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Chapter 137: Thanks to the Principal for Saving My Life

Roy showed up in a school uniform this time, completely planning to go solo without needing any company, not even bringing Alice along to the banquet to keep things low-key.

After all, he had already used Alice as a shield once before; doing it again risked bringing unwanted attention to her. If they mistook it for favoritism toward the little maid, that would be a huge injustice.

In the letter, he clearly mentioned that they should hold on a bit longer and remember their identities, not to make things difficult for each other. He hinted at them to cool it a little and keep some distance.

In Roy’s mind, the best-case scenario would be for them to patiently wait, but they could also be sulking or casting cold glances at him—essentially maintaining a cold war and silently observing each other.

But why were these two seeming more eager to throw down with each other instead?!

Just as the two stunning girls were about to pounce on him, an old man in a mage’s robe appeared in front of Roy, turning his back to the two.

“Roy, would you mind chatting with this old man?”

The archmage, Sage Booker.

Both girls abruptly halted, their expressions frozen.

In the presence of this respected elder, they didn’t dare to interfere.

Roy felt that the old man had never seemed so friendly before, and chimed in quickly, “Of course I don’t mind!”

Thanks for saving my life, Principal!

With the Principal as a shield, Roy finally managed to slip away from the two ladies and found a quiet corner.

Booker snapped his fingers, and the surrounding space seemed to plunge underwater, the originally bright lights dimmed, and the ever-present noise faded into a dull murmur.

A barrier—one not formed by extraordinary items but cast directly by him!

Though weaker compared to Elemental Barrier: Remnant and Fallen Tree Sea, this kind of barrier could only be casually deployed by someone like this Sage with One Thought One Formation.

Roy was mildly surprised but didn’t find it too shocking.

Being the top extraordinary being in Veszyra and a hero who had experienced the magic tide, having this level of skill was only natural.

The white-haired elder looked over with a kind and gentle expression, “First, I want to congratulate you on successfully defeating the priest of All Things Wither, securing your place among the top four in the Trial of Blue.”

“Now, Janthea will probably agree to let Nia stay at the Academy.”

“Thank you, Principal,” Roy replied blandly.

“You don’t seem as happy as I expected,” the old man observed with some confusion.

“The abilities of All Things Wither are quite troublesome, and they came prepared. Even the Roy of that time wouldn’t have done better than you,” the elder’s voice held a strange warmth and unabashed admiration.

Roy didn’t dislike the Sage Booker, nor did he object to that warm gaze.

But in this case, he couldn’t feel pleased.

“Principal, may I ask you a question?”

“Oh?”

“Why on earth could All Things Wither intrude on the trial site?” Roy stared deeply into the elder’s profound eyes, his voice grave.

The elder’s smile slightly faded, his expression unreadable, and his gaze shifted from admiration to a serious evaluation.

“It seems you’ve picked up on something.” His tone held no joy or sorrow.

“An early ambush at the trial site, preparing a barrier of that scale, and even gathering the power of an evil god to summon its offspring…” Roy paused, his tone somber as he noted, “There must be a mole supporting them within the Academy.”

Roy originally thought the Academy and even the Academy City were safe, but now it appeared that the minions of the evil god had already penetrated deeply.

It’s no wonder that in the original story, ‘Rogue Roy’ was tangled up with cultists in every route; it seems this place has plenty of hidden dangers from the Cult.

Angel’s Flourish might look like a simple love game for girls, but the more Roy lived in this world, the more he felt it resembled an unfathomable sea. On the surface, everything seemed calm, yet beneath lurked countless crises.

The previous attacks from the Evil Dragon Society and All Things Wither had proven this point deeply.

But the elder gently sighed, a hint of helplessness showing.

“Indeed.”

“Not just the internal Academy, but the Mage Association has also been infiltrated. This time, All Things Wither could mingle in because of mutual support from insiders on both sides.”

“Though I’ve known they had slipped in, I never anticipated they’d make such a huge ruckus, putting you youngsters in danger; I truly feel ashamed.”

Not only in the Academy, but even the Mage Association has insiders? Roy felt a shiver run down his spine.

The fifteen years of peace in Veszyra were hiding so many risks in the shadows.

With that thought, Roy couldn’t help but furrow his brow.

When he looked over again, Booker’s expression had grown serious.

“Your bloodline is special, more dangerous than others. Though I’ve sealed the news, it’s just a matter of time before other cultists learn about the False King blood being here at the Academy.”

As he spoke, the elder waved a hand and inscribed a simple magic circle for Roy.

A panel lit up immediately.

Sage’s Mist: Congratulations! You have received a simple barrier drawn by the Sage, which will maximize the concealment of your true bloodline aura. Unless you actively channel divine power, those of rank medium or lower, including extraordinary beings and cultists, won’t be able to detect your bloodline aura!

“This will protect you for a time, but should you go all out, you might still expose yourself.”

“Thank you, Principal!” Roy exclaimed, nodding slightly.

Unlike the situation with the Evil Dragon Society, it seemed All Things Wither hadn’t managed to uncover his identity as the False King right away, but who could guarantee that the next cult wouldn’t come rushing him like the Evil Dragon Society did?

With the Principal’s barrier, he could at least stop worrying about getting hit first by cultists.

“Heh, I have a connection with your mother, and you are now my student; this small matter is no trouble at all.”

“But as I just mentioned, there are moles among us in the Academy, so you must remain vigilant.”

Roy nodded slightly, concerned, “Is there anything I can do to help?”

It wasn’t that Roy had an overwhelming sense of justice, but just the thought of having moles hiding out in the Academy where cultists could slip through genuinely left him restless.

But Booker shook his head slightly, giving a gentle smile, “Don’t worry, while I’m here, they won’t dare stir up much trouble in the Academy.”

“Adult matters will be handled by adults. Your willingness to help is commendable, but as a young man, you should primarily focus on enhancing your strength.”

“Especially since your bloodline is powerful but comes with many pitfalls; now is not the time to clash head-on with those cultists.” The elder’s expression grew somewhat complex.

In Booker’s long life, Roy wasn’t the only extraordinary being with a False King bloodline, but he was the earliest awakened, the strongest, yet also the one with the greatest side effects.

You could say he was second only to the Roylin from eighteen years ago.

Extraordinary beings carry not just power, but responsibilities far beyond ordinary people. This statement is almost infinitely amplified in those inheriting the False King bloodline.

Even Booker couldn’t clearly say whether this outstanding talent was a blessing or a curse.

And Roy didn’t press further.

Just as the elder said, it wasn’t time to clear the bill with cultists yet; strengthening himself was the key.

“Well then, let’s wrap it up here.”

The elder glanced into the distance, seeing the two girls pacing back and forth, anxiously searching for their figures.

Though Roylin had a few close friends back then, she often acted alone, especially when facing crises, as if there was a barrier separating her from another world.

In this regard, Roy was completely different; he willingly leaned on others, which gave Booker great comfort.

One’s power is always limited; it was just too bad that Roylin realized this far too late.

Charlotte and Nia, both gifted individuals who had shared life-and-death experiences with Roy, were likely to enjoy a delightful chat now that they were all together.

“I won’t disturb you youngsters any longer.”

“Eh? Wait, wait a…….!”

Booker turned around, thinking he was being sensitive, and vanished like mist among the crowd.

In the meantime, the barrier shattered, leaving an utterly bewildered Roy suddenly back in front of the two girls.

He felt just like a sheep that had rammed straight into the jaws of two hungry wolves.