Guida was momentarily stunned, then asked, "What happened? Is it serious?" "According to Harrison himself, it was just a clumsy sprain, but Nurse Aymod on duty disagrees!
In Aymod's view, it must have been caused by someone else, because there’s a distinct handprint on Harrison's wrist. The injury isn't severe, but it’s proving difficult to heal; there seems to be some resisting force within that’s fighting the healing magic," Wesley recounted grimly.
"Will this affect the 'Academy Ranking Tournament'?" Guida seemed more concerned about this point. "It shouldn't.
Although it’s stubborn to treat, there’s progress daily, and he should recover before the 'Academy Ranking Tournament.'" Guida let out a silent breath of relief, then continued, "This is a sensitive time; student safety must be paramount. We must firmly prevent any fighting or brawling.
Discipline cannot be overlooked." Wesley nodded repeatedly, ensuring he would strictly enforce discipline. "I heard Angelia has been somewhat erratic lately, and she brought a little girl with her—is that true?" Guida asked after a moment of silence.
"Yes, that's correct!" Dean of Students Vincent interjected. "Angelia is one of our top prospects; she must be protected at all costs, without any mishaps.
If she's under any mental strain or facing personal worries, you must not take it lightly—you must offer substantial help and guidance!" Vincent nodded, acknowledging the instructions. The conversation then shifted back to the "Special Guests." "I plan to invite the Archmage Gandalf again this time!
He already promised me he would attend if we held the 'Academy Ranking Tournament' here again," Guida stated with a hint of pride. Gandalf was a legendary figure, holding the title of "Research Doctor." He had published numerous papers and authored many books, offering profound insights into magical education.
The currently most popular book, How Magic is Forged, was among his works! "Really?
That would be fantastic!" Laurie couldn't help but exclaim. To secure the attendance of Archmage Gandalf would undoubtedly be a major coup.
...... Meanwhile, the trio of Zhong Shenxiu were strolling leisurely along the academy's stone-paved paths.
Zhong Shenxiu seemed intent on touring the academy before leaving, choosing a winding route. You would never guess the sheer coincidence that unfolded: just as the three reached the front of the main teaching building, they ran right into Harrison.
Harrison had just stepped out of the infirmary and certainly hadn't expected to encounter Angelia and Robin there. As mentioned before, Harrison and Angelia had staggered class times, but due to Angelia requesting leave today, she coincided precisely with Harrison's free period.
Harrison froze momentarily, then quickly tucked his bandaged hand behind his back, his eyes fixed on Angelia—or more accurately, on Robin standing beside her. "Do you know each other?" Zhong Shenxiu asked lightly, having noticed the unusual look in Harrison's eyes.
"No," Robin answered curtly. From beginning to end, she had only glanced at Harrison with her peripheral vision, completely ignoring him!
Angelia, however, was slightly startled. First, she hadn't expected to see Harrison here; second, she had just noticed the gauze wrapped around Harrison's wrist.
A suspicion took root: wasn't that the spot Robin had grabbed earlier? Why was it bandaged now?
Could it be that... Angelia lowered her gaze towards Robin with a complex expression, her mind replaying the events of that day.
"Your academy is seriously wealthy!" Zhong Shenxiu smacked his lips, lost in thought. The opulent, towering buildings before them could not possibly have been erected with petty cash, and when coupled with the surrounding facilities, the sheer investment was staggering!
Wealthy, and not just normally wealthy! "Hey, girl, what are you thinking about?" Zhong Shenxiu asked when he saw Angelia looking utterly distracted.
Perhaps Zhong Shenxiu's voice was a bit too loud, as Harrison clearly heard it. Girl???
A flood of question marks appeared in Harrison's mind, and he began sizing up Zhong Shenxiu. In this academy, he had never heard of anyone daring to address Angelia that way.
Even the instructors treated Angelia with great deference, yet this young boy was calling her 'girl.' Had he misheard? "Hey, girl, I'm asking you a question," Zhong Shenxiu repeated.
No... impossible?
This time, Harrison was certain he hadn't misheard, a look of sheer disbelief spreading across his face. Who exactly was this young boy?
How could he be so arrogant? Daring to call Angelia that!
Harrison was genuinely shocked. He considered himself quite audacious, but compared to this boy before him, it was like a kite meeting a fighter jet—on entirely different levels!
What shocked Harrison even more was Angelia's reaction to Zhong Shenxiu. She showed no anger at all; instead, she looked entirely accepting, and her tone, when she spoke, carried the subservient air of a servant addressing a master.
What... what was going on here?
Inside a classroom in the main teaching building. Betty was bored stiff, listening to the teacher drone on about the fundamentals of magic.
Compared to indoor theory lessons, Betty much preferred the outdoor practical classes (equivalent to physical education), as she wouldn't be forced to sit still for over an hour like this. Usually, at times like these, Betty would drift off—either sneaking a novel out of her desk drawer or passing notes to the girl next to her (that world lacked advanced devices like mobile phones)—anything to avoid listening to the teacher's monotonous drone!
This time was no different, but her method for passing the boring time was gazing out the window at the scenery. Her sight moved from the distance closer, and suddenly, her gaze locked, a look of astonishment instantly sweeping across her face.
It was... it was...
Betty felt an irrepressible surge of excitement because she saw three figures: Angelia, Robin, and a small boy. Who was that little boy?
Could he be Robin's master? Betty wasn't slow and immediately connected the dots.
Betty was too excited; she nearly cried out loud. What were they doing?
Why were they here? Shouldn't Angelia be in class right now?
How did she end up here? Betty leaned forward slightly and finally spotted another person—it was none other than Harrison!
"Ah~~~!" Betty couldn't hold it in any longer and shrieked. Following her cry, everyone in the class turned their attention to her.
"Te-teacher," Betty suddenly stood up, "I have a stomach ache; I need to use the restroom!"