“Do you hear that, junior? You’ve really shown off in martial arts class, surprising quite a few people.”
In the spacious classroom of the Ancient Magic Potion Society, Mu’en looked up in shock at the senior who was sitting sideways at the desk.
“Is the news spreading so fast? Even the senior knows about it?”
“Of course, Mu’en, you’re a celebrity! Celebrity news always travels fast, and there’s this…”
Senior Anna handed him a newspaper.
“Um? What is this?”
Mu’en took the newspaper with confusion, his gaze casually sweeping over the words.
Then he froze.
“Apology Statement?
The previous reports by the news agency concerning Mu’en Campbell and Ariel Bugarde were all false information. We sincerely apologize to both individuals. We will…”
The newspaper was filled with text.
All apologies for releasing false information regarding Mu’en, Ariel, and others, stating that the news agency would deeply reflect and make serious corrections, and finally included a notice of the agency closing for a week for rectifications.
“Apology… false reports…” Mu’en frowned.
“Oh, look at you, junior, didn’t even know about it?”
“Know what? I’ve been too busy studying lately to pay attention to the academy’s newspapers or anything.”
“No wonder. I thought it was strange you have such good temper, without confronting that guy Mingote after all this.”
Senior Anna handed over a few more newspapers.
Mu’en took a look and froze again, then his rage surged, causing his blood pressure to spike.
“Ex-girlfriend? Abortion? Playing both sides? What’s this?”
“Those are your scandalous news. Don’t you find it strange? Why is your image so bad in the eyes of other students?” Senior Anna propped her chin up and laughed softly.
“You look so silly, it’s kind of cute.”
“I thought…”
Mu’en opened his mouth, but like a fish out of water, he couldn’t make a sound.
In the end, he could only manage a helpless smile.
He was too focused on his own world, believing that as long as he worked hard, one day the opinions of others would change.
But he hadn’t anticipated that compared to his lack of ambition, the malice from the outside world was much more terrifying.
“But…”
Mu’en looked at the apology statement and notice in his hand, feeling warmth in his heart.
Only Celicia could have the ability to accomplish such a thing in such a short time.
“I didn’t expect I would still have to accept her concern.”
Mu’en couldn’t help but scratch his head in a bitter laugh: “Now, I don’t even know how to thank her.”
“It’s very impolite to think of other women while talking with your senior.”
Anna suddenly playfully tapped her slender finger on Mu’en’s forehead.
“Time is precious. Let’s start our first class, Mu’en.”
“Yes, Anna-sensei.”
Mu’en immediately perked up.
No matter what, studying was the most important.
How to thank Celicia could be considered later.
“First, let’s do a little quiz.”
Anna sat on the desk, her waist curving into a perfect silhouette, her long legs crossed, and her black stockings glimmered subtly in the sunlight from the window.
Anna opened the textbook and spoke as seriously as a teacher:
“Well, I need to know Mu’en’s level first. However, I think with Mu’en’s skill in martial arts, he shouldn’t be lacking in that regard.”
“Hehe…”
Mu’en’s gaze wandered:
“Probably… maybe… there’s a slight difference.”
“If there’s a slight difference, it’s okay. I’m a bit confident in my teaching standards.”
Anna smiled subtly: “Come on, don’t be nervous, just answer a few questions for me.”
…
Several minutes later.
Even Anna couldn’t help but frown in grave concern.
She put down the textbook and looked at Mu’en, whose expression was awkward, raising her eyebrows and revealing a hint of disbelief in her tone.
“Junior, you really don’t know anything about the basics of magic, do you?”
“Nonsense!”
Mu’en’s cheeks turned slightly red, but he still straightened his back forcefully, insisting:
“Who says I don’t know anything? I know all about the life story of the Grand Magus Meladomir, okay?”
“But that isn’t what this is about.”
“…” Mu’en shifted his gaze away in guilt.
“Oh, is this what it feels like to be deceived by a scumbag?”
Anna teased, lightly wiping her eyes as if she were about to cry, looking very pitiful:
“I never thought I’d have a day deceived by a scumbag. What should I do now? I’ll never get married at this rate…”
“I’ll compensate you! Senior Anna, please, don’t…”
“Really?”
Senior Anna leaned in, tilting her head like a little devil, playfully laughing:
“What kind of compensation would junior offer?”
“I’ll… I’ll…”
An alluring fragrance enveloped Mu’en, so close that it made it hard to divert his eyes from that charming tear mole at the corner of Anna’s eye.
“A million?” Mu’en asked tentatively.
“Oh? You think I’m that kind of woman who just loves money?” Senior Anna feigned sadness.
“Not at all, I just…”
“Actually, I really do like money.” Anna smirked again.
“……”
“Ha ha… Junior, your expression is just too funny.”
Anna laughed heartily, clearly delighted.
“Senior Anna, you’re too much…” Mu’en wanted to cry but couldn’t.
What kind of fairy was this? He felt utterly powerless.
“Okay, enough of the jokes.”
Anna wiped away the tears of laughter and returned to her composed self.
“Let’s officially start the class, Mu’en.”
“Yes, Anna-sensei!”
Mu’en straightened up and responded, just like a true honor student.
…
The sunlight scattered, and a gentle breeze blew.
In the peaceful and beautiful afternoon, Mu’en’s “Junior Anna’s small classroom” officially began.
It must be said that Senior Anna was indeed very good at teaching, just as she claimed.
The content was presented step by step, woven together, occasionally using some vivid metaphors that transformed the dull textbook into something vibrant and interesting. Even Mu’en, a complete novice in magic, was able to follow her rhythm, gradually exploring the wonders of this world called magic.
Especially with the occasional hint of charm she revealed while teaching, it was really easy to unintentionally fall deep into it.
…
…
“By the way, Mu’en, would you like to experience something?”
After the afternoon class ended, as Mu’en was preparing to pack up and leave, Senior Anna suddenly proposed.
“Experience what?” Mu’en didn’t catch on at first.
“Of course, the activities of the Ancient Magic Potion Society.”
Anna rolled her eyes at Mu’en, full of charm.
“Forgot? Didn’t I ask you before if you wanted to join the Ancient Magic Potion Society? I thought you ought to experience it to make a decision.”
“True.”
Mu’en blinked, smiling: “Then I’ll trouble you, senior.”
“Not a trouble at all.”
Anna tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling:
“It’d be even better if junior likes what our Ancient Magic Potion Society has to offer.”
“I’ll try my best to like it.”
“Is that so? That’s good.”
Anna’s eyes curved slightly, laughing gently.
However, that smile, at the moment Mu’en wasn’t paying attention, was somewhat meaningful.
…
“The so-called Ancient Magic Potion Society is a club that studies ancient texts to reproduce long-lost ancient potions.”
Anna led Mu’en to tour the entire society’s classroom. The classroom was spacious; the area where Mu’en had class was just a specially separated space, and walking further into the partition, he could see a row of bookshelves.
The bookshelves were filled with books that looked ancient, and when Mu’en casually pulled one out, he found that not only were the covers tattered and the text barely legible, but even the contents were mostly incomplete.
“Can these books really be used to reproduce ancient potions?”
Mu’en was somewhat astonished:
“Is that even possible?”
“The chances of success are very low, and often reproducing an ancient potion requires a lot of time, while the results are usually less than satisfactory.”
Anna reached out her hand to stroke those ancient texts, tenderly as if she were caressing a child.
“And that’s precisely why the Ancient Magic Potion Society only has me left. A lot of investment yields a completely disproportionate return, and the sense of loss from efforts that don’t bear fruit causes many people to choose to withdraw shortly after joining.”
“After all, if one wanted to really learn about potions, the academy has an orthodox potion society, so why choose such a thankless task?”
“This is also why I wanted you, junior, to think carefully before deciding whether to join. I wouldn’t want a new junior to run away after just a few days. That would make your senior very sad.”
At this moment, Senior Anna stood in the shadowed corner, her beautiful profile appearing especially lonely.
Mu’en couldn’t help but feel a stir in his heart.
His hand brushed across the idle instruments around him, which had clearly been neglected for a long time, yet they were still dust-free.
She must really love this society.
“What can I possibly do, then?”
Mu’en asked:
“I neither know how to make potions nor can I read ancient texts. It seems I can’t help senior at all.”
“Indeed, Mu’en is quite the useless junior,” Anna nodded seriously.
“……Could you refrain from being so blunt, senior! It’s quite painful!” Mu’en protested indignantly.
“Ha ha… but even such a useless junior can help me.” Anna giggled:
“The activities of this society aren’t limited to reproducing ancient potions.”
“Um? How can I help?” Mu’en’s eyes lit up.
Having received so much care from Anna, he should at least show his determination.
As long as it’s something she says, no matter if he had to walk through fire and cross mountains, he would…
“Just this.”
Anna suddenly placed a bottle of light red potion in front of Mu’en.
“Drink this, junior.”
“What? Drink it?”
Mu’en’s smile immediately froze.
He looked down at the bottle of potion that always reminded him of unpleasant memories, tentatively asking:
“I’m sorry to ask, what exactly does this potion do?”
“Don’t know.”
“Don’t know?”
Mu’en’s eyes widened, almost jumping up on the spot:
“You don’t know and still want me to drink it? Is this an attempt to murder your junior?”
“Because that’s another activity of the society—testing potions.”
Anna tilted her head, lightly tapping the glass container holding the potion, causing the pale red liquid to ripple.
Her tone remained gentle and calm as if she had already predicted Mu’en’s reaction.
“After all, since this potion was reproduced from ancient texts, due to gaps in the records, the specific effects of the potion can be ambiguous. At this point, it needs to be tested to accurately determine the potion’s effects.”
“But isn’t that dangerous?”
Mu’en was genuinely shocked by Anna’s selfless dedication to science: “What if it’s poison?”
“How is that possible?”
Anna rolled her eyes, extending her finger to flick Mu’en on the forehead.
“Don’t you trust your senior’s potion skills? Although the specific effects are unclear, I can at least analyze its effects based on the potion’s materials and the brewing method; testing is just for obtaining precise data.”
“I see.”
Mu’en scratched his head, blushing with shame for his ignorance.
“So what are the general effects of this potion…”
“This should be a transformation potion.”
“Transformation potion?”
“Yep, that’s right. It temporarily transforms the drinker into other things—kittens, puppies or even certain objects. Of course, the transformation is just on the surface; there won’t be any changes in essence.”
Anna propped her chin, shaking the potion:
“In fact, I’ve already drunk this potion before.”
“Drunk it?”
“Yeah, but nothing happened when I drank it, so I wondered if this potion might have different effects on different people.”
“So you’re asking me to try it?”
“Exactly.”
Anna gazed at Mu’en with deep eyes as if trying to draw him in, lightly laughing:
“After all, I wouldn’t give you a harmful potion, would I?”
“Haha, sorry.”
“So, will you drink it?”
“This…”
Mu’en hesitated.
Though Senior Anna had made it clear that the potion wouldn’t harm him, he was all too aware of his bad luck.
If the true effect of the potion turned someone into a pig or something, wouldn’t all his efforts in maintaining his image go to waste?
“Hey, I actually hope you turn into a cute little animal or something because then I can hug you tightly and really mess with you.” Senior Anna gestured dramatically with her hands at her prominent chest, saying with a hint of anticipation.
Turn into a little animal?
Hugged tightly?
Mess with?
“I’ll drink it!”
Mu’en slammed his hand on the table, declaring valiantly:
“A man born in the world should not fear such trivial uncertainties! Senior has shown me kindness; I must repay with all my might!”
So it’s not because he wanted to turn into a little animal and be hugged by her!
Not at all!
With that, Mu’en snatched the potion and downed it in one gulp.
After drinking, Mu’en wanted to relish in the shocked, admiring, and touched look that Senior Anna would give him, but he realized that Anna’s gaze held a hint of exasperation.
“Mu’en, junior.”
“Uh-huh?”
“Potions come in doses. You really didn’t have to drink it all at once.”
“……Can I spit it out?”
“No.”
Just then, Senior Anna suddenly burst into laughter, shaking with delight.
“Ha ha… Junior, you’re truly something else! Who drinks that much of a potion in one go? And judging by your expression just now, were you hoping for my praise?”
“I just feel like an idiot.”
Mu’en wanted to cry but couldn’t; he wished he could find a hole to hide in: “So what will happen if I drank too much?”
“Don’t worry, it will be fine.”
Senior Anna actually reached over to pat Mu’en’s head, speaking softly: “It will just last a little longer, that’s all.”
“I see; then I feel reassured.”
Feeling the softness of Anna’s hand, Mu’en let out a sigh of relief.
As long as he wouldn’t suffer from any adverse effects from drinking too much, he was fine with that.
“Then next…”
“Just wait.”
Anna smiled: “Let’s see what you’ll turn into.”
…
Five minutes…
Ten minutes…
Thirty minutes…
An hour…
Until the dinner bell rang from the cafeteria outside, Mu’en still showed no changes.
“Um… Senior, this potion seems to be acting a bit slowly.”
“…”
Anna for the first time couldn’t maintain her calm demeanor, pulling out an old ancient book to flip through.
Moments later, she rubbed her temples and said,
“Sorry, junior. It seems I might have made an error in the brewing method, and the potion has failed.”
“What do we do now?”
“Um… well, let’s call it a day. It’s dinner time, junior; please go eat.”
Senior Anna smiled again, standing up to send him off.
But Mu’en couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something hidden in her smile at that moment.
“I see.”
Alas, Mu’en could only obediently nod.
“Then, goodbye, senior.”
“Yes, goodbye, Mu’en.”
As Mu’en left the Ancient Magic Potion Society’s classroom.
At the moment he was leaving, he inadvertently turned back.
Senior Anna leaned against the window, gazing out at the bustling scene outside.
Yet she appeared, as if not belonging to this world at all, her expression slightly cold, her figure lonely.
It was heart-wrenching.
…
…
During dinner, Mu’en coincidentally ran into Ariel, who was struggling in a corner against the cold and hard black bread that the cafeteria offered for free.
That black bread was both hard and cold, and it was said that for the poor, it was not just food, but also a weapon for self-defense; there were many cases in the lower town of Bairland every year where people were killed by black bread sticks.
Ariel struggled against that bread more desperately than fighting to the death against foes of higher realms.
Mu’en couldn’t bear to see it. He wanted to go over and invite her to dinner but seeing the inexplicable murderous look on her face made him hesitate.
After sneaking upstairs to finish his meal, he hurriedly slipped away.
He felt that approaching her now would likely get him smacked with a breadstick.
His life was a priority.
…
…
“Ah, the years are quiet and good.”
On the way back to the dormitory, feeling the peaceful and beautiful surroundings, Mu’en couldn’t help but stretch lazily.
Now, his academy life seemed to have entered a proper rhythm; he had resolved the issue of the basics of magic class; Ariel didn’t show any signs of wanting to suddenly come kill him.
—Even though lately, Ariel often displayed terrifying expressions that scared him out of his wits.
Even those rumors and prejudices would gradually dissipate with the news agency’s rectifications and his own efforts.
“According to the plot of the original book, the first major event in the academy should happen a month later.”
“The third large secret instrument of the academy will fail for some reason, leading to an invasion by outside foes.”
“So, I still have a month of peaceful living?”
Mu’en rubbed his chin, smiling.
After going through so much before, just thinking that he would have a whole month of peaceful days made him feel an insuppressible happiness bubbling up.
…
…
“Acting! Dean!”
In the clock tower, in the dean’s office, Professor Plon suddenly slammed his hand on the desk, shouting at the comically pink bear reclining on an office chair:
“Why did you close the third large secret instrument?”
“Why?”
The pink bear, from its bear mouth, extended a hairy arm, still clutching a cigar, white smoke continually wafting from its eyes and ears.
“Of course, it’s because it’s too costly. I checked the academy’s expenses and found that just maintaining the third large secret instrument occupies one-fifth of the academy’s total expenses. Isn’t that a waste?” The bear’s voice remained lazy, resembling a despondent middle-aged uncle.
“So you take the academy’s money to smoke high-grade cigars and buy those illegal photos of the Holy Maiden?”
Professor Plon slammed a photo album with images of revealing beauties onto the ground: “Aren’t you worried that the Church of Life will find out and punish you for the crime of defiling the Holy Maiden?”
“Hey, although it’s called Holy Maiden photos, the characters inside have nothing to do with the Holy Maiden. They just look a bit like her, so don’t speak indiscriminately.”
The pink bear carefully picked up the beauty album, shaking off the dust with a pained expression,
“This kind of thing is hard to come by, and it cost me quite a bit of money.”
“The problem is right here. You’re spending the academy’s money!”
“I’m the dean now; the academy’s money is my money.”
“But I’m the one who has to report the finances up top at the end of the year!” Professor Plon shouted angrily.
“…”
The pink bear fell silent for a moment, then suddenly put its smoky paw on Professor Plon’s shoulder:
“You’ve worked hard; keep it up. I believe you can do it.”
“I don’t need your chicken soup for the soul!”
Professor Plon swatted the hairy hand away, veins throbbing on his forehead:
“Besides, this is a small matter. I’m here simply wanting to know your true reason for closing the third large secret instrument! The third large secret instrument is an important institution to protect the students; what will happen to their safety now that you’ve shut it down?”
“Don’t tell me about the expenses; the maintenance costs of the third large secret instrument come from those nobles’ yearly donations and have nothing to do with the higher-ups!”
“Sigh, don’t you understand, Professor Plon?” The pink bear sighed helplessly.
“What don’t I understand?”
“Tsk, a clever person like you usually but is acting foolish now?”
The pink bear took a deep puff from its cigar, blowing out smoke rings leisurely, then said:
“Have you ever thought about why they specifically sent me to be the acting dean?”
“Because—”
Professor Plon suddenly froze.
The anger he felt was doused as if cold water had been splashed on him.
Some things are easily overlooked, but once they’re mentioned, they keep flashing before one’s eyes like a haunted story.
For instance.
Why someone completely unsuitable to be a dean like the pink bear would be sent as the acting dean?
And why the dearly beloved Dean Heatherwei remained silent about this matter before her departure?
“Do you understand now?”
The pink bear took one last puff, then pressed the cigar into the ashtray, coldly stating:
“My arrival represents the higher-ups’ attitude.
—They are no longer able to tolerate the academy’s gentle educational methods!”
“But… isn’t this educational approach good?” A look of confusion appeared in Professor Plon’s eyes, “They’re still children.”
“Professor Plon, don’t forget. I was once a student of St. Maria Academy.”
The pink bear suddenly reminisced with a hint of nostalgia: “Back then, those decades saw dozens of students dying every year, yet we were called the golden generation. It was that generation that formed the foundation of today’s empire.
But since the construction of the third large secret instrument, how long has it been since a golden generation appeared in the academy? Do you really think this is an issue of talent?
No. It’s because a comfortable life has corrupted those students!
Professor Plon, I don’t believe you haven’t noticed this!”
“But… isn’t this too hasty?”
Professor Plon gritted his teeth: “We could change things in the curriculum first; there’s no need for such a direct approach…”
“Because there isn’t time.”
The pink bear sighed:
“Originally, the higher-ups planned to follow your suggestion and tighten the students’ training for a period, gradually reopening the third large secret instrument after a month, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, it had to be advanced.”
“Unforeseen circumstances?”
“Wanna know?”
The pink bear chuckled, producing a black stone tablet and placing it in front of Professor Plon:
“Swear first!”
“The Silence Oath?”
As he looked at the black stone tablet, Professor Plon’s expression grew solemn:
“This is serious?”
The pink bear shrugged, indicating it couldn’t say anything.
“Fine, I hope your answer won’t disappoint me.”
After a brief moment of silence, Professor Plon lifted his hand, pressing his palm on the stone tablet.
In an instant, intricate patterns lit up on the stone, invisible power descended from nowhere, transforming into golden characters that drilled into Professor Plon’s heart.
Oath completed.
It was the law of power from the divine; if anyone violated the vow inscribed on the black stone, their heart would instantly explode, leading to their death.
Professor Plon withdrew his hand, coldly gazing at the pink bear.
“Now it’s your turn to answer.”
“Alright, alright, don’t be impatient.”
The pink bear pulled out a new cigar, skillfully cutting and lighting it, taking a deep puff.
Once the smoke wafted out from the doll costume’s eyes, ears, and even its head, transforming it from a pink bear into an angry pink bear, it began speaking unhurriedly:
“Things are actually quite simple—the Evil God is stirring trouble again.”
“Evil Gods stir trouble every day.”
Professor Plon replied coldly: “Those cultists have never stopped.”
“So, I mean the Evil God, not the cultists.”
“Evil God? In person?”
This time even Professor Plon could no longer remain calm, realizing the stark differences in implications held within those seemingly similar words.
“Which one?”
“Ha—this one.”
The pink bear pulled out a piece of white paper, drew something on it, eventually creating a sun-like doodle with a pupil in the center.
【King of Withering】
Professor Plon silently repeated in his heart.
“And then.”
The pink bear pulled out another piece of white paper, continuing to draw, this time crafting a crooked crescent moon.
【Silent Moon】
Professor Plon repeated silently once more.
“Finally.”
The pink bear held up the paper with the sun, moving it closer to the one with the moon.
【King of Withering is gradually approaching Silent Moon】
“Wait—”
Realizing the significance of the pink bear’s gestures, Professor Plon was thrown into disbelief.
“You mean, he’s… gradually approaching her?”
“Exactly.”
“How is that even possible? Don’t Evil Gods usually avoid each other?”
“Who knows?”
The pink bear shrugged and nonchalantly tossed the paper depicting the sun aside, saying:
“However, with the nature of this one, being so proactive, doesn’t sound like he’s bringing flowers and wine to a gathering; it feels more like he’s grabbed another one’s little braid and can’t wait to give them a beating.”
“Are you joking?”
Professor Plon couldn’t help but cover his face: “If these two clash…”
“Exactly.”
The pink bear interrupted, “It would be a Divine War!”
“…”
“Hehe, how about it? Are you regretting knowing the truth?” Seeing Professor Plon’s pained expression, the pink bear mocked:
“Being an ignorant baby would be so much better! Right now, what I want to do most is go back and give my curious self a slap; you said you shouldn’t be curious and stay on the beach to admire beauties, but now look! You’ve gotten yourself into this mess.”
“… I think I understand the higher-ups’ intentions.”
Professor Plon wiped his face, looking as if he had aged ten years in an instant: “What’s supposedly for the students turns out to be for profit—or rather, in their words, for a greater righteousness.”
“Glad you understand.”
The pink bear patted Professor Plon’s shoulder, mockingly comforting him:
“Don’t worry, shutting down the third large secret instrument doesn’t mean there will be an immediate invasion of the academy. Why worry so much?”
…
…
In a secret place, dozens of large bonfires burned.
In the center of the place, a pyre was built and prepared to be ignited, a naked man tied to it, struggling in pain.
Around the massive pyre, dozens of muscle men in just their thongs raised their torches, shouting fervently:
“Burn him! Burn him!”
“Burn this heretic!”
“Die, die, die!”
“Everyone—silence!”
With a loud voice, all the muscle men quieted down, directing their fiery gazes at the strongest muscle man standing on a platform by the pyre.
The strongest muscle man held a hefty book, lifting it over his head, shouting:
“Today, under the witness of the Holy Scripture, we shall judge this damn traitor, the hateful fallen, and the vile person who pollutes our doctrine!”
“I didn’t! I didn’t!”
The man tied to the pyre struggled to shout: “High Priest, spare me! I didn’t betray our doctrine!”
“Nonsense!”
The High Priest coldly interrupted, his gaze sweeping over everyone, pointing at a muscular man with a scarred face, asking:
“That new member, tell us, what is our first doctrine?”
“Yes!”
The scarred muscular man stepped forward and shouted energetically:
“The first doctrine of the True Love Cult is that same-sex love is true love; opposite-sex love is heresy!”
“Exactly!”
The High Priest exclaimed in satisfaction: “Same-sex love is true love; opposite-sex love is heresy. But—”
The High Priest looked at the naked man:
“Why have I received reports that you’ve had close contact with the opposite sex at home?”
“That’s my cow! I was just milking my cow! Please, High Priest, I swear, I didn’t do anything!”
“Ridiculous!”
The High Priest shouted angrily: “Just milking? Why not milk the bull? Are you discriminating against the bull? With such actions, you must have something to hide! Who would believe you didn’t do anything?”
“High Priest, I—”
The man tried to defend himself, but as the High Priest pointed, his mouth moved fruitlessly, unable to produce any sound.
The High Priest opened the Holy Scripture and solemnly announced:
“According to the guidance of the magnificent Holy Scripture, the sinful traitor shall face the flames!”
“Flames!”
“Flames!”
The dozens of muscle men below raised their hands enthusiastically, fervently shouting:
“He deserves the flames!”
Thus, flames surged upward, gradually engulfing the naked man, yet he couldn’t even scream, the stench of burning flesh filled the air, and everyone showed intoxicated expressions, as if they were smelling the fragrance of fine wine.
“Today, besides punishing the traitor, there is one more matter I wish to announce to everyone.”
The High Priest raised both hands, looking at the crowd, his face solemn, his eyes fervent:
“Not long ago, the great Love God bestowed us with a divine revelation!”
“He said—the Holy War has begun.”
The High Priest raised his hand, pointing to a dark direction.
“Over there, in the filthy St. Maria Academy.
The vile heretics and shameful blasphemer, he is over there.
Tonight, the barrier that has obstructed us will disappear.
And we, will follow the great Love God’s guidance, cross through numerous trials to get there.
Then—”
The High Priest’s voice was as cold as iron:
“We will kill that detestable blasphemer of the divine—
—Mu’en Campbell!”
…
…
In the depths of darkness, ethereal voices seemed to whisper.
“Are you sure having this bunch of lunatics around is fine?”
“Ha ha, anyone who worships that god of corruption isn’t exactly the brightest. However, precisely because of that, they are professionals when it comes to stirring up chaos.”
“Alright then, I hope everything goes smoothly.”
…
…
Heavy rain poured down.
The world appeared to be submerged beneath the torrential rain, yet high above in the sky hung a blue moon.
Screech—
Screech—
Strange sounds enveloped the ears, as if stripping away one’s sanity.
A terrifying sensation of suffocation made it hard to breathe, a heavy shadow gradually bore down.
A strong scent of blood stimulated the nostrils.
At this moment.
It felt as if a demonic whisper echoed in his ears.
It said.
—”I will devour your heart.”
Suddenly, intense pain spread through his chest.
An alluring shadow held his beating warm heart.
Under the moonlight, she smiled gently.
…
…
“I can’t believe—”
Mu’en awoke from a nightmare, drenched in sweat.
However, after a brief moment of daze, he realized something was off.
This was not an ordinary dream, as all those sensations were too real for something that could happen in a dream.
In other words…
“Another damned precognitive dream?”
Mu’en blinked, then hastily pulled out the black book and began flipping through its pages.
The black book showed no abnormalities; his records over the past few days also appeared normal.
The occurrence of precognitive dreams remained as unpredictable as ever.
But since it appeared, it meant one thing…
Mu’en slapped his thigh and shouted: “The damn author is starting to push the main storyline!”
“Ah, no wait, why do I have this bizarre thought?”
Mu’en shook his head, casting aside the nonsensical ideas filling his mind, and in an instant, his gaze sharpened.
He grabbed the black book and shook it vigorously:
“Damn black book, why do you keep bringing me these weird precognitive dreams? Can’t you provide some more detailed content?”
“Last time it was about being skinned alive, and this time it’s about having my heart pulled out? Are you planning to make me go through all the major tortures of the Qing Dynasty just to satisfy yourself?”
The precognitive dreams remained terrifying.
Mu’en could still vividly remember the heavy rain, the blue moon, the blood, and that alluring shadow that pulled out his heart.
But—
Just like last time, there were no useful clues at all.
The voice and shadow seemed to have undergone special distortion processing, making it impossible to capture any characteristics.
The black book wasn’t informing him of what he should do with the precognitive dream.
It was warning him.
Fate is once again starting to persecute you, struggle quickly.
“But if you want me to struggle, you have to let me know how! Just tossing some weird precognitive dreams at me is useless, it’s better if you just let me sleep peacefully!”
Mu’en roared at the black book.
Of course, it was of no use.
The black book had only shown slight signs of having its own consciousness during the last incident, but since then, no matter how Mu’en called out, it had exhibited no response.
“Forget it, I’ve gotten used to it.”
Others’ exteriors speak sweetly, with talents abound; they might even become beautiful maidens to keep you company when you’re lonely.
My exterior, ha ha, is just a piece of wood.
If it’s just a piece of wood, then so be it. It’s better than nothing.
After being startled awake by the precognitive dream, Mu’en lost his sleepiness and decided to wash his face in the bathroom, starting his studies for today early.
“Strange, why do my shoulders feel so heavy after waking up?”
Mu’en rubbed his shoulders while walking into the bathroom.
After washing his face.
He lifted his head, just finishing wiping off the water from his face.
Then he froze.
Blinking.
Rubbing his eyes again.
Confirming that he wasn’t seeing things or dreaming, Mu’en touched his chin, deep in thought.
“Who is this voluptuous beauty with wavy golden hair in the mirror?”
