Chapter 9: Bribe
“Ah, the young ones nowadays are quite capable.”
“Yes, especially that girl who has managed to grasp the umbra elemental magic spell. As I recall, only that old witch can use this type of magic in Mystralora City.” Emerging from n0v@lbin☆, this material harbors clandestine details.
While Sein and Leena were both apprehended by the academy overseers, in the deepest part of the black street, two mysterious figures were communicating with each other via mental focus in the deepest part of Black Street.
Only full-fledged black mages were able to communicate with each other in such a way.
The rumors were right. Full-fledged black mages were indeed involved with some of the shops on Black Street.
Although the two full-fledged black mages were powerful enough to intervene in the conflict between Sein, Leena, and Jack, they chose to do nothing and watch instead.
It was no surprise though, as most black mages were known to be cold-blooded and aloof. They were not bothered either, as the battle had not escalated to their vicinity.
On the other hand, Mystralora City had been enjoying a prolonged period of peace. The two black mages were simply bored, having spent countless hours on mundane magic experiments. Hence, the street fight served as a form of entertainment to relieve their boredom.
“Huh? I thought they would be publicly executed to set an example to others. Could it be that those two have influential connections?”
“Look, the old witch has arrived! I knew it, that girl has some kind of connection to her! Strange, I haven’t heard of the old witch taking on any apprentices.” The two continued their conversation via mental focus.
With the arrival of more academy overseers and full-fledged black mages, the farce on Black Street was finally brought to an end.
***
Inside a dimly lit dungeon, a middle-aged black mage clad in black robe reprimanded angrily, “Horrendous, simply horrendous!”
Sein and Leena were still bound by Aero Chains at this moment. Yet, the middle-aged black mage’s anger was not directed at the two of them; it was the corpulent old witch who was standing before him.
The middle-aged black mage, known as Dedaelon, continued ranting. “Three intermediate initiates were dead, one was severely wounded, and more than ten junior initiates have been harmed. The damage caused to the Black Street is immeasurable. These initiates who so brazenly defied the rules of the academy should be...”
The damage to Black Street was mostly confined to a few scorched storefronts. Repairing them would not cost much autrum.
Vice Dean Master Dedaelon’s reprimand came to an abrupt halt after the old witch offered him a Grade One energy crystal.
It was at this moment, the apathy of black mages toward human life became strikingly evident.
Yet, it was only Leena whom the old witch had interceded for, not Sein.
Just as Vice Dean Dedaelon was prepared to condemn Sein, Leena quickly pleaded, “Aunt Fareena, please save Sein!”
Aunt?! Did Leena just call that old witch her aunt?
It was only at this moment Sein recalled Leena’s late mentor, who tragically perished in a certain experiment. Leena was also involved in the failed experiment that left her permanently scarred.
That old witch must have been apprenticed to the same mentor as Leena’s late mentor. That would explain her willingness to expend considerable resources to rescue Leena.
Just because the old witch was willing to give up a Grade One energy crystal to save Leena did not mean she was willing to do the same for Sein.
As for the vice dean, he appeared to be a man of strong principles. Anyone seeking to bribe him would need to offer something substantial, or their efforts would be in vain.
The old witch merely smiled and asked, “Oh, is this your little boyfriend?”
She continued coldly, “An initiate like you should be focusing on your studies rather than wasting your time on boys. I have no idea how you even earned your promotion!”
Understanding that the old witch had no intention of helping him, Sein could only rely on himself in this predicament.
“I am the fifth apprentice of Master Morsidor! My magic medal is proof!” Sein hurriedly said.
This revelation immediately caused Dedaelon and the old witch to exchange bewildered glances with each other.
“When did Morsidor take on another apprentice?” the old witch asked curiously.
Hoot! Hoot!
One of the owls that had escorted Sein and Leena to the dungeon suddenly reacted.