Unforgivable Offense

Xia Lun and Liyana glanced at Aina.

Aina turned her head away, avoiding their gaze.

Before the two of them, the crystal ball shone brilliantly, while the other students' crystal balls in the room dimmed, as if reduced to stars beside a radiant moon.

"Such… such terrifying magical power!"

"Are these three new students?"

"They’re almost on par with Senior Diana, aren’t they?"

The surrounding freshmen stared at Xia Lun and Liyana in disbelief, their eyes filled with awe or envy.

"What’s their background?"

"They must be from a prestigious magical family!"

Xia Lun… didn’t feel particularly pleased or proud. Instead, he was somewhat embarrassed and awkward.

After all, given his true identity and experience, showing off in front of a group of novices just starting to learn magic was downright humiliating.

If his past rivals knew about this, they’d probably laugh themselves silly.

"Hey, hey, Aina, what’s going on? Didn’t you say you’d conceal our magic power?" Liyana whispered through a private message.

"Th-the crystal ball didn’t shatter, did it…?" Aina was also struggling to keep her composure. "Ahem… The magic detectors at the Truth Magical Academy seem to have a higher upper limit. Maybe that’s the issue—my adjustments for our magic output were still too high…"

However, Aina’s own crystal ball showed no such problem, its brightness hovering around the average of the other students.

With her mastery over magic, she had sensed the anomaly the moment she channeled her power and immediately corrected it.

"Never thought the Demon King would make such a mistake," Xia Lun teased her through their mental link.

"You’re so mean…" Aina lowered her head, refusing to look up.

Suddenly, from another corner of the hall, a dazzling blue light erupted—bright, though still slightly dimmer compared to Xia Lun and Liyana’s display.

Many turned their attention toward the new spectacle.

"It’s Young Master Kahn of the Stark Family."

"The Stark Family is an ancient lineage of magic knights."

"It’s no surprise Young Master Kahn possesses such strength."

Hearing the murmurs, Xia Lun and Liyana looked in that direction.

There stood a lavishly dressed young man with golden hair, clad in courtly attire and a striking cape, his features somewhat refined.

However, Young Master Kahn’s expression at the moment was far from pleasant.

"Impossible! Are your magic detectors malfunctioning? How could my magic reserves be inferior to those two?" Kahn pointed at the crystal ball, demanding an answer from Delyan.

"This batch of crystal balls was just recalibrated—there’s no way they’re faulty." Delyan frowned, displeased with Kahn’s attitude but restraining herself due to his status. "If you insist on doubting, you can try another one."

Without hesitation, Kahn snatched the crystal ball from a nearby student.

The light flared again, but the result remained unchanged.

"Damn it!"

BANG!

Kahn slammed the crystal ball onto the floor. True to Delyan’s words, the improved crystal ball was sturdy enough to withstand the impact without damage.

Kahn’s gaze shifted toward Xia Lun and Liyana. Meeting their eyes, he stiffened slightly before clicking his tongue and looking away.

"What’s his problem?" Liyana grumbled. "Kids these days have no manners. If this were the Chaos Era, someone as arrogant as him would’ve—"

Huum—

A soft hum resonated through the room, followed by a blinding crimson glow—like a radiant red sun—instantly capturing everyone’s attention.

Its brilliance even surpassed Xia Lun and Liyana’s earlier display.

"Oho, someone with real talent," Liyana whistled.

"Impressive. A promising seedling, almost as good as Wolund back in the day," Aina remarked, slightly astonished.

Xia Lun turned toward the source—a plainly dressed boy staring bewildered at the crystal ball before him, clearly at a loss.

The boy seemed to come from humble origins, his coarse robes and plain, sallow face dotted with freckles.

Realizing he had unintentionally caused such a commotion, the boy’s lips trembled nervously under the weight of everyone’s stares.

Delyan hurried over, her face alight with excitement.

"Sir… I-I didn’t do anything. Is this crystal ball broken?" the boy stammered.

"Just call me Senior Delyan. What’s your name?" She gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

"I… I’m Mian."

"Excellent, Mian. You have remarkable talent for magic," Delyan praised. "And fire affinity, no less! If you pass the upcoming tests, consider joining my academy!"

"Yes! Senior Delyan!" Mian’s face lit up with excitement.

Meanwhile, Young Master Kahn’s expression darkened further.

"The magic detectors measure your starting point, not your limit," Diana reassured the remaining students. "Magic capacity isn’t everything. Spell mastery, control, and other factors shape a mage’s strength. Moreover, magic reserves can grow through diligent meditation or fortuitous encounters. So don’t be disheartened…"

……

Atop the highest spire of Olifant,

Wolund sat in the headmaster’s office, sipping a cup of black tea.

A graceful woman stood silently nearby.

"Kalinda, is the manor I asked you to prepare ready?"

"Of course, Headmaster. Are you expecting guests?"

Wolund estimated the two should arrive soon.

His old friend at the gates, upon receiving his letter, would surely bring them to him.

Since those two wished to remain inconspicuous, Wolund couldn’t possibly let others know their identities.

"Kalinda, today’s the new students’ enrollment, isn’t it?" Wolund sidestepped her question, changing the subject.

"Yes, Headmaster."

"Any noteworthy newcomers?"

"The freshmen just finished their magic aptitude tests. Four showed exceptional promise." Kalinda summoned a blank scroll, words materializing upon it as she spoke. "Kahn Stark, Mian Kleeman, Liyana Selway, and… Xia Lun Morian."

At the last name, Wolund choked, nearly spitting out his tea.

Kalinda raised a brow. "Is something wrong, Headmaster?"

"Nothing." Wolund Morian’s hand trembled slightly as he set down his cup.

"Oh, this student shares your surname—perhaps your families are connected," Kalinda joked lightly.

CRASH!

Wolund’s teacup shattered on the floor.