Chapter 4: Liliana

Elrik, being a junior initiate, was very poor.

To be exact, wealth was not something junior initiates knew.

Sein found little of value on Elrik’s charred remains, save for the white mask that intrigued him and a basic crystal with half-depleted elemental energy. He also found some black gold coins that had been corroded by strong acid. They were common currency in Mystralora City, known as autrum.

“Looks like this dead bastard is living a good life in the academy plantation. He even had an energy crystal on him,” Sein murmured while examining the orange crystal in his hand.

Regrettably, it was a geo-attribute crystal, not a pyro-attribute crystal that Sein was more compatible with.

As soon as Sein was done collecting his loot, the other initiates who had heard the commotion began to arrive on the scene.

A few groups of black magic initiates showed up on the paths outside of the White Raven Forest. There were not many black magic initiates in Mystralora City, but their numbers were not small either.

They were able to make it here so quickly due to the more intense magic fluctuation caused by the advanced magic spell and Elrik’s harrowing screams before his demise.

There was also another reason. The White Raven Forest was actually pretty close to the dormitory where the initiates were living in.

During periods when the academy’s public classes were unavailable, only a few magic initiates ventured out for quests like Sein. The majority either stayed in their dorms to gather mana through meditation or spent some academy merit points to take a trip to the public library in order to borrow spell books that were useful to them.

The lingering traces of the advanced magic spell caused the groups of magic initiates to keep their distance from Sein while whispering amongst themselves.

In the Black Magic Academy, strength reigned supreme.

The crowd that had gathered here consisted solely of junior initiates, with a handful of fresh faces among them. Naturally, they hesitated to approach Sein, who had recently unleashed an advanced magic spell.

The only exception was a female initiate with long, platinum blonde hair.

Despite wearing the same black robe as the others, she exuded confidence and authority through her tall stature and polished leather boots.

There were only a few prominent figures in the Black Magic Academy, and Sein happened to recognize this female initiate.

Her name was Liliana, a senior initiate and a formidable presence ranked among the academy’s top ten in terms of strength.

Like Sein, she was also apprenticed to a full-fledged black mage.

The only difference between them was that Liliana’s mentor was one of the vice deans of the Black Magic Academy.

Ignoring Elrik’s charred remains, Liliana approached Sein directly and asked, “Oh? Why do you have the Acid Wand crafted by Lord Morsidor?”

Liliana was notably older than Sein and stood half a head taller than him.

Sein put away his magic wand and respectfully replied, “I have been accepted as Lord Morsidor’s apprentice. It was a gift from him.”

Liliana was clearly not on the same level as Elrik, whom Sein had just obliterated.

Understanding the superior strength of his senior and the lofty status of her mentor, Sein maintained an attitude of utmost respect in Liliana’s presence.

Upon hearing Sein’s response, a trace of regret appeared on Liliana’s face.

Just moments ago, she had undoubtedly considered killing Sein to seize his treasure.

If the magic wand were merely a quest reward from Master Morsidor, Liliana would have no qualms about taking it from Sein.

After all, she did not see his name written on the wand.

However, since Sein was now Lord Morsidor’s apprentice, she could not forcibly seize the magic wand from him, even with her status and influence.

Others might not know, but Liliana was aware that Master Morsidor was fiercely protective.

On top of that, given his identity as an alchemist, even her mentor would show respect in his presence.

Although she could not take the magic wand from Sein, Liliana had no intention of letting him off so easily.

With a sly grin, the venomous beauty remarked, “You might not be aware, but the junior initiate you just killed was highly valued by Master Katherson, who oversees the plantation.”

“While the apprenticeship wasn’t official, it was only a matter of time before he became Master Katherson's apprentice. In fact, the white mask you have was a gift from Master Katherson.”

Liliana's laughter rang out, causing Sein’s composed countenance to turn ashen.

Offending a powerful black mage without cause was akin to inviting a heavenly calamity in Mystralora City.

The only comfort for Sein was his official apprenticeship with Lord Morsidor.

He hoped that Lord Morsidor could assist him and shield him from the pressures of Master Katherson who oversaw the plantation.

Despite this, being regarded with hostility by a black mage left Sein feeling uneasy.

Liliana astutely observed the shift in Sein’s expression.

With no further benefits to gain here, her interest waned too.

With a resounding stomp of her leather boots, she gracefully departed.

None of the junior initiates who had initially gathered nearby dared to stand in her way.

Although Liliana had departed, Sein’s troubles were far from over.

Black mages were never really bothered by conflicts between the initiates, but murder within the academy would certainly lead to complications.

A giant owl, its wings cloaked in inky blackness and standing at a majestic half-meter in height, descended from above. It exuded an elemental aura and an imposing presence that dwarfed even Liliana’s.

The owl served as the academy’s overseer. They usually graced the skies above, only descending when confronted with the gravest of incidents, to administer their judicious intervention.

A sharp and peculiar voice came out from the owl’s beak. “Initiate! You have violated the 17th rule of the Black Magic Academy in Mystralora City! As per the request of the vice dean, Lord Dedaelon...”

However, before the owl could conclude its lengthy admonishment, Sein swiftly retrieved a magic medal bestowed upon him by Master Morsidor.

The mere sight of the magic medal immediately silenced the owl.

The rules of the academy were ultimately established by the black mages.

Sein, as an apprentice to a great black mage, had subdued another junior initiate with limited influence. If possible, the academy overseers preferred not to meddle in such matters either.

To emphasize his point, Sein declared, “This was a rightful act of self-defense, as he was the one who initiated the fight.”