The extra update might have to wait until tomorrow; I'm hitting a wall today and just can't seem to write anything.

...

Lin Luo’s thoughts were growing increasingly dark, and to prevent himself from sinking further, he stopped indulging them.

At a glance, the magical world resembled a modern metropolis—towering skyscrapers, vibrant nightlife—appearing fashionable rather than fantastical. However, looking up revealed the difference: in the sky, alongside the occasional passing airship, floated countless living creatures, such as... fish.

Yes, actual fish. Not just the winged variety, but enormous whales, sharks, dolphins, and even shells... In that regard, this was truly a magical world.

“Shall we stick with those guys for now?” Sakuya asked after observing from the lookout platform. The "guys" she referred to were the eight mages who had "escorted" them.

“Well, either way, it's better to rendezvous with the Headmaster first. It was a promise to Konoka, after all,” Lin Luo nodded. The members of the Senate held high positions and couldn't be seen immediately. Under normal circumstances, they would likely be confined with the Headmaster, assuming they could actually contain them.

“What are you smiling about? Planning something tricky again?” Evangeline suddenly questioned, her gaze fixed on Al.

Facing Evangeline’s interrogation, Al smiled faintly. “No, I was just thinking that he should be arriving soon too.”

“Who is ‘he’?” The other three paused in confusion.

“You’ll know when the time comes.”

Al merely smiled without answering, his secretive demeanor leaving everyone wondering exactly who he meant.

Soon after, the mages' entry procedures were completed. Their next destination was Neo-Ostia, the largest and most bustling city in the magical world, the epicenter of power—essentially the capital of the magical realm. Any major political event would see the leaders of various cities or nations converge here... after all, this was the only land remaining from the most ancient kingdom.

The magical world wasn't unified under a single nation, but only one possessed the bloodline of the ancient royalty: Ostia. Ten years prior, the Calamity Queen, Erika—Negi’s mother—sacrificed herself to save the world. Currently, the Senate held the most influence; all other factions were merely regional powers incapable of challenging them. Thus, for a monumental event like magic being openly revealed in the real world, it was logical for the Senate to convene and pass judgment in Neo-Ostia.

“So, does this mean we can use this opportunity to take down the entire Senate in one go?” Al was the most knowledgeable about the magical world’s politics, so upon hearing the situation, Lin Luo suggested.

The four of them were now seated inside a carriage. Protected by a barrier, their conversation was inaudible to anyone else, allowing them to speak freely.

Al nodded, then shook his head. “It’s not that simple. The Senate is a tumor that can’t just be excised. Their influence is deeply rooted across the magical world; pulling one thread unravels everything. As I said before, merely killing them won't solve the core issue, otherwise the Red Wings would have managed it ten years ago.”

“So annoying. Why not just wipe them all out?” Evangeline scoffed dismissively.

“That’s why I said it isn’t that simple.” Al could only offer a wry smile in response to her statement.

“Actually, you’re overcomplicating things,” Lin Luo said, spreading his hands calmly. “I agree more with Evangeline’s view. I don’t care about politics; it has nothing to do with me. Slaughter every last member of the Senate—eliminate the biggest obstacle—and the subsequent reorganization should be something you people are good at handling.”

Hearing this, Al pondered briefly before replying, “There is some merit to that. Major change always incites major turbulence. Since the Senate took the lead in this incident, they must have some plan already... perhaps a simple killing is enough.”

“Killing them or not can be discussed later. Those escorts now know our identities. If they report back to the Senate, the opposition will certainly be on guard. Although I don't mind, it might affect your plans,” Sakuya remarked casually, gesturing toward the mages outside the carriage.

Al immediately laughed. “You don't need to worry about that. Before entering the magical world, I already cast Oblivion Magic on them. They won't remember anything about us, nor will they contact anyone. As far as they are concerned right now, we are just four ordinary prisoners.”

“When did you do that? I didn't notice! And they remembered us just fine before,” Lin Luo was slightly stunned by Al’s revelation. Indeed, experience counted for a lot. He himself had entertained a similar idea, but Al had beaten him to the punch.

“Of course, the moment we first met them,” Al chuckled mysteriously. “It’s just that my spell is rather peculiar; it only takes effect at a specific time. You must have experienced something similar, right? Like when you’re about to say something, but the thought inexplicably vanishes?”

Truly bizarre magic.

All three felt speechless, but Al’s action certainly made things much easier.

“We’re here, get out of the carriage!” Just then, the vehicle stopped. Someone opened the door, and a dark-faced mage barked at them, “You are now serious criminals, so behave yourselves! Don't try running when we get inside, or you won’t even get the chance to turn into a ferret!”

Lin Luo recognized this man—the one he had pummeled into a pulp in Mahora. Now, it seemed, he had been completely healed by restorative magic. Throughout the journey, he had been overly polite and respectful, daring not to utter a harsh word or even badmouth them behind their backs. But now...

Al’s magic really was useful.

Lin Luo sighed inwardly, yet felt a pang of frustration at being bossed around by an ant. Of course, he wasn't the only one displeased; Evangeline and Sakuya’s expressions had also darkened. A mere noisy upstart dared to throw his weight around? He was courting death!

Never mind, they would deal with him later.

Both women mentally flagged this face, simultaneously resolving that the moment their plan was set in motion, this man’s demise would be assured.

In truth, if Lin Luo’s sole objective was eliminating the Senate, he could simply charge in. With his capabilities, any elite troop would be nothing more than clouds; only the Creator could stop him.

But precisely because of the Creator's threat, he needed influence in this world. Of course, the Senate was out of the question; what he required was a just and reliable force. After all, the Creator’s side had overwhelming numbers. Even in a King-versus-King confrontation, soldiers were necessary for the troops. Making extra preparations was never a bad idea. Otherwise, if an unforeseen consequence arose, regret would be too late.

That was why he intended to slightly "clean up" the magical world: eradicate the tumor, and the remaining forces would be the elite.

Although the mages had "forgotten" their true identities, beyond their slightly rude words, they didn't actually resort to violence. Thus, Lin Luo and the others temporarily swallowed their pride and followed the escorts to a mansion that looked exceptionally luxurious.

The moment they entered the courtyard, Lin Luo sensed magical fluctuations. A quick probe confirmed that the entire residence was enveloped by a massive formation barrier, clearly intended to prevent their escape.

The barrier was powerful, but to Lin Luo, it was useless. Still, he couldn't be bothered to break it; the plan hadn't started yet, so maintaining a low profile was better for now.

Once Lin Luo and the other three were inside the mansion, the mages retreated, slamming the heavy door shut and locking it, judging by the sound.

“Hmph!” Evangeline snorted, clearly disdainful.

“You’ve arrived,” an ancient voice drifted from the inner courtyard just as they stepped in. The door opened, and a short old man with an odd hairstyle stepped out—it was the Headmaster himself.

“Weren’t you under house arrest? Why are you living so comfortably now?” Evangeline couldn't help but ask.

Lin Luo was also slightly surprised. Logically, regardless of the Headmaster's status, now that the Senate had made its move, they wouldn't bother with mere house arrest; he shouldn't be staying in such a lavish residence, let alone a prison. On second thought, it was also strange that the four of them were brought here; he had assumed they would reunite with the Headmaster in a jail cell.

“Hahaha,” the Headmaster chuckled, stroking his beard. “This is all thanks to having a good son-in-law, who in turn has a good apprentice. Otherwise, enduring a prison at my age would have been too rough.”

“Good son-in-law? Good apprentice?” Lin Luo paused briefly, but quickly understood.

“Everyone, long time no see,” at that moment, another person emerged from inside. He was slender, holding a sword. Except for Sakuya, the other three recognized him—it was Konoe Nagarei.

“Say, old man’s pretty boy, was that the guy you were talking about?” Lin Luo pointed at him, then asked Al beside him.

“Of course. When facing the Creator, the Red Wings must be fully mobilized,” Al replied with a smile.

Lin Luo realized it then: Al must have contacted Konoe Nagarei without his knowledge, likely mentioning the Creator as well. And Nagarei, whose father-in-law was in trouble, naturally couldn't stand aside. Furthermore, his apprentice, Kurt, was the Governor of Neo-Ostia; a few words could easily transform a jail cell into a mansion.

“Then, Teacher Lin Luo, you should release my daughter now, shouldn't you?”

Just then, Lin Luo heard Konoe Nagarei address him, his tone... how should he put it? It was like a father speaking to the man who eloped with his daughter, laced with veiled threats.

“Ugh!” Lin Luo froze, his lips twitching. He glanced sideways at Al and whispered, “Al, have you prepared yourself to die once more?”