uncle Steger."

"Good night," Steger said, nodding.

Anfey jogged out of the library and found the back door by memory, only to find it empty. He realized that Niya must be at the front door. Who was to blame for this? Did Anfey's brain took a break, did Steger make a mistake, or was Niya simply taking pleasure in circling the school? Anfey took a breath and marched towards the front door.

He crossed the school ground at a moderate speed, stopping to ask for directions a few times. When he reached the front gate, he found a lavish carriage. Niya was lifting the curtains on the window and looking out impatiently. Upon seeing Anfey, she snorted and dropped the curtain so hard she ripped half of it off. She was obviously displeased.

"Miss Niya, why are you here? I thought I was going back alone," Anfey said as he climbed into the carriage, placing a smile on his face.

"Father made me come, what could I do?" Niya replied coldly.

"I am sorry," Anfey said apologetically.

"Niya, are you not going to introduce us?" The young man next to Niya asked gleefully.

"Do it yourselves if you want to," Niya snapped. "Don't bother me."

The young man shrugged and smiled at Anfey, "Alright, guess we have to introduce ourselves. My name's Granden, Uppe—" the young man noticed Anfey's magical surge and changed his words, "I'm a mage as well."

"Greetings," Anfey said. "Anfey, Apprentice."

"Ah, Anfey," Granden said. "I hope you don't take this personally. As you'll find out, Niya is always like this. Plus there was something unpleasant today, so…"

"No, no, it is quite alright," Anfey said, shaking his head.

"What, are you tired of me now?" Niya snapped, glaring at Granden.

"No, of course not! I would never," Granden said, frowning.

"Obviously!"

"Niya," Granden said, "I don't want to fight with you right now, and there are things you shouldn't say in front of other people. Can't you be silent for a bit?"

"Say what you want!" Niya screamed at Granden. "Go ahead!"

Anfey sighed. It seemed like Niya and Granden were more than just friends. They were probably a couple. Obviously he was a third wheel. He looked at them awkwardly, not knowing what to do. He took a breath and said, "Guys, calm down, take it easy."

"Shut it," Niya turned and snapped, turning her rage sharply onto Anfey. "You know who he is? He is second in line for the throne of the Maho Empire. We are talking, who are you to interrupt?!"

Anfey blinked, unable to find words to retaliate. Of course, he had no right to interrupt.

"Niya!" Granden said, clearly enraged as well. "You can yell at me all you want, but you shouldn't yell at someone innocent. Apologize right now."

"No!"

Anfey smiled bitterly. Great, now the attention was on him, and it didn't matter if Niya apologized or not. His relationship with her was not improving.

In that moment, a sudden gallop of horses interrupted them. Someone screamed, "Out of the way, out of the way! Military emergency! Out of the way!"

The driver swerved the carriage aside, and silence fell inside.

"War…" Granden muttered, his eyes filled with anxiety.

"War's starting…" Niya whispered. Her eyes, however, were sparkling with excitement.

"Niya," Granden said. "I cannot linger anymore. I must return."

"Wait, Granden!" Niya said hurriedly. "Did you consider what I said? Don't worry, if you say yes, my knights will gather on a moment's notice, and we can go together to the frontline."

"Niya! This is war, not child's play!"

"Come on, Granden," Niya said, pouting, and grabbed Granden's sleeve.

Anfey sat there watching quietly. They say a lover's quarrels rarely lasts, of course. Him intervening was an unnecessary move, and brought only trouble. He grunted to himself.

Chapter 21: A Legend

Translator: Nyoi_Bo_Studio Editor: Tennesh

"Anfey, this was your first time going to the Mage Academy. How was it?" Saul asked.

"It was very nice, Professor. I had a good time there," Anfey responded.

"Which class did Steger put you in?"

"Ehh, Uncle Steger thought that I didn't have a solid foundation, so he put me in the library for self-study."

"This old guy probably forgot what I told him!" Saul showed a bit of annoyance.

"Professor, I think this is good. I can go to Uncle Steger for help if there is something that I don't understand."

"No way, Anfey. You will lag behind if you keep staying in the library. I will talk to Steger!" Saul shook his head.

"Professor, I think it is ok for me to do self-study at the library. I've already learned something from you. I don't want the class to slow down just because of me."

"Well then, you just let me know if you want to join the class," Saul said.

"Yes, Professor."

"What's wrong, Niya?" Saul noticed that there was something wrong with Niya because her face looked pale.

"Nothing, father. I am just feeling a little bit uncomfortable," Niya replied. Her suggestions weren't accepted by Granden. He had rushed back to the palace to see his father, the king, to get more information on the frontier battle. As such, Niya felt ignored.

"Where are you feeling uncomfortable?"

"I'm just not comfortable!" Niya pushed the chair away and left the table. "I'm not going to eat dinner. You two can help yourself." She left and entered her room alone.

"Anfey, what's going on?"

"I have no idea. It seemed like something happened between Niya and Granden."

"Granden? The second prince?"

"Yeah."

"What do you think of him?"

"Eh?" Anfey paused a bit and reluctantly said, "I think he is a nice person."

"Haha, oh, Anfey. You don't have to be bothered by all the rules here in my house, but don't say the prince's name so casually outside. Otherwise, some people will not like it."

"I understand." Anfey smiled. "The second prince is an easy-going person and he treated me with respect. I didn't realize that he was a prince until Niya introduced us."

"I like his personality as well. He is easy-going and forgiving, unlike his brother, the oldest prince."

"What's this? It smells so good." Anfey pointed at the dishes on the table, interrupting Saul.

It was not polite to interrupt Saul, but Anfey had to do so. He knew very well that this topic was sensitive. It wasn't good for an outsider to know much about the princes' battle for the throne. Granden was about twenty now, and the fighting for the throne might've already started. Although Saul was well respected by the three princes, it might not be wise for Saul to support any one of them. If the one Saul supported got the throne, Saul's status couldn't get higher than it was now, otherwise it would be a threat to the new king. If the one he supported lost, it could be imagined what would happen to Saul.

Of course, it would be ok for Saul to support the second prince if he could use all of his means to make sure the second prince obtained the throne. Unfortunately, Saul was not the type of person who was good at petty tricks. Anfey knew Saul well enough. Saul sometimes could do some things if he wanted to. Working with Ernest to fight against Yagor was a good example, but there's a difference between petty tricks and deceit. The deceit where one knows how and when to show ruthlessness or tolerance, how and when to show ambition or cowardice. But what did Saul have? Nothing! He had so much to worry about, even the stubborn young man from the deserted island could gain his trust. If Saul decided to be deceitful, he could lose everything.

What Anfey felt was even more absurd was Saul's casualness! Anfey didn't know what the status of the battle for the throne was, but it was easy for Anfey to guess what was going on. If the oldest and the youngest princes wanted to take the throne, seeing Saul was so close to the middle one, they had to try and recruit spies among Saul's students or family members to discover Saul's moves. As the saying goes, "Know oneself, and know one's enemy, and one shall win a hundred battles."

Currently, Saul had his students sitting on the two sides of the dining table, with seven servants standing in the room ready to serve. Saul casually discussing what went wrong with the oldest prince… This could definitely cause future troubles. What would happen if Saul's words spread even before the oldest prince got a chance to place spies within his students and family?

Through Anfey's eyes, Saul was in a higher social class, knowing how to deal with other people. His daughter was quite the opposite. She was naïve and quite spoiled. But both the father and the daughter had something in common: they were pretty lucky in their lives and didn't face much adversity. For Saul, he was lucky enough to become a student of Archmage Cheronio and become a beginning-level mage in his twenties. He later became an archmage in his forties after breaking through the bottleneck. Saul was used to being treated like a king, and even the king himself had to show respect to Saul.

Saul thought he was the greatest archmage in this empire and the professor of the three princes. As such, it wouldn't be a big deal for him to say something about them or even criticize them. But in fact, it could possibly bring him trouble in the near future.

Nothing should be taken for granted. Clouds fluttered, the wind blew, water formed waves and trees shook in the wind, nothing was immutable. Everything in the world was constantly changing!

Saul paused a bit and tried to get some food from the dish which Anfey liked most. The dinner was kind of boring and Anfey wanted to leave. "Professor, I am full now, can I go check on Uncle Ernest?" Anfey asked.

"Sure." Saul nodded.

"Please take your time," Anfey said politely to everyone at the table and went downstairs.

Saul took a second look at Anfey, but still kept silent.

Anfei went straight to Ernest's door way and was about to knock, but stopped. Ernest must've been meditating inside, otherwise he would have come to Anfey for some advice or to learn some new skills.

Anfey turned around and started walking towards his room. He needed to meditate as well. Choosing to learn magic was a mature choice made after much thought. He needed not just a legitimate social status but also a proper disguise.

When a swordsman and a mage were fighting, each would try to achieve their highest speed. But when they got closer to Anfey, they all felt that Anfey didn't have any combat power, but instead tricky techniques. When a swordsman and a mage fought against each other, they would always put on all types of protective gear and use some defensive magic arrays. But even before they got ready, Anfey could already rush in front of them.

No matter how strong their magic and combat power were, Anfey would never give up his own martial arts skill. Martial arts were his foundation, and he would never stop practicing. He had not practiced in a while, so now was the time to do some makeup sessions.

After getting back to his own room, Anfey put out the candle on the table and started practicing breathing.

There was a secret book carried on from generation to generation in Anfey's family. Anfey read it from cover to cover and practiced the first half, but he never touched the second part. He understood the Theravada Zen, and had already achieved it, but not the Mahayana Zen[1]. For him, the Mahayana Zen was total nonsense, especially the Six Supernatural Powers[2]. In order to verify his thoughts, Anfey went to Tibet several times and tried to see the so-called Nirvana. However, no monks passed away during his visits, so he left without any evidence.

But now, with more and more experience and strange feelings inside his body from the increase in his magic power, he started questioning his original thoughts about the Mahayana Zen. In this world, the spirit was much heavier than in his old world. After practicing for two years, he had made big improvements in circulating his small circle of vital energy, and was close to the big circle of vital energy! Maybe he should try his luck to break the big circle and see what would happen afterwards!

It was for this reason that Anfey never wanted to learn magic skills or combat power. He never wanted to become a real mage or swordsman, even though he had the two best teachers.

It was dark outside; a dark shadow flashed into the corridor and creeping towards Anfey's room.

Translator's Thoughts

Nyoi_Bo_Studio Nyoi_Bo_Studio

[1] Mahayana (Sanskrit for "Great Vehicle") is one of the two (or three, under some classifications) main existing branches of Buddhism and a term for classification of Buddhist philosophies and practice.

Theravada (Pali, literally "school of the elder monks") is a branch of Buddhism that uses the Buddha's teaching preserved in the Pāli Canon as its doctrinal core.

[2] The Six Supernatural Powers are:

1) Developing mental pureness and eventually enlightenment.

2) Telepathy: Being able to read the emotions and thoughts of others.

3) Magic Powers: Such as levitation, teleportation, and telekinesis.

4) The Divine Ear: Being able to hear things from very far away, being able to hear astral beings from different levels, and being able to understand the language of animals.

5) The Divine Eye: Clairvoyance, being able to perceive the different levels of the astral realms and the process of rebirth.

6) Remembering past lives.

Chapter 22: Being Framed

Translator: Nyoi_Bo_Studio Editor: Tennesh

Anfey opened his eyes slowly. Under a zen state, a person's senses were unusually strong. Anfey had known someone was there as soon as the stranger approached his door.

The door slid open silently, and Anfey quietly moved over and laid down on his bed, pretending to sleep. The shadow stopped a few steps from his bed. It felt around the bed before turning and leaving through the door.

As the shadow pulled the door behind him, Anfey pushed himself off of the bed. He stalked across the room and leaned against the door, listening for any movement outside.

Whoever just came into his room was obviously not used to doing this. He was careful enough, but his breathing was too heavy, the floorboards had creaked, and when he was walking up the stairs he had almost knocked over a vase.

Seeing the stranger's clumsy moves, Anfey snorted. He had the ability to hold whoever it was down, but the whole situation seemed too strange, and Anfey didn't want to startle the stranger before figuring out exactly why someone was in his room.

Anfey followed the person to the fourth floor, and saw him disappearing into a room. Anfey inched over, sticking close to the wall, listening to the sound inside.

There were someone talking inside, but with the door closed Anfey couldn't hear much. "Time to eavesdrop," he thought.

A few minutes later, he was back in his own room. When he lifted his blanket, he found a small orange orb laying on his mattress, shining eerily.

"What is this?" Anfey frowned, poking it with his finger. When nothing happened, he grabbed it with his hand.

After a few moments playing with the orb, he put it in his pocket and left the room. He found Ernest's room and knocked softly on the door.

"Anfey?" asked Ernest.

"Yes, Uncle Ernest," Anfey said. "I'm sorry to bother you so late."

"Nonsense," Ernest said, smiling, and opened the door.

"Uncle Ernest, how did you know it was me?"

"How can I not? No one here knocks on my door. Saul never knocks, either. You're the only possible one," Ernest laughed. "Of course, I wanted to talk to you too, so thanks."

"Uncle Ernest, why are you thanking me?" Anfey said, surprised.

"Your sword skills gave me inspiration," Ernest said slowly. "You showed me a path. I believe my skills can grow significantly after some practice. Perhaps then I'll get my revenge."

"I don't know any sword arts," Anfey said shyly. "It's something that old man taught me for fun."

"No, no. I can feel it, that old man you speak of was a powerful man," Ernest said slowly. "A sword master at least, maybe even more. Anfey, you have to find him again if you get the chance."

"Uncle Ernest, are you going to spar with him?"

"Me? No, I am no match for him," Ernest said bitterly. If the man's Qi matched his, then he could never win. Even Anfey, a child, could shock him, so how powerful would the man be?

"But…" Anfey lowered his gaze. "I cannot remember where I came from."

"You will remember," Ernest consoled. "By the way, Anfey, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Ah, yes," Anfey said. "What is this?"

"This…" Ernest stared and frowned, taking the orb. "Anfey, where did you get this?"

"Someone gave it to me," Anfey said. "What is it?"

"Someone gave it to you?" Ernest repeated. "Impossible. This is a Chasm Dragon Crystal."

"Chasm dragon? Is it rare?"

"Not just rare," Ernest said. "This is the only one, ever. Tell me everything."

Anfey told Ernest everything that had happened, including him following whoever it was that went into his room, hiding nothing. Ernest contemplated a bit, then looked up and said, "Anfey, what do you think?" Ernest had already had an idea of what the person who placed this on Anfey's bed wanted to do, but he wanted to train Anfey to think for himself, to recognize the vileness in people.

"Uncle Ernest, you mean… this belongs to Master Saul?"

"Yes," Ernest said. "Chasm dragons are horrible creatures. Dark, skilled with dimensional magic. In my knowledge, they're perhaps the most powerful dark creatures out there, with the ability to rip through time and space without any help. This crystal is very important to Saul. He treasures it."

"Ah," Anfey said. "I know what's going on."

"Tell me."

"Someone stole this crystal and planted it in my room. When Master Saul discovers it is missing, they'll find it in my room. Then I will become the thief."

"Is that so?" Ernest said, surprised. "Do you know why they would do this?"

"Because Master Saul is too good to me," Anfey said. "Uncle Ernest, you saw how Miss Niya treated me yesterday. There are things you do not know. She was a victim too, talked into questioning me."

"What do you want to do?"

"Master Saul is so careless. Treasures like this should be kept in secret. How could people steal it?"

"On that point, you're wrong." Ernest laughed. "Saul would never be careless. You cannot feel it, but Saul had already placed a spell on the crystal, and placed the same spell in the storage room. If the two spells are separated by more than a hundred meters, the spell would activate, and no one can leave with it. It's a live coordination. Do you think anyone can leave alive with a live coordination, with one of the greatest archmage on their heels?"

"Ah," Anfey said.

"Anfey, say, what do you want to do?" Ernest asked.

"My idea… it's… well, it's slightly embarrassing." Anfey said, scratching his head.

"Nonsense. Tell me."

"If we return the crystal right now, whoever was setting me up would realize something was wrong and change their mind, then it would be more difficult to track them," Anfey said slowly. "Uncle Ernest, if this person can steal this, surely he is close to Master Saul?"

Ernest nodded.

"So we have to keep quiet, like nothing had happened," Anfey said, smiling. "Let them say what they want. They may think they're cornering me, but in truth they're just back themselves into a corner."

"And then I can step in as a witness?" Ernest asked. "Smart."

"No, Uncle Ernest," Anfey said. "Evidence is stronger proof than spoken words. I think whoever did this will try to make Master Saul angry, make him lose control, leaving me no chance to explain myself. Uncle Ernest, if you step up then, Master Saul will think you're covering for me, and we won't have a chance to defend ourselves." Anfey kept referring to him and Ernest as "us," hoping to hint that they are on the same side.

"You're confusing me," Ernest said. "Anfey, you think that when I present the crystal, Saul would trust them and not me?"

"I cannot predict anything," Anfey said. "But it is possible. We can't risk it."

"What do you want to do then?" Ernest asked.

"Easy. When they come for me with Master Saul, place the crystal in a room on the fourth floor." Anfey smiled, "Uncle Ernest, you have to hide it well, not letting master realize where it is. Can you manage it?"

"Short term, maybe. Long term is practically impossible," Ernest said, closing his hand around the orb. "But trust me. You know, kid, you aren't that dumb after all."

"You know, Uncle Ernest, there are things I've never told you," Anfey said slowly.

"Can you tell me now?" Ernest asked, interested. "Of course, I won't press you if you don't want to say."

"You shouldn't blame me, you never asked. You should have noticed some of it," Anfey said slowly. "Yagor kept using us for experiments. We weren't lined up according to age or height, Yagor tended to pick randomly, and whoever was picked never came back. After a while, we all got scared, so things happened."

"Keep going."

"No one wanted to go with Yagor, but none of us could fight him, so we started playing games with each other. We aggravated each other, making Yagor mad at other people. We hated each other, and... these are things I would rather not think about. Uncle Ernest, do you know why I'm grateful to Yagor?"

"Why?"

"Because ever since I was young, I've been framed time after time. I don't know why, but Yagor always spared my life, even giving me a room at the end, letting me tend to his everyday life. If it wasn't for him, I would've been long dead."

Chapter 23: Shameful Opponent

Translator: Nyoi_Bo_Studio Editor: Tennesh

"I never knew kids could behave like that as well!" Ernest sighed slightly and said, "In order to survive, people often maximize their potential, physically and emotionally. Kids your age are usually naive and innocent, but instead you learnt to scheme against each other."

Ernest thought of himself. After he had escaped from the trap set by Jerrofick, he managed to run for over one thousand miles with wounds all over his body. One day, he was so exhausted that he fell asleep on the way. When he opened his eyes, he found himself still walking, but with totally different surroundings from what he last remembered. He could not recognize where he was. He finally got the chance to ask an old farmer, and surprisingly found out he had travelled over 40 miles in his sleep!

He marveled at this experience every time he recalled it.

"Adversities leads to maturity." Anfey smiled.

"Then… how did you manage to be the last survivor? By luck?" Ernest asked slowly.

After a long pause, Anfey grinned. "Not completely by luck!"

"It seems that Saul and I were both deceived." Ernest let out a sigh. "However, I trust you. Want to know why?"

"Why?"

"When you found out you were set up by someone, you could have handed the magic crystal to me and let me handle the rest. That way, you could continue being this nice and innocent kid. You should know me well enough to believe that, knowing that you were framed, I would do whatever is needed to protect you." Ernest smiled. "But instead, you opened your heart to me. You showed me your other faces so I could understand you better. I am glad that I earned your trust."

"Uncle Ernest, the most blessed thing that happened to me in the past several years was coming across master and you!" Anfey beamed.

"If it was in the past, I would have believed what you just said. But now I have to question if you are flattering me or not." Ernest chuckled, shaking his head. "Anfey, whom did you learn your sword skills from?"

"Uncle Ernest, I am always honest with you. I learned them from the strange old gentleman in that little village." Anfey smiled rather wryly.

"And you forgot about where your hometown was?"

"I really can't remember. If I could, I would try everything to get back there." Anfey shook his head, "My mom is still there… I really miss her. As I get older, I feel more and more that it is very useful to master these sword skills, and it is the best choice for me to continue learning."

"Your true sword skills must be even better than what you showed me in the morning, right?"

"A bit better, but I don't know how to fight with combat power."

"I know. There is no way you could hide your combat power from me if you had any." Ernest smiled. "If you want to learn, I can teach you. But remember, even though there are quite a few people who practice both magic and the sword, no one has been able to break through and master both at the same time. One has limited time and energy, and it is too difficult to focus on both skills. Even a genius who practices both just turns out to be an average fighter."

"I want to give it a try!" Anfey insisted.

"Young man, you're quite confident, huh?" Ernest laughed, but then he switched the topic. "Anfey, about the magic crystal, do you plan to keep it from Saul?"

"I need to find the opportune time."

"Well then."

"Uncle Ernest, I have to go back now. They will find me soon. Trouble is coming."

"Sure. I will stick to the plan." Ernest nodded.

Anfey let out a sigh of relief; he'd been betting on Ernest's trust. Anfey took multiple factors into consideration. First, when he interrupted Saul, he noticed that the way Saul looked at him changed. Anfey didn't regret what he'd said, as he wanted to repay Saul for everything Saul had done for him. But if Saul started suspecting him, things might get out of control. Thus, Anfey had to reveal himself to Ernest ahead of time in order to gain Ernest's help.

Second, for Anfey's own sake, he also needed someone who understood him. He could not practice without help. Anfey needed a safe and quiet place for his training, which he couldn't secure in Saul's home. There was no such place in the Magic Academy either. Obviously, he couldn't leave Saul altogether. Therefore, Ernest was the best candidate for being able to freely take Anfey away from Saul's home for any reason.

Of course, Anfey would not confess everything to Ernest, regardless of how reliable he was. Anfey was well aware of what he could and could not say, and what he should and should not do. He knew he could share some of his secrets, but that was it!

After a while, the door was pushed open and Saul brought some students into Anfey's room. "What's the matter, master?" Anfey sat up, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"Take it easy." Saul smiled softly at Anfey and turned towards a thin student who seemed to be very excited. "Maris, are you sure this is the room?" Saul asked.

"Yes, I'm sure of it! I noticed Anfey sneaking into this room when I was walking downstairs. I didn't think too much until I got to the lab, but then Melinda told me the Chasm Dragon Crystal was missing. Anfey is the suspect!" Maris got more and more emotional. "Master, why didn't anything bad happen before Anfey came here? It's only been several days since Anfey came here, and this crime occurred?"

"Are you sure it's him?"

"Yes, I am absolutely sure!"

"Ok, you guys carefully search this room," Saul ordered coldly. But when he looked at Anfey, Saul suddenly became soft and gentle. He winked at Anfey.

"This can't be right. Saul should have been outraged at me, but now he is winking at me? Why? There must be something going on," Anfey thought.

Maris got the go-ahead from Saul and went straight to Anfey to start his investigation. He hummed at Anfey, bent down and looked under the bed, and went on to flip open Anfey's comforter. Anfey rolled his eyes, "Such an idiot! How dumb do you have to be? Setting someone up is an art, not anybody can be good at it. How about you act a little more real? Come on, what is this? Going straight for my bed? Why did I even waste my time and energy on this fool? Even if I did nothing and just let them manage to find the crystal right here, I could still persuade Saul that I was innocent!"

Maris examined the entire room without any luck, and could not help but glance back at Anfey. He then pretended to move on to some other spots in the room. Other students also joined the search. However, they were much more respectful compared to Maris. They avoided leaving anything in disarray, putting everything back where it belonged once they had checked it out. Maris, on the other hand, was making a mess. What's even more ridiculous was that he came back to the bed and searched under the comforter three times. Anfey was so annoyed that he got off the bed and watched all of this while sitting at a round table.

Saul glanced at Maris several times. Every time he looked at Maris, the look on his face grew colder.

"You can't find it?" Saul asked icily.

Maris stepped forward, grabbed Anfey's collar, and started yelling at him. "You're such a bastard! Where did you hide the magic crystal?"

"Watch your manners!" Anfey caught Maris' hand and pushed it down. "I've never seen such a magic crystal," Anfey argued as Maris fell backwards in pain.

"It must be you that..."

"Maris, since you are wrong, you have to apologize to Anfey!" Saul ordered.

Maris hesitated and struggled. Finally, he lowered his head and said, "Sorry."

"Madelyn, didn't you say that Anfey went to the lab before?"

"Yeah, eh, yes."

Saul's words made Madelyn nervous, as well as Anfey. It seemed that Saul was talking to him too.

"Who else went to the lab other than Anfey?"

"No one else, Master."

"Who knew that such a weird situation could happen in my house!" Saul suddenly started to smile. "Well, it seems to me that it is necessary to search every corner of this house!"

Everyone, including Anfey, kept their silence.

"Anfey, please go ahead and get some rest," Saul said considerately, as he exited Anfey's room. The other students followed Saul out. Maris stared at Anfey ferociously for a second but had no other choice than to leave as well.

Rest? How could Anfey go back to resting without figuring out what on earth was going on here? He grabbed his magic robe and stepped out from his room.

Chapter 24: An Awkward Outcome

Translator: Nyoi_Bo_Studio Editor: Tennesh

Outside of his room, Anfey saw Ernest lazily laying against the door with his arms crossed, watching Saul and his crew walk upstairs. Anfey hurried over to Ernest , "Uncle Ernest, from the look on Professor's face, something must be going on."

Ernest glanced at Anfey and laughed. "It's not me. You have no one but yourself to blame."

"Blame myself?"

"Yes." Ernest nodded. "You must have assumed that Saul would use his telepathy to look for the crystal, that's why you asked me to hide it, right? "

"Yes, was there a problem with that?"

"Not only a problem, but a big problem." Ernest smiled. "Your understanding of magic is too shallow. Saul's magic array did not start, which meant the Chasm Dragon Crystal had not left this house. But if he couldn't find it with his telepathy, guess what? That meant someone hid the Chasm Dragon Crystal intentionally! If anyone had the ability to hide anything from Saul in his house, it would be me. Therefore, as soon as Saul found out the crystal was lost, he approached me."

Anfey's face froze up. He was so upset that he hit his forehead with his hands. He was not acting this time—it really was how he felt after Ernest's explanation. Anfey suddenly realized the plan he had thought to be cunning had turned out to be a joke. What happened to him? Was it because he lived alone on an island for so long that he lost his intelligence? How could he overlook such a huge blind spot! Not long ago, he had laughed at Maris' stupidity. Well, he wasn't that much smarter than Maris after all.

Realistically, it was not all Anfey's fault. A painter needed to deeply understand the colors before he could turn them into art, and a tactician needed to be fully aware of the pros and cons of the different branches of his army before he could win a battle. Ernest was right about Anfey. He didn't understand magic well enough to correctly predict Saul's reactions. This result was not surprising.

Anfey would probably not have made such a mistake if he was in a world where he had comprehensive knowledge of everything. Many things that no one else would even pay attention to, such as a circuit breaker, a tea cup, an iron wire, even a toothpick, could be turned into a fatal weapon by Anfey. However, this world was still too foreign to him.

"Uncle Ernest, did you tell the professor about me?" Anfey asked Ernest with a bitter smile. He chose Ernest over Saul because Ernest was a straightforward person, while he had some reservations about Saul.

"No, it's your problem. You should tell Saul the truth yourself," Ernest responded mildly.

"So… what did you tell him?" Anfey asked with a sigh of relief. He still wanted to be fully informed of what Ernest spoke to Saul about. It was necessary to know, otherwise his lies could give him away.

"I said you discovered that someone secretly left the magic crystal in your room. You handed it to me and asked me about it. I discussed your plan with Saul as well, but I told him it was my idea."

"Uh…" Anfey sighed. He didn't have much confidence that Saul would believe it was Ernest's idea. Ernest was a blunt person and would not normally be able to come up with such a scheme. "Let's play it by ear," Anfey thought. "Worst case, I can just leave the Maho Empire if things don't work out."

"Yes?" Ernest was confused.

"Nothing." Anfey shook his head. "Let's find out what Saul will do first," he thought.

It did not take long before loud noises and the sound of crying reached them. Anfey and Ernest exchanged a look, and they moved upstairs together.

In a room on the fourth floor, Saul was playing with the Chasm Dragon Crystal in his hands. He sneered at Maris while Maris and Melinda argued back and forth. One was saying the other one had asked him to steal the magic crystal and leave it in Anfey's room to set Anfey up, while the other one quarreled that it was all the other person's idea. They blamed each other and tried to defend themselves.

Anfey could not tell who started this argument. The quarrel would have turned into a fight if Saul was not there. They looked at each other with hatred, like they wanted to suck each other's blood and eat each other's flesh.

Anfey looked at the Chasm Dragon Crystal in Saul's hand. He could not help getting worried. Ernest said the magic crystal was returned to Saul. "Obviously, Saul set them up… I never thought the usually kind Saul would do things like this," Anfey marveled. Had Maris and Melinda stayed calm and pretended to know nothing after seeing the crystal in front of them, Saul might have suspected that there were proper explanations for what had happened. However, they lost their calm at the sight of the magic crystal. They thought Anfey already knew their plan and snuck the magic crystal back into their room. To save themselves, they were quick to sell out their partner. What they did not know was they had lost their last chance by doing so.

"Still no answer?" Saul asked coldly.

"Professor, it's all his idea. I am innocent! Maris did not see eye to eye with Anfey and wanted to teach him a lesson. He even asked Miss Niya to make some trouble for Anfey yesterday! Professor, you can check with Miss Niya!" Melinda yelled. She threw out another bomb for Maris.

"Professor, don't listen to him. She asked me to get Miss Niya involved. It was all her. Bastard! Son of a bitch!" Maris cried out.

Niya had woken up a long time ago. When she heard their argument, she got so mad that her teeth clenched. She looked back and forth at Maris and Melinda, wishing to beat them up right now to let out some of her anger. Miss Niya was so arrogant that she had been thinking of herself as a very smart person. She didn't realize she had been used until now. How could she not be mad about it? Yesterday, she had stopped suspecting Anfey after Ernest offered to be his witness. She still disliked Anfey, however, because Ernest had lost his fondness for her as a result. Her hope to learn sword skills from Ernest was shattered. But now… it turned out to all be her fault. Niya didn't dare to look at Anfey. She was ashamed to do so.

"Did Niya bother you?" Saul glanced over Anfey, seeming to blame Anfey for not bringing it up.

Anfey looked down. He was not sure how Saul felt about him. If Saul had already sensed something, it would be too risky to play dumb, as it would very likely cause Saul to dislike him. Better to just let it go.

Just then, Saul and Ernest both frowned. Anfey also subsequently felt a strong combat power approaching Saul's house.

"Be quiet, guests are here," Saul said coldly.

Maris and Melinda already had a dry mouth after their bickering, so they shut up immediately at Saul's words. They also saw Anfey, who was supposed to be kicked out by now, standing there indifferently. No one knew how Maris and Melinda felt about it.

Quiet and fast footsteps were heard downstairs. Soon came Miorich, followed by two men in knight suits. They were confused for a second by the situation, but then smiled. "Sir, I come here too often to deserve such a prestigious welcome."

"It's late… Miorich, how can I help you?" Saul asked directly. Being in a bad mood, Saul did not appreciate Miorich's humor.

"The king wants to see you now," Miorich put away his smile and said seriously.

"Huh? Is it …" Saul glanced towards the north.

"Yes." Miorich nodded.

"Alright, I will be there, but I need a little time to settle things here."

"I see. Sir, please excuse me now. I need to take care of a couple errands too." Miorich left without delay. A person in a high position like Miorich was able to control his curiosity very well. It was obvious that something had happened at Saul's home. It would only bring him trouble if he wanted to invade Saul's privacy!

At Miorich's absence, Saul laid his eyes back on Maris and Melinda. "You two have to leave. I am not qualified to be your teacher anymore," Saul said firmly in a cold tone.

Maris and Melinda's faces turned pale. If Saul were a little softer to them and allowed them to stay, there would still be hope for them. Being kicked out would end their future. No one would welcome any mage, even an archmage, if they were expelled by their teacher. The magic level one could reach was tightly related to talent, opportunity, and commitment. However, being thrown out by their teacher indicated an unbearable fault in their morality. Going forward, even being a magic apprentice would have a better position than them. Regardless of their low level in magic, magic apprentices were at least trustworthy. Who would trust Maris or Melinda again? They would have no opportunity to study further, not to mention the respect of others. He would be mocked by his peers in the Mage Union! In other words, there was only darkness in their futures from the moment Saul made his decision!

"Professor…" Melinda said with a trembling voice. He was already an entry-level mage and one of Saul's two best students. He could not accept this dooming fate.

"Get out! Get out now!" Saul said without any pity.

Melinda looked around desperately, hoping someone could help him out and say something nice about him. But who could tolerate what he had done? Disliking Anfey was one thing, and even jealousy could be forgiven, but circumvention was another story entirely. Other students would not want to guess when the same thing would happen to them.

Melinda received aloof and disdain looks and his heart was sunken. He turned around silently, walked to his bed, and started to pack up.

How come did it end like this? Anfey felt awkward. He could sense the hatred from Maris and Melinda, especially from the look as Melinda left. It was full of malice and spite. Anfey's personality would not normally allow Melinda and Maris to leave here alive. He heard one of them was a high-level mage, and the other one was an entry-level mage, such a great way to make enemies for himself! In the field of kung fu, students' martial capabilities would be destroyed if they were kicked out. Wouldn't Saul wipe out Melinda and Maris' magic capabilities? He would feel a lot better if they became ordinary people.

Unfortunately, Anfey did not dare to take any action, not even to talk Saul, let alone execute his plan of killing Melinda and Maris. He would do nothing before he could figure out how Saul saw him.

"Anfey, were you frightened?" Saul looked at Anfey.

Anfey looked down again. He did not dare to say anything. Was Saul testing him?

"It's ok. Don't act like a little kid. This is a gift for you." Saul opened his hand. There was a sparkling ring in his hand.

Saul's students gasped. Even Niya opened her eyes wide. Anyone with basic knowledge of magic could tell it was a supreme-level dimensional ring!

"Thank you, Professor." Anfey took the ring calmly. He was the only person who did not know how precious the ring was.

"I have taught you how to use the dimensional rings. You need to practice more. Ask Uncle Ernest if you have any questions." Saul smiled.

Chapter 25: The Heavy Ring

Translator: Nyoi_Bo_Studio Editor: Tennesh

Anfey leaned against a tree trunk with a book in his hand, appearing to be at ease. He was feeling exceptionally good. Saul had arrived at the palace to meet the emperor of Maho, Yolanthe. He had quickly returned and left a few words for Ernest, and then he left again without seeing Anfey.

The next morning at dawn, a large group of people left the Maho Empire's Sacred City, including Archmage Saul and Prince Granden. The two men lead a third of the court mages towards the northern front.

The Alisen Empire was menacing, as they frequently placed their army by the border, increasing tension. When the other major power in the Alisen military, the Dark Moon Magic Legion, appeared, the balance was shattered, and Yolanthe was forced to react. He sent his mages out first, led by Archmage Saul, to gain an advantage over the Alisen mages.

Who was the happiest about this? Anfey, of course. Saul had left, and it was unlikely he would return anytime soon. He was at the center of the conflict, and he couldn't afford to leave the front line. The Dark Moon Magic Legion had the famous Fire Mage Newyoheim. Even with Saul there, Maho was still on the weaker side; should Saul leave, he would be abandoning hundreds of thousands of soldiers to their deaths.

Anfey knew that a war between two equally powerful empires would take a long time. There would be standoffs, skirmishes, and melees, ending in full-scale battles. This was the usual routine of war. No one would sit down at a poker table just to use all of their trump cards in the first round. Maho wouldn't, nor would Alisen. Anfey could tell there were something off from Ernest's actions. He didn't leave with Saul despite his hatred for Alisen, instead staying to take care of Anfey. He was always practicing with his sword, asking Anfey about his strange ways with the sword. Anfey knew he was waiting for the finale.

Of course, the least happy person was Niya. She had tried gathering her friends to form a small squadron to follow Granden to the frontline, but was rejected. She had gone to Saul but hadn't received any favorable news. After that, she was isolated by her friends. As the daughter of an archmage, all of her friends were children of nobility as well, and no one wanted to see their children go to war. Some kids were locked in their homes, while others were sent back to their fiefdoms. In the end, Niya had lost most of her friends, and her unhappiness was evident even when she went out on her walks. On top of that, she had to face Anfey every day at home. Although Anfey had never blamed her for anything, she felt too embarrassed to face him. She was in obvious pain.

Anfey closed his book, and with a flip of his hand the book disappeared. It had only been a few days, but he had already mastered the usage of dimensional rings.

As the saying goes, hard work could make up for inadequacies. However, hard work could only take one so far, and couldn't turn inadequacies into advantages. A hard working genius was way out of the league of someone who simply worked hard.

Anfey couldn't say he was a genius, but he was a brilliant man. More importantly, he was a hard worker. As an apprentice, he only spent two days to master the art of using a dimensional ring.

He stretched out his left hand, and another book appeared out of thin air. This was how he learned. Whenever he encountered something he could not understand, he switched to a new book, hoping to find something that could help him understand the other book.

"I knew you would be here." A young woman with long, hazel hair walked into the forest.

"Doris," Anfey said, smiling. "Why aren't you in class?" Doris was the young woman that helped him picked out the books in the library. They'd met a few times, and had gotten to know each other better. They weren't exactly friends yet, but every time they saw each other they would strike up a conversation.

"I'm about to have an exam," she said. "I thought I would take a walk to distract myself a bit." Leaning against the tree, Doris said, "I really shouldn't have shown you this place. This was my land, but now you've taken it."

"Let's split it," Anfey said, drawing a groove in the ground with a branch. "This half is mine, that half is yours."

"Man," Doris said, laughing. "You're really something."

"Thank you."

"Why don't you go to the palace and tell our emperor 'this half is mine, that half is yours'?"

"You sure I'll come back alive?"

"Who knows?" Doris smiled. "You softie. Taking my land without remorse."

"Hey, hey, who bullied you? You're a mid-level mage, and I'm just an apprentice."

Upon hearing "mid-level mage," Doris' smile disappeared. She rested her face in her hands and stared into the distance.

"The upcoming exam must be stressful," Anfey said.

"Of course it is," Doris replied. "My entire life is on the line here."

"You wanna talk about it?"

"No, it's ok. You wouldn't understand." Doris shook her head.

Anfey didn't say anything more. He wasn't that familiar with Doris; if he pressed on, he would only make the situation more awkward.

"When can I be as carefree as you?" Doris sighed and asked.

"Me? Carefree?" Anfey asked, almost laughing. He was merely good at hiding his own emotions and stress. Ever since arriving in this world, he had been building his knowledge and power. He was far from carefree.

"Yes, you."

Anfey didn't say anything else. He put the book back into his ring, straightened himself, and was planning to ask where Doris got the idea that he was carefree.

"That's your ring?" Doris asked, stunned, having noticed his ring for the first time.

"Yes, why?"

"Didn't you say… you're just Headmaster Steger's servant?"

"I am, why?" Anfey asked, confused.

"Steger's ring might not be as good as yours," Doris said, frowning. "Tell me, who are you?"

"What?" Anfey stared at the ring absently. "I really am just his servant."

"You're still lying," Doris said, angered.

"I'm Archmage Saul's apprentice," Anfey said. This information was already widespread in the school, so Doris would find out sooner or later.

"Saul? Archmage Saul?" Doris gasped.

"Yes."

"Then… are you Headmaster Steger's servant?"

"Because I was supposed to study here, but I'm just an apprentice. If I really became a student I could unnecessarily hurt Archmage Saul's reputation, so I'm just studying with Headmaster Steger for now. I'll start studying magic in the academy after I become a real mage."

"Interesting," Doris said, her eyes filled with envy. "You're lucky!"

Anfey grinned but didn't say anything.

"Even so, you should not show off so much," Doris suddenly said.

"I didn't."

"Don't you understand how valuable that is?" Doris asked, agitated. She held out her hand. "This is mine. You know how many things mine can hold? It can only hold up to five books that size."

"Five?" Anfey frowned. "That few?"

"Few? This cost me five years of my savings. Go around the school, at least a third of the students don't even have rings."

Anfey lowered his gaze and looked at the ring, feeling it grow heavy on his finger. Even the ring Saul bought for him at Tumen was ten times better than Doris', so how much did this one cost? How much trouble did Saul go through to acquire this?

"They know you're Archmage Saul's apprentice, and they won't do much to you, but there are people who don't know. Seeing an apprentice like you wearing a ring like that, what would they do? You're looking for trouble."

Anfey nodded. He knew what Doris meant when she pointed out how expensive his ring was. Sometimes things would be this interesting. Saul wouldn't brag about how much his gifts were worth, as he didn't like that. Ernest thought Saul was right, and Ernest had forgotten to warn Anfey. The other students were too busy being jealous, so no one told him. So there Anfey was, walking around with a gift some people could never afford. The authors of the books would never brag about how much their rings would hold, either. Anfey had thought that the rings were like cellphones in this world. He thought that, even though some people had better models, everyone had one.

"There, for you," Anfey found the ring he got in Tumen and handed it to Doris.

"I can't have this."

"Take it," Anfey said. "For some reason this one stopped working after I got the new one. There's no use keeping it."

"Of course," Doris scolded. "You can only use one ring at a time. If you could use multiple rings at the same time, your ring wouldn't be so precious."

"Good. Take it."

"No," Doris said, her face suddenly became serious. "Anfey, if you still want to be my friend, don't make me take this."

"Alright," Anfey said, shaking his head. He could tell Doris genuinely didn't want to take the ring. Maybe it was Doris' personal moral code, maybe it was not, but either way he didn't want to put Doris in a bad place.