"Is this the purpose behind all those actions you took?" Before a magic mirror, Evangeline gazed at the scene reflected within, a strange, inscrutable smile playing on her lips as she addressed the man behind her.

"Yes, though the process was a bit unexpected, the result is ultimately perfect." Lin Luo smiled faintly, his gaze also fixed on the mirror. Inside, a child of about ten and a twin-tailed girl were standing in the center of a magic circle, kissing. Though the kiss wasn't passionate, both of their faces were flushed crimson.

"Provisional Contract Successful," as the kiss concluded, a white ferret jumped up and squeaked excitedly.

Nagi and Asuna successfully forming a contract—this development was exactly what Lin Luo had hoped for and orchestrated. Two nights ago, on the Cherry Blossom Avenue, at the climax of the battle, he had designated Asuna as the next target. Given Nagi's character, coupled with the extent of his concern for Asuna, he certainly wouldn't stand idly by.

However, facing a mysterious powerhouse who could withdraw calmly even when besieged by four opponents, Nagi must have felt inadequate. Although he had superior numbers, it was impossible for him to guard Asuna twenty-four hours a day.

Moreover, as Lin Luo departed, he subtly hinted that if Asuna became someone else's Servant, he would be unable to form a contract with her. Even if Nagi failed to grasp this implication, the experienced Ryuugaku Shinmei could quickly analyze it: the best way to protect Asuna was to have her become Nagi's Servant.

Overall, just as Lin Luo had said, although the process differed slightly, the outcome was largely similar to what he had envisioned. Furthermore, gaining two Servants at once, plus the exposure of three of the Four Heavenly Kings of Martial Arts—perhaps this was a better development in some respects.

The most crucial thread was connected; now, Lin Luo could play freely.

Speaking of which, it was a blessing in disguise that Konoka was not entangled in this affair. If she had also prematurely contracted with Nagi, exceeding his projections, it would have been disastrous.

Furthermore, she shared a dorm with Asuna and Nagi. While a ten-year-old child lacked the capability for certain actions, if she discovered the secret between Asuna and Nagi, there was a high probability she might contract with Nagi. It seemed he needed to accelerate his schedule; the matter concerning Konoka must be definitively settled during the school trip.

But... before that, he needed to "deal with" that lecherous ferret first.

"What wicked, perverted plan are you concocting now?" After closing the magic mirror, Evangeline turned around. Seeing Lin Luo's expression, she couldn't help but frown.

"Nothing, I was just thinking about the school trip in a few days." Lin Luo smiled, then asked, "By the way, Iwan-chan, are you going on the school trip?"

"Don't call me Iwan-chan!" Evangeline glared fiercely at Lin Luo before replying, "What fun is there in messing around with a bunch of brats? I have no interest."

"Why not go? Your curse is broken anyway," Lin Luo asked, perplexed. He remembered that in the original story, Evangeline desperately wanted to go. Was this just tsundere behavior?

"I don't want others to know that I've already broken the curse of the school hell," Evangeline stated coolly.

"Why?"

Evangeline glanced up at him and retorted, "And why do you hide your strength? If you went to the Headmaster and told him you were a powerful mage, you wouldn't still be an apprentice teacher."

"I don't have any major reasons."

"Neither do I."

After saying this, Evangeline fell silent. Lin Luo didn't know what she was thinking or what she planned to do, and for a moment, he couldn't find a good topic. Seeing Evangeline's eyes darting around, seemingly signaling his departure, Lin Luo suddenly remembered something.

"Oh right, Evangeline, let me show you something." Saying this, he flipped his wrist, and an ancient-looking book materialized in his hand. He introduced it: "This is a magic book I found on Library Island. I call it the Book of Origins."

"The Book of Origins?" Evangeline couldn't help but frown. Although it looked like an ordinary book, she could sense the immense magical power faintly emanating from it—it was definitely a very rare magic tome.

Instinctively taking it, Evangeline's body trembled violently. She felt as if the book was trying to repel her, causing her to frown even deeper. "I seem to have some impression of the word 'Origins,' but it feels ominous. What exactly is this?"

"Mmm, Origins. How to explain it? In short, it's a kind of world's fundamental source..." Lin Luo thought for a moment, then patiently explained, detailing everything about Origins, the origin of the human body, and the history of this magic book. While he needed to maintain some secrecy with outsiders, there was no need for that with his contractor. Moreover, with Evangeline's scholarship and understanding of magic, perhaps working together to decipher this book would be faster.

"So there are so many things I didn't know. It's incredible," Evangeline showed a hint of astonishment after Lin Luo finished speaking. "Meaning, this magic book is a remnant from a previous era?"

"That seems to be the case," Lin Luo nodded.

Evangeline seemed to grasp something. "No wonder it repelled me just now?"

"Repelled you?" Lin Luo was startled. "Even you can't study the magic within?"

Evangeline shook her head. "I don't know about that, but the repulsion just now should just be the book's instinct, like old things resisting new things. And if what you say is true—that this ancient magic generates power from a person's origin, and my own Source is active—then I shouldn't have a problem learning the ancient magic recorded here."

"I see. Oh, can you read the script in here?"

"No problem. Although the characters are a bit different from modern script, I can understand them at a glance. Is this also an ability of the World Heart?"

"Probably."

... Later, the two discussed the Book of Origins and ancient magic for a long time. Evangeline was indeed an old monster who had lived for over six hundred years; in terms of theoretical knowledge, Lin Luo couldn't compare even if he drove a Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to her explanations, many incomprehensible points suddenly became crystal clear, and applying the knowledge was effortless. Magic like External Interference and Flash of Light were understood by about seventy or eighty percent; it should only take slightly deepening his use of the Source to master them quickly.

This gave Lin Luo a strong sense of accomplishment. After all, this was the first time he had learned a new skill purely through his own ability. Previously, whether it was contracted power, Rule Power, or the power of the Heart Codex, it all relied on the Contract Book. Only this ancient magic was something he learned without any external aid... the translation ability of the Contract Book could be ignored in this context.

Lin Luo gained something, and Evangeline was no exception. Both ancient magic and the Origin were unknown territories to her. Although Lin Luo wasn't entirely clear on everything, what he knew was sufficient to carve out a new path for Evangeline.

The saying "In a group of three, there must be one who can be my teacher" held some truth.

Seeing that the sky was getting late, Lin Luo stood up. "I should go back now. You can keep this Book of Origins for a while. Since you aren't going on the school trip, it should keep you occupied."

"Don't you want it?" Evangeline looked up.

"I've already memorized the few spells I want to learn. Don't bite off more than you can chew; the rest can wait for later," Lin Luo smiled.

"Alright then." Evangeline didn't refuse. Lin Luo then left her small wooden cabin. Outside, Chachamaru stood guard like a bodyguard. Seeing Lin Luo emerge, she quickly said, "Teacher, are you heading back?"

"Yes." Lin Luo nodded with a smile, then asked, "By the way, since your Mistress isn't going on the school trip, are you going, Chachamaru?"

"If my Mistress stays behind, I will stay to accompany her," Chachamaru replied calmly.

"Hmm, I see. Then never mind. I'll bring you back gifts after the training trip."

"Thank you, Teacher."

... Several days later.

"That's the general situation. Regarding tomorrow's school trip—a five-day tour of Kyoto, which Teacher Nagi and I will be responsible for supervising Class 3-A. Well, Teacher Nagi has said everything that should be said. Now, I'll mention what shouldn't be said," Lin Luo said, standing at the lectern in the 3-A classroom.

"Teacher, shouldn't the things that shouldn't be said remain unsaid?" The girls asked with stifled laughter.

Lin Luo waved his hand, adopting a serious expression. "Precisely because they shouldn't be said, I feel it's necessary to point them out specifically. According to unreliable internal sources, a terrorist organization seems to have targeted our group for this trip to Kyoto, so I hope everyone remains vigilant. Some people in 3-A should carry weapons and be prepared for robbery, theft, and assault."

"Eh? Teacher Lin Luo, saying that will cause panic among everyone," Nagi was instantly startled and quickly pulled Lin Luo aside to whisper. He had indeed been informed by the Headmaster that a certain organization was lying in wait, and he had guaranteed the safety of the students. While this wasn't exactly a secret, Nagi was surprised—where did Lin Luo, an ordinary person, find out this information? And to announce it to the students in this manner—it was too reckless!

"It's fine, I was just joking," Lin Luo laughed heartily and said casually.

"Haha, Teacher has a great sense of humor, talking about terrorist organizations."

"Teacher must have watched too many movies; addicted to cinema."

The students, who had been slightly uneasy due to Lin Luo's words, burst into laughter. Given their relatively simple natures, they clearly didn't suspect Lin Luo wasn't joking, and for the moment, none of them took it seriously... save for a few exceptions.

After Lin Luo and Nagi left the classroom, four girls from Class 3-A quietly gathered together. Where their classmates couldn't notice, Ryuugaku Shinmei said in a low voice, "What do you think about what Teacher Lin Luo just said?"

"Is Shinmei still suspicious that Teacher Lin Luo is the person from the Cherry Blossom Avenue a few days ago?" Nagase Kaede asked.

"But that person was a girl, and Teacher Lin Luo is a man," Kofū, though simple-minded, understood such a basic distinction and immediately pointed out.

"That's why it's strange," Ryuugaku Shinmei frowned. "This is the first time I have failed in my duty to ensure the safety of Mahora Academy since I took on this role. I investigated afterward and found that everyone except Teacher Lin Luo has an alibi."

Kofū remained skeptical: "But you can't just conclude that Teacher Lin Luo was that person based on that alone."

"But his words just now were definitely targeted, as if he was deliberately speaking to those of us here. It makes one suspicious," Ryuugaku Shinmei stroked her chin in deep thought.

"No way. Teacher Lin Luo seems like an ordinary person; I can't sense he's that strong. And most of what he says is just humor. Shinmei doesn't need to take it seriously."

Kofū's attitude didn't change, but Ryuugaku Shinmei's suspicion did not diminish; rather, she grew more convinced that Lin Luo was the person from the Cherry Blossom Avenue, although the difference in gender made it seem slightly off. Suddenly, she turned her gaze to the girl next to her who hadn't spoken, "Setsuna, what's your view?"

This was a girl with her hair tied in a single ponytail on the right side, always carrying a long sword, even in class. Because it was so habitual, the teachers and students of 3-A noticed nothing strange about it.

The girl's name was Sakurazaki Setsuna. With her beautiful, refined appearance and seemingly quiet demeanor, anyone would mistake her for an ordinary beautiful middle school girl if her sword were taken away. However, those who truly knew her thought otherwise, because she, like the other three, was one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Martial Arts at Mahora Academy—a master of the long-established Kamikage-ryū swordsmanship from Kyoto, who was also proficient in Onmyōdō, making her a formidable magic swordsman.

Beyond that, like Ryuugaku Shinmei, she also harbored a secret known only to a few. Perhaps because of this, she and Ryuugaku Shinmei often teamed up to resolve major issues for Mahora Academy.

Setsuna's expression appeared somewhat aloof; leaning against the wall with her eyes slightly closed, she only opened them when Ryuugaku Shinmei called her name. "I wasn't present for what happened that day, so I can't make a correct judgment. However, what Teacher Lin Luo just said is true. The Kansai Sorcery Association seems intent on targeting Konoka during this school trip."

"Does that mean Teacher Lin Luo is also involved in the Dark World?" Hearing this, Nagase Kaede couldn't help but ask.

Setsuna shook her head. "That can't be confirmed either. After all, he is a teacher, and he's responsible for 3-A's safety along with Teacher Nagi. It wouldn't be strange for him to know some things."

"That explanation works well enough, but it still leaves me uneasy," Ryuugaku Shinmei admitted, stroking her chin, still slightly bothered by the previous mission failure.

"There's no need to worry about it. Since Teacher Lin Luo said something so suspicious earlier, if he truly is from the Dark World, perhaps he intends to reveal his identity during this school trip," Setsuna said calmly.

"So he's giving us a heads-up beforehand?" Nagase Kaede smiled with interest.

Setsuna replied, "However, we cannot rule out the possibility of him being an enemy. In any case, caution is paramount."

"It looks like this school trip is going to be lively," Kofū said excitedly, rubbing her hands together.

... Time progressed as scheduled to the morning of the second day. Today was the day the girls' middle school division would depart for their school trip, though each class was headed to a different location. 3-A's destination was Kyoto, Japan.

"You seem a little out of sorts today. Did you sleep poorly last night?" On the way to the station, Lin Luo looked at the sleepy girl beside him and couldn't help but find it amusing.

Mikoto yawned and complained, "I couldn't help it. Knowing we were leaving for the school trip today, those two in the dorm were restless and noisy all night, even dragging me into it. I'm severely sleep-deprived."

"Excitement before an outing, truly like young students," Lin Luo murmured.

"Speaking of which, is what you said yesterday true?" After a moment, Mikoto suddenly asked.

"Of course it's true." Lin Luo knew exactly what she was referring to and didn't hide it. "The Kansai Sorcery Association intends to use this opportunity to target Konoka. Although their strength isn't great, I need to make some preparations just in case."

"Konoka? Do you need my help?"

"No need. Just enjoy the trip with your classmates for a few days. There's no need for both of us to intervene in such a small affair."

"That's true. After all, Konoka is the Hostess. If I step in, you won't get a chance," Mikoto said, sounding a little sulky.

"Huh? You know?" Lin Luo was surprised.

"Silly, I knew the first day I saw her," Mikoto rolled her eyes at Lin Luo. "There's a certain resonance between Hostesses. I felt something similar from Rin and the others, so I guessed."

"I see." This was somewhat unexpected for Lin Luo, but thinking about it, Mikoto was the only Hostess among many who had unsealed the World Heart's seal. It wasn't strange for her sensitivity to be stronger.

"What about the other Hostess? Do you know about her too?"

"What? There are two in this world?" Now it was Mikoto's turn to be surprised.

"You didn't know? Then forget I said anything." Lin Luo waved his hand, feeling he had dug his own grave.

"What? Tell me clearly! Who is the other person?" But Mikoto wouldn't let it go.

"I said, just pretend you didn't hear me."

"No way! You already mentioned it, how can I ignore it? That's so frustrating!"

"You can just try sensing it yourself."

"If I could sense her, why would I need you to tell me, silly!"

The two ran while talking, quickly arriving at the station where 3-A was assembling. Most of the students were already there. Along the way, Lin Luo still hadn't told Mikoto who the other person was.

But speaking of which, Mikoto could sense Konoka was a Hostess but didn't know about Sakuya. Indeed, the senior maid's level of awareness must be quite high. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to (.m) to cast recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)