Self-Exposure

Wolund wasn’t entirely unaware of the matters between students.

But both Xia Lun and Wolund intended to let the situation escalate further… Unless absolutely necessary, they had no plans to intervene.

If Mian were to crumble under such circumstances, it would simply prove he was never fit to step into the world of magic.

"I also think men these days should have some backbone," Liyana muttered under her breath.

On the way to the headmaster’s office, she had learned from Xia Lun about the noble students bullying Mian.

Having lived for a thousand years, she had witnessed the changes in humanity over the centuries.

Times had grown peaceful, and such tranquility eroded certain things.

Yet some things remained unchanged.

Wolund spoke up, "Xia Lun, leave Mian’s matter to me. After all, he is a student of this academy, and I will keep a close eye on him."

Xia Lun nodded in agreement.

"Then… How have you been finding life at the academy? Is there anything that needs improvement?" Wolund asked nervously, as if Xia Lun were an inspector sent from above—though Wolund technically had no superiors.

"It’s quite good," Xia Lun replied with a light nod. "But to be honest, it’s a bit more boring than I imagined… This era is just too peaceful."

"Xia Lun, what kind of academy life did you envision?" Liyana asked curiously.

"Spending time cultivating diligently… then being sent to the frontlines during exams, earning graduation credits by taking the heads of enemies or monsters… Something like that?" Xia Lun mused. "Students nowadays seem to do nothing but attend classes and read in the library. They lack outdoor activities."

"Xia Lun, the kind of person you’re describing isn’t called a student—they’re called soldiers," Liyana said flatly.

"Is that so?"

"However, Olifant does offer practical combat courses," Wolund interjected with a cough. "Experienced professors lead students into underground labyrinths… Xia Lun, if you’re interested, you could join one. Coincidentally, in a few days, Kalinda will be taking the senior students to the Ashen Corridor."

"Oh? An underground labyrinth?"

Xia Lun’s eyes gleamed with interest.

Every labyrinth held countless dangers and opportunities, and it had been over a thousand years since Xia Lun last conquered one.

The Ashen Corridor… Xia Lun had never heard of it before. It must be a newly formed labyrinth in the past millennium.

How could he not be itching to explore it?

Beside him, Aina fell into deep thought, as if seriously considering something.

Wolund let out a sigh of relief.

Originally, he had been worried that Kalinda alone might struggle with the Ashen Corridor’s challenges.

But with Xia Lun joining them, there was no chance of anything going wrong.

"Kalinda."

Wolund called out toward the door, and Kalinda promptly entered with graceful steps, almost skipping in.

"When you explore the Ashen Corridor next week, Xia Lun and the others will accompany you," Wolund said. "Xia Lun is quite interested in labyrinths."

This is my chance!

Kalinda’s heart raced.

This was the perfect opportunity to get closer to Xia Lun and his group. Once she won them over, she could then work on Wolund… Hehehe.

"Rest assured, Headmaster Wolund, I will definitely keep Xia Lun and the others safe!" Kalinda declared, thumping her chest with conviction before casting an intense gaze at Xia Lun and Aina.

Once again, Kalinda noticed a certain resemblance between the two.

No doubt about it—these two must be Wolund’s children! Her assumption solidified further.

She was, of course, unaware of the term "couple’s resemblance."

Moreover, Aina and Xia Lun seemed exceptionally close, likely because Wolund couldn’t be with them, forcing the siblings to rely on each other since childhood…

What pitiable children!

"This woman is looking at you two really weirdly," Liyana whispered telepathically to Xia Lun.

Xia Lun didn’t respond.

No matter how powerful he was, he couldn’t read minds and had no way of guessing what Kalinda was thinking.

But both Xia Lun and Aina knew she was the one who had been spying on them during the entrance test.

Had she figured something out?

Though it might cause some trouble, Xia Lun didn’t particularly mind if his true identity was discovered—especially since Kalinda was someone close to Wolund.

If she was smart, she wouldn’t dare expose it, right?

Thud—

Mida, who had shot over like a cannonball, collided headfirst with Olifant’s defensive barrier.

It was surprisingly sturdy—she hadn’t broken through.

After all, Olifant was an ancient magic academy with deep-rooted heritage.

Rubbing her reddened forehead, Mida knocked on the invisible barrier with her fist. "Wolund, open up."

A small gap, just large enough for one person, appeared in the barrier, and Mida slipped inside.

Once inside Olifant, Mida had no interest in sightseeing. Sensing Aina’s presence, she flew straight toward the manor where they resided.

"Mother!"

Mida landed properly in front of Aina.

In the garden of the manor, a rocking swing chair creaked gently. Aina lay nestled in Xia Lun’s arms, swaying back and forth—a picture of affectionate harmony.

"Mida, you’re here."

Aina beckoned her over and handed her a blue ice crystal.

Mida sat on the bench, gnawing on the ice crystal like a treat while Aina patted her head fondly. "This child just loves to eat," she remarked to Xia Lun.

Xia Lun chuckled. "It’s good for children to have an appetite."

Mida nibbled away like a squirrel, too busy eating to speak.

After all, in the past, her mother would only give her one Frostflame Crystal every ten years… But ever since her father was resurrected, her meals had upgraded significantly.

Calling him "Father" was totally worth it!

After playing along with the family act for a while longer, Mida, at Aina’s instruction, retrieved two ice sculptures.

As she withdrew her frost energy, the ice melted away, revealing Ge Rui and Old Cody shivering on the ground.

"Mr. Ge Rui," Xia Lun spoke slowly.

He remembered this merchant who had escorted them to Kro City.

Who would have thought Ge Rui was actually a member of the Twilight Disciples?

"Wh-who are you?" Ge Rui stammered, his body now free of ice but the bone-chilling cold still lingering in his soul.

"I heard you wanted to resurrect the Hero?"

"Y-yes! Only the Hero can save this world… The Demon King has already taken control…" Ge Rui trembled as he spoke, lifting his gaze weakly to Xia Lun. "We’ll do anything… to bring the Hero back…"

Aina’s expression remained unreadable, her eyes deep and inscrutable.

"Oh? Is that so?" Xia Lun crouched down in front of Ge Rui. "I am the legendary Hero, Xia Lun. I’ve already been resurrected."