READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 118
Expectations have a way of making time fly. This time was no different. In the midst of gathering magic, crafting dolls, and managing the tower, a month slipped by like water.
During that time, another treasure also held a lecture. It was quite a competition among treasures this time. Most of them had finally learned how to communicate with humans.
All of them seemed eager to hold their lectures quickly. Maybe it was because previous student-accepted treasures had been bragging non-stop. After much discussion among them, the order of the lectures was decided simply.
This time, the one stepping up to lecture was a first-class friendly entity, the Arrow Snake. Among the many treasures filling the notice board, it was one of the few friendly ones. That’s why it got selected to lead this lecture.
It desperately wanted its power to be used by mages, making many concessions to other treasures. Maybe it was because it was created by human hands. Its ability was quite simple.
As the name Arrow Snake suggested, it shot toward a target’s weakness and devoured it. Compared to the second and third-class treasures that had been teaching up till now, it was a pretty straightforward power.
But precisely because it was so simple, mages could use it more effectively. Perhaps that’s why mages endowed with that power quickly climbed the ranks.
Hao was one such case. I already knew Hao would be chosen by the Arrow Snake, as it had been one of the treasures watching over Hao’s tribute room.
I could see Hari letting out a small sigh. Right in front of her, a translucent window appeared. It was Hao’s tribute room. Hari chased a few treasures out of the room; they were making excessive demands.
Soon, she stretched a little and looked at me. I gently patted her on the head. Managing Hao had been quite a task for her. Plus, from now on, I’d be giving her even more responsibilities, and I felt nothing but sorry for her.
“While I’m away, please take care of the tower. Just bear with it for a little while.”
Hari looked up at me and nodded lightly. Along with that, a single will was conveyed to me through the connection. It belonged to Unit 0, radiating with confidence, urging me to trust them.
When I turned to look at Unit 0, it nodded confidently. Of course, I couldn’t really tell if that was a head or not. Well, considering it was the tentacle positioned at the highest point, it probably made sense to view it as a head.
It was wriggling with a body full of tentacles. That didn’t factor into the doll’s body at all. It was a result of transforming the very shadow that constituted its own body.
This was Unit 0’s unique plan for the task: to create itself as a doll. Quite revolutionary. I couldn’t even begin to imagine the results. Its doll manipulation was flowing in a direction I couldn’t foresee.
Both Hari and Unit 0 were carving their own paths like this. They exchanged sly glances at each other. The Mirror Bug that appeared before them reflected the image of Hao. It seemed they would focus on managing him during my absence.
It was a comforting sight. I was sure that even without me, they would manage the tower remarkably well. As I nodded in agreement, someone gently wrapped around my arm.
It was a very familiar gesture. Looking down, I saw Mira. She met my gaze and flashed a cheerful smile. She also seemed ready for everything.
“Hehe, I’ve come down too. What were you up to?”
“I was leaving instructions for these friends.”
I gestured toward the treasures. Leaning against the outer wall of the tower, Unit 0 and Hari were sending their wills to each other. They looked so harmonious. Mira gazed at them and smiled lightly.
“You’re leaving love to the dolls, and now entrusting the tower to them as well?”
Saying this, Mira pointed at my chest. The turtle hanging there let out a small whine at seeing Mira. It nodded in response. I shook my head instead.
“Entrusting? I just asked the dolls for efficiency.”
Mira giggled at that. Then she turned her attention towards the tower’s door. We stood right in front of the tower. Today was the day mentioned by Professor Ilian when we were departing from the tower.
I gently tapped Mira on the shoulder. She slowly turned to look at me.
“Oh my, what’s up?”
“I apologize to you, Mira. I made a promise before.”
Mira tilted her head in confusion. Soon, she clapped her hands together and chuckled.
“Ah, you mean that earlier promise.”
“Yes. The Dreaming Theater managed by Koit. It seems I have to postpone my visit.”
This was the conversation we had on the way back from the doll combination meeting. I suggested we free up some time to visit there in a month or so. It was a promise made without knowing I had to leave with the professor.
Of course, it couldn’t be helped that it was delayed, but there was no harm in leaving an apology. Thus, I lowered my head, expressing my remorse. She squinted her eyes slightly and nodded.
“As long as you don’t postpone it too far, it’s alright. I’m looking forward to seeing how Ebron will react. It sounds like it will be fun.”
She touched my chest softly as she said that. Then slowly retracted her hand. Her expression changed to a bright smile, filled with anticipation.
“Of course, this experience seems even more exciting. Outing with the professor! My heart is fluttering.”
Mira beamed at me, the rich rose scent wafting to my nose on the breeze. This aroma flowed softly and subtly, different from before.
I glanced at Mira. Her functional dress, tinged with a deep crimson hue, immediately drew my attention. Mist was flowing over it, dancing like blood. The scent was seeping out from it.
She looked up at me with her hand on her heart, her eyes sparkling without losing her smile.
“So, do you think Professor Ilian will like this? I changed the scent to match her.”
“Yes, you look very beautiful.”
“Hehe, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Mira murmured, her face slightly flushed. A drop of drool escaped her lips. I took out a handkerchief and gently wiped her mouth. She came back to her senses, covering her mouth and giving a light laugh.
“Oh dear, I’ve made another mistake.”
“Not at all. I’m just as excited for this trip. After all, it’s to meet the Chancellor.”
At that, Mira gently touched her cheek, slowly nodding.
“Ah, right. That was the purpose. I had almost forgotten since I was only thinking of you.”
I nodded in agreement. Being the Chancellor meant being the strongest mage of the university. In other words, someone who had achieved a truly formidable realm. They might even be stronger than Professor Ilian.
What would such a powerful mage be like? I couldn’t imagine at all. While I was chatting with Mira, magic started to ripple from beyond the door.
“Looks like Ilian is coming out.”
Mira said. Just as she said, the magic began to intensify, and soon the door rattled. The door swung open to reveal a small girl. It was Professor Ilian.
She gently placed the turtle on the ground. It let out a faint whimper and slowly walked forward. As it did, its size began to grow.
When it reached the size of a small carriage, it stopped growing and lay flat on the ground. I gently patted its head and turned toward the professor.
“You’ve come out.”
I slightly bowed my head to the professor. She waved her hand lightly, her expression clearly showing some annoyance. It seemed she wasn’t particularly thrilled about leaving the tower.
Thinking back, it had been quite a while since I set out with the professor. In fact, the first and only time was when I entered the university. It was just a brief move, though.
This was the first time embarking on such a long journey. Therefore, I needed to ensure she was well looked after so she would be satisfied with this trip. Thus, I needed to lift that annoyance first.
“I’ve prepared a place for you, professor.”
I carefully extended my hand to her. She placed her hand on top of mine, and I gently held it as we proceeded to the turtle.
Upon noticing us, the turtle let out a weak whimper. In response, its shell began to reshape itself. It created a single staircase slowly descending to the ground.
Leading the professor to place her foot on the stairs, they naturally moved, guiding us upwards. When we reached the top, I lightly let go of her hand.
“You can enter this way.”
At the end of the stairs, there was a makeshift living space prepared for the professor. It was a cozy nook crafted from the turtle’s shell. I opened the door to let her in.
In the middle of the room stood a huge bed, taking up about half the space. The professor naturally lay back onto it. Instantly, her sour expression melted away, revealing slight satisfaction.
She nodded slightly. Indeed, it was a good thing I had prepared the bed. It was exactly the same as the one in her room, just a bit smaller. Everything else mirrored that too.
A table positioned on one side, even the giant glass wall filling the front of it. The only difference was the size, but it embodied a similar atmosphere to the professor’s room. It was an arrangement crafted over the past month.
As the bed’s magic gently enveloped her body, her face gradually relaxed. The annoyance was now nowhere to be found.
“Then, I will set off.”
“Go ahead, do as you please. By the way, this is well-decorated.”
The professor lightly patted the bed as she spoke. I bowed my head slightly to thank her. Then, I sent my will to the turtle. It received it and slowly rose.
Mira, who naturally followed us, sat down beside the professor. She met the professor’s gaze and smiled warmly.
“Ilian, it’s been a while.”
With that, she gently placed her hand on the professor’s shoulder. Then slowly began to massage it. A very natural movement. It was similar to how I had been treating the professor.
No, I should say the opposite. It was all the things I learned from her. Thus, her movements were practically my own.
Perhaps that’s why the professor warmly accepted Mira’s touch. She gazed at Mira with a relaxed expression.
“What? Are you going too?”
“Yes, it seems like it. Of course, I should follow my owner, Ebron.”
Mira said, effortlessly linking arms with the professor. Along with that, the faint rose scent enveloped the room. It made the surroundings feel comforting. Mira smiled brightly as she continued talking.
“During the journey, I’ll do my best to make sure the professor is comfortable.”
The professor regarded her with a slightly reluctant expression but soon closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the lovely scent. Mira’s hand subtly started caressing her body.
Such a skilled touch. After a year of consistently massaging Kashian, her skill was clearly still at her fingertips. The previously hesitant professor’s face gradually started to show relaxation.
Thus, the turtle slowly made its way down the mountain, carrying us along. I glanced back. The towering tower was receding into the distance. At the entrance of that tower, Unit 0 and Hari waved goodbye lightly.
From the map, our tower was located in the southwest section of the university. The destination we aimed for was the southernmost shore of the university, the nearest sea.
The professor said that if we went to the sea, we could go straight to the place where the Chancellor is. Since the professor said that was our destination, all I had to do was follow. The sea—a term I hadn’t heard in a long time.